Church News

Baptism : Caylie Joy Jensen & Tyler Nicholas Jensen, daughter and son of Justin & Jennifer Jensen will become children of God and St. Peters congregation through the washing of Holy Baptism today, July 4, 2010. Witnesses are Kyle Oram, Jessie Withers & John Heimbecher. May God continue to strengthen these children in their faith in Jesus. “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16

Wedding : Tiffany Hank & Martin Kelsey were united in marriage on Saturday, July 3, 2010 by Pastor Zessin. We wish God’s abundant blessings for their married life.  

Welcome new member :We welcome into membership by adult confirmation, Mr. Brian Miller, who was confirmed this past Tuesday.  May the Lord walk with Brian and his family and keep them close to each other and to Jesus.

Bible Classes:  Sunday: This Week  7/4: Peter Brickner – “Follow Me, And Be Always Watching For My Return.” A study of the Gospel of Matthew. Next Week: Harold Lindhorst – “Follow Me, Until I Return.” Wednesday: 6:30 pm “The Truth Project” led by Bob Johnson. 7:00 a.m. Morning Bible Study at Kimz Galley Restaurant. We will begin a study of chapters of the Bible. Pastor Kolterjahn will be the class leader in July. (Please note the  new time for this class.)

Vicar Ryan Schlict: Ryan Schlicht, son of the congregation and son of Robert and Johnita Schlicht and will serve as a vicar at Zion Lutheran in Denver Colorado, will preach the sermon next weekend.

Zion Lutheran Church: Zion Lutheran Church of West Jacksonport will once again serve a Fish Boil for our members and neighboring congregations on July 11th after the Sunday morning worship service.  Please note the date and bring your family.

Summer opportunities : The congregation voted in January to reduce the full time janitorial position to part time beginning on July 1. It will take all of us to pick up the jobs now left undone. We have jobs for all skill and time levels. Together we can make this work. Please contact Bob at the church office to volunteer you time 743-4431.

Christian Endowment Fund: Now is the time to apply to the Christian Education Endowment Fund. This fund is available to members of our congregation for Christian education in grade school, high school, or college. Please contact Bob Johnson or stop by the church office to pick up a form or if you have any questions. The applications must be in the office by Monday, July 12.

LES registration: Registration for the new school year will be on Monday, July 26, from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Long Range Planning Committee: will be meeting on Tuesday, July 13, at 6:30 pm.

Security System: Due to the recent break-in, the Technology Team and the Executive Board feel it is important to install security cameras and a recording device that will monitor the church 24/7. A security system is a non-budgeted item. The proposed system, which will have future adaptability, will cost approximately $1,200. If any member of the congregation wishes to contribute to the cost of the system, please contact Bob Johnson or place an envelope in the offering plate labeled, “Security System.” Thank you.

Spend a While on the Nile: St. Paul’s Lutheran VBS July 12-16, 2010! Bring your entire family to ancient Egypt! Each day your family members can step back into history as they see, hear, touch and even taste what it was like in Pharaoh’s empire! Take part in games, dance to lively Bible songs, and sample tasty tidbits as you discover more about how God was with Joseph in good times and bad! Come to St. Paul’s Lutheran School, 1115 Division Street, Algoma. Call 487-5712 for more information and to register. Ages 3 – 6th grade. Pastor John Moll

American Red Cross: The American Red Cross will be here on Monday, July 19, from 12-6 p.m. and on July 20 from 9-3 p.m. Summer is a slow time for blood donations. Please consider donating.

Farewell Thank You: Thank you to all of you who shared our Farewell Services and dinner program with us last Sunday. Your many beautiful words of encouragement and love meant so much to Dolores and me.  We feel sad to say farewell to the members of St. Peters.  You have been such a beautiful part of our lives these past 12+ years but we look forward joining you in circuit events in the future. Thank you also for the many gifts we received from you.  You’re thoughtfulness overwhelms us.  A special thanks to all those who helped put on such a beautiful meal and program.  I remember the choir singing at my Installation Service in 1998, and they are still one of the best choirs I have heard in all my ministry. May the Lord walk with each of you in His tender care all the days of your life and may He bring us all together again in our real Home in Heaven. Aufwiedersehen. We will see you again.  Pastor Zessin

Quarterly Report:Quarterly reports are due in the office by Monday, July 12. You can email your report directly to the office which will save everyone time and effort by sending it to sp.office@charter.net  St. Peters Quarterly Meeting will be held on Sunday, July 25, 11:15 a.m.

Special Prayers in July

Our prayers for July at St. Peters are focusing on the WELS ministry to the military.  Read the St. Peters July Newsletter for information about our WELS Military Services Committee and its work.  The following people were reported to the newsletter editor, Kim Olson, as members of St. Peters or a connection to members who are currently serving in our armed forces:  01) Lt. Larry Ahlin (Bev Luethge’s son-in-law), 02) Corp. Isaac Kolterjahn (St. Peters, son of Pastor and Barb Kolterjahn), 03) CDR Tim Wendt (son of Ken and Mary Wendt and son-in-law of Donna Watters), 04) SFC Phillip Weidner (St. Peters, husband of Sarah Weidner [Lindhorst]), 05) Lt. Taryne Williams (granddaughter of Jeannine Eggert), and 06) Captain Adrian Haskamp in Afghanistan (engaged to Lt. Taryne Williams).  Read about these people in St. Peters July Newsletter.  

Church News

►Services & Events:  Confirmands share Bible passages this weekend. Confirmation is next weekend, April 25, at 10 am.

►Bible Classes: 
Sunday: This Week Sunday we begin a study of the second half of the Gospel of Matthew with Pastor Falk, beginning with Matthew 5, “Follow Me, Live As What You Are, Members of My Kingdom.”

Next Week Sunday 4/25: Gary Thoma – “Follow Me, And Be Separated From the World.” Wednesday:  The Wednesday early morning Bible class meets at Kimz Galley Restaurant at 49 N Madison at 6:30 a.m., and would love to have you join us for this informal Bible study.

 New Bible Classes: “Life With God” taught by Pastor Zessin will begin on Wednesday, April 21, at 6:30 pm; and “The Truth Project” led by Bob Johnson, began on Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Social Room.

LWMS: Last weekend’s LWMS offering was $580.

All ladies of the congregation are invited to the LWMS Spring Rally on Saturday, April 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winneconne, Wisconsin. Registration is from 8 to 9 am and the rally concludes with lunch at 12:30 pm. The Theme is “Onward Christian Soldiers.” The speakers will be Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS Chaplain to our troops. Attendees are asked to wear “Red, White and Blue” to the rally and bring along an item for care packages for our troops. Transportation is available. Please call Joyce Kramer at 743-9527 if you would like to attend the rally.

Faithful Hands is holding a Spring Bazaar this weekend next to the library. Proceeds will be going to purchase new communion kneeling pads.

Visitation Team  will meet Tuesday, April 20th at 2 p.m.

Alter Guild is having a meeting for all members Tuesday, April 27, at 7 pm. Please try to attend.

2010 Vacation Bible School: All Preschool thru next school year’s grade 6 children are invited to go on a “High Seas Expedition” June 14-18. The adventure starts each morning at 9:00 and ends at 12:00 noon. Extra registration forms are available at each entry way of the church, as well as by the Kindergarten room. A box is also at each of these locations in which to place all completed forms. We would appreciate it if you could register by Friday, May 28, so we can be sure to have materials available for your child. Any questions, please contact Mrs. Wierer (743-4432 ext. 140, or at 743-0032).

Pastors Conference: Pastors will be away at conference in Appleton at St. Matthews on Tuesday, April 20.

The Quarterly Voters Meeting has been rescheduled for May 2. Quarterly reports are due in the church  office on Monday, April 19. Reports can be submitted by email, sp.bjohnson@charter.net

Christian Women’s Book Group  Our copies of A Flickering Light have arrived! You will find them on the Women’s Ministry book display table. Here’s our discussion schedule –April 22^nd and 29^th from 6:45 PM-8:00 PM. See you soon! Questions? Call Judy Schumacher at 559-9550.

ALL ladies of St. Peters Family, (and friends, too), are invited to attend the Faithful Hands annual June Banquet on Thursday, June 3^rd at the Log Den. A family-style dinner of chicken and pork tenderloin + all the trimmings will be served at 6:30 PM, followed with entertainment by Gloria Meyer. Plan to arrive early for social hour from 5:30-6:30 PM. Cost is $17, which includes dinner, beverage, and tip. To make reservations, please phone Delores Nelson – 743-2560, Mary Larsen – 743-6460, or Karen Miller – 746-1597 no later than Thursday, May 27^th. Invite a friend, (or two), and join us for an evening of good food, Christian fellowship, prizes, and entertainment. It’s sure to be a memorable evening – you won’t want to miss it!

St. Peters Church News

Baptism  Isaac Lloyd Olson, son of Randi and Kirk Olson, will become a child of God and St. Peters congregation through the washing of Holy Baptism Sunday, Feb. 28, at 2:30 pm. His sponsors are Shannon Christianson, Donald Christianson, Kim Olson, and William Wotochek. May God continue to strengthen this child in his faith in Jesus. “Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on His name.” Acts 22:16

Lenten Services  continue Wednesdays at 10 am and 6:30 pm. The theme for the Lenten services will be “Examples for Imitation.” They are: Dysmas, A Brand from the Burning; Mary, the Mother with a Broken Heart; John, the Loving and Beloved Apostle; and the Centurion, the Convincing Power of the Cross.

Calling all teams!  Sign up today for your team to host a Wednesday Lenten meal. Call Bob Johnson to get your choice of dates for congregational buffet suppers, serving from 5:00 to 6:15 pm.

Meditations  devotional booklets are available at church entrances, with a suggested donation of $2.50 to cover expenses. Thank you!

Got food?  There is a need for canned fruit and soup in our food pantry. Baskets are located at church entrances for donations. Thank you!

Bible Classes:  Sunday, 2/28, “What the Bible Teaches About Hell,” led by Gary Thoma. Next Sunday (3/7), “A Bible Study of Heaven, part 1,” led by Bob Johnson.  Monday and Thursday:  Man and Woman in God’s World, Mondays at 9:30 am and Thursday at 6:30 pm. Wednesday:  The Wednesday early morning Bible class meets at Kimz Galley Restaurant at 49 N Madison at 6:30 am, currently studying the Lord’s Prayer and would love to have you join us for this informal Bible study.

SCRIP  is available each weekend after all church services in the hallway near the library. It’s as easy as using a gift certificate for your grocery store, gas station, department store, or restaurant. Profits go towards our church building fund and tuition assistance for our school children.

Women’s Ministry  One of our attendees from last Fall’s Retreat wrote the following comments: “My calendar was packed and my to-do list was endless, but my mind was refreshed and every muscle in my body was relaxed. I felt like I had just had the best massage of my life, but I was nowhere near a spa. Why did I feel this way? I had spent a few hours at our Women’s Brown Paper Bag Day of Prayer Retreat last Fall. Please join your friends on March 20th for Repentance, Renewal, and Revival at the Women’s Brown Paper Bag Day of Prayer.” Registration forms are in our entry areas. Call Judy Schumacher at 559-9550 for details. Registration deadline is March 8th.

Member to Member Ministry  “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts” (Psalm 119:63).  This is a new and exciting movement at St. Peters. The plan is to visit all the family units at St. Peters in four phases or groups over the next year. Phase one will be in March and April. Teams of two people each will visit a portion of St. Peters family units. These visits are NOT about money, stewardship, or church attendance. Quite simply it is just a friendly visit to get to know other members at St. Peters. It will also be an opportunity to give comments or ask questions for St. Peters leadership. It will increase fellowship within St. Peters and will bring all of us closer together as a family. It is a time to get to know each other better and have good “grass roots” communication. Please say yes, and welcome your fellow St. Peters members when they call to visit your family in your home.   

Member to Member Visitors  are asked to pick up their material and names for their visits after any of the services near the library next weekend, March 6th & 7th. A member of the Member to Member Team will be there to assist you. Thank you.  

Thrivent Financial Bridge Funding Grants  We have been blessed these last few years to participate in the Thrivent Matching Funds and these funds have greatly helped to reduce our building debt. Although this program has ended, Thrivent realizes that this will cause hardship for churches like ours that have capitalized on this benefit. Thrivent is offering a one time opportunity for the entire congregation. If the congregation can raise a separate $10,760, designated for the school, Thrivent will match it by ½ with $5,380. Everyone at St. Peters can help out! You do not need to be a Thrivent member to help us reach this total. We will handle it much like the matching funds of the last few years. There are no forms but the checks should be designated for the school and placed in a household envelope marked Thrivent Bridge Funding. The deadline is June 30th but as soon as we raise these funds we will receive this grant money. Thank you for your help in reaching this goal.

District Workshops  Information can be found in the hallway near the library regarding District Workshops to be held in Appleton on Saturday, March 6.

If you are  interested in sponsoring Pastor Zessin’s weekly 9:20 am Sunday broadcast on WDOR, the cost is $15.00 and you can contact Mrs. Dan Nielson at 743-4778.

Grief Share  classes will begin on Monday, March 1st at 6:30 pm.

MLHS Sunday Showcase, March 7th, 11am – 2pm.  Silent & live auction items, food, musical entertainment, kids’ games, and much more make this a great event for all ages! Bring the family, friends & neighbors and enjoy a great day on Manitowoc Lutheran High School’s campus. Proceeds from this year’s event will be used to replace the gymnasium bleachers. Preview the auction items by visiting the MLHS website: www.mlhslancers.com. 

WE WANT YOU!!!!  If you are a teen here at St. Peters and are not involved in Youth Group, We Want You!! Come join us for a weekend of fun at our dodge ball lock-in here at St. Peters on March 13th and 14th. No strings attached, just come and enjoy. If interested contact Tim Rollin at 495-6671 or Jodi Mallien at 495-2143 or Bob Johnson.

Men of His Word  Seven men from St. Peters attended the first annual Men of His Word conference in Appleton on Saturday, Feb. 21. It was certainly an inspirational day. Pastor Jeske was the keynote speaker and St. Mark’s praise band, Greater Than, provided the music. Eleven different subjects were offered and we took advantage of most of them. The best way to sum it up is what one of our guys said “I can’t wait until next year.” Next year’s conference is scheduled for the Oshkosh Convention Center on Feb. 26.

Men’s Lenten Dinner  The turnout was small but the fellowship was large, the food was good and the program was fascinating. Thanks to Pastor Falk for his presentation and to Joni and Mary for all of their hard work in the preparation and serving of the meal. Next year’s date is March 6 and we are working on plans for something special. Mark your calendars.

Outreach Weekend  March 13 and 14 will be our annual Outreach Weekend 2010 at St. Peters. Our focus will be on baptism. The order of service will be new and related to baptism. The hymns will be about baptism. The sermon will present baptism and its blessings for heaven and life in this world. It will also be a Baptism Weekend for infants or young children. If you have family or friends who want their infants or young children to be baptized, March 13 and 14 will be a wonderful opportunity to do it. This is for members and nonmembers, family or friends. We want to give the wonderful blessing of baptism to any infants or young children whose parents wish to have them baptized. A social will be held in the Sunroom after the 10 am service by the Outreach Team. We will need to speak to the parents before the baptism. Please call Pastor Kolterjahn at 743-4431, extension 165 by Thursday, March 4, to make arrangements. Follow-up will also continue with the family. Come and be a part of Baptism Weekend.

Outreach Weekend Social  The Outreach Team will host a social in the Sunroom after the 10 am service on Sunday, March 14th. All are welcome to join us for this fellowship time.

“Baptism Sunday”

March 14, 2010

As we celebrate the blessing of faith in Jesus by baptism, St. Peters Ev. Lutheran Church will be offering Christian baptism for any infants or young children in the community whose parents desire it. The baptisms will be done during the 10:05 a.m. worship service or at a private time on Sunday, March 14. The theme of the special worship service will be the meaning of baptism in the daily life of the believer.A social time with food and refreshments for all will be held in the sunroom following the service.

Those parents who are interested in baptism for their infants or young children are asked to contact Pastor Kolterjahn at 743-4431, extension 165 or sp.dkolterjahn@charter.net by Thursday, March 4. 

ST. PETERS EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH

108 W. Maple Street

Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin 54235

920-743-4431, extension 165

stpeterslutheran.net

Reader Leaders are needed to listen one-on-one to LES students while they practice their reading skills. If you can read, you’re qualified! Please contact Sue Fritschler at 743-1018.

Women’s Ministry Ladies, what’s on your calendar for March 20th ?” Mine says “Spring Begins” and right next to that “Brown Paper Bag Day of Prayer Retreat – St. Peters.” Registration forms will be available from Feb. 8 until March 8 in the entry areas. Register early by contacting Judy Schumacher at 559-9550. Undecided? Pray about it!  

The Shepherding Team meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 16th at 5:15 pm in the Conference Room.

Sunday School will be singing next Sunday (Feb. 14th) at the 10 am service. It is Valentine’s Day and also Bring Your Parents/Family Day. All family members are welcome to attend.

Member to Member Ministry “I am a friend to all who fear you, to all who follow your precepts.” Psalm 119:63 There is an exciting new movement starting at St. Peters. It’s called Member to Member Ministry. The main principle of this ministry is fellowship. Quite simply it is members of our St. Peters family visiting other members in their homes. It is just a friendly visit to get to know other members and get any questions or comments that may be out there. This is not about stewardship or money. It is about fellowship within our St. Peters family. The plan is to visit all the family units at St. Peters in four phases or groups over the next year. Teams of two people each will be making the visits. We may be calling you to be a visitor in one or more phases of this ministry. It is a wonderful opportunity to get to know members better. Please say yes, and welcome your fellow members when they call to visit your family.

Annual Report Minutes There were 119 members in attendance at the January 24 Annual Congregational meeting. Of the 119 members, 69 were eligible to vote. Of the reports given most of the discussion and resulting explanations involved Pastor Zessin’s report on member changes and Pastor Kolterjahn’s statistical report. Regarding Pastor Zessin’s report the discussion resulted in the uncertainty as to whether members to be released had been contacted by a pastor one last time before being added to the list. Without the documentation at hand, a motion was made to remove the Members Out from the list before approval. A motion was made and seconded to approve the Members In only. The motion was approved.

Questions on what to make of the statistical report’s numbers regarding the drop in communion attendance of approximately 1,100 over the year were voiced. A number of possible explanations were given. The ushers will also be asked if they can count the communion attendees at each service rather than use the Friendship Register as the source of the number for those who take communion. This was looked at as a more exact way to count attendance, as some people do not sign the Friendship Register.

Treasurer Chad Hougaard presented the Financial Report for the end of 2009. Explanations were given in regard to the refinancing with Bank First National to consolidate our loans in December. This resulted in our bank loan balance being $470,000. After very little discussion the Financial Report for 2009 was approved.

                                                Church News

In Memory  of our fellow sister, Stella Herbst, whom the Lord called home on Friday, Oct. 16, at the age of 92. The funeral service was conducted on Oct. 22. Her mortal remains were laid to rest at Bayside Cemetery to await the Resurrection. “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 Quarterly congregational reports  are available at church entrances. Please bring your report with you to this Sunday’s (Oct. 25th) meeting at 11:15 am. The youth group will be watching children in the gymnasium during the meeting.

There will be no Bible Study #3 at 11:15 this Sunday, due to the quarterly meeting.

This weekend’s Door Offering is for LWMS, to be used for missions.

Daylight Savings ends Saturday, Nov. 1st, so be sure to set your clocks back an hour next Saturday evening, Nov. 1st!

Check it out!  Our LES Booster Club will be premiering new St. Peters clothing line at the Fall Bazaar this weekend. Some shirts, sweatshirts, and jackets are available – some will have to be ordered. Pick up your favorites and place an order for Christmas gifts to show your school and church spirit!

Fall Bazaar  This weekend is the Fall Bazaar sponsored by Faithful Hands. There will be pies, bars, cookies, etc., and also chili to go made by Joni Vertz. Also for sale will be dishcloths, and all occasion cards. Come and see all the goodies. They will be sold before and after the Saturday night service, and after the 8:30 and 10 am Sunday services.

Joint Rehearsal  with the K-8 children and the church choir is next Sunday, November 1, at 9:30 am. for singing at the WLIM (Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries) weekend.

Special October Bible classes & sermon themes  Everyone is encouraged to attend our spiritual renewal Bible classes. Sermons are coordinated with the Bible class theme: Oct. 24/25 – Certainty of the Joys of Heaven; and Oct. 31/Nov. 1 – Certainty of who we are in Christ. Bible classes are Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday at 8:45 am and 11:15 am.

Bible Classes:  Saturday/Sunday:  Spiritual Renewal #3 on Saturday at 6 pm, and Sunday at 8:45 and 11:15 am. Wednesday Breakfast:  6:30 am at Pudgy’s, discussing “Righteous through Faith.” 

     The Truth Project held Wednesdays at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. This class takes a look at life from a Biblical perspective and reveals the importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.

     Life with God class continues on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. This is a review for members, a membership class for those interested in becoming members of St. Peters, and a required class for nonmembers whose children are attending our Lutheran Elementary School.

Last Chance!  This is the last year that Thrivent will offer the Giving Plus Program in its current form. If you are a Thrivent product-holder, please consider a gift to St. Peters School and Thrivent will match 50% of the amount up to $325. Forms are located at church entrances and the church office. The matching funds application should be completed as soon as possible. If you have questions, please call Sally Schopf at 743-4444.

Mission Connection newsletters , filled with stories from and about our missionaries around the world, is available at church entrances. This is the final edition of Mission Connection – due to budget constraints, mission news will now be updated on the WELS Web site, www.wels.net.

Sponsorship dates are available!  Radio, video, or bulletin sponsorship dates are open for the following dates: Nov. 1, 8, 15, 22, 26, 29; Dec. 6, 13, 20, 24, 25, and 27. You may sponsor in celebration of a birth, birthday, or anniversary, or in memory of a loved one. Each sponsorship is $40. Contact Laurie in the church office, 743-4431, ext. 1 or sp.lstache@charter.net  to sign up!

Have you ever wondered  what happens at a LWMS (Lutheran Womens Missionary Society) Fall Rally? Here is your chance to experience it first hand. You are invited to the Sat., Nov. 7th rally at St. Peters Lutheran School in Freedom, WI. Registration is at 8:30 am. The rally concludes with lunch at 12:30 pm. The theme is “Sisters Joining Hands.” Speakers Sarah Malchow and Carol Egelseer will share their experiences from their trip to Nigeria. Contact Joyce Kramer (743-9527) before Oct. 26th.

Recommitment Weekend  October 31st and November 1st will be our Annual Recommitment Weekend during which we bring forward our sealed commitment to God from our financial resources for 2010. Please pick up your family financial stewardship packet with recommitment forms for each communicant. The packets are near the library in the addition. All members are reminded to bring their recommitment form in the sealed envelope to church on October 31st or November 1st. The packets that are not picked up will be mailed. Please help us save money and pick up your packet today. Remember how God has lavished his love on us.

October Cottage Meetings  Small group meetings or cottage meetings are being held through October 30. Thirty-one host meetings will be held. The host selects the day, date, and time and will call to invite and encourage you to attend their meeting at their home. At these meetings a booklet entitled Lavished with Love will be presented by a St. Peters member. It is important for our members to attend one meeting. This is one part of the solid plan for this fall. If you cannot attend the meeting of your host, please call another host to find out their meeting date and time.

If you have not been called,please contact Pastor Kolterjahn or a host to attend their meeting.

WLIM Weekend  Our annual WLIM (Wisconsin Lutheran Institutional Ministries) weekend is Nov. 7 & 8. WLIM is the only group in the WELS that does face-to-face prison ministry. The synod does not. WLIM is not funded by the synod, but rather operates on offerings from individuals, congregations, organizations, Sunday Schools, schools, and others. It does ministry to people in prisons, mental health facilities, metropolitan hospitals, nursing homes, youth detention centers, and drug and alcohol work. Pastor Mark Wenzel will be our guest preacher and will conduct a special Bible class between the Sunday services. All are encouraged to attend and give for WLIM at the door offering, which gathered $1,550 last year.

The Men of His Word Conference  is an opportunity for Christian men to come together to consider, discuss, learn and apply God’s Word to the issues we all face in our daily walk of faith. Pastor Mark Jeske from “Time of Grace Ministry” will present the theme “You are not alone.” Seminars cover a variety of issues we face as Christian men in today’s society. Topics include male leadership roles, reaching out to others in faith, prayer life, marriage issues, dealing with loss, finding time for God, changing sinful patterns in our life, opportunities in retirement, the creation versus evolution debate, and parenting issues for parents of all ages.

     The conference is scheduled for Saturday, February 20, 2010 at Liberty Hall in Kimberly. The cost is $29 per participant. There are only 150 spaces available and over 40 congregations have been invited. Registration will be online only at menofhisword.org beginning November 1st. We expect the slots to fill up quickly.

Using SCRIP  The snow is about to fall! It’s a great time to spend a few minutes making out your Christmas list, and SCRIP is the perfect answer for anyone on your list! Applebee’s, Arby’s, Barnes & Noble, Bath & Body Works, Book World, BP, Citgo, Dunham Sports, Econo Foods, Gander Mountain, Golden Corral, JC Penney, iTunes, Kohl’s, McDonald’s, Maas Flowers, Marathon, Mobil, Noodles, Pick ’n Save, Pizza Hut, Pudgy Seagull, Red Lobster/Olive Garden, Red Robin, Scaturo’s, Sears, Shell, Stage Coach Car Wash, Subway, Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Younkers, and others can be ordered (like Home Depot, Menards, etc.).

In Memory  of our fellow brother, Howard Serrahn, whom the Lord called home on Oct. 5, at the age of 87. His mortal remains were laid to rest at Bayside Cemetery to await the Resurrection. “Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Quarterly reports  for the October 25^th congregational meeting are due Monday, Oct. 12. Email reports to sp.lstache@charter.net – I will send confirmation of receipt.

Special October Bible classes & sermon themes  Everyone is encouraged to attend our spiritual renewal Bible classes. Sermons each weekend are coordinated with the Bible class theme, which are: Oct. 10/11 – Certainty in Prayer; Oct. 17/18 – Certainty in the Word; Oct. 24/25 – Certainty of the Joys of Heaven; and Oct. 31/Nov. 1 – Certainty of who we are in Christ. Bible classes are Saturday at 6 pm and Sunday at 8:45 am and 11:15 am. Please come to this revival of our faith.

Great News!  Our church/school boiler system has been replaced. Thanks to many congregation members who contributed to this unbudgeted project, it has been paid in full! Thank you!

Bible Classes:  Saturday/Sunday:  Spiritual Renewal #1, held in church on Saturday at 6 pm, and Sunday at 8:45 and 11:15 am. Wednesday Breakfast:  6:30 am at Pudgy’s, discussing “Saul’s Conversion.” 
     The Truth Project held Wednesdays at 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. This class takes a look at life from a Biblical perspective and reveals the importance of living the Christian worldview in daily life.
     Life with God class continues on Thursdays at 6:30 pm. This is a review for members, a membership class for those interested in becoming members of St. Peters, and a required class for nonmembers whose children are attending our Lutheran Elementary School.

Recommitment Weekend  October 31^st and November 1^st will be our Annual Recommitment Weekend during which we bring forward our sealed commitment to God from our financial resources for 2010. Recommitment packets will be available for you to pick up next weekend.

What an inspiring Mission Awareness Weekend!  The special service included two choir numbers, a solo and special message from Pastor Koelpin, followed by a very informative Bible study.  The ethnic potluck and guest speakers made the entire event a huge success. ^$685 was collected  as a door offering. Many thanks to the Mission Awareness Committee for all of their hard work in planning, preparing and cleaning up: Pastor Falk, Pastor Zessin, Kim Olson, Joyce and Jeff Kramer.

HELP!  With the cooler temperatures and morning frost on the cars it can only mean one thing. Basketball season is on its way.  St. Peters is in need of one or two or three persons to coach the Girls’ Basketball Team this year. Requirements are patience and a willingness to teach the game. Practices are typically 2 days a week from 3-5 pm but can be changed based on the coaches needs. If you would like to help us out this year in that regard or for any other questions, please contact Mr. Livingston at 743-4432 ext 141 or (605)520-1711. Go Storm!

October Cottage Meetings  Small group meetings or cottage meetings will be held from October 5-30. Thirty-two host meetings will be held. The host selects the day, date, and time and will call to invite and encourage you to attend their meeting at their home. At these meetings a booklet entitled Lavished with Love will be presented by a St. Peters member. It is important for our members to attend one meeting. This is one part of the solid plan for this fall. If you cannot attend the meeting of your host, please call another host to find out their meeting date and time.