St. Peter Press August-October 2025

SPIRITUALLY NOURISHED

By Pastor Lawson Short

 

Over the past couple of decades, study after study in our country has found that the average American diet leaves a lot to be desired.   Processed food that is high in calories and low in fiber and nutrients, food preservatives and additives like red dye 40 that cause health issues, pop and other drinks that are filled with ridiculous amounts of sugar and caffeine, these have been the norm in our country for years, or really ever since I was born.

 

But economic trends show that my generation, the millennials, and the generations after are looking for a change.  Even on social media, growing your own garden and canning food, raising chickens or “homesteading” as it’s called, buying food that is organic or without preservatives, such things are becoming more and more popular.  The “younger generation” is trying to reclaim what our grandparents and great grandparents did before us, realizing there are things that have been lost in this brave new world we are living in.

 

Well, the truth is, one can think the same way when it comes to Christianity.  With what do we feed our souls?  Much of the modern American evangelical landscape around us today is just like sweet, processed food.  Often what passes in many churches for a “worship service” is just a band playing a bunch of songs, and a sermon that sounds like a motivational speech when compared to biblically rich law and gospel preaching.  There’s just not a lot there.  And what is there can be like many foods with preservatives, dyes, and fillers.   A lot of it isn’t always in accord with God’s Word.

 

And I think about that also when it comes to much of what today is called "modern worship music” in our country. Such music is not meant to be deep. It’s meant to be as palatable to as many people as possible, which is why it is a billion-dollar industry. It’s like beignets.  Our youth enjoyed beignets during the National Youth Gathering, which is a treat special to New Orleans.  And what they are essentially is a donut made of funnel cake batter topped with powdered sugar.  Now, donuts or funnel cake aren’t bad.  I like both. But as a treat, a snack, a once in a while indulgence. As any parent knows, you have to teach kids that things like fruit snacks are a snack, it’s not dinner.  For dinner I need solid food, nutrients, something that will fill me up, build me up, and help me live a healthy life.

 

But that’s why our hymnal, our hymns, and the divine service is such a treasure in the LCMS.  The hymns we sing are jam packed with theological depth in the word of God.  Yes, some are just sweet and not too deep.  Because hey, a little sugar in life isn’t a bad thing. But by and far they are more than sweet, they are rich, historical, giving us real, biblical, solid words and promises to rely upon when the going gets tough.  When you’re out working in the hot sun, you don’t need cotton candy.  You need something solid that will fill you, that will give you the fuel and strength to get things done. 

 

And even more importantly, that’s what the Divine Service is every Sunday.  It’s God, coming down to feed our hungering and thirsty souls. The whole service is just jammed packed with God’s Word for us to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. Like fiber for the soul is confession and absolution, cleaning us inside and out of all sin.  The word of God is well balanced each week between a Psalm in the Introit, the Old Testament, the Epistle, and the Gospel readings.  The sermon is nutrient filled with law and gospel, equipping us for every good work, as Paul told Timothy “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)  And the Lord’s Supper is the feast of feasts, both a foretaste of heaven and food for our journey here on earth, strengthening us to go out once again and fight the good fight of the faith for another week.

 

Yes, the American diet leaves much to be desired. But that’s changing. And not just with food, but also when it comes to Jesus.  And that’s a great opportunity for us as a Church. We in the LCMS have a great treasure to offer the world around us, and that is the Word and Gospel of Jesus Christ in all of it’s fullness, all of it’s richness, and all of it’s purity.


 

LITTLE LAMB PRESCHOOL

By Martha Short

The 2025-2026 school year is just around the corner! We are excited to welcome 20 new preschoolers to Little Lamb and spend a great year with them. Our St. Peter members attending are Huxton Harrell, Emry Janousek, Payton Olson, Maverick Wegner, and Brooklyn Wilberding. Preschool will start on Tuesday, September 2.

 

Lord willing, I will be starting the year off and then Katie Shultz will be taking over for 10 weeks when Baby Short arrives. We are thankful for her stepping in! We are also in the process of hiring another student worker from NBC. 

 

Thank you to all who stopped by the food stand at Old Settlers and purchased a root beer or orange float! We brought in right around $500 that will go to support the work of the preschool. 

 

Another way to support Little Lamb is by sponsoring a Little Lamb Preschooler for the year. We have purchased a new Bible curriculum and to go with it, we will be purchasing corresponding family materials to send home with each family for each lesson. This is to encourage family participation and biblical conversation in the home. Each child's packet for the year costs $15 and we are asking for congregational support. If you are interested in sponsoring a child, there is a sign up sheet on the table in the fellowship hall or talk to Martha Short or Pastor. 

 

As always, we thank you for your prayers and support. Please keep these new preschool families in your prayers as they begin their very first school year.

 

KIDS FOLLOWING CHRIST

KFC Classes will resume September 3rd, with a fun welcome back day!  We welcome any youth 3rd to 6th grade to join us next school year to dive into the lessons of the New Testament. Our teacher for 3rd and 4th grade this year is Katie Tank. Holly Hild will substitute as needed. Pastor Short will teach 5th-6th grade.

 

CONFIRMATION CLASS

(For those in 7th and 8th grade)

It’s that time of year!  Parents of all 7th-8th graders, confirmation class is soon to start up again!  There will be a confirmation parent meeting on Wednesday, August 13th at 7PM. If you are not able to make it to the meeting, please reach out to Pastor so we can find a date to meet and go over confirmation details for the year. 

 

Also, we are planning on going to Camp Luther again for their Fall Junior Youth Retreat October 10-11. More details will be shared at the parent meeting.  As with last year, a parent volunteer will be needed to go with us overnight during the retreat.

 

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YOUTH GROUP

In July, 14 youth and 4 adults were able to travel to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. The youth group is very grateful for the generosity of the congregation for the financial assistance. Additional pictures can be found on the Facebook page and at the end of the livestream on 7/27, each of the youth spoke of their experiences with the trip.

 

We are still seeking a leader for the youth group. Is this a role you would be able to fill? They meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-7:15 and are to begin meeting on September 3rd. Please reach out to Pastor Short or Heidi Widick if you can help in any way.

 

VBS 2025

Vacation Bible School was a success! We had 124 registered children (with a few bonus kiddos) and 34 volunteers. All help was appreciated and extra thanks goes to DJ Mottl for the use of the tables for snacks, Frontier Coop for lending their tables as well for the meal following the program on Friday, and the United Presbyterian Church for helping with snacks.

 

OLD SETTLERS FOOD STAND

Thank you to those who assisted with Thrivent cards and donated the meat . Here are the statistics:

Total Profit:   $2,915.26

            Total Pork Sandwiches sold:  242

            Meals:                                      148

            Sandwich & chips:                    94

            Drink only:                              129

            Chips only:                                  6

            Gluten free meals:                     10

Thank you also to all who helped behind the scenes and who volunteered to help with the food stand. The weather wasn’t real cooperative, but we made it through the heat!

 

LUTHERAN HIGH FREMONT

It’s nearly time for the first day of the first year of LuHi! They recently sent a needs list which is located in the Fellowship Hall. If you are able to give, it would be appreciated. Keep the staff, youth and families in your prayers as they kick off a successful school year!

 

SISTERS IN FAITH & LWML

Several ladies met on 8/4 to assemble Christmas gift boxes for Orphan Grain Train. 100 were completed this year, a record for us and all stuffed and sealed in 1 hour. We had a meeting to discuss Gloria Westerman’s experience at the LWML National Convention and continued planning for Tapestry of Tables on September 28th. The theme is “Czech it out” with some great entertainment lined up. All ladies of the congregation are welcome to join the salad supper. Tickets will go on sale the beginning of September. 

LWML Sunday will be celebrated on October 5th. 

Next meeting scheduled for November 3rd.

 

FELLOWSHIP/EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

By Jules Emmons

     Summer is winding down. Our group has no sponsored activities planned. We no longer sponsor a Family Fun Day for the congregation as a whole. It was fun for the first couple of years, but interest kept falling off. 

     Individuals, families, Bible study groups, or other groups are invited to represent St. Peter and join in the Chamber of Commerce Trick or Treating event in October. The date and any other details will be announced later.

     It has been a long time since there has been a fifth Sunday brunch. The calendar has just not cooperated!! For example: the next 5th Sunday is November 30th, Thanksgiving weekend.

     Blessings as you enjoy the remainder of summer and celebrate the coming of autumn! 

 

PIECEMAKERS QUILTERS

The Piecemakers Quilt Group has been hard at work over the summer months, but have been able to take some much-needed breaks. Thank you to Megan Willams for her assistance this summer. Just a reminder, no sewing or quilting skills needed. All are welcome to join in helping in our mission by doing God’s work. Please join us any Thursday afternoon, here at the church. 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Sunday School is held during the church service after the children’s message. It is open to all children pre-kindergarten to 2nd grade. They are welcome to go to the youth room for a story and a craft and will begin again on September 7th.

 

CHOIR

Marlyce Franzluebbers, choir director, welcomes all to join in the choir. They will begin practices again in mid-September. Watch the bulletin for actual start up date. They meet at 8 am on Sundays.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

8/5/25

Income & Offerings:

$79,950.64
Expenses

$97,027.85

-$17,077.21

General fund balance: $17,880.29

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GAGA BALL PIT

Thank you to the many volunteers who worked to build this for the youth of our congregation, and for the memorial money that helped make this possible. VBS was the true test and the children love it! 

 

~CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS ~

Prayers for Healing & Comfort:

Our Church Family: Sue Dodge,Laurie Neeman, Anna Stuehmer, Rick Elofson, Jim Novak, Joe Murphy, Ed Slavik, Bernard Larson, Bonnie Wennekamp, Kelly Spath, Terry Sorensen, Lenora Schuetz, Jan Schindler, Virginia Bosco

Friends, Family, and Loved Ones:  Renate’ Scheuermann (Carroll Wiebold’s niece), Holly Colburn (Karan Legler’s daughter), Liam Settles (Grandson of Martha & Gordan Settles), Eliese Espinosa (Terry Sorensen’s half-sister), Justin Hall (Seth Harrell’s Brother-in-law), Mark Langmeyer (Friend of Dave Saalfeld), Wendy Curtis (Daughter of Dave & Bev Saalfeld)

(NOTE: If you would like to add someone to our prayer list, please fill out a prayer request form near Pastor’s office, speak to Pastor, call the church office or email. Names will remain on the list for 4 weeks.)

Prayers for Members & Loved Ones Serving in the Military:  Justin Chadwick, Mike Elofson, Lauren Kohl, Seth Saalfeld, Matthew Schuetz, Chris Tank, Trevor Widick, Kobe Wilkins, Wyatt Olson, Owen Wynia, Kaylee Boyle

CHURCH CALENDAR

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study: Starting back up September 9th at 6:30am. All men are welcome to join for a bite of breakfast and a devotional. They will be meeting again on October 14th.

Monday Night Bible Study: Beginning in September, The Chosen will be discussed. All are welcome to join-no age requirements. The first episode to be discussed will be Season 5, Episode 1. Specific start date will be noted in the bulletin.

Women’s Bible Study: It will be resuming in September. They meet on Tuesday evenings at 6:30. If interested, reach out to Eileen Chvatal.

Youth Events: 

KFC 3:30-4:45pm Resumes September 3th

Confirmation 5:30-6:45pm Resumes August 20st

Youth Group 6:15-7:15pm Resumes September 3th

August

3-Worship w/ Holy Communion- 9am, MITES

4-Sisters in Faith Meeting-7pm 

6-Church Council Meeting-7pm

10-Worship- 9am

11-Material Girls Quilt Guild–7pm

13-Confirmation Parent Meeting-7pm

17-Worship w/ Holy Communion - 9am

20-First day of Confirmation-5:30-6:45pm

24-Worship- 9am

31-Worship-9am

September

7-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am MITES

2-First day of preschool (T/TH)

3-First day of preschool (M/W)

3-1st day of KFC and Youth Group

8-Material Girls Quilt Guild–7pm 

9-Men’s Breakfast Bible Study-6:30am

14-Worship-9am

     Voter’s Meeting–10:15am

21-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

22-No Preschool

28-Worship-9am

  -Tapestry of Tables 5:30pm

October 

5-LWML SUNDAY

   -Worship w/Holy Communion–9am MITES

7-Preschool Picture Day (Both classes)

10-11-Camp Luther Fall Junior Youth Retreat

12–Worship–9am

13-Material Girls Quilt Guild-7pm

14-Men’s Breakfast Bible Study-6:30am

19-Worship w/Holy Communion–9am

26-Worship–9am


 

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

2 Boston Wilberding, Pat Fittje

3 Ken Kelberlau

4 Isabelle Harter

5 Mary Lou Nielsen

8 Nova Wenger

9 Megan Williams

10 Mike Bunn

11 John Chromy

12 Brooklyn Kaiser, Erik Settles

13 Noah Bishop, Austin Frana

14 Anna Stuehmer

15 Rachel Stuehmer

16 Brynley Chvatal, Reed 

     Janousek, Kathy Lewis,

     Rich Schutt

17 Emma Williams

18 Bill Leftwich, Kendra Sorensen

19 Jason Penlerick

20 Gloria Westerman, Bethany 

     Elston

21 Jeanene Lambley

22 Doug Wamberg

23 Lisa Flemmer, Shannon

     McDonald

26 Christine Balch, Sheryl 

     Mylander, Scott Wiebold

28 Jaxson Schutt

29 Shane Madsen, Shane Mock

30 Brooks Hartz

31 Hadley Karnatz, Elizabeth 

     McDonald

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

4 Nick & Amanda Reznicek(18)

5 Jamie & Andrea Halladay(25)

7 Brent & Jennifer Karnatz(21)

12 Kelly & Christina Liekhus(19)

13 Kirk & Theda Hansen(31)

14 Rick & Lynette Elofson(49)

15 Kirk & Chris Dolezal(26)

15 Jason & Leigh Feala (16)

16 Christian & Kendra 

     Sorensen(11)

18 Chuck & Gloria Pospisil(27)

19 Pat & Chris Gaughen(25)

21 Dave & Bev Saalfeld(43)

23 Kevin & Kristan Harris(11)

28 John & Sarah Wesch(3)

30 Mike & Samantha Elofson(6)

30 Jamey & Amanda Hanis(20)

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1 Aria Borman, Jules Emmons

2 Abby Post

5 Kyler Hellbusch

8 Riley Chromy

10 Rachel Chromy, Katy Muller

12 Emma Bosco

14 Nora Metschke

15 Jamey Hanis, Bev Saalfeld

16 Randy Dodge, Callie Goertz, 

     Jennifer Metschke, Emily Taylor

20 Brenda Robinson

21 Chad Robinson

23 Terri Baehr, Christina Liekhus, 

     Madison Widick

25 Amy Williams

26 Brett Juhl, Alex Kohl

27 Jerzie Hellbusch, Brant Liekhus

28 Anna Wilberding

30 Tyson Schutt

SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

4 Jim & Sue Dodge(59)

4 Chris & Katie Tank(15)

5 Erik & Liza Settles(15)

8 Steven & Mary Lou Nielsen(46)

12 Adam & Emily Taylor(16)

14 David & Shannon 

     McDonald(23)

14 Dylan & Sarah Olson(6)

15 Tom & Kathy Mensik(35)

16 Doug & Connie Wamberg(58)

17 Shawn & Heidi Juhl(31)

17 Marcus & Mindy Kelberlau(20)

18 Kevin & Kiley Frana(21)

18 Lawson & Martha Short(5)

19 Danny & Kelly Madsen(33)

23 Glenn & Eileen Chvatal(47)

26 Terry & Jean Sorensen(38)

28 Larry & Vicki Tank(51)

30 Seth & Melissa Harrell(8)

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

2 Alexander McDonald

3 Clayton Elofson, Rachele 

     Malousek

4 Colton Widick

5 Amanda Hanis, Izzy Liekhus, 

     Lindsey Schutt

6 Linda Merryweather, Gloria 

     Pospisil

7 Brenna Feala, Brad Kavan, Steve 

     Mylander

8 Alex Hild

9 James Lewis, Michael Mensik, 

     Justin Mensik

12 Sue Benzel, Sharon Metschke

13 Kevin Frana

14 Kathy Mensik

15 Seth Saalfeld

16 Lara Dolezal

17 Mark Brower

18 Jason Hellbusch, Kaden Juhl, 

     Lexi Munderloh

20 Hannah Williams

21 Fred Ladehoff

22 Lucas Olson

23 Bryon Chvatal

24 Vickie Reker

25 Ava Halladay, Shari Elofson, 

     Eddie Widick

26 Dave Hull

27 Merlin Metschke

28 Tatum Bishop

29 Greg Kavan, Emry Janousek

30 Jim Robinson

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

1 Leonard & Gloria Westerman(9)

15 Ashley & Andy Classen(14)

17 Steve & Linda Mylander(38)

21 Bill & Deb Leftwich(53)

21 Jimmy & Brenda Robinson(47)

24 Mark & Kim Deveaux(11)

25 Jason & Krystal Penlerick(17)

26 Rich & Lindsey Schutt(12)

28 John & Cheyenne Chromy(14)

31 Daryl & Corie Lanc(3)

 

If you should be included in the listing of the birthdays and anniversaries and are not, it means we do not have the information. Please let us know, call or email: st.peter@gpcom.net  Thank you


 

 

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August   13th: Confirmation Parent Meeting

                        20th: First Day Confirmation

 

 

 

 

 

September:          3rd: First Day KFC/HSY

 

 

 

 

October              10th-11th: Camp Luther Fall Junior Retreat

 

 

 

 

 

November  26th: Thanksgiving Break (No KFC, Conf., HSY)

                    30th: First Day Christmas Program Practice** (See below)

 

 

 

 

December:  Date TBD: High School Singers and Cookie Walk*

                3rd/10th: HSY Christmas Party

                17th: St. Peter Christmas Program (No Conf./HSY)

                24/31st: Christmas Break (No KFC, Conf., HSY)

                

 

January  7th: KFC, Conf. HSY Resumes

 

 

 

 

 

February    18th: Confirmation Flex Day

 

 

 

 

March   11th: Spring Break (No KFC, Conf., HSY)

                

 

 

 

 

April     5th: HSY Easter Breakfast

                22nd/29th: Last Day KFC/Conf./HSY

 

* Cookie Walk & HS Singers date subject to change pending NBC HS Singers Schedule

**Christmas Program Practices on Sundays after Church for all kids PreK-6th, and also Wednesdays during KFC time for only KFC kids (3rd-6th). 

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