Issues, Etc. ~ Week of August 16

TRUTH, GOODNESS, BEAUTY … 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: What Is Critical Theory?, The Reliability of the Bible, The Population Bust, The Term “Flesh” in the Bible, and more. You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, the LPR mobile app or a podcast provider.

Order of St. Vincent Event

St. James invite students ages 10 through 18 to join the Order of St. Vincent, Corps of Acolytes and Crucifers. Our Church needs you (especially, high schoolers) to mentor and exemplify Christian service in the noble capacity of acolyte, crucifer, and Gospel-bearer. Your service in this position will provide fulfillment through closeness to the Lord, godly pride in sacrificial service, and recorded hours of service. You’ll make friends, be mentored, and mentor others. Through your commitment, you will be a member of a worldwide order of acolytes and crucifers. Those interested in joining are invited to attend the pool party on August 23 along with all current members of the Order.

First Holy Communion Catechesis

The season for catechesis for First Holy Communion for adults and for youth second grade and above begins on Sunday, September 6 at 12:15 p.m. (following the 10:30 Mass) in the church office’s Conference Room. It is a commitment of eight sessions with Rev. Bombaro, seven brief lessons taught at home by parents, and concludes with the catechumens’ First Holy Communion on All Saints’ Day – November 1, 2026.

Schedule: Sundays (12:15-1:00 p.m.) – Sep. 6, 13, 20, & 27; Oct. 4, 11, 18, & 25.

Parents are encouraged to attend. We begin on time and catechumens need to attend every class. Prior to their First Holy Communion, catechumens will schedule private confession and receive Holy Absolution as part of their preparation.

Required materials: 

  • The Holy Bible (ESV). These are available for use at the church.
  • Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (Concordia Publishing House, 2017). Free copies will be distributed.
  • This Is the Feast – Student Guide by Rev. Dean Nadasdy (Concordia Publishing House). https://www.cph.org/this-is-the-feast-student-book

Make this a family affair. If you have any questions about this session of catechetical instruction, then please feel welcome to contact Pastor Bombaro at seniorpastor@stjameslaf.org. We look forward to partnering with you to guide you/your child(ren) deeper into the grace of Christ’s self-giving in Holy Communion.

Attention Ladies!

St. James LWML is hosting our zone’s Fall Gathering in the Concordia Cafeteria on September 12 from 9am-1pm. The theme is Intricately Woven (Psalm 139:15), and our speakers will be Michelle Baumann (Former Director of Y4Life) and our own former pastor, Rev. Michael Salemink! Morning refreshments and lunch are both provided. An ingathering of items will be collected to support Bravely Women’s Health (see the event flyer for details on needed items). We would love to see a huge turnout from our congregation for this special event! You can sign up to attend by emailing lwml@stjameslaf.org or calling Angela Lukens at 812-430-4957. There will also be signup sheets near the RaiseRight counter, both to volunteer and to RSVP. See you there!

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. Thank you!

Offerings ~ July 2026

General Fund Offerings, not including Designated Funds:

  • Giving for the month was $70,511.55 actual vs. $49,752 budgeted
  • Fiscal year offerings were $723,590.46 vs. $678,000 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.
    • 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.