ABOUT US
St. Paul Lutheran Church is a welcoming Lutheran church located in the town of Columbus, Texas. Our mission is to Love God. Love Neighbor. We believe in the power of faith to transform lives and make a positive impact on the world. Join us for one of our worship services or get involved in one of our many ministries for a chance to connect with other members of our church family.
OUR MISSION
As a family of faith, love God, love neighbor.
"I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34
"Worship and education remain rooted in the Word of God to strengthen faith and grow closer to one another. All are encouraged, individually or through a ministry team, to seek out opportunities to promote fellowship and service to the congregation, to the wider community, and to the world."
John 5:19
WHAT WE DO
At St. Paul Lutheran Church, we offer a variety of programs and activities to support our mission of serving God and our community. From B.L.A.S.T. for children to Bible study and fellowship groups for adults, there is something for everyone at our church. We also have a strong tradition of service and outreach, including supporting local charities and organizing mission trips to help those in need.
OUR COMMUNITY
St. Paul Lutheran Church is more than just a place of worship - we are a community of believers who support and care for one another. Whether you are new to the area or have lived here your whole life, you are welcome to join us. We believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can grow in their faith and find support and encouragement along the way.
OUR VISION
We gratefully accept our calling as children of God to embody God's amazing love by serving our neighbor without condition, without boundaries, and without restrictions. "...for we walk by faith, not by sight."
2 Corinthians 5:7
Staff
Senior Pastor
Alan D. Kethan
Alan D Kethan was born in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Roosevelt High School, Texas Lutheran College with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Theology and minor in Social Work. Pastor graduated from Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, completing his graduate studies with an internship in Wisconsin. He was ordained in 1990. His first call was at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg,Texas. He has served churches in Karnes City, San Antonio, New Braunfels, and Brenham Texas. He is married to Debbie Kethan who is a pre-school teacher at St. Anthony Catholic School. They have 5 children spread out over Texas, New York, and North Carolina and 5 grandchildren. Pastor Kethan has been doing extensive studies in Family Systems Theory as it applies to congregational ministries for the last 16 years. He serves as chaplain and firefighter for the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department. He and Deb love fishing, traveling, and spending time with family.
Secretary/Organist
Elena Holub
Elena Holub, a familiar face at St. Paul Lutheran Church, has been an integral part of the community since 2014. As a lifelong member of St. Paul and a proud graduate of Columbus High School, Elena's deep roots in the church have only strengthened her commitment to its mission.
Elena holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Sam Houston State University, a testament to her passion for education and the arts. Prior to her role as the church secretary, Elena dedicated a significant part of her career to teaching elementary music. She spent four years in Pasadena ISD and an additional nine years in Columbus ISD, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of many students.
Married to John, Jr., Elena's family is a source of joy and pride. Their son, Clayton, recently achieved a milestone by graduating from Sam Houston State University, further adding to the family's legacy of education and accomplishment.
As the church secretary, Elena brings her wealth of experience, organizational skills, and deep connection to the St. Paul community. Her warm and welcoming presence is a reflection of the church's values, and she plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning of church operations.
Children, Youth, and Family Minister
Stephanie Polasek
Stephanie Polasek, a proud former student of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science degree, serves as the dedicated Youth and Family Specilaist at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Married to her supportive husband, Bradley, Stephanie is a loving mother to two wonderful daughters, Elliot and Micah.
Stephanie's lifelong passion for working with children and youth has guided her career path. In November of 2016, she felt a compelling calling to join St. Paul Lutheran as the Youth & Family Specialist, bringing her skills and enthusiasm to the church community.
One of Stephanie's favorite aspects of her role is connecting with students right where they are, fostering a supportive and understanding environment. Her commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of young individuals reflects her deep dedication to the church's mission.
Outside of her professional life, Stephanie finds joy in outdoor activities and cherishing quality moments with her husband and two girls. Whether engaged in community events or spending time with family, Stephanie embodies a spirit of warmth and inclusivity.
Lighthouse Coordinator
Courtney Busselman
Courtney was born and raised in Victoria, Texas, and graduated from Texas State University, where she met her husband. Although she loves the San Marcos and New Braunfels area, she's grateful to now call Columbus home, where she and her husband are raising their two young children.
As a busy mom, Courtney spends much of her time planning fun adventures for her family. She is excited to serve St. Paul as the Lighthouse Coordinator, helping create a welcoming space where church members and the community can gather, connect, and grow together
Praise Band Coordinator
Tracy Baker
Tracy Baker joined St. Paul in 2008 and began playing with the praise band shortly after it was originally formed. She loves to express her faith through music, and works with the Worship Team to provide a meaningful worship experience to everyone. Tracy is a member of the St. Paul Trio. She is also an active participant and Board member of Texas Gulf Coast Via de Cristo. She works in hospitality at Stoney Creek Ranch in New Ulm, TX.
History of St. Paul Lutheran
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This information was compiled from several sources found in our records by previous pastors, members, newspaper articles and records in county and state records.
Prior to St. Paul organizing December 7, 1919, beginning in 1839, four attempts to establish a Lutheran worshiping community took place. During this eighty year period, there was evidence that people here is Columbus wanted a Lutheran worshipping community.
The Rev. Edward A. Sagebiel served as the first called pastor of St. Paul. They met in the Columbus Theatre on Milam street, which is the building behind First State Bank. The congregation met in the theatre and held Sunday school for several years. As they grew they realized that they needed a different space and voted on July 19, 1922 to build their first
church building. The women of St. Paul played a significant role in the growth of St. Paul. The women of St. Paul organized the Lutheran Ladies Aid Society. This group paid for the
land and first church building on the corner of Bowie and Spring, where the Baumgart Insurance Agency is now located. The cost of the property was $600. The ladies came up
with half of the money, $300, and took out a promissory note to the Lutheran Ladies Aid Society for the additional $300 at 6% interest. They held worship services in the church and
Sunday school across the street in the Fire Department building. The Ladies Aid also purchased the piano for the church services.
In 1944 a lot was purchased at the corner of Bowie and Houston, and a parsonage was built. The next year 1945, a parish hall was built on the lot, and in 1946 the original church
building was moved to the site. During the last part of 1950 and first part of 1951, the entire building was renovated and enlarged. In 1935 another women’s group organized, the Mary- Martha Society. They were responsible for the new Reuter Pipe organ for the church. The congregation continued to grow and were out of space for Sunday school and it was
determined a new facility needed to be built. A search committee was formed and two properties were found as a potential site for new facilities. One was south of town and the
other on what was called Glidden Hill. On December 8, 1957 the congregation voted to purchase the 17.89 acres on Glidden Hill at a cost of $35,000. A payment of $3,000 was
made, and the remaining $32,000 was a loan at 4% interest, to be paid off in five years.
On September 19, 1965 the congregation voted to build a new church up on this hill. The estimated cost was $308,669. The facility would include a sanctuary to seat around 400,
30 classrooms for religious instruction, a fellowship hall and Youth Center. The congregation came up with 10% of money needed and had to take out a twenty-year note and
sell lots to come up with the $275,000, which was paid off on January 22, 1989. The conclusion of moving permanently to the hill was in 1971, when the congregation built the
parsonage on St. Paul Drive for $28,828.
In 1978 the congregation began the Child Care Center, and to-date employs twenty-two staff serving upwards of 125 children in day care, preschool and after school programs.
In January of 2015 the congregation voted to establish a group of people to study and present to the congregation the current and future needs of expanding our present facility. On July 31, 2016 the congregation took the next step in approving the hiring of an architect to work with the Building Team in developing plans for expansion. We began a three-year campaign to raise funds towards expansion which will conclude in February 2020. The process, although slow as it seems at times, is moving forward, and the congregation will have opportunity to vote on the expansion.
St. Paul is a resilient group of people who over 100 years has continued to seek God’s direction and being led by the Holy Spirit, come together to worship, learn and serve. We
owe our thanks to God, former clergy, staff, members and this community for the heritage we have been given. We, in our time now and in this place, continue in the same spirit, to leave to the next generations, a place of worship and outpost to be sent into the world to serve.
