June 2021 - St. Peter Lutheran Church
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June 2021 “The kingdom of God ... is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” —Mark 4:30-31 At the bottom of my yard is one of those grand old oaks, the archetypical weathered tree with limbs outstretched in in all directions, a sentinel who will continue to stand guard in that spot for the foreseeable future. Oaks are remarkable trees: starting from a small acorn, an oak tree will commonly live for more than 200 years, growing to be both tall and wide with impossibly long limbs. It’s worth noting that an oak tree begins to produce acorns only after about 50 years, with only a fraction of those germinating. After three ash and elm trees came down last year, I decided to plant some bur oaks and sugar maples in their place. The Iowa DNR sells saplings, but the catch is you have to buy them in quantities of 25. That’s a lot of trees, but I figured I could give some away to neighbors and then plant a whole bunch, hoping a few would take root. After following the directions and planting my saplings, I checked on them once a week or so through the fall and winter. By the spring a few had begun to put out leaves, but it also looked like a number of them were goners—either they’d been nibbled down by hungry deer (especially the maples), or they had simply failed to take root. But toward the end of May, after some rain and warm weather, more than 75% of them actually put out leaves. Those that had been chomped on simply grew new buds. Even some of the saddest-looking twigs surprised me by putting out leaves an inch off the ground. I won’t be around in 200 years to see them grown into their full glory, but I am glad to be part of the beginning of their story. As a church we invest time, energy, money, prayers, and effort into dozens of ministries. Sometimes we plant a new seed and hope that it grows—I think of ministries like the Noisy Offering and the Live Nativity. They began with an idea and have grown into living ministries in the life of St. Peter. Throughout the pandemic we worked diligently to foster growth in spite of many challenges. We even planted some new ministries, such as developing online worship and calling our new associate pastor. Looking into the future, I am confident that we have great soil and plenty of hands to tend to this community. And at the heart of it all is the love of God, who is the source of all life, growth, and renewal. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 I was talking with another pastor in town today and asked him about when his church reopened. He paused and after a moment said, “Well we were open for Easter. So, I think we must have opened a little before that. Actually, no, I think we were open for longer. Oh, yes, we were meeting in the parking lot and then eventually it got too cold to do that so we moved inside.” I thought, Wow! That’s quite a bit before Easter! This past year has been a collection of hazy memories for me, too. The past year seemed like a decade at some points, and seemed to travel at incredible speeds at others. There were times when it was difficult to see a future without masks and social distancing. And here we are, seeing light shining brightly as we come towards the end of a tunnel. I’m still clutching my mask with a death grip, and at the same time hoping I’ll be able to throw it in a drawer and forget about it. As we continue to move ahead, let’s hold tight to the hope that God is at work in the world. If God could see my wife and I through a first call, a move to a new state, and starting a new life in Iowa during the midst of a pandemic, then I have faith that God can see us through anything! May we all be filled with the joy and peace of believing.
Vacation Bible School (VBS) 2021—in-person!!
ROCKY RAILWAY – JESUS’ POWER PULLS US THROUGH
August 2-6 from 9:00 am – noon (Monday-Friday)
st
COST: $15 for 1 child in a family (music CD included) - $10 for each additional child
Extra music CD is $7
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: SUNDAY, JULY 25 !!!
Complete & return the enclosed Registration Form or pick one up at church.
You may also CLICK HERE to download & fill out the pdf version—and email it back to us!
Questions?
Contact Sara Wernimont (cuenowernimont@aol.com) or Miriam Bjornstad (mjthywaybj@gmail.com 563-663-6558)
The Education Board is grateful to Ardie Meeker for donating Thrivent Dollars to help purchase some of the materials
for our Rocky Railway VBS theme (which we had originally hoped to use in 2020). This is very appropriate since her
husband, Fred, worked for the railroad for many years. Thank you, Ardie!
Again we will be donating Birthday Boxes to the Food Pantry. We have been doing this as our VBS service project for
quite a few years. Basically, it is a “birthday party in a box” for families who may not have
extra money for their children’s party supplies.
YES! We will take your LARGE shoe boxes, which the kids will decorate during VBS week.
To fill the boxes we ask you to donate cake mixes, frosting, birthday napkins, plates, cups,
candles, and balloons. There will be a drop off box for supplies in the front hallway.
Shoe boxes can be left outside Miriam’s office. The Food Pantry appreciates being able to
hand these out to families, and created a special spot on their shelves to store them!
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Our “noisy” offering through May 31 has been to help supply Personal Care Items for Gwen’s Pantry. Thank You!
Our coins from June 1 - August 8 will go to support our VBS ministry at St Peter. As thing open back up, we hope to
turn the bucket back into a “noisy” offering, with our Little Cheerful Givers coming forward to drop the coins in!
from Pastor Calvin
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
We’ll be meeting every other Wednesday night this summer at church.
June 9th and 23rd we’ll be meeting at church from 6-7:30pm for games, a snack, and a bible study.
Anyone in grades 6-8 for the 2020-21 school year are welcome to join us! Bring your friends!
DRIVE-IN MOVIE NIGHT - June 25 7-11 pm — All ages are welcome to come!
Come to the Parking Lot for a drive-in movie night! We’ll have a family friendly movie that we’ll play at 7pm, and a
more middle school appropriate movie after that. Invite your neighbors and friends, too! We ask that for admission
you bring a hygiene product (no meds) to help stock Gwen’s Pantry. Contact Pastor Calvin with any questions.
______________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
We’ll be meeting every other Wednesday night this summer.
June 16th and 30th we’ll be meeting at church from 7:30-9pm for games, a snack, and a bible study
(and hopefully a bonfire!) Anyone in grades 9-12 for the 2020-21 school year are welcome to join us! Bring your friends!
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING - July 24-28, 2022 in Minneapolis
We’ll be taking a group up to Minneapolis for the National Youth Gathering!
Anyone in grades 9-12 for the 2021-2022 school year are welcome to sign up.
The National Youth Gathering is a week when Lutheran youth from all over
the nation come together to worship God, have fun together, and serve the
community. It’s an epic week that you’ll never forget!
Contact Pastor Calvin to find out more information.
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Greetings to all of you.
By now I assume most of you have heard that on May 13, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released
additional guidance on mask use both indoors and outdoors. The science has shown, according to them, that virus
transmission between and among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals is sufficiently reduced to allow people to
gather in groups without requiring face coverings. If you are unvaccinated or are still personally uncomfortable being
without a mask you are encouraged to wear one. Masks are still highly recommended in mass transportation and
medical facilities.
We at St. Peter have decided to adjust our protocols as they pertain to church services. That communication has
already been sent out by Pastor Matt and posted in bulletins and email communications.
As we move back to a more normal environment your Boards at church continue to do their work on your behalf and
have many activities planned for the summer months. Please watch for those things that are communicated at church
and through our email communications.
I want to personally thank all of you who have been so faithful in your support for St. Peter during this pandemic with
your financial gifts, your volunteer efforts, and your prayers. Our Pastors and staff continue to do their best to serve all
of our spiritual needs. If you or someone you know is in need of special attention, please let staff or Pastors know.
God Bless,
- Doug Horstmann, Executive Director for the Parish Planning Council
We celebrated the High School Graduation Milestone with our Seniors:
Katelyn Egan — Izzy Gile — Rachel Roen — Kendra Sirianni
We congratulate and wish God’s blessing upon them. They completed questionnaires about
their interests and future plans, and these are posted on the Milestone Board outside the
church office. Stop by and take a look!
Max Unmacht participated in a virtual graduation from the University of Iowa on May 15 and
received an Actuarial Science and Statistics major, Mathematics minor, and a Risk Management
and Insurance certificate. He will be moving to the Hartford, CT area and joining Aetna, a CVS
Health company, as a member of their Actuarial Leadership Development Program.
If you have a family member who has received a degree from a college or technical school,
please let Miriam know, so the information can be included in our summer Bellringers.
(mythywaybj@gmail.com)
Saturday, June 26: Drive-in Movie Night (see page 2) Family-friendly movies for all ages!
Lawn chairs, blankets, stuffed animals, and friends are all welcome!
Saturday July 24-Sunday, July 25: Christmas in July
Monday-Friday, August 2-6: Vacation Bible School (see page 2)
Saturday, October 16: St. Stephens Food Giveaway
SHOP WITH SCRIP Father’s Day? Grad Gifts? Building a Deck?
Did you know - St Peter’s Youth receives from 2-13% back, depending on the retailer’s contribution?!
Look for the neon green order forms at church, CLICK HERE, or check your Weekly News.
Turn your order and payment in to the office and someone will let you know when it is ready.
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Here are a few
photos from This is Ed with
Ed Schick’s some of his Gwen’s Pantry Update:
100th Birthday family that came Volunteer stockers always needed
Party. to help him (CLICK HERE to SIGNUP)
celebrate Donations of items not required be a stocker,
Photos from Mary
the big day! as you will be using items from our supply.
Bettcher of Luther
Manor—thanks! Gwen’s Pantry can use the following items:
Shampoo, Conditioner, Kleenex (pocket packs work
great!), Deodorant (no gel-it melts), Lotion, Body
Wash, Dental Floss, Mouthwash, First Aid items.
We accept full-size, travel-size, multi-packs.
Partial packs of diapers and feminine products
can be repackaged, so bring ‘em over!
Other personal care items (NO MEDS)
always welcome. Thank You!
Questions? contact Cindy Widmar or Jean Kapp,
or a member of the Evangelical Outreach Board
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble; he protects those who take refuge in him.” - Nahum 1:7
Suggestion for the Food Pantry: Kid’s treats such as Jell-O cups, pudding cups, granola bars, and cereal.
Habitat for Humanity: Have materials to donate? Contact Erica at 563-556-2195 or https://habitatdjc.org/contact-us
For up-to-date information and/or to be notified of material donation & volunteer opportunities, visit their website at:
https://habitatdjc.org/donated-materials-services
Growing Hope (formally known as Food Resource Bank) is a project that has been supported by St. Peter thru the
Mission Support Board for 20 years. Betty Sullivan and Dan Zauche have provided the leadership for the project.
Here is a little background:
Growing Hope started as a farming project helping other countries farmers get the education to improve their crops,
animals, income and health. Several churches in the area had members who donated land to grow crops that were sold
to provide money for the (FRB) Growing Hope project. Produce and other items were sold to help fund the project that
helped so many individuals worldwide improve their lives such as Miriam from Nicaragua Rio COCO.
Miriam was chosen by the project to receive training as a “promotora” teaching and supporting other farmers so they
would get good results using a variety of sustainable techniques. She used her education to help her neighbors and
also provide for her family. By using her land, she was able to educate her family. One of her children is presently
studying to become a veterinarian.
The whole community benefits from the learning that goes on at the agricultural centers.
Promoters commit to sharing what they learn with at least two neighbors.
When people can support their families with their work, they can stay in their villages rather than make the difficult
decision to migrate.
At present Growing Hope no longer has land to farm, but Betty and Dan still are keeping the project alive at St. Peter by
selling produce during the summer months at church. They raised $300 last year that helped 5 people in Nicaragua!
They are hoping that more churches will again support this project and that land will again be available for crops.
Betty will announce soon what country the project will support this year. Please consider buying some of the produce
that will be offered for a donation this summer. This is a project worth supporting.
Our next meeting will be a picnic at Doug & Cindy Recker’s place—Thursday, June 10 at 5:30pm—see you there!
Yours in Christ, Patty Strathman, Director of the Mission Support Board
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St. Peter Groups & Meeting Info—New friends always welcome, come see what we are about!
Quilting Group—Meets First Thursday of the month in the Fellowship Hall—contact Alice Wagner for more info
Prayer Shawl Group—Meets Third Thursday of the month—Knit and Crochet, with Prayer and Fellowship
God’s Outdoor Explorers—Meet approximately once per month—Celebrate the out of doors & make new friends!
As you begin to venture out and return to St. Peter worship and church activities,
A letter please remember those around you:
from your While you are inside the church, or outside if you are not able to social distance, masks should
pastors, be worn, if you have not yet been fully vaccinated. According to recent communication from
regarding our pastors, beginning May 29, with our 4:30 pm Saturday service, masks will be optional for
updates, people who are fully vaccinated ONLY. CLICK HERE to download the full letter.
has been We are still maintaining social distancing guidelines inside the church & sanctuary – for example,
emailed every other pew is still roped off.
and is also Communion is still being served as individual communion kits – we have either wine kits or juice
available kits available at all services. If you can’t tell them apart, just ask an usher J
at church. Please continue to call the office when you arrive (during office hours) so that we know you are
here. The doors remain locked for safety, as we contemplate alternative entry methods.
All worship services will continue to be available online, as well as on Mediacom Channels 81 and 117-4 (see page 6)
Here are the links which will take you to our live and most recent services, and more:
Facebook: facebook.com/stpeterdubuque (Please “Like” our Facebook page while you are there!)
YouTube: youtube.com/stpeterlutherandubuque (you can “Subscribe” to this, too)
Websites: st-peter-lutheran.org (the website you are probably familiar with)
stpeterdbq.org (we are in the midst of transferring info to this one, so both are active)
PayPal: http://stpeterdbq.org/give (a secure way for you to donate to St. Peter online)
Mediacom: Channel 81 or 117-4 (see calendar for the TV schedule)
Bible Study: 5:30 pm WEDNESDAYS – Zoom Link – Click Here (Yes, we are planning to continue through the summer!)
Zoom Coffee Hour: Click Here for Zoom Link (Sundays at 10 am, following Worship)
We will continue to celebrate worship live online 9 am Sundays, on our YouTube channel.
If you have questions, please call the office (563-583-0860) or email us at stpeterdbq@q.com
The ongoing ministries of St. Peter are made possible by your financial support. Thank you!!
1. Bring it with you to church :) Offering stations are located in the back of the sanctuary.
2. Mail it. (Preferably to us—3200 Asbury Rd, Dubuque IA 52001)
3. Drop off your offerings or envelopes in our secure, white mailbox. It is located near the south entrance of
church & is checked several times a day, during the week. (feel free to use either one, both are locked)
4. If you would like to Set Up a Direct Withdrawal from your bank, contact the office for an ACH form. (also available
for the Pastor Fund). Complete and email it to stpeterdbq@q.com, mail it, or drop off at church.
(If you need to update your existing direct withdrawal, contact the office.)
1. Donate via PayPal. Here’s how:
Go to www.stpeterdbq.org/give and then select the Donate button. You will be taken to the
St. Peter PayPal page. From there you can use your PayPal account, credit card or debit card to
donate. (You do not need to set up a PayPal account to donate with your credit/debit card.)
Or, from your cell phone you can simply scan the QR Code here
and it will take you directly to the St. Peter PayPal page.
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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
As we continue to transition to in-person meetings again, we will (C) = Contemporary
continue to have a Zoom option. Please contact your group’s (T) = Traditional
leadership for updated meeting info. Communion is
If you need help installing/using Zoom, please contact Pastor offered at all services
Matt, or the office, and we will help you with it.
1 2 3 4 5
Grief Share Bible Study via Quilting Group Carol Lorenz
4:30 pm Zoom-5:30 pm 9 am-3 pm Funeral Service
Fellowship Hall Book Club via 9 am—St. Peter
YH-Girl Scouts
Zoom-6:30 pm 5:30 pm
YH Upper-NA mtg
Worship
4:30pm (T)
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Worship 9 am (T) Staff 10:45 am Grief Share Bible Study via TTT Chapter Mtg Synod Assembly
Coffee Hour Hymn Selection 4:30 pm Zoom-5:30 pm 5pm-FH
Fellowship Hall Roberta Meyer
Zoom option 10 am 1:30 pm Middle School Mission Support Visitation 9:30 am
Evangelical Youth Group 6 pm 5:30 pm Picnic at & Funeral Service
Outreach 6 pm Book Club via Recker’s 10:30 am-St Peter
Property Bd 7 pm Zoom-6:30 pm YH Upper-NA mtg
YH-TOPS 5 pm Worship
YH-B. Scouts 7 pm 4:30pm (T)
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
Worship 9 am (C) Staff 10:45 am Grief Share Bible Study via Prayer Shawl Men’s Bible Study
Coffee Hour WT Music Selection 4:30 pm Zoom-5:30 pm Group 6:30 pm via Zoom 8 am
Zoom option 10 am 1:30 pm Fellowship Hall Book Club via YH Upper-NA mtg
Stewardship Bd Zoom-6:30 pm
5:45 pm HS Youth Group July Worship
PPC Mtg 7 pm 7:30 pm Bellringer 4:30pm (T)
YH-TOPS 5 pm Deadline Parking Lot
YH-B. Scouts 7 pm
20 Father’s Day 21 22 23 24 25 26
Worship 9 am (T) Staff 10:45 am God’s Outdoor Bible Study via YH Upper-NA mtg Double-Feature
Worship Bd 6 pm Explorers Zoom-5:30 pm DRIVE-IN MOVIE Men’s Breakfast
Coffee Hour NIGHT—7 pm 8 am
Zoom option 10 am Lay Ministry 7 pm Time & Place TBD Zoom Sun School
3-4-5th 5:30 pm Parking Lot
YH-TOPS 5 pm Everyone welcome! Worship
YH-B. Scouts 7 pm Middle School (see page 2 for 4:30pm (T)
Youth Group 6 pm more info)
Book Club via
Zoom-6:30 pm
27 28 29 30
Worship 9 am (C) Staff 10:45 am Bible Study via Mediacom TV Schedule:
Coffee Hour Youth Bd 5:30 pm Zoom-5:30 pm Channels 81 and 117-4
Zoom option 10 am Book Club via Mon 10 am Tue 6 pm
Education Bd
6:30 pm Zoom-6:30 pm Wed 8 am Thurs 6 pm
HS Youth Group Fri 8 pm Sat 4:30 pm
YH-TOPS 5 pm
YH-B. Scouts 7 pm 7:30 pm Sun 8:30 am and 7:30 pm
6
We remember those affiliated with our
1 Nancy Ferry 18 Loretta Fahrion
congregation who have died in the past ten years.
Chloe Petitgout Mary Klein
2 Janet Biermann Sally Sirianni June 14, 2012 ..................... Debra Galloway
3 Kevin Freiburger 19 Mary Michel June 13, 2015 ..................... Lynne Anne Love
5 Lori Burrows 20 Alexis Bjornstad June 28, 2015 ..................... Sheryl Kay Haug
Diegen Haylock Linda Reeder June 29, 2015 ..................... Barbara Jane Schick
6 Jacob DeMotta Lois Shetler June 14, 2017 ..................... Kathryn “Kate” Dean
Tara Kennedy Megan Valentine
“ I thank my God every time I remember
Brandan Stahl 21 Derrick Hess
you, constantly praying with joy in every
7 Mark Whitaker Brayless Petitgout
one of my prayers for all of you, because
9 Donna Berlage Josh Vondal
of your sharing in the gospel from the
Craig Nessan 23 Tim Buchholtz
first day until now.” - Philippians 1:3-5
Traci Ryan Judy Heiberger
Eric Taylor 24 Roger Baylor
11 Andre Recker Aden Bjornstad
Mike Reed Kara Hillman We celebrate these special milestones.
Michael VonHollen 25 Liam Dostal Name Date
13 Andrew Schute 26 Brett Haas Alan & Lois Lumley ....................................... June 3, 2005
14 Jim Fahrion Kim Haas Deann & Patrick Petitgout ........................... June 7, 2003
15 Sarah Hess Lindsay Olsen Roger & Alice Wagner .................................. June 8, 1957
Megan Meier 27 Pat Feldman Rich & Marty Corfman ................................. June 8, 1985
Andrew Roen Linda Noble Wayne & Pam Buchholtz ............................ June 10, 1984
Barb Shaffer 28 Alina Buchholtz Gary & Julie Norby ...................................... June 10, 1988
16 Dakota Gilbert Arnold King Marc & Melissa DeMotta ........................... June 11, 2006
Dee Spiegelhalter Robert Klingle Chuck & Kim Haas....................................... June 13, 1987
17 Samantha Jasper Hazel Lambert Larry & Janet Conrad ................................. June 14, 1969
Shane O’Brien Susan Nichols Tricia & Jacob Munson ............................... June 16, 2012
Brandi Peter 29 Hunter Hess Jerome & Aneta Mistek .............................. June 18, 1966
Lisa Westland 30 Mary Cook-Kmucha Jim & Jane Petersen ................................... June 22, 1974
Alex Spurling Kara & Jason Hillman .................................. June 23, 2012
Jeremy & Amy Kettmann ............................ June 24, 2006
Michael & Mary Klein ................................. June 24, 2012
Honor a loved one, give thanks for something in your life, Edythe & Paul Puls...................................... June 25, 1966
or another reason. Only these dates are still available: Dawn & Jim Jackson ................................... June 25, 1982
July 3-4, Aug 7-8, Oct 23-24, Nov 6-7, Dec 4-5 and 11-12 Karen & Chris Taylor ................................... June 26, 2010
Judy & Bob Iler............................................ June 28, 1997
Click here to download signup sheet
Lyle & Jean Beck ........................................ June 29, 1958
or Signup on the calendar outside the office,
Mandy & Jake Lindecker ............................ June 29, 2013
or contact Christine, 563-583-0860, stpeterdbq@q.com
Paul & Joyce Scherner ................................ June 30, 1973
PRAYER LIST:
Do you know someone that
could use extra prayers?
Please let us know,
we will be happy to add them
to the St. Peter Prayer list.
563-583-0860
stpeterdbq@q.com
7Nonprofit
Organization
US Postage
PAID
3200 Asbury Rd Dubuque, IA
Permit No. 813
Dubuque IA 52001-8408
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
www.stpeterdbq.org
Office Phone: 563-583-0860 In-Person Worship Services
Email Address: stpeterdbq@q.com Traditional Worship
1st & 3rd Sundays 9:00 am
Office Hours: 9:00-4:00 Mon-Thur; 9:00-1:00 Fri
Saturdays 4:30 pm
STAFF
Contemporary Worship
Pastor: Matthew Agee ............................. office: 563-583-0860
2nd & 4th Sundays 9:00 am
voicemail: 563-845-2688
Associate Pastor: Calvin Konop ............... office: 563-583-0860 Monthly Outdoor Worship:
cell: 563-277-7571 Saturday, June 19, 4:30 pm
Lawn chairs welcome!
Visitation/Outreach Minister: Jim Daack ........... 563-556-0028
Holy Communion is celebrated at all services
Education Coordinator: Miriam Bjornstad ........ 563-663-6558
Musician: Kristine Fishler ................................... 563-599-3937 YouTube Livestream Service
Office Manager: Christine Rapp ......................... 563-583-0860 Sundays 9:00 am
Custodian: Angie Puls .......................................... 563-542-2711 YouTube.com/stpeterlutherandubuque
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