parish messenger “communicating our mission and ministry”

fromthepastor

Dear Friends at St. Peter’s,

As many of you already know, our Director of Worship Ministries, Josh Britton has accepted a call to serve in a similar capacity at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MI. I am thankful for the ministry Josh brought to us during the last five years. His energy, his passion, his enthusiasm, and his love for the Lord were greatly evident in his life and in his ministry. And, the more “behind the scenes” activities of Josh were also of great value: working with our school worship and praise team, mentoring the youth worship and praise team, bringing about improvements to our sanctuary sound system, and enhancing our sanctuary for our Christmas and Easter celebrations are just a few.

Josh, his wife Elizabeth, their daughter Charlotte and their not yet born baby (due in June) will be with us through Sunday, May 17. They will then make their way to Grand Rapids. While we will greatly miss the Brittons, we are excited for this new chapter in their lives and their closer proximity to family, in Flint and Saginaw, MI. Thank you, Josh and Elizabeth, for sharing your lives with us.

In light of Josh’s departure, a team has been formed to begin the search for a new person to be added to our worship staff. Please keep this process in your prayers. Our Executive Director of Ministries, Mike Hinckfoot, will be the point person for this process.

Speaking of Mike, it was one year ago when I announced that Mike had accepted our call to serve at St. Peter’s. Mike has been a great addition to our staff and I am very thankful for him and for his ministry among us. As you tell Josh and Elizabeth “thank you” and “good bye”, I would like to encourage you to tell Mike “thank you” and “good job” as we mark his first year among us. In addition, I hope you will also be able to welcome Mike’s wife, Melissa, who has spent most of this past year with their daughter Leah, back in Colorado, who is approaching her high school graduation before starting college at Indiana Wesleyan in the fall. Melissa and Leah will be making the move to Columbus in late May.

While I’m talking about staff, let me also say that the recent youth night, presenting and explaining the direction of youth ministry was a huge success. There was great participation among our youth as well as their families. The new name for 6th – 8th grade youth ministry is now called TREK and the high school ministry is now known as VENTURE. You’ll be seeing those words on banners, on posters, on t-shirts and other places. We have a great youth leader in Aaron Littmann, who is supported and assisted by his wife Jane. We also have an outstanding team of adults, many who now bear the title “Sherpa” (I could explain that word for those not familiar but I’ll let you look it up or ask someone what that means in the St. Peter’s context) who are committed to walking alongside our youth. If you know of young people who aren’t yet connected to TREK or VENTURE be sure to encourage them to check it out.

As our 40 Days of Fasting and Prayer have come to an end, in relation to our 20/20 Vision and ministry opportunities, our church council has begun to unpack the results of these 40 days. They are listening to those who are sharing their insights and would love to hear from you if you have thoughts to share. The plan is not to drag our feet but also not to run ahead of where we believe God is leading.

Lastly, as the weekend of May 3 will bring us to the end of our series on Psalm 46, we will start a new series the first weekend of June on what the scriptures say to us about what Luther called “vocation.” The word “vocation” means “calling” and we’ll be talking about the calling God has given to each of us in our different “stations” of life. I’ll be sharing more as we come closer to June.

May God richly bless your month of May and I’ll look forward to seeing you in worship and beyond.

In Jesus’ Love,

Mark Teike

St. Peter’s Lutheran Columbus, Indiana

May2015 Volume 115, Number 5

specialevents

May 2 Child Protection Program

May 3 Mossy Foot Lunch

May 5 Child Protection Program

May 9 Pre-Marriage Seminar

May 16 First Communion Instruction

May 17 First Communion Instruction

May 26 Baptism Instruction Class

May 29 8th Grade Graduation

May 31 Elder Prayer & Healing Service

June 6 Child Protection Program

June 9 Child Protection Program

June 15 Vacation Bible School

June 23 Baptism Instruction Class

whatsinside Children’s Ministry Discipleship CPP Outreach & Missions Stephen Ministry Youth

Employment Support Ministry Care Ministry News & Notes School Ministry Worship Schedule Contact Us Financial Report Official Acts

Sunday Radio Broadcast

Listen@ 6:30pm on WYGS

(Your Gospel Station) on 88.1, 89.1 & 91.1

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children’s ministry

Discipleship Opportunities SUNDAY SCHOOL

Parent’s & Twos Class Room 2145 Ages 3-Kindergarten Room 2131

Elementary Grades 1-5 Room 2264

Wednesday Night Kid Connection 6:30-7:45pm

Nursery & Pre-School Room 2131 Elementary in 2264

JAM Please join us for JAM (Jesus and Me). This is a group for mothers or care-takers and their children, ages 2-5 years old. We normally meet in the Children's Ministry area, select Friday mornings from 9-11am. During this time, children have a chance to play with their friends, hear a story about Jesus and possibly do a craft. The remaining meetings will take place on April 24th and May 2nd, both in the Children's Ministry area. We are also planning "JAM on the Farm" May 22nd, location TBD. Please call Natalie Donner at 603-1718 with any questions.

Baptism Class - Tuesday, May 26 at 7pm. Are you interested in being baptized or having your child baptized? Please call the church office 372-1571 x 2138 if you plan to attend our baptism class. You must attend this class 2 weeks prior to the desired baptism date.

Be a disciple that teaches others to do the same.

Teach our children about being a disciple through many experiences:

Nursery (during any service time) Be a ministry partner in serving in the nursery 1 time per month. Our very young loves to be cared for by amazing people who love them. Contact Karen Clark at karclark@stpeters-columbus.org or 812-372-1571 x2136.

Kids Church @10:45-12:15 Assist or teach children ages 4 thru Kindergarten the Word in a FUN active way.

Sunday School Small Group Leader Sundays of the school year 9:30-10:30am Guide our children through bible lessons, games, and activities.

Kid Connection Wednesday Nights during the school year 6:30-7:45pm. Guide our children through bible lessons, games, and activities.

June 15-18 9am – Noon. Ages 4-5th grade completed

Embark on an icy expedition where kids overcome obstacles with God's awesome power. Anchor kids in rock-solid Bible truths that will

guide them through life's challenges. .

A special expedition is planned for the 4th & 5th graders on Wednesday June17.

Permission & medical release forms are required. A special Sherpa guide will join us Find those online or at the kiosk.

……WE’VE GONE DIGITAL….. Sign up to serve and or register your child at www.groupvbspro/vbs/ez/stpeterscolumbus OR at the kiosk in the narthex. Must be 6th grade or older to serve. 210 + people are needed to guide our children through the Everest journey.

New friends, Amazing experiments, Glacier games, Lip-smacking

snacks, Surprising adventures, & Incredible music not to be missed!

Thursday Night June 18 at 7pm worship, we will have Walter Glover a man of God who has climbed to Everest base camp.

He will be sharing his trek in conquering challenges with God’s mighty power. Complete with Blizzards.

Any questions contact Karen Clark at karclark@stpeters-columbus.org

or 812-372-1571 x2136 or Kathy Peters at kpeters@stpeters-columbus.org

or 812-372-1571 x2322

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discipleship ministry

Living Life Together Small Groups In a large church, finding a

smaller group of friends to share life together is important. Small groups are valuable places to study God’s Word, but also to cultivate loving relationships. These “life groups” offer a chance to get to know others well and live out our Christian life together. Several small groups are now available on Sunday morning or Wednesday night. If you need to be connected with a small group or if you have a small group that could fit a few more participants, then contact George.

(812) 372-1571 x2128 gdenholm@stpeters-columbus.org

Spring Sunday Education We are encouraging everyone to be involved in this opportunity to be Rooted in Christ.

Adult Sunday Education New classes for Spring Quarter run through May 17.

Bible Investigation Class (continued) Mark Teike – Room 2161

This class is the first step in our new member series, but it is also a great review of basic Christian doctrine. This will include the topics of creation, redemption, prayer, and more.

MULTIPLY: Transforming Lives and Growing God's Kingdom! Joe & Lisa Lohmeyer – Room 5102

Joe and Lisa are ready to set sail on a new adventure - but not to a Caribbean island this time! We will be discovering how to join God for the adventure of a lifetime as we explore what it means to be a true follower of Jesus. This will be in a small group atmosphere, and not for the faint of heart, since Joe's the captain and Jesus is the Admiral. Come ready for a wild ride!

History of the Christian Church John Rajanayakam – Choir/Band Room 2122

With all the media discussion of Islam, what it is and what it is not, the Christian church is often demonized for things it has done in the past. Come and explore the history of the Christian Church as it grew from a small scared few in the catacombs of Rome to the multifaceted organization it is today.

Parenting Karen Clark – Room 2139

Raising children to be loving disciples of Jesus isn’t an easy thing in a sinful world that keeps trying to force its values into our Christian families. Join Karen in this study and learn to parent like a champ.

DivorceCare – Mark Dougherty – Room 5104 Divorce affects everyone involved. Come to this study and

support group if you have been affected by divorce.

Gospel of John (continued) Mike Malinsky – Room 2164

Jesus clearly claimed to be God! In a multi-cultural world, His claim to be “The Way, The Truth, and The Life” is one that all Christians need to remember. In a combination of video and class interaction, we will examine the life of Jesus as recorded by the Apostle John.

Wednesday Nite Connections Wednesday Nite Connections will run through May 20. Please join us for fellowship and spiritual growth!

Dinner 5:15 -6:00 pm

Classes 6:00-6:55 pm

Worship 7:00-7:45 pm

Classes in Winter: Gospel of John – Pastor Mike Malinsky – Room 2164 Caring Community – all year – Church Library (2163) CrossSpan – Room 2161 Angels of Hope – Parlor Room (off Narthex) Youth (6th-12th) – all year – Youth Lounge Kidconnection (1st-5th) – Room 2264 God’s Garden (birth-K) – Room 2123

LifeLight LifeLight is a Bible study format developed by our Lutheran publishing company Concordia. It involves some individual daily reflection on God’s Word then a group meeting to share. Contact Bob Bense at 342-4530 or George Denholm 372-1571 x2128 for more information.

child protection program

Safety first! Our policy keeps kids safe – it keeps workers safe from liability – it keeps our congregation safe from accidents and abuse. It’s about safety! We want to make sure that all those who lead, supervise, or interact with children act safely and in a Christian

manner. We want to equip chaperons and leaders to make wise decisions and respond to unusual situations appropriately. This requires a brush-up every few years! All those who work with children at St. Peter’s must be certified in our Child Protection Program. Upcoming training dates are:

Saturday, May 2, 10:00-11:45am

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30-8:15pm

** in conjunction with VBS

Wednesday, May 20, 6:00-7:00pm

Thursday, May 21, 8:45-9:45am

Saturday, June 6, 10:00-11:45am

Tuesday, June 9, 6:15-7:15pm

** moved from standard date because of holiday

Please call ahead to 372-1571 x2128 to reserve a spot! Applications can be submitted directly to George Denholm or left at the front desk to be given to him.

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outreach ministry

Upcoming 3rd Sunday Offerings May 17: Bright Stars of Bethlehem

June 21: Mission Resource

3rd Sunday Offering In March we gathered our offerings for the ministry of Talitha Cumi, part of the overall mission of India Transformed. Talitha Cumi helps destitute women go through garment making training during a 6 month process. They also learn of the love of Jesus as they go through training. Many thanks for the very generous offering of $4,612, which will cover the costs of 13 women to be fully trained!

Mossy Foot Lunch Sunday, May 3

Cafeteria/Gym

10:30am to 1pm

Chinese Food/Soups

Funds For Mossy Foot Disease In Ethiopia

Mossy Foot Donations Baked goods are needed for the Mossy Foot meal on May 3 from 10:30-1:30. Call Clare Wolske at 812.343.6646 if you'd like to help.

stephen ministry

How Stephen Ministers are Different from Friends Friends are usually well-meaning, but their advice may not always be helpful. Some friends can be condescending, and even ask how you could have ended up this way, implying that you are at fault! Not all bad things that happen to us are our fault! Consider the plight of Job. In Job chapters 1 and 2, God allowed Satan to test Job with all manner of bad things. Job lost his children and his flocks, and his body was covered in sores. Then Job’s friends came by and asked him what he had done wrong! Has that ever happened to you in your life? When you are hurting and your need is made known to Stephen Ministry, a Stephen Minister will come along side of you and listen to you. Stephen Ministers have undergone 50 hours of training so that they will allow you to share your grief and misfortune in a caring environment. Stephen Ministers are not judgmental; they do not assume that any misfortune you may be experiencing is your fault. Nor do they tell you what you need to do. When you are hurting, don’t burden your friends, who may not know how to help you. Instead, ask for a Stephen Minister, who has been trained to walk along beside you and to support you in your time of trial. To learn more about how Stephen Ministry can help you, call April Niewedde at 812-521-6068, or call Pastor Galligar at 812-372-1571 x2132, or pick up a brochure at the Stephen Ministry bulletin board in the hallway outside of the church offices.

youth ministry

Venture Youth Nights May 3rd: Join us in the Youth Room from 6:00 – 8:00 PM for Fun, Food, Games, and Worship! May 17th: This youth night will feature our graduating Seniors. All Sr. High students are invited to join us from 6:00 – 8:00 PM as we have our Senior Anointing Youth Night to send them out with a blessing. On this night, 8th graders will also be invited to attend to get a taste of the Venture ahead of them. May 31st: END OF THE YEAR PARTY! More information coming soon!

Sr. High Mission Trip Mark Your Calendars: June 14th: Participants going to North Carolina should attend the 8AM Worship Service for their Commisioning. At 5 PM that evening there will be a training event followed

by a celebration party. Be on the lookout for more details as this trip is right around the coner!

Trek Youth Nights May 17th: This youth night will feature our graduating 8th graders. All 6th-8th grades are invited to attend from 3:30 – 5:30PM as we have our 8th Grade Anointing Youth Night to send them out with a blessing. Following this anointing, 8th graders will also be invited to attend Venture Youth Night from 6:00- 8:00PM to get a taste of the Venture ahead of them. May 31st: END OF THE YEAR PARTY! More information coming soon!

Deadline to submit articles:

June Parish Messenger: Wednesday, May 13

Email to: Rachel Williams at

rwilliams@stpeters-columbus.org

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employment support ministry

Gloomy Jobs Report Turns Good Friday Bad Slowing Job Growth Tests The U.S. Economy

The U.S. Department of Labor monthly employment report is one of the most watched sets of data by economists and policy makers alike. It is a prime indicator of our nation’s economy, the world’s largest. Data released on April 3rd, Good Friday, revealed that growth in non-farm payrolls slowed to 126,000. This was the weakest hiring in 15 months. The sharp hiring deceleration in March ended a more than yearlong stretch of improving, albeit slowly, job creation. With hiring estimates for January and February revised downward, job growth averaged only 197,000 per month during the first quarter. This is far below the 300,000 new positions required monthly to keep the economy on a positive growth curve. Even though the unemployment rate remained at 5.5 percent, that number only tells half the story. When out of work individuals who have exhausted their benefits, or who did not qualify for them at all, are combined with people working part time at one or more jobs and those who have given up seeking work, the true rate is approximately double. Other closely watched gauges of consumer spending such as capital investment and manufacturing output have also slumped in recent months. A strong dollar is restraining U.S. export and could continue to drag down broader growth some economics note. “The recovery is not as robust as was assumed” said Megan Greene, chief economist at John Hancock Asset Management. “The jobs data is finally catching up to the rest of the indicators.” While some of the sluggishness can be chalked up to harsh winter weather, a similar situation existed last year. However, at that time the economy quickly rebounded and the labor market set off on a 12-month stretch of job creation. This year the hiring decline occurred across most sectors. Employment fell in construction, manufacturing, mining, domestic oil production and government. Additionally, the labor force participation rate trickled down in March to 67.8 percent, matching the lowest level since 1978. What does this mean to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church? Let’s do the math. Subtracting members who are retired, in school, children, and those who are unable to work because of disabilities, assume 1,000 employable individuals. At the published rate of 5.5 percent this means 55 people who belong to SPLC are out of work. Using the more accurate number of 11 percent takes that figure 110 individuals with whom you worship who have no job – but who still have to live. Put another way, one person in every pew needs a job. That also means an approximately one-quarter million dollar drop in contributions to our congregation. But God’s blessings continue. Just as God allows a job to be lost, He also provides hope in the form of job search assistance from YOUR Employment Support Ministry. A key component of that help is networking assistance from you. That is a major reason why 180 people who sought assistance have now landed new jobs. Please add this prayer of thanksgiving to your daily conversations with our great and glorious Savior.

care ministry update

Transitions… To review the last couple of months, our previous Care Ministry Department has grown into two new departments: Pastoral Care, led by Pastor Galligar, and LifeWorks, led by Jan Kiel.

Pastoral Care….

LifeWorks comprises three distinct areas of ministry: Relief, Life Design, and Community Engagement. Relief Many of us might be unaware of the degree to which St. Peter’s is a beacon of hope and help to those in a time of immediate financial need. Members of our congregation, as well as people in our community have experienced the love of Jesus through us at times when it seemed there was no light at the end of the tunnel. How does this happen? Have you ever noticed the “Alms” box on the wall in the narthex? In the early church, “alms” were gifts given beyond the tithe to help those in need. Today, many faithful people at St. Peter’s give “alms,” either in the Alms box, or as a separate gift in the offering plate designated “Alms.” This money is then prayerfully and carefully shared with those of us who encounter unplanned financial difficulty. Consider these situations in which people have experienced Jesus’ love through us:

an unexpected job loss in which some help with bills was needed until a new job was found

the woman who was blessed by our being able to assist her in flying to the funeral of her son who died unexpectedly

one who needs temporary help with the cost of needed medicine until benefits or insurance is able to pay

one whom we are able to help with unexpected auto expenses so he is able to continue getting to work, and hence, maintain his employment

It is often humbling to need financial help. Because of the generosity of so many at St. Peter’s who give to the Alms Fund, we are able to graciously receive people in the midst of their need and are able to confidentially respond. The RELIEF ministry of LifeWorks receives and extends God’s love to people who have an immediate financial need. We also extend an invitation to walk alongside the person if the financial need appears as if it could be ongoing. If you ever find yourself needing RELIEF or if you have a desire to be a first responder to provide hope for someone needing RELIEF, connect with LifeWorks!

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news & notes

“

Thank You Notes We would like to thank all those who volunteered their time over

this past school year to help out with coaching or volunteering to help out our athletic program here at St Peters. Anyone interested in coaching for St Peters during the 2015-16 school year please contact Tony Wittman at twittman@stpeters-columbus.org.

Many thanks to Bev Pence for her hard work and beautiful job on the Lenten/Easter display in the garden by the cafeteria. It was a wonderful addition to our grounds for the season.

Many thanks to our St. Peter’s family for your prayers and many meals given to us during Dolores’ recent illness. We missed worshipping with you on Thursdays and plan to rejoin you in worship as soon as possible. The food was wonderful. Dolores is regaining weight & strength for which we are thankful. The tasty food has also helped Dick put on a few pounds which are not really needed. Thanks also to Pastor Patrick and others who visited & shared prayer with us. We are very thankful for your care, concern, & prayers. Dolores & Dick Tremain

I cannot thank you enough for the continued support of my education. As I get closer to graduation I appreciate more and more the firm foundation St. Peter’s has been for me through Christ. I know that God has many wonderful plans for me and I will always be thankful for my home at St. Peter’s. God’s Blessings, Geordie Denholm

17th Annual Face to Face Golf Outing Tuesday, June 9, at Otter Creek Golf Course, Columbus

Your $125 donation includes lunch, dinner, tee prizes, entry into the tourney, and a chance for all major and door prizes.

The scramble will be played taking the best shot of the four players for every shot played. There will be only one best score for each hole per group. Women will tee off from the red tees. Everyone else will tee off from the blues. Over 60 will play from the whites. Players may play in any order, but should be careful not to hole in their finishing putt on each hole until everyone in the group has putted for the best possible score. The first ball holed is the score for the group. Each person’s drive must be used at least three times.

Contact Face to Face for more information at (812) 390-7949 or our website at www.facetofaceradio.com.

Christian Service Guild May Meeting: On May 14 the women of CSG will have an outing to Simmons Winery for lunch at 11:30am. Let's pool rides and head to 8111 E. 450 N, Columbus, for fabulous food, fun, and fellowship! This is our last time to meet together until September. Sharing Jesus' Love and Comfort: We'd love to have you be part of this caring ministry. If you'd like to occasionally provide food or help serve a luncheon to families after the funeral of their loved one, please contact Vivian, 712-369-9690.

Gluten Free Communion Wafers Needed? Is this keeping you from receiving Communion? If so, please contact Mary Fischer at extension 2318.

Confirmation? Discipleship? St. Peter’s works in partnership with parents to guide their children in their faith walk. Our school, children’s ministry, and youth ministry provide age appropriate spiritual growth opportunities. The Rite of Confirmation is a hotly discussed topic, both at St. Peter’s, but also in Lutheran churches around the country. Many churches are examining their instruction process to prepare youth to make a Confirmation of their Baptismal faith to make it more relevant to today’s youth, but to remain faithful to our historic doctrinal roots in Scripture. Our current instruction for teen Confirmation includes several paths for families to choose:

6th and 7th graders learn with their parents on weekends with large group presentation and small group discussion.

Families of 6th, 7th, or 8th graders study with their children or join with other families in a small group format.

High school students study together with a leader in a small group format.

The Rite of Confirmation is being celebrated for our 9th grade students on Saturday of Reformation weekend. This year that is October 31 at 10:00 am. Information meetings for 4th and 5th grade parents to begin considering this process are scheduled:

Saturday, May 2 from 5:00-5:45 pm in the Choir room. Sunday, May 3 from noon-12:45 pm in the Choir room. Thursday, May 7 from 6:00-6:45 pm in the Choir room.

Anyone else who would like to know more or share an opinion is invited to attend.

First Communion Instruction St. Peter’s believes that our Lord Jesus has given us a precious gift in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. In order to honor our Lord, we ask people to examine themselves before communing using a guide available in our pews. We also train our youth before they receive the Sacrament for the first time. We make this available to our youth as early as 5th grade. Two more trainings are being planned:

Saturday, May 16, 9am to 2pm –or–

Sunday, May 17, Noon to 5pm

The celebration for these trainings will be at all services on May 28-31. Email George at gdenholm@stpeters-columbus.org to reserve a spot in one of the trainings.

LWML News

BOUNTIFUL! Sow-Nourish-Reap The Time is NOW… to register for the LWML Convention, June 25-28, 2015, in Des Moines, Iowa. Be fed by God’s Word & Sacrament. Be nurtured through worship & fellowship. Be equipped to sow, nourish & reap in the Father’s field. Registration forms & more can be found at www.lwml.org. We can’t wait to see you there!

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school ministry

8th Grade Graduates

The season of life for our 8th graders is changing as they move from the end of their grade school years at St. Peter’s to the beginning of their high school years. While seasons in life change, we have a God who does not change. His love for us remains constant and His promises certain. We pray that the loving arms of our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, will guide and direct our graduates as they continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior!

We congratulate the 2015 graduating class of St. Peter’s Lutheran School:

Abshire, Caleb Abraham, Jenna Bare, Keenan Bowers, Adam Cloteaux, Servane Davis, Maggie Czereszko, Solomon Eisenmenger, Zach Day, Chloe Kestler, Noah Eisenmenger, Isiah Kiel, Jacob Forbes, Riley Klopfenstein, Collin Kelly, Cameron Lewis, Abby Maddaloni, Cassie Massey, TJ Rodger, Devon Mudge, Hailey Ronsheim, Falesha Perez, Amaia Springhor, Jarrett Sitterding, Jacob Wart, Hunter Spurgeon, Adam Wieneke, Evan Stull, Savannah Williams, Conner Westbrook, Christina We also celebrate with the following students for earning special honors:

Valedictorian: Jenna Abraham

Salutatorian: Collin Klopfenstein & Cameron Kelly

Class Motto: Chloe Day

Congratulations, graduates!

2015/2016 School Enrollment Info Re-enrollment and new student enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year continues to be open. We look forward to another fantastic year at St. Peter’s as we strive to first and foremost faithfully teach about Jesus Christ, provide an outstanding academic program, and partner with parents to make our school be the best that it can possibly be. So far, we have over 415 students enrolled! At this time, we are looking forward to having three first grade classrooms, three fourth grade classrooms, and three fifth grade classrooms. All other grade levels will have two classrooms. God is good! Please remember that June 1 is the start date of the Tithing Option and August 1 or 15 is the first payment due date for those choosing the Scaled Tuition plan. Please call the school office at 372-5266 if you have any questions. Thank you for your support!

PTL News We thank our Parent Teacher League (PTL) for all of their support this school year. It is awesome to have such a dedicated group of parents walking along side our School Ministry. As we close out our school year, our PTL will sponsor our all-school cookout. We look forward to continued support from this super group of parents!

ISTEP+ Testing The multiple choice portion of ISTEP+ will be administered April 27 through May 8. Please keep our students in your prayers throughout this important time of testing.

Last Day of School – May 29 We built a 183 day school calendar this year, which means that we were not required to make up the first three snow days. We were, however, required to make up the fourth and fifth snow day, which were made up over Spring Break. Therefore, our last day of school remains May 29, as originally scheduled.

Closing Chapel Service All are welcome to join us for our closing chapel service, which will occur at 1:20pm on May 29. As we started our school year in worship, it is certainly appropriate to end our school year in worship, giving thanks to God for another great year. We will also distribute special awards to recognize our students who have excelled in various areas of education.

8th Grade Graduation The last day of school ends with our 8th grade graduation at 6:30pm. All are encouraged to join us in celebrating this important event in the life of our graduates.

Upcoming Dates to Remember Apr 27 – May 8 ISTEP+ Testing

May 7-8 6th Grade Outdoor Education

May 7 National Day of Prayer

May 9 Solar Car Competition

May 13 May Baptismal Birthday Celebration (1:20pm)

May 15 Kindy 500 (9:00am)

May 19-21 Algebra ECA Exam

May 20 Summer Baptismal Birthday Celebration (1:20pm)

May 24-28 8th Grade Washington DC Trip

May 25 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day

May 26-27 7th Grade Cincinnati Trip

May 28 All School Cookout

May 29 Last Day of School

May 29 8th Grade Graduation (6:30pm)

The purpose of St. Peter’s Lutheran School is to equip children to be responsible, productive adults in the 21st Century, who above all else, love Jesus.

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NNeeww MMeemmbbeerrss ((MMaayy 22001155))

Yates, Jenny and Archer Cantrell moved to Columbus 5 years ago from South Carolina. They work for Tyler Technologies. Archer is in Mrs. Tipmore’s kindergarten class. They like camping and outdoor activities.

Gary, Brenda and Adam Everroad Gary is Vice President at River Valley Financial Bank in Seymour and enjoys reading and sports. Brenda is a stay-at-home mom. She enjoys spending time with family, physical fitness activities and music. Adam is in 4th grade at St. Peter’s and enjoys sports of all kinds and singing.

Chris, Sara, Abby and Drew Jacobi Chris is a home inspector with Excellent Home Inspection Services. He enjoys cycling. Sara is a CPA at Blue and Co. She enjoys photography and is a 5th grade Cheer Coach. Abby is in 5th grade and enjoys gymnastics, cheer and volleyball. Drew is in 2nd grade and enjoys Cub Scouts and basketball. They are Purdue Fans!

Matt, Alyssa, Ethan, Nora and Bree Lovell Matt is a physician at Southern Indiana Orthopedics, Alyssa is a part-time physician at Doctor’s Park Family Medicine. They enjoy being outside, playing soccer and being together as a family.

Andy and Jenny Montgomery were married at St. Peter’s in 2013. Andy is a 5th grade teacher at St. Peter’s and Jenny works in marketing at Elwood Staffing. They are expecting their first child in July 2015.

Dustin and Makenzie O’Neal. Dustin is an EBU Net Promoter Score Program Manager at Cummins. Makenzie is a Physical Therapist at Therapy Works. They both were born and raised in Seymour. They both love football. Go Colts!

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Please remove this page and place it in your church directory for future reference

Tony, Tricia, Austin, Reid and Quinton Perry They moved to Columbus 2 years ago.Tony is in sales for Herff Jones and Tricia is in sales for Questar Pharmaceuticals. She is a sister to Drew Denny. Austin plays soccer and basketball. Reid plays baseball and soccer.

David Ruthmansdorfer enjoys the peace and quiet of Brown County. He also enjoys teaching a bible study for adults with learning disabilities in Columbus.

Tiffany Scheidt was invited to St. Peter’s by her husband Chris. She is a TDA Specialist Team Leader at Cummins. She enjoys playing volleyball and spending time with family.

Phil, Melissa, Grace and Katie Smith Phil is a signalman for CSX Railroad. He enjoys hunting and fishing. Melissa is a legal assistant for the Prosecutors office. She enjoys reading and cooking. Grace is 5 years old and enjoys swimming. Katie is 2 years old and enjoys gymnastics.

David and Chris Sullivan were invited to St. Peter’s by Jason Palmer. David is a manager at County Gas in Bloomington. Chris is an RN at CRH in the ER. They have 5 children and 3 granddaughters. They love to travel and spend time with their family.

Ashley and Elijah Tyree, Zeus Merino Ashley is a Medical Assistant/Certified Coder for American Health Network. Elijah is 9 years old and Zeus is 7 years old. They enjoy camping, gardening and tending their small flock of layer chickens.

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Contact Us Church Office ........................................................ (812) 372-1571 School Office ......................................................... (812) 372-5266 Care Ministry Office ............................................... (812) 372-1571 Church Fax ........................................................... (812) 373-5583 School Fax ............................................................ (812) 372-7556 Web .............................................. www.stpeterscolumbus.org

Staff Leaders

Mark Teike................................. Office: 372-1571 x2146 Senior Pastor ................. mteike@stpeters-columbus.org

Mike Hinckfoot .......................... Office: 372-1571 x2134 Executive Director .... mhinckfoot@stpeters-columbus.org

Josh Britton .............................. Office: 372-1571 x2323 Worship Ministry .......... jbritton@stpeters-columbus.org

Karen Clark .............................. Office: 372-1571 x2136 Early Childhood/Nursery…karclark@stpeters-columbus.org

George Denholm ...................... Office: 372-1571 x2128

Discipleship ................ gdenholm@stpeters-columbus.org

Patrick Galligar ......................... Office: 372-1571 x2132

Pastoral Care Ministry ... pgalligar@stpeters-columbus.org

Jan Kiel ..................................... Office: 372-1571 x2020 LifeWorks........................... jkiel@stpeters-columbus.org

Aaron Littmann ........................ Office: 372-1571 x2130

Youth Director ......... alittmann@stpeters-columbus.org

Mike Malinsky .......................... Office: 372-1571 x2305

Outreach .................. mmalinsky@stpeters-columbus.org

Kathy Peters ............................ Office: 372-1571 x2322 Children’s Ministry ....... kpeters@stpeters-columbus.org

Scott Schumacher ................... Office: 372-5266 x2155

School Principal .... sschumacher@stpeters-columbus.org

Worship Schedule Thursday, 7:00pm Classical Praise Saturday, 6:00pm New Song Sunday, 8:00am Classical Praise Sunday, 10:45am New Song

Official Acts: March 2015

INFANT/CHILDREN BAPTISMS Elijah Gene Tyree Zeus Alexander Merino Annelise Claire Bense Shea Wyatt Noble

ADULT BAPTISM Brittany Ortman WEDDING Monica Wills and Jon Griffith FUNERALS Charlotte L. Stahl Jo Ann Growe Wilma C. Bryant (non-member) Michael D. Harden (non-member) Delores G. Trueblood (non-member) William E. Stockelman

The Monthly Parish Messenger is printed each month of the year by St. Peter’s Lutheran, 719 Fifth Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201, a congregation of The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. The newsletter is mailed to congregation members; request a copy through the office.

Financial Report:

Budget: March 2015 March 2015 YTD YTD Actual Budgeted Actual Budget Income $534,532 $531,510 $3,852,228 $3,875,580 Expenses $439,956 $444,271 $3,836,066 $3,780,564 Net Income/Loss $94,576 $87,239 $16,162 $95,016