Ministries
WELCA & Men's Group
St. Paul’s WELCA (Women of the ELCA) meets monthly for fellowship and projects. Our goals
are to grow in our faith, to encourage and enjoy each other, and to assist our congregation, community, and denomination.
In 2025, our activities included:
● collecting food, school supplies, toys, and toiletries for local organizations
● sponsoring a large rummage sale to benefit local groups and St. Paul
● holding a Spring Fling and a Christmas Brunch
● having special sessions on yoga and painting
● participating in the regional cluster meeting and the SE synod conference
● helping with congregational events like the Easter brunch, summer picnic, and trunk-or-treat
In 2026, we plan to continue many of these activities, and we’re open to new ideas, too. All
women and teen girls of the congregation are invited to all WELCA meetings and events.
The Men’s Group provides a Christ-centered environment for all St. Paul men and boys. 15-20 men and boys participated in 7 events in 2025 enjoying dinners, a picnic (25 attending) and a church work day. 2026 scheduled activities include 4 Hosted dinners (sponsored by individuals) a spring workday, a spring Bowling event, a September picnic and an annual restaurant Christmas dinner.
Youth Ministry
Children in grades pre-K through 6 meet at 10:45am for Sunday school during the school year.
Students in grades 6-8 are invited to join the confirmation class.
Outreach Ministry
St. Paul is deeply committed to several local organizations. With our prayers, time, skills, and
funds, we support the Community Food Connection of Blount County, Family Promise, and Good Neighbors. We host a Girl Scout troop, and we provide Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, comfort quilts and handwork for individuals and organizations, and Christmas gifts through Sanitation Santa. We participate in Lutheran World Relief projects, and we try to serve both locally and far away, whenever possible, as opportunities arise.
Music Ministry
Our gifted pianist/organist, Chase, plays for worship services and accompanies the choir. Our dedicated choir director, Marsha, leads a talented group of singers throughout the fall, winter, and spring.
The bell choir plays on occasion, and special music replaces the choir during the summer. Congregational singing plays a significant role in the services.
Stephen Ministry
A Stephen Minister is ...
• A child of God who walks beside a hurting person;
•A caring Christian who really listens;
• A member of our congregation who has received 50 hours of training in how to provide distinctively Christian care;
• A person who is ready to focus on your needs;
• A trustworthy confidant who will keep everything you say—and even your identity—confidential; and
• Someone who will faithfully meet with you on a weekly basis for as long as your need persists.
A Stephen Minister is NOT ...
• A counselor or therapist;
• A problem-solver;
• Someone who runs errands or helps with chores; or
• A casual visitor.
Our Stephen Ministers provide confidential, one-to-one Christian care to people who are:
• Grieving the death of a loved one
• Hospitalized or recovering from hospitalization
• Lonely or discouraged
• Coping with a terminal illness or caring for a family member with a terminal illness
• Unemployed or in a job crisis
• Disabled or caring for an ill or disabled family member
• Moving or relocating
• New to the congregation or the community
• Anticipating the birth or adoption of a child
• Homebound or institutionalized
• Transitioning into retirement
• Dealing with the crisis of aging
• Facing a life transition
• Experiencing a spiritual crisis
• Victims of a disaster or accident
And for people facing countless other
crises or life challenges or who are going
through a difficult time and could
benefit from the care of a supportive
Christian friend.
