2021 brought many changes and challenges. The church was able to reopen to in person worship and meetings. The choir was again able to actively participate in worship. We were able to restart coffee and donuts in the post worship fellowship time as well as the monthly breakfast provided by the Culinary Group. Unfortunately, current spikes in Covid infections have put a temporary hold on some events and activities.
The congregation approved the technology improvements for the sanctuary. All improvements have been completed, though there is still some fine tuning in process. The bells are once again ringing regularly. Sound improvements are still pending in Heritage hall as we wait for items on back order to arrive.
The visioning team has selected a leader and the congregation has approved the budgeting and process for boldly going forward as the Church where the guidance of the Holy Spirit leads us.
St. Paul has survived and thrived in spite of the challenges presented. As a congregation we should have pride in our accomplishments, while remembering that without God and the presence of the Holy Spirit, we cannot achieve anything. The challenges that we continue to face can make us stronger as we move forward into 2022 and ask Jesus and God’s spirit to continue to guide and shape St. Paul UCC in downtown Belleville.
Steve Schmidt
