May 11th 2026; Devotion

      May can be the month were people start thinking about summer. Summer for a lot of people means vocations and travel. We can all imagine taking a trip to someplace where we never been before. For instance I have never been to Toronto, Canada! How might I got to Toronto, what kind of device could I use. Could I use a map or get directions from someone?

May is often part of the Easter Season. During Easter we should remember another place we are destined to go. Jesus has often described a special destination to His disciples. In John 14 Jesus says to his disciples:

 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 

 On behalf of Jesus’ disciples, Disciple Thomas asked the question, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Jesus was having a special conversation with His disciples. In the last hours before He went to the cross, He gathered with them in a room in Jerusalem. Jesus, the Servant, had washed their feet, and now He shared some final thoughts with them. Jesus explained that He was going away. Jesus would go to the cross. He would rise from the dead, and then He would ascend into heaven. Jesus wants these disciples and all disciples with Him. In spite of the facts that these disciples haven’t always listened to Him or understood His teaching, that a disciple will deny Him and that many disciples would hide rather than be at His cross, Jesus wanted them with Him in His “Father’s house.” Jesus wants disciples with Him surrounding His throne of glory.

Jesus explained that there is no earthly map to His “Father’s house.” We cannot find our own way there. The only way there is through Jesus. Jesus who came to walk in the ways of our life, Jesus who went the way of the cross, Jesus who was the way out of the tomb — Jesus is the way to eternal life.

Let Us Pray:

Jesus, when we were not able to find our way to You, You brought us on the way to Your cross and empty tomb. You have blessed us on the way to eternal life. Keep us safely on the path to salvation and use us to bring others on the way to life as Your disciples now and eternally. Amen.

Part of this was taken from: 2022–2023 CHAPEL TALKS FOR LUTHERAN SCHOOLS: 50.

On May 14th, 2026, which is the day of Ascension, we invite you to join us for worship at St Paul Flatrock in Ohio. The address for the church is 12-868 County Road K Napoleon OH, 43545].

St. Paul Lutheran Church Flatrock Township, Ohio History - 1851-2026; Part 1!

Our Sister Congregation St Paul Flatrock is celebrating its 175 Anniversary on August 23rd, 2026. I thought it would be nice to share some of that history! So, every Friday I am going to share some of the History of that congregation.

 "It was in the year 1851, August the 25th, that the evangelical Lutheran pastor, Adam Detzer, came into this settlement in order to baptize three children. At this occasion the settlers in these parts consulted with Detzer that he would, if possible, preach God's Word to them. In answer to this request, he preached several years, and because of great lack of time, every four weeks, on a week day." So, we read in the opening words of the oldest historical account of our congregation on record

 A hundred and 75 years ago Henry County was a swamp. Maumee valley was not too healthful a place. The traveler beheld the towering trees above, as he made his way through the mud and mire beneath. Millard Fillmore was the President of the United States. It was fifty-seven years after The Battle of Fallen Timbers. Those were considered days of progress, too, when one could reach Fort Wayne from Toledo in twenty-six hours by canal boat.

 Into the forbidding wilderness of Flatrock Township, Henry County came this zealous missionary of the Lutheran Church, Adam Detzer. Coming to America in June, 1845, he had succeeded in organizing three congregations, including Zion near Edgerton, and St. James, near Burlington in the year 1846. Pastor Detzer was also the founder of St. John, Defiance, which celebrated its centennial in 1951. Even if he had been able to read in the original language the serial and best seller, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which appeared in 1851, the swamp preacher hardly would have had the time to do so. Today there are about a dozen and a half congregations of the Missouri Synod in the four northwestern counties of Ohio which are a living testimony to that which God wrought through the unselfish efforts of our Church's first circuit rider in northwestern Ohio. When our Synod was formed in 1847, Detzer was one of the ten advisory pastors who were charter members of our Synod. To this man St Paul owes much.

 As long as Pastor Detzer resided in Williams County, he made St. James, Bryan, his home. In 1853 our first pastor moved to Defiance, but he continued to serve his entire field until August, when another pastor came into this territory.

 The address for the St Paul Lutheran church in Flatrock in Ohio is 12-868 County Road K Napoleon OH, 43545.

The History of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church in Florida Ohio; Part 1

Last September 13th, 2025; St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary. Every Wednesday we are going to post one of the articles from the time of our Anniversary. These were created at the direction of the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Committee. This Week we start with the beginning:

1850 - 1875    
On September 13, 2025, one hundred fifty years have passed into history since the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Florida, Ohio became an officially organized body.  The initial beginnings, however, date back much farther than one hundred fifty years.  It can be said quite safely, the congregation is really more than a hundred fifty years old.  A number of charter members who signed the first constitution of St. Peter in 1875 had settled in and around the village of Florida in the middle part of 1800.  As far as can be ascertained, we find among such early Lutheran families the names of Fred Leonhard, William Goldenstern, John Lange, Christian Barth, and William Spengler.  These members had not formed an organized congregation before 1875, but up to that time held divine services together with St. Johns - Michaelis Congregation in North Richland Township, Defiance County.
The history of St. Peter before 1875 coincides with that of the sister-congregation in Richland Township.  This neighboring church which no longer exists, had been served by Pastor Adam Detzer for a number of years, when on January 1, 1854, it was organized under the leadership of Pastor Henry Koenig into a formal congregation.  Among the 17 families who constituted the newly founded church there were several who lived in or near Florida, namely the families mentioned above.  From 1854 to 1870 these people were supplied with religious services by Pastor Detzer, then residing in Defiance.  Already at this time Sunday worship was held now and then in private homes of Florida and later in an old school house, which later was turned into Florida’s Town-hall.

The first recorded baptisms in St. Peter Church Records are:

Ÿ   Jakob Peter, born July 5, 1851. Parents: Philip and Katharina Peter.  Baptized on August 3, 1851.

Ÿ  Wilhelm Heinrick Stockmann, Born August 5, 1851. Parents:  Johann and Maria Stockman. Baptized on August 5, 1852. Witness: Wilhelm Goldenstern

The first death recorded was:

Ÿ   Philip Peter, Born on November 7, 1847 and died on March 8, 1855.

The first marriage was:

Ÿ   Jacob Thieme and Maria Laucher on November 14, 1854.

The first Confirmation Records are dated May 7, 1855.

Historical information is reprinted from “Word and Sacraments 100 Years September 13, 1875 - September 13, 1975” - Centennial Anniversary Booklet (With one hundred fifty years substituted for one hundred years)

And from “St. Peter Lutheran Register 1854 - 1920” Translated from German by Mr. Henry zumFelde

May 4th 2026; Devotion

            Ascension this year is on Thursday May 14th 2026. [And we invite you all to worship with us that night!] But what is Ascension day?

The fullest account of the Ascension appears in the Acts of the Apostles. Here we read how Christ gathers His disciples round Him. Jesus charges them with proclaiming the Gospel, promises that He will send the Holy Spirit, and then ascends to sit at the right hand of His Father. Then Two angels appear, asking: "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven."

How has Ascension been celebrated in Church history? As soon as Christianity had become a lawful religion within the empire, Helena, the mother of Constantine, made concerted efforts to pinpoint those places in the Holy Land that were associated with our Lord's ministry. One of these was the Mount of Olives. Helena had Constantine built a church there at the supposed site of the Ascension, though the building was several times destroyed by Arabs and Syrians. This basilica was thought to enshrine the very stone on which Christ last stood, and the pious believe His footprints are still visible.

In France and Germany Ascension was a popular day for a pilgrimage to a shrine or holy hill. Here the townsfolk acted out the events of the day. In some churches a statue of Christ was symbolically pulled up through a hole in the roof.

During Easter the Paschal candle is lit; representing the Risen Christ as the Light of the Lord.  The Paschal candle as a symbol of Christ's presence with His people, was solemnly extinguished. Now Christ would be present no longer in a visible manner but would instead send the Holy Spirit. Ascension seems to have been a especially important holiday among the Crusaders. The Knights Templars honored it with special reverence, and many a crusader emblazoned the symbols of the Ascension on his armor and pennons.

One common symbol of the Ascension is the lion and the dragon. The lion represents Christ, ascended in triumph to His Father. The dragon represents the devil, allowed once more to battle for the souls of men.

[This was partially taken from the “Year of the Lord: The Church Year: Its Customs, Growth, & Ceremonies by THEODORE J. KLEINHANS page 83-84].

On May 14th, 2026, which is the day of Ascension, we invite you to join us for worship at St Paul Flatrock in Ohio. The address for the church is 12-868 County Road K Napoleon OH, 43545].

May 1st 2026; Devotion.

This past April, we celebrated Easter. Easter is the time where we celebrate the new life that Christ has given us by his death and resurrection. In May we celebrate Ascension (It actually falls on May 14th in 2026). While Easter teaches us about new life, Ascension teaches us where the new life is headed.  The Ascension is when Jesus is taken from the Apostles’ sight and presence and lifted up. We are told a cloud took him out of their sight (see Acts 1:1-11). Probably the most interesting thing about the narrative of the Ascension is how it ends. Two men in white robes (usually seen as Angels) say to them, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."

These two men are reminding the Apostles that Jesus some day will return. Also, it will be in the same way he left. This means it will happen suddenly. In Ascension we celebrate the fact that Jesus is currently in the Presence of his Father reigning on the Throne. We also eagerly await his Second Coming. When he will appear and bring all believers to be with Himself.

           On May 14th, 2026, which is the day of Ascension, we invite you to join us for worship at St Paul Flatrock in Ohio. The address for the church is 12-868 County Road K Napoleon OH, 43545].

Newsletter - January 2025

From Pastor's Desk

I’m always surprised when I meet Baby Boomers who tell me on Saturdays or summer days they would leave their homes and literally play with friends all day long. And then only come home for dinner time. My parents let me and my friends go out riding far from home, but rarely was I gone for the whole day. I’ve heard parents today are even more protective and children rarely leave their parents’ or other adults’ eyesight. Children are often told, “Don’t go alone!” It usually is for the child’s own good. Parents tell a little child not to go alone across the street. Older children may be advised not to go alone to the park or the mall. Even adults are warned that there are places where it is unsafe to go alone.

As we enter the new year of 2025, we might want to put up a sign that says, “Don’t go alone.” There may be changes and challenges that we don’t want to face alone. As God’s people, Israel, faced temptations and challenges. God reminded them through the prophet Isaiah that they did not have to go alone. In Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah Promised: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” God through Isaiah was promising to send their Savior, and His name would be Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

Seven hundred years after Isaiah’s promise, an angel came to Joseph and told him that Mary, the woman to whom he was engaged, was expecting a baby, who was the Son of God. It had to be a very confusing message to Joseph. The angel told Joseph that Mary and he would not be alone because the Baby would be “Immanuel,” which again means “God with us.”

The Baby Jesus came and He was with Mary and Joseph as their son. More importantly, He was with all sinners as He came to be the Savior of the world. God was with mankind in His Son Jesus. Immanuel was not only with His people; He came to die for His people! As the risen Lord He would be with us forever. Immanuel is with us in the waters of our Baptism. Immanuel is with us as His Word is taught in our school and church. Immanuel is with us in worship. Immanuel is with everyone who believes in Him. We don’t know what will happen in 2018. We do know that whatever happens, we have a God who is named Immanuel.

Prayer

Dear Christ our Savior, sometimes we feel alone. It’s Good News that You came to be with Your people at Your birth in Bethlehem. It’s Good News that You are with us today. Bless us as we begin a new year, in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

2017–2018 CHAPEL TALKS FOR LUTHERAN SCHOOLS page 29 BY REV. BOB RIGGERT

Red Cross Blood Drive

Thank you to the community and all who donated blood on December 4. We collected 8 Units. These units will help to save a lot of lives. Thanks again. The American Red Cross

LWML

In January we will be collecting items to fill (7) "We Care" packages for our 6 college students and our adopted seminarian, Seth Horn. This is an annual project for our congregation and all members are asked to help. Items for this service project can include nail files, toothbrushes with tooth covers, toothpaste, deodorant, band aids, personal packages of facial tissue, gum, candy, note pads, pencils, pens, stamps, quarters for laundry or vending machines, dry erasers for white boards, or inexpensive earbuds - nothing fancy, etc. There is a collection box in the narthex for your contributions of the above items. We will be collecting until February 9th.

Adopted Seminarian

In a recent letter Seminarian Seth Horn shares a few things. He says that "by God's Grace and some hard work" he passed his Hebrew courses. His father, Edgar Horn, is having many health issues and needs our prayers. Seth thanks everyone for your continued prayers and financial support, both of which are a great help. His letter is on the narthex bulletin board for you to read in its entirety.

St. Peter Officers and Appointed Positions - 2025

Church Council

President: Tim Buchhop

Vice President: Roger Jones

Recording Secretary: Nancy Conrad

Board of Trustees: Steve Franz

Jim Meyer & Andy Helmke

Board of Elders: Dave Conrad & Chad Clark

Treasurer: Jon Block

Financial Secretary: Judith Meyer

Board of Witness, Outreach and Stewardship:

Bridgett Volkert & Vicki Helmke

Other Elected Officers

Building Improvement Fund Treasurer: Judith Meyer

Sunday School Superintendent: Bridgett Volkert

Financial Review Committee: Sandy Dickman,

Sharlene Bunke, Bette Weddelman

Endowment Fund Committee: Jim Dickman,

Tim Buchhop, Nancy Helmke, Mary Ann

Ramey, Alice Knepley and Ruth Block

Appointed Positions

Ushers: Steve Franz and Mike Volkert, Tony

Mullett and Bethany Mathers

Christmas Committee: Chad and Melissa Clark,

Andy and Robin Helmke, Tony & Erin Vance

LLL Representative: Steven Franz & James Meyer

Circuit Forum Representative: Thomas Meyer

Filling Memorial Home of Mercy Delegate & Resource Person: Thomas Meyer

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Committee

Picture of Ground-Breaking The Challenge of the Space Age - J.W. Klotz Christmas Seals The Defiance Crescent News Nov. 17, 1965 Holgate “Henry County Review” Nov. 18 Thursday Napoleon Northwest Signal Nov. 19, 1965 These papers have report of Cornerstone Laying Filmstrip of Synodical Convention, Detroit, ‘65 Portals of Prayer devotion booklet November 21, 1965 Lyndon B. Johnson, Pres. James A. Rhodes, Governor of Ohio 1966-1969

As we continue our look at our church history, we ask this question: Do you know what our church cornerstone contains? Contents of St. Peter Lutheran Church Cornerstone, laid November 21, 1965: Cornerstone by National Memorial Stone Company, Defiance, OH Contents of Box Laid in Cornerstone Scripture Portions - American Bible Society St. Peter’s Epistles; St Luke’s Christmas Synodical Catechism Augsburg Confession The Christ of the Gospels - Dr. Wm. Beck Scripture Text Calendar 1965 The Lutheran Annual Church Bulletins: Sept. 19, Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 14 Concordia Tract Lutheran Laymen’s League Leaders Guide Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Quarterly Invitation to Cornerstone Laying Service The Synodical Handbook 1960 Bible Society Record Nov. 1965 Vol. 110 #9 List of Communicant Members List of Men’s Club Members List of Ladies Aid Members List of Walther Leaguers Constitution and By-Laws of congregation Proceedings of the First Ohio District Convention 1964 (Missouri Synod) Lutheran Witness Reporter Nov. 14, 1965 Ohio District L. Witness Supplement, Oct. 1965 Several coins incl. 1965 Quarter (no silver).

A Peek at Preschool

Dear Christian Friends,

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated and purchased cookies during our recent fundraiser. Your generosity has made a significant impact, with all proceeds supporting St. Peter Lutheran Preschool. Our little ones have been busy this season, learning about the miraculous birth of baby Jesus, creating thoughtful cards for our shut-in church members, and crafting special ornaments for their parents. To cap off our festive activities, Santa paid us a visit on our last day of school, and we celebrated with a delightful Christmas party filled with milk, cookies, and fun games. Thank you for your continued support and for helping us create joyful experiences for our children! We want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love, Ms. Stephanie & Ms. Emilie

Newsletter - March 2024

From Pastor's Desk

When I was a kid I was always wearing bandages. It seems like my siblings and I were always going out getting bumps and bruises and having to have bandages put on. Before my mother would put on the bandage she would always put something on it first. She would put on iodine. This medicine did a great job of killing germs, but do you know what the problem was? It STUNG! Yes, it burned like crazy. It made me want to not even tell my mother I got hurt, because the cure was worse than the injury. Then somebody invented a wonderful thing called Neosporin (and/or bactine). For some reason, it did not sting when you put it on your sore. The inventor of this product figured out how to leave the medicine in and take the sting away. It was wonderful! I didn’t have to risk letting my injury get infected because I was afraid to use the medicine. I gladly let my mother put it on my sore. The power to heal was still there, but the sting was gone! That’s what Jesus does with the most terrible injury of all. That’s what Jesus does with death. Most people don’t want to die. Death can be painful. Raise your hand if someone you know or love has died. It hurt, didn’t it? Death makes people feel sad and alone and afraid. It’s the worst sting we could imagine. That’s what the devil wants us to feel. He put the hurt in death, and he doesn’t want us to know that death doesn’t have to hurt forever. When Jesus died on the cross, He healed us of our sins, and in the process He felt the sting that the devil caused. Now when we die or when someone we love dies, that sting is gone. Now when someone who believes in Jesus dies, we know that person is really still alive in heaven. And heaven doesn’t hurt. Jesus heals our sadness, loneliness, and fear. We may miss the person who has died, but we know that person is with Jesus, so we are not sad forever. The hurt is healed. We may not realize it but the CROSS OF JESUS is a bandage for us. Jesus through his death and resurrection has taken the sting of death away. Yeah death is painful, but its sting is gone. Now we have the healing knowledge that Jesus has overcome death. This Lenten season we don’t even have to be afraid to die because on Easter Jesus overcome death itself.

Dear Jesus, thank You for taking away the sting of death and sadness by dying for me on the cross. Help me to live with joy, because You are my Savior. Please let me tell others about You, so they can be joyful too.

Amen.

Part of this was taken from: 2011-2012 Chapel Talks: Equipped to Serve 35 (Holy Week).

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

March 24th - Palm Sunday – 10:00 AM

March 29th - Good Friday Service – 7:30 PM

March 31st Easter Sunrise Worship 6:30 AM

March 31th - Easter Breakfast – 7:30 AM

March 31th - Easter Communion Service –10:00 AM

Easter Flowers

It's time to order your lily, tulip or daffodil for Easter. The flowers are $10.00 each. Please fill out the form by March 10th and give it to Bette or Dana. No late orders. The altar guild is ordering from a new supplier through another church.

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Committee

This month’s brief history of St. Peter’s beginnings follows the years from 1888-1909

The next spiritual leader Florida called was Pastor William Schust (1888-1891) of Lockwood, Missouri. He was installed by Pastor William L. Fischer of Napoleon on the 25th Sunday after Trinity, 1888. But soon after this, the congregation at Holgate experienced a vacancy, and asked Pastor Schust to also serve their needs. So the agreement was reached between the two neighboring congregations that they be served jointly by the same pastor. And since the pastor was to teach religious school at Holgate, he took up his residence in the parsonage there. Up to that time Florida had not acquired a minister’s home. The first resident pastor boarded with parish families. However, the majority of the Florida membership preferred to have their pastor in their own midst, so the congregation decided to release Pastor Schust to Holgate altogether and to join with the sister congregation in North Richland Township in calling a new pastor.

This call was submitted to Candidate Ernest Gottlieb Juengel (1891-1893) of the seminary at St. Louis. This young man was ordained and installed at Florida on the 17th Sunday after Trinity, 1891, by his father, the Reverend H. Juengel. But his stay proved to be of short duration as in 1893 he accepted a call to serve a church in Cleveland.

During the following vacancy of seven months. Pastor Herman Diemer of the South Ridge congregation supplied the needs of Florida to the best of his time and ability. Three times Florida called in vain. Then Candidate Henry Kasper Rottmann (1894-1908) from the seminary at Springfield, Illinois was called successfully and Pastor Diemer ordained and installed him on July 29, 1894.

Under Pastor Rottmann’s leadership of fifteen years, the Florida congregation flourished and progressed visibly. It was during this time that the church building was enlarged and the first parsonage erected and other improvements were made. The parochial report of the year 1900 read: Souls: 183; communicants 97; voting members 23; Summer school pupils: 25; baptisms: 13; confirmation 7: marriages 2; burials 1. 8

Re-printing excerpt from “Word and Sacraments 100 Years September 13, 1875 - September 13, 1975” - Centennial Anniversary Booklet

A Peek at Preschool

Dear Christian friends,

Our preschoolers recently celebrated Valentine's Day in a special way by creating Candygrams for the incredible medical workers and church members in our community. It was heartwarming to see the joy they brought to others with their thoughtful gestures.

In another exciting event, we were thrilled to welcome the K9 Comfort Dog Ministry to visit our classroom. The children were overjoyed to interact with these furry friends and experience the comfort and love they bring. Additionally, Dr. Kamcza from Mercy Medical Hospital visited us to share valuable insights on keeping our bodies healthy, educating our little ones on the importance of taking care of themselves.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming events! Our Open House is scheduled for March 5 from 5:30-7:00 PM, offering a wonderful opportunity for new families to explore our preschool. Don't forget to join us for our Community Easter Event on Sunday, March 24 from 3:00-5:00 pm. We are also seeking donations of candy and gently used or new baskets for our Easter raffles to make this event extra special.

Thank you for being part of our St. Peter Lutheran Preschool family. We look forward to creating more cherished memories together!

Love,

Ms. Emilie & Ms. Stephanie

Newsletter - February 2024

From Pastor's Desk  

Do you have some places you’d like to return? Have you said to a family member “Could we go back there?”  Last summer my family went to the Lake of the Ozarks and we liked it so much we are talking about going  back. Maybe you had a similar great day at the park or at the beach. Maybe your family went on a vacation  and you’d like to go back to that same special place. Sometimes children enjoy a visit with grandparents or  friends and they ask, “When can we go back?”  

 The Old Testament reading for Ash Wednesday is usually Joel 2:12-19. It begins: 12 “Yet even now,”  declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;  13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful,  slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.  

 The prophet Joel is saying to God’s people, “Let’s return. Let’s go back.” Prophet Joel was not talking  about going back to a special place. He was writing about going back to a special God. The children of Israel  had wandered from God. They had wandered off to look for other gods and to worship idols. Those gods  could not hear them or help them. In their desperation, they called for God to find them and bring them back.  When we get lost and when we wander from God, the Holy Spirit leads us to say, “Let’s go back.” Sin leaves  us lost and lonely. We want to go back to the place where we are safe. We want to go back to the God who  loves us and forgives us.  

 When Israel went back they would find a loving God who would welcome them and bless them. Jesus  told the story of the prodigal son who wandered from his father. The father saw the son coming back home  and he welcomed him back to his family. Just like it’s great to go back to a special place, it’s always great to  be welcomed back to God. God welcomes us back to His Church where we learn more about Him and love  worshiping and serving Him.  

 God used a prophet to lead His people back to Him. Who are some of the people who lead us back to God  when we wander from Him (our parents, teachers, Christian friends, etc.)? We thank God for the people who  lead us back when we are tempted to wander from Him.  

 Let us Pray: Jesus, bless us as we pray, “Let’s go back!” Lead us back to Your cross where we see You  dying for our sins. Lead us back to Your empty tomb where we celebrate that You rose for us. Thank You  for welcoming us back again and again. Amen.  

Part of this was taken from: 2014-15 Chapel Talks for Lutheran Schools Stand in Mercy: 31

Lenten Meals

Join us for a warm meal with fellowship during Lent at 6:00 pm preceding the worship services. Invite friends, neighbors, and family. The meals begin on February 21st and go through March 20th. Please see the sign-up sheet in the narthex if you'd like to help prepare a meal. We generally serve 15-20 people and 2-3 people sign up per meal. If you have questions, talk to Bridgett Volkert (419-487-2744).

St. Peter – Adopted Seminarian Greetings

To the LWML and Congregation of St. Peter Lutheran Church, grace, mercy, and peace be to you from our Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas season! This is Seth Horn, writing to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope all has been well for you this Christmas season! Christmas is always a wonderful time of the year, doubly so when you don't get to see your family as often as you used to, like in my case. I hope you all have been in good health and God has provided for all your needs and maybe even some of your wants this Christmas season. I came and visited your Advent Potluck some time ago and was very pleased by the warmth of the people there as well as how nice it was to have such wonderful food! It was a pleasure to come and see the church that prays for me and supports me. I cannot express enough how grateful I am to receive such help and aid even though I scarcely deserve it. Those cookies that were given to me didn't make it through the night back in the dorm (yes, both boxes)! I was always told that it is a very special feeling, visiting a church that has adopted you. I can thoroughly say that it was a humbling and wonderful moment, seeing the faces of the people who keep me going. Right now, I'm at home with my family until the New Year. Then I go back for another 7 weeks until the quarter is over. I'm currently in the struggle of learning Hebrew which has been exceedingly difficult, but I know God will carry me through it. You'll most likely hear from me then again around that time. Thank you for your continued support, it means more than I can express! By the time I write again, I'll be able to preach sermons so perhaps I'll inquire with Reverend Stuenkel about maybe giving me a shot in the pulpit. It'll be one of my first non-Pentecostal sermons that I'll have the pleasure of preaching. I pray that the New Year will hold wonderful and warm things for you. May He who holds all things together continue to hold you in the palm of His hands.

Seminarian Seth Horn

Quilt Raffle

Quilt Raffle - Orphan Grain Train is selling raffle tickets for a Heart Sampler Quilt 90x95. Tickets are $1 for one or $5 for six. Drawing will be on Friday, June 7, 2024 (the last day of the 424 Sales). Money collected through the raffle will help to offset transportation costs in taking deliveries to Kentucky. If you don't want to purchase a raffle ticket but would like to make a monetary donation for transportation costs that will be an appreciated blessing also. To purchase a raffle ticket contact any OGT Volunteer, or see Nancy Helmke or Cindy Cline.

Celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week

National Lutheran Schools Week provides more than 1,800 preschools, elementary schools and high schools with the public opportunity to proclaim and celebrate God’s work among us in schools of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. We thank God for the opportunity to provide excellent academic preparation for the children we serve. We are most grateful for the opportunity to share Jesus’ amazing love with children and their families. National Lutheran Schools Week gives us an opportunity to proclaim these great blessings within the communities we serve. Our schools are amazing incubators for faithful witness of God’s love for us through Christ by teachers and students alike.

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Committee

This month’s brief history of St. Peter’s beginnings follows the years from 1875 to 1887.

*Pastor Detzer’s successor was Pastor Adalbert Kraft (1870-1876) who was installed on September 18, 1870. During his tenure of office, progress was made to the extent that a separate congregation could be formally organized. On September 13, 1875, a constitution was written and signed by the charter members who named the new church for the Apostle St. Peter. Also at this time, subscriptions for the building of a church were gathered from those who were interested in the undertaking. However, this gathering of funds was halted for a time because of the calling away of Pastor Krafft.

After Pastor Krafft had delivered his farewell sermon on the 24th Sunday after Trinity, 1876, Pastor Herman Diemer (1877-1883) was called and installed in April 1877. Now the enthusiasm for the building of a church was revived and by 1880 a nest-egg in the amount of $1,000.00 had been underwritten; half of which had been gathered from members of kindly sister-congregations in Henry and Defiance counties. Soon the building was begun and completed and on Trinity Sunday, 1881, the first Lutheran church in Florida, Ohio, was dedicated to the glory of God. Professor F.W. Stellhorn, of Concordia College, Fort Wayne, and Pastor L. Dulitz, of Napoleon, preached the German festival sermons and Pastor Diemer the English.

During the periods when Pastor Krafft and Diemer provided Florida with church services and official acts, such as baptisms, marriages, etc, these men had their homes in Archbold. Considering the almost impassable country roads of that day and the great distances between the mission stations, it is only natural that these early preachers met with untold hardships on their journeys. But when they would arrive at Florida, they would always find a hearty welcome and good lodging with families such as the Fred Leonhard’s and others.

In 1883 another pastoral vacancy ensued for the Florida congregations when Pastor Diemer accepted a call to Pomeroy, Ohio. At this turn of events the churches in Archbold and Ridgeville Corners decided to call a pastor of their own. So Florida was forced to look elsewhere for spiritual guidance. It did find ready response when Pastor G. M. Zucker of Defiance consented to serve as vacancy pastor. This arrangement lasted for a year and a half, until the Florida congregation extended a call for their own shepherd. The call was received favorably by the St. Louis seminary and on the 12th Sunder after Trinity, 1885, theological candidate Theodore Karl Horst (1885-1888) was installed as the first resident pastor of Florida. From that time forward, it was possible to enjoy divine public worship on every Sunday and to institute religious instruction for the children. Under such single blessings, the congregation grew both spiritually and outwardly for three years when the next interruption occurred. Pastor Horst accepted a call to become the pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Toledo, Ohio.

Historical information is reprinted from “Word and Sacraments 100 Years September 13, 1875 - September 13, 1975” - Centennial Anniversary Booklet

Greetings from Preschool

Dear Christian Friends,

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and love is in the air! It's the perfect time to show appreciation for those who matter most in our lives. Our very own St. Peter Lutheran Preschool students are excited to offer personalized candy Grams to help spread some cheer with our church shut-in members and the Filling Home and show someone how much we care. Each candy Gram comes with a full-size candy bar and a special hand-colored card made with love by your children. All proceeds will benefit the local Lutheran Church K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry, making our act of kindness go even further.

Our preschool students will also be joining our Sunday School for a special music service and Chili Cook- Off on February 25th, at St. Peter Lutheran Church. They will be singing "Praise Him, Praise Him, All Ye Little Children". We can't wait to hear their beautiful voices!

We also wanted to share some exciting news about our class guinea pigs, Miss Piggy & Princess Sparkle! They recently visited the Florida Public Library for Storytime and Craft. Area children read stories to our little ladies and our piggies even took home a library card! We are so proud of our furry friends and their love for reading.

Thank you for your continued support of St. Peter Lutheran Preschool. We are committed to providing a loving, nurturing environment where our children can grow and learn.

Blessings,

Ms. Stephanie & Ms. Emilie

Newsletter - January 2024

Pastor’s Desk for January 2024 Happy New Year!

I pray that God blesses us all in 2024! (Many of us will spend Jan 1 st wishing each other a Happy New Year.) One thing people do every year is make New Year’s Resolutions What is a new year without resolutions? They are often things that people plan to do in the new year. Sometimes people give up things like sweets or go on a diet. Other people say they are going to start exercising. For this reason most resolutions are things that people hope to do to make their life happier or healthier. Making resolutions is one thing. But what is the hard part? Sometimes the hard part is sticking to it. I have a family member who has been going to gym just every week for years. He said that the first week after the new year the place is packed. HE also said that by the end of the month the place is back to normal and is nearly empty again. It takes a lot work to carry out resolutions. Often, it takes sacrifice. For example, if someone wants to lose 20 pounds in 2024, what must they give up? Have you ever thought of resolutions having anything to do with God? God tells us He wants the best for us, and so it’s good to make resolutions that improve our lives. But it’s easy to forget other people when we make resolutions. It’s easy to forget plans for serving God and His people. When God chose Solomon to be king of Israel, Solomon made some resolutions for his new life as king in 1 st Kings 3:1-15. His resolution came in the form of prayer. He prayed, “Give your servant . . . an understanding mind to govern you people that I may discern between good and evil . . .” (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon’s resolution was to be the best king possible for God’s people. We can all imagine how much hard work that would take. Do you agree that many of our own resolutions should be about how to help others be happier and healthier? We can make those kinds of resolutions, because when Jesus died to take away our sins, He also gave us the power to serve others as He served people during His time on earth. Resolutions are good; resolutions often are broken. It doesn’t matter what year it is we are going to sin in that year. Every year we need the reminder that God forgives us when we fail at the resolutions. He has blessed us because Jesus perfectly carried out His resolution to be our Savior. Unlike how we sometimes give up on our Resolution, Jesus was determined to save us he went to the cross to die for our sins. That is something to happy about no matter what year it is. 1 Dear Jesus, all that we are and all that we have is Your gift to us. Thank You for the talents You have given to each of us. Help us to use those talents this new year to give You glory and help Your kingdom to grow. Amen. Part of this message came from LCMS 2011-2012 CHAPEL TALKS FOR LUTHERAN SCHOOLS Equipped to Serve: Page 26

“We Care” packages

LWML PROJECT FOR JANUARY is collecting items to fill six (6) "We Care" packages for our 5 college students and our adopted seminarian, Seth Horn. This is an annual project for our congregation and all members are asked to help. Items can include popcorn, hot chocolate mix, snacks, candy, gum, toothbrushes with tooth covers, toothpaste, dry erasers for white boards, combs, nail files, deodorant, Band Aids, personal packs of facial issues, note pads, pencils, pens, stamps, quarters for laundry or vending machines, or inexpensive earbuds – nothing fancy, etc. There is a collection box in the narthex for your contributions of the above items. We will be collecting until February 4 th .

St. Peter Council Church Council

President: Russell Krueger

Vice President: Tim Buchhop

Recording Secretary: Nancy Conrad

Board of Trustees: Roger Jones Steve Franz James Meyer

Board of Elders: Chad Clark David Conrad

Treasurer: Jon Block

Financial Secretary: Judith Meyer

Board of Witness, Outreach and Stewardship: Bridgett Volkert

Building Improvement Fund Treasurer: Judith Meyer

Sunday School Superintendent: Bridgett Volker

Financial Review Committee: Betty Hoy, Sandy Dickman, Sharlene Bunke

Endowment Fund Committee: Dave and Nancy Conrad, Jim Dickman, Tim Buchhop, Nancy Helmke and Mary Ann Ramey

Ushers: Bethany Mathers, Pam Jones, Steven Franz and Mike Volkert

Christmas Committee: Mark and Deb Oberhaus, Chad and Melissa Clark, and Andy and Robyn Helmke

LLL Representative: Steven Franz and James Meyer

Circuit Forum Representative: Thomas Meyer

Filling Memorial Home of Mercy Delegate and Resource Person: Nancy Conrad

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 150th Anniversary Committee

Happy New Year 2024 from your 150th Anniversary Committee! Your anniversary Committee is already looking to the future and planning for a celebration on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Please save that date and know that there will be many reminders and more details as we get closer to the celebration. We will be reminiscing every month in the newsletter leading up to the celebration by sharing and remembering our history as a congregation. This month we start with the beginning: 1850 - 1875 On September 13, 2025, one hundred fifty years will have passed into history since the St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Florida, Ohio became an officially organized body. The initial beginnings, however, date back much farther than one hundred fifty years. It can be said quite safely, the congregation is really more than a hundred fifty years old. A number of charter members who signed the first constitution of St. Peter in 1875 had settled in and around the village of Florida in the middle part of 1800. As far as can be ascertained, we find among such early Lutheran families the names of Fred Leonhard, William Goldenstern, John Lange, Christian Barth, and William Spengler. These members had not formed an organized congregation before 1875, but up to that time held divine services together with St. Johns - Michaelis Congregation in North Richland Township, Defiance County. The history of St. Peter before 1875 coincides with that of the sister-congregation in Richland Township. This neighboring church which no longer exists, had been served by Pastor Adam Detzer for a number of years, when on January 1, 1854, it was organized under the leadership of Pastor Henry Koenig into a formal congregation. Among the 17 families who constituted the newly founded church there were several who lived in or near Florida, namely the families mentioned above. From 1854 to 1870 these people were supplied with religious services by Pastor Detzer, then residing in Defiance. Already at this time Sunday worship was held now and then in private homes of Florida and later in an old school house, which later was turned into Florida’s Town-hall.

The first recorded baptisms in St. Peter Church Records are:

• Jakob Peter, born July 5, 1851. Parents: Philip and Katharina Peter. Baptized on August 3, 1851.

• Wilhelm Heinrick Stockmann, Born August 5, 1851. Parents: Johann and Maria Stockman. Baptized on August 5, 1852. Witness: Wilhelm Goldenstern

  The first death recorded was:

• Philip Peter, Born on November 7, 1847 and died on March 8, 1855.

  The first marriage was:

• Jacob Thieme and Maria Laucher on November 14, 1854. The first Confirmation Records are dated May 7, 1855. Historical information is reprinted from “Word and Sacraments 100 Years September 13, 1875 - September 13, 1975” - Centennial Anniversary Booklet ( With one hundred fifty years substituted for one hundred years) And from “St. Peter Lutheran Register 1854 - 1920” Translated from German by Mr. Henry zumFelde

Greetings from Preschool

Dear Christians Friends, We want to extend our sincerest gratitude to each and every one of you who generously donated cookies to our recent cookie drive-through event. Your donations will benefit our preschoolers in countless ways, and we are so grateful for your support. Additionally, we wanted to thank you for inviting our preschool families to St. Peter Lutheran Church’s congregational Christmas potluck. It was a wonderful event! During this time, we took the opportunity to talk to the children about the true meaning of Christmas which is about the birth of Jesus Christ our Savior. We introduced the Giving Manager to our preschoolers this year. The Giving Manger helped our students focus this Christmas on giving to others. A piece of straw is placed in the manger for each kind deed or act of service performed. On Christmas Day, the Baby is placed in the manger filled with service and love. We worked together to give gifts of service to others which filled our hearts with more joy during the holding season that ever before. Our manger is now full of the straw that represents the acts of love and service done in honor of Jesus’s birth. We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and we wish you a happy new year:

Love, Ms. Stephanie and Ms. Emilie

Newsletter - December 2023

From Pastor's Desk

Each December we start a new church year. Each church year starts with the celebration of Advent. What does Advent even mean? Advent means the coming or “arrival” of an important event or person. Just like our family makes preparations when we expect the arrival of a really important person in our lives, so does the church. There are two advents. The first Advent is when we celebrate the coming of our Savior, Jesus. That Advent became reality when Jesus was born at Bethlehem. Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan for our salvation. Jesus fulfilled that plan of Salvation through his death and resurrection. Jesus’ resurrection is good news, because He conquered death and the devil. We now are in the Second Advent, waiting for Jesus’ return to Earth. Yes, He is coming again! Advent is when we remember that Jesus will come again. God tells us in Scripture how we are to prepare for Jesus’ Second Coming. Consider Romans 13:11-14 NIV: 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. We can put that Armor of God’s light on every day of our lives as we wait Christ’s Second Advent. We can wake each day knowing we are completely cleansed and forgiven because of Jesus’ first coming. You are already ready for Jesus to come again! God tells us the time is almost here. Allow Jesus’ light to shine in you and to the world through you. Live as a redeemed and forgiven child, made strong in faith by the living Savior, Jesus. Daily read God’s Word in the Bible. Daily remember your baptism. Look forward with joy to the time when Jesus comes again to take all believers to heaven. [Prayer] Dear Jesus, thank You for being our Savior. You are indeed Someone Special. Remind us to ask forgiveness when we have done wrong. Help us remember that each of us is someone special to You. Because of Your forgiveness, help us to remain prepared for Your coming again. Help us to tell others about You, so they too will be prepared. In Your dear name we pray. Amen. [Partly taken from Chapel Talks 2008–2009 Jesus Gives Me Strength Page 16. LCMS]

LWML

Thank You Ft. Wayne Seminary Food Bank - November 19 th is the last day for collecting seasonal baking supplies for the seminarians and their families. These items will be taken to the seminary shortly after. Thank you to everyone who donated to this project

Poinsettias

Christmas Poinsettias can remind us that Jesus Birth Is the Reason!!! Please help the Altar Guild beautify our church altar again this Christmas. How?? Contact Deb Oberhaus: 419-980- 0979.