Church Life At St. Paul UCC And The Ministries & Missions We Support

A group focused on connection, encouragement, and service within the life of the church. Men gather for breakfast at a local restaurant the first Saturday of each month, prepare a Christmas breakfast and Easter breakfast each year as well as support the church’s ministries through shared work and participation.

A passionate group of women who meet the last Monday of the month, sometimes meeting at an area restaurant, and the other times meeting at the church to work on a mission project, facilitate a special gathering where all who wish are invited to share a meal and hear of interesting travels by parishioners, learn about a local ministry or mission, host a card making night where birthday, anniversary and get well cards are made for distribution, stuff bears for our Prayer Bear Ministry (see below), and other interesting endeavors.

A devoted group of prayer warriors who meet weekly to lift up joys and concerns. They also share in fellowship and provide comfort and care through prayer not only for faith family members, but for people locally, nationally, and internationally.

A dedicated group of trained lay people who help people stay connected to their faith family, by providing care through supplement visits to those who are home bound, in nursing homes, or are hospitalized.

The Community Dinner started in June 2022 as an experiment to see if we could bring together members of the church, community, and even those who may be passing through town with a home-cooked meal and fellowship. Four years later, this ministry is feeding between 120 and 150 people from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. each second Monday of the month.

Meals are served at no cost, are open to all, and the only expectation is that you enjoy the food, the fellowship of those around you, and leave feeling welcomed.

The Quilters gather to sew with purpose and compassion, creating handmade quilts that become gifts of warmth, comfort, and care for children at Hoyleton Children’s Home, Kindercottage, or wherever there is a need. They also quilt quilt tops for private individuals. Through their craft and fellowship, they support the life of our church and extend a tangible reminder of love to people in need, near and far.

Handmade bears sit in the pews during worship to “soak in” the prayers, preaching, and Word. They are then delivered to people in times of need, especially when they are facing surgery, or other health crisis, or during other difficult times.

A compassionate ministry of hospitality that coordinates and provides meals when funerals include a luncheon. This team helps families feel supported through their care in feeding families and their loved one during a difficult time.

Two major fundraising dinners are hosted each year, the proceeds of which support special projects of the church and selected missions. These events are also a hallmark of fellowship, hospitality, and community tradition.

The Pork Steak dinner is held each year on the Sunday before Palm Sunday. The next dinner is March 14, 2027.
The Wurstmarkt Sausage & Sauerkraut Dinner is held each year on the third Sunday in October. Next dinner is October 18, 2026.

Two dedicated choirs that help lead worship through music that is faith-filled and thoughtfully prepared. The choirs alternate supporting Sunday worship and support special services throughout the year.

The Environmental Arts team helps shape the look and feel of our worship space by decorating the sanctuary throughout the year. With care and creativity, they prepare seasonal visuals, worship focal points, and thoughtful details that support the seasons of the church in the worship spaces and narthex.

There is always room for those interested in serving as a liturgist, usher and/or greeter. Liturgists participate in worship by reading scriptures and leading the congregation in other parts of the service the pastor has prepared.

Ushers & Greeters greet people, had out bulletins, help people get seated, and provide directions to those visiting. Additionally, they assist with serving communion and other functions throughout the worship service.

Contact the Church Office for more information.

A small but mighty and essential group of dedicated members who run the soundboard, cameras, livestreaming, and all things technical for worship services.

A faith formation program for ages Pre-K through youth, helping children grow in Bible knowledge, prayer, and Christian life. Lessons are designed to be engaging, welcoming, and grounded in love.

A learning-focused class for adults that explores Scripture and Christian life with curiosity and depth. The class also expands into broader topics, including study of other religions and the Old Testament prophets.

A weekly adult Bible study and book-discussion group where faith and real life meet. Participants read, reflect, and share conversation that supports spiritual growth and thoughtful discipleship.

A leadership team that guides Christian education and helps plan faith formation experiences across the church. The BCE is open to creative ideas, special events, and new approaches to engaging all ages.

A guided faith journey for youth exploring what it means to follow Jesus, belong to the church, and live their faith with integrity. Confirmation includes teaching, relationship-building, and participation in worship and service.

A community for Jr. & Sr. High youth to connect, grow, and serve together. This group supports friendships, faith conversations, and opportunities to participate in the life of the church.

The LMM is an ecumenical community ministry supported by St. Paul UCC and several other churches and civic organizations in Lebanon and Summerfield, IL. Through the Food Pantry and the Community Care Coalition, neighbors in Lebanon and Summerfield, IL receive help, including food support, client advocacy, and financial assistance when needs arise.

Location: 108 E. Dee St., Lebanon, IL 62254
Phone: 618-808-0600
Food Pantry Hours:
Mondays – 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.; Tuesdays – 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Community Care Coalition Assistance: Call the phone number above and leave a message with your contact information and a client advocate will return your call.

St. Paul UCC is a long-time supporter of DuBois Center – the church camp and retreat center of the Illinois South Conference of the UCC in DuBois,, IL.

We strive to make sure all of our youth who wish to attend camp can, and we regularly support camp work days, and the camps annual Fall Festival. Generations of St. Paul UCC members have attended camp and retreats at DuBois Center, worked as camp counselors and other staff, and many more have or continue to serve as volunteers.

DuBois Summer Camp & Retreat Center

The St. Paul UCC faith family has collected funds for nearly 20 years to support the monthly tuition for a child to attend Uni-Pres Kindercottage in E. St. Louis, IL

We have also been long-time supporters of special project and supply needs for the center, our youth groups have spent time with the children as part of their service to others, and several church members have served, or currently serve, on the Kindercottage Board of Directors as part of an important partnership with this vital child care and development center.

Uni-Pres Kindercottage

A summer outreach effort with other Lebanon churches to help ensure no child goes hungry when school is out. Each church sponsors a weekday and volunteers provide meals, hospitality, and presence for local children. Over 3,300 meals were served during the summer months of 2026.

St. Paul participates in the wider Lebanon Community Vacation Bible School and hosts it every fourth year.  VBS brings children together for Bible learning, music, crafts, and energetic, community-wide faith formation.