Settle into HOPE

Pastor Nate Widener • December 22, 2025

Winter HOPE 2026: Tuesdays January 13 - Feb 10th

We have quite the line up for you as we Settle into Hope Sessions in January. It's an intentional 5 weeks of interesting topics, family dinners, and the most variety of classes we've had with many new faces along with our oldies, but goodies. Take a look at the class descriptions below and stay updated each week with the menu and changes using the HOPE button on The Hub. You can also find these descriptions printed for you in the Ministry Center.


Meditate with us on our theme verse in the days leading up to January 13th. 2 Corinthians 4:6-10, but I'll leave you with verse 6, "For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

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  • Habits of Grace with Pastor Danny

    Man in suit, smiling, with light beard, against a dark blue and gray textured backdrop.

    Leader: Pastor Danny Eggold


    Join us for a five-week journey into the everyday practices that shape a life of faith. Each session explores one simple, life-giving habit that helps us walk with Christ in our daily routines. Through Scripture, conversation, and reflection, we’ll discover how ordinary rhythms become places where God meets us.

  • Please Pray with Me with Pastor Nate

    Clerical man with glasses and beard, wearing a black suit and collar, smiling.

    Leader: Pastor Nate Widener


    Prayer can feel intimidating. Many of us worry we don’t know the right words, don’t pray often enough, or aren’t “good at it.” The good news is that prayer isn’t about getting it right — it’s about trusting the God who promises to listen.


    In this five-week class, we’ll explore prayer together from a LCMS perspective. We’ll talk honestly about why prayer can be hard, why it’s okay not to know what to say, and how God meets us in our weakness. We’ll take comfort in the promise that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, learn what the Bible teaches about prayer, and practice simple, faithful ways to pray — especially with others.

    This class is for anyone who wants to grow in confidence and trust, whether prayer already feels familiar or you’re just starting out. No pressure, no expectations — just space to learn, listen, and pray together.

  • Walking Through Scripture in Stone: A Journey Through Six Great Churches with Pastor McDowell

    Man with glasses and beard, wearing clerical collar and gray blazer, smiles.

    Leader: Pastor McDowell


    This Hope Session invites you to travel with Pastor Adam as he revisits six remarkable churches he and his wife encountered during their recent trip to London, Paris, and York. Each week, we will explore one historic sanctuary, Westminster Abbey, Notre-Dame, Saint-Denis, Sainte-Chapelle, Sacré-Cœur, and York Minster, and discover how their art, architecture, and history proclaim the Gospel. Together we’ll look at how Scripture is carved into stone, stained into glass, and embodied in centuries of worship. You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of church history, biblical imagery, and how Christians across time have confessed Christ. No previous knowledge required just curiosity and a sense of wonder.  


  • Peaks, Valleys, & Grace in the Psalms with Michelle Leahy

    Woman with glasses smiles, wearing black blazer, striped shirt, and purple beaded necklace.

    Leader: Michelle Leahy


    Where are you right now? Are you steady on your path or so off course that you don’t know how to find your way back? Are you at the peak of joy or in the depths of pain? Wherever you are, there’s a psalm for you. These ancient words still speak. They express the highs and lows of life-deep wounds, unshakable hope, raw prayers and quiet trust. The voice of Jesus is present in the Psalms. His cries of anguish and songs of joy echo in every line. His grace, peace and redemption flow through these sacred songs. The Psalms are God’s words. They are alive, unchanged by time. They give voice to the emotions you wrestle with. They remind you that nothing is too big or too small for God’s attention. This study explores twenty-five emotions woven throughout the Psalms. Through themes of trust, lament, praise, and hope, you’ll see how these experiences shape your faith, steady your heart, and deepen your prayers. You’ll return to these psalms again and again-because no matter where you are, God is with you. His love is everlasting.


  • The Case for Faith by Lee Strobel with Zach Burchardt

    Leader: Zachary Burchardt


    The Case for Faith is a powerful apologetics text that directly addresses some of the most difficult questions people raise about Christianity. In this study, the book dives into six key objections the world often has toward the Christian faith, including the problem of suffering, the exclusivity of Christ, and doubts about the reliability of Scripture. Strobel approaches these questions not from blind belief, but from careful investigation. A former devout atheist and investigative journalist, he began examining these objections after marrying his wife, who is a devout Christian. Through interviews with respected scholars and deep research, Strobel came to realize that the Christian faith is not only intellectually credible, but that it holds the truth the world is desperately searching for in all the wrong places.

  • Visual Faith: Creating Art Rooted in the Word with Amy Widener

    Leader: Amy Widener


    Join Amy in a creative journey where faith and art come together! In this hands-on course, we’ll explore how the visual arts can deepen (and slow) our time in God’s Word and strengthen our walk with Christ. Each week, we’ll reflect on the Scripture readings, then create visual expressions, through journaling, lettering, or other media, that help us see and remember God’s promises in fresh ways.


    Grounded in Lutheran theology and guided by Visual Faith Ministries resources, this gathering is for anyone—artists, doodlers, or beginners—who desires to connect creativity with devotion. Come and discover how the Holy Spirit works through the gift of art to shape our hearts, share the Gospel, and encourage one another in faith.

  • Drums of Praise with Alicia Rodenbeck

    Woman in gym clothes with tablet, next to exercise ball; group of people in the background.

    Leader: Alicia Rodenbeck

    Main Gym


    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! 

  • Middle School Youth (5th-8th) with Kami Mogelvang

    Woman with auburn curly hair, smiling, wearing a dark burgundy shirt, against a mottled gray background.

    Leader: Kami Mogelvang

    School Gym


    We’re growing as we continue with our Middle School Youth with Bible study and games.  Come for fellowship and food at 5:30, then we will meet by the main church entrance (Door 1) at 6:30 pm to enjoy time in God’s word and activities in the school gym. (We'll walk across together.)

  • Bible Sprouts (Age 1 - K) with Lindsey Eggold

    Leader: Lindsey Eggold

    PEEPS Preschool Classroom


    This class is for younger children 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.

  • Bible Kids (1st - 4th Grade) with Mary Burchardt

    Leader:  Mary Burchardt

    Preschool Classroom #2


    Students in grades 1 through 4 will gather for a one-hour session filled with engaging songs, interactive activities, and meaningful Bible lessons. 

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