St. Peter's Lutheran Church

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Parish Visitor
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
418 Sumner Street East
Northfield, MN 55057
507-645-8252
www.northfieldstp.org
May 2008

News from Music Director
2
Pastor’s Corner
3
Cornerstone
Corner
4
Education Pages
6-7
Youth Page
8
Women’s Page
9
Birthdays

Turning Point Counseling Center

Church Council Minutes
10

13

14-15
Inside this issue:
Special points of interest:
Upcoming Education &
Youth Events
Baccalaureate
Information
May calendar
Information on Long Range Planning

Notes from the Director of Music

So many thoughts are going through my mind as I leave the position as your Choir Director at the end of May. Of course, I will miss directing terribly much. But as we have just recently finished the interview/audition
process of three applicants and have no doubt selected a new director by the time that you read this, I find
myself looking forward to working with a new staff member. We have had some wonderful
candidates and each has brought individual specialties to the position. It is a good thing that the choice is very difficult to make. However, I feel confidence in each of the candidates, and can easily “turn the baton” so to speak, over to whoever is chosen. It is my hope and prayer that the choir program will grow under their
leadership, and that perhaps other choirs may be started during their tenure here with you.

We received the new handbells and pads that were made possible by memorial funds from the Mandsager family, and will dedicate them in the fall. We have begun to think about the installation of your new pastor. We are scheduling Summer Music at this time and ask your help in recommending people who you think would enhance Sunday worship. Please contact me. A new Cantor list will be prepared soon. If you would like to join this group, please contact me with your name as well. You don’t have to be a member of the choir to lead the Psalm-singing and sometimes the Kyrie. We would welcome Youth to participate with us --- if not as a solo voice, in groups of 2 or 3. Each cantor sings about once every two months. Tentative plans are being made to have another Dixieland service this summer, although a date has not been set. So much is going on!

As I was paging backwards in the Sundays and Seasons resource book, I came across headings such as “autumn”, “time after Pentecost”, “summer”, “Trinity Sunday”, “Pentecost” – all reminders of the on-going
lectionary of the church year, as well as the seasons of the calendar year. It also reminds me of life,
day –to-day living through all of the seasons – spiritual and human. Somehow, to the Christian, these seem tied together, although I must admit that the spiritual calendar is, of course, the guiding factor in all of our lives. While the 50-day Easter season is glorious with Easter still ringing in our hearts and song, we look forward to
the Holy Spirit coming to us at Pentecost and the season that follows. More about this another time.

Blessings to all. To God be the Glory!

Donna Paulsen
Director of Music
dpiano@charter.net
ph: 507-645-4647
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Staff

Rev. Craig Ellingboe
Senior Pastor

Dottie Scharber
Business Manager

Matt Iverson
Youth Director

Laura Gilligan
Children’s Ministries

Bernadette Johnson
Secretary

Neale Thompson
Pastoral Counselor

Dan & Dottie Scharber
Maintenance Coordinators

Donna Paulson
Director of Music/Organist

Gary Heil
Contemporary Worship
Music Leader

Todd Thompson
Children’s Choirs Director

Marilyn Wing
Jubilee Bells Director

 

Notes from the Director of Music
Pastor’s Corner
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May 2008
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Cornerstone Corner
THE CORNERSTONE CORNER
Aspire to Inspire before you Expire


Cornerstone is a term meaning “foundation stone”. It’s a very popular word and there are churches, gardens, child abuse centers, colleges, TV stations, etc., bearing this name. When Brent and Kiwi Bielenberg were leading the contemporary service at St. Peters they took a vote among the musicians and singers to select a name for the group. Cornerstone was the decided title.
Now Cornerstone meets every three months to retreat, pray, eat and share in a community within a community. However, that last statement bears some
clarification because winter got in the way of our January retreat. We talk of not only music, but how to grow within our church, solve problems, seek directions, inspire each other and swap ideas.
When we reach out to members in our church and our village community, we are doing it to pass along a bit of comfort, love and friendship. It’s what Jesus would do. We all face our own hardships and at times it’s difficult to see any sense to the
afflictions that befall us. We might even question the fairness of God.
The evening news shows a considerable amount of news, that is not good news. From accidents, war, murders, disappearances, on and on it makes the commercials look and sound good.
Your doctor is waiting to prescribe the latest wonder pill that will make you smile and act like the well-paid actors on the screen. And, if half the stuff in your shopping cart says, “For Fast Relief”, maybe it’s time to look for a new remedy.
It’s been said that “God does not comfort us that we may be comforted but that we may be comforters.” These trials can bring us to questioning and we ask God, why? The answers are rarely apparent and sometimes only time and understanding will heal the wound. But when we look around us there are countless opportunities to comfort others from the illness or loss of a loved one to the daily distress that creeps into everyone’s life. Turning our attention away from ourselves to helping
others is a step to the healing process.
The apostle Paul was sometimes accompanied by a friend named Barnabas, which means, Son of Encouragement. Giving encouragement, enthusiasm,
inspiration, patience, kindness, and above all, love to others, becomes a powerful
medicine to those who are suffering. One more advantage is that neither you nor they have to ask a doctor if it‘s right.

Peace through Christ
Gary Heil
Is our church on the right track?

We may indeed be on the right track. There are a large number of our members doing excellent work in both missions and ministry. Bill Bleckwehl, who is chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee, wanted to
examine this question as part of the process of long range planning. In Bill’s article in this issue he describes a formal process that we are starting that involves every member of St. Peter’s. In doing research on how to
examine this question Bill discovered that many churches are asking a set of similar questions. Some of these questions are; 1) Do we have a defined identity and purpose? 2) Why are our members resistant to change? 3) Are we irrelevant to our surrounding community? 4) Why do we have such a hard time developing new leaders? 5) How do we deal with the conflicts that never seem to go away? 6) Where are we going as a church?
We will hopefully find as we go through the “Transforming Church” process whether these are questions we also have. There will be plenty of publicity announcing when the various steps in this process will take place. The timing is right! A new Associate Pastor is arriving the middle of June. The Long Range Planning Committee is working on a revised long range plan. We need to continue to do God’s work in the best possible way based on who we are (our CODE). You will hear more about discovering St. Peter’s code as we proceed.
The first step will be a “survey” that everyone will prayerfully answer. We will make this step as convenient as we can so that everyone’s opinion is gathered. We need everyone’s answers in order to make this process a
complete success. The results of this process will be shared with every member of the congregation as well as how the information will be used in planning, both long and short term. This is an exciting time of spiritual
reflection and rejuvenation! Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in this effort!

Mike Chapman
Council President
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THE TURNING POINT COUNSELING CENTER – MAY 2008

The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseling Center:
This Christ-centered ministry has but one mission – to equip all God’s people to make spiritually mature
decisions for their lives and accept the responsibility for those decisions.

The Book of Proverbs, in the Old Testament, is packed with wisdom. I find it useful to read through it every so often. The other day, I came across another set of Proverbs, that gave me a chuckle, because I’m not much of a “techy”.

Home is where you hang your @.
The e-mail of the species is more deadly than the mail.
The journey of a thousand sites begins with a single click
You can’t teach a mouse old clicks.
Great groups, from little icons grow.
Speak softly, and carry a cellular phone.
C:/ is the root of all directories.
Oh, what a tangled website we weave when first we practice.
Pentium wise, pen and paper foolish.
The modem is the message.
Too many clicks spoil the browse.
The geek shall inherit the Earth.
There’s no place like home.
Don’t bite off more than you can view.
FAX is stranger than fiction.
What boots up, must come down.
Windows will never cease.
Virtual reality is its own reward.
Modulation in all things.
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to use the Net, and he won’t bother you for weeks.

After I was done chuckling, I began to think about how each generation creates its own set of distractions that leads one away from the basic truths of life. I think we come by these distractions because of the
human need to try to put order into chaos. How easily I can run after a new idea or a new piece of
technology with the anticipation that it will provide hope, where I have none. It’s new! It’s exciting! It seems relevant! Yet, the distraction fades, and I find myself as unfulfilled as ever. It is now accident that Ecclesiastes follows Proverbs. Generation after generation has had to face its distractions. Then there is the moment when one backs up and evaluates where they are going. Then the parable of our Lord, in Matthew 7: 24ff begins to make sense. Am I going to build my house of life on sand or on the rock? I chose the rock… Jesus the Christ! I can’t take any bows for this choice, for the baptismal Spirit led me, and I finally yielded.

This same Spirit of God leads us all. Where are you on the journey? If you would like a fellow pilgrim to walk with you, I would be honored to be asked. Please feel free to call me on this secure line:
507-645-8252 ext#13. Your confidentiality will always be respected.

Neale C. Thompson
Spiritual Pastoral Counselor
Turning Point Counseling Center
April Acolyte Schedule
Please call the Church with any changes. Thank You

Sunday
May 4 ~ Youth Service

May 11 ~ 8:30am Rachel Lepinski
Adam Simser

10:45am Gus Jasnoch
Thomas Streitz

May 18 ~ 8:30am Emily Lieske
Maxine Trebelhorn

10:45am Mary Liebenstein
John Erickson

May 25 ~ 8:30am Eme Gruenhagen
Mitch Bornhauser

10:45am Jordan Grant
Reid Behrens
Acolyte Training
In the April Parish Visitor, we mentioned that beginning this spring; students currently in both 5th and 6th grades would receive training and begin serving as acolytes.

Students currently in 6th grade, we will be learning about acolyting as part of the retreat on May 16th. Sixth graders will begin serving as acolytes the following Sunday, May 25th.

Current 5th graders, we are planning to have an additional training session in the fall, and then you will begin serving as acolytes also.

If you have any questions regarding acolytes, please call.
In His Service,
Laura
Celebrate Spring!
“…the field is the world, and the good seed are the children of the kingdom…”
- Matthew 13:38

Eric Dee would like to get a group of kids together to work on their very own gardens this year.

Mr. Dee has the land for the gardens and is looking
forward to working with kids and giving them a chance to grow food and maybe even flowers, on their own.

If you think you might be interested in this special chance to plant, grow and celebrate spring; give me a call at church for more details.

Peace,
Laura (ext. 19)

Team Education
May 11 9:30 – 10:30 – Mother’s Day “Honor the Special Lady in Your Life “. Bring an
important lady to this fun-filled morning!
Details coming soon!

May 18 – GIGGLE Open House –Please join us for our open house celebration. We will start with a musical
concert and program in the sanctuary. Come up to the classrooms where there will be demonstrations and a puppet performance. If the weather cooperates, we’ll serve root beer floats outside. It promises to be a
wonderful way for your child to share their Sunday school experiences with you!
GIGGLE Supplies – Do you have any to spare? Drop off in any of the Sunday school rooms with your name so we can say “Thanks”!!
CD players
Music instruments
Kitchen supplies
TVs and sturdy stands
DVD players
Bean bag chairs
Card Stock
Copy Paper
We have the paint but we need a vision!! If you can imagine a mural design for our Sunday school hallway, please share your ideas with us! Summer is a great time to bring the family
together for a service project. We will keep you posted on upcoming painting and decorating times to continue work on our classrooms.

The Education Registration brochure will be coming out soon. Return it as soon as possible for summer and fall planning.
Education Team:
Loretta Carlson Lisa Nystuen
Kelly Erickson Tammy Paulson
Jan Gutzman Laura Gilligan
Mona Weselmann

 

CAT and Confirmation

5th Grade CAT Class – will meet after school in May on the 7th, 14th and 21st. As usual, Wednesday class time is from 4:15-5:15pm. We will be completing our study of the Apostle’s Creed.

Students and parents – please note: The Family Session for 5th Grade this month will be Sunday, May 4th. We will meet in the Garden of Eden room upstairs from 9:30-10:30am.

6th Graders – Our final retreat of the school year will be a lock-in beginning on Friday, May 16th after school. More details will be coming in a letter later in the month.

7th & 8th Grade – Classes continue through
Wednesday, May 21st at the regularly scheduled times.

4th Grade CAT Class – just a reminder that we met for the last time this year on April 16th. I just wanted you to know I enjoyed working and learning with each one of you. I wish you a blessed spring and summer and look forward to seeing you again as 5TH GRADERS in the fall.
May 2008
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St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting, April 15, 2008

Council & Staff Present: Bergemann (representing Worship Board), Chapman, Clay, Croone, Pastor Ellingboe,
Ehersmann, Gilligan, Iverson, Jacobson, Johnson, Lemke, Machacek, Paulson, Reese,
Scharber, Scheffert, Snesrud, Thompson, Topp, Vivant, Wesselmann

Absent: Croone, Mahlum

Meeting was called to order by President Chapman. Pastor Neale Thompson led devotions.

First order of business:
Treasurer’s Report – report presented by Dottie Scharber. $7647 in the General Checking account. Income for March was up $9,878 from budget, (there were 5 Sundays in March) and up $18,926 from last year. Year to date, actual income is up from last year by $20,753, but down $9,604 for the year to date total budget. Motion to accept report as presented. Motion seconded and carried.

Secretary’s Report – printed in the Newsletter. Motion to accept minutes as presented. Motion seconded and carried.

 

Second order of business:
~Bill Bleckwehl spoke in regards to hiring Kevin Ford as a consultant for St Peter’s (author of“Transforming Church”.)
~A timetable was discussed, with hopes of completing the process sometime in November of this year.
~There was a reminder for everyone at council to take the survey that is accessible online using the code in the back of the book.
~Pastor Craig Ellingboe discussed his thoughts on how he believed this would be a great way to plan for St. Peter’s
future. It will help determine: “Who we are?”, “ Which direction do we go to grow?”, and “What do we want for our
church’s future?”.
~Motion to vote to move forward with hiring Kevin Ford. Motion carried. Vote was unanimous.
~Matt Iverson asked about getting the word out to the congregation by: Talking it up, Encouraging people to take the
survey, and getting people to talk about this process at board meetings, and such gatherings.

STAFF REPORTS:
Senior Pastor’s Report – Written report submitted. Pastor Neale Thompson will be recognized by the Synod for Forty years of serving the synod.
~Ministral meeting: Northfield churches have organized “Caring for Creation”. This is about making churches “earth
friendly”, and discussing how to educate congregations on saving energy. Suggested Properties for an energy audit.
Laura- Written report was submitted.
Matt – Written report was submitted. He discussed restructuring the “teams” and getting more youth involved. He also encouraged getting more interactive with the youth.
~At his meeting with other youth director’s in the area, they discussed a change in youth needs.
~Youth forum – Planning the Youth Service which will be held May 4th. They discussed the Food for the Poor, and some
of the youth noticed how there are two worlds even here in Northfield.
Dottie – Written report submitted.
Neale – Written report submitted. Expressed how much he enjoyed his job.
Donna – Choir director auditions. A decision will be made very soon.
~A written report was submitted: including information on summer music, and informing arrival of the new bells that
came from Janelle Mandsager memorial fund. A dedication for the bells will be held in the fall.
Bernadette – Newsletter articles are due April 17, and will be due the 17th of each month.

BOARD REPORTS INCLUDED:
Worship – Presented by Faith Bergemann (for Eleanor Croone). Discussed director interviews.
~Summer worship schedule was discussed. Debated on changing schedule to services at 8:30 & 10:00am on Sunday
mornings. There was concern of there not being enough time between services. It was also discussed keeping the
schedule the same year round, to avoid confussion. Consensus to keep the schedule the same.
~Beth Vivant is working on acolyte training.
Evangelism – St Peter’s directory has been a top priority. First sign up day we had 100 households sign up for pictures. It was discussed when group pictures will be taken.
~New member classes have been going well. And reminded everyone of New Member Sunday, which is April 20,along
with a potluck to welcome the new members.
Properties – Discussed the following: ~Roof leaking, ~black top settling after the frost is up,~ signs on office doors
~ They are in the process of getting quotes for a new sidewalk. ~ Discussed starting up the bookstore. ~ And discussed
clean up day, which is April 26.
~The Parsonage is a great concern as far as getting it ready for Pastor Paul and his family. Lists were made as to
improvements needed at the request of the church, and also Pastor Paul and Kelly.
~A rough estimate was set at $10,000 for fix-up of the parsonage.
~Discussion of alerting Habitat for Humanity that we will be using the parsonage, so as per agreed upon, they will be
relocating.
~Building a garage was discussed along with temporarily renting a storage unit.
~Motion to approve $10,000 maximum to renovate the parsonage. Motion carried.
Extended Ministries – April 27th there will be a cookie bake sale.
~ Brand new clothes were donated by “Kids on Division” for local kids in need
~“Thursday’s Table” was a great success!
Youth Board – A book, “Youth ministry- A Team Approach” was recommended
~Discussed planning ahead for the fall
~Discussed summer activities
~Plant sale is complete and went well.
~Matt has started visiting with families and youth at their homes.
Stewardship – Simply Giving – asked Pastor Craig to mention on Sundays
~There will be another Temple Talk coming up to discuss this
~There was some concern over the extra work load this creates for Dottie.
~Discussed trying to keep Simply Giving as a general fund
~ Rushford still needs lots of help rebuilding
~Discussed having a golf outing as a fundraiser
Education – Gathering of Gratitude on April 21
~Jan Gutzman is holding a study on Encourage
~Fall planning
~There are 2 Sunday school events coming up. May 11 is Mothers Day. May 18 is the last day of Sunday school.
~Laura needs space for a classroom
Business Management – Discussed compensation for Pastor Paul
~Used Synod guidelines to determine compensation.
~Discussed having at least a 1 year deal for Pastor Paul and is family to live in the parsonage. That will help cover the costs for renovation.

NEW BUSINESS: Motion for Business Management and Executive Board to finalize package for Pastor Paul Graham.
Motion carried.
~Reviewing our Constitution – we are in the process of creating a board to work on this project. As of right now, we have
three volunteers: Dottie Scharber, Betty Chapman, and Rein Lemke.

OLD BUSINESS: New forum study on Sexuality report. This needs to be addressed in the next few months.

Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
Bernadette Johnson
Circle Meetings this Month

Women’s Fellowship
Friday, May 2
9:00am—The Tavern
Friday, May 16
9:00am—St Peter’s Lounge
Conclusion, followed by Brunch

Esther (formerly New Circle)
Thursday, May 8
9:30am—St. Peter’s lounge

Eve Monday, May 19
7:00pm—St. Peter’s Lounge
Hostess & Leader: Thelma Winter

New Spirit Monday, May 12
9:30am St Peter’s Fireside Lounge
Leader: Hazel Peterson
Hostess: Sharon Bauer
Phyllis Knutson

Hannah Tuesday, May 13
9:30am—St. Peter’s Lounge
Bible Study: Nancy Solberg
Coffee: Jane Anderson

Rachel Tuesday, May 20
7:00pm—St. Peter’s Lounge
Hannah Circle will begin assembling layettes for
Lutheran World Relief this month.
Each layette will include:
* 2 shirts or onsies, * 1 sweater or sweatshirt
* 2 gowns or sleepers * 2 wash cloths
* 2 receiving blankets * 1 bath size bar of gentle soap (in original wrapper)
* 4 cloth diapers (flat, not pre folded) * 2 diaper pins

Any contributions of these items or money to buys these items is very much
appreciated. They can be left in the WELCA container behind
the Welcome Center. Any questions, please call
Ginny Paulson at 645-8949 or Nancy Solberg at 645-4658
Thank You!

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Parish Visitor
High School
Bible Study
Friday
Mornings
7:00-7:30

We have changed
locations! Join us at Sweet Lou’s
Waffle Bar!
(Located on the
south end of
Division Street)
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Parish Visitor
May Friendship Forum

May 4th ~ To Be Announced

May 12 ~ Parenting
Beth Berrry has mentored and developed programs that have strengthened and enriched families. This year she received a special recognition in Northfield. The Human Rights Award - Com and enjoy her sharing.

May 18 ~ Baccalaureate Reception for our High School Seniors
Join us during forum as we honor and encourage our youth who will be graduating this spring.

May 25 ~ Returning Hero’s from War
Colonel Jim Lundell
We take time to honor our Soldiers and Veterans

Kitchen Helpers

May 4th ~  Dottie & Dan Scharber, Jo Odell
 
  May 11th ~ Betty & Mike Chapman
 
   May 18th  ~ Baccalaureate Reception
for Seniors – Youth Board
 
   May 25th  ~ Extended Ministries Board
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church
418 E. Sumner St.
Northfield, MN 55057

Change Service Requested
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Northfield, MN 55057
Permit No. 121
St. Peter’s Website:www.northfieldstp.org
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Parish Visitor
May 2008
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May Birthdays
1
Hannah Marie Barsness

8
Patrick Harrington

15
Delaney Levy

22
Andrew Clark

Wayne Eddy

Brittney Laue

Joshua Parsons

Alana Lieske

Monica Nordahl

Borris Mokoff

Ashley Schroeder

Bryan Perrott

Madyson Sevcik

Chad Seeley

Sheryl Strachan

Tyler Schultz

Violet Weed

Rachel Streitz

Benjamin Varley

 

Jim Trebelhorn

 

23
Terry Heilman
2
Chris Eschen

Terra Wierson

16
Ethan Gunderson

Anthony Irwin

Cynthia Johnson

Tyler Loesch

Victoria Sims

9
Rebekka Hagen

Peter Lovoll

24
Barbara Audiss

 

Rhonda Johnson

Casey Nordahl

Scott Berry
3
Ritva Barsness

Grayce McGregor

Nolan Thompson

Lori Lieske

Megan Goldstein

Alexi Starr

Nicholas Trebelhorn

Bonnie Skluzacek

Julie Mitchell

Harland Wegner

Melissa Wiste

Orville Peterson

10
Barbara Liebenstein

Jean Spittle

Wendell Spittle

17
Phillip Ehresmann

25
Todd Bornhauser

Paul Wojick

Brian Paulson

Laura Johnson

11
Mabel Kienitz

Daniel Stanton
4
Curtis Heckers

Benjamin Palmquist

18
Marcia Audiss

Nicolas Winter

Rowen Jasnoch

Jacob Saari

Mackenzie Closson

Mark Madson

Jessica Hoffman

26
Glenna Fast

Lee Ann Norkunas

12
Laura Gilligan

Karen Johnson

Kristin Harner

Lorraine Lemke

James Koehler

Blanche Heil
5
Dale Boyum

Jillian Liebenstein

Tori Lauseng

Kelly Dillon

Jacob Martinson

19
David Sandquist

Joseph Schad

Timothy McCracken

Emma Strachan

27
Lance Trotman

Mike Simser

Tristan Swanson

13
Chloe Anderson

28
Allan Boyum
6
Nicole Laue

Amy Palmquist

20
Jessica Christians

Carol Irwin

Nicole Lieske

Kyle Heckers

Seth Thompson

Nance Nytes

14
Bob Baker

Bruce Stille

Brett Christians

29

7
Ethan Anderson

Glenda Closson

21
David Boyum

Amy Fossum

Michael Finger

Gregory McCracken

30
Amelia Reese

Betsy Pedersen

Allene Moesler

Karen Quinnell

Alyssa Tornia

Karen Turner

Julie Salzman

Dan Scharber

31
Dianne Peterson

Lynette Underdahl

Baccalaureate Sunday
St Peter’s will honor it’s Northfield High School graduates during a special Baccalaureate Service on
Sunday, May 18th, at the 10:45 worship service. It will be preceded by a reception in their honor on the Fellowship Hall from 9:30—10:30am. All are invited to attend to celebrate this special milestone with our graduates and their families. Please RSVP to Mary Bleckwehl by Friday, May 9.
The following students will be honored on May 18th:
Alec Babel Andrew Grant Brianna Lepinski Lauren Rasmussen
Lauren Behr Jesse Grant Grace Liebenstein Jordan Saari
Eric Behrens Matthew Hagen-Stowe Haley Loesch Brianna Spittle
Nicole Christiansen Taylor Heckers Jessica Nelson Jared Stowe
Jenna Christians Timmy Heil Jonathan Paulson Kristin Strobel
Robert Clark Nathan Hildahl Claire Louise Perrott Kendra Taylor
Tom Daley Laura Jensen David Picha Ashley Tollefson
Justine Fossum Alex Kaplan Cassandra Pinc Elizabeth Triplett
Jonathan Gilligan Thomas Launer Ashley Quinnell Alex Turner
Meagn Goldstein Siarra Law Rebekka Quinnell Louise Vivant
Growing Up Healthy seeks Neighborhood Leaders
The Growing Up Healthy project is an initiative in Rice County funded by the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota Foundation. Our goal is to help families with children age 5 and under feel more connected to the community, to other families with young children, to available resources for
families, and to their neighborhoods. We are looking for neighborhood leaders to help organize activities, identify concerns of families with young children, and help connect families to resources in the community. If you or someone you know is interested in improving the lives of children and their families – please apply to be a neighborhood leader! For more information, contact Janet Lewis Muth 507-301-8557, or janet@growinguphealthy.org

Northfield Neighborhoods: Viking Terrace, Jefferson Square

Faribault Neighborhoods: Cannon River Park (Hulett), Four Seasons area

Compensation: $1,500 per year stipend
It’s time again for donations for Hazelwood Cemetery. Please contact/send donations to:

Scott Henry
1201 Prairie Street
Northfield, MN 55057
507-645-4904
IT”S SPRING ~ and that means only one thing – another Northfield Church League softball season. Last season saw
St. Peter’s own “Boys of Sumner” fade in the stretch. But it’s a new season…

If you are interested in playing and think you can handle the stress, tension, and pressure of “big-time” church league softball, come join us. We will play most of the 15 other Church teams throughout the 13 week season. We play at
either Babcock or Sechler Field at 5:00, 6:10, or 7:20 p.m. every Sunday throughout the summer. The season opener is Sunday, May 4. Both men and women are welcome and you must be at least 15 years old to play. Please contact Bill Bleckwehl at 645-5028 if you want to play.
Northfield Ecumenical Women to gather at St. Peter’s on May 3

Event will feature performance by Northfield Youth Choirs “Con Brio”

All Northfield women are invited to the ninth annual gathering of Northfield Ecumenical Women at 9:30 on Saturday morning, May 3 at St. Peter’s.  We welcome Northfield Youth Choirs Con Brio, featuring approximately 25 girls in grades four through nine. Singing under the direction of Liz Shepley, the choir will perform “And Nature Smiled” and “Bless the Lord O My Soul.” Donna Rae Scheffert will speak on “Glorifying a Generous Spirit” and there will be a freewill offering to benefit the Fellowship of the Least Coin. Coffee, fruit cup and coffee cake will be served and child care will be available.  Questions?  Please call Hazel Peterson at 645-9276.



Pastor Paul Graham who currently serves a
congregation in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

As a result of our Congregational Meeting on
Sunday, April 13th, the vote was unanimous
to extend a Call to Pastor Paul.

The Synod will send a formal Call Letter to
Pastor Paul and he has 21 days to respond.

Voting unanimously to Call an Associate
Pastor makes a clear statement of the need
for two pastors at St. Peter’s. It is also clear
that all of us will have to be true to our
financial commitment and support
to the ministries at St. Peter’s.

Please pray for Pastor Paul and his family as
they listen to what God is telling them with
their decision to accept this Call.

See you in church – Pastor Craig Ellingboe

Sunday, April 13, 2008 was a very big day in the life of our
congregation! Our Call Committee and our Church Council
presented the name of the Rev. Paul Graham to be our choice for the position of Associate Pastor.

By unanimous vote, Pastor Paul has been selected. A letter of call to him was sent by our Executive Board to Synod headquarters in Rochester, MN. In turn, the Synod headquarters and our Bishop Harold Usgaard will send this letter of call to Pastor Paul for his consideration. He will have 21 days to consider this call and to send his reply back to us. It is our hope and prayer that he will accept that call and in turn will send our congregation a letter noting his acceptance.

When (not “if” because I think positive) Pastor Paul accepts our call, our congregation will arrange his starting date here at
St. Peter’s. I believe we are all excited for that time when Pastor Paul and Kelly and family will join our fellowship!

Here are some things for your consideration: 1) Hold Pastor Paul and Kelly and family in your prayers. 2)We will be getting the
former administration building ready as a parsonage for the
Graham family in the next couple months. There will be some
volunteer opportunities to help with that project. 3) As we
welcome a new pastor and family into our midst, it means that we need to be true to our financial commitment to them as well. The financial backing of the congregation is needed to provide this greater ministry. While we all live by the Word of God, we need to have our daily bread as well. During the vacancy, our expenses were lower for the past year. Now, we must step up financially to make sure that this ministry is supported fully by all who benefit. I am confident all of you will take this to heart.

With joy in the opportunity that lies before us.
Peace, Pastor Craig

Just a Reminder

If you haven’t signed up for “On the Road” with Good Earth Village – there is still time to do so. “On the Road” will be at St. Olaf this year, from August 10-14. “On the Road” is available to kids who have completed 1st through 4th grade. Also, Kindergarteners have the option of going to either VBS or “On the Road”. Registration can either be done by filling out a Registration form or online at www.GoodEarthVillage.org Registration forms are
available at the Welcome Center.

And, parents of preschoolers – Bethel, St. John’s and St. Peter’s will again be hosting a joint VBS for the younger kids on the same dates as “On the Road”. VBS this year will be about “God’s Big Backyard” and will meet for half days at St. John’s. More details will be coming out later this month.

Hope to see you “On the Road” and/or in “God’s Big Backyard”. If you have any questions, please give a call.

Peace,
Laura
Long Range Planning (LRP) - Transforming Church

At the April Council meeting, the Church Council passed a motion to start an exciting project that will transform St. Peter’s.

Kevin Ford is the author of Transforming Church, a book that describes how churches embrace change. Drawn upon his extensive research and engagement with hundreds of churches, Ford has established five areas in which a church can improve. His company has also created a well founded survey that helps churches discover more about themselves.

In February, Pastor Craig, Mike Chapman and Bill Bleckwehl, hosted the author in a conference call to discuss his book and to ask him how he goes about “transforming churches”. It was an enlightening discussion and incented us to suggest this process to the Council.

The first phase of the project, the assessment, will involve the all-congregation survey. Other assessments will
include focus groups and interviews. Phase Two is the strategic planning phase in which two offsite retreats with 25-30 St. Peter’s members will be conducted to create a sense of focus and draft the desired future.

This project will help St. Peter’s craft an exciting and meaningful long range plan. Stay tuned.
In 1956, an international Fellowship Team,
sponsored by Presbyterian Women in the
United States, went to several countries in
the Pacific to study the Bible with women
of Asia as they shared concerns about
healing the hurts of war, and to seek
reconciliation among people whose nations
had been torn by conflict. The divisions
among people and nations became very real
when Shanti Solomomof India could not go
with the team to Korea because two countries did not have diplomatic relations! As she stayed behind in the Philippines, she pondered the need for reconciliation that could reach beyond political boundaries and longed for a way that women everywhere, even those who would never travel, might belong to a worldwide fellowship of faith. As she reflected on these things, she read the story of the widow’s mite and the thought came to her that women everywhere, poor or rich,
educated or illiterate, from rural or cosmopolitan areas— could pray for those in their lands and as a token of prayer for reconciliation and peace, set aside a least coin of their country for a common fund. So, the Fellowship of the Least Coin was born!

Now it is celebrated by millions of women in 70 countries who pray frequently for peace and reconciliation, and after each prayer, set aside a least coin—a penny in the United States— for each prayer prayed. These coins are collected annually and sent to a Common Fund which grants money to women’s
projects all over the world.

The Annual offering for the Fellowship of the Least Coin will
happen on Saturday, May 3rd at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall of
St Peter’s Lutheran Church. All Northfield area women are
encouraged to attend this fun event of fellowship, inspiring program, excellent music, and great food!

 

High School Lock-in

High school Lock-In will be May 30th -31st From 6:00pm Friday night to 8:00am Saturday Morning. For more information, and to sign up, contact Matt
Youth
Worship Service
will be May 4th at both the
8:30am and 10:45am Services.


Middle School and High School Paintball Party is Coming Soon!! Watch the mail for more information!
In the book Frogs Without Legs Can’t Hear Paul Hill and David Anderson cite a study in which seventh through twelfth grade youth were asked “Who or what has had the greatest influence on your faith?” The top two answers in this particular study as well as many other’s like it are
consistently the same. Number one, Mother; and number two Father. The rest of the list consists of additional
people and experience that most would expect, such as Pastor, Youth Director, Grandparent, Church Camp, Youth group and so on. The conclusion that Hill and Anderson draw from this study is that “Faith is formed by the Holy Spirit through personal, trusted relationships.”  This means that while mom and dad may be the top two
influences, the rest of us aren’t off the hook. We all have the ability to influence the faith of our youth, actually we ALL ARE influencing the faith of our youth. The question is, “What influence are we having?”
I have no doubt that we all want our youth to grow up to be strong in their faith and able to handle all that our world throws at them, but we must continually be asking
ourselves, what kind of example are we giving them? We have got to be where we want our kids to be because they'll follow our examples and wind up right where we are.
Better yet, we’ve got to be where we belong so our youth will learn that's where they belong, too.

In Deuteronomy 6, Moses shares God's plan for who should teach God's truths to succeeding generations and how they were to be taught: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the
doorframes of your houses and on your gates" (Deuteronomy 6:6-9).

It's no mistake that our kids grow up to look, act, think, and be like us in so many ways. While similarities in physical
appearance are inherited through the genes, our attitudes,
values, and behaviors are passed from generation to
generation by example. God made it this way. This is
especially true when it comes to faith development and spiritual health.

We all have wishes, dreams, hopes, and desires for what our youth will become. When we dream about our youth's spiritual futures, don't forget they're learning what place spirituality and faith should hold in their lives--from us.

"Children have never been very good at listening to their
elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."
~James Arthur Bladwin
Did you know…
Since 1998 Fair Trade Coffee purchases in the United States have provided an additional $916 million in income to coffee farmers.
Gifts and Memorials
Extended Ministries:
In memory of NORM SEVCIK: John/Jeannie Machacek, Dave/Nancy Topp

Memorials Fund
In memory of NORM SEVCIK: Gary/Marianne Elofson, Maxine Halverson, Frank/Albertina Knudsen, Borris/Joyce
Mokoff, Burton/Donna Paulsen, Donald/Yvonne Pavek, Chris/Marcia Peterson, Bruce/Lori Phelps, Robert/Marilyn Watkins

Mission Endowment Fund
In memory of JOHN LEEDY: Phyllis Swanson
In memory of BURTON PETERSON: Norm/Joyce Boyum, Lynn Catherson, Emery/Nancy Solberg
In memory of NORM SEVCIK: Arly Boyum, Diane Boyum, Helen Peterson, Emery/Nancy Solberg, Phyllis Swanson

Upcoming Events in May

Mother’s Day—May 11
“Honoring a special Lady in Your Life”

Celebration Sunday—
Join us for a fun-filled
education hour!
Parsonage Upgrade
Prior to the arrival of our new Associate
Pastor, considerable work needs to be done to upgrade the parsonage.
Upgrades include: new lighting, new carpeting in the
hallway, new vinyl flooring in the bathroom, new
toilets (up and down), refinishing of some hardwood floors, and patching & painting of the entire interior.
Help is desperately needed to accomplish this work in the short time before the new Pastor and his family
arrive.
We need plumbers, electricians, painters, and cleaners. If you can help in any way, please call any member of the Properties Board (listed below), or Dottie Scharber (645-8252). Work has already begun!

Properties Board:
Rein Lemke ~ 645-5138
Ed Vivant ~ 952-652-2338
Loren Jacobson ~ 663-7738
Troy Nystuen ~ 663-1926
Shirley Shaft ~ 663-6056
Facts and Figures for March
2008 2007
March offerings: $44.932 $31,084
Year to date offerings: $108,603 $94,061

March’s offerings were well ahead of last year. Did Easter falling in March make that big of a difference? Whatever the reason, thank you for your generosity.

Now we are only $11,000 behind our needed offerings for the year. Each week we need to receive almost $10,000 in General Fund offerings at St Peter’s. We are only one
week behind. That is a big improvement from last month.
Thank You for All You Give!

Before throwing out those items or donating them to Goodwill, check our wish list. There is a donation box in the Narthex
Save the Date
Good Earth Village Women’s Day is on June 21, 2008! Look for more information in the June Parish Visitor.
A special Thank You goes
out to all of those
who served on the
Call Committee. The time
and energy they devoted
to this service is
greatly appreciated.