WORSHIP and SUNDAY SCHOOL
Fall Schedule begins this Sunday, September 13!
Sunday School for all ages 9:00am
Divine Worship 10:15am
The News
Why Do We Start Each Year with a Prayer Walk (9am This Sunday)?
Answer: to ask God to bless and consecrate everything we will do this year–every area of ministry, every part of our church building and grounds, and every member–to His glory and our joy! All adults and youth are invited to join us this Sunday at 9am, starting at the font!
Continuing to Bathe Our Life, Worship, and Ministries in Prayer: Sundays, 10am
Ever notice that circle of people praying around the font each Sunday at 10am? What are they doing?
They are joining in a 2-minute prayer led by Deaconess Amy. Everyone serving that Sunday is especially asked to join: the crucifer/acolyte, lector, ushers, elders, greeters, doorkeepers, Sunday School teachers, video/sound tech(s), hospitality coordinators, altar guild, and anyone else serving. Also, any confirmands present that day.
Yet anyone can join us as we lift up the day’s worship and all our ministries to God and become better centered in our relationship to Him and each other. We’d love to have you join us any Sunday!
Why is There Water in the Font?
Beginning on Rally Day, you may notice that the baptismal font will have water in it
before and during worship. Our Sunday Servants, led by Dcs. Amy, will be responsible for filling, emptying, and appropriately maintaining the bowl.
But, “what does this mean?” Lutherans do not bless the water or consider it “holy.” Rather, it is made available so that, as you pass, you might remember your Baptism. If you so desire, you can even dip your fingers in the bowl and make the sign of the Cross over yourself, recalling that in your baptism, you were “claimed by Christ, the crucified.” In Baptism, you are buried into his death, that you might rise with him to walk in new life (Rom 6). You die, that you might live (Mt 16)!
Though we have not had this as a regular recent practice at St. Peter, the custom goes far back in the Lutheran tradition; both your pastors have appreciated it at least since Seminary, where it is a regular practice. Whether you choose to cross yourself or simply let the water serve as a visible reminder, may it likewise enrich your weekly baptismal remembrance as you come once more to the Divine Service to receive God’s grace through Word and Sacrament.
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.)
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 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!
Parenting Group Resumes
Our first meeting will be Sunday, September 27, right after worship in the fellowship hall. All parents are welcome, no matter the ages of your kids. We share what’s going on and offer encouragement/support. See Renee if you have any questions.
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*
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.
- If you have the older “T-COIL” HEARING AIDS, ask PC for a “neckloop” to connect to our receivers.
Adult Choir Has Resumed!
Clear out the cobwebs and tune up your pipes! We rehearse weekly on Wednesdays from 7:30-9pm, upstairs in the Choir Room. If you’ve never sung with us before but would like to, just let Emily know. It’s not too late!
Sunday School Lessons
Sunday School lessons will begin to appear here again next week!
Thank You – and Thanks be to God
- For Cindy Matthews, who took the initiative to bring in a team of gardeners to prune bushes, mulch, clean gutters, and otherwise spiff up the church grounds.
- For Cindy Schroeder and others who continually maintain several of our flower beds, season after season.
- 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 Risner, 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 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
Capital Campaign Status Update
During the Back To School Matching Gift Drive in August, we received more than $32,800 in new donations. We also received a very large stock gift of more than $450,000. This puts our total raised to more than $2,600,000! We have less than a million dollars left to go! Praise be to God!
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: 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 6 September 2026
Offerings
General Fund: $12,203
Paint/Carpet: $2000
Pastors’ Discretionary: $1050
Tech Upgrades: $4000
Worship Attendance
Sunday, 9/6: 103 in person, 4 streaming
M.A.C. Food Pantry
• no delivery this past week
• most needed right now: spaghetti/pasta, school snacks for kids, diced tomatoes
Contact Cindy Matthews (574) 855-3504 for more information.
Braille Team
• begins Tuesday, September 15
Contact Dave Homann (574) 274-6543 or Sandy Ellis (574) 256-1121 or Kristie Sherburn (574) 229-0634 for more information.
Sewing Quilt Team
• prep work 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)
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)