WORSHIP and SUNDAY SCHOOL
Summer Sunday Schedule:
Divine Worship 9:00am
**Sunday School in Summer Recess**
Fall Schedule begins Sunday, September 13!
Sunday School for all ages 9:00am
Divine Worship 10:15am
The News
Rally Day: Sept 13 – Info and Sign-Up for Potluck!
Rally Day is the Fall Kick-Off for our Sunday School and other ministries. It will feature:
- 9am Education Hour
- Sunday School for the Kids, Prayer Walk for the Adults (non-walkers can pray it in the Sanctuary)
- First Meeting of Prayer Partners at 9:35am (see next announcement)
- 10:15am Divine Worship
- 11:45am Elder-Hosted Potluck – enjoy the St. Peter Family and talk a little about spiritual care and outreach. Please CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE POTLUCK!
- There will also be activities for the kids, but no slide (has gotten too expensive)
Do You Want to Be a Prayer Partner to our Youth?
Last year, we had 20 members step forward to serve as prayer partners for our children, ages 3 and up. Studies show that if youth feel connected to FIVE adults of faith, they are much more likely to stay in the Church as they grow.
Could you be part of this vital ministry as we begin it again this year? It’s really easy. You simply meet with your partner 4 times throughout the Sunday School year for 10 minutes at the end of Education Hour (i.e. 9:35 “ish”). You get to know them, ask what’s good and what’s hard, then pray briefly. You also have the option of sending birthday, baptismal birthday, and/or Christmas/Easter cards that PC provides for you.
Contact PC ASAP and no later than Sunday, Sept 6 if interested: adamclarknd@gmail.com.
Support the St. Joseph County CROP Hunger Walk coming up September 20!
Join us in our efforts to support this year’s St. Joseph County CROP Hunger Walk and help us fight hunger in our community and across the globe.
What is the CROP Hunger Walk?
CROP Hunger Walks are community fundraising events sponsored by Church World Service (CWS), a faith-based organization addressing hunger and food insecurity, lack of clean water, and other issues defining poverty in our community and across the globe. 25% of the funds we raise will go to local organizations in St. Joseph County, including The Christian Community Pantry, Broadway Christian Parish UMC Food Ministries, Sunnyside Presbyterian Church Food Pantry and United Religious Community Advocacy Center.
How can I get involved?
- Walk with us on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Zion United Church of Christ in South Bend (near Howard Park). We will meet there at 1:30 pm. There are two walks – a short 1-mile walk or a long 4-mile walk.
- Donate on behalf of our walkers and SPLC. Our goal is to raise $700. Let’s make it happen!
- Online: To donate online, visit our SPLC team page and click on the orange ‘Donate Now’ button on the right. Give a check or cash to Halrun Luppes by September 20. Make checks payable to CWS/CROP.
- ATTENTION: SPY! If you are associated with SPY, please reference “St. Peter Youth” in the ‘Message’ field online or on your check as CWS will make a matching gift of $125 if our youth group raises at least $250.
- Pray for the CROP Walk and for all who are struggling with food insecurities.
To learn more about CWS and CROP Hunger Walks visit CROP Hunger Walks. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Halrun Luppes at luppes@sbcglobal.net or 574-292-2792.
Thank you for your support!
NEW STORY: Dcs. Amy Smessaert
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT AMY’S STORY!
Click here to link to the Outreach Stories page
*Hit SUBSCRIBE for instant updates*
Friday Night Bible Study Starts Sept 4
The St. Peter Friday Night Bible Study group will be kicking off their 2026-27 season on Friday evening, September 4th, with a study of the book of Ezekiel, followed by a study of the book of Daniel beginning in February. The group meets in the Fellowship Hall on the first and third Fridays of the month, starting with fellowship and food at 6:30pm and then the study from 7:00-8:30pm. To join the group, or if you would like more information, please talk to either John Schroeder or Mike Fonck. They would be happy to answer any questions you might have.
New Hearing Assist Equipment for the Sanctuary!
We have purchased new hearing assist technology called Auracast for the aanctuary. Auracast is a new generation of Bluetooth, but it does NOT require “pairing” like regular bluetooth. It is also digital, rather than analog, so it is crystal-clear.
You can “tune in” in several ways:
- OUR RECEIVERS (4) – pick one up from the recharging cradle below the slat wall and return it there when finished. These have headphones plugged into them, but you can also bring your own headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack if you prefer.
- Pick it up on any HEARING AID with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher. You’ll probably need to turn the Auracast feature on – consult your provider for specifics on your device.
- Pick it up on any PHONE with Bluetooth 5.2 or higher – just look on your regular bluetooth menu for something like “Listen to Auracast.” Use your own headphones.
- If you have the older “T-COIL” HEARING AIDS, ask PC for a “neckloop” to connect to our receivers.
Elder-led Outreach Conversation at Rally Day and End of Summer Outreach Challenge
At the Rally Day Potluck on September 13, the Elders will lead us in a discussion of the following three questions:
- What is one thing that happened at St. Peter in the last year that helped you feel connected to other believers here at church?
- What was one outreach connection that gave you joy this summer?
- What’s your biggest obstacle to doing outreach, and what could help?
End of Summer Outreach Challenge: During August, try to have at least ONE “outreach” conversation with someone you don’t know well, meet randomly, or otherwise wouldn’t talk to. And remember to keep noticing and blessing others with your prayers and acts of kindness! (This will give you things to talk about on Rally Day.)
Adult Choir Resumes Soon!
Clear out the cobwebs and tune up your pipes! We rehearse weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm, beginning September 2, upstairs in the Choir Room. If you’ve never sung with us before but would like to, just let Emily know.
Blueberry Festival Parking at Sister LCMS Church
If you plan to visit the Blueberry Festival on Labor Day weekend (Sept 4-7), you might consider parking at our sister church, Calvary Lutheran in Plymouth. They are charging the same as the Festival ($10 per car), which will go to their HVAC Fund (we feel their pain). But they are actually closer to the Park, so you can just walk rather than wait for the tram. See their flyer with map below:
Sunday School Lessons
Sunday School will resume September 13 at 9am!
Thank You – and Thanks be to God
- For John Schroeder, Brian Reedstrom, Chuck Ryan, Matt Rockwell, PB, and PC, who installed (and are still installing) our new A/V system in the Fellowship Hall and who repaired lights in the Sanctuary balcony. For John Schroeder, Dave and Jack Risener and Sean and Andrew Galiher, who helped move risers and other items in the balcony. For PC, who installed the new hearing assist system.
- For all who came out for the Dedication of the New Wing at RLA, and all donors and supporters, planners and doers, faculty and staff, families and students, and the partnership of the churches.
- For Cameron Beheyt and his godfather Earl, who handled and installed our new carpet!
- For everyone who helped move items or demo the old carpet: Matt, Chasity, Evan, Cooper, and Ayden Rockwell; Dan Hertel; Nancy Kroll; Darryl Henk; Faith Brummet; Krista Hunt; Paula Butts; Brian Ruch, Chuck Ryan; Dave and Nancy Luppes; Kristie Sherburn; Sandy Ellis, Bruce and Sharon Csaszar; Brian Reedstrom; Renee Peggs; Cameron Beheyt; Isaac Borger; PB; and PC; and to Dave Homann, for supplying a trailer.
- For those who painted: Krista Hunt, PC, and especially Dan Hertel, who did multiple rooms and closets.
- For Brian Reedstrom, who is building a Liturgical Banner Cabinet in the balcony in honor and memory of Pastor Ken Mangelsdorf, with funds from his memorials.
- For Marty and Jan Orlowski, who installed new electrical outlets and researched bulbs and converters to allow us to make the Sanctuary lights LED (upcoming), and who have been training new recruits for the Tech Team while holding down the fort week to week, along with Sam Homann (who also revised training docs).
- For Dan Hertel, Krista Hunt, and Brian Ruch who are joining or rejoining the Tech Team and have been doing training.
- 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
RLA Spirit Wear Available to Everyone: Order by Sept 18
Through September 18, RLA’s online Spiritwear Store is officially open! You will find the link below!
This year, we have more options than ever before! In addition to our annual verse shirt and vintage apparel, we’ve added a variety of polos, sweaters, hoodies, and hats. Several items are also available with the RLA block logo embroidered on them.
All orders will be placed online this year. If you need any help placing an order online, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Donald Swift via email: dswift@rlasouthbend.com or call: 574-272-2200
Browse and Order: https://itstop.tuosystems.com/stores/rlafall2026
$20,000 August Gift Matching!
Capital Campaign Status Update
We continue to remain thankful for everyone who has pledged to the capital campaign. You can check this page for progress on the build:
https://www.rlasouthbend.com/expansion-campaign.html
Bible Studies & Ministry Updates and Opportunities
Sunday Servants Gather before Worship
All who help lead the Divine Service gather promptly at 8:45am 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
**Resumes September, 17 at 9am in the church “library” area, finishing a study on the book of Joshua. Next study begins early October (tentatively Philippians!). 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: **Resumes September 4: dinner 6:30pm, study 7-8:30pm. Ezekiel is the focus through the first of the year, then Daniel beginning in February. Connect with John Schroeder or Mike Fonck if you’re interested in joining.
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.
Stewardship from the Week of 2 August 2026
Offerings
General Fund: xxx
Pastors’ Discretionary: xxx
Endowment: xxx
Worship Attendance
Sunday, 8/16: xxx
M.A.C. Food Pantry
• no delivery this week
• most needed right now: spaghetti/pasta, Ramen, mac & cheese, bar soap
Contact Cindy Matthews (574) 855-3504 for more information.
Braille Team
• begins Tuesday, September 8
Contact Dave Homann (574) 274-6543 or Sandy Ellis (574) 256-1121 or Kristie Sherburn (574) 229-0634 for more information.
Sewing Quilt Team
• begins Tuesday, September 8
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)
Laurie Miner (Vice President)
Alex Homann (Secretary)
David Luster-Bartz (Treasurer)
Andrew Deliyannides (At-Large member)
Dan Hertel (At-Large member)
Kathy Levy (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
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: 9am
Ages 3-Adult - Divine Worship: 10:15 am
(stream: splcm.org/worship)