Church
Welcome to St. Paul Lutheran, a Christ-centered church in McAllen, Texas.
Serving individuals and families throughout McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley. As a congregation of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS), we are committed to faithfully teaching God’s Word, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and helping people know God, grow in faith, and show His love to others.
Since 1916, St. Paul has been part of the McAllen community, serving generations of families through our Church, Christian school, and Early Learning Center. Our congregation offers opportunities for worship, Bible study, Christian education, fellowship, youth and family ministry, service, and community outreach as we grow together in faith and encourage one another in Christ.
Whether you are new to the Rio Grande Valley, searching for a Christian church in McAllen, looking for a Lutheran congregation, or simply seeking a welcoming church where you and your family can grow in God’s Word, we invite you to learn more about St. Paul. Explore our website, watch our worship services online, or join us in person and discover a church community centered on Christ, His Word, and His love.
Adult Bible Class
Sundays: 9:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall
Life in the Word
Come join us on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall for coffee, donuts, fellowship, and time in God’s Word together.
This cross-generational class will discuss what God is teaching us through His Word, and see how the Scriptures apply to our lives today as His people!
All Ages Worship
Wednesdays:
5:15 PM - 7:00 PM
All Ages Dinner and Worship starts with a home-cooked meal followed by conversations, hands-on activities, singing, and a short message and prayer time in the Sanctuary. These services are designed especially with families and the youngest children of God in mind. All Ages Worship normally happens the last Wednesday of every month and every Wednesday during Advent and Lent.
Worship Music
Music is an important part of worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, offering opportunities to praise God through both traditional and contemporary styles. Our traditional services feature the rich sound of our classical pipe organ, along with choir and handbells that help lead the congregation in hymns and sacred music throughout the church year.
Our contemporary worship band brings a modern expression of praise through vocals and a variety of instruments.
Whether through timeless hymns or contemporary Christian music, our Music Ministry seeks to glorify God, proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, and bring people together in worship.
What We Believe
As Lutherans, we know Jesus Christ and build our lives on Him. We know Jesus Christ is the perfect Son of God, that He died for every person in the world, that He rose from the dead and lives for all people who believe in Him as their Savior.
As Lutherans, we live with the sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. We know we are not perfect and we make mistakes in our life with God. But we also know that Jesus Christ has paid for and won forgiveness for those who repent and seek His forgiveness. We know God will forgive us because of Jesus.
Lutherans are Christians who share many beliefs with other Christians.
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God is three persons in one. God the Father created the world and cares for it; God the Son (Jesus) lived as a human being, died and rose from the dead; God the Holy Spirit works God’s will in the world.
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The Bible is God’s Word written for us by human writers.
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Sin exists in every person and is the cause of bad things people do to each other.
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The earth and all its inhabitants were created to serve and bring honor to God.
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After death, everyone will exist forever, either in heaven or hell.
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God has a plan to end the world. On that day He will judge everyone living and dead. He will judge us according to our faith in Jesus Christ.
To learn more about what Lutheran Christians believe you are invited to go to LCMS.org Belief and Practices
Worship is central to all of our life as God’s people. We believe it is essential for Lutheran Christians to gather in worship and praise to the Lord and to develop their own personal and family devotional and worship life. Worship is designed to proclaim the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ through God’s Word and Sacraments. Worship has three parts: We approach God by making confession of our sins and receiving His forgiveness; God gives us His gifts through His Word and Sacraments; We respond to God’s Word by offering prayers, offerings, and praise. It is our hope that you will find worship meaningful, uplifting and helpful for your life.
The Lord's Supper
Music is an important part of worship at St. Paul Lutheran Church, offering opportunities to praise God through both traditional and contemporary styles. Our traditional services feature the rich sound of our classical pipe organ, along with choir and handbells that help lead the congregation in hymns and sacred music throughout the church year. Our contemporary worship band brings a modern expression of praise through vocals and a variety of instruments. Whether through timeless hymns or contemporary Christian music, our Music Ministry seeks to glorify God, proclaim the message of Jesus Christ, and bring people together in worship.
Find Meaning and Purpose
Joining a service team is a great way to get involved with our community. You might welcome guests on Sundays, help with the live stream, or teach children's classes. Whatever your interests, we’ll help you find a team where you can make a real difference.
Kids and Youth Team
This team's purpose is to involve children and youth actively in God's teachings, collaborate with parents, create an enjoyable and secure learning environment, and foster relationships with children, youth, and families.
Sunday Worship
Sunday morning worship requires many volunteers, including A/V Support, Communion Assistants, and Ushers. Please consider registering for a role, then signing up to volunteer on a Sunday.
Worship Music
Worship is central to our life together, and music is a key component. If you have vocal or instrumental skills to share let us know.
We Are Here to Help
Are you or someone you know facing personal challenges?
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Isolation and Loneliness
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Anxiety Over Health
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Grief from various types of loss
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Stress from balancing work, childcare, and schooling
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Financial Strain or Job Loss
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Uncertainty about the Future
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Other Unexpected Life Challenges
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
You do not have to face these challenges alone. Our team is ready to listen, offer encouragement, and provide emotional and spiritual support. If you or someone you know would like to speak with someone, please contact us.
Our Staff
Rev. Gregory M. Lorenz
Pastor
Gregory M. Lorenz, born in Michigan, grew up in Clarkston and Rochester. He attended St. John Lutheran School and graduated from Lutheran High School North in Macomb.
He earned a BA from Concordia College, Ann Arbor, in 1984, majoring in Greek and Humanities with a Hebrew minor.
Lorenz received his Master of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1989 and was ordained that August.
He was called as a missionary and church planter to Las Pacayas, Guatemala, where he helped establish Iglesia Luterana Cristo El Camino in 1993, continuing to develop the church and its leaders.
After his mission service ended in 1999, Lorenz served as Interim Associate Pastor at St. John Lutheran Church, Rochester.
From 2000 to 2004, he was Associate Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Macomb, focusing on Outreach, Family Life, and Hispanic ministry.
Michigan.
He began serving Pan De Vida, a Hispanic congregation in Detroit, in 2000, also teaching lay leaders.
In 2002, he helped launch the Hispanic Latino Mission Society of Michigan (LATINO) to support outreach efforts.
From 2005 to 2014, he served full-time as Pastor of Pan De Vida and as Executive Director of LATINO.
The ministry found a new home in historic Southwest Detroit’s Mexicantown for worship and outreach.
In 2014, Lorenz became Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in McAllen, Texas, and Circuit Visitor for Circuit 28.
He married Stephanie in 1984; she is a Concordia Ann Arbor graduate with Parish Assistant Certification.
Stephanie is a Registered Nurse. They have four children and six grandchildren.
Inese Dahl
Director of Christian Education
Inese (pronounced like Vanessa without a “V”) Dahl grew up in Latvia, a small country in Northern Europe. After losing a close friend in a car accident, she became a Christian in young adulthood, finding purpose and joy in her faith.
She was baptized and confirmed at a local Lutheran church in 1995 and soon became active teaching Sunday School, starting a youth group, and leading Bible studies.
Inese earned a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Latvia in 1999. After working in accounting, she received a scholarship to Concordia University, Nebraska, where she earned a Master’s in Parish Education and a DCE Specialist diploma. Her studies focused on Family Life Ministry.
She returned to Latvia to serve as Director of Christian Education in Ventspils Evangelical Lutheran Church, introducing the DCE ministry there. Later, she interned and became DCE at Messiah Lutheran Church in Santa Cruz, CA, where she met her husband Kevin and was involved in youth, family life, and campus ministry.
In 2016, Inese was called to serve as DCE at St. Paul Lutheran Church in McAllen, TX, where she works with youth, families, and young adults. She is passionate about helping young people know Jesus and believes there is nothing more exciting than a life of faith.
In her free time, Inese enjoys hiking, working out, and especially boogie-boarding. She admits cooking isn’t her strength, but loves to help clean up.
Stephanie Lorenz
Music Director
Hannah McCann
Business Manager
Miriam Gamboa
Church Secretary
Darrell Hagan
Facilities Manager
IN THE KNOW
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St. Paul Located?
300 Pecan Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501
St. Paul is located on the northwest corner of 2nd St. (N. Col. Rowe Blvd.) and Pecan Blvd. (495) in McAllen, TX.
When are your worship services?
Saturdays:
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5:00 p.m. Traditional (Winter months only. Please confirm service dates with the front office.)
Sundays:
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8:00 a.m. Traditional
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9:30 a.m. Adult Bible Study & Fellowship
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11:00 a.m. Contemporary
Additional worship services are offered seasonally.
Where do I park?
St. Paul offers three large parking lots. Two of them are on the south side of the campus and the third is on the north side. All of our lots offer convenient access to our worship services and Bible class.
Where are your worship services and Bible classes held?
All of our worship services are held in the church. Our main Bible class is held in our fellowship hall/cafeteria. Other Bible classes are periodically offered and the locations are listed in the bulletin.
What if I come from a non-Christian or non-Lutheran background?
Please come by and check out one of our worship services! You will not be expected to say or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. You will be welcomed at the door by one of our greeters, lay ministers or by one of the pastors. Have a seat and observe or participate in as much or as little of the service as you feel comfortable.
Will I have to stand up and introduce myself?
No. Newcomers and visitors do not have to introduce themselves during the service. You will have a chance to briefly greet the people around you at some point in the worship service.
Are my small children welcome to come to worship?
Yes, children are welcome at worship! We feel it is important that children are a part of the worship life of the church. We frequently include children as readers or as a part of our music ministry. At our services, you will find the “Creation Station” that is loaded with child-friendly activities like coloring pages, lacing cards, pipe cleaners, books, blocks and other activities. We set up several tables for those who are more comfortable sitting at a table. We also include a children’s message at 11:00am.
Is there a nursery for children on Sunday mornings?
We do not have a nursery on Sunday mornings. We love to have children in worship! Please bring them to worship and enjoy the activities provided at the Creation Station. We do provide a private space for nursing mothers and mothers with small children.
What if I don’t know much about the Bible?
Our mission is that everyone who attends would Know God, Grow in Him and Show His love to others. We are all at different places in our walk of faith and we learn from each other. You do not need to know anything about religion or the Bible to take the first steps.
What is worship like?
We offer Traditional, Contemporary and All-Ages Dinner and Worship styles. All of the services include singing, Bible readings, prayer, and a message or sermon. We use screens for all of our services so everything is easy to see and it is easy to follow along. The All-Ages Dinner and Worship is offered monthly and includes the elements above along with dinner, a craft, and fellowship for all ages!
You can also watch our livestream or view the Video Archive.
Music during the traditional service is usually lead by our pipe organ and can include music from our choir, handbells, school children, etc. Music during our contemporary service is led by our Minister of Music and our excellent praise and worship band and includes piano, guitar, drums, bass, other instruments, and several vocalists. Several times a year, we have the Early Learning Center and School Children sing during worship. Each service lasts about an hour.
How should I dress?
Comfortably. St. Paul has a friendly and casual atmosphere. Some members prefer a suit and tie or dress, others come business casual, still others wear jeans. Don’t worry about what to wear.
Should I bring anything?
You do not need to bring anything with you. Just come and be a part of the family of faith at St. Paul. Of course, you are always welcome to bring your Bible and your friends!
What about the offering?
We pass an offering plate during the worship service so that our worship may include the opportunity to respond to God’s love through giving. This is completely voluntary and is intended for our regular attenders and Winter guests. Visitors should not feel obligated to participate but are welcome to as God leads you.
What if my vision is a concern?
We use projection screens for all of our services so everything is easy to see and it is easy to follow along.
What if I have mobility concerns?
There are marked handicap parking spaces available in all of our parking lots. We have handicap seating spaces available in our church together with a large open area that can accommodate wheelchairs, etc. All of our facilities are on the ground level except for some of our classrooms. There is an elevator to access those rooms.
What about Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper?
We celebrate the Lord’s Supper on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month. Members of sister LCMS congregations are welcome to commune. We have an explanation of our beliefs regarding the Lord’s Supper in our bulletin and on our website. If you have any questions, you can always ask one of the pastors or lay ministers.
There are many different churches in McAllen. Why should I attend at St. Paul?
St. Paul is a member congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). The LCMS is a denomination that confesses the historic, orthodox Christian faith, a faith built on “the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Eph. 2:20). Today, the LCMS has more than 2 million baptized members in more than 5,900 congregations and more than 21,000 pastors and church workers. Two seminaries and 6 colleges and universities operate under the auspices of the LCMS, and its congregations operate one of the largest Protestant parochial school system in America (source: www.lcms.org). We invite you to come and check us out!
Is there a traditional Sunday school for children and youth?
Our busy lives often pull family members in different directions. At St. Paul, we focus on bringing families together for worship, learning, serving, and play. While there is no Sunday School for youth and children, we invite families to worship together, provide resources for families to grow in faith in their homes and offer a variety of opportunities for families to grow together outside of Sunday mornings.
Does St. Paul livestream worship services?
Yes, we livestream all of our worship services (with a few exceptions), our Sunday Bible Class, School chapel services, along with other events. You can find the livestream here and the video archive here