Issues, Etc. ~ April 12

EXPERT GUESTS, EXPANSIVE TOPICS, EXTOLLING CHRIST … Issues, Etc. is a podcast and radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Recent teachings include: The Easter Hymn “The Day of Resurrection;” Worship, Adiaphora & the Lutheran Confessions; First-Century Jewish Historian Josephus on Jesus of Nazareth; Restoring Faith, Freedom & Family; and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.

17th Annual St. James Crusader Auction

If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for the auction on April 18, please do so today! ONLY ticket-holders can bid on silent packages and will also be at The Stables Event Center to take home from the auction. We do have some sponsored seats available, so if you’d like to attend, please let the auction committee know! Please contact Stephanie Fahler with any questions!

Philosophy Seminar

Philosophy explores life’s most important questions. Sometimes philosophy gets things right. Sometimes it gets things wrong. If you or your student ages 12 and older would like to explore the good, the bad, and the ugly in the history of philosophy in the Western tradition, especially as it relates to and interacts with Christianity, then join Pastor Bombaro in the Holy Family Hall on Friday, April 24 from 3:15-4:00 p.m. Bring a notebook and an inquisitive mind.

An Evening with James Theatrical Performance

A relaxing adult evening out to kick off the Small Group Ministry at St. James

What: The Evangelism Committee will kick off our Small Group Ministry with a theatrical performance of the “The Book of James” performed by Pr. Lester Smith. BBQ and sides provided by Max & Kris Bales. Bring a dish or bottle of wine to share at your table.

When: Saturday, April 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Where: Concordia Cafeteria

Who: Adults interested or curious about Small Group Ministry at St. James.

Cost: Freewill offering

Have questions? Contact Max Bales at rossade89@yahoo.com.

Click here to RSVP today!

New Altar Guild Members Are Needed!

We’re looking for new members for Altar Guild for the months of May and June. Women and girls who are confirmed members of St. James are eligible to join Altar Guild. This is a wonderful opportunity for mothers and daughters to serve St. James together through the preparation for Holy Communion and care of the altar during one month out of the year. Our spring meeting will be held Monday, April 27 in the Holy Family Hall with a shared meal at 6:00 p.m. and the meeting from 7:00–8:00 p.m. Please feel free to join us to learn more about Altar Guild and what we do!

Altar Flowers

Sponsoring the flowers that are placed on the altar is a beautiful way to thank God for the special blessings of birthdays, anniversaries, and personal remembrances. If you would like to grace the sanctuary in this manner, please click on the image below. We are in need of an additional sponsor for June 14. Thank you!

Augsburg Academy

Many suppose that the main difference between the worldview held by early Christians and the world we grew up with is that the first is “ancient” and the second is “modern.” It is then assumed that because we live in the modern world we should dismiss the ancient worldview as out of date, prescientific, and based on ignorance and superstition. This is radically misleading. The main difference between the world of the first Christians and that of most modern Western persons has nothing to do with ancient and modern or science. The main difference is a biblical understanding that God and spiritual realities remain active in the world and in dynamic relation to it. The Psalms will help us to see the world again as it truly is. Join Pastor Bombaro in the Concordia Cafeteria Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Offerings ~ February 2026

General Fund Offerings, not including Designated Funds:

  • Giving for the month of February was $40,403.74 actual vs. $58,160.00 budgeted
  • YTD giving is $417,736.19 actual vs. $401,877.00 budgeted

Stewardship Thoughts

We invite all members to prayerfully consider setting up online recurring offerings to support the General Fund. Recurring giving nurtures regular, intentional stewardship and provides stability for responsible budget planning. Your faithful support helps care for our staff, strengthen our school, and maintain our facilities. For those age 70½ and older, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) offer a meaningful way to give directly from an IRA. These gifts can help fulfill your required minimum distribution, and may help lower taxable income. CLICK HERE to give online, and see flyers in the lobby for more information on online giving and Qualified Charitable Distributions.

We are excited to help you get connected!
Please use the links below for more information.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
1 Peter 4:10

  • Music Ministry – Join the choir, handbell choir, or play your instrument
  • Sewing Groups:
    • Bridal to Baptism Sewing Group – Making baptismal gowns/outfits or confirmation dresses out of donated bridal gowns. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 1st Monday of each month from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
    • Sewing Circle – Making burial garments for infants. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 3rd Monday of each month from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. We can always use more help with sewing, cutting out patterns, hand sewing, etc. (If you come, we will find something that you will enjoy doing!) We need to replenish our layettes at the different hospitals in the area, so please consider joining us for this very worthwhile ministry.
    • Quilters – Assembling quilts for those in need. Join us in the Holy Family Hall on the 4th Monday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to noon.