4 1 8 E S U M N E R S T

N O R T H F I E L D , M N 5 5 0 5 7

5 0 7 - 6 4 5 - 8 2 5 2

W W W . N O R T H F I E L D S T P . O R G

PARISH VISITOR M A Y 2 0 1 3 S T . P E T E R ’ S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

In this Issue:

May High-Lighted

Dates 1

From Pastor Janet 2

Softball League Info 2

Friendship Forum 3

Children, Youth

and Family 4

Notes from the Prez 5

Fireside Lounge

Remodeling Project 5

Baccalaureate Reception

and Service 6

May Birthdays 7

May Calendar 8

Keep in Mind 9

Council Minutes 10-11

Vacation Bible School 12

Women’s Page 13

Turning Point

Counseling Center 14

Council, Chairs,

and Staff 15

Church office hours:

Tuesday—Friday

9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Articles for the Newsletter

must be submitted by the 17th

of each month to the Church

office or e-mailed to

jenniferwhitson@charter.net

“Like” us on Facebook—St. Peter’s Lutheran/Northfield

The way our winter is holding on, we hope to have our annual Spring Clean Up Day on Saturday, May 18 th, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Please bring your rakes, pruners, etc. to help beautify St. Peter’s. There will be something for everybody.

May High-Lighted Dates

May 2: National Day of Prayer 17th Northfield Prayer Breakfast at St. John’s Lutheran Church Hall (500 3rd St West). The program is 7:00 – 8:30 a.m. with buffet ser-vice beginning at 6:30 a.m. David Christian, a familiar voice in Twin Cities radio, will be our speaker. Pastor Janet will be offering one of the prayers.

May 4: Northfield Ecumenical Women Brunch (9:30 a.m.)

Speaker: Chaplain Kristine Braaten-Lee, Nfld Retirement Community

May 5: Waffle Breakfast (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

May 12: Mother’s Day

May 15: Potluck Supper (Please bring a dish to pass) Last day of CAT and Confirmation

May 18: Spring Clean Up (8:00 a.m. to Noon)

May 19: Baccalaureate Reception at 9:30 a.m. Honoring Graduates at worship at 10:45 a.m.

Pentecost—We encourage you to wear red. Red recalls that tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost. The color red also reminds us of the blood of the martyrs. These are the believers of every generation who by the power of the Holy Spirit hold firm to the true faith even at the cost of their lives.

May 26: Honoring our Veterans for Memorial Day

From Interim Pastor Janet

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Our son is a country music fan. One of the songs he has shared with me has a line in it that says, “If you want to hear God laugh, make plans for your life.” I think of that line often because it is so true. In truth, it speaks to all of us.

I’m always amazed to look back over a year and recall all that has happened in just one year. One year ago I wouldn’t have dreamed that I would be serving as your interim pastor. I have a new granddaughter, and our other grandchildren have grown in their ability to do things that we only dreamed of last year. Our children have started new things in their lives. All that and more—and that doesn’t even touch on all the extended family stuff.

Our St. Peter’s family has had an amazing year, too. A year ago you couldn’t know all the changes that were on the horizon. We can only imagine what the next year will bring. As I consider the changes that have happened in my life, I wouldn’t change a

thing. While any of us might not agree with all of the changes at St. Peter’s, overall, they have been good for our congregation. We are a wonderful community of Christians that God has gathered together. St. Peter’s future is bright and full of possibilities.

What gives me the most confidence in facing uncertainty in life is trusting that we don’t walk it alone. The Easter message is of God’s unfathomable love for each one of us. It’s a love that isn’t contingent on anything, just our willingness to accept it. God’s love for us is a source of stability in our lives because God’s love for us is truly the only thing in life that doesn’t change.

The joy of the Easter message is this love we all can count on and it’s a love that we can share with others. There is so much pain and so much uncertainty for people. As Christians, we have something to offer to make things more bearable and even enjoyable.

The month of May has become the busiest month of the year for many families. There are so many concerts, ballgames, recitals, school activities, year-end activities for many groups. I hope that you won’t become too busy to be a part of our St. Peter’s church family. Amidst all the chaos that May will no doubt bring, be present in worship to remember where you are centered—in God’s love. It will help you to enjoy all that May and every month will bring. The peace you will find will be apparent to others, and who knows, maybe you will help them, too.

If you want to hear God laugh, make plans for your life. Well, make plans and then hang on! And, if you want to see God smile, remember to turn to God amidst all the busyness, all the challenges, and share the joy that comes in knowing that with God’s help, there is nothing we can’t handle.

See you in church! Pastor Janet White

Springtime….that means another Northfield Church League softball season. If you want to experience great fel-lowship and competitive play, please join us. Our games are played every Sunday night at either Babcock or Sechler Fields at 4:50, 6:00, or 7:10 p.m. throughout the spring and summer. The season opener is Sunday, May 5. Both men and women are welcome and you must be at least 15 years old to play. Please contact Dan Scharber at 645-5889 if you want to be on the roster.

MAY FRIENDSHIP FORUM

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“…I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” II Corinthians 12:1 B

May 5 th – Waffle Breakfast Join us in supporting Ruth’s House of Rice County, part of our mission of out-reach at St. Peter’s. This is a program that houses women and families in transition and sits in our own backyard. This year we have the opportunity to help out a little. Please join us for our delicious waffle breakfast and support such a worthy cause. Of course if you’d like to do even more we have many opportunities. We need help serving, advertising, and of course inviting friends and neighbors to join us. If you have time and would like to help out please call Barb Liebenstein at 507-649-1023. If you would like more information on Ruth’s house just go to ruthshousemn.org. As always, we have a lot of fun in fellowship and it just seems like it is a little extra special when we are doing it for a worthy cause.

May 12 th – “My Faith Journey” by David W. Schmidt Dave Schmidt and his wife, Patty, (along with Dave's guide dog, "Hydro"), joined St. Peter's as associate members several years ago. Dave taught sixth grade in the Osseo, MN public schools for 31 years before dropping out of the classroom due to the progression of his blindness. He gave a longer version of this talk five years ago at his "other church,” Desert Hills Lutheran in Green Valley, AZ, where he and Patty spend the winters.

Relative to his talk, Dave observes: "I have determined that I have seven pillars to 'My Faith Journey.’ What are the pillars - the important faith-times - in YOUR journey? Does being brought up as a child in a strong Christian home, attending church regularly, really make a difference in that little one's life later on? How might disability affect one's faith? Can a white dog affect the outlook of a dark future? I'll try to say a few words about each of these questions."

May 19 th—Baccalaureate Come help us honor our St. Peter's graduating high school SENIORS. Note their names and details elsewhere in this May Visitor. Everyone invited.

May 26 th—Honoring Our Veterans for Memorial Day- Special In vitation to Veterans to Attend This is our annual appreciation event for veterans and their families and is open to all in our community. Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was named a federal holiday to encourage all of us to take time to thank the

men and women who served, and remember those who lost their lives fighting for our freedoms. A short, informational video will be shown: The Fisher House: A Home Away from Home. These homes are for fami-lies of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. Don’t miss a chance to show your patriotism!

WHAT DOES "CLAIM THE VISION" MEAN TO YOU? Rick Warren, in his book The Purpose Driven Life writes, "We need more than the Bible in order to grow; we need other believers. We grow faster and stronger by learning from each other and being accountable to each other. When others share what God is teaching them, I learn and grow, too." I claim the vision for next year's Friendship Forum that ALL adult ages will want to not only attend worship but stay for Friendship Forum (or come early for Forum). The sharing of speakers in Forum has helped me learn and grow and I cherish that for my young adult friends as well!

-Phyllis Swanson

Claim the

Vision

Come To St. Peter’s

Friendship Forum.

Be thou my vision,

O Lord of my heart.

Sundays 9:30

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY

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Attention all St. Peter’s Youth; you are invited to join us for Youth Forum on Sunday Mornings from 9:30-10:30. We meet in the High School Youth Room and treats are always available. It’s hard to believe it’s May already. Hope you can join us at Forum this month! 5th – We will be working with ALL the Sunday School kids this morning. One of the things we will be doing is working on a special art project. Your help is needed as we work with the young-er kids; and besides, the kids really enjoy being with the ‘big kids’. Come and join us! 12th – Nancy Topp and Jeannie Machacek were unable to come and share their Faith Story with us in April, but we’re glad to announce that they will share their story on the 12th! Hope you can come to hear these remarkable women speak and find out why they are such strong support-ers of St. Peter’s Youth. 19th - We’ll meet upstairs first, then go down to Fellowship Hall to honor St. Peter’s class of 2013 graduates at the Baccalaureate Reception .

9th grade Confirmation We will be busy during the first three weeks in May as we prepare for Confirmation in the fall. Students will be working on and presenting their sermons, reviewing what we have learned through Confirmation and creating stoles to wear during the Confirmation service. More information on upcoming activities will be coming out soon. With everything that is going on, it’s important to be at class on Wednesday nights.

Also, please remember, if you expect to be confirmed – you are expected to attend worship!

Summer Youth Trip

St. Peter’s Youth are going on an adventure trip to Colorado this summer. We will be going for a week of hiking, white water rafting and rock climbing, and are eagerly looking forward to the experience! Families should have received a letter with information about the trip recently. If you have

not received a letter and would like more information about the trip, please contact Mary Peterson or Laura Gilligan for more information. Please note: For those of you who are going on the trip; a non-refundable deposit of $75.00 is due by Saturday, June 1 st. Scholarships are available.

Support St. Peter’s Youth Bake Sale May 12 th

St. Peter’s Youth are going on an Adventure Trip to Colorado this summer. The Youth are working hard to raise money for the trip and will be having a bake sale on Sunday, May 12 th. Stop by and buy some sweet treats for Mother’s Day, and support St. Peter’s Youth as well!

We would appreciate donations of baked goods for the sale. If you would like to donate items for the bake sale, please contact anyone on the Children/Youth and Family Ministry Team.

Thank you for your support! The CYF team: Penny Carr, Laura Gilligan, Troy & Lisa Nystuen, Nicky Olson, Mary Peterson, Lisa Pumper, Kate Stevens

NOTES FROM THE PREZ

Attention Class of 2013 Pictures needed for Baccalaureate

The Baccalaureate Reception is Sunday, May 19th! Just a reminder; we would like to have both A SENIOR PICTURE AND A BABY PICTURE for each of you! The pictures will be used to create a PowerPoint presentation to be shown during your Baccalaureate reception this month; so please get them to me ASAP!

Pictures can be dropped off at church, given to Laura Gilligan, or emailed to me at lj447@charter.net. Any questions, please ask.

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Children, Youth & Family (CY&F) Position Update In March we posted our CY&F job position on ten different websites. Since then we have received letters of application and resumes from eleven impressive candidates from not just Minnesota, but from around the country. The Children, Youth and Family team met on April 18 to review the list of candidates. We narrowed the field to our top three, while choosing four back-up applicants. We are planning to do the interviews the week of April 28th. A critical piece to building a vibrant church is hiring outstanding staff. With the candidates we have for the CY&F position, we believe we are on our way. See you in church. Bill Bleckwehl

Yes it’s time for some change in the Fireside Lounge. The non-functional fireplace had been approved for replacement from the operating budget and what a great replacement it is. Along with the fireplace there will also be some other changes occurring.

The Mission Endowment Fund has appropriated $3,000 towards new carpet and an anonymous donor has given a $2,000 gift card for Schneiderman’s Furniture. Both of these gifts are to be used towards this project.

As you are aware any project takes funding and usually more than you estimate. If you would like to donate a monetary gift (of any amount) towards this project it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Dottie Scharber @ 507.645.8252 or dottiescharber@charter.net for more information.

It is the goal of the Fireside Lounge Remodeling Team to have the project completed by the end of the summer.

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Baccalaureate Service and ReceptionBaccalaureate Service and ReceptionBaccalaureate Service and ReceptionBaccalaureate Service and Reception

Sunday, May 19, 2013

St. Peter’s will honor its Northfield High School graduates during a special Baccalaureate, Sun-day, May 19, 2013, at the 10:45 a.m. worship service. It will be preceded by a reception in their honor in the Fellowship Hall from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. All graduates and their families, as well as anyone who wishes to attend, are invited to celebrate this special milestone with our graduates.

Graduates, you will be graduating! St. Peter’s members extend our most heartfelt congratulations for your achievements and look forward to honoring you for your accomplishments. You will re-ceive a special invitation for this event. Please remember to RSVP to Mary Bleckwehl by Friday, May 10, at 645-5028.

The following students will be honored on May 19th: J��� E�iks�� J�rd�� Gr�n� E������ G����ha��� L� � H���" T�$l�" In'h�( H�y*�� J��ns�� A�r�� J,�i--G�i/0� J��1e3 L4�� � S6�7h�84� O�m�8� Na<h�� Pih> C���r�� R�ABCD KoGD R�ABCD K$�� R�ABCD S6�7h�84� RA��D Pe6�" SH�eh� Ad�( SImJ�" Th�ma- SK1�i�L ACyJs> T��8iM M�OI�� T1�P�Bh���

ATTENTION GRADUATES: Please turn in one senior picture and one toddler picture by Friday, May 10th, so they can be used in a slide show during our Baccalaureate service on May 19th. Pictures can be dropped off at the church office, given to Laura Gilligan, or emailed to: lj447@charter.net

MAY BIRTHDAYS

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1 Madyson Sevcik

Dave Topp Violet Weed

2 Cynthia Johnson Victoria Sims

3 Megan Goldstein Jean Spittle

4 Rowen Jasnoch

Mark Madson Lee Ann Norkunas

5 Dale Boyum

Joseph Schad Mike Simser

6 Nicole Laue

Nicole Lieske Nancy Nytes

7 Ethan Anderson

Bailey Jasper Karen Turner

8 Brittney Laue

Borris Mokoff Chad Seeley Jim Trebelhorn Terra Wierson

9 Tammy Boe

Mavis Jacobson Lori Schleif Alexi Starr

10 Barbara Liebenstein

Wendell Spittle

11 Benjamin Palmquist

Jacob Saari 12 Laura Gilligan

Lorraine Lemke Ryder Wendling

13 Jim McKinnon

Amy Palmquist 14 Bob Baker

Glenda Closson Anna Dougherty

15 Delaney Levy 16 Tyler Loesch

Peter Lovoll Nolan Thompson Nicholas Trebelhorn Harland Wegner

17 Brian Paulson 18 Jessica Hoffman

Karen Johnson James Koehler

20 Bruce Stille 21 David Boyum

Roger Hendershot Alex Patist Dan Scharber Lynette Underdahl

22 Alana Lieske

Tyler Schultz

23 Terry Heilman

Anthony Irwin 24 Scott Berry

Lori Lieske Yvonne Ode Melissa Wiste

25 Todd Bornhauser

Laura Johnson Daniel Stanton

26 Glenna Fast

Kristin Harner Tori Lauseng

27 Aimee Bergee 28 Allan Boyum

Carol Irwin Seth Thompson

31 Keagan Grobe

Dianne Peterson Janet White

SundaySundaySundaySunday MondayMondayMondayMonday TuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesday WednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesday ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday FridayFridayFridayFriday SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

1 5:30pm Supper

5:00pm Sacred Stitches Fireside Lounge

5:30pm Cornerstone

6:00pm CAT

6:30pm Confirmation

7:00pm Adult Choir

2 7:00am Table Talk 8:30am B.G.’s

3 8:30am LUV Ladies

Fellowship Hall 9:00am Women’s Fellowship

Fireside Lounge

4 9:30am Northfield Ecumenical Women Brunch

5 Waffle Breakfast 8:30am Worship with Communion 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship 6:00pm Softball vs. Northfield

E-Free @ Sechlar 2

6 12:30pm Prayer Team 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous

7 9:30am Staff Meeting

8 8:00am Stewardship Team 5:30pm Supper 5:30pm Cornerstone 6:00pm CAT 6:30pm Confirmation 7:00pm Adult Choir

9 7:00am Table Talk 9:30am Esther Circle

Perkins

10

11

12 Mother’s Day 8:30am Worship 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship

with communion

6:00pm Softball vs.Trondjhem @ Sechlar 2

13 9:30am New Spirit Circle

Fellowship Hall 7:00pm Properties 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous

14 9:30am Hannah Circle

Fellowship Hall 9:30am Staff Meeting 6:00pm Worship Team 7:00pm Church Council

15 5:30pm Supper

5:00pm Sacred Stitches Fireside Lounge

5:30pm Cornerstone

6:00pm CAT

6:02pm Business Mgmt

6:30pm Confirmation

7:00pm Adult Choir

16 7:00am Table Talk

17 8:30am LUV Ladies

Fellowship Hall 9:00am Women’s Fellowship

Donna Rae’s Home

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19 Pentecost (wear red) 7:30am Sharing and Caring Hands

8:30am Worship with Communion

9:30am Friendship Forum

9:30am Baccalaureate Reception

9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum

10:45am Contemporary Worship— Honoring Graduates

6:00pm Softball vs. Little Prairie @ Sechlar 2

20 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous 7:00pm Eve Circle

St. Peter’s Church

21 9:30am Staff Meeting 7:00pm Rachael Circle

Millstream Commons

22 5:30pm Cornerstone 7:00pm Adult Choir

23 7:00am Table Talk

24 25

26 Honoring Veterans 8:30am Worship 9:30am Friendship Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship

with Communion

27 Memorial Day OFFICE CLOSED

28 9:30am Staff Meeting

29 5:30pm Cornerstone

30 7:00am Table Talk

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KEEP IN MIND

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Waffle Breakfast Sunday, May 5

Part of our mission is outreach at St. Peter’s. Join us May 5 in supporting Ruth’s House of Rice County. A program that houses women and families in transition sits in our own backyard. This year we have the opportunity to help out a little. Please join us for our delicious waffle breakfast and support such a worthy cause. Of course if you’d like to do even more we have many opportunities. We need help serving, advertising and of course inviting friends and neighbors to join us. If you have time and would like to help out please call Barb Liebenstein at 507-649-1023. If you would like more information on Ruth’s house just go to ruthshousemn.org. As always we have a lot of fun in fellowship and it just seems like it is a little extra special when we are doing it for a worthy cause.

May 2013 Acolyte Schedule Sunday 8:30 10:45

5 Hunter Grobe 507.650.7584 Cami Hetrick 507.645.8629

Tori Papke 507.645.4299 Jason Nystuen 507.663.1926

12 Will Valek 507.645.7265 Carson Babbini 507.650.0222

Avery Valek Hunter Payne 507.301.9570

19 Dillon Rowan 507.645.5061 Elli, Raleigh & 507.664.9669

Max Payne 507.301.9570 Lainey Wilson

26 Hannah Johnson 507.645.5824 Riley Stevens 612.363.4890

Sarah Stowe 507.663.7102 Laura Rezac 507.645.5992

Mark Your Calendars

The last day of CAT and Confirmation classes for this school year will be Wednesday, May 15 th. We hope you can join us for a Potluck Supper to celebrate the year and all we’ve learned. Bring a dish to pass on the 15th and gather for a time of food, fun and fellowship. We hope to see you there!!

COUNCIL MINUTES—APRIL 16, 2013 @ 7:00 P.M.

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Present: Bornhauser, Jessen, Pedersen, Behrens, Scheffert, Bleckwehl, Chapman, Pastor Janet, Odell, Scharber, Bridley, Pastor Neale and Sommers. Guests: Phil Olson and Tim Babbini.

May newsletter articles due 4/17. March minutes accepted as written in the April News letter. (Suggestion to reword the bulletin regardin g the nursery. This could be offensive to young parents. )

2013 Goals • Build out Staff – pastor and support (CY&F)

◊ We have 4 applications for the Call Committee. This number seems low due to the interest when previously requested. Once we have all the names, they will be released.

◊ We have 8 applicants from all over the country. Some are brand new just out of college. This will be a full time position.

◊ Meeting on Thursday, April 18 to review and discuss applicants. • Reinvigorate small groups

◊ A group of 11 people gathered to watch the movie “UP”. ◊ Arnie Witt has a Testimony of the Bible group and has a large group. ◊ Ryan will be leading a group reading the latest Rick Warren book: What on Earth am I here for? ◊ Mike Chapman will be leading a group reading the book: The Shack. ◊ We have also received several requests through Time and Talent.

• Manage to the budget ◊ Expenses were up a little bit. The final paycheck was paid to Pastor Paul. The revenue is down and we are

running slightly behind last year. We will have a better picture after April, since March did include Easter and most of Lent.

• Grow into the new Council structure • Build trust – do what you say

Board Activity • Programs:

◊ Worship, Extended Ministries, Evangelism ♦ The Directories are complete and can be picked up in the Narthex Sunday Morning. ♦ $225 from Gas Card Sales was donated to CAC. Total donated was $432.30, which included a

donation jar. April is child abuse month and money will be donated to Ruth’s House with proceeds from the Waffle Breakfast.

♦ The scrip cards are all ready to go and will be started for Graduation. Ryan suggested Sharing and Caring hands as someone that could benefit from a donation.

• Facility: ◊ Business Management, Properties, Stewardship

♦ Properties: Dottie, Troy, and Tim went through the Parsonage and it looks good. The dishwasher is working per email from Pastor Paul. There was no water in the basement. There will be painting needed, GFI outlets, a new front door, ceiling in the bathroom downstairs, and some other work as well in that bathroom. The washer/dryer belongs to the Grahams and they are willing to negotiate if the new Pastor would like to keep these.

♦ Dottie will order the speakers for the nursery. ♦ Troy and Tim found the garage full of ice last month. The garage may need gutters or we need to

find the source of the water. ♦ Loren will tear out what remains of the old prayer garden. We need to have a group of people

engaged to keep the grounds beautiful. There are some Time and Talents names and Tim will review and talk to these people.

♦ Clean up day was already done last year at this time. May 18, 2013 is the clean up day for this year.

♦ The fireplace is up and running. We will wait until after painting to replace the trim. ♦ The hallway outside of Fireside Room needs painting and will probably be done at the same time as

the Fireside Room. The wallpaper in the Men’s bathroom also needs to be replaced. ♦ Troy found out Sunday that two furnaces are not working. They are now working again, however,

they are very old and will need to be replaced at some point. ♦ We need to place orange reflector paint on the step outside the staff office door. It has become an

issue and people are not seeing that step.

COUNCIL MINUTES CONTINUED

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♦ The choir members sitting in the back of the practice room do not get enough light. ♦ Complaints about lighting on the Altar will be looked into as well. ♦ The crosses on the wall on either side of the Altar look great! Thanks to Gary, Dottie and Dan.

GUATEMALA UPDATE Phil is here tonight to update us on Guatemala. Amanda is moving back to Northfield on May 19. She will be living with Phil and Joann. Horacio will need to go to seminary for a year for some additional education. St. Peter’s still has a reservation for mission in Guatemala; however, it will be reviewed as time goes on. It might not happen this year but the decision is not final. Our original commitment was 3 years, then we committed to another 3 years. Our total commitment has now been met. Once Amanda is back, we are not obligated to pay $250 per month any longer. Phil is also co-chairing the 120th Anniversary Celebration with Evonne Clay. Evonne and Phil are first cousins. They are trying to tie in the anniversary with Danish Days sometime in November.

Staff Reports Pastor Janet – It has been busy month. Easter and Holy Week was very nice and nice comments have been received. Our church needs to define the role of our Pastor. We need more history of Pastoral involvement. There are times when Pastor Janet’s input is not welcome and that must change. Change is hard but we have to adapt and Pastor Janet is here to guide us in that challenge. Carol Fossum’s funeral was in April, and first communion for the 5th graders. Pastor Janet feels a difference in the congregation from when she first started. She is getting a much warmer feeling. Pastor Janet, Dottie, and Jennifer hosted a lunch for more than 50 members age 70 and older. There was a wonderful spirit there today. One of the suggestions from our Focus groups was this age group wasn’t tended to enough. Without this group, where would we be without their contributions? She is feeling this spirit everywhere; the Seder Meal, Carol’s funeral, just to name a couple. We are making progress. There are about 15-18 Confirmation Students in 7th and 8th Grade.

Pastor Neale – This has been a challenging month! My prayer for you is that you’re living with EASTER JOY! Visitation Hours: 51 hours

Business Administrator’s Council Report April 2013 (Month of March) Balance Acct. #110 General Checking Balance $35,347 Acct. #220 Operating Line of Credit Balance (used) $0 Acct. #225 Commercial Loan Balance $258,534

INCOME MARCH Y-T-D BUDGET Offerings – 2013 $37110 $93252 $96250 Offerings – 2013 $29858 $89653 Increase/Decrease $7252 $3599 $-2998

TOTAL INCOME MARCH Y-T-D BUDGET 2013 $44058 $102858 $107200 2012 $32397 $95719 Increase/Decrease $11661 $7139 $-4342

EXPENSES MARCH Y-T-D BUDGET 2103 $44274 $111748 $115152 2012 $41889 $109226 Increase/Decrease $2385 $2522 $-3404

MARCH Y-T-D BUDGET 2013 Income vs. Expenses $-216 $-8890 $-4617 less than 2012 2012 Income vs. Expenses $-13507

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: March Monthly Attendance: 2013 1458 2012 795 2011 876 2010 996 2009 1438 2008 1876

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Jo Odell

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VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Summer is Coming!—REALLY!!!! And with summer will come two opportunities for our children to participate in Vacation Bible School. The first will happen each evening at St. Peter’s on July 21-24. Children ages 3 through 5th grade are invited to:

SonWest Roundup A Rip Roarin’ Good Time with JESUS!! Plans are underway and we need your help. We need people to head up and help with the various activities planned—setting up and decorating, music, crafts, storytime, games, and more. If you are able to help, please call Pastor Janet. This is something that youth older than 5th grade would enjoy helping with as well. We are excited to offer this Vacation Bible School and hope that you will plan to send your children, and/or help. Another Vacation Bible School opportunity is the community effort planned for August 5-8:

God’s Backyard Bible Camp Where kids have blast serving in Jesus! This Vacation Bible School is a joint effort with Bethel Lutheran Church, Emmaus Church, Rejoice! Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. This is always an excellent experience for our children. To register or for more information, call Pam Vig at Bethel (786-8878) or talk to Pastor Janet. We are blessed to have two great opportunities for fun, learning, and fellowship together for our children this summer. Watch for more information and mark your calendars now. Plan to attend one or both of these Vacation Bible Schools!

WOMEN’S PAGE

ALL WOMEN INVITED TO VISIT A CIRCLE THIS MONTH!

Circles are friendly, welcoming groups

Esther Circle: Thursday, May 9 9:30 a.m.— Perkins

Eve Circle:

Monday, May 20 6:30 p.m.—St. Peter’s Church

Hannah Circle:

Tuesday, May 14 9:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Bible Leader: Marion Hvistendahl Hostess: Nancy Solberg

New Spirit:

Monday, May 13 9:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Leader: Celena Witt Bring your own treats

Rachel Circle: Tuesday, May 21 7:00 p.m.—Millstream Commons

LUV Ladies: Friday, May 3 8:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Friday, May 17 8:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall

Women’s Fellowship: Friday, May 3 9:00 a.m.—Fireside Lounge Friday, May 17 9:00 a.m.—Potluck brunch @ Donna Rae’s home

Prayer Team May 6, 2013

12:30pm-2pm in the Fireside Lounge

All are welcome!

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May Circle Bible Study From the “GATHER” magazine Theme: “Time to Go” Biblical Text: Acts 1:6-11 THEME VERSE: "So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdome to Israel?’” Acts 1:6 Theme Hymn: "Gather Us In" (ELW #532) In this May "Gather" issue the Women of the ELCA will be completing this "Gathered by God" Bible study. The challenge will be given to go out into the world to be Christ's witnesses. It is time to be sent out, empow-ered by the Holy Spirit! "Go, my Children, with my blessing." (ELW #543)

Quilters

Thanks to all who joined our quilt parties in

February and March. 29 quilts were delivered to

the LWR warehouse in April.

The LUV Ladies will continue to meet during the

summer on the 1st and 3

rd Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

We welcome anyone who wants to join us even

if you can come only once. Look for more

Saturday quilt parties in the fall.

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TURNING POINT COUNSELING CENTER The Turning Point Counseling Center’s mission is to equip all God’s people to make positive decisions that renew hope, create balance, and restore dignity, clarity, and meaning in their lives. As a Christ-centered practice, we value: • Creating a safe place for all • Discovering and using your unique spiritual gifts in meeting YOUR goals • Confidential, professional, and non-judgmental counseling • A meaningful connection • Honoring your decisions and accepting your responsibility for those decisions

A Christian friend sent me some very insightful thoughts that are not just beautiful but worth sharing with all of you. There are three things in life that, once gone, never come back: Time, Words, and Opportunity. There are three things in life that can destroy a person: Anger, Pride, and Unforgiveness. There are three things in life that you should never lose: Hope, Peace, and Honesty. There are three things in life that are most valuable: Love, Family & Friends, and Kindness. There are three things in life that are never certain: Fortune, Success, and Dreams. There are three things that make a person: Commitment, Sincerity, and Hard Work. There are three things that are truly constant: FATHER, SON, AND HOLY SPIRIT. And then they closed with these words of assurance: I ask the Lord to bless you, as I pray for you today, to guide you and protect you, as you go along your way. God’s love is always with you, God’s promises are true. And when you give God all your cares, you know God will see you through.

My friend expresses well my wish for you, as well. I often find myself asking my Lord the question: Why has it taken me so long to realize that the greatest wealth, in life, are the precious people God has placed into my life!?! No one deserves to be treated with anything less than dignity! No one, no matter how our weakened human vision sees it, is an accident of creation. Learning to see life, through the eyes of my Lord, has made me a far more gentle person. How about you? It is only when we learn to be gentle with ourselves, in Jesus’ name, that we can learn to be gentle with others. I realize how rejection can scar one’s life, but let me be quick to remind you, that as a member of the Body of Christ, you are not a scar or a scab. You are an absolutely essential part of the fellowship of believers. Just as our Lord, who was perfect, was attacked by the evil one, I can assure you that we will be, too. BUT don’t believe him! You have been cleansed by the blood and assured of life through the empty tomb! You are handsome and beautiful and absolutely needed for the health of the community.

If you would like someone to walk along side you, as you reclaim your wholeness in Christ, be assured that I am ready to go on this journey with you. Exploring is what I do best, so I will certainly lend a hand in helping you explore the depth of your potential. Please call me at: (507) 645-8252 x13. If I am not in, I will get back to you as quickly as possible. Be assured that your confidentiality will always be upheld.

Neale C. Thompson Spiritual Pastoral Counselor

Thank you everyone who bought gas cards and donated to the CAC in the month of March.

St Peter’s Church donated $432.30 to the CAC in recognition of MN Food Share Month. $207.30 of that money came from congregational donations and $225 came from Extended Ministries from Gas Card Sales. Along with the check, I dropped off our food donations.

The Month of April is Child Abuse Month. Extended Ministries will be making a donation to Ruth’s house from the gas card sales.

Since spring is well on its way, May will be recognized as Spruce up St Peter’s. Gas card sales profits will go to properties in order to pay for special projects. We will also be taking suggestions on things that you would like to have spruced up.

Thank you. Wendy Jessen, Extended Ministries

Church Council Bill Bleckwehl President bbleckwehl@hotmail.com Ryan Behrens Vice President lrbehr@charter.net Todd Bornhauser Treasurer todd@lakevillechambercvb.org Mike Chapman Secretary c7447@northfieldwifi.com mikec@emergentnetworks.net Bryn Bridley brynmashland@gmail.com Wendy Jessen wend0ll@charter.net Pete Pedersen petepedersen@earthlink.net Jenna Scheffert jenna.scheffert@gmail.com Andria Sommers andria.sommers@efi.com

Team Chairs Todd Bornhauser Business Manager todd@lakevillechambercvb.org Lisa Pumper Children’s Ministry ldpumper@gmail.com Jan Nelson Evangelism Board jarnels@charter.net Wendy Jessen Extended Ministries wend0ll@charter.net Tim Babbini Properties Board tntbabs@hotmail.com Dan Hagen Stewardship Board dhagen@stolaf.edu Mark Shaw Worship markpattyshaw@gmail.com Penny Carr Youth Ministry Penny_L_Carr@bluecrossmn.com Troy Nystuen Youth Ministry troynystuen@yahoo.com To be determined Congregational Life

CHURCH COUNCIL & TEAM CHAIRS

Rev. Janet White ext. 17 Interim Senior Pastor pastorjanetwhite@charter.net

Dottie Scharber ext. 24 Business Administrator dottiescharber@charter.net

Jennifer Whitson ext. 10 Secretary jenniferwhitson@charter.net

Neale Thompson ext. 13 Spiritual Counselor/ Visitation Pastor nealethompson@charter.net

Dan & Dottie Scharber Maintenance Coordinators

Donna Paulsen Organist Music Co-Coordinator

Peter Schleif Adult Choir Director Music Co-Coordinator

J.P. Douglas Jubilee Bells Director

Sean Stevens Contemporary Worship Music Leader

ST. PETER’S STAFF

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St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

418 E Sumner Street

Northfield, MN 55057

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Northfield, MN 55057

Permit number 121

St. Peter’s Mission Statement

Expressing God’s love and grace to

build a community where people

Believe in God,

Belong to Christ, and

Become disciples

Who serve in day to day living.

July 21st—24th

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