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MEDICAL RELEASE AND PERMISSION FORM
Name of Participant (please print) __________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number _______________________________________________________________________
I give __________,_____my permission to attend the__________________________________________
Teen’s Physician Name ________________________________________________________________
Teen is allergic to:
Please list any restrictions on exercise:
Does your child have any special needs or problems? If so, please list:
Is your child on regular medication? If so, please list the drugs, dosages and any instructions:
Please note that no drugs are to be brought to youth events other than those listed above.
RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS
In consideration of being accepted by St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, North Wales for participation in youth ministry events,
I (we) do for myself (ourselves) and on behalf of my child/participant do hereby release, forever discharge, and agree
to forever hold harmless St. Peter’s Lutheran Church employees, and agents thereof, from any and all liability, claims and
demands for personal injury, sickness and death, as well as property damage and expenses of any nature whatsoever which
may be incurred by me or my child/participant resulting from said child’s participation in events sponsored by St. Peter’s
Lutheran Church, including travel, recreation and all associated activities.
Further, I (we) (and on behalf of our child/participant under 18 years of age) hereby assume all risk of said personal
injury, sickness, death, damage and expenses as a result of participation as above set forth. I also understand that staff and
volunteers are not responsible for the administration of prescribed medication and I (we) have made private arrangements for
any medication taken on a daily schedule by my child/participant.
I (we) am (are) the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of this participant, and herby grant my (our) permission for him/her
to participate fully in said youth events, and herby give my (our) permission to take said participant to a doctor or hospital
and hereby authorize medical treatment, including, but not limited to emergency surgery or medical treatment, and assume
responsibility of all medical bills incurred by my child.
I (we) give permission for my child to receive over the counter medication such as Tylenol, Pepto-Bismol and the
like.
Mother’s signature:___________________________________ Phone:__________________ Date: __________
Father’s signature:___________________________________ Phone:__________________ Date: __________
Guardian’s signature: _________________________________Phone:__________________ Date:__________
Emergency contact: __________________________________Phone: _________________ Date: __________
Name and address of insurance company ______________________________________________________________
Member # _________________________________ Group # ___________________________________________
St. Peter’s Ministries 2013-2014
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church ♦♦♦♦ 211 South Main Street ♦♦♦♦ North Wales, PA
215-699-4604 ♦♦♦♦ www.stpetersnorthwales.org
Pastor’s Message
Who’s Who in Youth & Family Ministry
Family Ministries
(Includes upcoming events, Spark, Nursery and Summer Camps)
Teen Ministries
(Includes SNAC, Confirmation and St. Peter’s Rocks Youth Group
Adult Ministries
(Includes Adult Forum, B.A.S.I.C., Stephen Ministry and Social Ministries)
Music Ministry
Forms
(SPARK Registration, Youth Group Permission Slip)
Table of Contents
St Peter’s Lutheran Church 2013-2014 SPARK Registration
Student’s Name:___________________________________________
Birth date:_____________________________ Age:________ Current Grade: _____________
Allergies or Medical Concerns:
____________________________________________________
Parent(s)/Guardians: ___________________________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________ Cell Phone: _________________________
Emergency Contact: _____________________________ Phone: ________________________
Siblings:_____________________________________________________________________
Please check all of the following that apply.
I would be willing to…
___Substitute for a teacher ___Help with Christmas Eve play
___Help plan and coordinate events ___Lead a children’s sermon ____Take pictures
E-mail address: ___________________________________________
_______ I would like to go green by receiving the SCS newsletter by e-mail.
Women’s Ensemble: All women from the adult choir and any other women from the
congregation that would like to join us. This group meets periodically and performs three to
four times throughout the year.
Our Bell Choirs include:
Rainbow Ringers: For grades four through seven. This group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
God’s Misfits: For grades eight through adult. This group meets Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
St. Peter's Belles: An advanced choir of adult women. This group meets Wednesdays at 6:15
p.m.
A downloadable St. Peter’s Belles brochure is available on the church website
(www.stpetersnorthwales.org).
…But wait, there’s more!!
Faithful Noise: The Contemporary Band meets on Tuesday nights This group performs at
our Contemporary Worship service which is held once a month at the late service. We are
always looking for additional players for guitar, drums and piano and additional vocalists of
all ages.
Liturgical Dancers: The newest group to be added to St. Peter's Music Ministry is our
liturgical dancers. This is a group of girls between the ages of 9 and 16 who perform during
the service three to four times a year. Rehearsals are usually held Tuesday afternoons at 5:30
p.m. for the five weeks prior to their performance.
For additional information please contact Liz Allen, Music Director at St. Peter’s Lutheran
Church 215-699-4604 or at home at 215-699-5648.
Dear friends, parishioners and people of our community!
This is the third annual edition of our Ministry Calendar. We know that many
families have tight schedules and multiple commitments throughout the school year.
As a father of three school age children, I know from our own experience. We hope
this helps you in your planning and structuring of weekly activities. May it also
entice you to explore something new, one of the many opportunities that our church
provides for you to grow in faith.
Again, there are a number of exciting changes on the horizon as we begin this new
season at St. Peter’s. This year, 2013, we have added Stephen Ministry to our
portfolio. We look forward to serving and supporting people who are going through a prolonged time of
hardship, lending them a listening ear and walking the difficult road with them in the spirit of Christ. Several
Stephen Ministers have been in training through the summer and will be ready by fall to enter active ministry.
Our Sunday children’s program has received a SPARK. It will look a little bit more like a weekly VBS.
Children will explore a biblical theme for one full month and do so through various media and creative
teaching approaches, including drama, arts and crafts, computers and more. The program will again be
offered during the later church service, at 10:00 a.m.
Our teen nights, "SNAC," will be offered every third Sunday night, led by a team of passionate teen leaders.
This fall we will host a big North Wales Youth Night, hopefully with the young people of St. Rose of Lima,
Sanctuary Methodist and the Episcopal Church of the Messiah.
Adult Education will take place both at church and in people's homes. The home series "B.A.S.I.C." offers
again a variety of interesting themes on Thursday or Friday nights. They are held once a month in someone's
living room. Adult Forums are scheduled on Sunday mornings at church parallel to the 10:00 a.m. service in
the parlor. They are not held every Sunday, so please follow the schedule.
Finally, we would like to increase our ability to strengthen and equip Christian families. We are in the
process of opening up a new part time staff position for Family Faith Formation. We believe that it is
necessary, now more than ever before, to help bring the gospel back into people's homes and lives, to reach
out to family starters with little Christian background, helping them with resources, ideas and encouragement
to form a Christian life style. This is about serving Christ in our age; it is also about the strength and future of
the church. May this booklet be a blessing and resource to you!
Pastor Andreas Wagner
Who is who in Youth and Family Ministry at St. Peter’s
(You will find there are many others, but these are some of the movers and shakers of youth and family
ministry at St. Peter’s)
Robin Alderfer, Youth Group activities
In her professional life a registered nurse, in her private life a wife and mother of two grown
daughters, Robin has been involved in the Youth and Teen Ministry at St. Peter’s for well over
ten years. She is also one of the most active youth lay leaders in our synod. As a veteran youth
worker, Robin has survived countless lock-ins, retreats and service trips, and the amazing thing
is: she still loves it! She has gone with our kids to events in Florida, South Dakota, New
Orleans, San Antonio and elsewhere. Once a month is youth group time with Robin after the
10:00 a.m. service.
Brian Brenfleck, Youth and Family Ministry
Brian has been the leading force in the formation of our Youth and Family Team. Brian has a
real passion for the church, for Christ and for ministry among youth and families. He and his
wife Sharon have two teenage children themselves. Brian also serves as church council
president; he is a deacon and has been a core leader of Vacation Bible School.
Liz Allen, Music Director
Our Music Director Liz Allen loves working with children and keeps them involved in the
music ministries and worship life of the church. She also has a special knack for kid-oriented
parties and events (Halloween, etc.), works with the Liturgical Dancers and is a big part of
Vacation Bible School.
Joy Jacobson, Director of Christian Education, Nursery through 6th grade
Joy is the director of our SPARK (St. Peter’s Kids) program and directs the annual Vacation
Bible School. Having grown up with a strong Lutheran family heritage, Joy loves the church
and has a deep commitment to Christian Education. She works with all the children from
cradle to 6th grade on a weekly basis. Joy has a B.A. in Psychology from Gettysburg College
and a Masters degree in Elementary Education with a specialty in math from Temple
University.
Penny Gerace, Teen Ministry
“As a life long Lutheran I have had (and still have) times where the help and
support of others in my congregation has helped me through some challenging
concerns and questions. As a homeschooling mom of two teens, I get to enjoy
the energy, enthusiasm, and fascinating perspectives that my children bring
into my life. I look forward to being part of SNAC where I will have the
opportunity to combine being part of a supportive learning environment as
well as to enjoy the energy, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives that this great
mix of age groups is sure to bring.”
Social Ministry
Thrift Shop and Social Ministry
St. Peter’s Thrift Shop has been in existence since 1991. It was started by the women of St. Peter’s as
a financial and in-kind support for Nehemiah’s Way, a ministry that helps women and children in
abusive situations. Today, the St. Peter’s Thrift Store supports Nehemiah's Way, Silver Springs Martin
Luther School and Home, Ken-Crest Development Centers, Laurel House and Manna on Main Street
as well as other local women's and children's charities.
The Thrift Shop is located on Main (Sumneytown Pike) and Church Streets. The entrance is at the
basement rear of the Education Building off of 2nd Street. There is plenty of free parking in the
church lot. Contact Colleen or Amy at Tel: 215-699-4604 extension 20;
Email: [email protected]
OPEN - Wednesdays 9:30 - 4:30 and Saturdays 9 - 1, starting September 11
Donations of women and children’s clothing, household items and toys are accepted during shop
hours and Mondays at 10 - Noon.
St. Peter's organizes many other events to support people in our community, such as: year-round
Food Drive for Manna on Main Street, Pie Days for Silver Springs Martin Luther School, service
trips to the Philabundance Food Bank, Habitat projects, etc. Stay tuned through our website!
Music at St Peter’s
St. Peter's Music Ministry is a very active and vibrant part of our church family. The various musical
ensembles participate in Sunday morning services in a rotating schedule to enrich and enliven our
meaningful worship. All groups meet for rehearsal on a weekly basis September through the middle
of June. During the summer, we have special instrumentalists, vocalists and ensembles participate in
the service. Our annual jazz service, led by Rev. Ed Neiderhiser, is one of our special highlights.
Wednesday rehearsals will begin September 4, 2013. Tuesday rehearsals will begin September 10,
2013.
Our Vocal Choirs include:
Cherubs: Children in kindergarten, first, second and third grades. This group meets Tuesdays from
5:00-5:30 p.m.
Girls Ensemble: Girls in fourth through twelfth grades. This group meets Tuesdays at 6:15p.m.
St. Peter's Adult Choir: Adults of every age. This group meets Wednesdays at 7:45 p.m.
solutions that Mead writes about in his books.
Friday, March 14 "The Most Difficult Commandment" Gross residence What is the most difficult commandment? Probably, we all have different perspectives and opinions about
that, but there will be one particular commandment that we will talk about on this night. All right, we will lift
the suspense here: "Do not fear!"Few statements are as consistently emphasized throughout the Bible, from
the Book of Genesis through the Revelation of St. John. Of course, we still fear and live in a fearful age. On
this B.A.S.I.C. Night, you will hopefully be inspired to acknowledge and overcome fears. But this will not
be a therapy session!
Thursday, April 10 "A Night With the Rabbi" Location TBD We have invited Rabbi Joshua Kalev from Tiberet Beth Israel (TBI) in Blue Bell as our special guest for this
night. TBI is a conservative synagogue and Rabbi has a number of scholarly interests. On this night he will
share with us some of his favorite passages in the Jewish Talmud and their meaning for Jewish life and
spirituality. The Talmud is the central text of Rabbinic Judaism and contains the voices and views of
thousands of rabbis on a number of subjects. At St. Peter's, we encourage people to learn about and from
other religions. This will be a night dedicated to broadening our horizon.
Friday, May 9 "Opening Scripture with Pastor Ed Neiderhiser" Allen residence It is always interesting, entertaining and enlightening to hear Pastor Ed speak about the Bible, especially the
Old Testament. He has an amazing knowledge of Scripture and way to explain it in terms people can
understand. Don't miss this night!
The Stephen Ministry
The mission of our Stephen Ministry is to equip, send and support lay people in carrying
Christ’s healing love to those who are experiencing life’s challenges.
Stephen Ministers are lay people—Christian men and women—trained to provide one-to-one
care to people experiencing a difficult time in life, such as grief, divorce, job loss, chronic or
terminal illness, relocation, or separation due to military deployment.
Stephen Ministers come from all walks of life. Their commonality? A passion for bringing
Christ’s love and care to people during a time of need.
Since 1975, more than 600,000 people from more than 11,000 congregations and other
organizations have been trained as Stephen Ministers.
A Stephen Minister begins a caring relationship when he or she is matched with a person
experiencing a life crisis. The Stephen Minister then meets with that person on a weekly basis
to listen, care, encourage, and provide emotional and spiritual support. The caring
relationship lasts as long as the person is in need of care. If you or someone you care about
would like a Stephen Minister, or if you would like to explore the opportunity to become a
Stephen Minister yourself, please contact St. Peter’s church or one of our Stephen Ministry
leaders:
Laurie Kane at (215) 368-4259 [email protected] or
Rebecca Ledder at (610) 766-1903 [email protected]
Additional information about and testimonials can be found at www.stephenministries.org
Jackie Botto, Teen Ministry
"I enjoy working with kids and teens mostly because it feels like I
was one myself not too long ago! I think I can relate to current
challenges growing up as a Christian, and I hope to share my own
experiences and insights to help along the way."
Andy Baker, Teen Ministry
“I am looking forward to working with SNAC this year so much! I know that my
time in Lutheran churches (and St. Peter's in particular) have been so important
to becoming who I am today, and I hope it can be a place where everyone can
feel like they can be themselves. I love the chance to talk to people, especially
youth who can have such amazing insights and be so funny! Life moves
exceedingly fast today, and conversation with each other is a chance to slow that
down and "consider the lilies."
Pastor Andreas Wagner
The Pastor is very involved with the youth, as he runs confirmation classes and often engages teenagers in
creative plays at church to deepen their understanding and help visualize biblical stories, bringing them to life
in a contemporary context. He also teaches First Holy Communion Classes to the 4th graders and enjoys being
in touch with the young people at church. The Pastor is a big proponent of youth retreats and intergenerational
service events.
Upcoming Events
September 8: Rally Day—Lots of activities on Rally Day, see website and church
announcements.
September 15: Dedication of the historic vault of the Rev. Jacob Van Buskirk in the cemetery,
6:00 p.m.
October 5: October 5 is the date for our annual Oktoberfest, which will take place in the
context of North Wales Community Day. Lots of food, drink and music will be available at our
site, ecumenical worship and children’s activities in Weingartner Park. Food and drinks will be
available from 12:00 noon—7:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s. Come and join us!
October 6, November 3rd and December 1: Family Service at 10:00 a.m.
October 19: Concert by Jeff Bance and friends, benefiting St. Peter’s, 7:00 p.m.
November 3: North Wales Youth Night, 5:00 p.m.
November 10: Consecration Sunday
November 23: Afternoon for our Seniors, 3:00 p.m.
December 8: Children’s Opera: Amahl and the Night Visitors. Time TBD
December 15: Annual Christmas Caroling Event
December 24: Christmas Eve Services at 6, 8 and 10 p.m.
January 26: Annual Congregational Meeting
January 31: Family Bowling Night Hit the lanes with your St Peter’s friends!
Season of Lent: Secret Pal Program Secret Pal is a wonderful intergenerational activity that
just celebrated its 21st year. Small Pals in grades 1-6 get to know everything about their Big
Pal (this could be you!) through weekly letter writing. The program culminates with a big
party and a big “reveal.”
More updates
For more updates and information of events, please pay attention to Pastor’s weekly email
messages. If you are not receiving them yet, please contact Ted Riesz at
Support@stpetersnorthwalesorg.
For our young families: Sunday Nursery Care at St. Peters
It is often challenging for parents with young children to attend worship, let alone experience
some peace. We encourage our young parents to take advantage of our Nursery Service during
the 10:00 a.m. service.
Nursery Care is available for young children up to the age of first grade. From September
through June our nursery, located in the Christian Education Building, is staffed by volunteers
during the 10:00 a.m. service. All volunteers, age 18 and above, have appropriate clearances.
We will happily assist anyone wishing to volunteer in obtaining these clearances. In addition,
our Nursery Staff is assisted by “helpers” (teens who are not yet 18). During the summer our
parlor doubles as the nursery on an “as-needed” basis. A nursery committee meets 2-3 times a
year to help keep the program running smoothly. For additional information or to add your
name to our list of volunteers, contact Joy Jacobson at St. Peter’s Church at
Also, Busy Bags are available for use during all services. These bags contain activities for
young children who are too old for the nursery but need a little something to help pass the
time. Simply return them to their original location after use.
Nov 17: Life you’ve always wanted, Ortberg Series II (Laurie Kane)
Dec 1: Life you’ve always wanted, Ortberg Series III (Laurie Kane)
Dec 8: Ruth and Naomi (Jamie Nouri)
B.A.S.I.C. (Brothers & Sisters In Christ)
BASIC offers an informal setting for conversations about God and the Bible. Hosted in
various homes of our church members, B.A.S.I.C. meetings are meant to bring people
together around our Book of Faith in a setting that is conducive to fellowship and sharing.
There will be refreshments offered by the hosts. Each study will be led by one or two
leaders.
Friday, September 20: "Walk the Line" Nguyen residence It is not always easy in life to "Walk the Line" or live according to God's will. What is the will of God for my
life anyway? On this opening night of B.A.S.IC., we will talk about the various things that tend to throw us
out of balance. The Johnny Cash movie "Walk the Line" will be our theme movie and serve up occasional
illustrations.
Friday, October 25: "The Virtues of Failing" Quici residence There is tons of motivational literature out there about the virtues of failing. It seems like every successful
person had to fail first in so many ways. Therefore, this session could also be called, "The virtues of
persistence." Do we learn from our mistakes? Do we get discouraged? The ability to come back and try again
is anchored in our spiritual identity and the belief that we are meant to do something meaningful and succeed
at it.
Friday, Nov 22: "Talk Between the Generations" Simons residence They are called the baby boomers, Generation X, Millennials, etc. They all have slightly different
perceptions of life, the world, God and church. On this night we are inviting representatives from different
generations (including you!) to engage in a conversation about a variety of topics. Needless to say, this
session is meant to stimulate dialogue and understanding between the generations. Church is a great place to
do that!
Friday, January 10: "The Feminine Side of God" Bance residence The “Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown made the often uneasy relationship between the Christian Faith and the
feminine side of God a popular topic. Technically, theologically speaking, Christians do not assign gender to
God. Yet our God terminology is traditionally male dominated, just think of “Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” If
God created us into his image (Genesis 1) and if God created us male and female, surely there must be a
feminine side to God as well. Ironically, (this is your pastor speaking!), I believe that the Christian church
has emphasized the “female” qualities of God much more than the more aggressive male qualities in recent
times. Interesting stuff!!!
Thursday, Feb 6: "The Once and Future Church" Tex Mex Connection In 1991, "The Once and Future Church" by Alban Institute founder Loren B. Mead created an instant
sensation in congregational circles with its prophetic insights into the mission of the church in a post-
Christendom era. Still often quoted and in demand, the book is nevertheless not very well known among
most church members. On this B.A.S.I.C. night we will present some of the themes, challenges and
Some St. Peter’s Rocks Dates for 2013/2014
September 8 Youth Group
October 11 Junior High Gathering
October 13 Youth Group
October 18 Dorney Park Haunting Night
October 20 Laurel House 5 k
November 10 Youth Group
November 22 Catching Fire Movie Night lock in
December 1 Advent Bake Sale
December 8 Advent Bake Sale/Youth Group
December 15 Advent Bake Sale
December 22 Advent Bake Sale/ Christmas Party
February 22-24 Senior High Youth Gathering
April 26 Helping Hands Day
Adult Education and Ministries
(There is something for everyone!)
There are two main options for Christian Adult Education at St. Peter’s. On many Sundays,
there is an Adult Forum in the parlor during the 10:00 a.m. service (see schedule for the fall
below). The themes are diverse and relevant to contemporary issues. Also once a month, a
BASIC home gathering is provided at one of our parishioner’s homes where Christian topics
are discussed in a comfortable and homey setting that also encourages fellowship.
Contact: Pastor Wagner [email protected]
Adult Forums on Sunday mornings at church
10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Sept 22: Immigration in the Bible (With Linda and Bill Hubler)
Oct 6: Immigration in politics and church statements (Linda and Bill Hubler)
Oct 20: Immigration as people experience it. (Linda and Bill Hubler)
Nov 3: Life you’ve always wanted, Ortberg Series I (Laurie Kane)
The Wild Days of Summer 2014
Not all the camp dates are fully confirmed yet, so please pay attention to our website or other
church announcements. VBS is an evening program, the other camps are day camps. Here is
the most likely camp schedule for the summer of 2014:
Vacation Bible School 2014: July 20 - 24
Art Camp 1 (K-2nd grade): July 28 - Aug 1
Art Camp 2 (3rd—6th grade): Aug 4 - Aug 8
Drama Camp (7th - 12th grade): Aug 11 - Aug 15
Vacation Bible School (VBS)
VBS is held each summer during the third or fourth week of July, Sunday through Thursday
evenings. At St. Peters, it is a week full of fun and creative touches for children in Preschool
through 6th grade. A family meal is served at the beginning of each evening that is followed by
lessons, crafts, skits, videos, music, and lots more.
Likely date for 2014: July 20-24 (To be confirmed)
Contact: Joy Jacobson at [email protected]
SPARK - St. Peter’s Kids
SPARK is our new Sunday children’s program held at 10:00 am. Using the Augsburg Fortress
SPARK Activate Faith multi-sensory teaching curriculum, children study a different theme
each month as they rotate through centers including art, computer, cooking, creative drama,
Bible skills and games, music, science, and video. The pre-k class rotates through centers
within its self-contained room.
Every first Sunday of the month there will be a family service and no SPARK. The rest of the
Sundays in the month the children will be dismissed from the 10:00 am service after the
children’s blessing for SPARK.
Please contact Joy Jacobson at [email protected] for more information or to
volunteer!
Teen Ministries
SNAC(K) (7th through 12
th grade)
Snac(k) Teen Nights combine hanging out together with some snacks of real food (say:
dinner), education and spiritual elements. Snac(k) Nights are every third Sunday from 5-7
p.m. It stands for Sunday Night At Church.
Teen Nights in 2013/2014:
September 22, October 13, November 11, December 2, January 13, February 3, February 24,
March 17, April 7, April 28, May 19
September 22: "Biblical archeology with Dr. Indiana Jones"
Faith Practice: Study and discover
In charge: Jackie Botto, Penny Gerace
Description: On this opening night we will compare some biblical stories with archeological
findings. The Bible is an old book, and in order to get it you may have to dig deeper... daaa!
To make it fun, we will take a page or two from Dr. Indiana Jones. But please leave your guns
at home!
October 13: Preparing North Wales Youth Night
Faith Practice: Invite, Worship
In charge: Andy Baker, Robin Alderfer, Jessica and Isabelle
Description: We are trying to get together youth groups from all major churches in North
Wales, mainly St. Peter's, St. Rose of Lima, the Church of the Messiah and Sanctuary. This
event will be hosted at St. Peter’s on November 3 and will start with joint worship and a
mixed youth band. Lots more food, icebreakers and things to enjoy together.
November 3: North Wales Youth Night (see description above)
November 24: Rock Climbing Event
Faith Practice: Encourage
In charge: Jackie Botto, Pastor
Description: Hey, we wanted to do this last year and then came the Super Bowl... So we are
climbing way before February this time. We will go to a rock climbing place and encourage
one another to test our agility and strength. You don't have to be a monkey to participate.
May 6: World Religions: Islam I
May 13: World Religions: Islam II
At some point in May we will do a field trip to a Mosque. These arrangements have not been
made yet and may affect confirmation time.
May 20: Connections between Islam and the Christian faith
May 27: TBD
St Peters Rocks
Youth Group is the “event and activities” oriented arm of our Teen Ministry. Together
with the Teen Nights, these gatherings help our young people find their special place in the
church, build strong relationships and develop values that shape their lives.
St. Peter’s Rocks describes their mission in the following way: “Our goal is to help people that
are in need in our community, our country, and our world while having fun and spreading the
word of God.” The Rocks meet once every month after the 10:00 a.m. service with their senior
leader Robin Alderfer to report on recent events and plan new ones. The age requirement for
youth group is 7th grade and older usually ending at 12th grade but college students are
welcome to be a part of youth group as well.
The Rocks do service activities throughout the year that range from cleaning out garages
to painting walls to even repairing houses. Their calendar of activities includes events like Box
City to raise awareness for homeless people and simulate a homeless lifestyle, service projects
with our Synod, a 2 week out-of-state summer project, and a local day project. They also do
small projects like collecting money for children living in poverty in India or collecting socks
for the homeless. In addition to service projects, the Rocks also host movie nights, lock-ins,
retreats, and boys/girls nights out.
Describing their activities, one of the Rocks says: “We go every year to SHYG and
JHYG where senior high and junior high kids meet up with other Lutheran churches in the
area, and every few years to a nationwide Lutheran youth gathering in exciting places like New
Orleans or San Antonio. This trip is only for the members 15 and up and we do a small service
project while there. On our service project trips we work together and help people, families,
and communities that are in need. We spread the word of God through our good actions. The
most rewarding part of this service work is meeting the people who you are helping and seeing
how truly thankful they are plus nothing compares to the feeling of helping others.”
Christmas Break
January 7: Parent/Student Night
January 14: Exercises in Prayer, Meditation and Study
January 17-19: Confirmation Winter Retreat
January 21: The Church, the Body of Christ and how it works
January 28: Night with a special guest
February 4: Stories of Conflict and Reconciliation. What does reconciliation mean?
February 11: Creating a short clip video about reconciliation
February 18: Celebrating the birthday of Martin Luther and his life
February 25: Creating a short clip video about reconciliation
March 4: We prepare for the season of Lent
Throughout the six weeks of Lent, the confirmation class meets on Wednesday nights and
participates in activities offered at church. There will be no Tuesday night classes during that
time.
Wednesday in Lent: March 12
Wednesday in Lent: March 19
Wednesday in Lent: March 26
Wednesday in Lent: April 2
Wednesday in Lent: April 9
Maundy Thursday: April 17
Good Friday: April 18
Easter: April 20
Easter Break
December 15: Hot button Issue
Faith Practice: Study (Discussing Christian Values)
In charge: Andy Baker, Penny Gerace
Description: The world never runs out of issues that need debating and youth usually has its
own take on things. For this night Penny and Andy will come up with a hot button issue and
select a format of how we can shed light on this and discuss it from different angles.
St. Peter’s Confirmation Program
Introduction:
Please look at Confirmation Class as a free educational resource that teaches the Christian
faith to teenagers in a contemporary format. It’s not your grandfather’s confirmation class
with endless repetitions and memorizing. The age-appropriate program offers a variety of
learning experiences. Some of the activities are aimed at their spiritual development
(meditation, writing of prayers, etc.); other sessions are designed to increase knowledge
of the Bible, church history and other faith traditions. There will be experiential activities,
such as service projects and trips, as well as opportunities to discuss faith-based ethics
and morals in various situations. Dissenting opinions are not discouraged for this age
group, as they just start to come into their own and need to find their own faith journey.
We would like to be their guides in that process.
The Five Columns of Confirmation Class:
• Develop Spirituality and Prayer
• Teach the Bible and the main tenets of the Christian Faith
• Raise awareness about church history and the beliefs of others
• Discuss and explain morals and ethics that evolve from our faith
• Experiential learning through service projects and group or retreat experience.
Age Group and Time parameters
Confirmation Class is for incoming 7th and 8th graders, and is an in-depth faith education
designed for the duration of close to two years. It begins in September and ends two years later
in the spring (For example, September 2011 – April 2013). Confirmation is typically celebrated
around Easter time. Every other year a new group is formed. Sometimes, older teens that
haven’t been confirmed yet may join the group as well.
Expectations of students and parents
Worship is an integral part of the confirmation learning experience. We expect students to
participate in worship at a minimum of every other week. They will also be asked occasionally
to assist in worship, as they are able and after being trained, either as acolytes, lectors, worship
assistants, cupbearers or actors/actresses for plays.
Class Participation: We expect that the students and their family treat the participation in
confirmation class as a firm commitment and be there every week. Absences should be
communicated prior to class via email or phone.
The students are expected to gain at least six service credits over this two year span. Many
service options are offered through our youth program on an ongoing basis, including service
days (a few hours) at the Thrift Store, the church cemetery, etc. If they go on a week-long
service trip, it will count as three credits.
Knowing how busy students are these days I generally do not give them homework or texts to
memorize. There are three texts, however that they must absolutely have memorized and know
by heart before they can be confirmed: the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostle’s Creed and the Ten
Commandments.
The students will also engage in one project in preparation for confirmation. This may include
some research.
There will be one or two confirmation retreats when we go away for some time of intensified
study and fellowship. The time and theme of the retreat are to be determined. The retreat is
mandatory and is a very important part of the confirmation journey.
We need the help of parents occasionally for meal preparation, class assistance or as retreat
chaperones. We ask you to help as you are able.
Confirmation Calendar 2013-2014
Confirmation Classes are Tuesday nights, 7:00—8:30 p.m.
September 17: Jesus movie and intro to the life and teachings of Christ
In the first three sessions students will get a thorough introduction into the life of Jesus.
We will watch a movie and study the most important stories of the gospels.
September 24: Jesus movie and intro to the life and teachings of Christ
October 1: Jesus movie and intro to the life and teachings of Christ
October 8: Worship Assistance Training with Mrs. McConnell and team / We prepare
invitations for the senior afternoon.
October 15: The story of Peter
We explore the life of the Apostle that our church is named after and draw life and faith lessons
from that.
October 22: The story of Paul
We explore the life of the great Apostle and Missionary of the 1st Century. Most of the letters
in the New Testament were written by Paul.
October 29: “The Banquet” We work on a (contemporary) play that we want to show about
the parable of the Banquet for the Family Service on Nov 3.
November 5: The story of Martin Luther/ Preparing a senior appreciation afternoon.
November 12: Lutheran Youth Opportunities with a member of the Lutheran Youth
Organization / Preparing senior afternoon
November 19: Final Preparation of our senior afternoon
Saturday, November 23: Afternoon for our seniors
November 26: No confirmation class
December 3: Exercises in Prayer and Meditation
December 10: A visitor from our AA group with talk about the 12 step program.
AA groups meet almost every day here for the tough work of recovery. Their twelve step
program is based on Christian principles we should all know about.
December 17: TBD