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

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope this note finds you well and encouraged in the Lord. St. Peter’s continues to be a place where God is at work through our preschool, school, various ministries, and the daily faithfulness of His people. I am grateful to serve the Lord with you in this place! As we continue to serve together, I want to update you on changes in our church office and ministry staff. As many of you know, Michelle Leahy has been serving as our “Interim Director of Operations,” providing support and coordination across many areas of congregational life. In the coming weeks, Michelle will be stepping into a new role, “Executive Director.” This means her work will shift from hands-on ministry support to more administrative leadership and oversight of the church office, properties, finances, and technology. This is an important step for us as a congregation as we continue to support our staff and serve our members. With this change, we want to ensure that daily ministry needs are met. After reviewing our current staffing and budget, we can make an adjustment that supports the ongoing ministry without increasing costs. To that end, Kami Jo Mogelvang will expand her role to serve as “Church Ministry Coordinator.” Many of you have already seen Kami Jo assisting Pastor McDowell in youth ministry two days each week. Under the new alignment, she will: Continue serving in youth ministry, and Help coordinate ministry efforts and volunteer connections with Pastor Nate and Pastor McDowell across the congregation. This will help us strengthen volunteer support and the many “connecting points” that help our church family care for one another. As Kami Jo transitions out of her receptionist duties, this change will open about 18 hours per week at the front desk, which we have posted. This staffing arrangement stays within our approved 2025 budget. I am thankful for Michelle, Kami Jo, our staff, and all our volunteers. I also appreciate the spirit of grace and partnership that marks our congregation. Please keep our staff and ministry leaders in your prayers as we move through these transitions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for the privilege of serving Christ with you! In Christ, Pastor Danny Eggold St. Peter’s Lutheran Church & School









