A Video Message from Pastor Nate
Pastor Nate Widener • December 23, 2024
Watch the video through our YouTube link. Class descriptions below.
Individual classes will begin each evening at 6:30 and run for an hour. Check out the fantastic class options for this session:
- Tips and Tricks for Parenting Teens in the Digital Age - We live in a digital age that is growing faster than my son can eat all of the Doritos in my house. More than 1,200 apps are published and accessible for your child to download every single day. Our teenagers are growing up in a world that is vastly different than it was in our teenage years. We cannot stop this technology growth or completely shield our teens from it; technology penetrates our world. As a parent, my goal is to help my children navigate everything that is accessible to them, based on being a child of God. This session will give parents some helpful websites and yes, apps, to equip us in this digital age. We will also have an environment for sharing questions and topics you may want to learn more about as we spend time together in the sessions. - My name is Kami Mogelvang, and I am a former Director of Christian Education. My husband Chris is in his first year at the Seminary and we have three children, Corban (14), GraceAnn (12) and Lena (11).
- Built on the Rock: A Biblical Look at Marriage and Relationships - The Bible is a vast source of knowledge and information, and it has some wonderful and interesting things to say about the nature of marriage and our relationships. Join Pastor Nate as we explore the inner workings of communication, conflict resolution, appropriate expectations and more as we work through how the Bible applies to us. Next to being a Christian, the most important vocation we have is to be a partner. Even though the world fights against the idea of monogamy, peace within a relationship and a proper work/life balance, it's our duty to look to God and take direction from His Word. Join us for Built on the Rock and see how the Bible can strengthen our relationships and change "You," or, "Me," into, "Us."
- Untangle Your Emotions - I (Michelle Leahy) will lead a class based upon the book by the same name by Jennie Allen. How often have you heard, “Don’t let your emotions get the best of you”? But what if instead of ignoring our feelings, we noticed them, named them, and let God use them to draw us closer to Himself and others? Feelings aren’t something to fix; they are something to feel. As we discover how to name and navigate our emotions, we’ll learn how they can draw us closer to the God who built us—soul, mind, and heart.
- Drums of Praise - Drums Alive is a program that utilizes “whole brain – whole body” thinking by developing sensory motor reflexes and kinesthetic awareness. The physiological and psychological benefits are numerous including those found in traditional forms of aerobic fitness. Drumming has also been found to improve and increase the neurological connection between the 2 brain hemispheres, stimulating Alpha brain wave activity which can lead to higher levels of concentration, sensory/motor improvement, and an overall sense of well being. In Drums of Praise, Certified Drums Alive Coach, Alicia Rodenbeck, will lead participants through a short meditation on a verse highlighting God's Masterwork in the human body before leading a fun and uplifting drumming workout suitable for all ages and abilities. Come to drum away some stress or to dance and find some joy!
- Pastor McDowell is preparing a class dedicated to our Middle Schoolers. This class will feel like a Middle School Youth Group meeting. We will tackle a Bible study and enjoy some activities as well.
- Bible Sprouts - This class is for children of all ages and includes games, activities and mini discussions about the Bible in the world around them. Learn through play and fellowship with other St. Peter’s kids. You can find us in the Preschool PEEPS classroom to start, but (depending on weather and class size) we often venture outside for a nature walk, to the gym, or under the front porch to the north of the sanctuary.
News & Notes
Christian Education Weekend
Introducing St. Peter's Lutheran Church & School's 2026-27 Theme Hymn: "One in Christ and One in Spirit"
Board of Directors Chair, Ben Clinkenbeard
Watch Preschool Director, Barb Christian's Video
5-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional Guide: Open Hands — Trusting God's Extravagant Grace
Our Partnership with Our Seminary
August Opportunities for Fellowship & Learning (In alphabetical order) Altar Guild Annual Potluck Meeting Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00 pm in the Cornerstone Room If you're one of the ladies in our Altar Guild thank you. Be sure to join us for our annual potluck supper with a meeting following. Bible Studies (click for details) New Sunday series continues, but summer plans for weekday studies will be ending soon. Stay tuned for dates of when those will start to meet regularly again. Christian Education Weekend (Backpack Blessing) During all worship services August 8-9th Rededicate our faculty and staff to their teaching ministry as well as rededicate ourselves as a congregation to praying for them, encouraging them, and supporting the work God has given us to do together. Students may also get their backpack blessing tag for this school year. School starts August 12th! At the 10:30 AM service, we will also install Janet Bahr as our assistant principal and Dianna Bultemeier as a called teacher of St. Peter's. Please join us for a reception honoring Janet and Dianna on the church's front porch following this service. Confirmation Kick-Off Sunday, August 9th during the Bible Study hour @ 9:15 am in the Sanctuary Parents and students (7th & 8th graders) of our day school and public school will meet to prep for the upcoming year with Pastor McDowell. Plan to attend and remember the Confirmation Site on The Hub will be updated soon with everything you need to know as far as expectations, handbook, assignments, deadlines, and event dates. Collections/Fundraiser (ongoing) The Compassionate Care Collection is prepping hygiene kits for the Lutheran World Relief: The LWR collection will be through July and August--details can be found on the LWR.org/kits site or HERE . Needed are: light weight bath sized towels (between 20" x 40" to 27" x52"), bath-size soap bars in original wrapper, adult toothbrush, sturdy comb, metal nail clippers--all items must be new and NOT have religious symbols or patriotic decoration. Special Monthly Offering: This month we collect for our Preschool which is so appreciated by the faculty and students. You'll also see their annual Giving Tree displayed in the Ministry Center soon. Take a letter of the alphabet off the tree and bring back the supply listed. Stay tuned for a video from our Preschool Director, Barb Christian, next week about these two opportunities to support our Preschool. Drums Alive Drums will take a break in August and come back in September with an updated schedule. Stay tuned! Monday Night Worship Summer Monday night worship ends August 31st. The following Monday is Labor Day and the church offices and schools will be closed. Senior Saints Monday, August 10th @ 11:30 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE for this month's Lunch N' Learn featuring our own Tina Acosta who does amazing work through Turnstone. Turnstone is a place unlike any other and anyone who knows about it only has good things to say. If you'd like to know another reason Fort Wayne is such a great place to be, come listen as Tina will offer an overview of Turnstone and their services. Serving in the Church Offering your talents or acts of service is often something we all want to do, but not always sure where to start. Opportunities present themselves, but it's hard to remember them all or keep track of something that called to you at one point. The Serve tab in the Realm Connect app continues to add areas that are open and looking for someone just like you. Log in on your computer or through the app on your phone and scroll through the Roles to see if one is a good fit for you. Remember, signing up doesn't commit you to it, but does share that you'd like to be contacted about it. Sisters in Christ: Simple Quilting Craft Saturday, August 15th starting at 10 am in the Cornerstone Room REGISTER HERE FREE Regret never learning how to sew? Or haven’t picked up a needle and thread in a long time? Do not miss this opportunity to learn from ladies who’ve been sewing since 2nd grade! It’s nearly a lost art, but we’re bringing it back with Linda Thiele, Debbie Haenftling, Carol Nahrwold, and Jan Bultemeier who have curated a perfect practice project to teach you sewing and the basics of quilting in the form of a pot holder or trivet. Coordinate colors with your kitchen! It’s made for beginners, but any sewing ability is welcome. There’s so much knowledge combined in this room, if you have a question about anything related to needle and thread, they can answer it! We also gather the last Wednesday each month (July 29th this week and August 26th) at 5:00 pm Kekionga Craft Co, 7328 Maysville Rd. Come & go. Enjoy a little fellowship, prayer idea, and grab something to eat if you’d like. Young Adults Second Sundays, August 9th starting at 6 pm @ Pastor Nate's house Hosted by Ben & Gwyn Corley, we'll have dinner together, games, and devotion. Bring a friend and fellowship with us. REMEMBER August 9th is also the last day to sign up for Combat Ops Laser Tag. REGISTER HERE. You can pay later, but sign up today! Don't miss out! Get on the text thread to be sent reminders and invites. Text 'stpfw' to 94000 and follow the prompts.
Help Make the Holidays Brighter!
Register for Iron Sharpens Iron: A Men's Fellowship Retreat at Camp Lutherhaven
Sermon by Seminarian Christian Salemink