March 26, 2026

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The Week Ahead

March 26-April 3 Activities

Community News

Seminary Laudamus Concert (with St. Paul's Seminarians)

Tonight: March 26 • 7pm • Concordia Seminary Chapel of St. Timothy and St. Titus

Laudamus, the premier choir of seminarians from Concordia Seminary, will present a concert to conclude their 2026 tour. This choir includes two seminarians who have been serving at St. Paul's: Joshua Horst and Micah Cumming. The theme is "Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World." All are invited.

Holy Week Begins • March 29 - April 5

Holy Week Hospitality: Holy Week and Easter bring many visitors to St. Paul’s. Each of us in the congregation is blessed with the opportunity to extend a gracious welcome — offering a “hello,” a friendly smile, and the hospitality that makes our church feel like home.

Palm Sunday Children's Processional

March 29 • Sanctuary: 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am • Living Stone: 10:45am

• Children’s Palm Processional: All children are invited to join in a processional with palm branches in all Sunday morning services during the opening hymn. Parents are welcome to process with younger children, if preferred.
• Before the service, children and parents will gather in the west lobby for Sanctuary services — or in the back of the Music Room for Living Stone — to collect palm branches and to follow the pastor in procession.
• The procession will proceed up the center aisle, then turn outward, moving down the perimeter aisles, where children will rejoin parents in the pews.
• Congregation members are also invited to take palm branches.

LWML Quarterly Mite Box Collection

Sat. & Sun., March 28 & 29

Every coin counts! Help support district and national mission grants through Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML). Bring your mite box, loose change, or cash and place your gifts in the large mite box in the narthex on March 28 & 29. Learn how every mite makes a difference at lwml.org/mission-grants and missourilwml.org/mission-grants.

“What We Believe” Class

Beginning Sun., March 29 • 9:30am • FH

Delve into what the Bible teaches in our spring “What We Believe” class. All are welcome, whether to refresh your understanding or to learn something new. Meeting for six Sundays, our pastor-led class offers a comfortable setting and comprehensive teaching on foundational tenets of the Lutheran faith, including Christ, Baptism, Communion, the Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and more. Participants who are not yet members of St. Paul's are asked to register for the class with Renee in the church office (314-822-0447 or rhemmy@stpaulsdp.org) and will have the option to continue on to membership after completing the class.

Foundation Class Joins Forces This Spring

Beginning Sun., March 29 • 9:30am • FH

This spring, our weekly Foundation class will meet together with our new “What We Believe” class for six sessions to dive deeper into the core of their faith and knowledge of God's Word — while maintaining the familiar format and fellowship found in Foundation. We invite our regulars to renew their Catechism learning, while meeting new friends and supporting those who are learning about the Lutheran faith.

Passion Vespers • Holy Week

American Kantorei • Tues, March 31 • 7:30pm

Please join us in worship as Music at St. Paul's and the American Kantorei present the 1725 version of Johann Sebastian Bach's St. John Passion. Bach's monumental setting brings the Passion narrative from John's Gospel into sharp focus as we journey through Holy Week. This version features movements added and altered by Bach himself. Soloists, choir, and instrumentalists will be featured. The evening of sacred music is complimentary, with a freewill offering, and is open to the public.

At-a-Glance

News Just Added

For your convenience, all newly-added St. Paul’s updates are gathered in one place. Simply read the green opening section to catch the latest.

News Just Added

1. Easter church office closure
2. Christian readers group • April 7
3. Small-setting Communion • April 13
4. Card-making night • April 16
5. Women’s Friendship Breakfast • April 25
6. Principal’s letter on school staffing
7. Now hiring: Summer camp counselors and preschool maternity sub
8. Community News: Unity Lutheran School fundraising dinner • May 7

Reminders

• Church worker study grant applications due April 15 (see Community News) 

NEW: Easter Office Closure

In observance of Easter, the church office will be closed from noon on Good Friday through Easter Monday, reopening April 7. 

NEW: Christian Readers Group

Tues., April 7 • 7pm • FH 

Led by Rev. Dr. Kent Burreson, the group reads across a variety of genres, exploring Christian themes and how literature informs Christian faith and life. April’s book is James McBride’s The Color of Water.

NEW: Small-Setting Communion

Mon., April 13 • Noon • Please note that April's service moves to the 13th, as church is closed on Easter Monday. Special monthly worship service with Communion for members who may prefer to avoid large crowds or who have mobility issues.

NEW: Card-Making Night

Thurs., April 16 • 6-9pm • Music Room

Enjoy an evening of creativity and conversation, crafting three simply beautiful cards ready to send to family and friends. All supplies provided in $12/person materials fee. Register at bit.ly/StP-Cardmaking by 5pm on April 13 so materials can be prepped.

NEW: March School Staffing Highlights

Our school principal, Dawn Walker, has shared a letter with staffing updates for next year, including two new teacher hires and progress on remaining open positions. Read her full message at bit.ly/41peCOy and below under School.

NEW: Now Hiring at the ECC

Summer Camp Counselors

Now hiring full-time summer camp counselors for our K–7 program! Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a love for working with children. Education majors are encouraged to apply; join us for a fun and meaningful summer in a faith-filled environment, including exciting field trips! Please inquire with Nikki Wildman at summer@stpaulsdp.org.

Preschool Maternity Sub

We are seeking a caring and dedicated maternity leave substitute teacher for our Preschool 3 classroom in August and September. This position is a wonderful opportunity to support our early childhood ministry, nurture young learners, and share God’s love each day. Please inquire with Jessica Bangert at jbangert@stpaulsdp.org.

Lutheran Community News

NEW: Unity Luth. School Dinner • May 7 • Read more below under Community News

Updated: Women’s Friendship Breakfast

Saturday, April 25 • 8:30am (Doors open at 8am)

$25 per person • Register by April 20

Greenbriar Hills Country Club



Gather with the women of St. Paul’s for a morning of friendship, fellowship, music, uplifting messages, and a delicious breakfast buffet. Plan to attend our 26th annual spring gathering with friends, family, colleagues, and neighbors (ages 8 and older). 

Our keynote speaker is Rehema Kavugha, St. Paul's member and Director of Synod Relations at the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. Her message, "Let's TALK About It," explores how TALK can help us connect to ourselves, connect to others, and equip us to honor God by serving others. Acclaimed vocalist, Erin Bode, returns as our musical guest. 

Repeated News

The following news has previously appeared in St. Paul's newsletters

Lent

Holy Week

Palm Sunday: March 29

8:00 • 9:30 • 10:45 • 11:00am

With children’s palm processional: See details above

Passion Vespers: Tuesday, March 31

7:30pm

Maundy Thursday: April 2

11:00am • 7:00pm (Stripping of the altar)

Good Friday: April 3

12:05-12:50pm lunch hour • 5:00pm • 7:00pm (Tenebrae)

Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, April 4 • 10:00am

Easter Sunday: April 5

Sanctuary: 8:00 • 9:30 • 11:00am

Living Stone: 9:30am 

Service Notes

 No Saturday service on April 4

Holy Communion at all Holy Week services, except Good Friday

No Fellowship Breakfast, Sunday school, or Bible classes are held on Easter

Easter Egg Hunt

Sat., April 4 • 10am • ECC Campus

Community Event | Make family memories together at our Easter Egg Hunt! All children, from babies to second graders (0-8 years), are invited to this annual favorite, where children will hunt for filled eggs, and enjoy a special Easter message. The egg hunt is complimentary with no advance registration required, and is open to the community. 

Staggered Hunts | Egg hunt fun for all ages! Hunts are staggered so parents don't miss a moment. Babies and little ones will find eggs across a large grassy lawn. Next, young children will discover eggs throughout our playground that features a teepee, canoe, tunnel, and playhouse! The oldest will have an adventure searching for eggs among our naturalized, tree-lined playground trails.

Parking | Parking is available on the upper and lower Early Childhood Center parking lots, as well as in the adjacent St. Paul's Cemetery (one driveway to the north). We recommend allowing extra time for parking before activities begin.

Hosted by St. Paul’s and our MomCo group | Details also on our Lenten webpage.

Events

Pickleball Tournament • Register

Sun., April 12 • 1-5pm • Free

Join us for a pickleball tournament at PaddleUp Pickleball Club in Chesterfield! Up to 28 two-player teams are invited for an afternoon of fun, fellowship, and friendly competition. Open to members of all skill levels — so whether you’re experienced or brand new, we encourage you to join in! Sign up with a partner online.

Annual Golf Tournament • Register

Mon., April 27 • 11am • The Courses at Forest Park

Tee up your support for our annual school golf tournament fundraiser! The event includes lunch, a dinner auction, beverage carts, a putting contest, awards, and a raffle. Proceeds support technology upgrades for our teachers and classroom furniture; sponsorship opportunities are available. Read more: Flyer

Service & Support

Seminary Treat Bag Collection

Collecting Through Sun., April 12

LWML Assembly Day • Mon., April 13 • 1pm • FH

St. Paul’s LWML group is collecting snacks (nuts, dried fruit, jerky, cookies, chips, granola bars, snack cakes, candy bars) to assemble 32 treat bags for Concordia Seminary pastoral and deaconess students in anticipation of Call Day, as part of the Mo. District’s “Shine” servant event. Drop off snacks — in individual or full-size packaging — through April 12 to the purple LWML box in the east lobby.

• All are welcome to join us for assembly and note-writing on April 13.

School News

NEW: March School Staffing Highlights

We would like to take a moment to share an update on our teacher call process and to thank you for your continued support of our school ministry.

This year, we have been actively seeking several teachers due to a combination of needs, including a new fourth-grade position and the replacement of three teachers who are leaving to focus on growing their families or to support their husbands as they enter vicarage.

As we work through this process, we are reminded that the number of available teachers from our Concordia universities is often limited, and many graduates have multiple opportunities to consider. Even so, we trust that God continues to guide and provide for our school in His perfect timing.

We are grateful to share that Shayla Fackler has accepted the call to serve as our fourth-grade teacher, and Ava Booth has been contracted to teach in our middle school next year. At the same time, Ruth Eatherton has accepted a designation to serve at another Lutheran school, and we continue to seek a middle school ELA teacher. Calls have been extended to Jennifer Kaber and Hannah Brockman, and we pray that God’s will be done as they consider where they are being led to serve.

Thank you for taking the time to participate in the call process and for your strong, ongoing support of St. Paul’s school ministry. Your prayers, encouragement, and involvement are a true blessing as we continue this important work together. Please know that I am always willing to answer any questions you may have about this process!

Dawn Walker, Principal

dwalker@stpaulsdp.org; 314-686-7889

Call Commitee News

Update on Pastoral Call Process and Ministry Work

St. Paul’s congregational president and chairman of the Board of Elders have shared an update on the pastoral call process, our two vacancies, and ministry plans during this period of transition, including FAQs. The congregational letter was emailed on March 18 and can be read here.

Construction & Parking News

Update: West-Side/Ballas Access Open

Paving on the west parking lot and driveway is complete, and west access has reopened.

Missions Corner

March Mission of the Month

Congregation Chai v’Shalom, a Lutheran congregation in Dogtown, led by Rev. Kevin

Parviz, reaches out to the Jewish population of St. Louis to help them see Jesus as the Messiah.

Bible Study Highlights

Read about all of our Bible studies on our website

Lutheran Community News

CFNA Trivia Night

Fri., April 11 • 6:45pm • Lutheran High School South

An evening of fun, laughter, and friendly competition featuring trivia and a silent auction to support Christian Friends of New Americans — come ready to bid, compete, and have a blast! $30/person or $200/table of eight. Read more about CFNA's mission and the event at cfna-stl.org/trivia.

Church Worker Study Grants

Applications Due April 15, 2026 • The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Missouri District, offers 2026–2027 grants for students preparing for full-time church work through LCMS universities or seminaries. Grants are based on financial need and commitment to Christian service. Read more at bit.ly/4rCVHv2 for application information.

NEW: Unity Luth. School Fundraising Dinner

Thurs., May 7 • 6pm • Regency Conference Center, O'Fallon, IL

Save the date! This year's annual Share in the Miracle Dinner for Unity Lutheran School is a great opportunity to see the Lord's work in the East St. Louis mission field. No charge to attend, but advance registration required. Details to follow! Contact St. Paul's member Glen Wildermuth for more info.

Seminary Student Off-Site Housing Needs • Aug. 2025–May 2027

During the upcoming two‑year demolition and redevelopment of married student apartments, Concordia Seminary hopes to connect sem families with congregants who may have a home or property available for rental. Those able to help may contact the seminary's administrator of residential services, Mike Broberg, at brobergm@csl.edu.

Student Intern Seeking Summer Housing

Rachel Speckhard, an LCMS‑PK and junior at St. Mary’s College (Notre Dame, IN), is seeking summer housing — such as housesitting, a vacant parsonage, or a spare room — while she interns at Concordia Plan Services on Kirkwood Rd. in June and July 2026. Please contact rspeckhard@gmail.com. 

Grant Project Matches Your Seminary Donation

Pastor Tanner Wade shares news of a generous $10 million seminary grant and opportunities to support the initiative: The Timothy Project is a large-scale grant initiative to strengthen the recruitment, formation, and long-term support of pastors and deaconesses in the LCMS. Half of the grant is contingent upon dollar-for-dollar matching funds being raised within the next two years by our two seminaries. Friends and supporters interested in learning more are invited to contact Seminary Advancement at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) or Advancement at Concordia Theological Seminary (Fort Wayne). Read more.

Vocatio: High School • Weeklong Retreat at Seminary

Sat. to Fri., June 20-26, 2026 • Read more

Do you know a high school-age student who may have a heart for church work? Vocatio is an engaging opportunity for young men and women in grades 9-12 to explore a vocation as a Lutheran pastor, teacher, deaconess, parish musician, and more. Students enjoy a weeklong summer retreat on campus, participating in Bible studies, worship and devotions, games, service projects, a college fair, campus tours, and St. Louis sights. High schoolers join in sessions with professors and seminarians as they experience what life is like at Concordia Seminary. Registration deadline: May 15; $300.

LuSo Summer Camp Registration Open • Camp List & Registration

Does your child enjoy shooting hoops? Love creating and drawing? Want to try a new sport like football or field hockey? LuSo Summer Camp offers a variety of athletic and enrichment activities with morning and afternoon sessions available. From video editing to woodworking, we have instructors who offer positive reinforcement. Your campers will have fun while learning a new skill.

Employment at St. Paul's

Visit/share St. Paul's job opportunities on our website here

Now Hiring: Technical Arts Coordinator

Read detailed job description • As we prepare to move into our new ministry facility, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and School is introducing a part-time Technical Arts Coordinator. This role supports worship, school, and ministry events through audio, video, livestream, and lighting while leading volunteers and enhancing the use of our new space. If you are interested or know of a qualified candidate, please contact Whitney Wade at wwade@stpaulsdp.org.

K-8 Substitute Teachers & Sub Crew

Join the care team of our growing, Christ-centered programs. Our K-8 school, ECC, and PDO are hiring substitute teachers: Learn more.

• ECC Substitute Teachers • The ECC is looking for substitutes to help out from time to time. Enjoy flexible hours, spend your day engaging with curious, energetic kids, and be part of the laughter, learning, and daily adventures that make our classrooms so lively! Contact Jessica Bangert at jbangert@stpaulsdp.org. 

Kindergarten-8th: Info • Early Childhood Center: Info | Parents’ Day Out: Email/Info

Lutheran Employment Opportunities

Submit News

News Submissions • Please Use Our New Form

St. Paul’s is offering a simple way for church leaders and group/event organizers to submit news for our Good News and Weekly Word — with a quick and easy submission form. The convenient new form can save time and will walk you through all the information needed, step-by-step. You’ll receive an immediate email confirmation that your news has been received and when it will run. Streamlining with a form has been especially helpful to our church staff, who manage 300-500 news listings a year. Look for the "Submit News" buttons here, at the top of the Weekly Word, or at the top of our website News page. 

Sunday Worship and Bible Study

• Church services • Saturday at 5:00 p.m. • Sunday at 8:00, 9:30, 10:45 & 11:00 a.m. • Watch online
• 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Hour: Read more • Children's Sunday School: Read more

Livestreaming

• Each Sunday, St. Paul's livestreams the 8:00am Sanctuary service and the 10:45am Living Stone service. Watch church services online via our website's Media page.

St. Paul's Core Values and Vision

THE CORE VALUES we hold as true at St. Paul’s — to be faithful in Christ, confident in Christ, joyful in Christ, and connected in Christ — describe us as children of God. 

OUR VISION STATEMENT “To be devoted followers of Jesus Christ, passionate about sharing the Gospel in word and deed” reflects that Christ is the center of our biblical foundation.

Watch our pastors' sermons on our core values and read more.