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.  


  • 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. 

News & Notes

By Pastor Adam McDowell July 27, 2026
Our Partnership with Our Seminary
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
By Pastor Nate Widener July 20, 2026
A Room Filled with Hope
By Pastor Adam McDowell July 20, 2026
Blessing of our Graduates
July 20, 2026
Stewarding God's Blessings Together
July 20, 2026
Thank You for an Amazing VBS!
By Pastor Nate Widener July 20, 2026
Sermon by Pastor Nate Widener