Newsletter - March

From Pastor's Desk          

On March 17th America celebrates one of their most popular holidays. It is Saint Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick was the man most responsible for converting the pagan Ireland people into Christians. He spent 40 years spreading the good news of the gospel throughout the whole country. During those 40 years he converted Chieftains and built churches. One of his most famous illustrations was his use of the shamrock. He used the shamrock to teach about the Trinitarian God. The shamrock has three leafs, but it is still one plant. Likewise, the Trinity is three persons, but still one God. Today Saint Patrick can still be an example to us. He can also inspire us to share the gospel with our friends and neighbors. He also shows us that we can us the world around us to explain the mysterious of God. I hope this March 17th you do far more than just wear green and pick shamrocks. I hope you thank the Trinitarian God for Creating, Saving, and Sanctifying you. 

Pastor Stuenkel

Lent and Holy Week Schedule

Lent Services – 7:00pm – Wednesday’s at St Peter and Thursday’s at St Paul

Palm Sunday Services – March 25th – 8:30am St Paul; 10:00am St Peter with Confirmations Both Churches

Maundy Thursday Service – March 29th – 7:00pm – St Paul

Good Friday Services – March 30th – 6:00pm St Paul; 7:30pm St Peter

Easter Services – April 1st

            Easter Sunrise Service 6:30am St Peter

            Easter Breakfasts 7:30am – Both Churches

            Easter Communion Service 8:30am St Paul; 10:00am St Peter

 

Lenten Dinners

The Lenten Dinners will continue on Wednesday evenings, starting at 6:00PM, before the Lenten services.  Everyone is invited to join us on March 7, 14 & 21.  If you would like to assist in preparing a meal or salad/dessert for one of the dinners, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex, or contact Bette Weddelman 419-762-5716.  Come and enjoy the dinners and the fellowship.

Chili Cook-Off

The rescheduled Chili Cook-Off on February 18 went very well.  We had six people make their chili, one was titled  “Every Thing but the Kitchen Sink!”

After the votes were counted, Russ Krueger got third place and Ben Weddelman (with the help of his son Ryan) got second place.  The winner of this years Chili Cook-Off was Abigayle Helmke.  Congrats, Abby.

Thank You to all the people who made chili and the people who helped serve.  Also, Thanks to everyone who came and brought the great food.  A good day for All.

 LWML

Our LWML has so much to be thankful for especially to the members of our congregation.

We are thankful to the Betty Meyer family who designated memorial gifts to be used to support Seminarians.  This fund has provided $20 each month during the past two school years for our adopted seminarians in addition to the $40 per month our LWML unit contributes.

Our adopted seminarian, Justin Mason, and his family wrote in a recent note, "God bless you for your prayers and financial aid which you supply to seminarians like myself.  I am a 4th yr student with a wife and two young children, therefore, your financial aid of $40 a month helps with our expenses.  God bless you as you remember the future of Christ's church in His pastors."

We also appreciate so very much the generosity of our members in the first Sunday of the month MITE OFFERINGS.  St. Peter's contribution for MITES totaled in excess of $1,160.00 during 2017.  Mite offerings are only used for mission projects of Ohio District and national LWML.

Another example of LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION was the abundance of neat stuff provided for the COLLEGE CARE PACKETS!    We were able to fill six boxes (two for the seminarian and his family since we had so much). We are grateful to all of you and say OUR GOD BE THANKED!

Greetings from Preschool!

February was a much better month for the weather, although the temps are warm enough to go outside - the rain has put a stop to that!   We can’t wait for Spring!

This month we had our Valentine party which was very very fun!  The students even did a math lesson while graphing candy hearts!!  Shhhhh- don’t tell them we were doing math while having fun!  We also had a visit from Candi and Kenny from Dr Heinrich’s dental office.  The students learned about proper dental care and even went home with new toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss!

In March we will be celebrating Dr Seuss’ birthday on Friday, 3/2. Also, our monthly visit with Ms Barb from the Napoleon Public Library and setting up “traps” in the classroom to catch any leprechauns that may try to visit us around St Patrick’s Day! New in March we will have Emily Hill from Henry County Hospital come in and speak with us about Poison Prevention - helping preschoolers understand the dangers of medications and other common household items.

The year will wrap up with conferences, Easter party, 2nd Annual St Jude Trike-A-Thon and finally graduation.  Can’t believe how fast the year has gone!

Please mark your calendars & help spread the word:  the Preschool Spring Open House will be on Thursday, April 19th from 5-7pm.  We will have registration papers available, families can register for Fall and see the classroom.  Both classes require a 1 time enrollment fee of $45.  Classes run from 9a-11:3a. We are now accepting enrollment for the following:

3 year olds - T/Th - $60/month

4 and 5 year olds - M/W/F - $90/month

Click HERE to see our Facebook event!

In God’s Blessings, Mrs Rees

Making a difference, one knot at a time.

   Making a difference, one knot at a time...

      Once a month a few of our church members gather together for fellowship in order to help those in need.  We call them "The Knotters."  These ladies graciously take time out of their day knotting and crocheting.  Most of their materials are found from Goodwill, garage sales and scrap fabric from the Grain Train.  Judy Helmke and Bette Weddelman sew 10 inch blocks together before they begin the knotting process.  Their blankets have been donated to the Grain Train, Filling Home, Henry County Hospital OB, Defiance Sheriff Department and the Genacross Lutheran Services - Napoleon Campus.

     Frieda Boesling likes to sit to the side and crochet blankets for babies.  Frieda’s blankets are included in hospital care packages that are assembled for needy mothers of newborns from the Henry County Hospital.  A typical care package includes: onesie, sleeper, bib, hat, socks, burp rag, thermometer, bottle, towel, washcloth, card, sweater and blanket.  

     Our knotters donate 36x36 Binky Patrol Comforting blankets for children.  Deputies from Defiance County Sheriff Department keep a Binky Blanket in their patrol cars.  The deputies give them away to children who are ill abused or if they have experienced any type of an at the scene trauma from a car accident.  

God bless these volunteers who are making a difference!

*Donations of sheets or light weight blankets are welcome!*

Pictured below (left to right): JoAnn Arens, Ruth Block, Frieda Boesling, Lavina Boesling, Judy Helmke and Bette Weddelman  *not pictured: Sharlene Bunke

Newsletter - February

From Pastor Stuenkel’s desk:

"Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shalt return" (Gen. 3:19) .  These are the words the Pastor speaks as he puts ashes on the face of believers on Ash Wednesday.  This year Ash Wednesday occurs on February 14th.  Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent.  Lent is a time of repentance.  During this time consider the cost Christ had to pay for your sins.  Lent is often times where people give things up.  For instance a lot of people use this time to try to quit smoking.  In the ancient church this was the time adults prepared for their Baptism which would occur on Easter Sunday. Lent for those adults was a time of instruction.  This is not unlike our confirmation classes.  During this time those ancient pastors would often preach the Old Testament in light of Jesus Christ. In spirit of this season of Lent I encourage you to read your Bible in light of the cost Christ paid on the Cross while you eagerly await the Easter Season.

Pastor Stuenkel

Lent Service Schedule

Ash Wednesday: Wednesday, February 14th 7pm

Mid Week Lenten Dinners and 7pm Services: February 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21             

 LUTHERAN HOUR SUNDAY

 FEBRUARY 4  whose mission is 'BRINGING CHRIST TO THE NATIONS AND THE NATIONS TO THE CHURCH' 

For the past 100 years, God has used Lutheran Hour Ministries to bring messages of hope to the downtrodden, the lonely, the lost.  Decade by decade, we have risen to challenges to proclaim the Savior.  Each milestone required a bold step of faith.  Today, with billions of souls in danger of entering eternity apart from Christ, the need to boldly proclaim the love of Christ is greater than ever.  Lutheran Hour Ministries will not rest until the Gospel is proclaimed to as many of these souls as possible, in ways they can understand. 

Prayerful and monetary support allow LHM to share the Good News with more than 71 million people each week in more than 50 nations around the world through a variety of culturally relevant outreach programs and resources.  In our area, congregations and individuals are also privileged to support broadcasts of the Lutheran Hour on Sundays. 

 February 4 has been designated as LUTHERAN HOUR SUNDAY and you are encouraged to make a special offering in envelopes provided in the Church's Narthex.  Envelopes are also available on the St. Peter Narthex bulletin board for those wishing to support broadcasts of the LH on the Napoleon radio station.

We hope you are humbled to see how God uses our talents and treasures to make His Gospel known.

Lenten Dinners

The Board of Witness, Outreach and Stewardship is planning the Lenten dinners for 2018.  Please watch future bulletins or emails for more details.

We invite everyone to join in the Lenten dinners prior to the services on Wednesday evenings, starting February 21, 2018.  If you would like to assist in preparing a meal or salad/dessert for one of the dinners, there is a sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex.  Come and enjoy the dinners and the fellowship.

Easter Flowers

Easter flower order forms will be posted on the narthex bulletin board February 4th.  Please fill out your order form and place in the offering plate. (CASH ONLY). Your order must be received by March 4th. Questions: Contact Deb Oberhaus 

LWML

St. Peter LWML will be packing  COLLEGE CARE PACKETS  at their meeting on February 13th at 1:30pm.  Snacks, treats, personal items, pens, pencils, currency and change are suggested.  There will be 5 packets sent. ( two girls, two boys and our Seminarian and his family)  If you care to assist with this project, please place your gifts in the box on the table in the Narthex. 

Officers for the 2018 year are as follows: President - Sharlene Bunke, Vice President - Alice Knepley, Secretary - JoAnn Arens, Treasurer - Bette Weddelman

Chili Cook Off

Our Chili Cook Off will be held February 11, 2018.  The meal will be following our 10AM church service.  If you are interested in a challenge, sign up and let us decide which chili is the BEST!  If you plan to make chili, contact Bette Weddelman or Deb Oberhaus.  A sign up sheet is posted in the Narthex bulletin board if you plan to attend.

Greetings from Preschool!

 Welcome to 2018 and the second half of our school year!  Time is sure flying by and we're having a fantastic time in school. 

Despite missing some school days this month due to weather, we've caught up and hoping we don't miss anymore.  The weather in NW Ohio is sure unpredictable! 

This month we've had some fun enjoying winter themes and talking about our good health.  We even made our own snowmen out of marshmallows!  Since this month isn't time we can always enjoy outside, we had a pajama & movie day ~ showing the movie "The Good Dinosaur."  We've worked on the letters N, O and P.   We also have new centers, more activities out during "center time," and Mrs. Rees is working on mid year assessments before conferences in March.  

Upcoming events include:  Ground Hogs Day, Valentine's Day party, visit from the dentist, Ms. Barb's monthly library visits, Dr. Seuss's birthday activities, conferences, Easter, 2nd annual St. Jude Trike-A-Thon, firefighter Kyle visits again, poison prevention week and graduation in May.  We're excited!! 

Please keep an eye out in the preschool hallway for our "All About Me" posters that we'll be starting soon ~ the students enjoy doing these and talking about their family and favorite things.   

As always, feel free to visit us anytime!  We love Preschool!  In God's Blessings,  Mrs. Rees

Christmas Eve Highlights

Many thanks to our wonderful Sunday School teachers and children for putting on a beautiful Christmas Eve Service.  Our topic of the day was how God loves us dearly!  Thank you Andy and Emilie Parsons for capturing these precious moments.       

Newsletter - January

From the Pastor’s desk

Its 2018, Happy New Year! It is a new year, and that somebody, somewhere is probably claiming this is the year Christ comes back. In 1999 and in 2012 everyone was predicting the world would end. In those years, they could not have been more wrong. So how should we Christians handle predications about the end of the world? We should be highly skeptical of such predications. The Bible clearly teaches no one knows. Jesus tells us in Matthew 24:36 "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only” (ESV). If the angels in Heaven do not know when the second coming will be, how in the world do ordinary people? The truth is they do not know when the world will end, and neither does anyone else. Yet, just like any year, this could be the year of Christ’s Second Coming. For Jesus’ coming will be like a thief in the night. For that reason we await his coming with repentant hearts. Not like a cop waiting for a criminal but like a bride awaits for the coming of her bridegroom.

I hope you have a Happy New Year!

Pastor Stuenkel

It’s a new year. It’s a time when we take stock of the year past in order to improve the year to come. It’s a time when we sit down to plan and implement what we want to accomplish and even change. Part of that is planning our stewardship. Often we find this difficult and daunting and even joyless. But it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it is really quite simple and full of joy. We don’t particularly struggle to give to society or family our struggles arise in giving to the church.

Your pastor is the one called to preach the Gospel to you and administer the Lord’s blessed sacraments to you. Your congregation is the place where those things happen. Thus, when God calls us to give to the church, He has the local congregation in mind.  How much do we give to the local congregation? Our only instructions are these: to give regularly, proportionally and generously of our first fruits with a spirit of eagerness, earnestness, cheerfulness, and love.  We give regularly keeping in mind our own strengths, weaknesses, and limitations.

It’s that easy. And it is joyful. For in stewardship, our gracious and giving Lord invites us to take part in the work that He accomplishes here on earth, providing for the ongoing preaching of the gospel as well as those who are in need. Taking part in that makes all our work holy – work that is done in service to the Lord as priestly members of His kingdom.

An LCMS Stewardship Article

St Peter Council

President – Tom Meyer

Vice President – Tim Buchhop

Recording Secretary – Nancy Conrad

Board of Trustees – Ben Weddelman, Marty Helmke, Mark Oberhaus

Board of Elders – Dave Conrad & 1 Vacant

Treasurer – Jon Block

Financial Secretary – Judy Meyer

Board of Witness, Outreach & Stewardship –

Bette Weddelman, Deb Oberhaus

Building Improvement Fund Treasurer – Judy Meyer

Sunday School Superintendent – Vacant

Financial Review Committee – Dave Conrad

Marvin Michaelis, JoAnn Arens

Endowment Fund  Committee – Ruth Block, Steve Franz, Nancy Michaelis, Larry Retcher, Jim Meyer

Ushers -  Josh Scanes, Tony Mullett, Bethany Mathers, Rollen Zachrich, Pam Jones, Steve Franz, Cole Watson

Christmas Committee – Brad & Kristen Leaders

Morning Meditations Representative – Ruth Block

LLL Representatives – Steve Franz, Jim Meyer

Circuit Forum Representative – Tom Meyer

Filling Home of Mercy Delegate – Jim Meyer

Thanks

Thank you to everyone in both churches that helped to make the Christmas Season a wonderful experience!

The Sunday School Staff, Children, Choirs and Musicians for the beautiful performances on Christmas Eve.

The Decorating Committees and those that donated Poinsettias to beautify the Churches.

Greetings from Preschool!

We had a wonderful and busy December in Preschool.   Most importantly we celebrated the wonderful time of year and the meaning of Christmas.   We had our monthly visit with Ms Barb from the Napoleon Public Library, a visit from Santa, made Christmas gifts for our parents and had our Christmas party.   Since the temps didn’t allow us to go outside - we brought snow INSIDE the classroom!   So much fun!  Pastor visits our classroom every Friday and shares a bible lesson with us - we always look forward to that.

December we also had our annual Cookie Walk.  Thank you to everyone who baked and/or purchased baked goods.  It was another huge success.   Thanks so much!

Newsletter - December

From Pastor’s desk

We all know that Christmas is the 25th of December. I doubt many of us think about what saint is remembered on December 26th.  That day is the lesser festival where we remember Stephan the Deacon. He was not only a deacon, but the first martyr of the church.  This means he paid the ultimate price for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ (See Acts 7).  Of course Christmas is a time of celebrating God’s gracious gift to us. That gift being His Son, who would go on to pay the debt for the sins of the whole world.  That Son also calls on us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him (See Mark 8:34). For some Christians that cross might be paying the ultimate price for sharing the gospel. Christians today are still being martyred. So this Christmas be thankful for the good things we have, but remember to pray for those who are still being persecuted for the faith.

Pastor Jacob Stuenkel

Christmas Services

December 24th – Christmas Eve

8:30am St Paul Sunday Worship Service

10:00 St Peter Children’s Christmas Program Service

6:30pm St Paul Children’s Christmas Program Service

December 25th – Christmas Day

8:30am St Paul Communion Worship Service

10:00am St Peter Communion Worship Service

St Peter – Endowment Fund

The Endowment Fund is now taking applications until the end of the year for projects.  See the narthex bulletin board for more information.  Endowment Committee:  Larry Retcher, Meta Walter, Ruth Block, Steve Franz, Nancy Michaelis.

St Peter Congregational Christmas Dinner

All members of the church are invited to attend the Congregational Christmas Potluck to be held, Sunday, December 3rd following the service.  Bring a potluck dish and share in the fellowship of the Christmas Season!

Henry County Christmas Cheer

St Peter - The list of items for Christmas Cheer is posted on the bulletin board. If you are unable to attend the Christmas Potluck and would like to donate items, a marked box will be in the cry room for those items, through December 3rd. Thanks so much!!

St Peter - Project We Care

The collection will go till December 3rd.  A collection basket will is marked and placed in the narthex. We will purchase items for a family in need, this may be the only gifts they receive for Christmas.  They will receive an invitation to join us at our Christmas Services, a Nativity, articles of clothing, a game/toy depending on ages etc. Christ is the Reason for the Season and showing we care and want to share Christ with them is the BEST! Questions ask Nancy H., Bette W. or Deb O.

St Peter’s LWML NEWS

The 2017-18 School Year Adopted Seminarian for St. Peter LWML is JUSTIN MASON, a fourth year student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne.

He and his wife Stephanie and their two daughters, Maria and Anastasia, live in  Fort Wayne, IN.  They have been invited to attend our Christmas dinner.  He is a northeast Ohio native, having attended the University of Akron and served as a musician and college music professor prior to coming to the Seminary in 2014.  He has acknowledged with thanks the monthly payment of $40 from our LWML unit since the beginning of the school year.

Annual Preschool Cookie Walk

Saturday, December 9th, 8:30-10:00am in the St Peter Preschool room. We are asking for donations of homemade Christmas cookies, brownies, puppy chow, fudge, etc. to be brought to the kitchen by 8:30am on the 9th. Whether you donate items or not, please come and purchase a box and fill it with a variety of goodies – easier than baking dozens of different recipes of cookies! Tell your friends and neighbors about our Cookie Walk. Thank you for all your kind support of the preschool by supplying and purchasing these Christmas Goodies.

New Flower Chart

 The 2018 Flower Chart has been posted in the Narthex.  If you wish to donate a floral arrangement for a special event, anniversary, in loving memory of someone or to the Glory of God, please choose a date and enter the information on the chart so your arrangement may be acknowledged in the bulletin. 

St. Peter Christmas Potluck

 

Please join us for our annual Christmas Potluck dinner - December 3, 2017 (following our 10AM church service).  Feel free to bring your family!

 

Our entertainment for our dinner will be

LCC K-9 Comfort Dog, Anna from Toledo, Ohio.          (Kids will love this!) 

https://www.facebook.com/annacomfortdog/

Items will be collected that day for Henry County Christmas Cheer.  Items needed are: 

Canned Vegetables, Fruits, Soup, Stews, Meats, Macaroni & Cheese, Spaghettios, Spaghetti Sauces, Tomato Juice, Broths, Noodles, Macaroni, Rice, Spaghetti, Potato Mixes, Stuffing Mixes, Cereals, Pancake Mixes, Syrups, Crackers, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Pudding, Jell-o, Cake Mixes, Frostings, Fruit Juices, Coffee, Tea, Kool-Aid, Chocolate Drink Mixes, Toilet Tissue, Facial Tissue, Paper Towels, Bar Soap, Toothpaste, Shampoo

PLEASE NO MICROWAVE ITEMS! 

Please make sure the products have NOT passed their expiration dates. 

Area Youth Come Together to Help Hurricane Victims

The youth groups of St. John Lutheran - Stryker (6 & 66), St. Peter Lutheran, and St. Paul-Flatrock came together on Wednesday, November 1 to assemble relief aid packages for hurricane victims in Puerto Rico. Twenty-six youth from the area churches put together personal hygiene kits, wound care kits, and baby care kits. Approximately one thousand dollars worth of supplies including: combs, towels, deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and many more items. The care packages will be sent to H.A.R.P. in Caldwell, Ohio , and will then be shipped to Miami, Florida. From there they will be sent to Puerto Rico around November 9. This aid is greatly appreciated because about 80% of all disaster relief aid comes from Christian organizations.

We would like to thank the following for their support: Orphan Grain Train, Emilie’s Photo Designs, Thrivent Financial, Henry County Bank, Dental Excellence of Napoleon, and other private donors.

Newsletter - November

Pastor's Thoughts

November 1st is for most people just another day. In the Christian world this day is All Saints Day. All Saints Day is the day we celebrate those believers who have come before us. When celebrating this day it is appropriate to remind ourselves where these faithful are now.  They are in the presence of God himself. As Revelation 7:4 so beautiful puts it “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” This verse also reminds us how it is possible the saints are with God. Not only that, but why they are saints at all. The reason is because of Christ and his atoning sacrifice. So in the spirit of All Saints Day I encourage you to meditate on the words spoken in the preface in the Service of the Sacrament. When the Pastor says, “Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven…”ask yourself who does that include? The Company of heaven includes all the saints who are with Christ now. When you participate in communion you are with that company, and that is a truly wonder thing. In this we can also remember that we too one day will join this company.

We will be in the presence of God, we will have our robes made white in the blood of the Lamb. And we too will “celebrate the marriage feast of the Lamb in His Kingdom which has no end; through Jesus Christ… who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever” Amen.

So I hope you have a blessed All Saints Day.

Rev. Jacob Stuenkel

YOUTH GROUP OUTREACH - the youth at St. Peter is hosting a gathering to include youth from St. Paul Flatrock and St. John Stryker (6&66).   This will be held 7pm, November 1.  We will be assembling hygiene kits for hurricane victims.    We look forward to the fellowship with old and new friends as we help with this important project.

St Peter – Christmas Poinsettias

Poinsettia order forms are posted on the narthex bulletin board.  Orders must be in no later than November 12th. 

Please place orders in the offering plate.

Questions?? Contact Deb Oberhaus # 419-762-5397. Thank You!

THANK YOU to St. Peter Lutheran church for sponsoring the Red Cross blood drive and the use of the building. Thank you also to all of the volunteers and donors. We were able to collect 28 units. Thanks again for supporting the American Red Cross.

Greetings from Preschool!

We had a very busy and fun month of October!  Our highlights included:  a walking trip to the Florida Public Library, Leader's Farm field trip, Pisanello's Pizza fundraiser, visit from Kyle Richards with the Florida/Flatrock fire department and our Halloween party!

Thank you to everyone who bought, sold and helped make the pizzas for our Pisanello's Pizza fundraiser!  Very much appreciated.  Special thanks to Bette Weddelman, Ruth Block, Sharlene Bunke, Pam Jones, Sherry Krueger, Alice Knepley, Andy Parsons, the Weber Family and my husband, Brian, for making 272 pizzas on Saturday, October 21st!  We made them in 1 1/2 hours and raised $1,360 for St. Peter Preschool!

November will be another great month in Preschool.  We will focus on Praise & Thanksgiving. Our themes will include:  Turkeys, Thanksgiving and Teddy Bears.  Our letters will be I, J and K.  We will not have school the week of November 20th.  My family and I are driving to Austin, Texas to spend the week with my sister and her family for the holiday.  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.  In God' Blessings, Mrs. Rees 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

St Peter’s Congregational Christmas Potluck date is December 3rd.  Planning committee dates will be in the November bulletins. Needed: Volunteers! Looking forward to seeing You at the meetings!!

Sunday School Fun

Pam Jones' Sunday School class made King Solomon's temple out of stone, cedar, and juniper today. Ok it was actually marshmallows, graham crackers and pretzels, with chocolate frosting for mortar. Mmmmm

Of course, some of our laborers didn't get it all built before it was destroyed!