Announcements

OPPOSE EXCESSIVE ELECTRIC RATE INCREASES ON CHURCHES!

Austin Energy has asked for a rate increase in which houses of worship will see an increase of about 80%, much higher than other classifications of customers. This will have a very substantial negative financial effect on our church and school. In addition to writing or e-mailing your Austin City Council members (council email External link ) to voice your concerns about the size of this proposed rate increase, please visit and consider signing the online petition at http://www.befairaustin.info/ . A sample letter (drafted by Texas Impact and the Christian Life Commission) are available from Rachel in the church office

Let our elected representatives know what you think!

Enrollment at SPLS Now Open

St. Paul Lutheran School is now enrolling for the 2012-2013 school year. We offer school year enrollment for Kindergarten through 8th grade. Starting in August we will offer year round Preschool enrollment for children aged 2 to 4. Options will be available for 2 days a week, 3 days a week, and 5 days a week. For details please contact Mary Eifert, St. Paul Principal at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 512-472-3313.

St. Paul Hosts Outreach to the Blind Community

In addition to our weekly tracking and contacts with visitors, the Outreach Board is coordinating a new project, Outreach to the Blind Community. On the fourth Saturday of each month from 3:00 to 7:00, an afternoon including a meal, fellowship, and Bible Study led by Paul Hunt will be offered. The November and December events are combined on December 10th. We are looking for volunteer groups within St. Paul to help with future dates. This is a great way to reach out to the community in general and interact with the blind community. Please contact Kelli Belt, Carolyn Richter, or Liz Zoch if your board or organization is willing to sponsor a meal.

St. Paul Schedules Blood Drive for February 12

Once again, the Fellowship Board will be signing up those of you who are interested in donating blood the morning of Sunday, February12, 2012. The Blood Center of Central Texas will have staff and equipment available to make the process fast and easy. Please email Fern Broussard at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your request for a preferred time slot between 8am and 11:30am. Slots are available every 15 minutes.

St. Paul Church will receive coupons equivalent to the blood donations for members’ future use. Please consider donating on Sunday, February 12th and regularly thereafter. Every pint of donated blood saves two lives!

Dr. Ray Martens Will Speak at Dorcas

The Dorcas Society of the LWML is having a potluck dinner on Tuesday February 7 at 6:30. Our speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Ray Martens. He will be speaking about his book, Worthy of Double Honor, a biography of his grandfather the Rev. Dr. G. Birkmann, a pioneer Lutheran Pastor in central Texas. His presentation will focus on some of the history of Lutheranism in America and in Texas from 1850s to the early 1920s. All members of the congregation and their guests are invited. This event will be held in the Fellowship Hall. We hope to see you there.

Dorcas Society of the LWML

New Member Class Continues

St. Paul’s next Adult Confirmation/New Member Class will meet today following the 10:40 service. The class meets in the parlor and includes a light lunch, with the last class on Sunday, March 18. Please let Pastor Nuckols know if you are interested in attending..

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Kilgore, Texas

Check out Rev. Dr. Jayson S. Galler’s new church, Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Kilgore, Texas, at their developing website (www.pilgrimlc.org External link ). While visiting their website, be sure to check out the Sermons section.

Fun, Fellowship, and Fixin’ Stuff

The “Nuts & Bolts Crew” is a group of St. Paul members who get together each Wednesday morning to take care of maintenance, repair, and improvement jobs around our wonderful church and school buildings and grounds. You don’t need to be an expert or even have your own tools to make an important difference! Every little bit helps, and they can always find something to match your skill level! Both men and women are welcome. Contact Mack Schumann (452-3684 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Phil Hayter ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for more information.

You Can Welcome Our Guests as a Greeter

Do you remember your first visit to St. Paul? What about the first person that extended a hand and warm smile when you arrived? If you would like to be that friendly face to a visitor this holiday season and in the future here at St. Paul, the Outreach Board needs your service as a greeter on Sunday mornings. Whether you are new or a long-time member, it only takes a few moments before and after church to make a visitor feel welcome, and who knows? You may just meet the next member of the St. Paul family. The schedule rotates each month, but you will not necessarily have to serve consecutive months. We are happy to make accommodations if you have a specific time or date you would prefer to serve. If you would like to know more about the duties, feel free to ask any one of our current outstanding greeters. If you are interested in serving, please contact Kirsten Nuckols at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

SPLS Donation Tree

In the school lobby there is a cute little tree hanging with note cards. On each note card there are items that the school would love to have. Grab a tag and either buy the item or donate the money for the school to purchase the item. If you have any questions, call the school office at 472-3313.