Beginning Sunday, June 1st, we will switch to our summer worship schedule which is:
Sunday morning worship - 9 AM
Wednesday evening worship - 7 PM
This is a shorter version of the previous Sunday's service. It's a great option for those who are unable to attend our Sunday morning worship for various reasons.
See you in church!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Vacation Bible School - Registration is open!
Registration is open for Vacation Bible School, which takes place from Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27. Registration forms are available at the church. Please register as soon as possible!
The theme of this year's VBS is "Just for Life!" Through Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and fun and games, the children will learn about the justice of God. Activities are led by the day camp team from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio.
The program for Pre-K kids goes from 9-11:30 AM each day. Cost is $10 for the week and includes one snack per day.
Kids in grades K-6 stay from 9 AM - 3 PM. Cost is $20 for the week, which includes lunch and two snacks per day.
We hope to see you there!
The theme of this year's VBS is "Just for Life!" Through Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and fun and games, the children will learn about the justice of God. Activities are led by the day camp team from Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Ohio.
The program for Pre-K kids goes from 9-11:30 AM each day. Cost is $10 for the week and includes one snack per day.
Kids in grades K-6 stay from 9 AM - 3 PM. Cost is $20 for the week, which includes lunch and two snacks per day.
We hope to see you there!
Christianity 101 - Small Catechism and New Member Class
Sundays June 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 – from 10:15 to 11:30 AM
Some of you attended our Lenten study series, “Handbook for Christian Disciples: Small Catechism.” But others of you were unable to attend that Wednesday evening course. Guess what, we’re bringing it BACK and offering this class on Sunday mornings in June – after worship, from 10:15 to 11:30 AM. We will be studying the primary teachings of Martin Luther, the church reformer from whom we bear our name. Topics to be covered include the Ten Commandments, Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments. This study series is great for all inquiring Christians, as well as lifelong Lutherans who wish to re-examine this cornerstone of the Christian faith. Spending time with Luther's teachings will help you learn or relearn the heart of the gospel message, which is God's grace in Jesus Christ. Books for the course are a study edition of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, and will be available at the first class session for $6.
This class also serves as our new member class – so if you are interested in becoming a new member, you’ll want to get in on this! Our next New Member Sunday will be Sunday, July 13th.
Some of you attended our Lenten study series, “Handbook for Christian Disciples: Small Catechism.” But others of you were unable to attend that Wednesday evening course. Guess what, we’re bringing it BACK and offering this class on Sunday mornings in June – after worship, from 10:15 to 11:30 AM. We will be studying the primary teachings of Martin Luther, the church reformer from whom we bear our name. Topics to be covered include the Ten Commandments, Creed, Lord’s Prayer, and the Sacraments. This study series is great for all inquiring Christians, as well as lifelong Lutherans who wish to re-examine this cornerstone of the Christian faith. Spending time with Luther's teachings will help you learn or relearn the heart of the gospel message, which is God's grace in Jesus Christ. Books for the course are a study edition of Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, and will be available at the first class session for $6.
This class also serves as our new member class – so if you are interested in becoming a new member, you’ll want to get in on this! Our next New Member Sunday will be Sunday, July 13th.
A Guiding Vision and Mission for Ministry
“Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things.” Psalm 72:18
On Saturday, March 29th, 2008, the St. Peter Church Council came together to set a guiding vision and mission for ministry that will steer the work of the congregation in 2008 and beyond. During this time, we reflected on the past by creating a “time line” of the congregation’s history and ministry. Here are some major insights we gained from the time line:
- We also have learned that it is important to encourage and assist the pastor in balancing church leadership with personal/family life. We should not look to the pastor to solve all of the church’s issues or lead change alone – we are all called to be ministers of the gospel, and ministry is not a one-person task.
- We value the opportunity to be a church family, and minister to one another in times of need, change, and crisis.
- We acknowledged that contemporary family life has many challenges. We must make ministry with families, children, and youth a top priority.
- We want to be a community where all people are valued and encouraged to grow in their Christian faith.
We also acknowledged some strengths and opportunities in our current church environment. Our biggest strength at St. Peter Lutheran is that God has promised to build up the church on earth, and that includes us. In Christ, we have everything we need to sustain and share our faith. Other strengths include our worship life, relationship with the pastor, and the fact that our congregation is made of many strong leaders and loving people of faith. Our facilities and finances are two other great assets. All of these strengths are gifts from God upon which our future ministry can be built.
We see two major areas that need growth and change in 2008: Christian Education and Faith Sharing/Outreach.
- Christian Education. This includes re-visioning and strengthening our Sunday School programs and educational opportunities for children, adults, and confirmation students. The church nursery will need to be re-coordinated in the fall. We need adults to coordinate high-school events and serve as mentors to our youth.
- Faith Sharing/Outreach. We want to better strengthen fellowship, leadership, and personal connections within our community. We brainstormed ideas on how to include more people in the life of ministry and be a witness of Jesus Christ to the community.
You are asked to join us in enacting change in these two areas of church life. If you are willing to help us plan and lead change in the realm of children/youth education, please attend the Education Committee’s meeting on Thursday, May 8th, at 7 PM. (Note: A committee meeting for strengthening our adult educational opportunities will be scheduled at a later date.) If you would like to help enhance our church’s life of fellowship, please attend the Faith Sharing/Outreach meeting on Thursday, May 15th, at 7 PM.
The intent of these first meetings is to brainstorm, share ideas, and identify leaders in our church who can help carry out the mission and ministry of the congregation. We can use anyone and everyone at these meetings, and nobody will be asked to take on a commitment that they cannot handle, or that God is not leading them to do.
In Christ,
Rev. Katherine Olson
Dave S., President and Education Co-Chair
Dan K., Vice-President and Property Chair
Rick D., Treasurer and Faith-Sharing Co-Chair
Dave M., Secretary and Worship Co-Chair
Ryan T. Education Co-Chair
Dan M., Education Co-Chair
Susan M., Faith Sharing Co-Chair
Bob W., Worship Co-Chair
Lynn K., Stewardship Chair
On Saturday, March 29th, 2008, the St. Peter Church Council came together to set a guiding vision and mission for ministry that will steer the work of the congregation in 2008 and beyond. During this time, we reflected on the past by creating a “time line” of the congregation’s history and ministry. Here are some major insights we gained from the time line:
- We also have learned that it is important to encourage and assist the pastor in balancing church leadership with personal/family life. We should not look to the pastor to solve all of the church’s issues or lead change alone – we are all called to be ministers of the gospel, and ministry is not a one-person task.
- We value the opportunity to be a church family, and minister to one another in times of need, change, and crisis.
- We acknowledged that contemporary family life has many challenges. We must make ministry with families, children, and youth a top priority.
- We want to be a community where all people are valued and encouraged to grow in their Christian faith.
We also acknowledged some strengths and opportunities in our current church environment. Our biggest strength at St. Peter Lutheran is that God has promised to build up the church on earth, and that includes us. In Christ, we have everything we need to sustain and share our faith. Other strengths include our worship life, relationship with the pastor, and the fact that our congregation is made of many strong leaders and loving people of faith. Our facilities and finances are two other great assets. All of these strengths are gifts from God upon which our future ministry can be built.
We see two major areas that need growth and change in 2008: Christian Education and Faith Sharing/Outreach.
- Christian Education. This includes re-visioning and strengthening our Sunday School programs and educational opportunities for children, adults, and confirmation students. The church nursery will need to be re-coordinated in the fall. We need adults to coordinate high-school events and serve as mentors to our youth.
- Faith Sharing/Outreach. We want to better strengthen fellowship, leadership, and personal connections within our community. We brainstormed ideas on how to include more people in the life of ministry and be a witness of Jesus Christ to the community.
You are asked to join us in enacting change in these two areas of church life. If you are willing to help us plan and lead change in the realm of children/youth education, please attend the Education Committee’s meeting on Thursday, May 8th, at 7 PM. (Note: A committee meeting for strengthening our adult educational opportunities will be scheduled at a later date.) If you would like to help enhance our church’s life of fellowship, please attend the Faith Sharing/Outreach meeting on Thursday, May 15th, at 7 PM.
The intent of these first meetings is to brainstorm, share ideas, and identify leaders in our church who can help carry out the mission and ministry of the congregation. We can use anyone and everyone at these meetings, and nobody will be asked to take on a commitment that they cannot handle, or that God is not leading them to do.
In Christ,
Rev. Katherine Olson
Dave S., President and Education Co-Chair
Dan K., Vice-President and Property Chair
Rick D., Treasurer and Faith-Sharing Co-Chair
Dave M., Secretary and Worship Co-Chair
Ryan T. Education Co-Chair
Dan M., Education Co-Chair
Susan M., Faith Sharing Co-Chair
Bob W., Worship Co-Chair
Lynn K., Stewardship Chair
Faith Statements
Normally on this page I “treat” you to my own reflections and thoughts, but this time I’m going to let our confirmation students have the floor instead. Here are the faith statements of seven young men and women who have meant a lot to me over the past two years. May your faith be strengthened as you hear the testimony of these young people.
Dylan B.
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” - Matthew 16:25-26
These verses make a statement about our world today. So many people are living a life for themselves and not for God. People are caught up in a world dominated by material possessions. Most people have a “see what I have” attitude towards others, and feel as if they are better people because of their possessions. What Jesus is saying in the verses I chose is that you can obtain any possession in the world, but if you die without following my word, you really never lived. But if you die for me, you will find your life through your faith and the passion that you showed through your life towards me as a Christian.
Lindzi H.
“Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” - Isaiah 46:4
Hanging from the mirror in my home is a poem called “Footprints in the Sand”. My brother Chad made this art project in Sunday school years ago with Donna Berger, and it has hung on the mirror all these years. I have always taken for granted the poem hanging from the mirror, and I found this poem interesting in many ways. So, I decided to see which passage it came from. When I discovered one of the passages it came from was Isaiah 46:4, I knew this was the verse for me.
Many times during my catechism classes I felt like I truly wasn’t sure how I felt about a few things. Like sometimes I wasn’t sure about my feelings for the class or its requirements, and another instance that stands out particular to me was going to confirmation camp. This was something that was really hard for me as I have never been away from home. Looking back, I know I had the Lord with me helping me to get thru it, carrying me just as Isaiah 46:4 states and delivering me back to my comfort zone where I felt safe again.
I know my parents always taught us that God is everywhere and with us all the time, but this is something I don’t always seem to remember. I think most of us forget this when we are worried about our problems - at least I know I do. Pastor told me: “Confirmation is about your belief in God, do you believe in God?” This directed me to focus on the important things about my confirmation, and not the times when I relied on God to carry me thru. Now I know God carried me thru and he is still with me today, tomorrow and always. That is what matters to me now.
This is why I chose Isaiah 46:4, and the poem that came from it is special to me.
Stephanie K.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”- Psalm 27:1
I know that the Lord is with me all of the time. I never need to be afraid that he is not going to be with me. When I am afraid or upset, and things are going bad for me, I can trust that the Lord is going to be there to help me out. When my one grandpa died, he helped me get through the rough time, and I was not afraid. The Lord is the stronghold of my life because he leads me in the right direction to go. He makes sure that I do not do anything that harms me. He leads me down the right path that he thinks is best for me. He wants me to turn out as a great person. I thank the Lord for helping me this far, and I know that he will keep doing so.
Tyler M.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12
Some people think that younger people cannot be as active and helpful in the church as older ones. That’s why I chose 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set and example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Just because you aren’t an adult doesn’t mean you can’t be an active member of the church. You can set a good example for the other children and the congregation. Set examples in speech by praying every day and praising God. Set examples in life: help others, and follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Love your enemies as well as your neighbors, friends, family, yourself, and God. Set examples in faith: go to church and participate in church activities. Finally, in purity, have goodwill toward all people and confess your sins. These may be basic rules as Christians, but anyone and everyone, no matter their age, can fulfill them.
Brandi T.
”It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
My confirmation verse is Galatians 2:20. “It is no longer I who lives, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I chose this verse because I think it represents what we have been talking about during the whole process of confirmation. It shows that to be a good Christian, you should forget about the old you and leave the selfish wants and needs behind, to open up and become the new you by letting Christ come and fill your life. It reminds us that God loved us so much he gave his one and only Son to wash away our sins and save us so we can go live eternally in heaven with him.
Amanda V.
“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”- Isaiah 41:10
I chose this verse because it describes everything I feel I learned in my confirmation classes. I learned that if I believe he is my God, I don’t have to be afraid of anything. With my God, all things are possible. As I continue going through my life, I want to know that God is always there for me. I don’t have to fear the unknown, because he will guide me through any problems. I am 14 years old, and things aren’t always good with my friends. They will say things about me that aren’t always nice or true. I have a hard time dealing with the pain they sometimes cause me, but it helps me to pray to God for answers to give me the strength to get through the day. He helps me by telling me in this verse that he will be with me and that I should not be afraid because he will help me.
I have always known that I can count on my parents for anything. It helps me to know that through their teaching and the guidance Pastor Katherine has shown me; I will not fear because God is there for me.
Kayla W.
“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” - Psalm 25: 4-5
God has helped me in my everyday life, and throughout confirmation class. He has loved me and has been with me every step of the way. Best of all, he has been guiding me in the right ways to go. I don’t know what I would do without him. He has made me special in every way possible, and I know he has plans for me and the rest of my life. I hope that I follow his plan for me as he has chosen. When I don’t know what to do, I know God will always guide me in the right direction. Sometimes I do make wrong decisions, but God always has a way to get me to see where I made the wrong decision. I know what I sometimes do is wrong, but somehow God has always finds a way to forgive me. God, I need you to help me and guide me in the right direction throughout the rest of me life and make the right decisions. My confirmation verse is the one verse that I want to remember in my life. No matter where I go, I can use these as “words to live my life.”
Dylan B.
“For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?” - Matthew 16:25-26
These verses make a statement about our world today. So many people are living a life for themselves and not for God. People are caught up in a world dominated by material possessions. Most people have a “see what I have” attitude towards others, and feel as if they are better people because of their possessions. What Jesus is saying in the verses I chose is that you can obtain any possession in the world, but if you die without following my word, you really never lived. But if you die for me, you will find your life through your faith and the passion that you showed through your life towards me as a Christian.
Lindzi H.
“Even to your old age I am he, even when you turn gray I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” - Isaiah 46:4
Hanging from the mirror in my home is a poem called “Footprints in the Sand”. My brother Chad made this art project in Sunday school years ago with Donna Berger, and it has hung on the mirror all these years. I have always taken for granted the poem hanging from the mirror, and I found this poem interesting in many ways. So, I decided to see which passage it came from. When I discovered one of the passages it came from was Isaiah 46:4, I knew this was the verse for me.
Many times during my catechism classes I felt like I truly wasn’t sure how I felt about a few things. Like sometimes I wasn’t sure about my feelings for the class or its requirements, and another instance that stands out particular to me was going to confirmation camp. This was something that was really hard for me as I have never been away from home. Looking back, I know I had the Lord with me helping me to get thru it, carrying me just as Isaiah 46:4 states and delivering me back to my comfort zone where I felt safe again.
I know my parents always taught us that God is everywhere and with us all the time, but this is something I don’t always seem to remember. I think most of us forget this when we are worried about our problems - at least I know I do. Pastor told me: “Confirmation is about your belief in God, do you believe in God?” This directed me to focus on the important things about my confirmation, and not the times when I relied on God to carry me thru. Now I know God carried me thru and he is still with me today, tomorrow and always. That is what matters to me now.
This is why I chose Isaiah 46:4, and the poem that came from it is special to me.
Stephanie K.
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”- Psalm 27:1
I know that the Lord is with me all of the time. I never need to be afraid that he is not going to be with me. When I am afraid or upset, and things are going bad for me, I can trust that the Lord is going to be there to help me out. When my one grandpa died, he helped me get through the rough time, and I was not afraid. The Lord is the stronghold of my life because he leads me in the right direction to go. He makes sure that I do not do anything that harms me. He leads me down the right path that he thinks is best for me. He wants me to turn out as a great person. I thank the Lord for helping me this far, and I know that he will keep doing so.
Tyler M.
Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. - 1 Timothy 4:12
Some people think that younger people cannot be as active and helpful in the church as older ones. That’s why I chose 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set and example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” Just because you aren’t an adult doesn’t mean you can’t be an active member of the church. You can set a good example for the other children and the congregation. Set examples in speech by praying every day and praising God. Set examples in life: help others, and follow the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Love your enemies as well as your neighbors, friends, family, yourself, and God. Set examples in faith: go to church and participate in church activities. Finally, in purity, have goodwill toward all people and confess your sins. These may be basic rules as Christians, but anyone and everyone, no matter their age, can fulfill them.
Brandi T.
”It is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20
My confirmation verse is Galatians 2:20. “It is no longer I who lives, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” I chose this verse because I think it represents what we have been talking about during the whole process of confirmation. It shows that to be a good Christian, you should forget about the old you and leave the selfish wants and needs behind, to open up and become the new you by letting Christ come and fill your life. It reminds us that God loved us so much he gave his one and only Son to wash away our sins and save us so we can go live eternally in heaven with him.
Amanda V.
“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”- Isaiah 41:10
I chose this verse because it describes everything I feel I learned in my confirmation classes. I learned that if I believe he is my God, I don’t have to be afraid of anything. With my God, all things are possible. As I continue going through my life, I want to know that God is always there for me. I don’t have to fear the unknown, because he will guide me through any problems. I am 14 years old, and things aren’t always good with my friends. They will say things about me that aren’t always nice or true. I have a hard time dealing with the pain they sometimes cause me, but it helps me to pray to God for answers to give me the strength to get through the day. He helps me by telling me in this verse that he will be with me and that I should not be afraid because he will help me.
I have always known that I can count on my parents for anything. It helps me to know that through their teaching and the guidance Pastor Katherine has shown me; I will not fear because God is there for me.
Kayla W.
“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long.” - Psalm 25: 4-5
God has helped me in my everyday life, and throughout confirmation class. He has loved me and has been with me every step of the way. Best of all, he has been guiding me in the right ways to go. I don’t know what I would do without him. He has made me special in every way possible, and I know he has plans for me and the rest of my life. I hope that I follow his plan for me as he has chosen. When I don’t know what to do, I know God will always guide me in the right direction. Sometimes I do make wrong decisions, but God always has a way to get me to see where I made the wrong decision. I know what I sometimes do is wrong, but somehow God has always finds a way to forgive me. God, I need you to help me and guide me in the right direction throughout the rest of me life and make the right decisions. My confirmation verse is the one verse that I want to remember in my life. No matter where I go, I can use these as “words to live my life.”
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Confirmation Sunday is April 27th!
Congratulations to 8th graders Kayla W., Stephanie K., Lindzi H., Brandi T., Dylan B., Tyler M., and Amanda V. They will publicly affirm their baptisms and confirm their faith in Christ Jesus at the 10:00 service on April 27th.
These young people have spent the last two years learning the basics of the Christian faith. They have studied the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the 10 Commandments, and the Sacraments. They have learned more about the Bible, and have grown in their faith through worship and service. They also attended confirmation camp last summer at Camp Lutherwald in Howe, IN.
We look forward to celebrating with them on April 27th. A reception will follow the worship service.
These young people have spent the last two years learning the basics of the Christian faith. They have studied the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, the 10 Commandments, and the Sacraments. They have learned more about the Bible, and have grown in their faith through worship and service. They also attended confirmation camp last summer at Camp Lutherwald in Howe, IN.
We look forward to celebrating with them on April 27th. A reception will follow the worship service.
Cross Training 2008
Cross Training 2008: Rooted in the Cross
Mission and Ministry Extravaganza
May 16-17, 2008 - Bowling Green State University
Renew Your Faith. Renew Your Baptism.
A group from St. Peter’s will be attending this faith-changing experience. Please be a part of that group! The goal of each congregation in the Northwestern Ohio Synod is to have at least 5-10% of our members experience this awesome event.
Featuring speakers Tony Campolo and Steve Marsh
Musical Guests Lost and Found and Ken Medema
Plus, a wide variety of workshops!
Come to one or all three sessions that take place over the course of the weekend:
- Friday Night session (4:30-9 PM) featuring Steve Marsh and Ken Medema
- Saturday Early Session (9 AM – 5 PM) featuring workshops and Tony Campolo
- Saturday Night Session (6:30-10:30 PM) featuring Tony Campolo, Ken Medema, and Lost and Found (this would be an especially great session for youth)
Older kids and youth will appreciate these sessions, but childcare will be available too. Nursery care is available for children ages 1-4, and programming will be available for ages 5-12 at nearby St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. The staff of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries will provide the childcare, and the cost is minimal.
Cross Training is a chance to strengthen and renew your faith in Jesus Christ. Come and feel the power of the Holy Spirit alive in the conference as we meet, worship, and study together to live the mission that God has intended for us in this time and in this place.
The April 16th registration deadline is approaching! Please talk to Pastor Katherine to obtain a brochure, registration information, and more details. Once we know who is attending, we will work out transportation/carpool arrangements.
MUCH more information can be found at www.nwos-elca.org/crosstraining. So check it out!
Mission and Ministry Extravaganza
May 16-17, 2008 - Bowling Green State University
Renew Your Faith. Renew Your Baptism.
A group from St. Peter’s will be attending this faith-changing experience. Please be a part of that group! The goal of each congregation in the Northwestern Ohio Synod is to have at least 5-10% of our members experience this awesome event.
Featuring speakers Tony Campolo and Steve Marsh
Musical Guests Lost and Found and Ken Medema
Plus, a wide variety of workshops!
Come to one or all three sessions that take place over the course of the weekend:
- Friday Night session (4:30-9 PM) featuring Steve Marsh and Ken Medema
- Saturday Early Session (9 AM – 5 PM) featuring workshops and Tony Campolo
- Saturday Night Session (6:30-10:30 PM) featuring Tony Campolo, Ken Medema, and Lost and Found (this would be an especially great session for youth)
Older kids and youth will appreciate these sessions, but childcare will be available too. Nursery care is available for children ages 1-4, and programming will be available for ages 5-12 at nearby St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Bowling Green. The staff of Lutheran Outdoor Ministries will provide the childcare, and the cost is minimal.
Cross Training is a chance to strengthen and renew your faith in Jesus Christ. Come and feel the power of the Holy Spirit alive in the conference as we meet, worship, and study together to live the mission that God has intended for us in this time and in this place.
The April 16th registration deadline is approaching! Please talk to Pastor Katherine to obtain a brochure, registration information, and more details. Once we know who is attending, we will work out transportation/carpool arrangements.
MUCH more information can be found at www.nwos-elca.org/crosstraining. So check it out!
New Member Sunday is April 20th!
We look forward to welcoming more people into official membership in our church. Potential new members are encouraged to set up a personal meeting with Pastor Katherine to express their interest if they have not done so already.
Non-Lutherans have been meeting with Pastor Katherine to receive Lutheran catechism, but Lutherans transferring from other churches do not need to fulfill this requirement.
All new members are asked to attend a 9:00 session on the morning of the 20th during the Sunday School hour – this session will cover the formation of the ELCA and the history of St. Peter Lutheran Church – and will be held in conjunction with the Confirmation class. Then, new members will attend the 10:00 service which will include a service of Affirmation of Faith. A reception will follow the worship hour, and we hope everyone will be present to welcome our latest members!
Another New Member Class will be held in the summer.
Non-Lutherans have been meeting with Pastor Katherine to receive Lutheran catechism, but Lutherans transferring from other churches do not need to fulfill this requirement.
All new members are asked to attend a 9:00 session on the morning of the 20th during the Sunday School hour – this session will cover the formation of the ELCA and the history of St. Peter Lutheran Church – and will be held in conjunction with the Confirmation class. Then, new members will attend the 10:00 service which will include a service of Affirmation of Faith. A reception will follow the worship hour, and we hope everyone will be present to welcome our latest members!
Another New Member Class will be held in the summer.
Paint-a-palooza 2008
Are you ready for...
Paint-a-palooza 2008?!?!
Paint Prep Party: Friday, April 18th from 6:30-8:30 PM
Painting and Cleanup Day: Saturday, April 19th from 7:30 AM - ???
Do you agree that the Fellowship Hall could use a fabulous makeover? Are you waiting for the “Trading Spaces” crew to come in and do the work for us, or do you think we can do it ourselves?
Let’s put our painting, cleaning, and organizing skills to the test on the weekend of April 18-19. Come on Friday evening for a Paint Prep Party (say that three times fast) as we get the Fellowship Hall ready for the main event on Saturday. At the Paint Prep Party we’ll have Popcorn, Punch, and Pepsi.
On Saturday, some early birds want to show up at 7:30 to get their paint on. If you’re like Pastor Katherine and like to sleep in a little – that’s fine, you can meet us later in the morning. We will have painting jobs as well as other cleaning/organizing tasks, and will finish up some time in the early afternoon. We will have a few snacks on hand for those of you who are secretly coming for the free food and fellowship.
The Property Committee will have jobs for everyone and will do the organizing work behind this event. All we ask is that you show up with a smile on your face and a willingness to pitch in!
Paint-a-palooza 2008?!?!
Paint Prep Party: Friday, April 18th from 6:30-8:30 PM
Painting and Cleanup Day: Saturday, April 19th from 7:30 AM - ???
Do you agree that the Fellowship Hall could use a fabulous makeover? Are you waiting for the “Trading Spaces” crew to come in and do the work for us, or do you think we can do it ourselves?
Let’s put our painting, cleaning, and organizing skills to the test on the weekend of April 18-19. Come on Friday evening for a Paint Prep Party (say that three times fast) as we get the Fellowship Hall ready for the main event on Saturday. At the Paint Prep Party we’ll have Popcorn, Punch, and Pepsi.
On Saturday, some early birds want to show up at 7:30 to get their paint on. If you’re like Pastor Katherine and like to sleep in a little – that’s fine, you can meet us later in the morning. We will have painting jobs as well as other cleaning/organizing tasks, and will finish up some time in the early afternoon. We will have a few snacks on hand for those of you who are secretly coming for the free food and fellowship.
The Property Committee will have jobs for everyone and will do the organizing work behind this event. All we ask is that you show up with a smile on your face and a willingness to pitch in!
Getting Real with God
For five weeks during the season of Lent, a group of us met on Wednesdays to study Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Some of us were lifelong Lutherans, some of us were newer Lutherans or not Lutherans at all. We had some great discussions, grew in our understanding of the gospel, and received a loaf of Patti Calvert’s tomato soup bread (but don’t get me started on that cream-cheese frosting with rainbow sprinkles, or this article will get reaalllllly long and full of synonyms for “delicious.”)
The class encouraged me to write an article on the gift of Confession and Absolution. The public rite of Confession and Absolution is a part of every worship service here at St. Peter’s. It precedes Holy Communion, a meal which celebrates God’s love and forgiveness for us all. We do this every week because we sin every week. Also, we do this because God’s primary business is forgiving sins. As Martin Luther puts it, “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.”
When we get to that part of the service, you are encouraged to bring to mind those sins of which you are aware and which trouble you. Perhaps you would like to use the prelude and bring these things to mind, because most often the Confession and Absolution is our first act of worship. What sins shall we bring before God in worship? Martin Luther says, “Here reflect on your place in life in light of the Ten Commandments: whether you are a father, mother, son daughter, employer, employee; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy; whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, wasted, or injured anything.” We also acknowledge that we have committed sins of which we are not aware.
So we stand, and confess these sins before God. We start our service by getting real with God, being honest, and “clearing the air.” Now we await the word of Absolution, which is truly God doing God’s business of forgiving sins through the minister who announces these or similar words: “In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.” We receive “forgiveness from the pastor as from God himself and by no means doubt but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before our Father in heaven.” (Luther) Having full assurance that God is a loving and generous God who forgives sin and gives life, we are free to worship God, and receive the Lord’s Supper with joyful, trusting hearts.
Sometimes there are sins that weigh on us heavily, and we are so guilt-ridden that we cannot believe that our sins are indeed forgiven in this one act. Lutherans do have a practice of individual confession and forgiveness that can be arranged on an “as-needed” basis with the pastor, in a private counseling session. This order of service can be found on page 243 in our red hymnals. If you ever find yourself disbelieving the words of forgiveness spoken to you in the public rite of confession, then you are encouraged to make an appointment with me any time. Confession and Absolution is God’s way of removing obstacles that exist between ourselves and God – so believe the good news that comes to you in Jesus Christ: “Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.”
The class encouraged me to write an article on the gift of Confession and Absolution. The public rite of Confession and Absolution is a part of every worship service here at St. Peter’s. It precedes Holy Communion, a meal which celebrates God’s love and forgiveness for us all. We do this every week because we sin every week. Also, we do this because God’s primary business is forgiving sins. As Martin Luther puts it, “Where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.”
When we get to that part of the service, you are encouraged to bring to mind those sins of which you are aware and which trouble you. Perhaps you would like to use the prelude and bring these things to mind, because most often the Confession and Absolution is our first act of worship. What sins shall we bring before God in worship? Martin Luther says, “Here reflect on your place in life in light of the Ten Commandments: whether you are a father, mother, son daughter, employer, employee; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, lazy; whether you have harmed anyone by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, wasted, or injured anything.” We also acknowledge that we have committed sins of which we are not aware.
So we stand, and confess these sins before God. We start our service by getting real with God, being honest, and “clearing the air.” Now we await the word of Absolution, which is truly God doing God’s business of forgiving sins through the minister who announces these or similar words: “In the name of Jesus Christ, your sins are forgiven.” We receive “forgiveness from the pastor as from God himself and by no means doubt but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before our Father in heaven.” (Luther) Having full assurance that God is a loving and generous God who forgives sin and gives life, we are free to worship God, and receive the Lord’s Supper with joyful, trusting hearts.
Sometimes there are sins that weigh on us heavily, and we are so guilt-ridden that we cannot believe that our sins are indeed forgiven in this one act. Lutherans do have a practice of individual confession and forgiveness that can be arranged on an “as-needed” basis with the pastor, in a private counseling session. This order of service can be found on page 243 in our red hymnals. If you ever find yourself disbelieving the words of forgiveness spoken to you in the public rite of confession, then you are encouraged to make an appointment with me any time. Confession and Absolution is God’s way of removing obstacles that exist between ourselves and God – so believe the good news that comes to you in Jesus Christ: “Your sins are forgiven, go in peace.”
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