Announcements (3-2-25)
Welcome
Welcome to a trip with us. We are visiting the pages of Scripture to find the Mountains where God meets with us. You are here on a week where we see the importance of worship. May you be blessed as we climb the mountain to be with the Lord and out to the world with the message entrusted to us that we are given.
Be sure to stop at the NEXT STEPS wall to discover a personalized plan for you to grow in your faith. We’d love to walk beside you the whole way. 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.
Mountains?
Some of the Bible’s most foundational stories happen on mountains, from God Giving the Commandments to Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. As the biblical narrative unfolds, a mountain motif emerges, with characters like Abraham being tested on a mountain, Moses given instruction, and prophets like Elijah receiving revelation from God while meeting with him at high altitudes. In the Bible, mountains are mentioned not merely as geographic settings but as sacred places where Heaven and Earth meet—where the divine presence joins humanity to provide instruction, direction, and hope for the day when all of Heaven and Earth are finally one.
The Imposition of Ashes
Christians receive ashes on Ash Wednesday to remind us of our humble origin (the body of Adam was formed out of the dust of the earth). The ashes also remind us of death, when our bodies will return to dust. The ashes are a sign of the cross on the forehead, and are a reminder of our sin and the price Christ paid on the cross for our forgiveness. It is a visible reminder of how we receive God’s forgiveness as a free and undeserved gift. The tradition dates back to the Old Testament where sinners performed acts of public penance. The ashes represent a person acknowledging and showing remorse for their sins.
You are invited to join Pastor Mark for a brief devotion and the imposition of ashes as Lent begins this week on Ash Wednesday, March 5, at 11:30am or at 5:00pm in the sanctuary.
More of You God
Join the St. Peter’s family on a Devotional Prayer Journey during Lent. The daily devotions and journaling opportunity will correspond to our Sunday themes each week toward Good Friday and the Resurrection.
Pick up a free copy in the commons this morning. The daily readings begin Ash Wednesday, March 5.
This prayer journal invites you on a faith journey to explore the narrative of God’s story as you consider each aspect of your life. Through a daily cadence of pausing, Scripture reading, discovery, and prayer, you will have an opportunity to respond each day. Every week ends with a prompt to help you more deeply notice God’s love and grace in your life. As you spend more time in the presence of God, His influence in every aspect of your life increases, bringing you closer to the fully restored relationship we will experience in heaven.
The package is complimentary. If you would like to contribute toward the cost of your materials, it is $6. We encourage you to write in the book as it is a journal. Family members can share the same book as you grow together.
The Genius of Israel
Watch part 2 of a documentary this week at 10:45am downstairs in the Theatre Room.
The Genius of Israel explores the country’s strong sense of community, innovation, and resilience that has helped it overcome many Western social problems. This heartwarming and insightful documentary reveals how Israel has thrived against all odds!
A Healthy Donation!
The gym floor has been refinished. The basketball court is gorgeous! Would you enjoy a meal and help us raise funds at the same time?
Join us Tuesday, March 11 from 4:00-9:00pm at Cafe Zupas. You can get it to go or enjoy a meal out in the dining room. You might just see others from the St. Peter’s while you are there! Choose from salads and soups and sandwiches and other entrees. Remember, every meal comes with a chocolate covered strawberry.
Edina location only: 2950 W. 66th St. (off York/Xerxes). 20% of every purchase will go to the gym fund. If you order in person, tell them you are there for the “St. Peter’s Fundraiser” and if you use the app, be sure to click on the fundraiser tab. Tell your friends because if we order $2500 of food, the amount raised increases and we will receive 25% or $625+
Eat all you want… it is for a good cause: food for you & a refreshed gym for the children and the community!!! View the menu
The Chosen: Season 5
Season 5 is due to be released soon! Season 5 starts with the events of Palm Sunday, taking us up to/into Maundy Thursday. Interested in an experience that will help you fund the production and availability of The Chosen? Attend a theatre release of season 5 down at Southdale AMC with others from St. Peter’s. We can enjoy some lunch together at St. Peter’s and then go over for a showing. Episodes 1 and 2 are due to be released on March 27; Episodes 3-5 are due to be released on April 3; and Episodes 6-8 are due to be released on April 10.
Following the theatrical run, Season 5 will then be available via 'The Chosen' (free) app, and other streaming platforms. (Viewing the theatrical run helps toward funding of the final two Seasons in the series. Note that, after Season 5 has run in other streaming platforms, it will be removed, but it will then be available via 'The Chosen' app.) The Chosen' app also has behind-the-scenes and other discussions/deep-dives of episode content, as well as a 'support' link to help fund the final two Seasons.
You can catch up now, and watch Seasons 1-4 via 'The Chosen' free app. St. Peter’s also has DVD's of the first four seasons which you can check out to watch at home.
If you are interested in seeing the episodes in the Theatre as a group ($20 including lunch each date) let Pastor Mark know by sending an email using the link below. The dates would be the Sunday March 30; April 6; April 13 (Palm Sunday).
Attention: Elementary, Middle School & High School students
The 2025 season begins on Tuesday. Come and enjoy a night filled with energy, speed, education, cars, fun, laughter, family connection, and a challenge to live out our fast-paced lives with faith.
Pastor Mark will be there to greet you with a team of volunteers to mentor you as you learn about remote control and real cars.
Grab some friends and come on down to the gym at St. Peter’s for an unforgettable experience of racing. We gather about 6:45pm to get equipment ready and start our program at 7:00pm.
Giving Challenge
We are in a giving challenge this year. What is 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
After the wildfires 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 immediate assistance needed:
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.
Upcoming Member Birthdays
Mar 6 - Dawn Schaekel
Mar 9 - James Annen