This Month’s Ministry Focus: Christian Education
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2
” Christians are to be taught…” Martin Luther emphasized the importance of Christian education in schools and in the home. He wrote the Small Catechism as a guide for parents to teach their children the basic principles of faith: The Lord’s Prayer, The Apostle Creed and the Ten Commandments.
Christian education is a time for learning and sharing. We learn as we read the Bible and listen to God’s Word. We learn as we share our God experiences. We learn as we investigate the times of Christ and his apostles. We learn how experiences shape their beliefs – and our own. We learn from the shared human experience. We invite anyone to join our Bible study fellowship and share with us as we explore God’s plans for our lives. Transform your life by spending time exploring God’s Word.
As we receive God’s blessings, we share them with others through our projects and activities.
“He has sent me to comfort the broken hearted” (Isaiah 61:2-3):Teddy Bears in Church: The furry person sitting next to you in the pew has been consecrated and blessed into God’s service as an Ambassador of God’s Love ready to travel to anyone who is hospitalized, lonely, grieving or in need of a “bear hug”. Teddy is ready to go along with you so he can be delivered to someone in need of God’s comforting presence. Some members of the Teddy cohort have joined our visitation team.
” Therefore encourage one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Pillowcase Ministry: Our Blue Church Quilters provide us with pillowcases to take to those who can’t join us on Sundays or to friends of the congregation. Each pillowcase is handmade with love, washed and pressed. A prayer message of encouragement is added. We offer this gift of caring as a reminder of God’s daily renewal of our spirit as we rest in the knowledge of His grace. This gift of comfort is available to anyone seeking a reminder of the Lord’s unending love.
“Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11): Blue Church members regularly serve at Betty Lou’s Panty in Coopersburg. Betty Lou’s provides access to foodstuffs for over 100 families in our community who need assistance. Our members help with shopping and loading their cars with food supplies that are donated by the community. All year we collect food such as tuna/meat helpers, pasta, sauce and cereal. St Paul’s is also assigned to collect laundry detergent as our designated contribution. This contribution is due by March 31 2027 for the 2027 calendar year. March is our official service month in 2027, although many members donate their time twice each month all year long.
Good Stewards of all God’s Blessings
Congregational Care Ministry
Fellowship Ministry (Christian Action Team)
Reaching out to Homebound and Shut-in members with Word in Season.
Arranging social activities for members to share fellowship through luncheons, coffee hours and teas.
Parish Health Ministry
Our parish nurse offers blood pressure monitoring. Please ask our Parish Nurse on any Sunday morning after worship if you would like this service. Our spiritual health and our physical health are both part of being in “Good Health”.
This month’s Tip: Preventing Trips and Falls
Teddy Bear Ministry
Ambassador Bears bring God’s grace to someone in need of a comforting bear hug. Teddy is ready to go to someone in need. You find these furry members sitting in the pews.
Social Ministry
Betty Lou’s Pantry
Non-profit food bank supported by churches in the Southern Lehigh area. St Paul’s specifically provides laundry detergent in addition to general foodstuffs. Seasonally we collect winter coats (see below).
Most needed: Detergent, cereal, tuna fish, boxed potatoes, tomato sauce, Tuna Helper and jelly.
The Giving Garden
A vegetable garden on the church grounds that provides food and funds to Betty Lou’s food pantry and is open to members. Fresh vegetables are usually available in the narthex all summer in exchange for a freewill donation.
Lehigh Mission Ingathering
Together with 24 Lutheran churches we provide Christmas gifts to those in need in the Lehigh Valley. Ingathering gifts are due in church at the end of November each year. A list of needs is available in the Narthex in early November.
Samaritan Fund
A fund that enables the community of churches to address the funding needs of people in Southern Lehigh for short term support for housing, maintaining services of gas, oil, water, and electric. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, contact the Samaritan Fund at 484-916-0642. If you or someone you know is in immediate need of housing, call 211.
Gathering Winter Coats
Collecting gently used winter coats, scarves and hats for Betty Lou’s Pantry families. Coats sizes- children through adults. Collection September through November 1 2026. There is a collection bin in the narthex.
Blood Donation
Support our Partnership with Miller Keystone. Donate Blood to help save lives Call 800 223 6667
Clothes for Teens & Tweens
St Paul’s gathers clothing for girls and boys ages 12-18 living in lower income communities in our area. This project is in partnership with St. Luke’s Clothes Closet.
Christian Education
Children’s Internship- Assisting in Worship
We encourage our children to serve God by inviting them to participate in our worship service. The youth serve as readers, acolytes, ushers and greeters.
Confirmation
This is a virtual program that offers flexibility to study God’s word and meet other obligations for family and school. Children can participate in the program by contacting the church to determine the next cohort.
Bible study
A Bible Study group led by Pastor Mike is held on Sunday mornings at 10AM. Other Bible studies are led by lay leaders at 12 noon midweek in the Spring and Fall. We explore ways to deepen our faith and understanding of God’s purpose for our lives individually and collectively through His word. Check the Events calendar for dates and times for all Bible study opportunities. Everyone is welcome. No experience necessary
Worship & Music
Altar Guild
Preparing the church for worship with appropriate paraments for the season
Caring for the communion vessels and elements
Assisting Ministers
Reading lessons and distributing communion
Additional Lectors may assist by reading lessons
Music
Our organist selects seasonally appropriate hymns to enhance worship service.
Choir
The Choir may provide anthems appropriate to the season.
Usher – Greeters
Greet members and guests. Provide the bulletin for the service. Bring the communion elements forward during worship.
Other Activities
Blue Church Quilting Group
The quilters are members of the Lehigh Valley community making quilts for children in need. They meet at Blue Church alternate months on Sunday afternoons. They recently began making pillowcases for our shut-ins to bring comfort for those who can’t be with us.
We are collecting new cotton fabrics to make the quilts for the children. Donations of fabric can be brought to St. Paul’s (Blue Church Road red door).
Blue Church Art
Blue Church Art offers weekly group lessons in drawing, painting and design.
Follow this link for more information and current class schedule:
Cub Scouts
Cub Scout Pack 364 has been sponsored by St. Paul’s Lutheran Blue Church since 2000. The pack meets at Blue Church.. Cub Scouts serve our Coopersburg community and help with Spring Clean- Up at St Paul’s.
The cub pack is welcoming new members. In August they are selling popcorn to fund support for children who can’t afford the uniforms and dues.
The group meets at St Paul’s on Thursdays during the school year.
