relax, revive, restore, and renew
When?
November 7-9 (Friday thru Sunday) We’ll leave Friday late afternoon, and come back Sunday afternoon. Expect to be home around 2:30.
Who?
This retreat is intended for Jr. & Sr. High youth (grades 7-12) from the Lima area Lutheran congregations. Zion, St. Luke’s, St. Matthew, New Creation, and St. Peter Lutheran Churches are all participating. Plus you can invite friends.
What?
This is a retreat, which means that we will be taking it easy over the weekend, but there will still be plenty of fun to be shared. The trip will cost $80 per person. That will cover the whole retreat, but you can bring spending money for meals and snacks on the road if you would like.
Where?
Camp Mowana, OBVIOUSLY, which is located in streams, fields, and forests near Mansfield, Ohio. We will be staying in one of the heated, comfortable lodges.
Why?
To have some fun, to share our faith, to learn about Jesus Christ, and to have a good time. In other words, WHY NOT? We will be staying at Camp Mowana for 2 nights to relax, have fun and enjoy God’s goodness. New activities will be added this year to complement all our old favorites like, Hide and Seek in the Dark, Glass Window Ping-Pong, Sit Around the Fire and Talk, Lunch, Dodge Ball, Text Messaging Olympics, Capture the Flag, Look at Carl, and who knows what else!
How?
Our junior high and high school students will receive sign-up forms in the mail this week; more are available in the church office. Space is guaranteed if you register by October 12. Late registrations will be accepted only if space is still available!
If you have any questions, please talk to Pastor Katherine at 419-695-2616, or email pastorkatherine@gmail.com.
Drivers and Chaperones are also needed!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
October Volunteer News
Nursery Volunteers and Snacks Needed
We are excited to have Janya G. as our new nursery coordinator. However, we are looking for volunteers to help Janya in the nursery each week. A signup sheet is located in the red sign-up binder in the back of the church.
The nursery also welcomes snack donations. Individually-packaged juice boxes and snack items are preferred. You may drop off your donation in the nursery, or at the church office.
DVD and CD Players Needed for Education Programs
The Pre-K/K Sunday School classroom is in need of a CD player. We would also like a DVD player and a CD player for the confirmation room. If you are able to donate one of these items in good working condition, please contact Pastor Katherine.
Volunteer Spotlight: The Noodle-Makers
Delicious, homemade noodles have been one of St. Peter’s tastiest fund-raising products over the years. At just $3 per bag, they are quite a bargain, too! Last year, St. Peter Lutheran sold 196 pounds of noodles, for a total of $588. When these funds were doubled by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, our church’s ministries benefited to the tune of $1,176.00.
Before a typical noodle-making day begins, volunteers come to crack and separate the eggs. This is a sticky process! The next afternoon, the primary ingredients are mixed together. Then the dough rests until the evening. At that time, more volunteers gather to mix a little more flour into the dough, and then they run the dough through the noodle machines. The noodles are dried overnight, and the next day the noodles are weighed and put into 1 lb. bags.
As you can see, a lot of work goes into the making of St. Peter’s delicious noodles. Volunteers are always welcome, and especially needed at this time. The next noodle-making day is yet to be scheduled, but your weekly bulletin will let you know when the next one comes about. To volunteer, just show up or call the church for more information. If you want to purchase noodles, your next chance to do so will be at the Craft and Bake Sale held at First Federal Bank on Friday, November 21st.
Interested in Serving on Church Council?
Each year in early December, new officers are elected to the church council. The church council meets monthly, and prayerfully provides leadership and guidance within the church. This year, we would like to include a brief biography on each candidate on the ballots. We do this so that those who run will prayerfully consider their call to serve, and that those voting may prayerfully consider who to elect. If you are interested in running for church council, please pick up a candidate information form from the church office, and return it by November 16th.
Mowana Youth Retreat – Drivers and Chaperones Needed
We will need drivers and chaperones for November’s Mowana Youth Retreat (see previous page for details). If you would like to help in either way, please contact Pastor Katherine!
We are excited to have Janya G. as our new nursery coordinator. However, we are looking for volunteers to help Janya in the nursery each week. A signup sheet is located in the red sign-up binder in the back of the church.
The nursery also welcomes snack donations. Individually-packaged juice boxes and snack items are preferred. You may drop off your donation in the nursery, or at the church office.
DVD and CD Players Needed for Education Programs
The Pre-K/K Sunday School classroom is in need of a CD player. We would also like a DVD player and a CD player for the confirmation room. If you are able to donate one of these items in good working condition, please contact Pastor Katherine.
Volunteer Spotlight: The Noodle-Makers
Delicious, homemade noodles have been one of St. Peter’s tastiest fund-raising products over the years. At just $3 per bag, they are quite a bargain, too! Last year, St. Peter Lutheran sold 196 pounds of noodles, for a total of $588. When these funds were doubled by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, our church’s ministries benefited to the tune of $1,176.00.
Before a typical noodle-making day begins, volunteers come to crack and separate the eggs. This is a sticky process! The next afternoon, the primary ingredients are mixed together. Then the dough rests until the evening. At that time, more volunteers gather to mix a little more flour into the dough, and then they run the dough through the noodle machines. The noodles are dried overnight, and the next day the noodles are weighed and put into 1 lb. bags.
As you can see, a lot of work goes into the making of St. Peter’s delicious noodles. Volunteers are always welcome, and especially needed at this time. The next noodle-making day is yet to be scheduled, but your weekly bulletin will let you know when the next one comes about. To volunteer, just show up or call the church for more information. If you want to purchase noodles, your next chance to do so will be at the Craft and Bake Sale held at First Federal Bank on Friday, November 21st.
Interested in Serving on Church Council?
Each year in early December, new officers are elected to the church council. The church council meets monthly, and prayerfully provides leadership and guidance within the church. This year, we would like to include a brief biography on each candidate on the ballots. We do this so that those who run will prayerfully consider their call to serve, and that those voting may prayerfully consider who to elect. If you are interested in running for church council, please pick up a candidate information form from the church office, and return it by November 16th.
Mowana Youth Retreat – Drivers and Chaperones Needed
We will need drivers and chaperones for November’s Mowana Youth Retreat (see previous page for details). If you would like to help in either way, please contact Pastor Katherine!
October Fellowship Events
Retirement Celebration for the Mwamasika Family
Wednesday, October 8th at St. Matthew’s in Cridersville
Bishop Peter Mwamasika of the Dodoma Diocese in Tanzania will soon retire, and the Northwestern Ohio Synod plans to celebrate the important role that he and his wife Anna have played in our companionship with his synod. There will be a Welcome Banquet and Celebration Worship with Holy Communion in his honor on Wednesday evening, October 8th with dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Cridersville is hosting the banquet and celebration worship with Holy Communion. The Celebration Worship with Holy Communion will begin at 7:00 p.m. The church is located 5050 Saint Matthews Dr, Lima, Ohio 45806. Free Will donation will be taken at the banquet. The worship offering will be designated half to Aya School and half to Bishop Mwamasika’s retirement. St. Matthew would appreciate RSVP’s for the dinner by October 1st. No RSVP is necessary for the worship celebration. St. Matthew's phone number is: 419-999-5329 or email: stmattsoffice@bright.net
Chocolate Lovers’ Tour - Thursday, October 9th
Tour of DeBrand Chocolate Kitchens in Fort Wayne
with Anna Mwamasika from the Lutheran Synod in Tanzania
Details of this event were announced in last month’s newsletter. RSVP’s were needed by October 1st, but it may be possible to sneak in at the last minute. Pastor Katherine is coordinating this event in conjunction with other Lutherans from the synod; contact her if you are interested.
Outdoor Movie Night
Saturday, October 11th, 7 PM
At the home of Rick and Marla D.
The Fellowship/Outreach committee is hosting a movie night at Rick and Marla’s house (call church for address and directions). Wear layers, bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and lawn chairs as we gather at 7 PM. The movie will start once it is dark enough to project. The choice of movie will be announced in service on Sunday, October 5th, but we are going for something family-friendly that will appeal to persons of all ages. We will also be serving fresh-popped popcorn!
Before the movie starts, a hat will be passed, and any “admission” received will be used to benefit future projects of the Fellowship/Outreach committee.
Come to support the committee’s efforts and have a great time with your friends from church!
Wednesday, October 8th at St. Matthew’s in Cridersville
Bishop Peter Mwamasika of the Dodoma Diocese in Tanzania will soon retire, and the Northwestern Ohio Synod plans to celebrate the important role that he and his wife Anna have played in our companionship with his synod. There will be a Welcome Banquet and Celebration Worship with Holy Communion in his honor on Wednesday evening, October 8th with dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Cridersville is hosting the banquet and celebration worship with Holy Communion. The Celebration Worship with Holy Communion will begin at 7:00 p.m. The church is located 5050 Saint Matthews Dr, Lima, Ohio 45806. Free Will donation will be taken at the banquet. The worship offering will be designated half to Aya School and half to Bishop Mwamasika’s retirement. St. Matthew would appreciate RSVP’s for the dinner by October 1st. No RSVP is necessary for the worship celebration. St. Matthew's phone number is: 419-999-5329 or email: stmattsoffice@bright.net
Chocolate Lovers’ Tour - Thursday, October 9th
Tour of DeBrand Chocolate Kitchens in Fort Wayne
with Anna Mwamasika from the Lutheran Synod in Tanzania
Details of this event were announced in last month’s newsletter. RSVP’s were needed by October 1st, but it may be possible to sneak in at the last minute. Pastor Katherine is coordinating this event in conjunction with other Lutherans from the synod; contact her if you are interested.
Outdoor Movie Night
Saturday, October 11th, 7 PM
At the home of Rick and Marla D.
The Fellowship/Outreach committee is hosting a movie night at Rick and Marla’s house (call church for address and directions). Wear layers, bring your favorite drinks, snacks, and lawn chairs as we gather at 7 PM. The movie will start once it is dark enough to project. The choice of movie will be announced in service on Sunday, October 5th, but we are going for something family-friendly that will appeal to persons of all ages. We will also be serving fresh-popped popcorn!
Before the movie starts, a hat will be passed, and any “admission” received will be used to benefit future projects of the Fellowship/Outreach committee.
Come to support the committee’s efforts and have a great time with your friends from church!
150th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrating 150 Years of Ministry and
God’s Faithful Presence in Our Midst
Please join us for the
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2008
9:00 AM CHILDREN’S “BIRTHDAY PARTY”
The children are invited to join us at 9:00 for a special birthday party – for the church!
10:00 AM WORSHIP, BISHOP MARCUS LOHRMANN PREACHING
This day is also Reformation Sunday! You are invited to dress in red, which is the liturgical color of the day.
11:30 AM BALLOON LAUNCH
We will be launching 150 multi-colored balloons to celebrate this milestone.
11:45 CATERED LUNCHEON AND SHARING
There is no charge for the luncheon, but donations will be welcome. We do need an estimate, however, so please RSVP to the church by October 16th. You can sign-up in the red binder in back of the church, or call or email the church office to confirm your reservation.
God’s Faithful Presence in Our Midst
Please join us for the
150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2008
9:00 AM CHILDREN’S “BIRTHDAY PARTY”
The children are invited to join us at 9:00 for a special birthday party – for the church!
10:00 AM WORSHIP, BISHOP MARCUS LOHRMANN PREACHING
This day is also Reformation Sunday! You are invited to dress in red, which is the liturgical color of the day.
11:30 AM BALLOON LAUNCH
We will be launching 150 multi-colored balloons to celebrate this milestone.
11:45 CATERED LUNCHEON AND SHARING
There is no charge for the luncheon, but donations will be welcome. We do need an estimate, however, so please RSVP to the church by October 16th. You can sign-up in the red binder in back of the church, or call or email the church office to confirm your reservation.
Message for October 2008
Last month, Ralph and Ella Theis celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at the church. They kicked things off by renewing their vows inside the sanctuary. The bride and groom each wore a traditional square-dancing outfit – because square-dancing is something that has brought them even closer together over the years. Ella secretly edited Ralph’s vows, so he ended up promising “to take you (Ella) square-dancing as often as possible!” The party then moved to the Fellowship Hall, where the guests enjoyed food, games, jokes, and other forms of entertainment. A wonderful time was had by all.
Ralph and Ella had been planning this party for at least one year – maybe more. What some guests may not have known is that the party didn’t go exactly as planned. The Theises were going to renew their vows in the garden, but the weather prevented that from happening. The storm also prevented their friend, Joe Chiles, from coming to the party – Joe had planned to sing a solo and be a caller for the scheduled square dance.
Sometimes our celebrations don’t always turn out the way we had planned. We plan meticulously for a Thanksgiving dinner, but we burn the stuffing. We plan a lovely Valentine’s dinner with our sweetheart, and end up in a stupid argument before the salad course has finished. We throw a baby shower, only the guest of honor doesn’t show because she is in early labor! Try as we may, our celebrations and parties often are ‘crashed’ by minor or major details that are usually beyond our control.
We’re going to celebrate our 150th anniversary as a church this month. 150 years! But I can’t help but wonder if our celebration will be ‘crashed’ in some small way. Maybe the kids will be bored with our activities. Maybe our guest preacher, Bishop Lohrmann, will be unable to come at the last minute (and the Pastor prays: Preserve us from this, heavenly Father!”). Maybe the balloons will get all tangled up in the launch. Maybe the Power-Point presentation won’t work right. Maybe after the celebrations have ended and everyone has gone home, one of our volunteers will say to themselves, “You know what we should have done differently…”
But we must remember that our source of true joy comes not from the celebration itself, but our joy comes from that which we are celebrating. We are celebrating 150 years of God’s faithful presence in this congregation. We are celebrating the Holy Spirit’s work in this community. Thousands of individuals have been baptized here, brought to faith here, have heard of God’s love for them here, have received God’s forgiveness here, have been empowered to go and serve their neighbor through the word – here. Here, God has brought people together in marriage – and here, we have said goodbye to loved ones who have gone to their eternal home.
That is something to be joyful about. That is something to celebrate. How we celebrate is much less important. Ralph and Ella ultimately knew that, and cherished their special day even though things did not go exactly as planned. Why was it such a special day to them? Because of what they were celebrating – a beautiful love that has sustained them across the years. We will take a cue from them and be thankful for what we are celebrating – while trusting that the celebration itself will also be enjoyable. Thanks be to God for God’s faithful presence among us throughout many generations. May God’s name be hallowed and God’s will be done among us for many more years to come. Amen.
Ralph and Ella had been planning this party for at least one year – maybe more. What some guests may not have known is that the party didn’t go exactly as planned. The Theises were going to renew their vows in the garden, but the weather prevented that from happening. The storm also prevented their friend, Joe Chiles, from coming to the party – Joe had planned to sing a solo and be a caller for the scheduled square dance.
Sometimes our celebrations don’t always turn out the way we had planned. We plan meticulously for a Thanksgiving dinner, but we burn the stuffing. We plan a lovely Valentine’s dinner with our sweetheart, and end up in a stupid argument before the salad course has finished. We throw a baby shower, only the guest of honor doesn’t show because she is in early labor! Try as we may, our celebrations and parties often are ‘crashed’ by minor or major details that are usually beyond our control.
We’re going to celebrate our 150th anniversary as a church this month. 150 years! But I can’t help but wonder if our celebration will be ‘crashed’ in some small way. Maybe the kids will be bored with our activities. Maybe our guest preacher, Bishop Lohrmann, will be unable to come at the last minute (and the Pastor prays: Preserve us from this, heavenly Father!”). Maybe the balloons will get all tangled up in the launch. Maybe the Power-Point presentation won’t work right. Maybe after the celebrations have ended and everyone has gone home, one of our volunteers will say to themselves, “You know what we should have done differently…”
But we must remember that our source of true joy comes not from the celebration itself, but our joy comes from that which we are celebrating. We are celebrating 150 years of God’s faithful presence in this congregation. We are celebrating the Holy Spirit’s work in this community. Thousands of individuals have been baptized here, brought to faith here, have heard of God’s love for them here, have received God’s forgiveness here, have been empowered to go and serve their neighbor through the word – here. Here, God has brought people together in marriage – and here, we have said goodbye to loved ones who have gone to their eternal home.
That is something to be joyful about. That is something to celebrate. How we celebrate is much less important. Ralph and Ella ultimately knew that, and cherished their special day even though things did not go exactly as planned. Why was it such a special day to them? Because of what they were celebrating – a beautiful love that has sustained them across the years. We will take a cue from them and be thankful for what we are celebrating – while trusting that the celebration itself will also be enjoyable. Thanks be to God for God’s faithful presence among us throughout many generations. May God’s name be hallowed and God’s will be done among us for many more years to come. Amen.
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