04.13.2023 Weekly Update

SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

Sunday, April 16th      

8:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

9:00am Sunday School (Fellowship Hall)

10:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

Tuesday, April 18th

9:00am Quilting (Quadrooms)

5:30pm Worship Team (Fireside Room)

5:30pm Boot Camp (Fellowship Hall)

Wednesday, April 19th  

10:00am Bible Study (Fireside Room)

6:00pm Worship (Sanctuary)

6:30pm Confirmation (Fellowship Hall)

Thursday, April 20th

10:00am Fidget Mats (Quadrooms)

10:30am North High Field Trip (Sanctuary)

5:30pm Boot Camp (Fellowship Hall)

Sunday, April 23rd    

8:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

9:00am Sunday School (Fellowship Hall)

9:00am WELCA Meeting (Quadrooms)

10:00am Worship (Sanctuary)

WORSHIP AND WITNESS MISSION NEWS 

St. Peter Live

Our service is livestreamed to our Facebook page (https://m.facebook.com/stpetersheboygan/) each Sunday morning.  Following worship, the service will be uploaded to YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkvPIB8agxVhS72C5822etA) and our website (https://stpetersheboygan.com).   The weekly bulletin is attached to this email if you would like to follow along with the online service. 

Worship Assistants 

We need your help!  Services are posted to Sign Up Genius through May.  Please sign up using the link below or call Carrie to sign up.  Thank you!

Music Ministry News

Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit.  Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. ~ Ephesians 5:19

Hello, my brothers and sisters in Christ!  I am looking for people of all ages to share their time and musical talents.  Perhaps you had the pleasure of hearing Joshua play the euphonium during the children’s Christmas program or the confirmation students playing the chimes?  We would love for more of our congregation to share their gifts and the good news is that all are welcome to share!!

Do you play an instrument? Do you sing? Maybe you write spiritual stories or poetry? Whatever your gift, please consider sharing it on Sundays with our congregation.  Using your talents to praise God during worship is a beautiful and affirming way to share your gifts.  I am willing to work with anyone to accompany a vocalist or instrumentalist, help select music, and rehearse.  Maybe you don’t want to do it by yourself, but would rather be part of a group like the choir, a duet, trio, or quartet? Either way, if you are interested in being included in the music ministry at St. Peter, please reach out to me and we can talk about the different ways you can be involved.

I know we have talented musicians and artists out there and I pray the spirit moves you to share your gifts with St. Peter Lutheran.

I ask that you prayerfully consider how you can help support our music ministry…and parents, please encourage and support your children to explore this ministry at St. Peter.  We need all of you in order for our music ministry to thrive and grow stronger!

You can reach out to Lori or reply to this email.

Prayerfully,

Lori

COUNCIL UPDATE

The St. Peter Council met on April 11, 2023.  Reports were shared and Missions gave updates.  After months (possibly years!) of conversations, the decision was made to remove the wooden cross from the top of the sanctuary skylight.  This has been a safety concern for a long time as the cross has aged.  We are working with a professional and insured company to remove the cross.  The cost of this is covered by a generous donation.  We know this will change the exterior appearance of the building and we are discussing how to move forward with all the options we have with repairing/replacing/remounting the cross.  We have options and we will explore them.  More details will be shared when we have them.  Please talk to Pastor Kristin, or a member of the church council if you have any questions.  Members of the council are: Pastor Kristin, Joy, Ginny, Pat D., Dawn B., Steve B., Nate, Connie, Jon W., and Jamie S. 

A motion was made and approved to appoint Dick V. to fulfill the remaining 8-month term for an open position on the Endowment Team. 

Note: You will continue to receive regular council updates in this email.  These updates include the significant information from the most recent meeting.  If you would like the “official” minutes, you may reply to this email and Carrie can send them to you.  Copies of all council and team meeting minutes that we receive can be found in the binder marked “Council Reports” that is kept below the bulletin board in the narthex.

FINANCIAL UPDATE

We currently have $4,460 in our checking account.  We need $5,545 each week to cover our budgeted expenses.  Please prayerfully consider how you can financially support the ministries of St. Peter.  Your gifts make a difference!  Thank you!

PARISH LIFE MISSION NEWS

Beyond Vision Team

Do you have an idea of something you would like to see happen at St. Peter?  How about an activity to share God’s love beyond our church walls?  St. Peter has a new team called “Beyond Vision.”  The team’s mission is to promote fellow members to think beyond our congregational needs in ways we can positively respond to God’s call to be God’s hands and heart. Acts of goodness.

Our team members Pastor Kristin, Renee R., Karen V., and Pam W., want to hear your thoughts and ideas.  We will listen and ask questions.  We will provide guidance on next steps and advise how to launch this idea or action of goodness.

Something to consider when pondering of a new area of goodness are:

Who will be involved?  What does this activity accomplish?  Where will this activity take place?  How do you/others plan on engaging fellow members of the congregation?  Is this a short-term activity or are you thinking a long-term event?  Does this opportunity already exist in our community? If so, how can we be a partner?  Does this idea need financial support or is the intent to raise financial support?  How does this reach out to people beyond our walls at St. Peter?   Most importantly what is the WHY?

We encourage you to pray about where God is calling you/us to serve.  Open your eyes, ears, and heart to the new and positive opportunities to serve our community with your goodness.  So many of you are doing great goodness already.  We want to hear from you.  Your story may spur someone else to act on God’s call to goodness.  Below is our contact information and we look forward to hearing from you.

RESOURCE AND DEVELOPMENT MISSION NEWS

April is Tornado and Severe Weather Month

    One of the most important things we can do is have a plan of action. The more information we obtain, the better we will be able to handle an emergency and do it in an orderly and calm manner. Take a few minutes and walk through our building to locate the safe areas To take shelter, in case of severe weather.

    A tornado is a violently rotating column of air, and it can strike anywhere, causing severe destruction and take lives. We need to always be alert to changing weather conditions and know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

  A tornado watch means the conditions are right for a tornado to develop. A tornado warning means radar or weather spotters have identified a tornado and the emergency sirens will sound. You need to take shelter immediately. Avoid wide open spaces and windows, such as our sanctuary or fellowship hall. Our building has interior hallways, rooms and bathrooms to take cover. If you are in your car or the parking lot, seek shelter inside the building. When in a secure area, stay as low to the ground as you can, covering your head with your arms and hands. Stay in place until an “all clear” is given.

The Emergency Action Team

LIFELONG LEARNING MISSION NEWS

Sunday School

Join us for Sunday School at 9:00am in the Fellowship Hall.  Kids ages 3 years old through 5th grade are invited to join us for a time of bible stories, music, and activities. 

Confirmation

Confirmation is on Wednesday nights from 6:30pm – 7:30pm. 

Mickey Winkel Memorial Education Scholarship 

This scholarship is a non-renewable award of up to $1,000.  To be eligible for the scholarship the following criteria must be met:

· Applicant must be a confirmed member of St. Peter Lutheran Church.

· The applicant must be attending or will be attending an accredited public or not for profit institution of higher education.

· The application must be completed in full: including transcripts from your last school attended, references, and essay.

Applications can be obtained in the office at St. Peter Lutheran Church, or from the website at http://www.stpetersheboygan.com.  All applications must be returned to St. Peter Lutheran Church by April 14, 2023, for disbursement in fall of 2023.  Please return completed application and any inquiries to:  Mickey Winkel Scholarship Committee c/o St Peter Lutheran Church, 2104 Geele Avenue, Sheboygan, WI 53083.  The scholarship will be disbursed as a onetime payment in the name of the scholarship recipient and the institution attending.

LeRoy G. Knaub Memorial Scholarship

The WELCA Board is proud to offer this $500 scholarship, awarded to a current high school senior who wishes to continue their education at an accredited university, college or technical school on a full-time basis.  The scholarship is in honor of the late LeRoy G. Knaub, who not only gave untold hours to the leadership, stewardship, and building & grounds committees of St. Peter, but also to WELCA and the community of Sheboygan.

· Applicant must be a confirmed member of St. Peter Lutheran Church

· Must be a 2023 high school graduate with a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale

· The applicant and or parents must be active, participating members of St. Peter Lutheran.

· Deadline is April 15th, please mail all applications to Kay R.

The application is available from the church office, or you can contact Kay for an application.  The scholarship will be presented to the recipient at their high school’s award program.

Bible Study 

Join us for Bible Study, led by Myra, on Wednesday mornings from 10:00am-11:00am in the Fireside Room. 

SOCIAL OUTREACH MISSION NEWS 

Mitten Tree  

We are still collecting mittens, gloves and hats for our local elementary schools in need.  Thank you to ALL who help with this ministry.

Fidget Mats 

Thank you to those people who have been providing fidget supplies for us and a kudos to whoever made 2 fidget cuffs that were in our basket at the entrance.  They are so greatly appreciated.   It will be a while before we make deliveries again, but it feels good that we will have enough to take care of all who need these items.   We always have a need for costume jewelry and extra hands to put together mats.   Can you use a sewing machine?   Sew on a button?   Use scissors?   Cut fabric?  Sort doodads?   Cheer us on?   Fulfill what Jesus has asked us to do for our neighbors?   If so, we’d love to have you join us!   Every Thursday from 9am to noon.   Just come

Quilting 

Our quilting group for Lutheran World Relief is in need of gently used sheets for the backs of the quilts.  Flat sheets are preferred – any size and color is just fine!  Then, join us for quilting on Tuesdays from 9:00am–12:00pm in the quad room.  No experience necessary.  We will teach you. 

SCIO    

Four families are currently living in the Bridgeway House – 4 women and 6 six children. We have an active house with lots of young children – all under the age of 7. Bridgeway is in need of new twin bed comforters and pillows. SCIO families are in need of transportation assistance. Daily bus passes and gas cards are welcomed donations to help families get to work and appointments.

We are excited to announce a more robust spring fundraiser.  Building on the success of the former Spring Luncheon event, please plan to join us for our “There’s No Place Like Home” on Friday, May 19th. Join us for a magical night of all things SCIO: supporting community impact, raising awareness about our programs, sharing delicious food, and raising funds. .Registration and more information can be found online, https://www.sheboygancountyinterfaith.org/theres-no-place-like-home//

April is the last month for the Winter Farmers Market at First Congregational Church UCC, 310 Bluff Avenue in Sheboygan. Join us April 15th for locally produced fresh produce, food, crafts and more! Remember to bring your Smilez for the Positivity Booth!

Mission Moment: Two new families have been added to the Family Pathways visitation program with 3 more applications received. We are grateful for the donations that came to Family Pathways for new toys and activities: card games, Barbies, and dollhouses with accessories, which have been a big hit with our visiting children! Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our families.

With Spring right around the corner, it’s time for spring cleaning! If you’d like to help, we’d be grateful for all-purpose spray cleaners, window cleaner, toilet bowl cleaner, and kitchen floor cleaner.

Northside Christian Food Pantry 

The following is a list of most needed items for the month of April:  Canned Vegetables, Canned Fruit, Assorted Pasta, Jelly/Peanut Butter, Assorted Crackers, Rice/Pasta Sides, Canned Meals/ Beef Stew/Chili, Oatmeal.  

The Pantry thanks the loyal St Peter contributors for their food and financial donations.  You have helped many Sheboygan families that are in need of food during hard times in their lives. God bless. Pat L.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is now operational.  This lifeline provides care and support to people experiencing stressful situations.  It is free, confidential, and is available 24/7.  People of all ages who need help for themselves or a loved one can access the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by: calling 988, sending a text message to 988, or using the chat feature at 988lifeline.org.  People who contact 988 will be connected with a trained counselor who takes note of the person’s needs, understands how the person’s problem is affecting them, provides support, and, if needed, gets the person additional help.   

PRAYER REQUESTS 

Please keep the following people in your prayers:
Aiden, Camila, Jazzy, Barb, Wilson, Julian, Sue, Neal, Praise and thanksgiving for answered prayers, Glenn and family, Bryon, Lillian, Dan, Sherm & Mary, Darlene, Brian and family, Mike, Randy and Jayne, Dave, Gary, Ron, Phil, Billy, Sandy, and Apostles of Christ.

BULLETIN AND WEEKLY NEWSLETTER ARTICLE DATES 

Announcements for the bulletin and weekly newsletter are due at noon each Wednesday.  Please submit information to Carrie, at email address stpeter@stpetersheboygan.com.  The staff will review and make final decisions based on clarity, space, content, timing, and needs of the community.