WORSHIP and SUNDAY SCHOOL
To access live-streamed Worship and view Worship Folder please use:
Summer Worship at 9am
Sunday Education Hour in recess until after Labor Day
The News
Meal Train for Lori Borger
Please click this link to sign up to bring meals to Lori and the Borgers following her shoulder surgery. Any questions? Send an email to office@splcm.org or connect with PC (574-323-0654).
Ministry and Call Committee (MCC): Survey and/or In-Person Opportunity
The MCC has announced our next steps to consider a “step back” for Pastor Borger and a “step up” for Pastor Clark. Please read the “Overview and Starting Proposal” below, then fill out a survey online or take a paper copy from the Narthex. You may also schedule an in-person conversation below if desired. Completed Surveys due: July 31st. Questions? See or email MCC Chair, Ninette Deliyannides.
NEW NOTE: Please know that we ask for your name on the surveys in order that a member of the MCC would be able to follow up and ensure any questions and concerns get answered fully. However, please also know that only the Chair and Secretary of the MCC will gather this information with names attached; the pastors will not see it. If you wish still more anonymity, please sign up for an in-person conversation with an MCC member.
Step 1: Read the Overview and Starting Proposal (BEFORE completing survey):
Step 2: Click here to complete the survey online
“Spirit Wear” One-Question Survey: new items you’d like to see?
We are looking to do another run of Spirit Wear this Fall. Is there another item or two you would like to see offered? If we get multiple requests for the same item, we will see if we can add it. Click here to offer your suggestions before July 31. Thanks!
Monthly Packets for Homebound Members
On the table under the slat wall, you’ll find packets containing recent announcements, prayers, worship folders, Portals of Prayer, and other information gathered for our shut-in and homebound members. If you would like to deliver one (or more!) of these packets in person to folks who aren’t able to be with us on Sundays, please indicate so on the sign-out sheet near the packets. Ideally, you’d want to make your visit prior to the beginning of August. Any packets that aren’t signed out will be mailed. If you have questions, please see PB or Renee.
Janet Homann: 70 Years of Service as a Church Musician
Check out this article on Dave Homann’s mom’s many years of service. We give thanks for God’s gifts used in faithful service to the Lord and His Church!
Updates and Prayer Requests as the 2023 LCMS Convention Begins (July 29-Aug 3)
In response to requests from various members, PC offers the following update on our overture, along with four prayer requests as the national LCMS Convention kicks off tomorrow, Saturday July 29. PC will discuss further upon his return.
Original update: Our St. Peter Overture appeared as Overture 5-35 in the Convention Workbook alongside 335 others on all kinds of topics. The Floor Committees then were charged to bring together and boil down all overtures on the same topic. As the pastors explained and expected, only a little of our overture was kept. However, a few other pastors read the original and contacted us with thanks. In addition, with encouragement from the CTCR Executive Director, Pastor Clark will be connecting with Floor Committee 11 at their open hearing on Saturday, 7/29 to discuss further.
Update 7/29: PC had good conversations with two Floor Committees. It is now up to each committee to process all our comments and revise the resolutions (or not). We will see what comes out as the week progresses!
Update 7/30: Somewhat spontaneously, PC offered a “friendly amendment” to the very first resolution to come before the Convention! The original resolution commended a program started in 2010 to encourage pastors with conflicting views to dialogue in small groups. PC added a “resolve” to expand the program to a standing national process for connecting the whole Synod in dialogue when there is disagreement. The resolution to “amend” (add this idea) passed – 460 to 455. However, before there is a final vote, it has to go back to committee for a little “ironing out.” Hopefully, it will come back to the table and move forward, but there is no guarantee. PC continues to follow up! The other big thing that happened today was recognition of fellowship with several other international church bodies. Many of their bishops or presidents were present to share some moving stories, which PC will share on his return!
Update 8/1: Today the convention voted to call Concordia University Texas (CTX) to repentance and to empower Synod leadership to pursue church discipline against church workers in the admin and/or Board of Trustees. This does not actually resolve ownership of assets, which remain in the hands of CTX barring any decision for legal action. Various attempts to call both parties back to the table to self-examination, instead of sending that message to CTX alone, were defeated. On the upside: Floor Committee 11 put out a revised version of its amendment on race and racism that took several of PC’s requests into account. Hopefully, this will come up for a vote tomorrow! Also on the upside, we heard moving testimony from our Finnish partners who are being persecuted for staying faithful to Scripture, and all of our military chaplains were honored, including Rear Admiral Daniel Gard, who served as pastor of St. Paul Woodland fresh out of Seminary.
Update 8/2: The modified amendments on race and racism passed today. Thanks be to God! FLAME, a now-Lutheran rapper trained at Concordia Sem St. Louis, gave an excellent testimony to finding freedom in the Lutheran message of “grace outside of us (extra nos).” Check out his brand new book here!
Update 8/3: After all the other business was done, Pastor Clark circled back around to his attempt to ask the Convention to encourage our leadership to establish an ongoing, synod-wide, transparent conversation on key topics of all kinds. Ultimately the motion failed, but many good connections were made!
Prayers:
- For all the Floor Committee Hearings on July 29; and for PC as he attends two Floor Committees to discuss our overture and other opportunities to enhance conversation on all topics across Synod.
- For divine guidance, clarity, and a way forward with Concordia University-Texas, which declared operational independence from the LCMS after 2+ years of talks stalled out. This is going to be a difficult discussion.
- Throughout Convention, for the fruit of the Spirit, especially kindness and gentleness, that in all things we may “speak the truth in love” (Eph 4:15) and seek God’s will and kingdom, not ours
- That all the “flashpoints” will not squeeze out attention to more “regular” topics that nevertheless are vital to our collective mission. This includes motions that: enhance our congregations and schools; ensure enough church workers for the future; approve fellowship with other Lutherans around the world (i.e. in Sudan, Finland, Uganda, Ukraine, and Sri Lanka); and pause to lament the closure of Concordia-Portland and Concordia-Bronxville and our loss of fellowship with Japan Lutheran Church.
Check Out Our Braille Ministry!
VBS Report and Thanksgivings
We hosted another successful Vacation Bible School program at RLA last month. Our event “took place in Babylon,” and we learned what it was like to be in Daniel’s shoes. We had 56 participants ranging in age from 3-11 and 42 volunteers ranging from 12-80 something. From SPLC, we had 4 participants and 14 volunteers. Krista Hunt and Melissa Luster-Bartz, who organized and directed this year’s event, want to thank everyone who contributed in some way. Your prayers, donations, and involvement made this event possible, and we appreciate everything the congregation did to support the program. A huge shout out to Bruce and Sharon Csaszar and Sandy Ellis who led the mission tent this year. They taught the children about Braille and the Braille Bible ministry and did an amazing job. Participants donated more than $115 which has been donated to Lutheran Braille Workers on behalf of our local group. David Luster-Bartz and Renee Peggs led the opening and closing and set a great tone for each day. Lori Borger, Maddie Jordan, Alexa, Rachel, & Cole Hunt, Nancy Kroll, and Joel Krueger led tribes, worked in the marketplace, and/or jumped in wherever needed. If you’d like more information about being involved in next year’s program, talk to someone who was involved to get some information. Next year, we will be “traveling” to Bethlehem. (We can’t wait!!)
Sunday School Preparations: Could YOU serve our kids this Fall?
It is time to be thinking about staffing our Sunday school program for the next school year. This takes at least nine people, and I know I have a few people who are not returning to their position. There are five classrooms of students ranging from 2-18 years old, and I rely on four craft leaders who serve once a month in the early elementary class (ages 3-first grade) who walk the students through a prepared craft once a month. Teaching positions can be shared, so people aren’t committed to every week as well if that is interesting to some. We also have a good supply of subs available if you take a position but can’t make some weeks. Materials are provided. “Training” can be included if this is your first time engaging in this way. Class sizes are manageable. Classes begin on September 10 at 9 a.m. If you are interested in participating or learning more, please contact Krista Hunt (6sbhunts@gmail.com/ 574-339-5479).
RLA Anniversary Picnic: Save the Date, Canopies Requested
The planning committee is hoping to borrow some pop-up canopies to use for the picnic on August 26. If you have one that would be available to be dropped off at the school by Friday, August 25, please contact Esther Nowicki at 574-514-7814 or enowicki0420@gmail.com. Thank you!
RLA Teacher Needed
Join the team at Resurrection Lutheran Academy as a 3rd grade teacher! RLA focuses on educating students through Christian love and grace. We are looking for an energetic, caring teacher who strives to create an environment where students can achieve socially, emotionally, and spiritually to the best of their ability. You must be comfortable communicating with parents, building student relationships and interacting with staff to develop a positive teamwork atmosphere. Some of your teaching responsibilities will include: religion, language arts, math, science, social studies, and art. Current teaching license and criminal background checks are required. Staff reports on August 1st and students begin on August 16th. Learn more about us on our website rlasouthbend.com and submit your resume to the school office or email it to mmegyese@rlasouthbend.com.
Mid-Year Contribution Reports
Please pick up your contribution reports from the box under the slat wall. Homebound/hospitalized have been mailed. Be sure to contact Cindy Matthews (574-855-3504) if you have any questions at all or need to make a correction. Thank you, SPLC!
RLA Golf Outing
Help support the Dale Timm Scholarship fund at RLA by attending the RLA Golf Outing on Saturday, August 5. Click here for info or to register, or use the QR code on the flyer (by the slat wall). Questions? Contact Development Director Donald Swift, 574-272-2200 (RLA).
Memory Verse Challenge
Did you know that the LCMS offers an opportunity for its members and churches to memorize scripture together? Each week, you can join other Lutherans in the discipline of committing scripture to memory. Why is this a good idea? Today we have all the information we want, right at our fingertips. Memorization of anything is rarely needed. But having God’s word in our hearts, readily available in any circumstance, is a great comfort and encouragement. Check out other benefits and motivations by clicking this link and then get started with this week’s verse! Some members of St. Peter are already engaged in this discipline! You can join at any time.
Ministry Updates and Opportunities
Adult Bible Studies and Small Groups
TUESDAY EVENING (once monthly): Taking Off the Mask
This CONFIDENTIAL group gathers to process some of the harder things in life with God and each other. A meal is also shared and childcare provided as needed. If you wish to join us, please contact either Deaconess Amy Smessaert (amyhsmessaert@gmail.com) or Pastor Clark (adamclarknd@gmail.com).
Pick Your Next Usher Date!
Thanks to everyone who has served as an usher or part of an usher team. It’s time to pick another date to serve! Please sign up on the Sunday Servants sheet on the slat wall. You can see the specific list of duties, with video demos, here. A veteran usher will assist you and teach you one extra duty beyond communion each time you serve.
Crucifer: Pick a Date to Carry the Cross!
Anyone interested and able is invited to carry the Cross for the processional at the beginning of worship. Sign up on the Sunday Servants sheet in the Narthex and watch this video to prepare.
Church Set-up
If you are using the church for any reason and need the church set up a certain way, please contact Matt Rockwell rockwellmatt87@gmail.com.
Coffee Hour/Hospitality
We need volunteers for hospitality on Sundays. Pick up some treats from the store such as mini rolls, strudel, fruit, donut holes, small cinnamon rolls, or similar. Total cost is no more than $20 (3-4 packages). There is a sign-up sheet and instructions on the table by the slat wall. Please contact Nancy Kroll if you have any questions at (574) 229-9496.
Week of July 23, 2023
Offerings
General Fund: $8,886.26
RLA: $50
Worship Attendance
Sunday 7/23: 111
M.A.C. Food Pantry
• food collected this week: xxx
• this week’s shopping list: Jiffy mix, Jell-o, tuna
Contact Cindy Matthews (574) 855-3504 for more information.
Sewing Quilt Team
• Sewing is finished for the program year. Join us after Rally Day in September!
The Sewing Group meets Tuesdays to cut squares, size sheets, assemble backs and fronts of quilts, iron sheets, sew and pin quilts. Participants of ANY skill level from the least to the greatest are welcome. If you are interested in this human care ministry, contact Helga Platz (574) 514-3751 for more information.
Braille Bible Team
• Braille is finished for the program year. Join us after Rally Day in September!
Contact Sharon Csaszar (574) 904-1411 or Sandy Ellis (574) 220-3636 for more information.
Links and General Info
Prayer Requests may be submitted by:
- Using the convenient on-line Submit New Prayer Request Here Link
- Adding written prayers to the “Our Gathering Prayers” form on Sunday morning
Announcements may be submitted by:
- Using the online form: https://splcm.org/forms/submit-announcement/
- Filling out an announcement form from the left of the slat wall in the Narthex and placing it on the pastor’s chair to the right of the Cross at the front of the sanctuary.
St. Peter Members Website Page
Did you know that we have a dedicated page just for members of St. Peter? This page contains the most current church directory; monthly celebrations for birthdays, baptism and wedding anniversaries; annual Kingdom Spending Plan (budget); monthly financial reports; MLT and Voter Assembly minutes and announcements; church Constitution, and more. NOTE: Password is the same as “prayers” password; call the church office with questions, 574-255-5585.
Zoom Videoconferencing
Changes have continued. If your group needs to use Zoom, please email PC at adamclarknd@gmail.com.
Your St. Peter Leadership
- Mission Leadership Team (MLT)
Brian Reedstrom (President)
David Seitz (Vice-President)
Alex Homann (Secretary)
David Luster-Bartz (Treasurer)
Andrew Deliyannides (At-Large member)
Elizabeth McGrath (At-Large member)
Dylan Bergstrom (At-Large member) - Elders
Chuck Ryan (Head Elder), Marty Orlowski, Brian Reedstrom, Mark Waldron, David Gurnee, John Schroeder, Jeff Rockwell - Pastors
Pastor Bryan Borger, Senior Pastor
Pastor Adam Clark, Associate Pastor
Office Hours:
Tu/Th: 9am-12pm
Wed: 8-10:30am
F: “Flex” (call to see)
Sunday Schedule
- Education Hour: 9:00-9:50am
- Divine Worship: 10:15am
(stream: splcm.org/worship)