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Ministries and Activities
Prayer Ministry
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I Thessalonians
5:16-18
“and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16b
At St. Paul we believe in the power of prayer and take seriously Jesus’
example of constant prayer. Our prayer ministry is intended to help us grow
individually and collectively in our prayer life. The Ministry team sponsors
periodic prayer breakfasts, coordinates prayer vigils, and supports our prayer
chains.
We provide an opportunity to learn more about prayer and the life of
prayer. We learn about different types, styles, and occasions of prayer. We
encourage each person to grow in prayer and to develop a disciplined prayer
life.
Our prayer chains receive and act upon requests for prayer, both public
and confidential prayers. Each group and ministry at St. Paul is reminded to
include prayer as part of every meeting agenda.
Our pastoral staff team members
participate in public events as a witness to our belief in the power and
efficacy of prayer. We are also quick to pray with individuals who express
particular needs.
Music Ministry
Senior Choir
St. Paul’s Senior Choir has a tradition that offers its church and
community classic church music. It is filled with singers who love to worship
through music and who demonstrate each Sunday their commitment to their God and
church. Like a quilt, it is a mix of people who have different voices with
unique shapes, textures, and colors, and when combined, they make a beautiful,
warm, and comforting sound. The choir has no age barrier. There are no
mandatory tryouts and the ability to carry a tune is the only requirement. The
choir has one Sunday off each month and performs at the 8:00 A.M. service. They
rehearse every Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. in the church.
New Song Praise Choir
This service oriented ensemble was founded in 1999 to help design and
staff the contemporary worship service. They sing their praises with the
accompaniment of the New Song Praise Band. New voices are always welcome.
Interested people can join at any time and for any length of commitment as
desired. Rehearsals are held each Sunday in the church at 5:45 P.M.
New Song Praise Band
The Praise Band supports the contemporary worship service, praise teams,
and the New Song Praise Choir. They perform special music for church services
and community events. Currently, the band consists of musicians playing
keyboard, drums, guitars, flutes, and tambourines. We welcome the addition of
other musicians and instruments for short or long term commitments.
Hand Bell Choir
St. Paul’s Hand Bell Choir consists of ten players. Each player is
responsible for two to four notes on the staff. The ability to read music is
necessary to perform with the bell choir. They play once a month and on special
occasions. Commitment to this group is essential because, like a piano
keyboard, if one person is missing so are those two to four notes of the
musical piece. The group rehearses each Wednesday in the church balcony between
5:30 and 6:30 P.M.
Crusader Choir
St. Paul’s Crusader Choir is open to all youth from grades 4 through
8. They begin to learn more about God’s
gift of music. Some of their activities
include playing rhythm instruments, learning to read music, and singing in
harmony, small groups, and solos. They
sing twice a month on Sunday morning and begin to take responsibility as
worship leaders through their musical gifts. They participate in St. Paul’s annual Christmas concert, a spring
musical, and occasional community concerts. We practice during the school year
on Thursday mornings in the church at 7:15 A.M.
Cherub Choir
All children from kindergarten through 3rd grade are welcome to join the Cherub Choir. They use movement, song, and games
to guide them in music fundamentals and concentrate on learning to praise God through
the joy and fun of music. They also sing once or twice a month on Sunday
mornings. They participate in the annual Christmas concert and the spring
musical. Rehearsal is held during the school year each Tuesday in the church at
7:15 A.M.
Youth Ministry
Junior High Youth Group – Grades 6 through 8
Sunday classes each week between 9:15 A.M. and 10:15 A.M. in the school.
This group of busy, young people is
always on the go. You may find them at a pizza parlor, bowling alley, on a
hay ride, or at the movies. They may be washing cars, sledding, making cards,
ringing bells or, cooking meals for the soup kitchen or the men’s shelter. They
have the energy to keep going and giving to help St. Paul carry out our
mission.
High School Youth Group -- R.U.O.K. – Grades 9
through 12
Sunday classes each week between 9:15 and 10:15 A.M. in the Luther House.
The young adults participate in a variety of fun, healthy, and spiritual
activities throughout the year. The sky is the limit. You may find R.U.O.K.
members at retreats, concerts, camping, fund raising events, parties, and/or
volunteering for many different causes in our community. Our church is not
complete without these amazing young people.
You may contact the church office, 874-7293, or check The Good News for
times and dates of upcoming events and activities.
Remember
‘It takes a whole village to raise one child.’
Please remember to pray for the success of these groups. Our youth need
our support.
Group Activities
WELCA
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America participate in a variety of projects and events throughout
the year. Every woman of the congregation is welcome to join any of the six
circles which meet regularly for Bible study, fellowship, and mission outreach.
The six circles are:
Charity Circle meets the second Tuesday of each
month at 9:15 A.M.
Faith Circle meets the first Tuesday of each
month at 7:15 P.M.
Harmony Circle meets the second Wednesday of each
month at 9:15 A.M.
Joy Circle meets the second Tuesday of each
month at 7:00 P.M.
Priscilla Circle meets the third Thursday of each
month at 1:00 P.M.
Miriam Circle meets as needed
The Fellowship Club
This is a social group of church members and their guests. They meet
monthly for dinner and host several outings throughout the year. Interesting
programs are presented at each event. Proceeds from this group’s activities
fund the “Portals of Prayer” daily devotional booklets that are distributed to
area nursing homes, hospitals, and the homebound.
Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a group of women responsible for preparing the Altar
for worship and Holy Communion each week. New members are welcome at any time.
A rotating schedule for service is flexible to accommodate busy lives. This
group meets for fellowship and required business on the first Tuesday of each
month at 1:00 P.M.
Quilting
This a group of 10 to 15 dedicated women who sew quilts for distribution
through Lutheran World Relief. Their quilts have been sent all over the world
to those in need. The goal of the Quilting Group is to make 60 quilts every
year. Anyone with an interest in
quilting can join the group. They meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 9:00
A.M.
Senior Men’s Breakfast
This is a group of senior men who gather at Station 801, a restaurant
across the street from the church (801 Franklin Street in Michigan City). They
meet for breakfast, fellowship, and conversation on the second Monday of each
month at 8:30 A.M.
Mission Team
A small core group dedicated to helping those afflicted by tragedy. The
mission team has been active by helping with the after effects of Hurricane
Katrina, and they continue to support others in need.
More community meetings and events
held at St. Paul
ALANON meetings are held each Sunday in the Luther House at 7:00 P.M.
A/A meetings are held each Monday in the Luther House at 7:00 P.M.
St. Paul hosts the Men's Shelter on Friday nights.
St. Paul provides a meal for community members every Sunday in the St.
Paul room at 11:30 A.M.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America hold troop meetings in the church and/or school weekly. More information can be found by calling the church office, 874-7293, or checking the Good News calendar.
