Class of 2025 - Congratulations

June 23, 2025

We are proud of you!

Caps have flown, and with them, a chapter comes to a close. The finality of graduation may just be sinking in—if not for our graduates, then surely for their parents. It’s a time filled with anticipation, excitement, and maybe a little uncertainty as you look toward the future. Childhood education is now behind you. Some of you will continue with further schooling, others will head into the workforce, but one truth remains: we are all lifelong learners.


This idea goes beyond career preparation or academic knowledge. As Christians, and especially as members of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and St. Peter’s, we are called to a lifetime of learning and growing in our faith. What does it mean to be a Lutheran? Why do we worship the way we do? What does God’s Word say about who we are and how we should live? These aren’t questions we answer once and move on. They shape how we live every day.


We live in a world full of messages—both secular and religious—telling us what we should value and pursue. But eternity is far longer than our short time here on earth. That’s why it’s so important to keep growing in your faith. Open your Bible. Reflect and pray on what you read. Ask questions. Talk with your pastors, elders, and fellow believers. Join Bible study. Join Young Adults. Get involved in the life of the Church.


We are stronger together. Our Lutheran community thrives when we stay connected in Christ. No matter where God leads you next, remain rooted in Him.


To our graduates—from those who were blessed to go through the Lutheran school system in Fort Wayne from Kindergarten through 12th grade (what an incredible gift!) to those who took other educational paths—we celebrate you. You are stepping into a world that deeply needs the truth of the Gospel. Be bold in sharing it. Use the unique gifts God has given you to serve Him faithfully.


“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9


Congratulations, graduates. We’re proud of you, and we are praying for you.


News & Notes

Follow the Pipes

By Tim Degen • July 7, 2025
You are invited!

Workers for the Harvest

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 7, 2025
I want to share a story, actually several stories. I remember when I was young in Tulsa, Oklahoma and in Fredericktown, Missouri, of going up to the altar rail with my parents and receiving a blessing from my pastor. I remember sticking my head in between the posts on the altar rail and the pastor giving me a blessing. I don't exactly remember the words, but I knew it was important and I wanted that blessing. I remember in confirmation learning about what the pastor was actually saying, what those words actually meant. To understand what God was saying in his scriptures and growing in it. Overall, just being absolutely amazed at what my pastors, Pastor Sean and Pastor Beering were teaching me and knowing God better and just the joyfulness of it. And I remember Lyndi going through confirmation, adult confirmation, with Pastor Schueler in Rosenberg, Texas, and then seeing from her eyes what it meant to be Lutheran, to understand the faith. I had grown up in the Lutheran church, so it was all ordinary for me, but for her it was extraordinary to know and to understand and have that time with a pastor. And I'm so thankful for the pastors in my life and all of the other church workers that have been a part of my life who have helped me to understand who God is. I mentioned in this weekend’s sermon that there's an initiative, a program through the LCMS called Set Apart to Serve. It points out that we have a lack of pastors, teachers, and other church workers. Set Apart to Serve reminds us that the Lord asks us to pray for laborers for the harvest, and I encourage you to pray for laborers for the harvest. To pray for those that teach us who God is and to help us to understand how much we need him. If you happen to know some young people considering church work or being pastors, pray for them, encourage them. God has gifted them to us to answer our questions. Pray fervently that the Lord would send workers into his harvest so that we know him. Keep that in your prayers. I encourage you to look for people who would be good to take God's calling into his church. May the Lord provide workers for His harvest that we may know God and how richly He blesses us. Amen.

LWR: School Kits

By Compassionate Care Collection • July 7, 2025
By Debbie Haentfling & Bobbie Shadle

5-Day Devotion

By Pastor Adam McDowell • July 7, 2025
Sermon by Pastor Adam McDowell

Special Voter's Meeting

By Board of Directors • June 30, 2025
Announcement - Special Voter's Meeting

Our True Freedom

By Pastor Nate Widener • June 30, 2025
A Note from Pastor Nate

Thank You 2025 VBS Volunteers

By Lisa Hieber • June 30, 2025
Thank you to all of the 2025 VBS Volunteers. Thanks to you, we were able to share the Love of God with over 97 children this year!

Camp Lutherhaven: Special Monthly Offering

By Ministry Impact: Outdoor Ministry • June 30, 2025
Camp Lutherhaven is our special monthly offering for July.

5-Day Sermon Devotion

By Pastor Nate Widener • June 30, 2025
Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener

Psalmody in Lutheran Worship

By Tim Degen • June 23, 2025
Written by Tim Degen, Director of Music & Organist
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