For over forty years, San Pablo Lutheran Church has been a beacon of faith and service in the heart of the Lower Valley community. Nestled in a predominantly Roman Catholic area, this congregation has tirelessly worked to share the Gospel and Lutheran faith through its various ministries.

In partnering with Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM), San Pablo has served as a place of refuge and relief for many, offering essential resources through food distributions, a well-supplied Thrift Shop, and events where distribution of backpacks with school supplies and Christmas toys take place. These acts of kindness haven’t just met basic needs, however –they’ve also drawn new families into the welcoming embrace of their congregation.

These last couple of months, the church has been buzzing with activity, with children, youth, and adults eagerly attending 1^st Communion and Confirmation classes. Under the guidance and instruction of San Pablo’s vicar, Alex Escarciga, seven catechism students have been meeting weekly for the last year to delve into Scripture and learn of the Lutheran doctrine, as well as form bonds of friendship as they grow in their faith.

And oh, the joy of Palm Sunday! The congregation gathered outside the church, palms in hand, joyfully taking in the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Amidst songs of praise, they entered the sanctuary, hearts open and spirits soaring. The baptism of little Sienna, sister to three catechism students, was a moment of pure joy and celebration. Following right after was the declaration of faith of three confirmands, one of them Jesus Avalos, whose been coming to San Pablo with his wife for several years, and two 1^st Communion students.

Since that blessed Palm Sunday, the waters of baptism have continued to flow at San Pablo, welcoming new members into the family of Christ with joy. On the initial Sunday of April, four new members of Christ’s family were received through baptism, starting with 25-year-old Angel, who then stepped forward as godfather to two of the three children baptized afterwards. They upcoming Sundays in April are set for additional baptism, with four more on the calendar for May and another one in June.

We continue to rejoice as adult confirmation classes begin on April 27^th with 6 adults committed to embark on their journey of faith, and 7 catechism students already on a path of learning what they believe in and why.

If you find yourself in the Lower Valley area of El Paso, join San Pablo Lutheran Church, located on the YLM campus at 301 S. Schutz Drive. They offer Sunday Bible class in both English and Spanish at 10am, followed by a bilingual Divine Service at 11:00am. Come as you are, and let your heart be filled with the warmth of community and the love of Christ.