Sunday School 9am, ages 3 through adult
Sunday Divine Worship 10:15am
The News
Midweek during Advent – Soup and Salad Suppers, and Evening Prayer
Two of the Advent small groups will be meeting, and also confirmands with their mentors. If you are not part of those groups, feel free to grab a table for conversation and fellowship. Please make our newest members feel welcome!
Following supper, we gather in the sanctuary for candlelight evening prayer, beginning at 7pm. The homily will expand upon our Advent Devotional themes each week.
Small Group and Individual/Family Guides
Hard copies are also available at the slat wall.
Installation of the Advent/Christmas tree – click on this time-lapse video!
Prepare Cookies for the Cookie Walk (Saturday, Dec 13th, 9am-Noon)
We have developed a base of return customers who say we have the best cookies (and we do!). Please help us continue this helpful and fun fundraiser by preparing and delivering cookies ON December 12th. Any questions, see Jill Reedstrom or Paula Ryan.
Our Cub Scout Pack: Opportunities to Connect – We Need YOU!
We have several real opportunities to build relationships with our Cub Scout families. Note that St. Peter kids (boys or girls) are invited to join the Christmas Party on Dec 18th. If you can help with any of the following, please email Dave Gurnee at dave.gurnee@gmail.com.
- Christmas Party – December 18, 6:30pm at St. Peter (volunteers, 6pm)
- Any St. Peter boys or girls K-5th grade are welcome to attend!
- We are looking for TWO volunteers to help with a craft and FIVE to help with other stations. Volunteers arrive at 6pm. Please sign up at the Slat Wall or see Dave Gurnee.
- Pinewood Derby Preparation – We are looking for 1-2 people who are experienced with a scroll saw to help cutting car blocks on the following dates:
- Thursday January 8th, 6:30-7:30pm
- Thursday January 15th, 6:30-7:30pm
- Hospitality for Pinewood Derby – January 31 at St. Peter
- Races start at 9:30 AM, volunteers are requested to arrive at 9:00
- Our function is to help with managing the food, like we did last year.
Thrivent Cake Kits
Please help our Sunday School kids collect items to make “cake kits” for needy families that otherwise might not be able to celebrate their kids’ birthdays. Items should be placed in the “cake kit” box near our MAC Food Pantry donation chest, no later than Sunday, December 14. Children are invited to stay after church on Sunday, Dec. 21, for about 30-45 minutes, to help pack the cake kits while adults decorate the church. We also welcome an extra high school or adult volunteer to help with this. See Krista Hunt with any questions.
Children’s Christmas Service
Please join us at 9am on Sunday, December 14 for the children’s Christmas service. Even if you do not normally attend the 9am hour, we warmly welcome you to see what the children have been working on to help us enter into the story of Christ’s birth this year.
For families whose children are participating, rehearsals are as follows:
- Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10-11:30am
- Sunday, Dec. 14, 8:30am arrival for presentation beginning at 9am
If you have any questions, please see Krista Hunt!
Prayer Partner Touch-base
If you volunteered to be a prayer partner for one of our children, thank you! Please continue seeking out your student any time you’re at church – Sunday morning, Wednesday evening, etc., to say hi, ask how they’re doing, how you can pray for them (kids 2nd grade and older), and offer a *quick* prayer right then.
Remember, Pastor Clark has purchased Christmas cards for you to send to your student. Pick one up behind the desk in his office. Stamps and envelopes are provided! Grab a member directory off the slat wall if you need an address.
The families of students have selected a special book or resource that they think their kids will enjoy – these have been ordered and are on PC’s “back” desk to pick up THIS SUNDAY, December 14, to give your student as a Christmas gift immediately following the children’s Christmas program (about 9:40am). No need to come early or wrap. PC will have instructions right after the program.
**Families of children** – Please join us in the sanctuary THIS SUNDAY, December 14, at about 9:40am, even if your children are NOT participating in the Christmas program, to meet with prayer partners and for your child to receive this gift from the church.
If you’re confused about what you’re supposed to be doing, see PC or Renee for a refresher. This is meant to build a relationship between you and your student, an “anchor” for them to St. Peter and their developing relationship with our Savior. There’s no “wrong” way to do it – just keep building!
RLA Christmas Program – You’re Invited!
Resurrection Lutheran Academy would like to invite all of our friends to come see our students in “Bethlehem’s Got Talent: The Nativity Auditions” on Thursday, December 18. The doors will open at 6:00pm and the performance will begin at 6:30pm with a cookie reception to follow.
PARKING NOTE – Due to our growing student body and the exciting construction, we will be running a shuttle from the POLYWOOD complex (across the street between RLA & the bypass ramp). The school lots will be reserved for handicapped parking, but drivers can drop off their passengers at the front door before heading to the shuttle parking. We will have several shuttle cars that will have blinking hazards and a colored light on the dashboard when loading passengers. The shuttle will run from 5:45-6:30pm and again immediately following the performance.
Angel Tree
All tags have been picked up – THANK YOU! Wrapped gifts should be returned by THIS Sunday, December 14, and can be dropped off on/under/around the table where you picked up your tag. Please see Krista Hunt if you have questions at all.
Parenting Group
This group gathers again on Sunday, December 14 about 5 minutes after worship ends, for an hour, to share the joys and challenges of parenting and receive encouragement and support. All parents are welcome! We grab a table in the fellowship hall. Paid supervision of children is provided! Any questions, see Renee.
Elf Help!
Calling all helpful hands! On Sunday, December 21, after worship, we transform the sanctuary for our Christmas Eve and Nativity worship. There are all kinds of ways to help – hanging ornaments on the tree, hanging garland, pushing a broom, providing lunch (the food is provided but kitchen help is appreciated), cleaning up. “Elves” of all ages are welcome to join in the fun. Please sign up on the Elf Help board on the slat wall so the lunch-making elves know how much food to buy.
Also, during this time, kids will put together the Birthday Kits for their service project, to be distributed to needy families. Any questions, see Krista Hunt or Renee.
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Study
On Sunday, Dec. 21 at 9am, we will be wrapping out our “ecumenical pilgrimage” with the Pentecostal, Restorationist, and Non-Denominational traditions. This will be our final Sunday class (for ALL ages) before spring term begins January 11.
Advent by Candlelight: Peace in the Midst of Shut Doors
Seeking the peace of Christ in this busy season, 29 women gathered on December 7 for a time of singing, Scripture study, good food, and conversation at the Women of St. Peter Advent by Candlelight event.
Beautiful lighted trees and holiday décor, along with festive, candle-lit tables, transformed the ambiance of the fellowship hall. Luscious desserts, fruit, cheese, and savory items were shared, as well as a welcoming cup of wassail, which is a spiced, mulled hot drink.
The theme and study focus, “Peace in the Midst of Shut Doors,” featured reflection on Luke 2:7-20 and John 20:19-31, drawing contrasts and parallels between Jesus’ birth and resurrection. A hymn meditation on verse 2 of “What Child Is this” was integrated into the readings.
We give thanks to God for the many hands that made possible this special time of Advent preparation and deepened fellowship for the Women of St. Peter.
Sunday School Lessons
Parents (and prayer partners, too!), check here each week for what your children will be hearing about in Sunday School.
December 14 – Children’s Christmas Program during the 9:00 hour. Please join us for the blessing of their ministry!
Thank You – and Thanks be to God
- For those who helped string lights on our “nothing” tree in preparation for it to become a Christmas tree.
- For Jill and Paula, who are preparing and hosting our Wednesday Evening Advent meals.
- For Krista Hunt, who is leading our Children’s Christmas Program, Angel Tree drive, and Sunday School Cake Kit service project.
- For all who continue to lead or participate in Ministry Teams and all who minister to our neighbors and to the faithful gathered by the Long Arms of the Cross.
Resurrection Lutheran Academy (RLA)
News, Info, and Ministry Opportunities
Thanks be to God!
Ground was broken last week on the new building expansion! Thank you so much to the SPLC family for all your donations, prayers, and support. RLA has received recognition from community partners beyond the school, for which we also give thanks. And of course, we continue to celebrate and express gratitude for our students and staff who carry out the mission of RLA. Thanks be to God!
Capital Campaign Status
Bible Studies & Ministry Updates and Opportunities
Sunday Servants Gather Before Worship
All who help lead the Divine Service gather promptly at 10:05am to take 3 minutes to prepare their hearts and minds for worship. If you are serving as altar guild, usher, crucifer/acolyte, lector, greeter, tech person, elder, musician/dancer, doorkeeper or other HEART member, etc. on a particular Sunday, please come together for quick introductions and short prayer led by Deaconess Amy Smessaert. Together, we will ask God to bless our service to God’s people as we live connected in spiritual formation in Christ.
Mid-Week Bible Studies
THURSDAY MORNING, 9am at church:
This fall we are doing a study on the book of Isaiah. Connect with Paula Ryan or call Renee in the office (574-255-5585) if you are interested in joining.
FRIDAY NIGHT: 1st and 3rd Fridays 6:30pm: Connect with John Schroeder or Mike Fonck if you’re interested in joining. This year, we are studying the book of Acts, featuring a companion video series that we’ll watch together.
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.
“The Numbers” — Week of 30 November 2025
Offerings
General Fund: $6629
Pastors’ Discretionary: $2000
RLA: $5
MAC Food Pantry: $5
Worship Attendance
Wednesday, 12/3: 52
Sunday 12/7: 117
Wednesday, 12/10:
M.A.C. Food Pantry
• 274 pounds this week
• most needed right now: Jiffy mix, Ramen, soup, diced tomatoes, jelly
Contact Cindy Matthews (574) 855-3504 for more information.
Braille Team
• Braille is finished until January
Contact Sharon Csaszar (574) 904-1411 or Sandy Ellis (574) 220-3636 for more information.
Sewing Quilt Team
• 8 quilts this week
Through the program year, the sewing group meets Tuesdays to cut squares, iron and size sheets, assemble backs and fronts, and pin and sew 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.
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 monthly celebrations for birthdays, baptisms, 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
If your group needs to use Zoom, please email the office at office@splcm.org.
Your St. Peter Leadership
- Mission Leadership Team (MLT)
Brian Reedstrom (President)
Alex Homann (Secretary)
David Luster-Bartz (Treasurer)
Andrew Deliyannides (At-Large member)
Dan Hertel (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 Adam Clark, Senior Pastor
Pastor Bryan Borger, Associate Pastor
WORSHIP and SUNDAY SCHOOL
Office Hours:
Mon: “flex” (call to see)
Tue: 11:00am-3pm
Wed: 11:00am-3pm
Thu: 10:30am-3pm
Fri: “flex” (call to see)
Pastors’ Day Off: Mondays
*Otherwise, call, text, or email to set an appointment. See contact below.
Sunday Schedule
- Education Hour: in recess until September 13, 2026
Ages 3-Adult - Divine Worship: 9:00 am
(stream: splcm.org/worship)