We often find ourselves reminiscing about "the Good Old Days," longing for a time when life seemed simpler or better. But in Philippians 3:11–14, St. Paul offers a different way to view the past—and the future. In this week’s message, we’ll explore how Paul’s life and purpose were transformed by Christ, leading him to press on toward a far greater goal. Life, for Paul, was now a race—not to reclaim the past, but to pursue the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
As we reflect on Paul’s words, we’ll discover timely wisdom for our lives today. God is not done with us. He continues to use us to tell the story of His love and forgiveness in Jesus, no matter where we've been or what lies behind us.
Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr. Reader: Joe Rathert.
Order of service:
Readings:
- Reflection on God's Forgiveness is from Psalm 86:3–5
- Psalm reading is from Psalm 126
- Old Testament reading is from Isaiah 43:16–21
- New Testament reading is from Philippians 3:8–14
- Holy Gospel is from Luke 20:9–20
Songs and Hymns:
- Come, We That Love the Lord
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Text by Robert Lowry and Isaac Watts
Tune by Robert Lowry
Ppublic domain - Press On
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Ben Shive, Kristyn Getty
© 2022 Getty Music Hymns and Songs; Getty Music Publishing; Junkbox Music
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Trisagion
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Fernando Ortega
© 2004 Cerdo Verde Music
© 2004 Curb Songs
Used with permission: CCLI license #20286740 - Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
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Text: Thomas Kelly, 1769–1855, alt.
Tune: Geistliche Volkslieder, 1850, Paderborn.
Text and tune: Public domain. - My Song Is Love Unknown
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Text: Samuel Crossman, c. 1624–1683, public domain
Tune: John N. Ireland, 1879–1962, © John Ireland Trust
Used with permission: LSB Hymn License #110001220 - Knowing You
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Graham Kendrick, © 1993 Make Way Music.
Used with permission: CCLI no. 20286740. - Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me
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Text by Augustus M. Toplady
Tune by Thomas Hastings
Public domain
Recording:
- Audio:
- Video:
- Watch on YouTube
Announcements:
- Sunday, Apr 6:
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- Worship Service (Pastor Bob Engfehr): 9 AM to 10:15 AM
- Sunday School and Youth Confirmation: 10:30 AM to 11:45 AM
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Sanctuary
- Adult Bible Study: 10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
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Fellowship Hall
- Tuesday, Apr 8:
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- Second Tuesday Women’s Bible Study: 6 PM to 8 PM
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Join us this Tuesday for a spring celebration tea party! Bring your favorite tea party fare (finger sandwiches, quiches, canapés, scones, or sweets). Text Shala Baker with questions at 618-315-0788.
- Wednesday, Apr 9:
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- Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
- Fellowship Meal & Devotion: 6:30 PM
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Join us in the Fellowship Hall at 6:30 PM for a fellowship meal and devotion by Pastor Engfehr. A free-will offering will support youth attending the National Youth Gathering.
- Thursday, Apr 10:
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- AA Meeting: 6:30 PM
- Saturday, Apr 12:
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- Sigmund Bohnet Memorial Golf Tournament: 8 AM to 12 PM
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Lutheran High is hosting the Sigmund Bohnet Memorial Golf Tournament on April 12 at Arlington Greens in Granite City, starting at 8 AM with lunch provided. Contact Rob Stock at rob.stock@melhs.org or call 618-656-0043 to register a team by this Tuesday, April 8.
- Women’s Bible Study: 10 AM to 11:30 AM
- Volunteers Needed for Glen Carbon Village Easter Egg Hunt
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We need volunteers to hide eggs for the Glen Carbon Village Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 12 (rain date: April 13). Sign up on the bulletin board outside the church office to be part of this fun service event!
- AA Meeting: 1:30 PM
- 40 Days for Life Prayer Vigil: 7 AM to 7 PM
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This Spring, St James will be joining members of Good Shepherd, Collinsville on Saturday, April 12 for a vigil next to Planned Parenthood Fairview Heights, 317 Salem Pl Fairview Heights, IL. Each day of the 40 days, the vigil is held from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The amount of time each attendee is present dependent on their availability. Prayer folders are available. Sign-up sheet is located in the narthex. For questions or prayer folders, contact Janice Lanto 618-779-8269, Carmen Stewert 314-503-7449 or Janice Wendel 618-660-9166.
- Sunday, Apr 20:
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- Easter Sunday Brunch & Egg Hunt: 10:30 AM
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Join us for Easter Sunday Brunch after worship on April 20. The Fellowship Team has a wonderful brunch and egg hunt planned. Come and enjoy the food, the fellowship, and the fun! Please bring a basket or bag for the hunt!
- Help Fill Glen-Ed Pantry’s Shelves with Most-Needed Items
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Glen-Ed Pantry is in need of pasta side dishes, hamburger helper, oatmeal, breakfast bars, pop-tarts, crackers, jelly, pancake syrup, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Visit glenedpantry.org to learn about volunteer opportunities. Questions? Contact Bev Tieman at 618-288-4201.
- Craving Answers Craving God – Son of Man
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We all know that Jesus is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity. We all know that he is the Son of God. Then why in his time on earth did he constantly refer to himself as the Son of Man? What is the Old Testament reference that helps answer this question? We explored that topic on the latest episode of Craving Answers Craving God.
- LWML Circle of Friends Thank You
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Thank you to everyone who supported the LWML Circle of Friends underwear collection during March. Your generosity was greatly appreciated by the school nurses in School District 7.
- Youth Annual Yard Sale
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Start gathering items to donate to the Youth Yard Sale, happening Saturday, June 14. Donations can be dropped off at church the week before. Proceeds support Mission Trips and the 2025 Youth Gathering.
- Lent/Easter Worship Schedule
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Date Time Event Pastor April 9 6:30 PM Fellowship Dinner in Fellowship Hall – April 17 6:30 PM Holy Thursday Worship Pastor Tony Boos April 18 6:30 PM Good Friday Worship Pastor John Lukomski April 20 9:00 AM Easter Worship Easter Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt following service.
Pastor Bill Engfehr
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