We're a moderately sized, ELCA affiliated church with about 1500 members. Our pastors are Craig Ellingboe and Paul Graham.
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July 5, 2009 Bulletin outdoor service
By webmaster | July 2, 2009
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
July 5, 2009 10:00am
People of St. Peter’s, Ministers
Rev. Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor
Rev. Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
Outdoor Service
GATHERING
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONFESSION
O God, our heavenly Father, I confess unto you that I have grievously sinned against you in many ways; not only by outward transgressions, but also by secret thoughts and desires which I can not fully understand, but which are all known unto you. I do earnestly repent, and am heartily sorry for these, my offences, and I beseech you of your great goodness to have mercy upon me, and for the sake of your dear Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to forgive my sins, and graciously to help my infirmities. Amen.
SONG Down By the Riverside
Verse1 Gonna lay down my burden, Down by the riverside,
Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside,
Gonna lay down my burden,
Down by the riverside, Down… by… the… riverside.
Chorus: I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more,
I ain’t gonna study war no more
I ain’t gonna study war no more, I ain’t gonna study war no more,
I ain’t gonna study war… no… more!
Verse 2 Gonna talk to the Prince of Peace, Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside
Gonna talk to the Prince of Peace,
Down by the riverside, Down… by… the… riverside.
Chorus:
Verse 3 Gonna meet my King, Jesus, Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, Down by the riverside
Gonna meet my King, Jesus, Down by the riverside
Down by the riverside, Down… by… the… riverside.
Chorus:
SONG Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Verse 1 Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it Jesus is my plea:
Daily walkin’ close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Verse 2 Through the days of toil that’s near,
If I fall, dear Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden share,
None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.
Instrumental
Verse 3 When my feeble life is o’er
Time for me will be no more:
Guide me gently, safely home,
To Thy shore, dear Lord, to Thy shore.
PSALM Psalm123
Our eyes look to you, O God, until you show us your mercy. (Ps. 123:2)
1To you I lift | up my eyes,
to you enthroned | in the heavens.
2As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters,
and the eyes of a maid to the hand | of her mistress,
so our eyes look to you, O LORD our God,
until you show | us your mercy. R
3Have mercy upon us, O | LORD, have mercy,
for we have had more than enough | of contempt,
4too much of the scorn of the in- | dolent rich,
and of the derision | of the proud. R
PRAYER OF THE DAY
God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life,
in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
LESSON Ezekiel 2:1–5
In 597 B.C., the priest Ezekiel was removed into exile in Babylon. While there, he received a vision of God appearing majestically on a chariot throne. Today’s reading recounts God’s commissioning of Ezekiel during this vision. The prophet is to speak God’s word to a people unwilling to hear.
He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you. 2And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. 3He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. 4The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord GOD.” 5Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
LESSON 2 Corinthians 12:2–10
Christians do not boast of their own accomplishments. Rather, Christian boasting focuses attention on how the power of Christ is present in our lives, especially in times of weakness and vulnerability. No matter what our circumstances in life, Christ’s grace is sufficient for us.
2I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows. 3And I know that such a person — whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows — 4was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat. 5On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. 6But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me, 7even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
GOSPEL Mark 6:1–13
At home and abroad, Jesus and his disciples encounter resistance as they seek to proclaim God’s word and relieve affliction.
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6And he was amazed at their unbelief.
Then he went about among the villages teaching. 7He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. 8He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; 9but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. 10He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. 11If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” 12So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. 13They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.
SERMON ~Pastor Neale Thompson
SONG Softly and Tenderly, Jesus is Calling
Verse 1 Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling,
Calling for you and for me;
See, on the portals he’s waiting and watching,
Watching for you and for me.
Chorus Come home (come home), come home…
Ye who are weary, come home…
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling,
Calling, O sinner, come home!
Verse 2 Time is now fleeting, the moments are passing,
Passing from you and from me;
Shadows are gathering, deathbeds are coming,
Coming for you and for me.
Chorus
Verse 3 O, for the wonderful love He has promised,
Promised for you and for me!
Though we have sinned he has mercy and pardon,
Pardon for you and for me.
Chorus
APOSTLES CREED
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator in heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord,
Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
And He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
OFFERING
SONG In the Sweet, Bye and Bye
Verse 1 There’s a land that is fairer than day,
And by faith we can see it afar,
For the Father waits over the way,
To prepare us a dwelling place there.
Chorus In the sweet bye and bye
We shall meet on the beautiful shore,
In the sweet bye and bye,
We shall meet on that beautiful shore.
Verse 2: We shall sing on that beautiful shore,
The melodious songs of the blest,
And our spirits shall sorrow no more,
Not a sigh for the blessing of rest.
Chorus
Verse 3 To our bountiful Father above,
We shall offer our tribute of praise.
For the glorious gift of His love,
And the blessings that hallow our days.
Chorus
COMMUNION PRAYER
WORDS OF INSTITUTION
LORD’S PRAYER
DISTRIBUTION Will the Circle Be Unbroken
Chorus Will the Circle be unbroken?
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye.
There’s a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky.
Verse 1 In great sorrow, we let go, Lord,
Friends and family to the grave,
But our Lord has promised heaven,
Where the human soul is saved.
Chorus
Verse 2 When I make that final journey,
When my earthly life is gone,
Joyful songs of angel choirs
Lead me to my heav’nly home.
Chorus
Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
Chorus Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home.
Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry me home.
Verse 2 I looked over Jordan, and what did I see?
Coming for to carry me home.
A band of angels coming after me,
Coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
Verse 3 If you get to heaven before I do,
Coming for to carry me home.
Just tell my friends, that I’m a comin’ too,
coming for to carry me home.
Chorus
PRAYERS OF THE SAINTS
BENEDICTION
May the living Christ go with us:
BEFORE us to show us the way;
BEHIND us to encourage us;
BESIDE us to befriend us;
ABOVE us to watch over us;
and WITHIN us to give us peace. Amen.
SENDING SONG God Bless America
Verse 1 God Bless America, land that I love,
Stand beside her, and guide her,
Through the night, with a light from above;
From the mountains, to the prairies, to the oceans white with foam.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
God bless America, my home sweet home.
Verse 2 Bless all the nations, Lord; Not us alone.
Bless all leaders, with wisdom,
With the light shining bright from Your throne.
Bless the homeless, and the hopeless, all the children, lost and lone.
Bless all the nations, Lord, not us alone.
Bless all the nations, Lord, not us alone.
Verse 3 Help us to love the world, Just as You do.
Fill our hearts, Lord, with Christ’s love
That we all may give glory to You.
Bless the hungry, and the weary, Show us all what we can do.
Help us to love the world, Just as you do
Bring peace to all the world, We trust in You.
Verse 4 Where people fight and die, may conflict cease.
Touch the people, In all lands,
With a heartfelt commitment to peace.
Heal all hatreds, calm all vengeance, from such passions bring release
Bless all the nations, Lord, So wars may cease
Give to all people, Lord, Your wondrous peace.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING
ASSISTING MINISTERS
READER Michael Lane
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
Gary Van Erp
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Jody Anderson (SueAnn Lepinski’s sister), Amy Behrens (John & Penny Carr’s sister-in-law), Linda Cloud (friend of Sandy Saari), Nora Demasters (friend of Carmen Sevcik), Don Detlie, Gloria Hagen (Nancy McGregor’s mother), Gerald Houtman (grandfather of John Carr), Kevin Johnson (Deb Schad’s brother), Marty Koehler (Ardy & Jim Koehler’s son), John Lau (Jim & Kathy Plante’s brother-in-law), Ed Little, Grace Lundberg, Jim Maxfield (father of Julie Cochlin), Rori McKee (friend of Jeannie Machacek), Ruth Meliza, Sherry Meliza, Joyce Mokoff, Diane More (daughter-in-law of Harlan & Mary More), Logan Olivero (student in Northfield), Dean Paulson, Jim Penning (student at NHS), Brian Randolph (friend of the Sevcik family), Janet Rasmussen, Karen Rheinschmitt (cousin of Hazel Peterson), Dale Scharber (Dan & Dottie Scharber’s sister-in-law), Jinny Schrader (Eric & Rolf’s mother), Mary Stein, Ardys Swanson (Bob Anderson’s sister), Robert Taylor (Laura Gilligan’s father), Randa Vogen (sister of Ramona Pumper), Laurie Wall (friend of Dottie Scharber), Martha Whitehead, and Ordell Witte are ill. Please remember their families in prayer also.
This week we remember the following in prayer: El Tuerto in Guatemala, Buddhist Meditation Center -Northfield, St. Paul Lutheran – Waterville, Mabel First Lutheran - Mabel, Six Mile Grove Lutheran – Lyle, Moscow Lutheran – Oakland, San Mateo Lutheran in Colombia (partnered with Moscow, Oakland), Neemampipiti Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
With sympathy, for the family and friends of Marie Johnson. Marie passed away last week. She was Ginny Paulson’s mother.
Congratulations to Brian and Kim Hildahl. They were married on Saturday, June 27.
TODAY – July 5 10:00am –Outdoor Service with communion
* Picnic following service
THIS WEEK - Monday, July 6 No E.A. Today
Tuesday, July 7 10:00am- Staff meeting
Wednesday, July 8 6:00pm- Cornerstone Rehearsal
Thursday, July 9 7:00am- Table Talk @ The Tavern
10:45am-4pm- Middle School Magical Mystery Tour
Friday July 10
Saturday, July 11
Sunday, July 12 8:30am- Worship Service
10:45am- Contemporary Worship w/communion
6:10pm- Softball @ Sechler 2
STAFF
Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
Dottie Scharber, Business Administrator Neale Thompson, Turning Point Counselor
Laura Gilligan, Children’s Ministries Todd Thompson, Sunday School Music Director
Matt Iverson, Youth Director Marilyn Wing, Jubilee Bells Director
Donna Paulsen, Organist Bernadette Johnson, Secretary
Peter Schleif, Senior Choir & Cornerstone Band Director
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
418 East Sumner Street - Northfield,
Website: www.northfieldstp.org
Topics: Bulletins | No Comments »
July, 2009 Calendar
By webmaster | July 2, 2009
1
2
7:00am Table Talk
3
Office Closed
4
5
10:00am– Outdoor Worship w/communion
6
7:00pm E.A.
7
10:00am Staff Meeting
8
6:00pm Cornerstone
9
7:00am Table Talk
Middle School Magical Mystery Tour
10
11
12
8:30am Worship
10:45am Contemporary Worship w/ communion
6:10pm Softball @ Sechler 2
13
10:00am New Spirit
5:15pm Widow’s Group carpools from Walgreens
7:00pm E.A.
14
9:30am Hannah Circle
10:00am Staff Meeting
6:00pm Worship Board
7:00pm Church Council
15
5:30pm Small Group
Leader Training
6:00pmCornerstone
16
7:00am Table Talk
9:30am Esther Circle
7:00pm Business Management
High School Drive-In Movie
17
18
19
8:30am Worship w/comm.
10:45am Contemporary Worship
6:10pm Softball @ Sechler 1
20
7:00pm E.A.
21
10:00am Staff Meeting
7:00pm Rachel Circle
22
6:00pm Cornerstone
23
7:00am Table Talk
24
25
Youth leave for Kentucky
26
8:30am Worship
10:45am Contemporary Worship w/communion
5:00pm Softball @ Sechler 1
Youth Trip
27
7:00pm E.A
28
10:00am Staff Meeting
29
6:00pm Cornerstone
30
7:00am Table Talk
31
Youth arrive back home August 2
*Wednesday After School Programming- 3:15pm-5:15pm Wednesday After School Program
4:15pm-5:00pm 5th grade CAT Class
5:15pm-6:15pm The Cafe
6:30pm 7th & 8th grade Confirmation
7:30pm 9th grade Confirmation
Topics: Calendar | No Comments »
July, 2009, Parish Visitor
By webmaster | July 2, 2009
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
The office will be closed on
Friday, July 3 for the
Independence Day holiday
All announcements for the bulletin
are due at 12:00pm on
Wednesday afternoons.
All newsletter articles are due on the 17th of each month.
St. Peter’s Website: www.northfieldstp.org
St. Peter’s Mission Statement
Expressing God’s love and grace to build
a community where people
Believe in God,
Belong to Christ, and
Become disciples
who serve in day to day living.
Staff
Rev. Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor
craigellingboe@charter.net
Rev. Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
pastorpaulgraham@charter.net
Dottie Scharber, Business & Human Resource Administrator
dottiescharber@charter.net
Matt Iverson, Youth Director
mattiverson@charter.net
Laura Gilligan, Children’s Ministries
lauragilligan@charter.net
Bernadette Johnson, Secretary
bernadettejohnson@charter.net
Neale Thompson, Pastoral counselor
nealethompson@charter.net
Dan & Dottie Scharber, Maintenance Coordinators
Donna Paulsen, Organist
Peter Schleif, Senior Choir Director, Cornerstone Director
Todd Thompson, Sunday School Music Coordinator
Marilyn Wing, Jubilee Bells Director
Church Council
Mike Chapman
President
Deb Schad
Vice President
Bert Reese
Treasurer
Jan Nelson & Norma Lundell
Evangelism Board
Faith Bergemann
Worship Board
John Ehresmann
Business Management
Rein Lemke & Ed Vivant
Properties Board
Jo Odell
Congregational Life Board
Jeannie Machacek & Nancy Topp
Extended Ministries
Dale Snesrud
Stewardship Board
Penny Carr
Youth Board
Your Gifts Make A Difference
The gifts of people from our church family have once again been working hard. By the time you receive this newsletter our garage project will more than likely be done and ready for electricity. WOO HOO!! One day it’s a concrete slab and a few days later, poof, a garage is built. As of this writing, the following people shared their construction gifts: Bruce Albers, “Doc” Dewar, Loren Jacobson, Rein Lemke, Dick Ozmun, Dan Scharber, Gary Van Erp and Arnie Witt. Although there were bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, sore muscles and tiredness, this group kept on going, just like the energizer bunny, in this case bunnies. What a gift they are to St. Peter’s and what a difference their gifts make. Thank you!
Your gifts also make a difference through your contributions. We are encouraged that the pledged offering, for the most part, is on track for this year and are comparable to last year’s giving at this same time. Our fundraiser for St. Peter’s/Guatemala/Camp Amnicon continues with about 1/3 ($3500) of our goal ($10,000) being met. Please consider making a special gift as we support missions in Guatemala, to Camp Amnicon and ministries here at
St. Peter’s. Gifts of all amounts are encouraged and gifts over $200 will receive a picture of Volcano Agua (The Water Volcano) near Antigua.
In a recent sermon by Pastor Craig Ellingboe he referred to a line Mary shared from the book Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I probably won’t get the exact wording correct but it was something like this: When you ask someone, “where are you going”, you must also ask them, “where have you been”? Think about those questions as far as St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Where are we going, and where have we been? There have been exciting times behind us and there are exciting times ahead. As like the workers on the garage; there are bumps and bruises, cuts and scrapes, sore muscles and tiredness, but St. Peter’s too, keeps on going, just like the energizer bunny, and when I say St. Peter’s that means all of our church family.
– Dottie Scharber –
Stewardship Team Member
“No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed. Each of you must bring a gift in proportion to the way the Lord your God has blessed you.”
–Deuteronomy 16:16b-17
Pastor’s Corner
Serving Christ Beyond Our Walls:
Have You Ever Considered Becoming a Foster Parent?
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels
without realizing it.” (Hebrews 13:1)
When Sophie (name changed for confidentiality) first came to stay with us, she had what the professionals call a “flat affect.” Her face was expressionless most of the time, she didn’t have that twinkle in her eye that you see in other two-year old children. Her bottle was filled with sugary orange soda, her front teeth were rotten brown, her hair matted, her jacket stained.
With basic care and lots of attention, she began to feel safe. The months passed, and slowly her
personality began to come out. We saw that Sophie was a tough, smart, funny, incredible little girl.
For the first few months she was with us, Sophie followed Kelly around everywhere. She didn’t like to be in the same room with me. One breakthrough moment came when she called my name from another room in the house. It was the first time she had said my name or acknowledged my presence. It was wonderful to hear.
Sophie is doing great. She is doing well at school, playing with friends, and continues to be an incredible kid. In one of our pictures of her, she is smiling that special smile she got when someone gave her a compliment. I keep that picture in a special place. I call it my “Holy Spirit picture.” For me it is a picture of God’s healing power in our world.
Kelly and I found taking care of kids like Sophie through foster care both rewarding and challenging. As foster parents, we were blessed to “entertain angels” in our home, as the writer of Hebrews puts it.
Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent? People often tell me they are looking for a meaningful way to serve and make a difference in our community. That is one of the real strengths of our congregation – we love to serve beyond the church walls. One way to serve is through foster care.
Both Kelly and I would love to share our experiences with you. Foster parents are regular people who care a lotabout children. Maybe this is something that calls to you now, maybe something to consider for the future.
What would it look like if a group of families from St. Peter’s together opened their homes to foster care? Being a Foster Parent is a challenge, but the rewards are priceless.
From Rice County Social Services:
“Rice County has a continued need for Licensed Foster Care Homes for children. This is a wonderful
opportunity to help families and children right within your own communities. Have you ever thought of
becoming a Licensed Foster Care Provider? Do you know of a family who might be able to open their home to children in need of special care? Please consider fostering children within your own home or refer this need on t someone you know. For more information and for the training schedule, please access our
website www.co.rice.mn.us or contact Cheryl Marek at 507-332-6115.
Pastor Paul Graham
People Helping People Help Themselves
We’ve all heard the thousands of headlines like the following that are depicting the devastating results of the biggest financial crisis since the Great Depression. People all over the world are suffering. Our friends, neighbors and families here in Northfield are struggling; many of them in silence.?
Are you suffering? Do you know someone who is?
Most people don’t want a handout. They want a hand up!
?
You can buy a book for yourself or as a gift for only $19.95. The book will pay for itself the first month you start using it! When you give a book to friends or family members, you are empowering people to help themselves.
The author is discounting the price of books that are donated to families in need. If you are able to donate books for others, the church or the author will insure that they reach the hands of needy families in the Northfield area who need help. If we can raise $1,100, we can provide books for 100 families. Any amount you can give will help.
Contact the church office at 645-8252 or Mark Ekeren at 507-403-1144.
May God bless and keep you in His care.
The Turning Point Counseling Center—June 2009
The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseling Center: This Christ-centered ministry has but one goal—to equip all God’s people to make spiritually mature decisions for their lives and accept the responsibility for those decisions.
Our Emotions Anonymous group meets at St. Peter’s every Monday evening (except the week before or just after a holiday, depending on the decision of the group) from 7:00pm to 8:00pm, in the
fireside lounge. All are welcome, no matter what faith persuasion on is a part of. It does take courage to say, “I need help!” And usually, the driving force is the desire to feel better about ones self. Most of us have come out of a pretty severe work ethic, so learning how to be kind to our inner self is a
significant challenge. It usually boils down to some alternatives, and how, with the help of God, we can claim the emotional strength to make some changes that lead to a better self image. What are the alternatives? In a few words, I would express them this way: Self kindness vs. Self judgment;
Recognizing our common humanity vs. Isolating ourselves from humanity; Claiming our strength vs. Overidentification with our weaknesses. Emotions Anonymous has often been described as a very selfish program, and that description is accurate. Each individual attends to deal with their own particular issue. They are not there to solve anyone else’s. The group does not counsel, but it supports, and understands the emotional struggle that a member is expressing. The closest one may come to hearing counseling is if another individual , in the group, who has experienced a similar challenge, shares how they found the tools, through the help of God, to succeed in dealing with their emotional issue. Like the arms of support, the group is there to assure each individual that they are not alone in their struggles. There are very few places, I have found, where I can share with absolute conviction, that what I say is confidential. This is what Emotions Anonymous offers to each individual who
attends. It also offers a program, which helps me look at myself and deal assertively and positively with what I find. This program has helped many through the years, to claim, to some degree, the
potential that God has placed within them. I have found that negative tapes from my childhood have the potential of controlling my adult life. The program gives an individual, like me, the tools for
addressing these road blocks to growth, and suggests methods for breaking their hold on my self
identity. I wish I could say that this all happens with a snap of a finger. Maybe it will, and maybe it won’t. In most cases, though, it has taken years to shape these self destructive emotional patterns, so it takes time to undo what we have so carefully put in place.
If it sounds like this journey of faith might be one that you would like to explore, then let me
encourage you to attend several of our group gatherings. All in the program will walk with you and encourage you when the going gets tough. If you would like to meet with me privately, please call this secure line: 507-645-8252 ext.13. I will get back to you as soon as I can, and together, we can set up a convenient time for an appointment. Let me assure you that your confidentiality will always be
maintained.
Neale Thompson
Spiritual Pastoral Counselor
Facts and Figures for May
2009 2008
April offerings: $40,265 $33,489
Year to date offerings: $189,453 $188,240
Each week we need to receive almost $10,000 in
General Fund offerings at St. Peter’s.
Your giving fuels St. Peter’s. Let’s keep up the momentum during the summer months!
Sign-up for a 2-3 month period using the same sheets on the table in the
Narthex.
Sign-up before the 17th of each month to have it appear in the next months Parish Visitor.
A master list pertaining to your team will be available on the table.
If you are unable to serve as
prescheduled, refer to the master list for a replacement.
~Ushers~
If you are interested in becoming an usher, please contact Mike Lane.
July 5 ~10:00am Michael Lane
Carmen Sevcik
July 12 ~8:30am Bob & Janie Anderson
Bruce & Steph Christians
~10:45am Glenna Fast
July 19 ~8:30am Dale & Nancy Snesrud
~10:45am Mike & Betty Chapman
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
Bernice Christensen
July 26 ~8:30am Ruth Johnson-Wirth
Bernice Christensen
Cathi Johnson
~10:45am Brian & Mary Peterson
Megan, Becca & John
~Readers~
Please contact Mavis Bell if you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a reader.
July 5 ~10:00am Michael Lane
July 12 ~8:30am Carmen Sevcik
~10:45am Glenna Fast
July 19 ~8:30am DeLora Linder
~10:45am Ron Pieri
July 26 ~8:30am Virgil Witte
~10:45am Laura Gilligan
Readers Only:
Prior to each month, Bernadette will place copies of the lessons, dated for each service, in the mailbox marked “Readers” at the office entrance.
At your convenience, please pick up the copy specific to your scheduled reading.
~Friendship Forum Kitchen
Serving Team~
July 5 Outdoor Service
July 12 needed
July 19 Mary Boyum
July 26 needed
~July Acolyte Schedule~
Please call the church with any changes.
Thank You.
July 5 ~10:00 Outside service
July 12 ~8:30am Bethany Jewison
Nick Neset
~10:45am Annika Johnson
Ben Papke
July 19 ~8:30am Alana Lieske
Abby Quinnell
~10:45am Kaitlyn Kuyper
Jenna Scheffert
July 26 ~8:30am Paul Martinson
Nick Trebelhorn
~10:45am Angela Nassif
Jake Stowe
~Communion Assistants~
Please contact Bernice Christensen if you are interested in
learning more about how to become a Communion Assistant.
July 5 ~10:00am -Set up Bernice Christensen
-Servers Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnnson-Wirth
July 12 ~8:30am No Communion
~10:45am -Set up Glenna Fast
-Servers Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
July 19 ~8:30am -Set up Al Croone
-Servers DeLora Linder
Hazel Peterson
~10:45am No Communion
July 26 ~8:30am No Communion
~10:45am -Set up Mary Peterson
-Servers Laura Gilligan
Glenna Fast
Given some time, and prayerful thoughts, we hope this new approach will be encouragement for all to consider
participating in the Worship services.
Again, thank you to all for participating in this meaningful ministry.
Feed my Starving Children
That’s right, we will once again be teaming up with other Northfield Area Churches to do our Middle School
Magical Mystery Tours.
Last year we went to a Baseball Game, The
Mall of America, and did a service event at
“Feed My Starving Children”.
Where will go this summer???
Dates for the Two Remaining tours are set for:
July 9th, and August 13th
NORTHFIELD NOONTIME ORGAN RECITALS 2009
The community of Northfield, MN will be sponsoring nine noontime organ recitals in July and August. Each recital will be held from 12:15 to 12:45 PM enabling business persons and others to hear fine organ playing over their lunch hours. This is the third summer of noontime recitals.
The dates, schedule of performers, and places include the following:
Wed. July 8, Susan Beisner, Boe Chapel, St. Olaf College
Wed. July 15, Lawrence Archbold, Carleton Music & Drama Center, 110 Winona St. N.
Wed., July 22 , Richard Collman, Skinner Chapel, 405 1st St. E., Carleton
Wed., July 29, Jack Mohlenhoff, St. John’s Lutheran, 500 3rd St. W.
Wed., Aug. 5, Marilyn Schempp, United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Maple St.
Wed., August 12, Sue Walby, First Congregational UCC, 300 Union St.
Thurs., August 13, Bob Henstein, United Methodist Church
Fri., August 14, Stephen May, Skinner Chapel, Carleton
Sat., August 15, Lori Ramig & Sarah Sorenson, Trinity Lutheran, 803 Winona
All recitals are free and open to the public. (Free-will offering at some recitals) For more information, please contact Rev. Richard F. Collman, Northfield, 645-1357 or email him at rkcollman@msn.com
Thrivent Builds / Habitat for Humanity
St. Peter’s raised $1,174 to go towards the $12,430 that is needed by the churches in northern Rice county. Thanks to you who contributed and to those who participated at the workday on June 24.
…Rob Anderson
A bit about Rob’s family ~ I’m blessed to be married to an awesome,
beautiful God seeking woman named Karen. We’ve been married for 24 years and have two kids- Kyle-18 and Christy-12.
What brought Rob to St. Peter’s ~ We’ve belonged to St. Peter’s for, I believe, 22 years. We visited many churches before joining one and found St. Peter’s to be a good fit due to location, the youth program, Pastor Duane Everson, and we felt welcomed by the people- I remember Ordell & Virgil Witte being one of the first
people to introduce themselves to Karen and I. They were a big influence on our joining.
Rob has been involved in a the following activities thru St. Peter’s ~ Karen and I
got involved with the youth program pretty quickly and ended up leading youth forum, which is the high school program, with our good friends Marianne and Tony Albright. I’ve been involved in reading at services,
ushering, helping with communion, helped tile the floors, painted ceilings and rooms, cleaned carpet, hauled out debris from construction, helped move the old organ pipes, worked in the kitchen for various events, been on the council for youth board and was president of the congregation. We were able to go to Rushford with Dale Snesrud & help driving to Sharing and Caring hands. I participate in a men’s bible study that meets every 1st and 3rd Sunday morning at 8:30am and play on the softball team and have worked on helping with the 2nd
service. That’s pretty much it.
Rob’s most rewarding contributions to St. Peter’s ~ I’ve been involved in the youth program ever since we joined and it remains one of my passions - I absolutely love being around the 6-12 graders-
getting to know them and share our mutual faith and questions about that faith and challenge them in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Going on last summer’s mission trip to Raleigh/Durham, NC was a great
experience, especially the foot washing we all participated in the last night we were there. I also really enjoy going to Sharing and Caring hands- it humbles me greatly to serve that group of people and see the little kids that come for a meal.
What excites/concerns Rob about the future of St. Peter’s ~ I’m excited about the
transforming church process we are going through and also the spiritual gift assessments- every church is an amazing people puzzle of unique gifts and talents and St. Peter’s is no exception. If we, the body of Christ known as St Peter’s Lutheran are able to submit our wills to God’s Holy Spirit, pray for his guidance and use those gifts for his glory in this community , I believe truly astounding things will happen in our fellowship and outside the walls of our church. We had good success with small group ministry and I believe that is one of the ways we will accomplish what God wants us to.
What concerns me is the word “If” in the previous statement.
Rob’s overall view of St. Peter’s ~ There is great opportunity to do more than anyone here can imagine - in, through and of Christ. If you can’t find something to do here that is one of your passions you might not be looking too hard. We are at a tipping point. Which way we “tip” will determine our future, be it awesome, outreaching Holy Spirit filled ministry within our 4 walls and especially beyond those walls, or status quo. The choice is ours. Many great ministry opportunities exist and are underway- but we need more people to get involved. What if each reasonably active member dedicated 2 hours a week to getting to know others in a small group, teaching Sunday school, helping with the garden, picking up a hammer or rake, making phone calls, ushering or reading, asking “what do you need help with?”, etc. What would happen “If”? God will use each of us to the full extent we allow him to and if we are able to do that I believe we will be amazed at the outcome.
WOMEN OF ST. PETER’s
Circle Meetings this Month
New Spirit : Monday, July 13
9:30am—Fireside lounge
Hostesses: Assigned Potluck
Hannah Circle: Tuesday, July 14
9:30am– Eleanor Croone’s home
Bible Study Leader: Group
Esther Circle: Thursday, July 16
9:30am—Fireside Lounge
Rachel Circle: Tuesday, July 21
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Prayer Team
The prayer team will not be meeting in July. Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 3rd at the home of
Jan Gutzamnn at
12:00pm (noon).
Lunch will be served.
When we work an eight-hour day and
receive eight hour’s pay for our efforts, that is a WAGE.
When we compete with an opponent and receive a trophy for our superior
performance, that is a PRIZE.
When we receive something in
recognition for our service or
achievement, that is an AWARD.
But when we can earn no wage, can win no prize and deserve no award—yet we receive such a gift—that is unmerited
favor. That is endeserved kindness.
That is GRACE.
~author unknown
Synodical Convocation
The Southeast Minnesota Synod of the Women of the ELCA convocation will be held on Saturday, September 26 at 8:00am to 3:00pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester. Cost is $25 per person. Registration forms are available at the church office.
Women’s Day
Those of you who are interested in attending the Women’s Day at Good Earth Village, please contact
Hazel Peterson at 645-9276
Women’s Retreat
Register now for your spot at the Women’s Retreat at Camp Omega on Friday, October 2 and Saturday,
October 3. All women of St. Peter’s are welcome. You may bring a friend. Registration form was in last months newsletter. You can also pick one up in the church office.
Friends:
From time to time I get emails that keep me in touch with what other people believe we’re doing in common
ministry. Gary Heil, our former Cornerstone Director sent this message that I wanted to share with you. He’s recently come out with a cd that some of you may be interested in. In our chats over coffee, I’ve asked him, “Do you think a piece of music by itself is “Christian” or do we need to have lyrics with the music to assure us that it is?” From my own take, I think there are many creative forms of art and music that lead us to think about our relationship with God. In these ventures we co-create with God and do, I think, get to know God better. If you’re interested in purchasing Gary’s cd, I’ll find a way to make some copies available.
It was fun to hear and see Cornerstone last Sunday. They sounded great; I thinkPeter’s doing a good job.
He invited me down sometime to “sit in” and I think I’d like to do that since Sunday mornings are free.
In regards to our conversation about tunes being Christian tunes, that is without lyrics, I think back to one of the greatest tunes of all time. Bach wrote a library of Christian music, as did many of the composers before and after him that had no lyrics. Some of the greatest wrote their greatest through and for the power of God. I read somewhere that Bach’s most well known and well loved piece is Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring. A lot of music had lyrics written after the fact or by someone other than the composer of the music. Anybody that wants to take a shot at verbalizing mine is welcome to it.
In our current and past hymnals there are many melodies taken from Africa, Scotland England Ireland, etc. so Im certainly doing nothing new on my instrumental cd, when I recorded titles like “Safely in His Arms”, “Forgiven”, “Through Christ I Can Do All Things”, and so on. I consider everything on the cd to be of spiritual nature even if the title doesn’t suggest a reference to God.
The two songs out of 12 that I didn’t write are What a Friend We Have in Jesus and Nobody Knows the Trouble. Don’t know how my stuff will stand next to those but it makes me feel like I’m in good company.
It was a fun project to do. My friend Steve and I are looking forward to doing one together next time.
Terri Endres and I will be getting together to brainstorm the project and I hope to sellsome at my upcoming concerts.
Gary
“Lutheran Woman Today”
WELCA encourages you to subscribe to
“Lutheran Woman Today”
This magazine is:
~a growth in faith magazine
~a challenging magazine
~ a mentoring magazine
~ a Bible study is included
~ a practical magazine
(for example, there is a wonderful article on
page 50 in the July/August 2009 issue,
“Being a Mother is Holy Work”.
If you have any questions, please contact Phyllis Swanson at 645-4231
(WELCA Mission in Growth Secretary)
WELCA (?)
“Unemployment Rate Rises to 9.4% in May 2009”
“45 Million Americans Are Without Health Care”
“More Than Half of Americans Are Postponing or Skipping Health Care Treatments and Medications”
“Nearly $2 Trillion of Retirement Savings Have Been Lost”
The Money and Earth SAVINGS BOOK can help!
This book was written by Mark Ekeren to help people save money and become more environmentally and health conscious. In the book you’ll find:
Over 850 ways to save money!
Over 330 ways to save Earth!
Over 200 Websites with thousands of helpful tips
This is a practical and useful book for every family.
It makes a great gift.
The LUV Quilters would like to thank the WELCA Board for the recent donation of $200. With that generous gift we will be able to buy more batting and continue to make quilts. We appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Youth and Children’s Ministries
High School
Drive In Movie
Who: All Youth who have completed Grades 9-12
What: A great service project and an all night long Drive in movie
Where: St. Peter’s and Vali Hi Drive In Theater in Lake Elmo
When: From 6pm on July 16th – to 6am on July 17th
Cost: $10.00 (plus $$ for Breakfast)
That’s right we’re doing it again, and if you missed out on this fun event last summer you will want to make sure you get in on the fun this time around. We will be meeting at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church at 6pm to pack Medical kits then we will leave at 7pm. on July 16th and traveling to the Vali Hi Drive In Movie Theater located in Lake Elmo MN. We will remain there for the duration of the three movies that are showing. Following the third movie we will head for home with a stop for Breakfast on the way. We plan to be back at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Northfield by 6am on Friday July 17th.
If you would like to sign up for this event please turn in a permission form and your money by Sunday July 12th.
Permission forms can be picked up outside of Matt’s office.
July 19th – All day long!!
St. Peter’s Youth will be hosting a fundraiser at Culver’s this month on July 19th.
All you need to do is come into Culvers on July 19th, purchase your favorite food or custard, and put your reciept into our box next to the register. At the end of the day Culver’s will give us 10% of all the reciepts collected.
St. Peter’s Youth Heading to Kentucky!!
Youth from St. Peter’s will be leaving for their Summer Trip this month. We will be heading to the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky where we will take part in a variety of adventure activities. Our trip runs from July 25th – Aug 2nd.
VBS at ‘Crocodile Dock’ was enjoyed by all those who participated. Heartfelt thanks to all of our wonderful adult helpers; Tara Berndt, Kelly Debnam, Sara Eby, Kelley Erickson, Jan Gutzmann, Lori Lauseng, Barb Liebenstein, Margit Lovoll, Lisa Nystuen, Ellen Trotman, and to our middle school youth; Tori Finger, Sean Gilligan, Matt Gordon and Tori Lauseng. Without each of you helping so enthusiastically throughout the week, we wouldn’t have had nearly as good a time at ‘the Dock’.
Special thanks to The Quarterback Club and Kwik Trip for providing our VBS suppers on Wednesday and Thursday.
Joint VBS – 2009
“Camp Edge”
Again this year, Bethel, St. John’s and
St. Peter’s will be hosting a joint Vacation Bible School for children who will be 4years old by Sep. 1, 2009 and who will be in Kindergarten and 1st grade for the 2009-2010 school year.
VBS, ‘Camp Edge’ will be Monday, August 10th through Thursday, August 13th, 9:00-11:30am. We will meet at St. John’s. The cost is $10.00 per child with a $20.00 family limit. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center. Please register your child(ren) as soon as
possible. Any questions, please contact Laura.
We hope to see you there!
Opportunities to Help
With Summer Events
Volunteers are needed in all areas for ‘Camp Edge’, the joint VBS for preschoolers. If you would like to help with VBS, please indicate your preference on the registration form you complete for your child(ren).
Host families are needed to provide housing and some meals for the counselors who will be coming from Good Earth Village to work with your children at ‘On the Road’. If you would be interested in housing some of the counselors, please let Laura know.
Good Earth Village - ‘On the Road’
GEV ‘On the Road’ is a 5-day program for children who have completed Kindergarten through 4th grade. It brings the fun of camp to the camper and provides a fun, Christ-centered week filled with games, worship, crafts, Bible study and singing.
This year, ‘On the Road’ will be at Bethel Lutheran Church in Northfield, from August 9th-13th. On Sunday, August 9th, there will be opening worship and getting to know you events at Bethel from 6:00-8:00pm. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 10th-13th, On the Road activities will run from 9:00am-4:00pm; but students can be dropped off as early as 8:00am and picked up as late as 5:00pm.
The cost for On the Road is $65.00 per camper, with any additional campers in a family at $55.00. The cost includes a snack, but students will need to bring a snack lunch each day.
Registration is done through Good Earth Village. Copies of the registration form are available at the Welcome Center or you can register online at www.GoodEarthVillage.org. Registration is open to the entire Northfield community; you are encouraged to register as soon as possible before all the spots are filled.
Congregational Life
PLEASE KEEP US IN YOUR PRAYERS!!
Reaching Beyond Our Walls
Many of you have seen the movie “Sister Act”. One facet of the movie was the nun’s choir
singing traditional hymns with a new beat. The effect was portrayed as very beneficial in reaching outside of the church walls to the community to draw in the “unchurched”. One of our goals at St. Peter’s is to reach outside of our walls to draw people including the unchurched into our church. I believe the subject of this message has the potential to contribute to that goal. It is great to have this opportunity to report on another exciting ministry happening at St. Peter’s. There is a technology team led by Bill Bleckwehl that has put a great deal of work into
determining what additional technology would enhance our worship experience. They visited other churches that use technology to get ideas. They also researched potential products that could be used. They have proposed a conservative plan that would add some capabilities to the PowerPoint option we now use, mostly at the second service. The plan has been presented to the executive board and the council and received a positive response. It will take about $3,000 to obtain what is needed; a new computer and monitors as well as specialized software and
connectivity equipment. Since budgets are already tight it would be wonderful if the funds for this promising project could be raised from those of us who see the benefit of taking advantage of technology to reach beyond our walls and to expand and enhance our own worship
experience. We already have $900 pledged to this project, so we are off to a solid start. Anyone who feels as I do and would like to contribute to this project or would like additional detail, please contact me (645-2579 or c7447@myclearwave.net).
Congregational Life Calendar of Events
July 12 - Last Day to sign up for dinner for eight
(sign up at the Welcome Center)
July 24— Mystery Trip - Watch for details
July 26—Dinner for Eight Groups Announced
August 9—Tailgating Party—Sechler Park
(Come for St. Peter’s softball game at 5:00pm and stay for potluck!)
Lutherhostel
This is a great experience and we hope you are able to participate! Any questions, contact Good Earth Village at 507-346-2494.
ALOA ~ LUTHERHOSTEL ~ HEARTWOOD
We became acquainted with all three of these words in a recent week spent in Wisconsin.
ALOA stands for the Association of Lutheran Older Adults. It is an inter-Lutheran movement associated with ELCA and LC-MS. It is a mission to the Lutheran Church that strengthens ministry by, for, and with older adults. It provides programs and events such as Lutherhostel.
Lutherhostel is similar to Elderhostel, but includes devotions and Biblestudy. We enjoyed speakers, a field trip, and free time to select activities such as a service project, golf, canoeing, kayaking, or just relaxing. There was ample time for socializing.
This Lutherhostel was held at Heartwood, a first class retreat and convention center near Trego Wisconsin. It is about 45 miles east of Hinckley. Heartwood was built by the Schwan Foundation, and was purchased in 2005 by a subsidiary of Thrivent Financial. It is located on a 700 acre wooded site with private lakes and a river.
Along with the conference center and hotels, there are cabins and duplexes for rent with a 2 night minimum stay. The hotel rooms have a private deck, patios, flatscreen TV’s and wireless internet.
If you are a Thrivent member, this place is a real bargain as you pay 50% of their posted rates.
Three ore Lutherhostels are being held there this fall. The dates are September 27-October2; October 4-9; and October 11-16. For more information and registration forms, contact Arnie or Celena Witt.
Church Council Minutes:
Present: Bergemann, Carr, Chapman, Pastor Ellingboe, Pastor Graham, Ehresmann, Lemke, Lundell, Machacek, Odell, Reese,
Schad, Scharber, Snesrud, Pastor Thompson, Topp
Absent:Nelson, Vivant
Pastor Ellingboe led devotions.
Council President Chapman stated the business part of the meeting would be run as efficiently as possible to allow time for a special meeting to celebrate accomplishments of the Transforming Church process and to plan for the next steps.
Betty Chapman was installed as Council Secretary.
Treasurer’s Report – Bert Reese:
The checking balance is $11,605 as of 5/31/09.
We did not have to borrow money in May.
The operating line of credit is at $28,000.
There were 5 Sundays in May generating offering income of $40,266, a $1213 increase over May of 2008.
Expenses in May were $31,417; however, two items - $5,282 to the ELCA Board of Pensions and $2,300 to the Southeast Minnesota Synod for benevolence
were not paid. These items will be paid shortly.
We are running about $20,350 short of meeting expenses compared to $19,720 short at this time last year.
Most accounts are in line with budget and most pledges are current.
Motion made and seconded to approve the Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.
Pastor Graham stated we are doing pretty good financially in spite of the economic situation and haven’t fallen behind as much as might be expected.
Secretary’s Report – Printed in the Parish Visitor:
There were no additions or corrections to the minutes of the previous meeting held May 12, 2009.
Motion made and seconded to approve the Minutes as written. Motion carried.
Staff Reports:
Pastor Ellingboe: Written report submitted.
He served as Guest Preacher at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Pentecost Sunday. His brother directed a Gospel Mass written by Dr. Robert Ray who was also in attendance. Pastor Ellingboe thanked the Council for allowing him to participate at that service- it was a great Sunday there.
Pastor Graham:
Kelly has accepted a job as a social worker for Rice County. Her position with the County disqualifies them for providing foster care in their home. He encouraged others who feel a call to this ministry to consider this opportunity.
He and Pastor Ellingboe are trying to keep up with visits.
He is working with equipping ministries and following up with new members who have completed Spiritual Gift Assessments. The Evangelism Board met with
the Equipping Team recently.
There are potentially 13 small groups forming for this fall.
The Community Garden day was rained out but they plan to lay mulch this weekend, weather permitting. He recognized Al Croone and John Machacek for
working on this project.
Both Pastors will be attending a conference for staff and pastors in Bloomington next week. They will meet with other churches designated as “large” by th
ELCA. A large church is defined based on membership and number of staff. The Synod works to provide the type of resources each type of church
needs based on their size.
Neale Thompson: Written report submitted.
When people ask Neale what we do here, he tells them “We have so much fun here, it’s almost sinful!” When people see how we enjoy what we do, they
become more interested in participating.
Board Reports:
Stewardship – Dale Snesrud:
Didn’t have a meeting last month.
Dottie stated $3,500 has been raised through the Guatemala Fundraiser. The goal is $10,000. There was a suggestion that the
fundraiser be publicized more.
Dale thanked the Council for prayers and support for him.
Dale received a call from Joe Grundhoefer. Joe has asked St. Peter’s to consider constructing a fence similar to the one used for Defeat
of Jesse James Days for next week’s Taste of Northfield celebration. There is $250 in the event budget for this purpose. The
event is Thursday, June 18th. Joe stated 6 – 8 guys could put up the fence in 2 to 3 hours. The fence would need to be put up
between Noon and 3:00 p.m. Jeannie and Nancy stated the difficulty in getting people to help at that time of day. It is a tough
job for $250. Motion made and seconded to decline this project. Motion carried. Dale will inform Joe Grundhoefer.
Extended Ministries – Jeannie Machacek & Nancy Topp:
Would like to know if there would be any interest in having a Saturday night worship service – perhaps on July 25th. They suggested a 5:30 p.m. service
followed by an ice cream social including hot dogs and brats. Dottie indicated there is a wedding that night so an alternate date would need to be determined. Will bring up under New Business. |
They are helping with the Community Garden project; however, people are not sure what is expected and need to know more about it.
They are donating some funds to the nurses at each of the area schools for them to give to students who need basic items.
They received $100 from the Holden family for Cornerstone participating in the memorial service for Evelyn Holden.
They are keeping an eye out in the community for opportunities to help and are checking on having a fundraiser at Applebee’s.
$400 will be given to the Guatemala group.
Worship – Faith Bergemann:
Pentecost Sunday was very festive.
They are working with Pastor Graham on Spiritual Gift Assessments.
They have had good feedback on the 5th Sunday healing service and have received suggestions that we have a healing service more often.
Todd Thompson and his Dixieland Band will provide music on June 21st.
There will be an outdoor worship service on July 5th. Neale Thompson and Peter Schleif are coordinating this service and invite vocalists and musicians to
attend Wednesday practices at 7:00 p.m. The service will be publicized in the newspaper, radio and the church newsletter and the public will be invited.
Congregational Life – Jo Odell:
They hosted a meal for the Intergenerational Work Day.
Sign-up for Dinner for Eight will begin June 14th and continue through July 12th. Groups will be assigned by July 26th and meet from August through December.
They had planned on having a picnic after the outdoor service on July 5th; however, it may be difficult determining how many to plan for. It was decided there would not be a meal following the outdoor service.
They are planning a Mystery Trip on Friday, July 24th.
There will be a tailgating party at Sechlar #2 after the August 9th softball game. The game is at 5:00 p.m. and the shelter has been reserved for a pot luck
supper.
Properties – Rein Lemke:
The garage is coming along nicely thanks to a great work crew. The plan is to start siding on June 20th. The overhead doors will be delivered June 24th and the
basic structure should be up and weather tight by the end of June.
The cabinets in the youth room are completed and there is a water line to the sink.
Dottie is working on interior signage for the building.
Evangelism – Norma Lundell:
They are looking for new ways to identify potential members. When visitors are recognized at the worship services, they will be given a brochure about
St. Peter’s. The Evangelism Board will hand these out at the first service and Cornerstone will hand them out at the second service.
The board is wondering if it would be a good idea to use the pew pads again and allow time during the service for visitors to fill them out for the ushers to pick
up. Perhaps this could be discussed for implementation in the fall.
The board suggests a reception between services would be more effective for New Member Sunday since most did not come back or stay for the lunch that was
provided on the last New Member Sunday.
Ruth Johnson-Wirth is leaving the board so they are looking for another board member. Neale suggested asking one of the new members who have an interest
according to the Spiritual Gift Assessment.
Youth – Penny Carr: Matt submitted a written report.
Mega Mix Summer Concert is tomorrow night with AGAPE performing at Estenson’s farm.
Many other events are planned for summer.
Thank you to Rein and the Properties Board for work done in the youth room. It looks great.
They now have raised enough money for carpet with the installation date to be determined. Discussion followed on the modular carpet squares being installed. The group was assured the carpet being installed is of good quality and will not turn up at the corners.
Business Management – John Ehresmann:
They did not have a physical meeting but communicated via email. They discussed whether to continue with the same type of yellow page ad. The consensus
was to keep the same presence in the yellow pages at an increase of $5 per month. John asked whether we find out from visitors and new members
how they found St. Peter’s. Pastor Graham and Pastor Ellingboe stated there are many ways including the yellow pages, Welcome Wagon and word
of mouth. Dottie indicated the ad will be updated. She also stated that because of the size of the ad, St. Peter’s is the first church listed when
someone goes online searching for a Lutheran church in Northfield.
Old Business: None
New Business: The Mission Endowment Fund Committee recommends approval of a donation of $500 to the Luv Ladies. Motion made and seconded to
give $500 from the Mission Endowment Fund to the Luv Ladies. Motion carried.
The Extended Ministries Board asked the Council to consider holding a Saturday evening worship service this summer followed by an ice cream social. It was
decided staff would discuss this possibility.
Pastor Graham asked if there was interest in skipping the July Council meeting to give everyone a break during summer. Pastor Ellingboe said this has been done
in other years. The Executive Committee could address any issues and a Council meeting could be called if necessary. Motion made and seconded to
reconvene the Council on the 2nd Tuesday in August. Motion carried.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Chapman
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting – June 9, 2009
Topics: Parish Visitor Magazine | Comments Off
May, 2009 Parish Visitor
By webmaster | April 29, 2009
May, 2009 Parish Visitor
Staff
Rev. Craig Ellingboe
Senior Pastor
craigellingboe@charter.net
Rev. Paul Graham
Associate Pastor
pastorpaulgraham@charter.net
Dottie Scharber
Business & Human Resource
Administrator
dottiescharber@charter.net
Matt Iverson
Youth Director
mattiverson@charter.net
Laura Gilligan
Children’s Ministries
lauragilligan@charter.net
Bernadette Johnson
Secretary
bernadettejohnson@charter.net
Neale Thompson
Pastoral counselor
nealethompson@charter.net
Dan & Dottie Scharber
Maintenance Coordinators
Donna Paulson
Organist
Peter Schleif
Senior Choir Director
Cornerstone Director
Todd Thompson
Sunday School Music Coordinator
Marilyn Wing
Jubilee Bells Director
Church Council
Mike Chapman
Persident
Deb Schad
Vice President
Bert Reese
Treasurer
Jan Nelson & Norma Lundell
Evangelism Board
Faith Bergemann
Worship Board
John Ehresmann
Business Management
Rein Lemke & Ed Vivant
Properties Board
Jo Odell
Congregational Life Board
Jeannie Machacek & Nancy Topp
Extended Ministries
Dale Snesrud
Stewardship Board
Penny Carr
Youth Board
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am-3:30pm
St. Peter’s Mission Statement
Expressing God’s love and grace to build a community where people
Believe in God,
Belong to Christ, and
Become disciples
who serve in day to day living.
Pastor’s Corner:
Your Gifts Make a Difference
I’ve just been looking at pictures from our most recent mission trip to Guatemala. Mission is one of our Core Values here at St. Peter’s in the very real sense that we are always looking for ways to “Reach Out Beyond Our Four Walls.” By now, many of you know that our Mission Task Force is in the planning stages of sending our third mission team to Guatemala this coming November.
Here’s my offer: Would you be willing to consider a special gift to St. Peter’s as a fundraiser for this trip with part of the money going to the Guatemala Mission, and part of it staying here to fund our other ministries? I am thinking of a gift in the amount of $200. If you are willing to give such a gift I would like to guarantee you a “thank you” gift for supporting this outreach ministry. The “thank you” gift would be a picture of Volcano Agua which is located in the countryside of Guatemala near Antigua. This volcano, which literally means “The Water Volcano”, has a lake within its core. Beneath the lake is the fire of the volcano that heats the water, which rises in steam that floats as a cloud above the volcano several times a year.
For me, this volcano has become a symbol of our baptisms. Fire and water come together in a powerful way. The ancient believers of the Old Testament believed that God spoke to them out of a holy cloud called the “Shekinah” and led them to the land of Promise. In a similar way, our baptisms lead us to God’s Promises today.
I hope you will consider making this special gift in May over and above your regular gifts as a support both to our mission outreach in Guatemala supporting Pastors Amanda and Horacio, and as a support to our ministries here at home. A special envelope has been included within this mailing. Thank you for your consideration of this special offering.
Pastor Craig
Turning Point Counseling Center:
The Turning Point Counseling Center—May 2009
The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseling Center: This Christ-centered ministry has but one goal—to equip all God’s people to make spiritually mature decisions for their lives and accept the responsibility for those decisions.
Dr. Carl Jung, a significant psychologist, of the 20th century, once made this comment concerning this truism: Life Is Difficult. “If we avoid this reality, we will suffer emotionally. A Neurosis (twisted view of life) is always a substitute for legitimate suffering.” In other words, if we dare not name the pain, we will rid ourselves of it’s power!
What he is not saying is that life has treated some of us good, and some of us bad! In this respect, life is neither. Here is where I need to take responsibility as to how I will meet it head on. With this thought in mind, I will try to answer some of the questions that you have shared with me.
This first one always seems to be number one on my list. What are some positive ways to reduce stress? Let me share what I do, and just maybe, they will share a common note with you. I have found myself, far too often, jumping from one particular job challenge to another. This, alone, can build stress.
Now, I am taking a short break, between my focus areas, just to clear my mind, if nothing else. I also use an old fashion desk calendar to organize my day. Just being able to check things off gives me a sense of accomplishment!
Finally, I suggest that you take time, daily, to do something enjoyable, which has nothing to do with your day job. This can be as simple as talking with friends, doing some fun reading, enjoying a hobby, or taking a walk. You choose your own mind clearing recreation, and then do it!
Some of you have asked: How do I keep my mind active as I get older? Well, I notice that a lot of you do cross-word puzzles…EXCELLENT! I would also suggest having a quiet time with the Lord, daily. This gives your mind, soul and spirit permission to grow.
I know that many of you are quite organized, which is very good. I, too, have stick-ems all over! I am kind of off and on, in regard to memory devises. For example, when it comes to remembering names, if I repeat it to myself, and then try to recall it an hour or two later, it helps… just ask me my name, and I’ve got it right on the tip of my tongue! Some of you are great writers. Keep it up! In fact, why don’t you try talking to yourself, through journaling? That can become a great journey in discovering who you are.
I have had to place a new word in my vocabulary. I have had to learn to say: NO! It is wonderful how that little word has reduced a lot of stress! There is also a question that sneaks in, every now and then:
How do you keep a positive work place? The first thing that comes to mind is to get enough sleep. It is wonderful how this can create a positive attitude within us! Avoid the office complaining and blaming game. Treat each person with dignity and be quick to congratulate and/or thank.
Challenges come in all sizes. Try to determine how you can help in the solution and do it! If you need help, admit your human and ask for it. Don’t resort to a hissi-fit! I have to keep reminding myself that my example either honors God, or discredits me.
Life challenges us all! If you would like to sit down and chat, pleases give me a ring on this secure line: 507-645-8252 ext. 13. Your confidentiality will always be respected and maintained.
Neale Thompson
Spiritual Pastoral Counselor
Circle Meetings this Month
New Spirit : Monday, May 11
9:30am—Fireside lounge
Bible Leader: Hazel Peterson
Hostesses: Sharon Bauer & Bernice Reese
Hannah Circle: Tuesday, May 12
9:30am– Fellowship Hall
Hostess: Arly Boyum
Bible Study Leader: Joann Welinski
Esther Circle: Thursday, May 14
9:30am—Fireside Lounge
Rachel Circle: Tuesday, May 19
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Eve Circle: Monday, May 18
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Leader/Hostess: Linda Rowan
Women’s Fellowship:
Friday, May 1
9:00am– Perkins
Friday, May 15
9:00am– Fireside Lounge
Study Chapter
Church Council Meeting
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting; April 14, 2009
Council Present: Bergemann, Bergemann (Dale Snesrud), Carr, Chapman, Ehresmann, Pastor Ellingboe,
Pastor Graham, Lemke, Lundell, Machacek, Nelson, Schad, Scharber, Pastor Thompson
Absent: Topp, Vivant
Faith Bergemann led devotions.
Treasurer’s Report: We were a little behind from last year, but that could be due to the fact that last year, Easter was earlier. March was a break-even month.
Motion to approve the treasures report. Second and carried.
Secretary’s Report: Motion to accept. Second and carried.
Pastor Craig Ellingboe: Written report submitted.
There is an increase in need due to the economy. Looking for ways to reach out and help.
example: Job Replacement Seminar
School activities scheduled during Holy Week is concerning. Pastor Craig will raise the issue with the ministerial association. Jan Nelson suggested writing a letter to the school board and include 2010 Holy Week details so scheduling can be dealt with accordingly.
Staff coming to council was discussed in Staff meeting. Staff members would be required to attend quarterly as compared to monthly. February, May, August, & November would be the months – This includes the staff of Laura, Matt, and Bernadette.
Motion made to limit staff attendance to quarterly, and whenever needed by council. Council will appoint a secretary . Motion second and carried.
Pastor Paul Graham: Honored to experience Holy Week at St. Peter’s. Amazed at the volunteers involved.
Small groups are wrapping up. Will begin planning for fall small groups.
Invited Penny Carr and Faith Bergemann to equipping meeting. Encouraged all chairs to take
the gift assessment.
Visiting at the Care Center.
Looking forward to the Community Gardens
Fall planning
Parents Night Out; Another night is being planned.
Baptism for Eleanor Olson
Executive Committee –Good Work done on core values & mission statement
Paul & Kelly applied for Foster Care license
Simply Giving has been highlighted- Jo Odell gave a Temple Talk – Goal is to get 10 more signed
up for Simply Giving.
Pastor Neale Thompson: Thankful to be invited to council
Huge need for missionaries in L.A.M.P.
Business Management, John Ehresmann: John had a good trip to Nicaragua
Reveiwed insurance bids with Brad Ness, Church Mutual and we spoke with Sean Stevens; a quote was not
submitted
–Church mutual was carrier of choice.
Meetings to discuss adults driving vans, background checks, and more training then previously
offered. By doing these things will help keep premiums down. Change took place March 1
Stewardship, Scott Bergeman (Dale Snesrud): Fundraiser on Mother’s Day for Guatemala Mission Trip
Highlighting Simply Giving in the month of March
Highlight “Reaching Beyond Our Walls” in mission statement
Looking for further fundraising ideas.
All announcements for the bulletin
are due at 12:00pm on
Wednesday afternoons.
Pastor’s Corner
Worship Board, Faith Bergemann: Discussed Easter activities & ideas for doing things different
May 17- Baccalaureate
May 10- Something special for Mother’s day
Cantors and special music were discussed
Lot’s of discussion about New Member Sunday & Baccalaureate. Should we have a potluck? No
Intergenerational picnic was also planned for that weekend.
Congregational Life, Jo Odell: Working on “The Classics” -Pastor Paul said child care would be provided at the parsonage for the Classics event. “Dinner for 8” will kick off that night.
Youth Board, Penny Carr: Easter breakfast; served 180. Went well.
May 17th is “Scoopie Day” for St. Peter’s at Culver’s 10% of sales will go to St. Peter’s youth
Education & Youth Boards will be meeting on May 7th to plan activities.
Gas cards sold by youth through May 7th.
Evangelism Board, Jan Nelson: Classes for New Members are 4/23, 4/30, and 5/7 at 7pm; New Member Sunday is 5/17
Visitor packets are available for April. Still discussing a gift of banana bread.
Extended Ministries, Jeannie Machacek: Grief Support Group meets March 23 – April 27 at St. Peter’s
Meets at Bethel May 27-July 1
Retired Pastor Dan Zelski- “Coalition to end poverty by 2020” Support him with gas money to
help in the gulf.
Talked about the Community Garden- building relationships is a big part of that
St. Peter’s will have 2 plots behind the bus garage. May use gas card money to buy plots
for others. Need people to step forward and help in the gardens.
May 2, 9am-10:30am – Java Live- come with 50 ideas to help community.
Properties Board, Reine Lemke: Intergenerational Workday: May 17
Compost facility – Loren Jacobson
Looked at carpet samples- found that quotes are not all the same product. Asking for new
quotes with sample chosen. Decided to go with carpet squares, as compared to glue down. Can
replace small areas if needed.
New quotes for cement work, would like to have slab laid in April
Trees will be moved
New material estimate from Menards
Education Board, Laura Gilligan: Education Team has someone in mind for chair
Last rotation for Sunday School program is May 10th.
Intergenerational program on May 17
Wednesday After School Program is beginning tomorrow for 6 weeks
Old Business: Deadline for newsletter is Friday, April 17th
Pastor Craig gave cross from retreat to Jeannie Machacek and John Ehresmann.
A LETTER TO ST. PETER’S HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
Dear St. Peter’s High School Graduates,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! This is an important milestone in your life, and it is an honor to be able to celebrate it with you. As you go on to the next chapter of your life, you will be surrounded by prayer – prayers from your family and your church family here at St. Peter’s. We are all very proud of you.
We pray that God blesses you in all that you do. God has given you unique gifts and
talents – put them to good use! You have so much potential it is astounding. You can make a difference – you are Jesus’ hands and feet. You can make this world a better place, you can care for others and the world God made.
It doesn’t matter how much money you make, or how successful you are according to the world’s standards. You will find that true joy and happiness and a meaningful life comes when you dedicate yourself to something larger than yourself. May your light shine, and your life will give glory to God who made you.
You have been given a promise. You are now and always will be a child of God. Christ has claimed you, you belong to Christ. When you were baptized, these words were spoken over you – “You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ
forever.” No matter what happens, never forget that. That is the most important thing you can ever know.
These are uncertain times, and no one knows what the future holds. But know one thing – God has a plan and a purpose for your life. The real adventure is discovering what that plan is. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29: 11
Finally, a prayer for you: “O God, you have called us to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go forth with courage, not knowing where we go, but only that your hand is leading us and your love
supporting us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
May you go forth and be who God created you to be!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Paul and your church family at St. Peter’s
Facts and Figures for March
2009 2008
March offerings: $43,918 $52,962
Year to date offerings: $109,357 $119,652
Each week we need to receive almost $10,000 in General Fund offerings at St. Peter’s.
God calls us to be faithful, especially in uncertain times. Thank you for all your generous and
thankful giving.
Thank You for All You Give!
Youth News
Baccalaureate Sunday
MAY 17th, 2009
On Sunday May 17th we will be honoring the graduating class of 2009. There will be a reception in the fellowship hall from 9:30 – 10:30. All are invited for cake and
refreshments. We will also be honoring the graduates at the 10:45 service.
Come and show your support for these youth as they begin a new and exciting chapter in their lives.
Coming to Northfield on JUNE 10th
THE MEGA MIX
Featuring Hip Hop artist AGAPE
Time: 6pm – Food, 7pm - Concert
Location: Estensons Farm
Cost: Only $5.00
This event is open to both High School and Middle School Youth!!
Middle School
Lock-in
Bowling, Pizza, Romans and Christians, Movies…..What more could you want!!??
Date: May 15th-16th
Time: Friday 7pm – Sat 7 am
Cost: $15.00
We will meet at the church at 7:00pm and then head over to the Bowling Alley. Somewhere around 9:00 pm we will make are way back to the church for the rest of the evening.
The Last Day of High School and Middle School Youth Forum will be on Sunday May 17th. Thanks for another GREAT Year of Forum.
MAY 17th – All day long!!
St. Peter’s Youth will be hosting a fundraiser at Culver’s this month on May 17th.
All you need to do is come into Culvers on May 17th purchase your favorite food or custard, and put your receipt into our box next to the register. At the end of the day Culver’s will give us 10% of all the receipts collected.
Who: All of St. Peter’s High School Seniors
What: An overnight retreat for the Class of ‘09.
Where: Good Earth Village in Spring Valley, MN. (About 2 hours from Northfield)
When: May 9th – 10th We’ll be leaving from the church at 1:00
and returning the next day around 2:00.
Cost: $45.00
To sign up for this event please contact Matt Iverson
“THE MIX”
Only two left this year!! If you haven’t been to The MIX yet this is your chance. The next Mix will be on May 13th at United Methodist Church.
As always we will be serving a meal at 6:30 and worship will begin at 7:00.
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!
5th GRADE
We will be meeting for CAT class in May l. Class will meet on Wednesdays; May 6th, 13th and 20th. Class time will be from 4:15-5:15pm. We will be completing our study of the Apostles’ Creed. Be sure to bring your Bible and purple Catechism book to class.
Wednesday After School programming will also be meeting in May, so a bus will be available to bring kids to St. Peter’s from Greenvale and Bridgewater. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
Congratulations – 5th graders
Congratulations and God’s blessings to the following fifth graders who received their first communion on April 9th at the Maundy Thursday Worship Service: Candice Anderson, Colman Anderson, Anna Dougherty, Tori Finger, Sean Gilligan, Matt Gordon, Tiffany Ingham, Eli Jasnoch, Nicole Laue, Tori Lauseng, Emily Reynolds, Kennedy Rieck, Maddie Riley, Brandon Schultz, Alexa Standfuss, Quinn Storlie, Taylor Storlie, Rachel Streitz, Cole Trebelhorn and Cadyn Welch.
6th Graders
Mark your calendars – our last retreat of the school year will be on Saturday, May 9th. More Information will be sent to you as plans are finalized.
We will be completing our study of the Lord’s Prayer, so be sure to bring your
catechism. Also; Pastor Paul will be working with 6th graders on the process of acolyting.
Any questions about the retreat, please ask. I’m looking forward to working with you all again!
Peace,
Laura
Family Event -Sunday, May 3rd
There will be no regular Sunday School classes during the Education Hour on Sunday, May 3rd.
Everyone is invited to join the Education Team and the Parents Connect group in Fellowship Hall for a special family event.
During the hour; we will express our appreciation to those who have helped with various Education programs throughout the school year. Following a time of thanks, we will be creating faith stones to be used at home.
We hope to see you there! To sign up, or if you have any questions, please contact the church office.
GIGGLE NEWS
Sunday Morning Schedule
April 26th -Sunday School classes will meet as usual. “Easter—I am a Believer” rotation
continues.
May 3rd -Regular Sunday School classes will NOT meet. Everyone is invited to join us in
Fellowship Hall at 9:30 for a Family Event. We will be thanking our Educators and making Faith Stones.
May 10th -Sunday School classes will meet as usual. This is the last day of the “Easter—I am a Believer” rotation.
May 17th -This is the last day of Sunday School for this school year. Join the Education Team in a celebration with games, crafts and music!
Shepherd Schedule:
First and Second Grade
April 26 Scott & Lisa Sevcik
May 3 Family event in Fellowship Hall
May 10 Clark & Paulette Johnson
May 17 Last day of Sunday School
Third Grade
April 26 Brad Gatzlaff & Mary Madison
May 3 Family event in Fellowship Hall
May 10 Scott & Leann Norkunas
May 17 Last day of Sunday School
Sincere Thanks
Thanks to; Kelley Erickson, Becky Johnson, Barb Liebenstein, Lisa Nystuen and Barb Spurrier for teaching the Easter Rotation this spring, to Pam Taubman and Lori Lauseng for teaching the pre-school kids, to Pam Tidona and parents of 1st-3rd graders for being shepherds for various classes, and to the Education Team for all their time, talent and commitment.
You are each a blessing to our kids!
Other Summer Opportunities
Good Earth Village along with Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s will again be hosting, On the Road in August. ‘On the Road’ meets from 8:00am-5:00pm; this year we will gather at Bethel. On the Road is available for children who have completed kindergarten through fourth grade. To register for On the Road, go to Good Earth Village online at www.goodearthvillage.org. On the Road meets from August 10th-13th, with opening worship on Sunday, August 9th. Registration forms are also available at the Welcome Center
In conjunction with On the Road; Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s will again host a Vacation Bible School for preschoolers. Registration forms for this joint VBS are also available at the Welcome Center.
We’re looking forward to working with your children through the summer! If you have any questions, please feel fee to contact anyone on the Education Team.
Vacation Bible School
It’s hard to believe summer is less that two months away! Join us at Crocodile Dock for VBS this year. St. Peter’s will host VBS from Sunday, June 7th – Thursday, June 11th. We will meet in the evening, beginning with a meal from 5:15-5:45pm, followed by class, crafts and music until 7:30pm. Children who have completed 3year old Sunday School through those who have completed 4th grade are invited to come and join us at Crocodile Dock. Youth and adults are invited and encouraged to participate as helpers.
Registration forms for ‘Crocodile Dock’ have been sent to Sunday School families. If you would like to help with VBS this year, need more information or additional registration forms, please contact Laura. Please register your children for VBS by Sunday, May 17th. The Education Team is truly looking forward to hosting a VBS here at St. Peter’s this year, in addition to other summer opportunities. We hope to see you there!
Friendship Forum
As He covers the sky with clouds,
He supplies the earth with rain,
and maketh the grass grow on hills
~Psalms 147:8
Friendship Forum comes to you through the Adult Education team. If this area is of interest to you, please contact Jan Gutzman at 507-645-9155. We would love to have you help us!
Friendship Forum Schedule for May
May 3 - “Sharing our Faith” – join The Education Team as we thank all those who have worked to
share the faith with our children and youth this year. Following a time of thanks, join the
Parent Connect group as they help us to create faith stones to help share our faith at home.
May 10- Mission Fundraiser
May 17—Baccalaureate
May 24—Veterans Sunday
Pentecost Sunday
We are asking you to please wear red on Pentecost,
Sunday, May 31.
SHARE YOUR MUSICAL GIFTS
Do you love to sing? Do you play an instrument? There are many ways you can share your musical gifts at St. Peter’s. Summer is a great time to explore new ways to
participate in worship, and many opportunities are available for small groups or individuals. Here are just a few:
Summer special music – St. Peter’s features special music at summer worship services. If you would like to share your talent this summer as a soloist or with a vocal or instrumental group, contact Peter Schlief.
Cornerstone – The Cornerstone praise team blesses our worship with music every week. If you sing or play an instrument, why not share your gift by singing or playing with Cornerstone? Contact Peter Schlief for more information.
There are many ways you can share your gifs at St. Peter’s. Come give God glory!
interested in providing music for
Sundays during the summer, please contact Peter Schleif.
Meet Ellen Trotman
A bit about Ellen: I have 2 children, Ahnika is 6 and Cullen is 1. Lance and I have been married for 9 years. We moved to Northfield 3 years ago from Eagan. Currently, I am staying at home with my
children and do licensed child care. Previously, I taught Randolph’s Preschool program, and before that I taught kindergarten at Tesseract School in Eagan. I enjoy running, spending time on the lake,
reading, movies, traveling to new places, and time with family and friends.
What brought Ellen and her family to St. Peter’s: We have been members of St. Peter’s for about 2 1/2 years. We were attracted to St. Peter’s by the welcoming members and staff, the children and youth programs, the location and size. We have always felt “at home” and welcomed at St. Peter’s, even before becoming members and really getting to know other members.
Ellen’s involvement at St. Peter’s: I have served on the Congregational Life board, and currently serve on the Education team. We are busy working on St. Peter’s Vacation Bible School program that will take place this June. We hope to see you there!
Lance and I also attend the Parents Connect group, and have really enjoyed getting to know other
families with young children. It is comforting to connect with other parents that experience some of the same issues and learn how they grow from and handled them. I believe parenting is the toughest and most important job I will do and to do it effectively takes a community of knowledge and support.
Ellen’s most rewarding contributions to St. Peter’s: I love people. Meeting and learning about them. By getting involved at St. Peter’s, I have been able to meet a variety of wonderful people I wouldn’t have gotten to know by simply attending church services.
Ellen’s outlook on the future of St. Peter’s: I would love to see the children’s and youth programs
continue to grow and expand. However, in order for that to happen we need more volunteers. It is
important for people to understand all of the volunteer opportunities. A little bit of time goes a long way! Their time and talents are so valuable, especially to the young members at St. Peter’s. We need to remember that our children are our future, and the future of our church. There are great things
happening, hopefully people will take the opportunity to be a part of them, young and old!
Volunteer: Sign-up team information
Please note we have a new sign-up method and it is as follows:
Sign-up for a 2-3 month period using the same sheets on the table in the Narthex.
Sign-up before the 17th of each month to have it appear in the next months Parish Visitor.
A master list pertaining to your team will be available on the table.
If you are unable to serve as prescheduled, refer to the master list for a
replacement.
~Ushers~
If you are interested in becoming an usher, please contact Mike Lane.
May 3 ~8:30am Bruce & Stephanie Christians
Phil & Thelma Winter
~10:45am Bert & Bernie Reese
May 10 ~8:30am Dale & Nancy Snesrud
Loren & Mavis Jacobson
~10:45am Bob & Glenna Fast
Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
May 17 ~8:30am
~10:45am Lael & Mona Weselmann
Rose & Evan Weselmann
May 24 ~8:30am
~10:45am Brian & Mary Peterson
Megan, Becca & John
May 31 ~8:30am
~10:45am
~Readers~
Please contact Mavis Bell if you have any questions, or are interested in becoming a reader.
May 3 ~8:30am Carmen Sevcik
~10:45am
May 10 ~8:30am Dale Snesrud
~10:45am Laura Gilligan
May 17 ~8:30am Mavis Bell
~10:45am Deb Schad
May 24 ~8:30am Virgil Witte
~10:45am Dale Ness
May 31 ~8:30am Laura Gilligan
~10:45am
Readers Only:
Prior to each month, Bernadette will place copies of the lessons, dated for each service, in the mailbox marked “Readers” at the office entrance.
At your convenience, please pick up the copy specific to your scheduled reading.
~Friendship Forum Kitchen
Serving Team~
May 3 Mike & Betty Chapman
Dan & Dottie Scharber
May 10
May 17 Dale & Linda Ness
May 24
May 31
~May Acolyte Schedule~
Please call the church with any changes.
Thank You.
May 3 ~8:30am Stephanie Riley
Paige Storlie
~10:45am Nate Picha
Chad Dougherty
May 10 ~8:30am Thomas Streitz
Mitchell Bornhauser
~10:45am Adam Simser
Jon Jensen
May 17 ~8:30am Maxine Trebelhorn
Joe Erickson
~10:45am Jordan Grant
Annika Johnson
May 24 ~8:30am Bethany Jewison
Ethan Finger
~10:45am Chad Dougherty
Christy Anderson
May 31 ~8:30am Paul Martinson
Renn Gruenhagen
~10:45am Kaitlyn Kuyper
Nick Neset
~Communion Assistants~
Please contact Bernice Christensen if you are interested in learning more about how to become a Communion Assistant.
May 3 ~8:30am -Set up Al Croone
-Servers Nancy Solberg
Carmen Sevcik
~10:45am No Communion
May 10 ~8:30am No Communion
~10:45am -Set up Bernice Christensen
-Servers Laura Gilligan
Bernice Christensen
May 17 ~8:30am -Set up Nancy Solberg
-Servers Jan Nelson
Ray Nelson
May 24 ~8:30am -Set up Mary Peterson
-Servers Bernice Christensen
Ruth Johnson-Wirth
~10:45am No Communion
May 31 ~8:30am Healing Service
~10:45am Healing Service
Given some time, and prayerful thoughts, we hope this new approach will be
encouragement for all to consider
participating in the Worship services.
Again, thank you to all for participating in the meaningful ministry.
Northfield Ecumenical Women Gathering
The 10th Annual gathering of the Northfield Ecumenical Women (N.E.W) and the “Fellowship of the Least Coin” will be held on Saturday, May2 at 9:30am at Little Prairie United Methodist Church, located south of Dundas.
All St. Peter’s women are invited to come share a common worship/learning experience. A
continental breakfast will be served followed by a program
featuring inspirational speaker, Grace Lusher. Her topic for the day will be “From Rags to Riches”. There will also be special music and an offering for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. The offering is sent to “Church Women United”
to fund projects worldwide helping women and children. Come for good food, and good company!
Women of St. Peter’s Women’s Retreat
October 2nd & 3rd
Camp Omega, Waterville MN
“Gifts of the Season” - Mary Fransen
All women of St. Peter’s are welcome . The retreat will begin on Friday evening at 7:00pm. You can arrive any time after 4:00pm. Dinner will be available for an additional cost of $6 if you wish to arrive before 5:30pm.
Please register as early as possible. $15 non-refundable deposit will be required along with your name, address, phone number, and any special needs requested. All registrations are due September 1. With additional funds from the book sale, the final payment should be no more then $37., which will be due on September 15. Registrations may be left in the church office in an envelope marked: Attention Celena Witt. Or, you can mail it to:
Celena Witt 1917 Adams Court Northfield, MN 55057.
Hope to see you there!
Prayer Team
Monday, May 4
from 12:00pm-1:30pm
in the Fireside Lounge.
If you have any questions or prayer concerns, please contact Jan Gutzman at 645-9155.
Bake Sale
A bake sale will be held on Sunday, May 3rd. This sale is being planned by the Women of St. Peter’s Board to raise funds to defray program expenses for the October Retreat, plus provide scholarships for women who would like to attend, but are financially unable. All funds will be used for the retreat and will lower the cost for all participants. Thrivent will be matching funds, and all purchases are by donation. All women are encouraged to bake, or buy, or both!
Baccalaureate Service and Reception:
Sunday, May 17
St. Peter’s will honor it’s Northfield High School
graduates during a special Baccalaureate,
Sunday, May 17 at 10:45am worship service. It will be preceded by a reception in their honor in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30-10:30. All graduates and their families, as well as anyone who wishes to attend are invited to celebrate this special milestone with our graduates.
Graduates: You will soon be graduating! St. Peter’s members extend our most heartfelt congratulations for your achievements and look forward to honoring you for your accomplishments. You will receive a special invitation for this event. Please
remember to R.S.V.P to Mary Bleckwehl by Friday, May 8 @ 645-5028.
The following students will be honored on May 17:
Kyle Anderson
Natalie Baker
Ross Baker
Tyler Bleckwehl
Dusti Boyum
Becca Burnham
Hannah Cairns
Hannah Dvorak
Maren Dvorak
Tommy Falenschek
Erryn Gunderson
Cameron Hagen
Nicole Heinricy
Noelle Heinricy
Zach Heuer
Cassie Ingham
Alexandria Jenkins
Taylor Jensen
Cole Jirik
Haillie Kimmes
Anthony Kragness
Tyler Loesch
Cameron McGregor
Jacob Odell
Addison Payne
Becca Peterson
Maren Peterson
Krystle Pinc
Sean Pumper
Joseph Strachan
Chelsea Trebelhorn
Rose Weselmann
Zachary Womeldorf
Graduates: Please turn in one senior photo and one toddler photo to our church office by Friday, May 8. They will be used in a slide show on May 17.
Extended Ministries
We have had a very successful Grief Support Group which has met for six weeks. We thank all of you who participated , for sharing with us. Bethel Lutheran Church will continue the Grief Support Group at their church starting on May 27th through July 1st from 7:00pm-8:30pm. We are part of the Northfield Grief Coalition which offers support throughout the year,
St. Peter’s will have two 20×20 garden plots so that we can grow vegetable and/or flowers at Eric Dee’s land out near the bus garage. If you would like to help set up the gardens, please contact Nancy Topp or Jeannie Machacek. We need any kind of help we can get. If you like to garden, or help your children learn how to garden, we are waiting for your call. The vegetables could then be used by the congregation and the food shelf. And the flowers can be sold at the market to help with other needs. We are open to any other ideas! We will be using gas card funds to give scholarships to people who can not afford the garden spot.
The youth are selling gas cards for this month so that they may get the much needed carpet in the upstairs hallway. Everyone uses gas, so why not benefit our youth, and purchase your gas here at St. Peter’s! Gas cards can be purchased in the Narthex.
We have met with a Coalition to end poverty in Rice County by 2020. This is the beginning of something great!
Waiting for your call, in Jesus’s name, Amen
Nancy Topp: 507-334-2851
Jeannie Machacek: 507-645-5480
The Community Action Center provides a great service to our community. Below is a few ways you can help out the Center, and your community:
Bread Volunteers Needed—The Northfield CAC is in need of volunteers to pick up day old bakery goods from Econo Foods and deliver them to the Community Resource Center on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings between 9:00am and 10:00am. If you are available any of these mornings, please call Judy at the CAC, 664-3558 for more information.
Free Hot Meal Program– Thursday’s Table is a service of the Northfield Community Action Center designed to provide a hot and healthy meal to people in Northfield who could benefit from a free, nutritious meal. Through the collaboration of the CAC, Northfield School District, and the City of Northfield, free meals are served every Thursday evening from 5:00pm-6:30pm. The meal is served in the Northfield Community Resource Center dining room, located down the hall from the Clothes Closet.
The Community Services Division of the Northfield School District provides a children’s activity each week. Adult volunteers are needed to help set-up, serve food and beverages, and clean-up each week. Please call Katrina at the CAC, 664-3555 for more information.
Activity and Camp Scholarships The Community Action Center has funds available for summer activity scholarships for young people.
Families may choose residential camps, day camps, sports activities, art programs, or academic programs. Contact the CAC at 664-3550 for eligibility guidelines and to
schedule an appointment. Popular summer programs fill early, so it is important to register soon!
Clothing Donations Needed! The Clothes Closet is in need of spring and summer clothing
donations along with linens and small household items. Donations are accepted Wednesday and Saturday, 9:00am-12:00pm. The donation drop-off doors are located on the east side of the building, directly off of Raider drive. Please call the CAC Clothes Closet, 664-3580 if you have any questions regarding donations. The store is open for business Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm; Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm. EVERYONE IS ALWAYS WELCOME TO SHOP AT THE CLOTHES CLOSET.
Donated Vehicles Needed Do you have a roadworthy car you do not need any longer? The CAC accepts cars that are in good working order as charitable donations. Unlike many used car programs, the CAC doesn’t sell the donated vehicles that they receive. This means the donors may use the fair market value of the vehicle they donate for tax purposes. Donated cars are matched with CAC income eligible
clients that have critical transportation needs.
If you would like further information on how to donate your vehicle, please call Judy at the CAC, 664-3558. Pajama Sewers Needed! Pajama kits are available for you to pick up at the Northfield Community Action Center Clothes Closet. The Clothes Closet is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-12:00pm. The kits contain pre-cut fabric and sewing instructions. All you need to supply is the thread and elastic.
“Love cannot remain by itself—it has no meaning.
Love has to be put into action, and that action is service.”
~Mother Teresa
Northfield Community Action Center
Did you know that we have a local group of volunteers who pitch in to help people—LOCALLY—if they have a need. Of course, those who are members of the Senior Center know this through their Newsletter. These folks help out those who find it no longer possible to complete tasks around their yard or house because of the circumstances of life that they are dealing with.
In order to get the volunteers, each person who has a need is invited to contact Larry Odegard by the first weekend of the month. His number is 645-4576. He, in turn, will find volunteers to go out by the third weekend of the month. This arrangement has worked pretty good over the last two years. Pass the word around, so more people can say “Yes” to the question of: DID YOU KNOW?
Topics: Parish Visitor Magazine, Podcasts | No Comments »
May, 2009 Calendar
By webmaster | April 29, 2009
1
8:30am LUV Ladies
9:00am Women’s Fellowship
2
3
8:30am Worship w/comm.
9:30amEducation Hour
9:30am Family Event
10:45am Contemporary Worship
5:00pm Softball @ Babcock
5:30pm “The Classics”
4
12:30pm Prayer Team
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm E.A.
5
7:00am Stewardship
10:00am Staff Meeting
6:00pm Executive Board
6
Noon Bible Study
* Educational Lineup
5:45pm Cornerstone
7:00pm Senior Choir
7
7:00am Table Talk
6:00pm “Apostles” small group
7:00pm New Member Evening
Youth/Education mtg
8
8:30am Bandage Rolling
9
High School Senior Retreat
10
8:30am Worship
9:30am Education Hour
9:30am Parent Connect
10:45am Contemporary Worship w/ communion
6:10pm softball @SE1
11
9:30am New Spirit
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm E.A.
12
9:30am Hannah’s Circle
10:00am Staff Meeting
6:00pm Worship Board
7:00pm Church Council
13
Noon Bible Study
* Educational Lineup
5:45pm Cornerstone
7:00pm Senior Choir
14
7:00am Table Talk
9:30am Esther Circle
6:00pm “Apostles” small group
7:00pm Training & Equipping
15
8:30am LUV Ladies
9:00am Women’s Fellowship
Life Line Screening
16
17
New Member Sunday
8:30am Worship w/comm.
9:30amEducation Hour
9:30am Baccalaureate
10:45am Contemporary Worship
12:00pm Workday/Picnic
7:20pm Softball @ Babcock
18
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm E.A.
7:00pm Eve Circle
19
10:00am Staff Meeting
7:00pm Rachel Circle
Small Group Ministry team
20
Noon Bible Study
* Educational Lineup
5:45pm Cornerstone
7:00pm Senior Choir
6:30pmParent Confirm.
21
7:00am Table Talk
6:00pm “Apostles” small group
7:00pm Business Mgmt
22
23
24
8:30am Worship w/comm.
10:45am Contemp. Worship
25
Memorial Day
26
10:00am Staff Meeting
27
Noon Bible Study
5:45pm Cornerstone
28
7:00am Table Talk
6:00pm “Apostles” small group
29
30
31
Pentecost
8:30am Worship
10:45am Contemp. Worship
5:00pm softball @ SE2
*Wednesday After School Programming- 3:15pm-5:15pm Wednesday After School Program
4:15pm-5:00pm 5th grade CAT Class
5:15pm-6:15pm The Cafe
6:30pm 7th & 8th grade Confirmation
7:30pm 9th grade Confirmation
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April 26, 2009 bulletin
By webmaster | April 23, 2009
Youth Service
April 26, 2009
People of St. Peter’s, Ministers
Rev. Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor
Rev. Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
GATHERING
GATHERING The Rock
WELCOME and SHARING OF THE PEACE
OPENING SONG Every Move I Make
CONFESSION SONG Amazing Love
PRAYER
READING Psalm 148
1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels,
praise him, all his heavenly hosts.
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens
and you waters above the skies.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for he commanded and they were created.
6 He set them in place for ever and ever;
he gave a decree that will never pass away.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth,
you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,
8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
stormy winds that do his bidding,
9 you mountains and all hills,
fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals and all cattle,
small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings of the earth and all nations,
you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and maidens,
old men and children.
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD,
for his name alone is exalted;
his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.
14 He has raised up for his people a horn,
the praise of all his saints,
of Israel, the people close to his heart.
Praise the LORD.
SKIT 1 The Lutheran Church of Eternal Tranquility
OFFERING Special Music ~ Joey Schad
READING Psalm 150
1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
2 Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
4 praise him with tambourine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.
SKIT 2 Make a Joyful Noise Lutheran Church
Meal
COMMUNION LITANY
All: In response to the call of God, the command of Christ, and the bond of our common faith, we come to the table.
Leader: On the night when he was betrayed, Jesus took unleavened bread, broke it, and gave it to his friends saying “Take this bread and eat it. This is my body”.
All: In response to he love of our creator, and remembering the death and resurrection of Jesus, our Savior, we come to the table.
Leader: In a similar manner, Jesus took a cup, and after blessing it and giving thanks he said, “Drink this, because this the the new covenant I am establishing to bind us together now and throughout eternity. Do this to remember me”.
All: Gracious God, we are thankful for these gifts of love and sacrifice, and we are reminded of you and your love for us. May your love fill us with the power to become more like you and may your love enable us to make a difference in the coming week. Amen.
DISTRIBUTION Sanctuary
Lord I Lift your Name on High
READING Psalm 146
1 Praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD, O my soul.
2 I will praise the LORD all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
3 Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortal men, who cannot save.
4 When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
on that very day their plans come to nothing.
5 Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
whose hope is in the LORD his God,
6 the Maker of heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them—
the LORD, who remains faithful forever.
7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed
and gives food to the hungry.
The LORD sets prisoners free,
8 the LORD gives sight to the blind,
the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,
the LORD loves the righteous.
9 The LORD watches over the alien
and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
10 The LORD reigns forever,
your God, O Zion, for all generations.
Praise the LORD.
SKIT 3 - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH
LORD’S PRAYER
Sending
CLOSING COMMENTS
BENEDICTION
May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine on you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with favor and give you peace. In the name of the Creator, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen
RINGING OF THE BELL
SENDING SONG Prince of Peace
PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING
St. Peter’s Youth
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Julie Albers (DeLora Linders sister-in-law), Jody Anderson (SueAnn Lepinski’s sister), Amy Behrens (John & Penny Carr’s sister-in-law), Don Detlie, Martha Drentlaw, Brittany Ernst, Gloria Hagen (Nancy McGregor’s mother), Cleo Hellerud, Gerald Houtman (grandfather of John Carr), Kevin Johnson (Deb Schad’s brother), Marty Koehler (Ardy & Jim Koehler’s son), John Lau (Jim & Kathy Plante’s brother-in-law), Ed Little, Grace Lundberg, Jim Maxfield (father of Julie Cochlin), Rori McKee (friend of Jeannie Machacek), Ruth Meliza, Sherry Meliza, Joyce Mokoff, Logan Olivero (student in Northfield), Dean Paulson, Jim Penning (student at NHS), Brian Randolph (friend of the Sevcik family), Janet Rasmussen, Karen Rheinschmitt (cousin of Hazel Peterson), Dale Scharber (Dan & Dottie Scharber’s sister-in-law), Jinny Schrader (Eric & Rolf’s mother), Mary Stein, Ardys Swanson (Bob Anderson’s sister), Cindy Thomas, Randa Vogen (sister of Ramona Pumper), Martha Whitehead, and Ordell Witte are ill. Please remember their families in prayer also.
This week we remember the following in prayer: El Tuerto in Guatemala, All Saints and Holy Cross Episcopal- Northfield, All Synod Assembly Voters, the Planning Committee and Volunteers, Guest Speakers and Synod Staff who prepare for the Synod Assembly.
God’s Blessings to John Hallcock & Katie Deutsch.
They were married yesterday, April 25, 2009.
This Week
Monday, April 27
7:00pm- Grief Support Group
7:00pm- Jubilee Bells
7:00pm- Emotions Anonymous
Tuesday, April 28
10:00am- Staff meeting
9am-5pm-Turning Point Counseling Center
TODAY Wednesday, April 29
8:30am- Youth Service w/ comm 9am-5pm- Turning Point Counseling Center
9:30am- Sunday School/Youth Forum Noon Bible Study
9:30am- Parents Connect 3:15- Wednesday After School Programming
9:30am- Guatemala Meeting 4:15- 4th grade CAT class
10:45am- Youth Worship w/comm.. 5:15pm- Supper @ Cafe
6:30pm- 7th & 8th grade Confirmation
6:30pm- Parent Confirmation class
7:30pm- 9th grade Confirmation w/parents
5:45pm- Cornerstone Rehearsal
7:00pm- Senior Choir Rehearsal
7:15pm- Cook Book team
Thursday, April 30
7:00am- Table Talk @ The Tavern
9am-5pm- Turning Point Counseling Center
6:00pm- “Which Apostle Are You” small group
7:00pm- New Member Evening
Friday May 1
8:30am- LUV Ladies
9:00am- Women’s Fellowship
Saturday, May 2
Sunday, May 3
8:30am- Worship Service w/ communion
9:30am- Youth Forum
9:30am- Family Event
10:45am- Contemporary Worship w/comm.
5:00pm- Softball @ Babcock
5:30pm- “The Classics”
Announcements
Fair Trade Coffee & Chocolate is on sale today, between services.
“Which Apostles Are You” – Will meet on Thursday evening at 6:00pm at the church.
*Emotions Anonymous Group meets Monday evenings @ 7:00pm in the
Sunday school wing, room 9 or 15.
Turning Point Counseling Center -Every Tuesday through Thursday, the Turning Point Counseling Center is open from 9am-5pm. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call Pastor Neale Thompson at 645-8252 ext. 13.
Northfield Area Grief Support Group – meets on Monday evenings at 7:00pm in the Fireside Lounge. It is open to anyone who has suffered any type of loss. If you have any questions, please contact; Nancy Topp, Jeannie Machacek, or Evie Wegner.
St. Peter’s Cook Book- The cook book team will be meeting on Wednesday, April 29 at 7:15pm in the lounge.
Habitat for Humanity- Thanks to those who signed up for working, or gave a donation last Sunday. There is another opportunity today. More workers are needed. $545 was collected, but let’s try to reach our goal of $1000! There are some special envelopes in the pews, or you can use a regular pew envelope. Checks should be made to St. Peter’s. They may be put in the offering plate or the special can on the display table in the Narthex.
If you are interested in providing music for Sundays in the summer, please contact Peter Schleif
EVENTS
BAKE SALE! Today! the Women of St. Peter’s will be having a Bake Sale to help defray retreat expenses. It will be a freewill donation for the bake goods.
Thrivent will be matching our funds!
TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY for “The Classics”, featuring the music and comedy of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This will be a first time “Black and White” Event at St. Peter’s. (If you have formal black and white, please wear it. If you don’t have formal, no problem, just wear black and white.) The evening will begin with a fabulous dinner followed with entertainment by The Classics. Please get your tickets early, for space is limited.
N.E.W. Event- Northfield Ecumenical Women Event will be Saturday, May 2 at 9:30am at the Little Prairie United Methodist Church. If you would be interested in carpooling, please meet here at St. Peter’s at 9:00am.
Lifeline Screening will be taking place here, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church on Friday, May 15, 2009. Pre-registration is required. If you are interested, please call 1-800-324-1851
Sunday School Announcements
4th Grade CAT class meets for the last time this Wednesday, April 29th. 5th Grade CAT class meets in May, beginning May 6th.
On May 6th, there is a 2hour early dismissal from Northfield Schools. Wednesday After School program will still meet that day, we will be gathering 2hours earlier. Any questions, please ask.
Youth Announcements
Senior Class Retreat- This Years Senior Class Retreat will be taking place on May 9th & 10th at Good Earth Village. To sign up or for more information, please contact Matt Iverson.
STAFF
Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
Dottie Scharber, Business Administrator Neale Thompson, Turning Point Counselor
Laura Gilligan, Children’s Ministries Todd Thompson, Sunday School Music Director
Matt Iverson, Youth Director Marilyn Wing, Jubilee Bells Director
Donna Paulsen, Organist Bernadette Johnson, Secretary
Peter Schleif, Senior Choir & Cornerstone Band Director
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
418 East Sumner Street - Northfield,
Website: www.northfieldstp.org
Topics: Bulletins | No Comments »
April 12, 2009 Bulletin Easter Sunday
By webmaster | April 10, 2009
Easter Sunday
April 12, 2009 – 10:45am
People of St. Peter’s, Ministers
Rev. Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor
Rev. Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
GATHERING
PRELUDE Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds -arr. John Ferguson
~ Brass
WELCOME Alleluia! Christ is Risen
Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
OPENING SONG Jesus Christ is Risen Today
~Brass
CONFESSION SONG Wonderful, Merciful Savior
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
CHILDREN’S SERMON ~Dale Ness
WORD .
FIRST LESSON Acts 10: 34-43
Peter’s sermon, delivered at the home of Cornelius, a Roman army officer, is a summary of the essential message of Christianity: Everyone who believes in Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection fulfilled the words of the prophets, “receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
34Then Peter began to speak to them: “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, 35but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ — he is Lord of all. 37That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; 40but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, 41not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING
ACOLYTES Jordan Grant & Shane Peterson
ASSISTING MINISTERS
READER Pam Parker COMMUNION ASSISTANTS Dan Scharber & Rob Anderson
INSTRUMENTALISTS
Trumpets: Dan Bergeson, Katie Shaw
Baritone: Mary Ellingboe Trombone: Peter Schleif
FESTIVAL SETTING of HOLY COMMUNION for CONGREGATION, CHOIR, ORGAN, & BRASS
~arr. John Ferguson
FESTIVAL OF HYMNS ~ arr. John Ferguson
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER
Jody Anderson (SueAnn Lepinski’s sister), Amy Behrens (John & Penny Carr’s sister-in-law), Don Detlie, Martha Drentlaw, Brittany Ernst, Charlene Hagen (Sheila Hagen’s mother), Gloria Hagen (Nancy McGregor’s mother), Cleo Hellerud, Gerald Houtman (grandfather of John Carr), Kevin Johnson (Deb Schad’s brother), Marty Koehler (Ardy & Jim Koehler’s son), John Lau (Jim & Kathy Plante’s brother-in-law), Ed Little, Grace Lundberg, Jim Maxfield (father of Julie Cochlin), Rori McKee (friend of Jeannie Machacek), Ruth Meliza, Sherry Meliza, Joyce Mokoff, Logan Olivero (student in Northfield), Dean Paulson, Jim Penning (student at NHS), Brian Randolph (friend of the Sevcik family), Janet Rasmussen, Karen Rheinschmitt (cousin of Hazel Peterson), Dale Scharber (Dan & Dottie Scharber’s sister-in-law), Jinny Schrader (Eric & Rolf’s mother), Mary Stein, Ardys Swanson (Bob Anderson’s sister), Randa Vogen (sister of Ramona Pumper), Martha Whitehead, and Ordell Witte are ill. Please remember their families in prayer also.
TODAY
9:00am- Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall (served by youth)
10:45am- Easter Festival Worship with Holy Communion
SECOND LESSON 1 Corinthians 15:1–11
The core of the Christian faith and Paul’s preaching is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the crucified and risen Christ appeared to the earliest of his followers, so we experience the presence of the risen Lord in the preaching of this faith.
Now I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, 2through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you — unless you have come to believe in vain.
3For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, 4and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. 9For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them — though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 11Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
EASTER GOSPEL Mark 16:1–8
When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. 2And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. 3They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” 4When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. 5As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. 6But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” 8So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
[[And all that had been commanded them they told briefly to those around Peter. And afterward Jesus himself sent out through them, from east to west, the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.]]
MESSAGE OF THE DAY “An Idea that Changed the World”
- Pastor Craig Ellingboe
SONG Lord of the Dance
PRAYERS
SHARING OF THE PEACE
MEAL .
OFFERING/SONG We Will Dance
COMMUNION LITANY
Leader: We are resurrection people!
All: We come to share in the table Jesus has prepared for us.
Leader: We are Easter people!
All: Just as we share his death – we share his life. We, too, will be raised from
death to life.
Leader: We are Good News people!
All: The body and blood of Jesus is a very real presence among us. We come to
the table to find forgiveness, healing, and acceptance.
Leader: Our Lord, on the night when he was betrayed, took bread, broke it and said: “Take
this bread and eat it. Do this to remember me.” And in a similar manner he took a
cup filled with fruit of the vine and after giving thanks he shared it with his disciples
saying: “Drink of it, all of you, for this is the new covenant of life between us. Do
this to remember me.” Following our Lord’s command and responding to our
need for forgiveness, we come!
DISTRIBUTION WITH MUSIC How Beautiful
Majesty
BENEDICTION
May God bless you and keep you. May God’s face shine on you and be gracious unto you. May God look upon you with favor and give you peace. In the name of the Creator, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen
RINGING OF THE BELL
SENDING MESSAGE
SENDING SONG Prince of Peace
Announcements
TICKETS ARE ON SALE TODAY for “The Classics”, featuring the music and comedy of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This will be a first time “Black and White” Event at St. Peter’s. (If you have formal black and white, please wear it. If you don’t have formal, no problem, just wear black and white.) The evening will begin with a fabulous dinner followed with entertainment by The Classics. Please get your tickets early, for space is limited.
*Emotions Anonymous Group meets Monday evenings @ 7:00pm in the
Sunday school wing, room 9 or 15.
Turning Point Counseling Center -Every Tuesday thru Thursday, the Turning Point Counseling Center is open from 9am-5pm. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call
Pastor Neale Thompson at 645-8252 ext. 13.
Northfield Area Grief Support Group – The Northfield Area Grief support group meets on Monday evenings at 7:00pm in the Fireside Lounge. It is open to anyone who may have suffered any type of loss. If you have any questions, please contact; Nancy Topp, Jeannie Machacek, or Evie Wegner.
St. Peter’s Cook Book- The cook book team will be meeting on Wednesday, April 22 at 7:15pm in the lounge.
Calling All Men! Lutheran Men in Ministry will be getting together for a synod wide men’s gathering at Cabella’s in Owatonna next Saturday, April 18. Breakfast will be served at 8:00am. The special speaker will be a pitcher for the Minesota Saints, who will be the new Associate Pastor at Bethel, here in Northfield. This is a great opportunity! If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Neale Thompson at 645-8252 ext. 13.
Friendship Forum –On Sunday, April 19, at Friendship Forum Dale Ness will be speaking on ”The Gift of Organ Donation”.
Small Group Events
The Men’s Group will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, April 13 in the Youth Room.
“Rich Man – Poor Man” will meet Friday, April 24. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Rae Scheffert.
The Shack will be meeting tonight at 7:00pm at the Jasper Retreat Center in downtown Northfield.
Sunday School Announcements
This Wednesday, April 15th, regular programming resumes. Wednesdays after school will run from 3:15-5:15pm, 4th grade CAT class meets from 4:15-5:00pm, the Café will serve a meal from 5:15-6:15pm, and 7th, 8th and 9th grade confirmation classes meet at their regularly scheduled times. Any questions, please call.
Youth Announcements
Easter Breakfast - Join us today in the fellowship hall for our Annual Easter Breakfast Served by St. Peter’s Youth. We will be serving from 7:45-10:45. There will be a free will offering with the proceeds going towards this summers Youth trip.
MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH LOCK-IN - Next Friday April 17th - Sat 18th. We will meet at the church at 7pm and then head to the bowling alley. After bowling we will head back to the church for Games, Pizza, and Movies. Cost for this event is $10.00. Sign up by contacting Matt by Wed April 15th.
STAFF
Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
Dottie Scharber, Business Administrator Neale Thompson, Turning Point Counselor
Laura Gilligan, Children’s Ministries Todd Thompson, Sunday School Music Director
Matt Iverson, Youth Director Marilyn Wing, Jubilee Bells Director
Donna Paulsen, Organist Bernadette Johnson, Secretary
Peter Schleif, Senior Choir & Cornerstone Band Director
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
418 East Sumner Street - Northfield,
Website: www.northfieldstp.org
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March 29, 2009 Bulletin
By webmaster | March 26, 2009
Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 29, 2009 – 10:45am
People of St. Peter’s Ministers
Rev. Craig Ellingboe, Senior Pastor
Rev. Paul Graham, Associate Pastor
Contemporary Worship Mission Statement:
Bringing people to a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through praise, music, prayer and scripture.
GATHERING
GATHERING Soon & Very Soon
WELCOME
OPENING SONG Shout to the North
CONFESSION SONG Above All
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God, with steadfast love you draw us to yourself, and in mercy you receive our prayers. Strengthen us to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit,
that through life and death we may live in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
SACRAMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM ~Eleanor Ethel Olson
WORD .
FIRST LESSON Jeremiah 31:31–34
The Judeans in Babylon blamed their exile on their ancestors, who had broken the covenant established at Sinai. Here the prophet looks to a day when God will make a new covenant with the people. There will be no need to teach the law, because God will write it on their hearts.
31The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 32It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt — a covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, says the LORD.
33But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 34No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, “Know the LORD,” for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.
SECOND LESSON Hebrews 5:5–10
Using priestly imagery and references to the Old Testament, the author explains how Christ lived in trusting obedience to God, and so God has made Christ the source of our eternal salvation.
5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
GOSPEL John 12:20–33
Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time to celebrate the Passover festival. Here Jesus’ words about seeds planted in the ground turn the disaster of his death into the promise of a harvest in which everyone will be gathered.
Reader: The Holy Gospel According to John
Congregation: Glory to you, O Lord.
20Now among those who went up to worship at the festival were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said to him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22Philip went and told Andrew; then Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. 23Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
25Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.
27Now my soul is troubled. And what should I say — ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it is for this reason that I have come to this hour. 28Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29The crowd standing there heard it and said that it was thunder. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”
30Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not for mine. 31Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out. 32And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33He said this to indicate the kind of death he was to die.
Reader: The Gospel of the Lord.
Congregation: Praise to you, O Christ.
MESSAGE Pastor Paul Graham
SONG Create in Me
PEACE
SIMPLY GIVING ~ Jo Odell
OFFERING Lord of the Dance
OFFERTORY PRAYER
Creator of all that is and all that will be, we offer the gifts of our labors in daring response to your blessings. We are yours, and all we have belongs to you. Use these offerings in ministry and mission in your world. Amen.
PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH
LORD’S PRAYER
HEALING SERVICE
All who sense the need for God’s healing in any aspect of their lives may join in prayer for others and themselves. All gathered today may come forward to receive a word of blessing and prayer. In the healing service, we celebrate gifts such as these: God’s presence with strength and comfort in times of suffering, God’s promise of wholeness and peace, and God’s love alive and embodied in this community of faith.
SENDING
RINGING OF THE BELL
BENEDICTION
Peace be to you, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with love undying. Amen
SENDING SONG Show Your Power
PARTICIPANTS IN THE WORSHIP SERVICE THIS MORNING
ACOLYTES Nate Picha & Annika Johnson
ASSISTING MINISTERS
READER Kelly Debnam
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Julie Albers (DeLora Linders sister-in-law), Jody Anderson (SueAnn Lepinski’s sister), Amy Behrens (John & Penny Carr’s sister-in-law), Don Detlie, Martha Drentlaw, Brittany Ernst, Charlene Hagen (Sheila Hagen’s mother), Gloria Hagen (Nancy McGregor’s mother), Cleo Hellerud, Gerald Houtman (grandfather of John Carr), Jeanette Iverson, Kevin Johnson (Deb Schad’s brother), Marty Koehler (Ardy & Jim Koehler’s son), John Lau (Jim & Kathy Plante’s brother-in-law), Ed Little, Grace Lundberg, Jim Maxfield (father of Julie Cochlin), Rori McKee (friend of Jeannie Machacek), Ruth Meliza, Sherry Meliza, Joyce Mokoff, Logan Olivero (student in Northfield), Dean Paulson, Jim Penning (student at NHS), Brian Randolph (friend of the Sevcik family), Janet Rasmussen, Karen Rheinschmitt (cousin of Hazel Peterson), Dale Scharber (Dan & Dottie Scharber’s sister-in-law), Jinny Schrader (Eric & Rolf’s mother), Mary Stein, Ardys Swanson (Bob Anderson’s sister), Randa Vogen (sister of Ramona Pumper), Martha Whitehead, and Ordell Witte are ill. Please remember their families in prayer also.
This week we remember the following in prayer: El Tuerto in Guatemala, Carleton College Chapel - Northfield, Hosanna Lutheran – Rochester, Emmons Lutheran - Emmons, Grace Lutheran - Nerstrand, North Waseca Lutheran- Waseca, Itigi Lutheran in Tanzania, Mang’onyi Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
Eleanor Ethel Olson is being baptized this morning. Eleanor is the daughter of Chad & Nicole Olson. Sponsors for Eleanor are Megan Swarter and Todd Olson.
In honor of Eleanor’s baptism, we are presenting her with a baptismal blanket that reads, “God loves you, made by your St. Peter’s family”, and a Faith Chest that is inscribed with Eleanor’s name and date of baptism.
This Week
Monday, March 30
7:00pm- The Men’s Group
7:00pm- Grief Support Group in Lounge
7:00pm- Jubilee Bells
7:00pm- Emotions Anonymous
Tuesday, March 31
9am-5pm-Turning Point Counseling Center
10:00am- Staff meeting
7:00pm- “What is Spirituality”
@The Jasper Retreat Center
TODAY Wednesday, April 1
8:30am- Healing Worship Service 9am-5pm- Turning Point Counseling Center
9:30am- Sunday School/Youth Forum Noon Bible Study
9:30am- Parents Connect 5:45pm- Cornerstone Rehearsal
10:45am- Healing Contemporary Worship 6:00pm- Soup Supper
6:30pm- “Faith & Films” 7:00pm- Worship Service
7:00pm- “The Shack 8:00pm- Senior Choir Rehearsal
@ the Jasper Retreat Center Thursday, April 2
7:00am- Table Talk @ The Tavern
10:00am- WELCA Meeting
Friday, April 3
8:30am- LUV Ladies
9:00am- Women’s Fellowship @ the Tavern
12:00pm- “Rich Man – Poor Man” small group
Saturday, April 4
12:00pm- Salad Luncheon @ St. John’s
Palm Sunday, April 5
8:30am- Worship Service w/ communion
9:30am- Sunday School
9:30am- Parents’ Connect
10:45am- Contemporary Worship
6:30pm- “Faith & Films”
7:00pm- “The Shack”
@ the Jasper Retreat Center
Announcements
Fair Trade Coffee and Chocolate will be sold today, after both services. And for a special treat, we will be selling chocolate eggs for Easter.
TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY for “The Classics”, featuring the music and comedy of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This will be a first time “Black and White” Event at St. Peter’s. (If you have formal black and white, please wear it. If you don’t have formal, no problem, just wear black and white.) The evening will begin with a fabulous dinner followed with entertainment by The Classics. Please get your tickets early, for space is limited.
The Altar Ministry Team will be selling flowers for our Easter Garden. If you would like to purchase one in memory or honor of someone, you can do so at the Welcome Center.
*Emotions Anonymous Group meets Monday evenings @ 7:00pm in the Sunday school wing, room 9 or 15.
Turning Point Counseling Center -Every Tuesday thru Thursday, the Turning Point Counseling Center is open from 9am-5pm. If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please call Pastor Neale Thompson at 645-8252 ext. 13.
Northfield Area Grief Support Group – The Northfield Area Grief support group meets on Monday evenings at 7:00pm in the Fireside Lounge. It is open to anyone who may have suffered any type of loss. If you have any questions, please contact; Nancy Topp, Jeannie Machacek, or Evie Wegner.
St. Peter’s Cook Book- We are looking for people to serve on a team that will be putting together a cookbook. If you are interested, please contact Bernice Christensen at 645-5135, or Shawn Paulson at 645-5701.
Camp Amnicon Volunteers – All Past –Present –Future Volunteers are invited to a meeting on Sunday, April 5 at 9:30am in room #9. We will be covering information on the upcoming trip April 23-26 to Camp Amnicon. You are welcome to join us for the four days, or any of the days that would work best for you. This is a large project, and we could use all the help we can get. If you have any questions, please call Gary at 507-645-6820.
The Pet Blessing scheduled for April 5 (Palm Sunday) has been postponed. Instead, Friendship Forum on April 5th will be coffee & fellowship.
Small Group Events
“Faith and Films” will be meeting this evening. Due to the size of the group, it has been moved from the parsonage (Paul & Kelly’s home), to the Youth Room. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Paul Graham.
The Men’s Group will be meeting tomorrow, Monday, March 30 in the Youth Room.
“Rich Man – Poor Man” will meet this Friday, April 3. If you have any questions, please contact Donna Rae Scheffert.
“The Shack” meets tonight, March 29 at 7:00pm at the Jasper Retreat Center. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Chapman.
Sunday School Announcements
The last rotation of the year, “Easter – I am a Believer”, begins on April 5th. We still need teachers for various workshops and shepherds (particularly for 4th and 5th grade). If you would like to help; sign up sheets are available at the GIGGLE Information Station. If you have any questions, please ask any Education Team member.
Youth Announcements
Think Spring! Today is the last day you will be able to place your orders for the Youth Plant Sale. Orders will be taken at the table in the Narthex. Plants will be available for pickup on Mothers Day.
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April, 2009, Parish Visitor
By webmaster | March 26, 2009
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
Parish Visitor April 2009
St. Peter’s Mission Statement:
Expressing God’s love and grace to build a community where people
Believe in God,
Belong to Christ and
Become disciples who serve in day to day living.
Staff
Rev. Craig Ellingboe
Senior Pastor
craigellingboe@charter.net
Rev. Paul Graham
Associate Pastor
pastorpaulgraham@charter.net
Dottie Scharber
Business & Human Resource
Administrator
dottiescharber@charter.net
Matt Iverson
Youth Director
mattiverson@charter.net
Laura Gilligan
Children’s Ministries
lauragilligan@charter.net
Bernadette Johnson
Secretary
bernadettejohnson@charter.net
Neale Thompson
Pastoral Counselor
nealethompson@charter.net
Dan & Dottie Scharber
Maintenance Coordinators
Donna Paulsen
Organist
Peter Schleif
Senior Choir Director
Cornerstone Director
Todd Thompson
Sunday School Music Director
Marilyn Wing
Jubilee Bells Director
Turning Point Counseling Center
Parish Visitor
Church Council
Mike Chapman
President
Deb Schad
Vice President
Bert Reese
Treasurer
Bernadette Johnson
Secretary
Jan Nelson & Thelma Winter
Evangelism Board
Faith Bergemann
Worship Board
John Ehresmann
Business Management
Rein Lemke & Ed Vivant
Properties Board
Jo Odell
Congregational Life
Jeannie Machacek & Nancy Topp
Extended Ministries
Dale Snesrud
Stewardship Board
Penny Carr
Youth Board
Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30am - 3:30pm
St. Peter’s Website:www.northfieldstp.org
Pastor’s Desk:
From the age of 11 to 14, I was a paperboy. I delivered the paper in my small town from 50 to 75 homes over those years. There were 924 people in the town where I grew up so there were about 6 to 8 boys delivering papers. There were no papergirls at that time, as far as I can remember. We covered the whole town with one of two papers, either the Minneapolis Tribune or the St. Paul Pioneer Press. There was some competition between the papers, but families were pretty much devoted to one or the other, and were loyal for years.
I bring this up because recently our newspaper stopped home delivery except for the Sunday edition due to cost. This has shaken our household in a slight way, because what do you read over morning coffee? I know I can get the news on-line, on television, by word-of-mouth, and in weekly magazines like Time, but it isn’t the same as holding it in your hands. There is something in me that wants to hold on to the news at least for a while. Some of the news we get is chronological, happening in time and space and is bound there for a moment and then, one forgets it.
Other news is chairotic, meaning it happens in “God’s time.” This kind of news is earth-shaking, world-shaking, cosmic. We time other events before and after the events in God’s time. These events are when one gets engaged, gets married, has a baby, gets baptized, or goes to heaven. We mark these events in the Family Bible. They hold great events and great memories for us. We are changed by such events.
The Earth has seen a lot of “Chairos”and “Chronos” events come and go. Some seem quite recent. Pearl Harbor, VE Day, the election of Barack Obama, the crisis on Wall Street. One such event might be if the Vikings ever won the Super Bowl. Pick your own “super time” events, chronos or chairos. However, there are two God events (“chairos”) that stand out for all of us. One is the Birth of Christ which divided time into B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (“anno domini” or “the year of the Lord”). The other event is Easter! We preach Jesus Christ, and him raised from the dead. Easter changed the whole face of history, changed our lives forever. This is Good News that must be hand-delivered.
What does it mean to you? Well, apart from celebrating it every year, I think Easter must make a difference in our day-to-day living. As people of faith, as Easter people, we are called to hand-deliver this Good News into the world. A quote came across my desk today. “What hurts most is not the cruelty of the oppressor but the silence of the bystanders,” wrote Elie Wiesel. Recently, I facilitated a meeting of area caregivers who have collaborated in providing needed services in the Northfield-Faribault service area. What they shared was that we can make a difference in our hometown by delivering the “goods” to people who are hurting. What good can you deliver and who needs it? That, my friend, comes through the joy of discovery. Look around and see who needs a helping hand! See you in church!
Pastor Craig
Turning Point Counseling center:
The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseling Center: This Christ centered ministry has but one goal—to equip all God’s people to make spiritually mature decisions for their lives and accept the responsibility for those decisions.
I have often said that we live in a broken world, and in a broken body. This can not effect how I live, or how I die. And although I believe this is not the way it was meant to be, it does make me look at my mortality. Jesus told a parable and said: “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found a set of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought some.” (Matthew 13:45-46)
My mortality forces me to ask thequestion, “What is the most important thing I have in this life?” My answer is the pearl of relationship. I hear you say, “You are absolutely right”. I feel my most important relationship is that which I enjoy with my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord. And then, I quickly ask myself; “If I know this, why do I keep sabotaging this relationship, which gives my life, death, and eternity meaning?” I am like the man who cries out: “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24)
Anytime I allow my worry, fear and anger to overshadow my loving relationship with my heavenly Father, by placing them equal to, or ahead, of God, I am standing in the middle of sin, with brokenness all around me. If I am not willing to meet this area of my life
head-on, then there is every possibility that the rest of my life will be chaotic. How does this affect my life? Hopelessness and negativity begin to invade, and my very voice develops an edge to it. I lose my perspective on issues and my relationship with colleagues becomes a blaming game. S
arcasm and temper tantrums become the rule and long wakeful nights sap my strength. It seems that when I break the most important relationship, that which I have with God, through Jesus Christ, I begin to break all of the relationships around me. That is when I need to hear the words of Jesus once again: “Come unto me, all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me , for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your soul. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Here is where I come back to my senses. Here is where I call sin, SIN. (Romans 3:23; 6:23 and Ephasians 4:30-32) How humbling!!! But, with the promise of 1 Peter 5:7 echoing in my ears: “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you”, I can dare to claim 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (the inability to stand upright before God).”
Why do I keep forgetting that I am a child of the King, and through His Son, I can come before Him at any time? And now that relationship is healed—Praise be to God!
How are your relationships? Is there a need to talk, with the assurance that your confidentiality will be respected? I want to invite you to call me on this secure line: 507-645-8252 x13.
Neale Thompson
Spiritual Pastoral Counselor
Holy Week Worship Schedule:
Palm Sunday, April 5
8:30am: Worship Service with Holy Communion
9:30am: Sunday School & Youth Forums
9:30am: Friendship Forum, -Pet Blessing
10:45am: Contemporary Worship Service
Wednesday, April 8
6:00pm: Seder Meal for 5th graders and their parents
Maundy Thursday, April 9
7:00pm: Worship Service with Holy Communion
Fifth Graders receive their First Communion
Good Friday, April 10
7:00pm: Worship Service
Saturday, April 11
7:30pm: Easter Vigil Worship Service @ Boe Chapel
Easter Sunday, April 12
7:00am: Easter Sunrise Service
7:45am: Easter Breakfast served by Youth
8:30am: Easter Festival Worship Service with Holy Communion
9:30am: Easter Breakfast served by Youth
10:45am: Easter Worship Service with Cornerstone and Holy Communion
Circle Meetings this Month:
New Spirit: Monday, April 20
9:30am— Fireside Lounge
Bible Leader: Hazel Peterson
Hostesses: Nancy Snesrud
Celena Witt
Hannah: Tuesday, March 10
9:30am– Fellowship Hall
Hostess: Lorraine Lemke
Bible Study Leader: Ginny Paulson
Esther: Thursday, March 12
9:30am—Fireside Lounge
Rachel: Tuesday, March 17
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Eve: Monday, April 20
7:00pm– Fireside Lounge
Leader/Hostess: Ruth McCarty
Women’s Fellowship:
Friday, April 3
9:00am– The Tavern
Friday, April 17
9:00am– Fireside Lounge
Study Chapter 9 pg. 93
Getting to Know…Rein Lemke:
A bit about Rein: Rein grew up in Fairmont, Minnesota, graduating from Fairmont High School in 1952. After working at odd jobs for two years he was drafted into the Army, where he served two years. After his discharge from the Army, he attended the University of Minnesota, graduating in 1961 in Aeronautical Engineering.
Rein’s Family: Rein married Lorraine in 1959. They have three children, and six grandchildren, ages 7 to 17. Brenda, Mark, Matt, and Jake live in Stillwater. Beth, Vic, Louis and Loren live in the Mankato area. And Brian, Tessa, Melody and Brady live near Aspen, Colorado. Rein and Lorraine moved to Northfield in 1962 after accepting an engneering job at Sheldahl Inc. They joined St. Peter’s in 1963.
Rein’s involvement at St. Peter’s: Rein has been involved in numerous boards and activities here at St. Peter’s. He was on the Budget Committee, he was Vice President in 1971. He was on Council from 1979-1982. He was a St. Peter’s representative on the Northfield Refugee committee from 1979-1990. Rein was President of the council in 1982, and on the Business Management Board in 1992.
He currently serves on the Church Council for the Properties Board from 2007– present. He has also participated in mission trips Alaska and Camp Amnicon. But one of Rein’s most rewarding activities was his
involvement with the Education Wing Building Committee, where he served as chair. The wing was dedicated in 1988, after more then two years of effort.
Rein’s outlook on St. Peter’s: Rein is encouraged about St. Peter’s future because he sees that we, as a congregation, work diligently to preserve the very characteristics that attracted he and Lorraine to St. Peter’s 46 years ago. It is still a friendly, family-like atmosphere, inspiring Pastors, meaningful worship, active youth ministry, and more. But he sees that we need to work harder at getting a higher percentage of our members involved in regular church attendance, and other activities.
Prayer Team:
Monday, April 6
from 12:30pm—1:30pm
in the Fireside Lounge.
If you have any questions or prayer concerns, please call Jan Gutzmann at 645-9155.
Facts and Figures for February:
2009 2008
January offerings: $32,940 $34,806
Year to date offerings: $65,228 $66,528
Each week we need to receive
almost $10,000 in General Fund
offerings at St. Peter’s.
Thank you for all you give. And a special thanks to all in the Simply Giving program. Together, we can do amazing things! Thank You for All You Give!
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting; March 10, 2009
Council & Staff Present: Bergemann, Carr, Chapman, Pastor Ellingboe, Iverson, Gilligan, Pastor Graham, Johnson, Lemke, Nelson, Odell, Reese, Schad, Scharber, Snesrud, Thompson
Absent: Ehersmann, Machacek, Topp, Vivant
Pastor Neale Thompson lead devotions
Goals for the retreat:
Fellowship, prayer and worship
What is leadership
Overview of mission and ministries
Treasurers Report, Bert Reese: Financial Statement
Went through the statement and explained how to read it.
Dedicated accounts are non budgeted accounts, such as Extended Ministries Offering is up for the month of February $382 from last year
We had to borrow $18,000 in February.
Last year we didn’t have to borrow that much because
Lent was earlier. And we had more money in our accounts in 2007 to carry over to the new year. Several accounts were behind, so their payments were quite a bit more in February. Motion to approve the financial statement. Second and carried.
Secretary’s Report, last months minutes:
Correction: Money being raised for new carpet is not for the youth room, but for the upstairs hallway.
Motion to accept secretary’s report second, and carried.
Senior Pastor, Craig Ellingboe: Written report submitted.
Going away party for J.D. Ingham, who will be serving in Iraq
Finished the small group, “12 Steps for Christen Living” There have been requests for another class like this one.
Associate Pastor, Paul Graham:
Continuing with the home visits
Visits to Group homes –really enjoy this
Working with Training & Equipping Small Groups are going well
Turning Point Counselor, Neale Thompson: Written report submitted.
Posed the question, “How is Turning Point Counseling Center benefitting you?”
Finished up his small group, “Expressing Community through Visioning”.
Thank you to all who have supported Neale and his family.
Youth Director, Matt Iverson: Written report submitted
Plant Sale fundraiser is underway
Youth are selling gas cards as a service project to help raise money for new carpet in the upstairs hallway.
Children’s Ministries, Laura Gilligan: Written report submitted
Youth Board, Penny Carr: Matt’s report has been submitted.
We have some new youth on the board, with some fresh ideas.
Stewardship Board, Dale Snesrud:
Financial statements will be mailed out at the end of March
In April we will be highlighting “Simply Giving”
There will be a special appeal for Mother’s Day
Worship& Arts Board, Faith Bergemann:
Didn’t meet yet in March
Palms have been ordered
Properties Board, Rein Lemke:
Concentrating on fixing up the youth room.
Cabinets, lighting, electricity
Possible plumbing, getting estimates to put a sink in the youth room
Garage
Evangelism Board, Jan Nelson & Norma Lundell (Thelma Winter):
Good turn out for prospective members lunch
May 17, New Member Sunday
Not sure on number of Prospective new members
Congregational Life Board, Jo Odell:
Reception for Pastor Neale Thompson and Pastor Gerhard Nygaard.
Prospective Member lunch
Save the date of May 3 as Congregational Life, and St. Peter’s presents “The Classics, with Frank & Dean” .
Business Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette Johnson
Women’s Retreat:
Some of you may be asking, where is Camp Omega? It is located northwest of Morristown and about 30-35 miles from Northfield with a driving time of about 45 minutes. The camp is owned and operated by the Southern Minnesota District of LCMS and is situated on
Horseshoe Lake.
The retreat center is a large meeting room and a lounge area with a fireplace. On the second floor there are accomodations for 56 people. There are 10 rooms with 2 bunkbeds to sleep 4, and 2 rooms with 4 bunkbeds to sleep 8. Sinks are in the bedrooms, but bathrooms have to be shared.
Meals are served in a separate building, a short distance from the retreat center. For more
information, go to the camps website at:
campomega.org
So mark your calendars for October 2nd & 3rd, 2009. It will be at Camp Omega in
Waterville, MN.
April Acolyte Schedule
Please call the Church with any changes. Thank You
Wednesday
April 1 ~ 7:00pm Adam Simser
Kaitlyn Kuyper
Palm Sunday
April 5 ~ 8:30am Maxine Trebelhorn
Paul Martinson
10:45am Thomas Streitz
Angela Nassif
Maundy Thursday
April 9 ~ 7:00pm John Erickson
Mitch Bornhauser
Good Friday
April 10 7:00pm Eme Gruenhagen
Paige Storlie
EasterSunday
April 12 ~ 8:30am Luke Heuer
Joe Erickson
10:45am Jordan Grant
Shane Peterson
Sunday
April 19 ~ 8:30am Jarred Lienke
Reid Behrens
10:45am Hayden Johnson
Alexi Starr
Sunday
April 26 ~ 8:30am Youth Service
10:45am Youth Service
Worship Service Participants
~Readers~
Please contact Mavis Bell if you have any questions, or are
interested in becoming a reader.
April 5 ~8:30am Beth Vivant
(Palm Sunday) ~10:45am
April 9 ~7:00pm Laura Gilligan
(Maundy Thursday)
April 10 ~7:00pm Bruce Christians
(Good Friday)
April 12 ~7:00am Scott Bergemann
(Easter, Sunrise Service)
April 12 ~8:30am Arnold Witt
(Easter) ~10:45am
April 19 ~8:30am Diane R. Boyum
~10:45am Laura Gilligan
April 26 ~8:30am Youth Sunday
~10:45am Youth Sunday
~Ushers~
If you are interested in becoming an usher,
please contact Mike Lane.
April 5 ~8:30am Bruce & Steph Christians
(Palm Sunday)
~10:45am
April 9 ~7:00pm Reine & Lorraine Lemke
(Maundy Thursday) Dennis & Janet Hahn
April 10 ~7:00pm
(Good Friday)
April 12 ~7:00am Dan & Dottie Scharber
(Easter, Sunrise Service)
~ 8:30am Reine & Lorraine Lemke
Michael Lane
~10:45am Bob & Glenna Fast
Bernice Christensen
April 19 ~8:30am Dale & Nancy Snesrud
Scott Bergemann
~10:45am- Jim & Nancy McGregor
Cameron & Grayce
April 26 ~8:30am- Youth
~10:45am– Youth
~Communion Assistants~
Please contact Bernice Christensen if you are interested in learning more about how to become a Communion Assistant.
April 5 8:30am -Set up Al Croone
(Palm Sunday) -Servers Beth Vivant
Dale Snesrud
10:45am No Communion
April 9 7:00pm -Set up Kathy Plante
(Maundy Thursday) -Servers Dottie Scharber
Laura Gilligan
April 12 8:30am -Set up Bernice Christensen
(Easter) -Servers Bernice Christensen
Dale Snesrud
10:45am -Set up Bernice Christensen
-Servers Dan Scharber
Rob Anderson
April 19 8:30am -Set up Al Croone
-Servers Hazel Peterson
Evonne Clay
10:45am No communion
April 26 8:30am No communion
10:45am -Set up Mary Peterson
-Servers Glenna Fast
Bernice Christensen
Friendship Forum Kitchen Serving Team-
April 5 -Dennis & Janet Hahn
Reine & Lorraine Lemke
April 12 -Easter Breakfast
April 19 -Bruce & Lori Phelps
Tim & Tami Little
Jean Liebenstein
April 26 -Les & Norma Lundell
Worship Service Participants, Thanks
Many thanks to all of those who attended our sign-up and training sessions for communion servers, readers and ushers on January 11.
Please note. we have a new sign-up method and it as follows:
Sign-up for a 2-3 month period using the same sheets on the table in the Narthex.
Sign-up before the 17th of each month to have it appear in the next months Parish Visitor.
A master list pertaining to your team will be available on the table.
If you are unable to serve as prescheduled, refer to the master list for a replacement or email or call your team leader.
Given some time, and with prayerful thoughts, we hope this new approach will be encouragement for all to consider participating in the Worship services. Again, thank you all for participating in this meaningful ministry.
Readers only:
Prior to each month, Bernadette will place copies of the lessons, dated for each service in the mailbox marked “Readers” at the office entrance.
At your convenience, please pick up the copy specific to your scheduled reading.
Reminder:
All announcements for the bulletin are due at 12:00pm on
Wednesday afternoons.
Your Gifts Make a Difference
Gifts really do make a difference. I think every one of us can remember gifts that we have received that made a real impact or difference in our lives. Christmas , birthday , weddings, or just a special gift from a friend for no reason at all. What is the saying, “It’s the thought that counts”. When we receive a gift the natural thing to do is to reciprocate. Try to find something of similar value that fits the recipients values and interests.
How do we measure the gifts from God? On March 11th, it was a bitterly cold morning and the sun came up, bright and clear. Our creator placed the most beautiful “sundogs” on either side of the sun for the pleasure of His people. I thought, as I looked at the sundogs, “My God is having a beautiful day”. How do we respond to that gift?
Then, there is Gods gift of “Amazing Grace”. How do we respond? And there is the Love of God that sent His only son into this world of sin, to suffer and die on a cross in our place. There is simply no way we can give back to God a gift of similar value. But we can love our neighbors as ourselves and share, “ourselves and our possessions” with one another.
There are many special ministries here at St. Peter’s to
become involved with or adopt. Besides supporting the
general fund, there is also plenty of opportunity to physically serve in many different capacities.
On the last Sunday in March, Jo Odell gave a presentation on “Simply Giving”. During the month of April, we would like to highlight this and encourage a much larger percent of our congregation to participate. There are many benefits for both the member, and our congregation in the program of “Simply Giving”. Please, prayerfully consider this option.
From the Stewardship Committee, we encourage you to become involved and consider all of the gifts that God has showered you with, and we ask that you prayerfully respond.
In God’s Love,
Dale Snesrud
“For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given, ad the
government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6
Invitation for the Women of St. Peter’s
The Women of St. Peter’s are invited to a Salad Luncheon and Program at St. John’s Fellowship Hall on Saturday, April 4
at 12:00pm, noon.
The program will be led by Dr. Robert Scholz and titled “Singing Hymns –Ancient and Modern”. Women of St. Peter’s
Parent’s Connect
Parents connect will continue to meet on Sunday mornings during the Sunday School hour (9:30am-10:30am) Join us for some fellowship and discussion on how to bring our faith and beliefs into our home.
Small Groups, Thanks
Thanks to all who have participated in the recent new small groups. They were a great success, and we look forward to new small groups starting again in the fall.
“What Apostle Are You? Personality Type and Discipleship”, led by Neal Wilson will be meeting on Thursday evenings at 6:00pm, starting on April 16. Location is yet to be decided.
Guatemala Mission trip—
There will be a meeting on April 19 for anyone interested in learning more about the mission trip to Guatemala The trip will be from November 2nd-9th. We will be meeting at 9:30am in Room 9. If you are interested in going, but can not make the meeting, please contact either contact Phil Olson (645-5323) or Marilyn Weiser (645-6350).
Northfield Ecumenical Women gathering
The 1Oth Annual gathering of the Northfield Ecumenical Women (N.E.W.) and the “Fellowship of the Least Coin” will be held
Saturday, May 2 at 9:30am at Little Prairie United Methodist Church, located south of Dundas.
The annual N.E.W. gathering continues the relationship among women in many congregations in the Northfield area, to celebrate their diversity and the common bond that has existed among them for over 55 years in Church Women United.
All St. Peter’s Women are invited to come share a common worship/learning experience. A continental breakfast will be served followed by a program featuring inspirational speaker, Grace Lusher, (who has been affiliated with the Stonecraft Christian Women’s Clubs for over 12 years). There will also be special music and an offering for the Fellowship of the Least Coin. The offering is sent to “Church Women United” to fund projects worldwide helping women and children. Come for good food, and good company!
*******Thank You*******
On Sunday, March 15th, several of our Sunday School students presented a puppet show on the Ten Commandments during worship.
Special thanks to: Carson Babbini, Hannah Johnson, Luke Johnson, Max Johnson, Sam Johnson and Laurel Martinson for doing such an awesome job!
We look forward to more performances in the future.
SIMPLY GIVING
Our goal this year is for 10 more people to enroll in Simply Giving.
Simply Giving is an automated giving program designed to help you conveniently and consistently contribute to St. Peter’s. Through Simply Giving, your gifts are made through a pre-authorized
withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency of your automatic gift—weekly, semi-monthly or monthly—the option is yours. Your gift or payment is deposited on the same day it is withdrawn from your account—at no cost to you or the recipient.
Simply Giving is a reliable, safe way to move our stewardship plan into action. It allows you to share your gifts through planned giving and
activates your generosity into ongoing stewardship. Because your gift is given consistently, you won’t need to play “catch-up” at year-end or worry about forgotten checkbooks or missed Sunday offerings.
But you’re not the only one that benefits.
St. Peter’s benefits from steady, more predictable revenues throughout the year, more efficient bookkeeping and greater confidence in meeting our financial and mission goals.
Thank you to those who are already “Simply Givers.” If 10 more people enroll this year, it would be a great benefit to our stewardship and mission. Enrollment forms can be found in the Narthex or at the church office. Put your faith into action through Simply Giving. Together we do amazing things!
Because donations were made to complete the set of chimes needed by
St. Peter’s handbell choir, the Jubilee Bells, new chimes were ordered and have been received. They were introduced to the congregation at the first service on Sunday, March 22.
Previously, the group had chimes to cover only two of it’s three octaves of brass bells. When a musical piece called for the third octave (the lower octave) of chimes, its director had to borrow and bring over the very heavy case of lower case chimes from the Methodist Church.
Director Marilyn Wing and the members of Jubilee Bells thank St. Peter’s members who contributed to the purchase of these chimes! A portion of the money came from the monies remaining in the Jenelle
Mandsager and Donn Starr Memorial funds.
Anyone interested in playing handbells? More players are needed. Ability to read music is very helpful, but Director, Marilyn Wing , is willing to talk with anyone who is interested. Weekly practice is on Monday evenings from 7-8pm.
Thanks you,
Marilyn Hill
Youth News
Sunday April 26, 2009 Worship Service
Come and be a part of this GREAT Service!! This is your opportunity to plan, prepare, and lead an entire church service. I know you have creative ideas, and wonderful talents. Be a part of the Youth Service and let the congregation see what we can do!
We will be planning the service during Youth forum on the Sundays of March 22nd, April 5th, and 19th, and on Wed April 15th and 22nd.
There are plenty of opportunities to be involved in this service, such as;
© Musicians (guitar, base, drums, piano, vocalists)
©Actors/Actresses ©Ushers ©Puppets ©Set Design ©Video Technicians
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
Coming to Northfield on JUNE 10th
THE MEGA MIX
Featuring Hip Hop artist AGAPE
Time: 6pm – Food, 7pm - Concert
Location: Estenson’s Farm
Cost: Only $5.00
This event is open to both High School and Middle School Youth!!
Middle School Lock-in Bowling, Pizza, Romans and Christians, Movies…..What more could you want!!??
Date: April 17th-18th
Time: Friday 7pm – Sat 7 am
Cost: $15.00
We will meet at the church at 7:00pm and then head over to the Bowling Alley. Somewhere around 9:00pm we will make are way back to the church for the rest of the evening.
Come and help us serve Breakfast on Easter Morning!! This is a great way to say “thanks” to the congregation for all of their support during the year not to mention another way to earn money towards youth trips and activities.
How to get involved:
You can sign up for any two of the three shifts on the bulletin board outside of the youth room.
April 11th – Set up: 10-12am
April 12th – Kitchen 1: 6:45 – 9 Sunday
April 12th – Kitchen 2: 9 – 11:15 Sunday
Senior Retreat
Who: All of St. Peter’s High School Seniors
What: An overnight retreat for the Class of ‘09.
Where: Good Earth Village in Spring Valley, MN.
(about 2 hours from Northfield)
When: May 9th – 10th We’ll be leaving from the church at 1:00 and returning the next day around 2:00.
Cost: $45.00
To sign up for this event please contact Matt Iverson at 645-8252 or mattiveson@charter.net by April 26th.
Middle School Summer Trip
Looking for a fun and Christ Centered place to go this summer??
Sugar Creek Bible Camp is the place for you!! Depending on your age group you can experience things such as; horseback riding, canoe trips, ropes courses, arts and crafts, houseboats on the Mississippi! Not to mention Rockin Worship services and daily Bible Studies.
The opportunities are endless!!
DATES: June 21st – 26th
**We are unable to reserve spots, so send in your registration soon! Brochures are available at the welcome center. **
“THE MIX”
COMING ON APRIL 8TH , TO A SPECIAL EASTER MIX!!
Trinity Lutheran Church— 803 Winona Street
You have NEVER experienced ANYTHING like this!!
YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS IT!!!!
Dinner will be served at 6:30, and Worship will start at 7:00.
On Friday, March 6, the Women’s Fellowship invited
St. Peter’s Senior ladies for breakfast at Parkview. It was an enjoyable morning of fellowship.
Children’s Ministries
Confirmation Classes
Lent continues in April through Holy Week.
Students and their families are encouraged to
attend the worship services during Holy Week; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and of course, Easter Sunday.
Regular confirmation classes will resume on April 15th, the first Wednesday after Easter. Classes will meet at their regularly scheduled times; 6:30pm for 7th & 8th graders, 7:30pm for 9th. Classes will meet from April 15th through May 20th.
The Parent Confirmation Night in April will be Wednesday, April 29th.
4th GRADE
We will be meeting for CAT class in April. Class will meet on Wednesdays; April 15th, 22nd and 29th. Class time will be from 4:15-5:15pm. We will be completing our study of the Ten Commandments. Be sure to bring your Bible and purple Catechism book to class.
For the months of April and May, a bus will be available to bring kids to St. Peter’s from Greenvale and Bridgewater. If you have any
questions, please feel free to ask.
Again, I am truly looking forward to learning and working with each of you.
Peace,
Laura
5th Graders
Be sure to mark these two important dates on your calendar for April:
Wed., April 8 5th graders and their parents
6:00pm participate in the Seder Meal, held in Fellowship Hall.
Thurs., April 9 5th graders receive their First
7:00pm Holy Communion during the Maundy Thursday Worship Service.
Many thanks to Barb Liebenstein for helping the 5th graders with their goblets and coordinating the Seder Meal. Barb, you are truly a blessing!
CAT class for 5th graders will resume in May.
If you have any questions, please ask.
GIGGLE News
The last rotation of the school year, “Easter – I am a Believer”, will be from April 5th through May 10th. The Easter Rotation includes
workshops on Art, Cooking, Mission, Science and Storytelling. The
Education Team is still looking for people who would be willing to help; either as teachers or shepherds. Shepherds are particularly needed for the 4th and 5th grade classes.
If you would like to help – please talk to any Education Team member.
Please note: Sunday School will NOT meet on Easter Sunday, April 12th.
Many thanks to: Karen Anderson, Becky Johnson, Mike Lane, and Lisa Nystuen for teaching this past rotation.
Wednesday After School Programming Resumes !
After months of planning, discussing, researching and recruiting, the Planning Team is very pleased to announce that Wednesday After School programming is back and better than ever! We hope you can join us again for Wednesdays filled with games, snack, music and ‘Akaloo’.
So, mark your calendars now; programming will resume on April 15th. We will meet for six consecutive Wednesdays through May 20th. As in the fall; there will be bus transportation available for the kids from Greenvale and Bridgewater schools. The schedule for the afternoon will be as follows:
3:00-4:00pm Gathering time with specific activities while waiting for all buses to arrive
4:00-4:15pm Opening time and snack
4:15-4:45pm Lesson time with various activities
4:45-5:00pm Closing time with music in the sanctuary. Parents are asked to pick their children
up in the sanctuary.
5:15-6:15pm Supper will be served at the Café.
Shepherd Schedule for April
1st & 2nd grade
Apr. 5 Bob & Sue Peterson
Apr. 12 Easter – No Sunday School
Apr. 19 OPEN
Apr. 26 Scott & Lisa Sevcik
3rd grade
Apr. 5 John & Jennifer Riley
Apr. 12 Easter – No Sunday School
Apr. 19 Aaron Anderson/Angela Busch
Apr. 26 Brad Gatzlaff & Mary Madison
Springtime….that means another Northfield Church League softball
season. Last year saw St. Peter’s own “Boys of Sumner” finish with a strong 10-3 record.
We are excited that Wednesday programming is resuming, and hope you can join us! Registration forms are available at the Welcome Center or in Laura’s office. Please call if you have any questions.
Heartfelt thanks to the Planning Team; Karen Anderson, Kelly Debnam, Jan Gutzmann, Tal Lauseng, Lisa Nystuen, Dottie Scharber, Katie Stevens, Pam Taubman and Nancy Topp, for all the time, commitment and energy they have put in over the last few months. You are each a blessing!
6th graders
It was great to see you at our retreat on March 14th! We will have one more retreat this year; and it will probably be in May.
We’re still in the planning stages right now; but will keep you posted as plans develop.
ALLELUIA BANNER
On Easter Sunday, April 12th, be sure to check out the Alleluia Banner hanging behind the altar. Squares for the banner were made by St. Peter’s children and youth; ranging in age from 3 year olds to Middle School Youth.
Congratulations and Thanks to all the young people who helped to make the new banner. You should be proud of your work; you did a great job. Special thanks to Evie Wegner, who graciously agreed to put the banner together and has spent countless hours doing so.
St. Peter’s Softball Team
If you want to experience great fellowship and competitive play, please join us. Our games are played Sunday night at either Babcock or Sechler Fields at 5:00, 6:10, or 7:20 p.m. throughout the summer. The season opener is Sunday, May 3. Both men and women are welcome and you must be at least 15 years old to play. Please contact Bill Bleckwehl at 645-5028 if you want to play.
Calling All Men!
You enjoyed the retreat you had this winter, now we would like to get our Lutheran Men in Ministry to get together one more time this spring. This will be a synod-wide men’s gathering at Cabella’s in Owatonna, on Saturday morning, April 18th.
At this breakfast, the special speaker will be a pitcher for the Minnesota Saints. He finishes seminary this spring. Then, he will pitch one more season for the Saints before he will head out to his first parish. It should be interesting! If you are interested in going, please contact St. Peter’s office by April 15th. This is a winner of an opportunity!
CONGREGATIONAL LIFE AND ST. PETER’S PRESENTS:
“THE CLASSICS”
featuring the music and comedy of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. This will be a first time “Black and White” Event at St. Peter’s. (If you have formal black and white, please wear it. If you don’t have formal, no problem, just wear black and white.)
May 3rd, 2009 – 5:30 p.m. $15.00/person
The evening will begin with a fabulous dinner
followed with entertainment by The Classics.
Check them out at (www.classicswebsite.com)
Tickets will go on sale early in April. Please get yours early for space is limited.
If you have questions, please call Dottie Scharber at 507/645-8252.
St. Peter’s Community Gardening
What: Community Gardening. 25 x 20 foot plots are available through the Community Action Center’s (CAC) community gardening project. This spring, St. Peter’s will have 2 plots.
Why: To reach beyond our walls. Potential ways to reach out through community gardening include delivering fresh fruits and vegetables to homebound people, providing produce and funds for the CAC to help with the food shelf and other CAC programs, and providing fresh produce for people in the St. Peter’s community to help reduce people’s food expenses.
Where: The gardens are located off of Highway 3, behind Benjamin Bus Company.
Who: Younger people, older people, parents, kids, any who like to be outside and want to make a difference in our community.
When: Will begin planting sometime in the middle of May.
Each garden plot will be tilled and ready for planting come May. With lots of mulch, weeding will be minimal. There are lots of ways to be involved in this project. Could be as simple as going out to tend to the garden a few times, to helping figure out what to plant and where, to delivering produce to homebound people in our community.
Whether you are a master gardener or have never gardened before, there is a place for you in this ministry. If you would like to be involved or would like to find out more, please sign up on the sheet in the narthex.
Friendship Forum Schedule
Friendship Forum comes to you through the Adult Education team. If this area is of interest to you, please call Jan Gutzman at 507-645-9155. We would love to have you help us!
Friendship Forum Schedule for April
April 5 - Pet Blessing
April 12 - Easter Breakfast
April 19 - Life Source -Information and stories on Organ Donation
April 26 - Autism– A Mothers Point of View
~Bernadette Johnson
Friendship Forum is every Sunday in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30am-10:30am.
Palm SundayPalms
In celebration of Palm Sunday, our congregation has partnered up with Lutheran World Relief to use Eco-Palms —a branch truly worthy of celebration.
Eco-Palms are harvested in a sustainable manner. Harvesters are trained to gather only quality palm fronds in a way that allows the plant to keep growing. The palms are then brought to a community processing building, where the palms are processed and packaged for export.
By contrast, in conventional harvesting, workers are paid based on volume. The more fronds they cut, the more income they generate, encouraging overharvesting and threatening the rainforest.
Middlemen then transport the palms out of communities for processing, where more then 50% of the palms are discarded because of poor quality.
Eco-Palm communities process the palms themselves, capturing more of the profits, improving local communities standard of living, and ensuring that the money paid for the palms benefit those who labor.
As we raise our branches on Palm Sunday, we play an important role in protecting forests, local jobs, and sustainable livelihoods in harvesting communities.
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!”
~John 12: 12-13
Watch Your Marriage Bloom!
All marriages need tending and care to nurture growth in their relationship because, if marriages don’t grow, they will whither. So “feed and fertilize” your marriage at a Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekend.
It’s time away with your spouse focusing only on each other. Four presenting couples, including a Lutheran clergy couple, give a series of presentations followed by questions you discuss in the privacy of your hotel room.
There is no counseling and no group sharing. No one tries to change who you are. You’ll spend two nights in a comfortable hotel and enjoy five delicious meals from Friday at 7:00pm to Sunday at 5:00pm.
The next Lutheran Marriage Encounter weekends in Minnesota are April 24-26 in Brooklyn Center:; October 16-18 in Duluth; and Novemer 20-22 in Brooklyn Center. Please register a month in advance.
For more information, contact Dick & Judy Dehnel at 952-432-3105, Pete & Phyllis McMahon at 763-561-1575, or visit, www.godlovesmarriage.org.
Topics: Parish Visitor Magazine | No Comments »
April, 2009 Calendar
By webmaster | March 26, 2009
1
Noon Bible Study
5:30pm Cornerstone Reh.
6:00pm Soup Supper
7:00pm Worship Service
8:00pm Senior Choir
2
7:00am Table Talk @ the Tavern
10:00am WELCA meeting
3
8:30am LUV Ladies
9:00am Women’s
Fellowship
4
12:00pm
Salad Luncheon @ St. John’s
5
Palm Sunday
830am Worship Service w/comm
9:30am Education Hour
9:30am Parent’s Connect
10:45am Contemporary Service
6:30pm “Faith & Films”
7:00pm “The Shack”
6
12:30pm Prayer Team
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm E.A.
7:00pm The Men’s Group
7:00pm Grief Support
7
7:00am Stewardship
8:30am Evangelism
10:00am Staff meeting
6:00pm Executive Board
8
Noon Bible Study
6:00pm Seder Meal -5th graders & parents
9
Maundy Thursday
7:00am Table Talk
9:30am Esther Circle
7:00pm Worship Service
5th graders receive 1st Communion
10
Good Friday
8:30am Bandage rolling
12:00pm Rich Man- Poor Man
7:00pm Worship
11
10:00am
Brass players
7:00pm
Easter Vigil @ Boe Chapel
12
Easter Sunday
7:00am Sunrise Worship Service
- Youth Breakfast
8:30am Worship w/communion
- Youth Breakfast
10:45am Contemporary Worship
w/ communion
13
5:15pm Widow’s
Support Group
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm E.A.
7:00pm The Men’s
7:00pm Grief Support
14
9:30am Hannah Circle
10:00am Staff Meeting
6:00pm Worship Board
7:00pm Church Council
15
Noon Bible Study
* Education Lineup
5:345pm Cornerstone
7:00pm Senior Choir
No 8th grade Confim.
After School Program Resumes
16
7:00am Table Talk @ the Tavern
7:00pm Business Mgmt Meeting ~Lounge
17
8:30am LUV Ladies
9:00am Women’s
Fellowship
18
19
830am Worship Service w/comm
9:30am Education Hour
9:30am Parent’s Connect
9:30am Guatemala Meeting
10:45am Contemporary Service
20
9:30am New Spirit
7:00pm E.A.
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm Grief Support
7:00pm The Men’s Group
7:00pm Eve Circle
21
10:00am Staff meeting
7:00pm Rachel Circle ~ Lounge
7:00pm Transforming
Church Implementation Team
22
Noon Bible Study
* Education Lineup
5:45pm Cornerstone Reh.
7:00pm Senior Choir
23
7:00am Table Talk @ the Tavern
7:00pm New Member evening
24
12:00pm Rich Man- Poor Man
6:00pm Parents Night Out
25
26
Youth Service
8:30am Worship Service
9:30am Education Hour
9:30am Parent’s Connect
10:45am Contemporary Service with communion
27
7:00pm E.A.
7:00pm Jubilee Bells
7:00pm Grief Support
28
10:00am Staff meeting
29
Noon Bible Study
Education Lineup
6:30pm Parent
Confirmation Class
5:45pm Cornerstone Reh.
7:00pm Senior Choir
30
7:00am Table Talk @ the Tavern
7:00pm New Member evening
2009
New Wednesday Educational Line-up - 3:15—5:00pm GLOW
4:15-5:15pm 4th grade CAT class
6:30pm 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation
7:30pm 9th Grade Confirmation
Topics: Calendar | No Comments »
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