March Grapevine

March 2010

3rd Sunday During Lent - March 7
Isaiah 55:1-9 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9

Rev. Fredrick Gross
Guest Pastor

10:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Bilingual Service Holy Communion

4th Sunday During Lent - March 14
Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Rev. Fredrick Gross
Guest Pastor

10:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Bilingual Service Holy Communion

5th Sunday During Lent - March 21
Isaiah 43:16-21 Philippians 3:4b-14
John 12:1-8

Rev. Fredrick Gross
Guest Pastor

10:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Bilingual Service Holy Communion

Passion/Palm Sunday - March 28
Isaiah 50:4-9a Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 22:1-23:56

Rev. Fredrick Gross
Guest Pastor

10:00 AM Sunday School
10:00 AM Bilingual Service Holy Communion

"ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME"
SHARE WITH US
Leave as a Friend!”

OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES FOR
March and April

"For God So Loved The World"
Everyone Is Invited To Participate!

March 28 - April 4

PALM SUNDAY
March 28th
10:00 AM Service

GOOD FRIDAY
April 2nd
7:00 PM Service

EASTER SUNDAY
April 4th
10:00 AM Service

Other Important Days in March

Joseph, Guardian of Jesus
March 19, 2010

Annunciation of Our Lord
March 25, 2010

Lenten Healing Prayer^{^®}
Author Believed Unknown

Father, I belong to you.
I place myself anew in your hands
and acknowledge you as Master
and Lord of my life.
Grant me the gift of a forgiving heart,
and cleanse me of any anger,
hostility, or revenge.
Heal my hurts and teach me
to rely on your love.
Grant me wisdom of heart
and strengthen me by your grace,
to move on in faith, in trust, and in love.

Thank you, Lord;
for your love in my life.

IMAGES OF THE SEASON
copyright 2010 Augsburg Fortress and our Webmaster
Used by permission of the same

CELEBRATING LENT WITH CHILDREN

For adults, the disciplines of Lent--fasting, prayer, and works of love--can help us as we renew our faith and become more aware of the role that Jesus plays in our lives. For children, the focus of Lent is a little more difficult to define. In chronological terms alone, it is difficult for young children to reconcile an infant Jesus just born on Christmas Day with an adult Jesus now moving toward the cross. As children age, the pattern of worship, readings, and prayer during Lent becomes predictable, and they are better able to understand and appreciate the simple and spare worship services that help us focus on Christ's journey to the cross.
Children are fascinated with the stories and lives of Jesus and his disciples, and they appreciate knowing that they, too, can be disciples, or followers, of Jesus. Helping them to know this is key to faith development. Involve children in as many parts as you can of the worship services you celebrate at your church during Lent. Many congregations hold midweek worship in addition to the regular Sunday schedule. How can midweek worship differ in its approach and still engage children and people of all ages? Can you include drama or puppetry? Can the format be casual, with a simple soup supper preceding worship? Can the theme or focus be a symbol that both young and old can identify with? How can worship be innovative in a way that meets people anew while honoring familiar patterns that connect them to a community and a history?

When planning Lenten worship, hesitate before eliminating anything that may seem too complex for children. Never underestimate the depth of faith that young children have. Jesus said that those who want to belong to God's kingdom must believe as children do. Their faith is deep.

Ideas for the Forty Days of Lent

Children learn with their whole bodies. Teach them--along with the whole assembly--to make the sign of the cross at the invocation ("In the name of the Father), during the

announcement of forgiveness, at the final blessing, or when coming to receive communion. Use a simple cross symbol (the plus sign works fine) in the text of the worship bulletin or projected on a screen as a visual reminder or cue that even nonreaders can identify.

Put together a simple booklet of prayers that can be used by families during Lent. Include suggestions for prayer postures (for example, joining hands around the table, holding hands in front of the body with upturned palms) or provide drawings of simple signs for Jesus, love, "thank you," and others using American Sign-Language.

Encourage families to fill a cookie jar or other container that sits on a kitchen counter with pretzels to share during Lent. The first pretzel shape was created by a monk who used a simple prayer posture of crossing your arms over your chest and resting your hands on your shoulders while you pray.

Make and bake pretzels to share after worship, or to serve with a simple soup supper at midweek worship. Find a simple pretzel recipe (readily available online), or use frozen bread dough and follow the package directions for thawing and baking times.

Plan a family event to make Lenten home kits. During the event, explain the symbols, colors, and meaning of Lent. Let each family decorate a simple box to hold their family symbols: a piece of purple cloth, a simple wooden cross, a candle, a small bowl to hold water for baptismal remembrance. Symbols associated with the last days of Jesus' life might also be included: a palm branch, small bowl or dish to represent the foot washing basin, bread and grapes or wine to represent the last supper, a grapevine wreath to represent a crown of thorns.

Take a walk and trim or prune palms, ferns, or other green branches to use during a Palm Sunday procession through, around, and into the church building on Palm Sunday. Sing "Hosanna" as you do!

Reprinted from Sundays and Seasons,
copyright 2007
Used by permission of
Augsburg Fortress.

From Our:
Church Council President
March 2010

The Olan Mills Church Partnership

To all Congregation Members,

Hopefully you have read the brochure information about Olan Mills. The Church Council had the opportunity to meet with their representatives on December 20^th and was extremely impressed with what Olan Mills has to offer to St Peters Church. The Council has voted to participate with this offer so let us explain what this means to our Church.

Olan Mills is willing to produce an entire color produced directory for our church that includes:

Portrait pictures of our members
Portrait pictures of our members family’s

Group pictures to include our members
serving such as:

Kirchenchor
Bible Study
Confirmation Class
Bell Choir
Seniorenkreis
Seniorenchor
Church Council
Worship and Music

Activity Pages from pictures we have taken
during our events such as:

Bake Sale
Spring and Fall Dinner events
Church Picnic
Carpathia Christmas event
Our Church History, Vision and Mission

Each member of the Church that participates will receive FREE, one complete bound Color directory. Each member will also receive a FREE 8x10 color picture from their portrait sitting.

We have arranged two Studio portrait settings for:. March 3^rd and March 4^th from 2 to 9 pm.

I thank you in the name of our Church Council !
St. Peter’s Church Council
Larry Kracker
Congregation President

Our Call Committee
Up Dates and News

We have been meeting after Sunday's services in February to prepare the "Ministry Site Profile" required by the ELCA to post this on their website for Pastor's that are looking another Church.

This document is intended for use by congregations and church-related organization that are seeking to call an ordained roistered minister.

Our call committee is in the final summary and reviewing this document and will turn over to our Church Council to approve it and bring to the congregation early in March for the acceptance and to send to the ELCA to list this online.

March Events:
March 14th
After Church Service
Table Talk For
Congregation Approval

God's work - Our hands
* * *
Skip The Coffee
Feed The Hungry
www.elca.org

Many are familiar with the tradition of giving something up during Lent. Last year, Pastor Steve Biegner of Zion Lutheran Church in Clarence Center, N.Y., decided to add something to his Lenten tradition. For 40 days, he stopped drinking coffee. And in its place, he gave whatever money he normally spent to support ELCA World Hunger.

“What does giving up coffee have to do with my relationship with God?” Pastor Steve asked. “Nothing. But focusing on the problem of hunger does. It helps ‘enlighten my eye’ to the ongoing problem.”

He placed a large, empty pickle jar outside the sanctuary of his church and asked others to join him. Each day, members of the congregation would sacrifice their favorite morning beverage and save the money they would have spent. By Easter Sunday, the pickle jar was full of donations to help end hunger and poverty.

During March! Why not make your coffee at home
for pennies a day instead of buying it at the local
store or restaurant? The money you save by doing this
can help feed the hungry and lessen poverty.
Please drop your donations in the jar on Sundays
through Easter or make a one time donation
to the jar on Easter Sunday.
All donations will be given to “ELCA World

Birthdays and Anniversaries
At St. Peters

BIRTHDAYS
FOR THE
MARCH
Never To Old

Arthur A.	4	Larry K.	15
Kyrsten S.	4	Lydia G.	25
Ingrid C.	9	Ernest W.	26
Heinrich B.	10	Regina W.	26
Maria P.	10	Anita W.	27
Gerhard W.	11	Walter H.	27

We apologize if anyone’s birthday or anniversary
has been overlooked. Please notify our church
secretary, Astrid, 586-979-3850,
so that we may update our records.
Thank you!

* * *
We welcome into our family of Faith through Holy Baptism:

ETHAN JOHN J.

Baptized:
Born:

Parents:
Big Sister:
Grandparents:
Grandparents:

February 23, 2010
November 23, 2009

Kevin & Stacy J.
Alyssa Marie J..
Ralph & Trudy B.
Johann & Maria L.

ANNIVERSARIES
If you would like a visit from our Pastor for your anniversary or a
small devotion during
Sunday Service.

Please contact our office
586-979-3850

Month March
Mr & Mrs Jürgen L. Mr & Mrs Gordon K.	7 20

* * *

If you would like to have a prayer said for someone special, please drop a note into our Prayer box in the Narthex. Forms are on the counter next to the box

"Hello Sunday School Department?
Would you send down one of your
computer Tech I need help!"

Knowing God Personally^{^®}^{^©}
Author Believe To Be Unknown
What does it take to begin a relationship with God?

Former ELCA presiding bishops, the Rev. Herbert W. Chilstrom (left) and the Rev. H. George Anderson, appealed to ELCA members for unity and to support the ELCA financially. Waiting for lightning to strike?
Devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds?
Become a better person so that God will accept you?
NONE of these!

God has made it very clear in the Bible how we can know Him.
This will explain how you can personally begin a relationship
with God - Right now!

One
God loves you and offers you
a wonderful plan for your life.

Did you know God created you! Not only that, he loves you so much that he wants you to know him now and spend eternity with him. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.¹" Jesus came so that each one us could know and understand God in a personal way. Jesus alone can bring meaning and purpose to life.

What keeps us from knowing God? ..

(1) John 3:16

Two
All of us sin and our sin has
separated us from God.

All of us sense that separation, that distance from God because of our sin. The Bible tells us that "All of us like sheep have gone astray; each of us has turned to his own way.²" In side of us deep down, our attitude may be one of active rebellion or passive indifference toward God and his ways, but it's all evidence of what the Bible calls sin. The result of sin in our lives is death - spiritual separation from God.³ Although we may try to get close to God through our own effort, we inevitably fail. This diagram shows the great gap that exists between us and God. The arrows illustrate how we might try to reach God through our own efforts. We may try to do good things in life, or earn God's acceptance through a good life or a moral philosophy. But our good efforts are insufficient to cover up our sin.

How can we bridge this gulf (Gap)?...

(2) Isaiah 53:6
(3) Romans 6:23

Three
Jesus Christ is God's only provision for our sin.
Through him we can know and experience God's love
and plan for our life.

We deserve to pay for our own sin. The problem is, the payment is death. So that we would not have to die separated from God, out of his love for us, Jesus Christ died in our place. On the cross, Jesus took all of our sin on himself and completely, fully paid for it. "For Christ also died for sins...the just for the unjust, so that he might bring us to God.⁴" "...he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.⁵" Because of Jesus' death on the cross, our sin doesn't have to separate us from God any longer. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.⁶" Jesus not only died for our sin, he rose from the dead.⁷ When he did, he proved beyond doubt that he can rightfully promise eternal life -- that he is the Son of God and the only means by which we can know God. That is why Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one can come to the Father except through me.⁸" Instead of trying harder to reach God, he tells us how we can begin a relationship with him right now. Jesus says, "Come to me." "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me... out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.⁹ "It was Jesus' love for us that caused him to endure the cross. And he now invites us to come to him, that we might begin a personal relationship with God.

Just knowing what Jesus has done for us
and what he is offering us is not enough.
To have a relationship with God, we need
to welcome him into our life!....

(4) 1Peter 3:18
(5) Titus 3:5
(6) John 3:16
(7) 1 Corinthians 15:3-6
(8) John 14:6
(9) John 7:37,38

SENIORENKREIS^{^{®

Special German Speaking Gathering}}

Trotz dem kalten Winter trafen wir uns am 03. und 17. Februar wie gewöhnlich. Nach der Begrüßung und Gebet, wurde von Fritz Mohr eine kurze Ansprache gehalten.

Anschliesend wurden die Februar-Geburtstage gefeiert. Vier Mitglieder wurden aufgenommen: Katharina Emrich, Herbert Klaschka, Waldina Kloss und Hannelore Pridoehl. Wir freuen uns, neue Mitglieder zu begrüßen – Herzlich Willkommen. Vielen Dank allen Senioren für eure Spenden und Treue zum Seniorenkreis. Wie schnell doch die Monate verlaufen. Am 17.Februar (Aschermitwoch) wird ein Gruppenbild gemacht. Es kommt in das Jahrbuch von der St. Peter’s Kirche. Am diesem Tag überraschte Franz Kemmer jede Frau mit einer roten Rose, als Valentine’s Geschenk. Franz, vielen herzlichen Dank dafür.

Mit dem Aschermittwoch beginnt die Passionszeit, eine Zeit der Besinnung, wie hart und schwer unser Herr Jesus für uns sündige Menschen am Kreuz sein Leben gab. Das alles hat unser Heiland aus Liebe für die ganze Welt getan. So sehr hat Gott die Welt geliebt, dass Er seinen einzigen Sohn am Kreuz auf Golgatha geopfert hat.

Versetzen wir unsere Gedanken mal zurück nach Jerusalem (ein herzbrechendes Gefühl). Viele Menschen wollen das nicht glauben. Der liebe Gott sagt: diejenigen welche an Jesus Christus glauben haben das ewige Leben.
Unsere nächsten Treffen sind am 03. und 17. März

So laßt uns nun ihm dankbar sein, daß er für uns litt solche Pein. Auch laßt uns sein der Sünde Feind, weil uns Gottes Wort so helle scheint. Tag und Nacht danach tun streben, die Lieb’ erzeigen jedermann, die Christus hat für uns getan.
So laßt uns nun ihm dankbar sein, daß er für uns litt solche Pein. Auch laßt uns sein der Sünde Feind, weil uns Gottes Wort so helle scheint. Tag und Nacht danach tun streben, die Lieb’ erzeigen jedermann, die Christus hat für uns getan.

Mit Liebe,

Käthe F.
und der Seniorenkreis Vorstand.

Special Collections For Fun Reading

"How To Forgive"
Author Believed To Be Unknown

One day a while back, a man, his heart heavy with grief, was walking in the woods. As he thought about his life this day, he knew many things were not right. He thought about those who had lied about him back when he had a job.

His thoughts turned to those who had stolen his things and cheated him. He remembered family that had passed on. His mind turned to the illness he had that no one could cure. His very soul was filled with anger, resentment and frustration. Standing there this day, searching for answers he could not find, knowing all else had failed him, he knelt at the base of an old oak tree to seek the one he knew would always be there. And with tears in his eyes, he prayed:

"Lord, You have done wonderful things for me in this life. You have told me to do many things for you, and I happily obeyed. Today, you have told me to forgive. I am sad, Lord, because I cannot I don't know how. It is not fair Lord. I didn't deserve these wrongs that were done against me and I shouldn't have to forgive. As perfect as your way is Lord, this one thing I cannot do, for I don't know how to forgive. My anger is so deep Lord, I fear I may not hear you, but I pray that you teach me to do this one thing I cannot do - Teach me To Forgive."

As he knelt there in the quiet shade of that old oak tree, he felt something fall onto his shoulder. He opened his eyes. Out of the corner of one eye, he saw something red on his shirt. He could not turn to see what it was because where the oak tree had been was a large square piece of wood in the ground. He raised his head and saw two feet held to the wood with a large spike through them. He raised his head more, and tears came to his eyes as he saw Jesus hanging on a cross. He saw spikes in His hands, a gash in His side, a torn and battered body, deep thorns sunk into His head. Finally he saw the suffering and pain on His precious face.

As their eyes met, the man's tears turned to sobbing, and Jesus began to speak.

"Have you ever told a lie?" He asked?

The man answered - "yes, Lord."

"Have you ever been given too much
change and kept it?"

The man answered - " yes. Lord." And
the man sobbed more and more.

"Have you ever taken something from
work that wasn't yours?" Jesus asked?

And the man answered - "yes, Lord."

"Have you ever sworn, using my Father's name in vain? "

The man, crying now, answered - "yes, Lord."

As Jesus asked many more times, "Have you ever"? The man's crying became uncontrollable, for he could only answer - "yes, Lord." Then Jesus turned His head from one side to the other, and the man felt something fall on his other shoulder. He looked and saw that it was the blood of Jesus. When he looked back up, his eyes met those of Jesus, and there was a look of love the man had never seen or known before.

Jesus said, "I didn't deserve this either,
but I forgive you."

It may be hard to see how you're going to get through something, but when you look back in life, you realize how true this statement is. Read the following first line slowly and let it sink in.

If God brings you to it
He will bring you through it.

Lord, I love You and I need You,
come into my heart, today.

For without You I can do nothing.

When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you and forgave you! Now it is your turn to forgive others!

Parish Adds and Notices

Call Committee
Up Dates and News

Our call committee is in the final summary,
and reviewing this document and will turn
over to the Church Council to approve it and
bring to the congregation early in March
for the acceptance and to send to the
ELCA to list this online.

March 14th:
Table Talk Session
Congregation Approval

Sunday, April 4th
11:00 AM
Bilingual Service Holy Communion
Coffee Hour After Our Service

Easter Egg Hunt

For The Children
Outside
(Weather Permitting)
After Our 11AM Service

SENIOREN EASTER
CELEBRATION

Wednesday
April 7, 2010
Program and Lunch
$13.00 / adult
11:00 AM Program

SPRING CLEANING
Every year our church is cleaned
on the inside before Palm Sunday

Saturday
March 27th
9 AM

Never Too Old For Sunday School

Come on one and all
and learn Gods Love!

Click Photo Above
Introducing Jesus of Nazareth

Every Sunday morning, the children of the parish join in the 9:30 AM Service through the Children's Sermon. They are then excused with their teachers to their respective classrooms for their lesson based on the Sunday Lectionary used in worship. Show your children your faith in God and bring them to Sunday School. It is important that our children learn about their Christian faith, they will have fun in the process and make new friends. Please be supportive of this children's ministry.

Bible Quiz

According to John's gospel, after the Resurrection, Jesus asked one of this followers if he loved him. "In Fact" Jesus asked the man three times this same question! The man was hurt because he felt Jesus did not trust him or might not count on him. Who was that man?

A) John
B) James
C) (Simon) Peter
D) Phillip
E) None of the above

The answer is
in John 21:17

Other Stewardship Here at Saint Peter's

The Women of St. Peter’s host the Coffee Hour

The Women of St. Peter’s host the Coffee Hour after each service on Sundays. However, they are in need of volunteers to help bake or purchase baked goods and also clean up afterwards. Volunteers only need to help once in a while. Please sign the sheet on the bulletin board in the Narthex.

You may also make a monetary donation to the group and they will purchase items on your behalf.

Perhaps, you might consider hosting the Coffee Hour yourself for a special occasion such as a birthday, anniversary, etc. If you would like to do this, please contact our church office.

This is an appreciated activity
which is enjoyed by all.

* * *

SUNDAY SERVICES ARE ON CD's MP3 Format
"English or German"
Costs $10 per CD

Our Sunday services are now recorded on cassette tapes. If you are homebound and would like to hear our services, please call our office 586-979-3850 and let Mrs. Campbell, know what Sundays you would like then a tape will be sent your way.

Nursing Homes:
We have  2
reported In Care Facilities:
We have  1
reported

At Their Homes
We have  7
reported

Cheer someone up by giving them
a friendly call!

Call our Church Office
for additional information
586-979-3850
* * *

THANK YOU
To our volunteers who help mail out our newsletter every month

Your hard work and dedication is appreciated
by all who receive our Newsletter

A Look At Some Activities
Here at Saint Peter's

If you would like to join,
just attend one of our rehearsals
or call the church office
for more information
586-979-3850

Were we pick folks up that cannot make it to Church on there own!

This can be a fun Adventure!

ST. PETER'S BIBLE STUDY

At our recent meeting we studied Colossians,
which is one of the shorter Books of the Bible
with only four chapters. Yet, by reading it one can discover what a blessing Christ truly is to us.

Our " Herta" puts so much thought and effort into
these studies, that it would be nice if more of you
would join us.

Thank you, your support in this ministry.
March 8^th & 22^nd 7 PM
We will welcome you here!

THE PARISH
NURSERY
EVERY SUNDAY

The church nursery is at your disposal every Sunday during both services, during church dinners, and special functions. There are toys for every age group as well as a crib, changing table, and a high chair. Plus you don’t have to miss a single word of the church service for it is piped into the nursery as well. Please feel free to use it whenever you wish!

GREETERS
For Our Church
Services
Welcome Someone
You Will Find Joy

Altar Guild
    Do you like to be on the Altar
    Guild! Do you like picking out
    Church Hymns! Have some new
    Ideas for different Worship
    Services!

          Do you like getting Volunteers
for Flowers Sunday's Church Services!

For additional information
Call our Church Office
586-979-3850

BELL CHOIR

Click on the Bell and Here Us
The sound of a Bell Choir is very unique !

Everyone is invited to join the Bell Choir -no experience necessary, we will teach you! The Bell Choir rehearses every other Sundays, starting 9:00AM, and plays during both services the following Sunday..

KIRCHENCHOR
SUNDAYS 10:30 AM

The choir (Kirchenchor) resumes it's Fall schedule on Sundays refer to above or look at our calendar. The choir meets every other Sunday for rehearsals and sings during that Sunday service. If you have any questions please feel free to contact:

SENIORENKREIS
Are Back Having
a Good Time

The Seniors (Seniorenkreis) will meet again on every other Wednesdays during each Month at 11AM. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month for a short meeting followed by festivities and a luncheon. Stop by for a visit and consider joining, everyone is welcome !

6,300 Lutheran
churches
participate and
36 in our area!

“SIMPLY GIVING”
Electronic Transfers

“Simply Giving” is an automated giving program designed to help you conveniently and consistently contribute to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Through “Simply Giving”, your offerings are made through a preauthorized withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency of your automatic gift—weekly, semi-monthly or monthly—the option is yours. Your offering is deposited into the church’s bank account on the same day it is withdrawn from your account—at NO cost to you or the church.

Benefits to you and to your
Congregation

“Simply Giving” is a reliable, safe way to move your stewardship plan into action. It allows you to share your offerings through planned giving and activates your generosity into ongoing stewardship. Because your offering is given consistently, you won’t need to play “catch-up” at yearend or worry about forgotten checkbooks or missed Sunday offerings.

But you’re not the only one that benefits. Your congregation benefits from steady, more predictable revenues throughout the year, more efficient bookkeeping and greater confidence in meeting its financial commitments.

Why does Thrivent Financial for Lutheran offer Simply Giving?

Thrivent Financial offers Simply Giving to further its mission of serving Lutheran congregations and institutions.

How do I participate?

Complete the enrollment form included in this newsletter and return it to church. If you have questions about the form please contact our Church Office at:

St. Peter's Lutheran Church
586-979-3850