Thursday, February 26, 2009
Community Lenten Services
The Delphos Ministerial Association will host midweek Lenten services at Trinity United Methodist Church on Thursdays, beginning February 26th at noon. This year’s theme is “Living Lent: The Animals Tell the Story.” Pastor David Howell will lead the first session, with the theme of “Fox.”
"Stones" Midweek Lenten Worship Series - Wednesdays at 7 PM
Stones: A Midweek Lenten Series
Preacher: Pastor Katherine Olson
Wednesday, March 4th, 7 PM
God’s law engraved on stone and on human hearts
Readings: Exodus 34:1-10 (Romans 2:12-16; Matthew 5:17-20)
Wednesday, March 11th, 7 PM
A millstone as metaphor for punishment of sin
Readings: Matthew 18:6-9 (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 PM
Jesus is a stumbling stone for unbelievers and the rock of salvation for believers
Readings: Romans 9:30-33 (Isaiah 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
Wednesday, March 25th, 7 PM
Jesus the living stone upon which the church is founded
Readings: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (Matthew 3:7-12)
Wednesday, April 1st, 7 PM
Jesus, the foundation stone for life
Readings: Matthew 7:24-29 (Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Ephesians 3:14-21)
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Preacher: Pastor Katherine Olson
Wednesday, March 4th, 7 PM
God’s law engraved on stone and on human hearts
Readings: Exodus 34:1-10 (Romans 2:12-16; Matthew 5:17-20)
Wednesday, March 11th, 7 PM
A millstone as metaphor for punishment of sin
Readings: Matthew 18:6-9 (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10)
Wednesday, March 18th, 7 PM
Jesus is a stumbling stone for unbelievers and the rock of salvation for believers
Readings: Romans 9:30-33 (Isaiah 12:1-6; 1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
Wednesday, March 25th, 7 PM
Jesus the living stone upon which the church is founded
Readings: 1 Peter 2:1-10 (Matthew 3:7-12)
Wednesday, April 1st, 7 PM
Jesus, the foundation stone for life
Readings: Matthew 7:24-29 (Deuteronomy 8:1-10; Ephesians 3:14-21)
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Holy Week Schedule for April 2009
Sunday, April 5th is Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion. Worship with palm processional at 10:00.
Thursday, April 9th is Maundy Thursday. Worship is at 7 PM with a celebration of First Communion. On this evening we remember the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper. A soup supper will precede the service at 6:15.
Friday, April 10th is Good Friday. Worship is at 7 PM. On this evening we remember the death and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. A Community Lenten Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist at 12 noon.
Sunday, April 12th is Easter Sunday. Worship services are at 7:30 and 10 AM. In this worship service we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the good news that because he lives, we share in his eternal life. A breakfast will be served in between the services, with an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 9:15.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Thursday, April 9th is Maundy Thursday. Worship is at 7 PM with a celebration of First Communion. On this evening we remember the night that Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples and instituted the Lord's Supper. A soup supper will precede the service at 6:15.
Friday, April 10th is Good Friday. Worship is at 7 PM. On this evening we remember the death and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. A Community Lenten Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist at 12 noon.
Sunday, April 12th is Easter Sunday. Worship services are at 7:30 and 10 AM. In this worship service we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the good news that because he lives, we share in his eternal life. A breakfast will be served in between the services, with an Easter Egg Hunt taking place at 9:15.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Lenten Devotional Email Series from the ELCA
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, singing, "To the one seated on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13
The ELCA is sponsoring a Lenten e-mail series, Living Earth: A 40-day Reflection on our Relationship with God's Creation. This year’s theme, “Joining the Hymn of All Creation” reminds us that our relationship with our neighbors, our world, and all creatures, great and small, is a gift of communion given us by God from creation’s beginning.
Through the course of the reflections participants are challenged with a journey of urgency and hope to:
* give thanks for God’s gifts of abundance
* face the hard facts of our misuse of creation
* read signs of hope for a new way
* learn how we can live "into" God’s promise to make all things new in Christ.
Each week you will find resources for learning, and suggestions for individual and communal action focusing on a range of environmental issues.
To subscribe to the "Living Earth: Joining the Hymn of All Creation" Lenten email series, visit: www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/Environment-and-Energy/Lenten-Reflections.aspx.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
The ELCA is sponsoring a Lenten e-mail series, Living Earth: A 40-day Reflection on our Relationship with God's Creation. This year’s theme, “Joining the Hymn of All Creation” reminds us that our relationship with our neighbors, our world, and all creatures, great and small, is a gift of communion given us by God from creation’s beginning.
Through the course of the reflections participants are challenged with a journey of urgency and hope to:
* give thanks for God’s gifts of abundance
* face the hard facts of our misuse of creation
* read signs of hope for a new way
* learn how we can live "into" God’s promise to make all things new in Christ.
Each week you will find resources for learning, and suggestions for individual and communal action focusing on a range of environmental issues.
To subscribe to the "Living Earth: Joining the Hymn of All Creation" Lenten email series, visit: www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Justice/Advocacy/Issues/Environment-and-Energy/Lenten-Reflections.aspx.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Adult Sunday School in March: Meeting God in Prayer
”What is prayer?” “What does Scripture have to say about it?” “Why do we pray?” Ryan T. and Pastor Katherine will be leading an adult Sunday School class which addresses these questions. The series is entitled “Meeting God in Prayer, and runs from March 1st to April 5th. Each class begins with a 5 minute video presentation featuring professors from Luther Seminary, and includes a time for discussion, Bible Study, and prayer. Classes are held on Sunday mornings at 8:45 in the Fellowship Hall. Hope to see you there!
1. March 1st: What is prayer?
Focus Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-19 and Luke 18:1-8, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Deuteronomy 4:7 and Romans 8:26-27, Colossians 4:2.
2. March 8th: How do we pray?
Focus Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
3. March 15th: Why do we pray?
Focus Scripture: Psalms of Lament and Praise
4. March 22nd: Does God answer prayer?
Focus Scripture: Job, Luke 18:9-14
5. March 29th: When do we pray?
James 5:13-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Luke 22:39-46
6. April 5th: “Meeting God in Prayer” DVD Clip Review
This is Palm Sunday and the leadership team will be getting ready for Sunday’s special service. Instead of a normal class session, we will play back the six DVD clips as a review.
Outline of each class session:
8:45: Gathering, announcements, and review of previous session
8:55: DVD Clip Viewing
9:00 – 9:35: DVD Discussion and Bible Study
9:35: Prayer Activity
9:40 DVD Devotional
9:45 Class Dismissed
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
1. March 1st: What is prayer?
Focus Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-19 and Luke 18:1-8, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, Deuteronomy 4:7 and Romans 8:26-27, Colossians 4:2.
2. March 8th: How do we pray?
Focus Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 and Luke 11:1-13 (The Lord’s Prayer)
3. March 15th: Why do we pray?
Focus Scripture: Psalms of Lament and Praise
4. March 22nd: Does God answer prayer?
Focus Scripture: Job, Luke 18:9-14
5. March 29th: When do we pray?
James 5:13-16, 1 Thessalonians 5:16, Luke 22:39-46
6. April 5th: “Meeting God in Prayer” DVD Clip Review
This is Palm Sunday and the leadership team will be getting ready for Sunday’s special service. Instead of a normal class session, we will play back the six DVD clips as a review.
Outline of each class session:
8:45: Gathering, announcements, and review of previous session
8:55: DVD Clip Viewing
9:00 – 9:35: DVD Discussion and Bible Study
9:35: Prayer Activity
9:40 DVD Devotional
9:45 Class Dismissed
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Acolyte Training and First Communion Classes This Month
Acolyte Training – Sunday, March 8th – 7 PM
We welcome new acolytes (5th grade and up) to an evening of training and practice. Current acolytes are encouraged to attend for a “refresher course.” Acolytes will learn how to select and care for their robe; and be aware of the proper ways to light candles, collect the offering, and help in serving Holy Communion.
Candidates for First Communion in 2009 are welcome to attend. They will be taking First Communion Class on the following three Sundays (March 15, 22, and 29th) at 7 PM.
First Communion Classes begin March 15th
Parents of fifth grade students have received a letter informing them of the class sessions. First Communion will be celebrated at the Maundy Thursday service on Thursday, April 9th. If any other students want to sign up for this class, please talk to Pastor Katherine.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
We welcome new acolytes (5th grade and up) to an evening of training and practice. Current acolytes are encouraged to attend for a “refresher course.” Acolytes will learn how to select and care for their robe; and be aware of the proper ways to light candles, collect the offering, and help in serving Holy Communion.
Candidates for First Communion in 2009 are welcome to attend. They will be taking First Communion Class on the following three Sundays (March 15, 22, and 29th) at 7 PM.
First Communion Classes begin March 15th
Parents of fifth grade students have received a letter informing them of the class sessions. First Communion will be celebrated at the Maundy Thursday service on Thursday, April 9th. If any other students want to sign up for this class, please talk to Pastor Katherine.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
In Praise of the Church Newsletter
“Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.”
Proverbs 25:25
“Here’s the mail / it never fails / it makes me want to wag my tail / when it comes I want to wail / Maaaaaaaaaaaaail!” That song is very popular in our house these days, because our son Carl is a serious “Blue’s Clues” fan. And the mail is indeed something to sing about. Six days a week, barring any major holidays, the postal worker faithfully delivers it to our homes or post office boxes. Although phone calls, texts, instant messages, and emails are very quick and convenient ways for us to communicate, there is something special about getting a piece of tangible mail. We love getting personal mail – invitations, greeting cards, and handwritten notes. Some of the mail we could do without, of course. There are the unsolicited advertisements and catalogs that do nothing but add clutter to our lives. There are the bills that remind us of debts unpaid.
Once a month, members and friends of this church get a very special piece of mail. You’re holding it your hands right now, of course – it’s the church newsletter. The Messenger arrives in your mailbox each month, full of news, thoughts to ponder, and lots of crazy clip art. I hope that when you receive this newsletter, you do not groan audibly as one who receives a jury duty summons or an overdue bill!
Think of this newsletter as “good news from a distant land.” The newsletter is one more way that God calls you away from the all-consuming chaos and noise of your everyday life and invites you into a deeper life of faith. Because it bears the news of God’s church, this newsletter can indeed be like cold water to our weary souls. So when the newsletter arrives, take some time to read it over and “drink up!” Inside its pages, you may be led by the Spirit of God to discover something new. This humble stack of taped-together papers is one more reminder that the God of the universe loves you and is continually drawing near to you, speaking a word of encouragement and hope to you in good times and in bad.
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for your patience and persistence. Even though we turn from you, you never turn from us. Send your Holy Spirit to us, fill us with a living faith, and keep speaking your word to us in unexpected ways. Amen.
Action: This month, we find ourselves in the season of Lent. It is a season of repentance and turning to the Lord. Resolve to attend one of our weekly Lenten services or attend a Bible study. St. Peter’s Lenten Services are on Wednesdays at 7 pm, and the Community Lenten services are on Thursdays at noon at Trinity UMC. On March 1st, we are also beginning a special Adult Sunday School series on the theme of prayer. In addition, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and Good Shepherd Circle studies are always open to all. More details are included…in the newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Proverbs 25:25
“Here’s the mail / it never fails / it makes me want to wag my tail / when it comes I want to wail / Maaaaaaaaaaaaail!” That song is very popular in our house these days, because our son Carl is a serious “Blue’s Clues” fan. And the mail is indeed something to sing about. Six days a week, barring any major holidays, the postal worker faithfully delivers it to our homes or post office boxes. Although phone calls, texts, instant messages, and emails are very quick and convenient ways for us to communicate, there is something special about getting a piece of tangible mail. We love getting personal mail – invitations, greeting cards, and handwritten notes. Some of the mail we could do without, of course. There are the unsolicited advertisements and catalogs that do nothing but add clutter to our lives. There are the bills that remind us of debts unpaid.
Once a month, members and friends of this church get a very special piece of mail. You’re holding it your hands right now, of course – it’s the church newsletter. The Messenger arrives in your mailbox each month, full of news, thoughts to ponder, and lots of crazy clip art. I hope that when you receive this newsletter, you do not groan audibly as one who receives a jury duty summons or an overdue bill!
Think of this newsletter as “good news from a distant land.” The newsletter is one more way that God calls you away from the all-consuming chaos and noise of your everyday life and invites you into a deeper life of faith. Because it bears the news of God’s church, this newsletter can indeed be like cold water to our weary souls. So when the newsletter arrives, take some time to read it over and “drink up!” Inside its pages, you may be led by the Spirit of God to discover something new. This humble stack of taped-together papers is one more reminder that the God of the universe loves you and is continually drawing near to you, speaking a word of encouragement and hope to you in good times and in bad.
Prayer: Loving God, we thank you for your patience and persistence. Even though we turn from you, you never turn from us. Send your Holy Spirit to us, fill us with a living faith, and keep speaking your word to us in unexpected ways. Amen.
Action: This month, we find ourselves in the season of Lent. It is a season of repentance and turning to the Lord. Resolve to attend one of our weekly Lenten services or attend a Bible study. St. Peter’s Lenten Services are on Wednesdays at 7 pm, and the Community Lenten services are on Thursdays at noon at Trinity UMC. On March 1st, we are also beginning a special Adult Sunday School series on the theme of prayer. In addition, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast and Good Shepherd Circle studies are always open to all. More details are included…in the newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
New Members Were Welcomed on January 11th, 2009
Two new members were welcomed in service on Sunday, January 11th. Please join us in welcoming them into the life of the congregation.
Many of you know Matt K. already. Matt has attended St. Peter Lutheran for many years with his wife Brenda and children Adrian, Zachary, and Elijah. Formerly, Matt was a member of St. John’s in Delphos. Matt is an engineer. His interests include bike riding, Ebay, tools, watching football, going to the library, playing Scrabble, family activities and events, and Jesus Christ. His favorite dessert is cheesecake. His favorite Bible story is the birth of Jesus, because “it’s about him coming to Earth to save us, and the holiday season is always fun.” Matt also enjoys the book of Proverbs. Matt has decided to attend more frequently and become a member because, as he says, “I recently accepted Jesus Christ into my heart and it feels good. I want to get to know God better. I need his mercy, joy, and love.” We are so glad that Matt is formally joining our church today. We all need God’s mercy, joy, and love, and Matt’s testimony inspires us.
Shirley P. has been attending our church ever since her daughter Patti, son-in-law Roger, and great-grandson Talan became members last spring. Formerly, she was a member of St. John’s in Delphos. Shirley is a homemaker. She enjoys crochet, reading, and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Her favorite dessert is apple pie. Shirley finds it difficult to pick a favorite Bible passage. She says, “I have no favorite, I want to learn it all.” Asked why she decided to become a member, Shirley says, “I have wanted to belong to a church ever since I got married in 1952. But my husband was not interested.” Now that she is widowed, she feels like it is the right time to become involved in a faith community. We welcome Shirley into our congregation and encourage her to continue to grow in her study of the word and in her life of faith. Shirley inspires us to keep welcoming the word of God into our lives.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Many of you know Matt K. already. Matt has attended St. Peter Lutheran for many years with his wife Brenda and children Adrian, Zachary, and Elijah. Formerly, Matt was a member of St. John’s in Delphos. Matt is an engineer. His interests include bike riding, Ebay, tools, watching football, going to the library, playing Scrabble, family activities and events, and Jesus Christ. His favorite dessert is cheesecake. His favorite Bible story is the birth of Jesus, because “it’s about him coming to Earth to save us, and the holiday season is always fun.” Matt also enjoys the book of Proverbs. Matt has decided to attend more frequently and become a member because, as he says, “I recently accepted Jesus Christ into my heart and it feels good. I want to get to know God better. I need his mercy, joy, and love.” We are so glad that Matt is formally joining our church today. We all need God’s mercy, joy, and love, and Matt’s testimony inspires us.
Shirley P. has been attending our church ever since her daughter Patti, son-in-law Roger, and great-grandson Talan became members last spring. Formerly, she was a member of St. John’s in Delphos. Shirley is a homemaker. She enjoys crochet, reading, and playing games with her great-grandchildren. Her favorite dessert is apple pie. Shirley finds it difficult to pick a favorite Bible passage. She says, “I have no favorite, I want to learn it all.” Asked why she decided to become a member, Shirley says, “I have wanted to belong to a church ever since I got married in 1952. But my husband was not interested.” Now that she is widowed, she feels like it is the right time to become involved in a faith community. We welcome Shirley into our congregation and encourage her to continue to grow in her study of the word and in her life of faith. Shirley inspires us to keep welcoming the word of God into our lives.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Lenten Services 2009
The Delphos Ministerial Association will host midweek Lenten services at Trinity United Methodist Church on Thursdays, beginning February 26th at noon. This year’s theme is “Living Lent: The Animals Tell the Story.” Pastor David Howell will lead the first session, with the theme of “Fox.”
St. Peter’s midweek Lenten services continue on Wednesday, March 4th. This year’s theme is “Stones.” More details coming in next month's newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
St. Peter’s midweek Lenten services continue on Wednesday, March 4th. This year’s theme is “Stones.” More details coming in next month's newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Ash Wednesday Service - February 25th at 7 PM
The focus of this day is repentance, or a return to the Lord. We receive on our foreheads the sign of ashes, which suggests our human mortality and frailty. What seems like an ending is really an invitation to make each day a new beginning, in which we are washed in God's mercy and forgiveness.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Adult Sunday School News
Thank you to Dave S. for leading the most recent Adult Sunday School class on The Book of Faith. Walt A. will teach throughout the month of February. He will begin with the Final Journey of Jesus, that leads up to His triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. This will include the story of the young rich man, Jesus’ warning about earthly attachments and worldly fame, the story of Zacchaeus, the healing of Bartimaeus, the Parable of the Ten Minas, Mary's understanding of Jesus' mission and the plots at Passover to kill Lazarus and finally Jesus.
The theme for March’s Adult Sunday School class will be “Meeting God in Prayer.” More details will come in next month’s newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
The theme for March’s Adult Sunday School class will be “Meeting God in Prayer.” More details will come in next month’s newsletter.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Saturday Morning Study on Romans
The Men’s Prayer Breakfast group is currently studying the Book of Romans. They invite anyone and everyone to join them – in fact, Ella Mae has been studying along with them, so they are only the Men’s Prayer Breakfast group in name. Come to the church on Saturdays at 8 AM if you are interested, and enjoy coffee, treats, conversation, prayer, and Scripture.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
"The Love Dare" Book Discussion on February 22nd
Join us on February 22nd at 7 PM as we discuss the book The Love Dare by Stephen and Alex Kendrick. You can order your copy of this book through the church ($10) for a limited time, or through any major bookstore, including online retailers like Amazon.com.
Too many marriages end when someone says "I've fallen out of love with you" or "I don't love you anymore." In reality, such statements reveal a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love. This 40-day guided devotional experience will strengthen your resolve to love and care for your spouse as God desires while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Each day's entry discusses a unique aspect of love, presents a specific "dare" for you to do for your spouse, and gives you a journaling area to chart the progress that you will be making. Although this book is intentionally written for those who are married, those who are contemplating marriage or single people just interested in the subject are also welcome to read the book and join in the discussion.
The book discussion will also a time of prayer and Bible study.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Too many marriages end when someone says "I've fallen out of love with you" or "I don't love you anymore." In reality, such statements reveal a lack of understanding about the fundamental nature of true love. This 40-day guided devotional experience will strengthen your resolve to love and care for your spouse as God desires while learning more about the design, nature, and source of true love. Each day's entry discusses a unique aspect of love, presents a specific "dare" for you to do for your spouse, and gives you a journaling area to chart the progress that you will be making. Although this book is intentionally written for those who are married, those who are contemplating marriage or single people just interested in the subject are also welcome to read the book and join in the discussion.
The book discussion will also a time of prayer and Bible study.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Book of Faith Workshop - Saturday, February 14th in Findlay
Want to dive in deeper into the Scriptures? Would you like to learn more about how to lead devotions and Bible studies at church or at home? Join Pastor Katherine and other members of the church in attending the Book of Faith workshop, Saturday, February 14th from 8:30-3 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Findlay. Breakout sessions include “Family Bible Study” (how to lead a family study at home), “Adult Bible Study” (how to lead and experience life-changing studies), and “Devotional Leadership” (how to lead and experience life-changing meetings). Registration forms are available at the back of the church. Turn them into the church office by February 5th so we can take advantage of the group discount rate. The cost is $10 and includes lunch.
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
An Appreciation Dinner for Single Mothers - Saturday, February 28th
St. Peter Lutheran Church Hosts…
An Appreciation Dinner for Single Mothers
Saturday, February 28th
Doors open at 5:30, Dinner at 6:00
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Delphos
The Fellowship/Outreach Committee is organizing an appreciation dinner for single mothers. We know that single mothers work very hard to raise their children, so they deserve a little extra pampering, care, and love. The evening will include appetizers, dinner, entertainment, door prizes, and time for socializing. Childcare will be provided, along with a meal and entertainment for the kids. This effort is a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of God’s love through hospitality and encouragement.
Single Moms:
It would be our pleasure to have you with us! Please call 419-695-2616 to register by February 11th.
Volunteers:
1. Invite any and all single mothers you know to this event. Flyers are available at the church, or you can cut out this article and give it to them. Have them call the church (419) 695-2616 to register by February 11th. Registration is required, and we are limiting the event to 25 moms.
2. Volunteer! Signups are available in the red binder in the back of the church. We need volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, and childcare. Plenty of food servers are also needed.
3. Give! All donations of cash will be gladly accepted to offset the costs of food and door prizes. Just designate a portion of your giving to “Single Moms Dinner” or “Fellowship/Outreach.”
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
An Appreciation Dinner for Single Mothers
Saturday, February 28th
Doors open at 5:30, Dinner at 6:00
St. Peter Lutheran Church in Delphos
The Fellowship/Outreach Committee is organizing an appreciation dinner for single mothers. We know that single mothers work very hard to raise their children, so they deserve a little extra pampering, care, and love. The evening will include appetizers, dinner, entertainment, door prizes, and time for socializing. Childcare will be provided, along with a meal and entertainment for the kids. This effort is a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of God’s love through hospitality and encouragement.
Single Moms:
It would be our pleasure to have you with us! Please call 419-695-2616 to register by February 11th.
Volunteers:
1. Invite any and all single mothers you know to this event. Flyers are available at the church, or you can cut out this article and give it to them. Have them call the church (419) 695-2616 to register by February 11th. Registration is required, and we are limiting the event to 25 moms.
2. Volunteer! Signups are available in the red binder in the back of the church. We need volunteers to help with setup, cleanup, and childcare. Plenty of food servers are also needed.
3. Give! All donations of cash will be gladly accepted to offset the costs of food and door prizes. Just designate a portion of your giving to “Single Moms Dinner” or “Fellowship/Outreach.”
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
In Praise of Friendship
But Naomi said, "Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands? Return home, my daughters; I am too old to have another husband. Even if I thought there was still hope for me—even if I had a husband tonight and then gave birth to sons- would you wait until they grew up? Would you remain unmarried for them? No, my daughters. It is more bitter for me than for you, because the LORD's hand has gone out against me!"
At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her.
"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Ruth 1:11-18 (NIV)
Naomi had lost all hope when her husband and sons died. Her grief was raw, and her protection was gone. Just when she thought she had nothing to live for, her daughter-in-law made a vow that changed her future. God provided for this widow through a friend whose love and loyalty would see her through a time of great difficulty and loss.
In times of sadness, God provides for us by sending friends to stand by our side and encourage us. I sincerely hope you have had the opportunity to make friends within this congregation. As you talk to each other before and after the service, share together in Bible study, serve on a committee, or tackle a project together, you are building friendships that will sustain you throughout this life, and remind you of the hope of eternal life we share in the next.
The book of Ruth testifies to the power of friendship which helps us through difficult times. Although friendship cannot erase every sorrow, our friends remind us that we are not alone and that we will experience life and joy once again. What’s more, Jesus Christ himself has called us his friends (John 15:15). He hears our cries, sends the Comforter to us, and daily provides for us. In him we are reminded that suffering will not have the last word, and a new future awaits us. Ruth’s words of devotion point us to an even greater love we experience in God. For Christ has said to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” and “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20).
Prayer: God our friend, thank you for the encouragement and companionship you give us in our friends. We bless you, for through your love we have hope and a future. Amen.
Action: This month, honor some of your friends in this congregation. Give them a call, invite them out, or write them a letter, telling them how much you appreciate their friendship.
- Pastor Katherine
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
At this they wept again. Then Orpah kissed her mother-in-law good-by, but Ruth clung to her.
"Look," said Naomi, "your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her."
But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her.
Ruth 1:11-18 (NIV)
Naomi had lost all hope when her husband and sons died. Her grief was raw, and her protection was gone. Just when she thought she had nothing to live for, her daughter-in-law made a vow that changed her future. God provided for this widow through a friend whose love and loyalty would see her through a time of great difficulty and loss.
In times of sadness, God provides for us by sending friends to stand by our side and encourage us. I sincerely hope you have had the opportunity to make friends within this congregation. As you talk to each other before and after the service, share together in Bible study, serve on a committee, or tackle a project together, you are building friendships that will sustain you throughout this life, and remind you of the hope of eternal life we share in the next.
The book of Ruth testifies to the power of friendship which helps us through difficult times. Although friendship cannot erase every sorrow, our friends remind us that we are not alone and that we will experience life and joy once again. What’s more, Jesus Christ himself has called us his friends (John 15:15). He hears our cries, sends the Comforter to us, and daily provides for us. In him we are reminded that suffering will not have the last word, and a new future awaits us. Ruth’s words of devotion point us to an even greater love we experience in God. For Christ has said to us: “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” and “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 28:20).
Prayer: God our friend, thank you for the encouragement and companionship you give us in our friends. We bless you, for through your love we have hope and a future. Amen.
Action: This month, honor some of your friends in this congregation. Give them a call, invite them out, or write them a letter, telling them how much you appreciate their friendship.
- Pastor Katherine
Back to our website: http://www.stpeterdelphos.org
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