St. Paul celebrated their 80th anniversary yesterday, June 4, 2023. It was a pleasure to celebrate with Pastor Nancy Simpson, who has served there for 11 years. Keith Weber provided music.
St. Paul was launched in the early 40’s when The Rev. A. L. Pfennig, member of the ALC Mission Board (Texas District) gave a nudge. The mission strategy is worth consideration. Services were held Sunday evenings in a community building thanks to the commitment of Pastor Fred Harms who served in Pasadena and Pastor David Herman who served in Houston. Churches start churches. Sunday School was also started, growing to about 15 people.
On June 8, 1943, The Rev. E. A. Sagebiel, President of the Texas District, called a special meeting to organize a congregation and call a pastor.
St. Paul not only grew; they went on to launch other churches like Christ (now Light of Christ) in La Porte and Trinity in Liberty. Again, with worship services on Sunday evening. Churches starting churches.
St. Paul sent 39 members to La Porte to help launch the new congregation there, and still St. Paul’s showed a net increase in membership for the year. That’s vision. People want to
be part of a visionary, disciple-making community.
What lessons can we learn for today? Has your congregation considered launching a new church nearby with services in the afternoon or evening?
