Baptism: An Every Day Occurrence

Pastor Nate Widener • January 13, 2025

Baptism: An Every Day Occurrence by Pastor Nate

Happy New Year!


Indeed, it is 2025 and it already feels like it’s been a long one, doesn’t it? With all the snow and ice, the Pastoral Ministry Staff hopes you’ve been able to snuggle up next to the fire and enjoy some warm beverages with friends and family.


Turning toward the upcoming year, however, we note that it’s going to be an exciting one! As St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School enters its 170th year of operation, we are glad to see our ministry continue to thrive. May God grant us just as many years in the future in order to spread the love of Jesus Christ.


One thing that continues to define our Church, as we face this coming year, is our clear and strong identity in Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament ministry. As we discussed this weekend, God tells us through His prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine,” and this is most certainly true.


We have been rooted in Christ, marked by Him and made to be one of His brothers and sisters through His sacrifice on the Cross. Indeed, the Holy Spirit lives within each one of us, and because this is true, we need not be too concerned about the coming year. Regardless of what we face, God is with us, and in us, and promises to guide us. 


Our sermon text from the past weekend reminds us that it doesn’t matter whether we pass through raging waters or roaring fires, God will not only protect us, He will also provide for us in the form of eternal life. This is how awesome our God is and it is His love that inspires us to look forward to the coming year and to put our trust in Him.


So, this year, may God provide you with peace, safety and certainty, but when difficult circumstances threaten to overwhelm you, remember that the God who created the universe also created you. You are, as God says through Isaiah, “Precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you.” 


Let these words guide you this year and may God continue to watch over St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School until His glorious and inevitable return! 


News & Notes

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Christian Education Weekend
By Tim Degen August 3, 2026
Introducing St. Peter's Lutheran Church & School's 2026-27 Theme Hymn: "One in Christ and One in Spirit"
August 3, 2026
Board of Directors Chair, Ben Clinkenbeard
By Barb Christian August 3, 2026
Watch Preschool Director, Barb Christian's Video
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5-Day Bible Reading Plan and Devotional Guide: Open Hands — Trusting God's Extravagant Grace
By Pastor Adam McDowell July 27, 2026
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By Amy Widener July 27, 2026
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.
By Alicia Weaver July 27, 2026
Help Make the Holidays Brighter!
By Camp Lutherhaven July 27, 2026
Register for Iron Sharpens Iron: A Men's Fellowship Retreat at Camp Lutherhaven
By Seminarian Christian Salemink July 27, 2026
Sermon by Seminarian Christian Salemink