Liturgical Calendar
Past Events
Right To Life March 2025
Several representatives from St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Centreville, were among several thousand in attendance at the State Capitol, Lansing, to participate in the March for Life of Right to Life, Michigan. Marching from St. Paul's were Rev. Philip R. Rittner, Julie Johnson, and Mary Craaybeek. They were joined by Sandi McCurry, of the local RTL affiliate. Though official estimates have not yet been announced, numbers of marchers seemed to exceed the some 5,000 who participated in the last Capitol march in 2023. Busloads of students offered a representation of a new generation of supporters of the value of life. A rally on the Capitol steps preceded the March.
Pictured following the March for Life at the Capitol in Lansing are (l-r) Mary Craaybeek, Julie Johnson, Rev. Philip Rittner II, and Right to Life local chapter treasurer Sandi McCurry. Many compelling messages appeared on signs being carried in the March, including "Life, the first inalienable right, " "Equality begins in the womb," "Unexpected, but never unwanted."
Operation Christmas Shoebox
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84 "shoeboxes" filled with kid-appealing items were packed full and sealed Sunday, November 16, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Centreville, MI, to be sent on their way to Samaritan's Purse, Christian ministry from where the boxes will be shipped to delight children worldwide. The message of the Truth of the Gospel will accompany the delivery of the gifts. Many members of St. Paul's joined in funding the shipping of the boxes, which as well was supported by Thrivent Financial through approval of an Action Team led by Deb Bohm. Each box contained at least one toy, and also included clothing items, school supplies, intriguing small calculators, flashlights, and even small sewing kits for older girls, or simple tools. The annual collection initiative among St. Paul's members was spearheaded by Judy E. Gross. Pastor Philip R. Rittner II spoke a blessing upon the boxes prior to the packing. Thank you, St. Paul's Lutheran Church members and friends, for your generous hearts!!
In Memory Of.....
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A freshly planted weeping cherry tree at St. Paul's Lutheran Church has been provided by Right to Life of St. Joseph County in honor of deceased pastors of St. Paul's - Rev. Robert O.Bartz and Rev. Roger L. Sassaman. Both Pastor Bob and Pastor Roger were enthusiastic supporters of sanctity of human life. Come by to see the flourishing of this memorial completed by Gabriel A. Conklin and Mary Craaybeek.
St. Paul's Has a New Pastor
The Rev. Philip R. Rittner II was installed Sunday, January 19, 2025, as Vacancy Pastor of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Centreville. The Rev. Kurt Kuhlmann, St. John's Lutheran Church, Burr Oak, MI, conducted the installation ceremony. Rev. Rittner is a retired LCMS pastor, having been graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN, following a career in the United States Navy. He had served two tours in Vietnam and had been deployed during Desert Shield.
Not feeling ready to fully retire from ministry, Pastor Rittner was called and accepted a part time post at Centreville. From near Columbia City, IN, he and his wife, Deaconess Katherine Rittner, Director of the Food and Clothing Co-op at Concordia Seminary, Ft. Wayne, enjoy lakeside living.
Ordained in 2011, Rev. Rittner has enjoyed jail ministry, associating with military veterans, promoting Right to Life initiatives, and studying God's Word, the Bible. He conducts a Bible study which addresses readings of the day Sunday mornings at 8:45. Anyone is welcome to come learn. Worship is at 10 AM.
Rev. Roger L. Sassaman, former pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, was unexpectedly, yet gloriously, called to heaven September 29, 2024.
Baby Shower for Those In Need
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A baby shower to benefit the two Pregnancy Helplines of St. Joseph County was amply supported by members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and St. Clare's Catholic Church, as well as Right to Life of St. Joseph County this week at St. Paul's. Creative baby-themed games directed by friends of St. Clare's generated nifty prizes for participants. Door prizes also were offered, adding to the joviality of the event entirely in honor of babies and moms/families. A bountiful buffet, including a wide selection of home-baked desserts, was hosted by St. Paul's Ladies' ACTION/LWML. Thank you, all supporters!!
