Announcements (1-12-25)
Welcome
What an honor to have you here with us in the New Year!
We are starting out the year examining the “Words We Say.” We use many words everyday. Pay attention to the words you use. Are there words you want to say more often in 2025? Come back again as we look at a new words you will want to use more often.
Be sure to stop at the NEXT STEPS wall (or on the website) to discover how you can make 2025 the greatest year ever! We’d love to walk beside you the whole way. Pick up a “Welcome Home” booklet at the Welcome Center to learn more about our ministry support. Use the Connect Card in the seat back to let us know you were here or request additional information.
If you are viewing this online complete the Digital Connect Card to let us know if we may serve you in any way. Check out the NEXT STEPS section on the website.
Please come again to worship with us soon.
Please, Sorry, Thanks
The three words please, sorry, and thanks are the foundation of all healthy relationships. The way we use those three words has a huge affect on spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Those three words will determine how happy we are and even how holy we are. If you want to change your life, you have to change your words!
Nothing opens doors like please.
Nothing mends fences like sorry.
Nothing builds bridges like thanks.
In fact, the best predictor of your success in life, in love, and in leadership is your proficiency with these three seemingly simple words.
How do you cultivate intimate relationships?
How do you make amends for the mistakes you’ve made?
How do you shift the atmosphere at home?
How do you change the culture at work?
How do you win friends and influence people?
You get really good at please, sorry, and thanks! Discover the importance of each word as part of our “The Words We Say” series of messages. Join us in worship for some inspiring messages and stay for the Pastor’s Bible class, from 10:45- 11:30am. We will discuss theses words in more depth and you can share a few experiences. Can you think of anyone who might need a vocabulary boost? Invite them!
Discussion Group
Let’s use our words to encourage each other! Join Pastor Mark for a discussion from 10:45-11:30am this morning. A practical reflection on the way we use our words, a glimpse at some Biblical examples, and an application for your week.
You don’t need to be well versed in the Bible. In fact, Bibles are provided for you to join in. Grab a treat and head over to the Discipleship Room to the right as you leave the sanctuary.
The First Weekend was Spectacular!
Unlabeled Theatre Company is celebrating their one year anniversary with their third production, SPONGEBOB the MUSICAL. In typical UTC fashion, this version will be unlike any other you've seen on either television or on the stage. Get ready to experience their unique “shadow partner” staging model as they reimagine this contemporary classic. Read a review that was published after opening night. Here is another powerful review.
The St. Peter’s family is excitedly invited to participate in this event that runs through next weekend, January 19.
Hospitality in 2025!
Our fellowship time after worship is a joy for children and adults alike. There is a rush to see what kind of goodies are awaiting after the service. Want to be part of the fun? You are invited to sign up to share treats on Sunday mornings. Maybe grab another person/family and sign up together.
What do I have to bring? That is up to you. What kind of a late morning treat do you enjoy - bring it to share. It can been cookies, fruit, and appetizer, a dessert. Anything goes! (And it literally will all disappear!) If you have a special occasion why not share it with your church family. Birthdays, anniversaries, baptismal recognition. A memorial? We’d love to celebrate eternal life with you.
Sign up on the clipboard beside the coffee. St. Peter’s takes care of the coffee and drinks. Thanks for sharing with the Lord’s people.
A New Resolution:
Maybe you have given some consideration to exercising more or losing weight in 2025. Maybe you want to spend more times with friends or even with Jesus in His Word. But, what about a giving challenge? Give from your income before you spend anywhere else and see if God won’t bless you incredibly during all of 2025.
We encourage you to join us in the excitement of generous giving in 2025. Check out the giving options on the website by clicking the button below. Perhaps you want to support the Lord’s ministries, or give specifically to the Facility Fund. Wherever and however much you give, you will partner with God to bless others.
Together we meet families at the intersection of faith and real life.
LA Wildfires
With the wildfires raging in the LA area you may be wondering about ways that you can help. The collection of churches that we are a part of recently sent this out regarding ways to help right now:
Pray - Continue to lift up the victims, first responders, communities and all of us in prayer as we experience this significant disaster. This includes praying that we recognize the opportunities we have to share the light and love of Jesus to so many in need. Especially be in prayer as another significant wind event is expected this week.
Donate - Victims will have a significant immediate need for financial resources to purchase basic items, pay for hotel stays, pay for meals, etc. The Pacific Southwest District has a standing fund which you can donate funds to for this purpose (CLICK HERE). They immediately distributed funds to area congregations, and will continue to do so.
Love - Be the hands and feet of Jesus as you care spiritually for those you may come in contact with that are affected by this disaster, and even those who may not be in the immediate area but are traumatized. This especially applies to active, caring listening as they share their trauma and needs.
Donate Blood at St. Peter’s
Every quarter, St. Peter’s hosts a blood drive together with the Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans. This joint effort provides support for veterans and their families. In addition to the Blood Drive we also have a drive for used electronics, clothing, and food to stock the pantry of a local vet. You can bring items the Sunday before or anytime that week.
Compassion Giving Tree Results Are In!
The white giving tree is down, but we counted up the personalized ornaments that were hanging on it through the Christmas season. We helped families in poverty around the world experience joy by removing the fear of where his or her next meal will come from. Here is what St. Peter’s family supported:
#1 Chickens!!! - five families will receive egg laying chickens for protein and income.
#2 Food for a child - several children will receive nutritious food for two weeks.
#3 Vegetable seeds - provided for sustainable nutrition and education.
#4 Food for a family - some entire families will be blessed with emergency food.
If you want to add to the blessing of the Giving Tree, use the button below to give any sized gift. And if you forgot to make your donation, this is your final reminder! You may also drop a gift in the offering marked “Giving Tree.” Thanks for making a difference for a child/family in need around the world. Yes chickens can change a life!
Annual Lutheran Religious Life Survey
The LRLS is an anonymous survey oriented towards LCMS members to help LCMS churches and organizations in their work. It is designed by Lyman Stone, in partnership with Concordia University-Nebraska. It is not financially supported by any outside organization, and it does not ask political or partisan questions.
You are invited to participate in this survey that will ask questions about your faith and church participation. Interested? Click on the button below.
Upcoming Member Birthdays
Jan 13 - Eliana Anderson
Jan 20 - Jayden Barber
Jan 22 - Holden Thompson
Jan 24 - Alex Wheeler
Jan 25 - Mabel McManus