The Blessing of Marriage

Pastor Nate Widener • February 10, 2025

As we see in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh"

Since the very beginning of history, marriage has been considered one of the most vitally important aspects of our Christianity. As we see in Genesis 2:24, "Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh" and this is a direct testament to the sanctity of each and every one of our marriages. And, as Valentine's Day approaches, it becomes necessary that we consider our husbands or wives and see them in the same way God sees our union with Him.

Did you know that St. Valentine was actually martyred for the sake of marriage? Indeed, in the 3rd Century A.D. Rome issued an edict to all of its male citizens stating that it was temporarily illegal to get married, believing that it would encourage men to join the military. Needless to say, the initiative did not work and people chose to live together instead of being joined in Holy Matrimony. Seeing this, St. Valentine made the decision to marry Christians anyway, defying the edict, and was summarily killed for it. He literally died, "In the name of love" and as a result of his sacrifice we now celebrate a day dedicated to love, and particularly marriage.

As you celebrate this year, try focusing on your own marriage and what it means. Not only does it provide a source of stability in your life, it also reflects the hierarchy that God Himself put into place. As Paul tells us, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.... This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." (Ephesians 5:25-28, 32-33)

May God watch over you this season and may He provide your marriages with peace, happiness and mutual admiration!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Nate Widener

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Staffing Updates

By Pastor Danny Eggold • November 12, 2025

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