Newsletter - August 2017 — St. Peter Lutheran Church

From Pastor Stuenkel’s desk:

On August 24 we celebrate Saint Bartholomew's Day. This day, of course, celebrates the Apostle Bartholomew. It should be noted that Bartholomew is mentioned as an Apostle in Matthew, Mark and Luke. He is often thought to be Nathanael who is mentioned in the Gospel of John [While Bartholomew is not mentioned.] Now could the writers make such a mistake?

It’s really simple, Bartholomew is not a proper name but a patronym, Bar-Talmay [Which means Son of Talmay/Son of Johnah] We could see Bartholomew more like a last name and Nathanael as more like a last name.

There are biblical reasons why they are seen as the same person. When the Apostles names are listed in Matthew and Luke the Name Bartholomew is associated with Philip. In John 1:45-51 Nathanael is associated with Philip. So it makes perfect sense for them to be the same person. If we look at John 1 it is Nathanael who is brought by Philip to meet Jesus. In the same way we can be like Philip and bring our friends to meet Jesus.

Weinrich, William C. John 1:1-7:1. Concordia Commentary: A Theological Exposition of Sacred Scripture. St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 2015. Page, 266.

LADIES of St Peter and St Paul

Please mark your calendar for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16. The Defiance and Napoleon Zones of LWML are having a retreat program entitled 'WE ARE GOD'S HANDIWORK". The guest speaker is DIANA SCHNACK of Columbus, Ohio, who is presently an officer of the Ohio District LWML and has been a humorist and inspirational speaker at Ohio District functions. Several ladies from our area have enjoyed her presentations and recommend her. She will present programs on the following topics: "We are God's Handiwork"; "Time for a Pit Stop" and "Stop and Smell the Flowers". The retreat will be at St. John Lutheran Church, Rts. 6 and 66 south of Archbold, commencing at 8:30 AM with a worship service and a noon lunch all for a registration fee of $12. More information will come through your bulletins and newsletter.

Save the Date –

October 29th for a special church service and German potluck meal at St Peter. We plan to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. More information to come.

NEEDED

for the Orphan Grain Train in helping children are packs of new children's underwear. Please deposit those gifts in the clothes basket found in the Cry Room at St Peter. OGT does not include used underwear in its shipments thus the LWML is asking you to assist with this new article of clothing for the children.

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

A Mighty Fortress: In Jesus The Victory Is Won VBS Was A Success

This year we had 31 children attend VBS throughout the week. Pastor led the knights and trumpeters on a journey through bible stories in the Chapel about Kings. On Monday, the kids learned how God’s might tumbled the walls of Jericho. God delivered King Hezekiah’s kingdom in Tuesday’s lesson. The truth and power of God’s Word reformed King Josiah on Wednesday. Thursday the news that King Jesus came to save us when he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey with palms laid down was shared. On Friday, the Easter story was the lesson. Jesus is our Savior King, through him the victory is won for us!

Each night began with an opening in the Bailey where Pastor shared the nightly theme and memory verses. He used a skit that involved carrots growing from a patient’s ear and a cool video. Emilie followed with some fun finger snapping and action songs. (Some of us think her super fast “Peach of a Savior” actions helped kick-start her labor.) After opening, the kids divided into two groups and enjoyed different stations such as creating and eating snacks in the Great Hall with Deb and Bette, making crafts in the dungeon (a bright and cheerful one!) with Bridgett, Nancy C., and Dana. Evie and Carrie were in the Courtyard running games, relays, and obstacle courses. The kids were busy jousting on stick horses, sword fighting, drinking from homemade chalices, making trumpets, and firing catapults for added medieval excitement. At the end of the evening, everyone came together to end in prayer.

A big thank you to Pam and Bette for the awesome castle and drawbridge! Other group leaders and helpers who made the week a big success were Nancy H., MaKenna, Pam, Connie, Bethany, Lana, Hannah, Karlee, Mallory, and Zander.