Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
ST. PETER’S MISSION STATEMENT: As God’s family led by the Holy Spirit, we are a loving and welcoming community inviting others to share and grow in God’s Word and grace.
Vision Statement: As compassionate people we desire to reflect Christ’s love .
“The Lord of Hosts says this: [Fasting] will become times of joy, gladness, and cheerful festivals for the house of Judah. Therefore, love truth and peace.” – Zechariah 8:19
Fun fact about Lent: it isn’t in the Bible.
The word Lent comes from an old Saxon word that means spring. The practice of Lent finds its roots in baptism. The word “baptism” is merely the Greek word for bath, and ritualistic baths extend far beyond Christianity. Almost every world religion has some sort of water bath ritual. The Gospels show us that John baptized people as a part of a repentance ritu-al long before Jesus was baptized. Judaism and Islam have an immersion ritual for new converts. There are many festival days in the Hindu calendar that use water and light as a way of connecting to the divine.
As the early Christian church expanded throughout the world, new discoverers of Jesus didn’t understand why baptism into the body of Christ was different than other ritual baths they may have been exposed to. On Ash Wednesday, the Christian Church would welcome inquirers into a season of study and contemplation. This discernment period lasted for 40 days. Over the next six weeks, potential baptizees would fast, engage in intentional prayer, and study the Bible. At the end of this 40 day period, the day known as Holy Saturday, new members would be baptized at Easter Vigil to celebrate that we all are resurrected to new life in Christ through our baptism.
Lent, essentially, began as baptismal preparation. Established church members felt so convicted journeying with baptis-mal seekers that the church decided to uphold this tradition of fasting, prayer and study each spring before Easter. Hence the season we now know as Lent was formed.
The Bible is filled examples of faithful people setting time aside for devotion to God. Many of these devotional periods last-ed 40 days. Moses fasted for 40 days on Mount Sinai (Ex. 34:28), Elijah fasted for 40 days to meet God at Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). Jesus himself fasted for 40 days in the desert after he was baptized before he began his public ministry (Matt. 4:1–11).
Why then do we “skip” Lent on Sundays during this devotional period? Jesus told his followers not to fast while he, the bridegroom, was present, but that they should after he departed (Matt. 9:15). We profess that every Sunday is a mini-Easter, where we celebrate that Jesus the bridegroom is fully present with us in Word and Sacrament.
This Lent, perhaps instead of focusing on giving up chocolate or coffee, we should examine how baptism prepares us to live as resurrected, Easter people. Fasting was never intended to deprive ourselves. Fasting is meant to enrich our ability to live in the promises of baptism. What sort of fast will help enhance our relationship with God? Instead of refraining from sweets or screen time, we should make a commitment to fast from gossip or other destructive habits. How can spending more time in scripture and prayer help you more fully live into the promises of baptism?
This Lent St. Peter will observe the practices of the early Christian church and examine how fasting, prayer and Biblical study equip our baptismal promises. Our Lenten midweek services on Wednesdays night will hold a contemplative prayer focus. Four pastors from Wayne county will offer a daily video devotional you can access from our Facebook page. On March 24 our children will have an opportunity to relight their baptismal candles. We will fast from singing Alleluia so that its return on Easter will feel more joyous. Everyone will be invited to participate in a 40 Day of Bible Stories Devotional.
Lent is a time to remember the promises God makes to you in baptism. These promises are worthy of our prayer and devotion.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Tina
Rev. Kristina Heise, Pastor Phone: 440-376-5904 (cell) Email: [email protected] Parsonage Address: 9361 Ashland Road Wooster, OH 44691
Church Office: (330) 264-1986
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: stpeterelca.org Facebook: St-Peter-Lutheran-Church
Panda Preschool:(330) 264-1986 (church phone #)
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Pittsburg, OH
February-March, 2019
Page 2 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
2019 Flower Chart
The Flower Chart is posted in the Narthex. Sign up now for that ‘special’ date to place flowers in the Chancel for a worship service in the new year.
20/30’S SMALL GROUP: REVELATION February 7, 6:30-7:30 PM
February 20’s & 30’s Small Group is February 7 at 6:30 pm. We are studying the book of Revelation. Argued by some to be one of the most confusing books in Scripture, we take a look at what this book meant to its original co text and how it is helpful in our life of faith today. No prep is necessary. Just bring your Bibles and your questions. Friends and significant others welcome.
This group meets the first Thursday of the month in the library.
BENEFIT BRUNCH FOR WHIT’S END
Sunday, February 10 after church
Come show your love and support for Whit’s End Com-
munity Place (co-founded by Cathy Ballinger and Sandy
Kline) which was formed to provide emotional support,
practical education, and hope to all who are touched by
cancer. The group meets at Wooster Hospital and offers
help to patients, families,
caregivers, and survivors
from the point of diagnosis
to treatment, long-term
recovery, survivor-ship, and advanced disease. Some of
the things that have been offered include speakers, therapy
canines, and massage therapists. Approximately 200 people
have been served in the first two years. With more funding,
the group hopes to add more services.
A Thrivent grant has been received to purchase all food
and supplies for the brunch, so all donations will go directly
to Whit’s End.
WHY LUTHERANS DO WHAT WE DO IN WORSHIP
3-WEEK ADULT FORUM
Sundays February 24, March 3, and March 10
9 AM Whether Lutheran your whole life or a new Lutheran, come and explore why we repeat some elements every week.
LENT LENT LENT VIDEO DEVOTIONALSVIDEO DEVOTIONALSVIDEO DEVOTIONALS
The daily Lenten Devotionals
produced last year in collaboration
with Rev. Ann Paynter, Rev. Lucas
Merritt, and Rev. Angel Jackson will
return again this year. This year's
theme will explore the Stations of
the Cross. We are trying to record
the videos a little bit earlier this
year which hopefully will make the
production of them a little faster than last year. These will
be released daily on the YouTube Channel for people to
subscribe to as well as linked to our website.
VALENTINE GREETINGS
Social & Outreach is collecting our valentines for our homebound members. A box is available for greetings due by February 10. A list is available. Please consider delivering to a member if you can.
Game Night for ALL ages! Come join us on Saturday, March 2 from 6:30-8:30pm in the church fellowship hall for Game Night! Bring your favorite game to play if you wish and/or learn a new one. Snacks and drinks will be provided. A kid friendly movie will also be playing.
-Social & Outreach Committee
Page 3 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
MEN’S BREAKFAST 2nd Tuesday of the month—8:00 A.M.
February 12 and March 12, 2019
We meet at Perkins Restaurant , Ashland, OH. All men of the church are invited to join for prayer, good food and great fellowship!
Jubilate Circle does not meet in February or March.
Next meeting is April 8. Watch for further information.
JUBILATE CIRCLE
PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS
January 9, 2019 7:00pm Secretary’s Report
Church Council met January 9, 2019, with nine members present. Joni Hagans and Sherri Borton were absent. Presi-dent Don Reichert opened the meeting with a devotional reading.
The secretary’s and treasurer’s reports were reviewed and approved.
Pastor Tina presented her report which included many com-munity and synod/churchwide activities as well as 11 visita-tions in November and 14 in December. She announced that the online ‘Sofa Studies’ will return on January 15, and an adult forum series will be held at 9 a.m. on Sundays be-fore Lent. The Lenten video devotionals will also return this year and will explore the stations of the cross. She will be working with the Youth and Education Committee to discuss the possibility of hiring a part-time staff person to work with our youth. Panda Preschool’s employee handbook is also being updated. Pastor Tina completed her BCI/FBI back-ground check, which is required every three years.
Ten new members will be received on January 13. Included are the Tyler Keener Family, the Bob Neer Family, Emily Martin and Lauren Vaughan.
A brief discussion was held regarding background checks for all volunteers working with our youth. The Youth and Edu-cation will discuss further with regards to synod recommen-dations and our insurance coverage.
The communion assistant schedule was completed for 2019, and each committee chairperson selected a date to organize a Lenten meal.
Council installation will be held January 20, 2019.
Council’s next meeting will be February 13, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned by praying The Lord’s Prayer.
Rita Tegtmeier, Church Treasurer Acting Secretary
Church Directory Updates for 2019:
Would you like to be ADDED to the St. Peter church directory?
Submit your name(s), phone, email, address, birthdates, and
wedding date to the church office. Current listings: Please check over your family’s listing(s) and submit changes.
BLOOD DRIVE At St. Peter Lutheran Church
March 19, 2019 3:00-7:00 p.m.
The need is constant. Please give if you can.
Watch for the church who will man this drive. Contact Linda Reichert with questions.
——————————————————
——————————————————————
2019 Blood Drive Schedule at St. Peter:
Drives are 3:00-7 :00 P.M. Tuesday, March 19 Tuesday, May 14 Tuesday, July 9 Tuesday, October 8 Tuesday, December 17
PANDA PRESCHOOL
MESSENGER
NEWS
Hi Everyone,
February will be a busy month at Panda! We will discuss Groundhog Day, healthy teeth and how to love the Lord with all your heart.
There will be no school Friday, February 15th and we will also be closed the 18th for President’s Day.
In March we will be talking about those tricky leprechauns and will have our weather units. We will also have conferences for the 4/5’s.
We will begin registration for the 2019-2020 school year. Call the office for a registration packet: 330-264-1986.
Miss Tara Panda Administrator
YOUTH ACTIVITIES & EVENTS…
Class Schedule: 1st, 2nd, & 4th Sundays
Children begin worship with their family and enjoy a Children’s Moment; then they are released to go down-stairs for Jr. Church for the remainder of worship time.
LEADERS & HELPERS: The winter schedule has several
openings. Please consider being a leader or helper. Extra hands always appreciated!
Thanks for sharing your time and gifts with our youth!!!
GIFT (Growing in Faith Together)
HELP NEEDED We are still looking for a few more nursery volunteers. Even if you can only help only 2 to 3 times a year that is a huge help so I don’t over schedule our volunteers. Please let Deb Elser know if a few Sundays might work for you. (You can even pick your own Sundays!!)
BAPTISMALBAPTISMALBAPTISMAL REMEMBRANCREMEMBRANCREMEMBRANCEEE SUNDAYSUNDAYSUNDAY This Lent on March 24 we will be remembering the prom-ises God makes to us in baptism. All baptized children are invited to bring their baptismal candles to church that day to relight them from the altar during the Children's Mo-ment. God parents and baptismal sponsors are invited to attend. Leading up to March 24, tell your child about their baptism - what day it was, who attended, any special tradi-tions like food or clothing that was observed. Pull out any photos taken when they were baptized and share them with your child. If your child has not yet been baptized or if you no longer have their baptismal candle, do not wor-ry. We will have ways to celebrate how God is working in their life this Sunday. No one will be left out. Please con-tact Pastor Tina with any questions.
Page 4 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
February GIFT Class
Families are invited to the upcoming GIFT (Growing in Faith Together) educational story time on Sunday, February 17 at 9:15 AM. This month we will talk about Jesus famous Sermon on the Mount. Enjoy stories, crafts and singing as we learn together. All are welcome. Contact Pastor Tina with any questions at [email protected].
Game Night for ALL ages! Come join us on Saturday, March 2 from 6:30-8:30pm in the church fellowship hall for Game Night! Bring your favorite game to play if
you wish and/or learn a new one. Snacks and drinks will be provided. A kid friendly movie will also be playing.
-Social & Outreach Committee
Special dates • Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2019 • Presidents’ Day, February 21, 2019 • World Day of Prayer, March 1, 2019 • Transfiguration of Our Lord, March 3, 2019 • Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 • Daylight-Saving Time begins, March 10, 2019 • First day of spring, March 20, 2019 • Palm/Passion Sunday, April 14, 2019 • Holy Week, April 14-21, 2019 • Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019 • Good Friday, April 19, 2019 • Easter Day, April 21, 2019
Page 5 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
Walt & I would like to thank the Jubilate Circle gals for the Christmas tray of goodies. We are also grateful for the pray-ers, cards and visits from all our friends and family at St. Pete's. We really miss attending worship & Pastor Tina's great sermons. Hopefully by the time you read this we will be able to attend more regularly. Please keep us in your prayers.
Love in Christ,
Elly & Walt Rice
Thank you all so much for the Goodie Bag you sent to us. We really appreciate it so much that you continue to think of us.
Love you all,
Richard and Debbie Haughn
Dear Church Family,
We thank you so much for the Christmas gift. Your thoughtfulness and generosity is truly appreciated. Thank you, thank you!
Jon & Mary Kinney
Dear Friends of Habitat,
Thank you so very much for the donation to be used toward our 2019 Ecumenical Build! We are so excited to get the fundraising efforts and build underway and are so grateful for everyone who is supporting our mission!
God Bless you and your congregation!
Beth Weaver
Dear New Pittsburg St. Peter Lutheran,
Thank you for your generous donation of canned and boxed food items for The West Salem Outreach and Food Pantry, Inc. Your donations help make possible our continued ser-vice and holiday offering to those in need in the West Salem and Northwestern School District area. We continue to provide a monthly food distribution, a food voucher to West Salem IGA, and emergency financial help once a year when needed. Thank you again for your support.
The West Salem Outreach and Food Pantry, Inc.
Thank you to all the people who show up to Zion Lutheran every other month on the 3rd Sunday—come rain or shine—to provide a wonderful meal for DZ @ 6.
Cheryl Oswald, DZ@6 Coordinator Zion Lutheran Church 301 N. Market Street Wooster, OH 44691
Confirmed Member Interview
Lauren Vaughan
We welcome Lauren Irene Vaughan to full member-ship at St. Peter. Although a new member, she has been part of the St. Peter family all of her life.
Lauren is the daughter of Tim and Tara Vaughan. She has an older brother, Ben, and an older sister, Claire. Lauren attends Northwestern Middle School where she is in the 8th grade. Her favorite subject is math. She is an officer for the Pride Pack and is in the FFA. She is a 4-H member and shows Lane, a paint horse, at the fair. She
also has a dog, Macie, and six cats.
Lauren loves to hang out with family and friends. In the summer, she loves to swim. To relax, she likes to listen to music or watch her favorite TV shows.
Lauren loves to help in the nursery, Jr. Church and Vacation Bible School. Her best church memory is taking First Communion. She is very thankful for her church family.
We are grateful for all of Lauren’s help through the years and grateful to have had the opportunity to watch Lauren as she matured into the lovely lady she is today.
Welcome, Lauren!
Interviewed by Linda Reichert
Page 6 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
New Member Interview
Tyler Keener Family
We are glad to welcome the Tyler and Kassie Keener family to our congregation. They reside in Wooster and have three children, Graeme, Dane, and Kate.
Four year old Graeme enjoys sweets and often finds himself playing with his older brother and his friends. Despite being the youngest in the group, Graeme nonetheless competes to
hold his own in the neighbor-hood games.
Seven year old Dane is in 1st grade at Kean Elementary. He enjoys playing video games, soccer, and other various sports.
Nine year old Kate is in 3rd grade at Kean Elementary. She is the artist of the family as she loves to paint and draw. She is active in horseback riding and has recently taken up barrel racing.
Kassie has been in education for 14 years. She currently teaches kindergarten at Kean Elementary. Prior to that, she taught kindergarten at Cornerstone Elementary, as well as at Holmesville and Apple Creek Elementaries in the Southeast Local District. In addition to keeping the household in order, Kassie enjoys projects such as home decorating. She also likes to spend time reading books.
Tyler has spent 16 years in the education field, including the last 8 years as part of the Wooster City School District. He is currently in his 5th year as the principal of Wooster High School. Prior to that, he was the assistant principal and ath-letic director for two years at Chippewa High School. In ad-dition, he spent his first six years at Central Christian High School as a teacher, Dean of Students, and head basketball coach. Tyler is an avid golfer and likes working on projects around the house.
Tyler and Kassie first met while attending Malone College. Much of their time is devoted to the activities of their chil-dren. Their favorite vacation spot is the beach town of South Haven, Michigan.
Tyler attended St Peter’s as a youngster and has now re-turned with his family. He and Kassie are especially fond of the small church, family feel of our congregation as well as the numerous children’s ministry opportunities. Also men-tioned was the dynamic leadership provided by Pastor Tina. Tyler cited Paul’s letters to the church as holding special sig-nificance to him, particularly the 4th chapter of Ephesians.
We at St Peter’s are excited to welcome the Keener family into our congregation. We look forward to God’s plans for our future as we continue to grow together.
Interviewed by Lisa Pim
New Member Interview
Emily Martin
Emily Martin spent the first thirteen years of her childhood in Georgia. At which time, her parents moved to Mt. Vernon, Ohio. She graduated from Mt. Vernon High School. Upon pursuing her higher education, she attended a small liberal arts college; Kenyon. At Kenyon, Emily majored in Anthropol-ogy and minored in Biology as undergraduate studies. She continued her graduate studies at The Ohio State University.
She graduated OSU as a Nurse Practitioner. In addition to her heavy class credit load, Emily played soccer at the college level.
In the meantime, back at Mt. Vernon, a handsome new teacher and coach had arrived on the scene. Emily's luck was on top of its game as her little brother and sister was being coached by "The Coach". One
day, while at college, Emily received a phone call from her mother requesting her to come home and pick up her siblings from practice. Gotta love mom's intuition about good looking coaches.
Emily and Brent were married about 2 1/2 years ago in Glaci-er National Park in Montana. They had a beautiful intimate outdoor wedding consisting of immediate family with clear blue Montana skies. They spoke their vows overlooking a lake with a back drop of spectacular mountains and that infa-mous Montana sky all reflecting on the water's glass! You can picture this awesome setting in your mind along with such a beautiful bride and handsome groom!
This awesome couple are now the proud parents of adorable little Luke. Luke is enjoying his first birthday on January 21, 2019. They have been truly blessed with this cute little guy.
In addition to raising a family, Emily stays very busy working part-time as a Pediatric Consultant. She works in two offices located in Ashland and Mansfield. In her spare time, Emily loves to read and loves to travel. She once traveled to Kenya, Africa where she lived for six weeks. Her favorite love is spending time with family. Their family is completed by their 3 year old Lab/Golden Retriever mix whose name is Oliver and nicknamed Ollie!
When asked about what she likes about St. Peter she replied that she likes the community and how "welcoming" the peo-ple are. She also liked Pastor Tina for who she was; as a Pas-tor and as a person. We are extremely proud to "WELCOME" Emily Martin into our congregation as a New Member!
Interviewed by Sally Firestone Chance
Page 7 The Messenger, February-March, 2019
FINANCIAL CORNER WAYNE COUNTY
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE
ZION
MEALS
MARCH 17, 2019: Our next ZION MEAL date.
Help us help others! Servers and food donations will be needed. Watch for the sign-up sheet.
Thank you to all who support this on-going ministry by helping, donating, and serving food at Zion Lutheran.
STOP at St . Pete r
——
Thursdays: February 21
March 14 April 4 & 25
6:30—7:45 PM
FINANCIAL CORNER 11/30/2018
Checking Account - For Current Expenses
November Offerings $11,494
Year-to-Date Offerings $130,676
Projected Offerings $119,286
Total Expenses Year-to-Date $126,046
Checkbook Balance $15,463
Other Offerings Given This Month
Building/Maintenance Fund $275
Disaster Response $75
World Hunger $43
Contingency Fund (MIF) $28,073
Building/Maint. Fund (MIF) $4,950
Scholarship Invest. (LPL Financial) $25,250
Endowment Fund (all accounts) $106,500
(Balance as of 12/31/17)
FINANCIAL CORNER 12/31/2018
Checking Account - For Current Expenses
December Offerings $20, 720
Year-to-Date Offerings $151,396
Projected Offerings $131,976
Total Expenses Year-to-Date $137,964
Checkbook Balance $10,532
Other Offerings Given This Month
Building/Maintenance Fund $530
$821
NC/NW Re
$5,300
Memorial/Youth Min. Balance $17,937
Contingency Fund (MIF) $28,097
Building/Maint. Fund (MIF) $14,190
Scholarship Invest. (LPL Financial) $25,126
Endowment Fund (all accounts) $99,587
(Balance as of 12/31/18)
Memorial/Youth Min. Balance $11,119
NOVEMBER, 2018
18 107 10 AM
25 12 8:15 AM PDW Present Day Worship
25 93 10 AM
DECEMBER, 2018
2 110 10 AM
9 95 10 AM
16 149 10 AM 16 64 7 PM Christmas in the Barn
18 7 PM Blue Christmas
23 99 10 AM 24 175 7 PM Christmas Eve
30 79 10 AM
Bi-Monthly Newsletter Schedule Submission and assembly dates
Issue Submissions Due Assembly
April/May March 17 March 22
June/July May 19 May 24
August/September July 21 July 26
October/November September 15 September 20
Dec, 2019/Jan 2020 **Nov 10 Nov 15 (**A week early for the Dec/Jan issue)
Assembly is anytime after 2 pm the following Friday (or as assemblers decides).
NOVEMBER, 2017 19 91 10 AM
26 13 8:15 AM PDW Present Day Worship
26 89 10 AM
DECEMBER, 2017 3 99 10 AM
6 20 7 PM Advent Service
10 105 10 AM
13 12 7 PM Advent Service
17 121 10 AM
20 16 7 PM Advent Service
24 94 10 AM
24 142 7 PM Christmas Eve 31 54 10 AM
ELCA Good Gifts
NC/NW Religious Education
Zion Meals $150
(Includes Nov. & Dec. transfers of $805)
(Includes Endowment Dispersal of $1500) (Includes 1/2 of excess 2018 General Fund of $6932)
Address Service Requested.
Mailed on or before 1/28/19
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 9451 Ashland Road Wooster, OH 44691
TO RECEIVE NEWSLETTER BY MAIL OR EMAIL, OR TO BE REMOVED from mailing: Call 330-264-1986; Email: [email protected]
ADDRESS
Panda Messenger — Page 3
Youth Events — Page 4
Panda Preschool — Page 3
Lent begins with Ash Wednesday ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP:
March 6 at 7:00 PM. The service will include Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion.
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERIES: Wednesdays during Lent at 6:30 PM March 13, 20 & 27; and April 3 & 10
Soup and Sandwich meal at 6:30 PM followed by worship of contemplative prayer.
Everyone will be invited to participate in a 40 day of Bible Stories devotional.
