The word Pentecost is derived from the Greek word for Fifty. The Day of Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, occurred 50 days after Jesus' resurrection and 10 days after His ascension. The day celebrates the sending of the Holy Spirit to the disciples following Jesus' ascension. The color of Pentecost is red, symbolizing the tongues of fire that appeared on the apostles.
On the 50th day after the Sabbath of Passover week, the Jews celebrated a festival of thanksgiving for the harvest variously referred to as:
Feast of Weeks (Ex. 34:22; Deut. 16:10)
Feast of Harvest (Ex. 23:16)
Day of First fruits (Num. 28:26)
The Feast of Weeks was the second-most important festival for the Jews.(The first-most important festival was Passover.) This is why so many people from all over the Roman empire were in Jerusalem on the day when the Holy Spirit was sent (see Acts 2:8?11).
In the Lutheran Church, the Day of Pentecost is the culmination of the Easter season. In some calendars, the day is listed as Whitsunday, or White Sunday, and refers to practice of the newly baptized appearing in their white, baptismal garments on that day. In the early church, Jesus' ascension and the sending of the Spirit were celebrated together.
By the seventh century, Pentecost had become such an important festival that the whole week following was set aside to observe it. Law courts were not in session, and most work forbidden. By the 12th century, this was limited to only three days. In most European countries, the Monday after Pentecost is a holiday.
Lutheran Student Fellowship at Cornell College
Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) is the national organization of the LCMS for college students of all faith backgrounds. Moving away from home does not mean you should move away from your relationship with the Lord. Our mission is to connect students with college ministry programs and provide students a church home away from home.
An official organization on the campus of Cornell College, your student representatives are Laura Blythe and Kirsten Gierach.
Join us for worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Sundays at 8:15 and 10:30. Sunday evenings during block we meet for supper and discussion at Pastor and Beth Gefaller's home at 6pm. Fun activities are planned during each block!
Angel Food Ministries
St. Paul introduces Angel Food Ministries!
Everyone is welcome to participate. No restricitons apply!
Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing grocery relief to communities throughout the United States. Angel Food Ministries fed 34 families in February of 1994. In August of 2005, over 125,000 families were fed in 32 states. God has surely blessed this ministry.
Angel Food works through churches and community organizations in over 32 states. Learn more about Angel Food Ministries from their website. See below for this month's menu.
In the News: Angel Food Ministries received a nearly $7 million check from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and other government dignitaries in October 2005. Doug Canup, area director for USDA Rural Development, said the $6.97 million loan was the largest the USDA has done for a faith-based organization under the president's Faith-Based and Community Initiative, an effort designed to assist churches and ministries as they serve their communities.
For more detailed information contact St. Paul Lutheran Church at 319-895-8772 or angelfood@splcmv.org
JULY 2009
Orders Due Monday, July 13 at 12:30 p.m. Distribution Day, Saturday, July 18 10am-11am
Orders taken at the church office Monday through Friday from 8:30am-12:30pm or Thursday, July 9 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
Orders may be sent through the mail to.
St. Paul Lutheran Church 600 5th Avenue S. Mt. Vernon, IA 52314
Orders sent in the mail must be received by Monday, July 13. Please make checks payable to Angel Food-Mt. Vernon and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
The members of St. Paul Lutheran Church welcome you!
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Come and discover Christ's love in action!
Upcoming Events!
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOLwill be held AUGUST 2-6. Children from preschool through 6th grade are invited to come hear God's message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our VBS is free of charge and open to members and non-members alike. We Can't wait for the fun, faith, and friendship to begin! VBS begins at 6pm and lasts until 8pm Sunday through Thursday. Opening night, Sunday, we'll have a meal at 5:30pm to kick things off. Registration forms are available at the church or call 895-8772 to register.
Welcome to St. Paul Lutheran Church!
Located in historic Mount Vernon, Iowa, the members of St. Paul Lutheran Church welcome you to participate in the many activities and personal relationships that a growing congregation has to offer. Whether you are new to the area or have been here a while, our doors are always open to you. So, come join your friends at St. Paul as we share Christ's love!
Mission Statement: In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of St. PaulLutheranChurch—Missouri Synod is to share the love of Christ by word and deed within our church, our community, and our world.
Rev. Mark A. GefallerSenior Pastor
Crysten SanchezDirector of Family Life
Tracy SchmidtOffice Administrator
Jim SchmidtFacilities Coordinator
Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) is the national organization of the LCMS for college students of all faith backgrounds. Moving away from home does not mean you should move away from your relationship with the Lord. Our mission is to connect students with college ministry programs and provide students a church home away from home. 
top