1803 Hwy 1431 W

Marble Falls, TX 78654

830 693-2253

lutheran@splcmf.org

www.splcmf.org

HOLY COMMUNION

8:15 & 10:45 am

Sunday School—9:30

Lessons & Carols, Superkids, &

Poinsettias

Pg. 1

Pastors & Advisory Team Pg. 2

Parish News Pg. 3

Bible Studies Pg. 4

Ladies News, Calendar, Snip-its, &

Advent Devotions

Pg. 5

Christmas Season & Service Projects Pg. 6

Christmas Service Projects & Orchestra Pg. 7

Calendar, Schedules, & Birthdays Inserts

Youtherans, School News, &

Confirmation

Pg. 8

SPLAT Life, Green Team, & Stewardship Pg. 9

Church, Community, & the World Pg. 10

Church Business & Financial Results Pg. 11

SPLC Directory Pg.12

A Look Inside:

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

December 2016December 2016December 2016December 2016 Together, BOLDLYBOLDLYBOLDLYBOLDLY living and sharing God’s grace with all.

**Superkids present**

The Backwards Christmas Pageant

Dress Rehearsal: Saturday,December3rd,10:00amto12:00pm

Sunday, December 4th

Worship with Communion - 8:15 a.m.

Brunch - 9:30 a.m.

Worship with Superkids Performance - 10:45 a.m.

SundaySundaySundaySunday

December 11December 11December 11December 11thththth

St. Peter’s Lessons and Carols worship is on Sunday, December 11th at both the 8:15am and 10:45am services. Please join us for this festive day. This is a good opportunity to invite your neighbors, relatives, and friends. Please note that Communion is not a part of this service. St. Peter’s Lessons and Carols service began in 1981 when the tradition was started by former Pastor David Henry.

The tradition of the “Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols” was established in England on Christmas Eve, in 1918. The nine lessons although not exactly the same each year, narrate to Christians throughout the world the Christmas story.

Carols differ from hymns, in that they usually tell some kind of story. For the non-reading folk of the middle ages, the carols were an easy way to understand the Christmas story (similar to the visual stories of the great stained glass windows). Christmas Carols slowly developed and by the 1200’s were common in the various Christian churches of Europe. We look forward to seeing you on the 11th. Come early for a good seat.

Thanks, Don Trapp

Purchase your poinsettias For the Christmas Eve Service!

Poinsettias will adorn our church on Christmas Eve and may be given in honor, in memory, or in celebration of loved ones. They are $10.00 each and can be taken home after the 8:00pm Christmas Eve Service.

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A Word from the Pastor Circle December 4th on your calendar with a big red sharpie! As part of the 10:45am worship, our youth will share with us the Christmas story through a program called The Backwards Christmas Pageant. Based on the name, expect a few surprises! Hear an invitation to enter God’s age-old and sacred story in a new way…backwards!

Backward…I can think of no better word to describe the season we are in right now…Advent.

For our culture, Advent (and Thanksgiving right before it), is the kickoff to the final shopping days before Christmas. Christmas trees, outdoor decorating, and parades are unavoidable. Mentally, Advent tells our brain it is now okay to hum and sing Christmas carols. And, for many, Advent simply begins the countdown to December 25th.

For Christians, Advent is not about counting down or waiting for the birth of Jesus. Christmas is about celebrating this mystery and gift of God’s love for all. No, Advent is a time to ponder the countdown of Jesus coming again…full of glory and life…to bring to fullness what God has begun in Jesus.

Lawrence Stookey, in Calendar: Christ’s Time for the Church, says, “the sacred story, to be understood aright, has to be read backward. Just as the birth and ministry of Jesus are incomprehensible until we know of the Lord’s death and resurrection, so too the whole of the past is muddled unless first we have a grasp on the nature of the future.”

As we move through the four Sundays of the seasons of Advent, the volume of the future emphasis declines as the emphasis on the past increases. Through Advent the voices move from Daniel to Joel to Isaiah to Luke announcing Jesus’ birth to Mary.

So, good folks of St. Peter’s, God’s grace and peace be with you this December as you wait, anticipate, prepare, serve, love, and live. And, if things feel a little backwards for you in this season and month, just remember God sacred story. It invites us to think backward…and draw hope, comfort, and new life in the fact that Jesus and all who have died in Christ are on their way…coming…to meet and forever embrace us in God’s love.

Peace, Pastor V

Advisory Team Greetings from the Advisory Team! Here is an update of where we are and what we have been doing:

Through the information received from the Listening Team, we concluded that the existing governance structure, policies and procedures of our church must be documented and updated. We are doing this exercise in order for St. Peter’s to begin the process of a “cultural change” towards a more lay-centered congregation and away from a solely pastor-centered congregation. Basically, we are documenting where we are in order for us to move to where we want/need to be. Pastor Casey’s sabbatical reading and research have greatly aided our work.

During the last few months we have been meeting 2-3 times per month and also have been having joint workshops with the Council for their guidance and input.

We are currently working on the St. Peter’s organizational chart – defining the roles of all council members, pastors, staff, etc. Also in conjunction with this, we are identifying all committees, small groups and ministries currently at St. Peter’s. The goal in mind is to document what we have currently in place.

At the conclusion of our documentation work, we will be updating the congregation on our “cultural change” concepts. With this change we will be in uncharted territory for some of us here at St. Peter’s. It will be different and sometimes difficult, but in order for our congregation to grow and be vibrant change will need to occur.

Should you want more information or have questions please contact a member of the Advisory Team: Betty Matejowsky, Charlie Selman, Chuck Wettstein, Rod Holley (council liaison), and Steve Reitz. - Steve Reitz

P������’ C������� P ���

The Congregation Council has approved a recommendation to present Pastor Casey, Pastor Vanicek and

their families a Christmas purse. If you desire to make a contribution towards this purse, you may place an

envelope marked ʺPastorʹs Giftʺ in the offering plate or give your envelope to one of the Ushers. We would

appreciate your ʺgiftʺ by December 20, 2016. May God bless you all as we celebrate the birth of our Lord

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Parish News

To all who came out on November 5th, to help with the Church wide work day, including, Tom Causgrove, Paul Graeber, Larry Latshaw, Dave Leighton, David Martin, Betty Matejowsky, Fred Pfaff, Tom Pfaff, Steve Reitz, Dick Schroer, Mike Struchen,

Don Trapp, Chuck Wettstein, Mike Williams, and Steve Wurfel. The cleanup looks great, both inside and out. To all who helped setup and decorate the Christmas Tree, especially David Martin, Greg Murrell, and Robert Womack

Thank you to St. Peter’s

A heartfelt thanks to all those who delivered meals to my home while I was recovering from my rotator cuff surgery. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends here at St. Peter’s. God bless you, Ruth Kjos

Marble Falls Helping Center acknowledges with gratitude the receipt of your cash contribution for $335.00. With the generous support of contributions from you and others like you, the Helping Center can continue to assist many less fortunate and needy families. Sincerely, Sam Pearce, Director

We want to thank you for your generosity through the year!! We couldn’t do it without you. You are a dear blessing! The Women of Open Door Recovery House

The Porter family in the loss of their son, Adam In Our Prayers Chad Levert Chris Sandman Fonda Rhoades Ellen Doffing Freda Schappe Elna Wendler Dan Hanshaw Georgia Reagan Laurel Koenig Charles Koenig Nik Schappe Ken Wuthrich Marci Wilde Ruth Garrison Chris Grazier Mary Langehennig Shirley Waters Harold Brueckner Bobby Norred Karen Holbrook Jolene Burnham Jayne Schoonmaker Richard Cowie Shirlene Cowie Biff Flatt Karin Wind Denny Stone Ella Coufal Sam Evans Robert Schmidt Betty Cochran Kristie Chatham John Brooks Hayden Towns Ricky Leaphart Paul Harris Linda Laird Greg Butler Conner Green, who is deployed in Iraq

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Joe and Linda Burling John and Ann Burns Bruce and Ann Jackson & Peyton

Carol Jones Lloyd and Arlene Koester Robert and Dorothy Sizenbach Hannah & Titus

“Advent-ageous” Mid-week Prayer Tuesdays during Advent - November 29, December 6, 13, 20

8:30am - 3:00pm

Is life a little too busy for you right now? Do you get overwhelmed in this season? Is this time of year a difficult time for you?

On Tuesdays in Advent, come to the sanctuary when you are able and take advantage of the space. The lights will be low and Taize music will be quietly

playing. Light a candle on the altar and offer a prayer. Stay for a moment or for as long as you wish. In pausing in the midst of life, may you receive the gift of God’s

peace and renewing presence.

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Bible Studies The Theme of “I Love to Tell the Story”“I Love to Tell the Story”“I Love to Tell the Story”“I Love to Tell the Story” began Sunday, August 28th

Many of us know and love to sing this song. But is it true? Do you love to tell the story of God’s love that we hear in the Bible? Do you love to tell the story of Jesus’ saving grace that we hear in the Bible? Many of us struggle with feeling confident enough with the Biblical story to share it with others as God calls us to do. This is why the Worship & Music Team, Ministry Staff, and Congregation Council have decided to continue the changes we made to our lectionary cycle away from the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). This Fall we will continue with the Narrative Lectionary. We hope that you will fall in love with this story, connect it with your story of faith, and share it with someone who needs to hear the Good News. Here is a glimpse of how the story will unfold:

Prophetic Promises: Prophetic Promises: Prophetic Promises: Prophetic Promises: November 27th – December 18th

During this session we’ll hear the prophecy of Daniel, Joel, and Isaiah. They all have a common thread: hope and promise. When Daniel is in the lion’s den, his only hope is the promise of the Lord. When Joel’s community experiences a devastating locust plague, he speaks of the Lord being “gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” When Israel is in exile, Isaiah speaks the promise of God to “bestow a crown of beauty instead of ashes” and return them home. Finally when God’s promise of a messiah has all but been forgotten, Luke announces the birth of one who will sit on the “throne of his ancestor David.”

Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: December 24th – 25th

During the season of Christmas we remember how God’s ultimate promise of a Messiah – from the branch of David and foretold by the prophets – has been fulfilled. During this season of hope we also look toward the future knowing that God’s promises are always fulfilled for us in Christ.

MIDMIDMIDMID----WEEK/Monthly Bible Studies: WEEK/Monthly Bible Studies: WEEK/Monthly Bible Studies: WEEK/Monthly Bible Studies:

P�� ���’ M������ B��� S����: Meets each Monday at 10:00am in Room 212. See “Parents’ Morning Bible Study” below for more information.

M �’� BYOB��� S����: All men are invited. We meet the third Monday of the month at 7:00pm at Double Horn Brewing Company. Next meeting will be December 19th.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm in Room 212. Will not meet in December. Next meeting will be January 17th.

WELCA B��� S���� �: Meet the third Thursday of the month. 10:00am—Deborah Circle (will not meet in December) and 1:00pm—Agape Bible Study (will not meet in December). Next study will be January 19th. The Bible study is taken from the Gather magazine.

Parents’ Morning Bible StudyParents’ Morning Bible StudyParents’ Morning Bible StudyParents’ Morning Bible Study

Parents, join us for an in-depth look at how to help faith stick to you help faith stick to you help faith stick to you help faith stick to you

and your kidsand your kidsand your kidsand your kids. Nearly Nearly Nearly Nearly halfhalfhalfhalf of all young people raised in Christian fami-of all young people raised in Christian fami-of all young people raised in Christian fami-of all young people raised in Christian fami-

lies walk away from their faith when they graduate and some of those lies walk away from their faith when they graduate and some of those lies walk away from their faith when they graduate and some of those lies walk away from their faith when they graduate and some of those

never return to it at all.never return to it at all.never return to it at all.never return to it at all. Together we will learn ways to instill sticky learn ways to instill sticky learn ways to instill sticky learn ways to instill sticky

faith that lasts and share ideasfaith that lasts and share ideasfaith that lasts and share ideasfaith that lasts and share ideas we have learned along the way.we have learned along the way.we have learned along the way.we have learned along the way.

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Ladies News

NEWS At our most recent Quarterly Meeting held in October, those attending voted to dissolve WELCA. The organization was unable to engage anyone to assume the offices of President and Secretary. Participants at the meeting indicated that they were not interested in participating in Conference gatherings. It was pointed out that WELCA was not meeting the needs of the Women of St Peter's. It was agreed however, that Bible Study groups are valued. Agape and Deborah Bible Study Groups will continue to meet on a monthly basis. In addition, the group indicated a need for more opportunities for fellowship. The prayer of the board is that a renewed Women's Ministry will be born out of this action by the WELCA membership. One of the opportunities under consideration is a Reformation celebration of Katie Martin and other women of the Reformation in October 2017. Look for announcements in this regard and prepare to participate in a celebration of Women and the history of the Lutheran Reformation.

Ladies Calendar

Tuesday, December 6th, 8:30am - Mid-week Prayer—until 3pm Tuesday, December 13th, 8:30am - Mid-week Prayer—until 3pm Tuesday, December 13th, 9:00am - Snip-its Tuesday, December 20th, 8:30am - Mid-week Prayer—until 3pm Tuesday, January 10th 2017, 1:00pm - Final WELCA board meeting

Snip-its

Please join us on December 13th, at 9am. Do you have a sewing machine at home collecting dust? Or, maybe you just need a change of pace with a quick, easy project. We’re in need of “at home sewing.” You can choose to sew squares together, bind quilts to produce a finished project, or both. Anything you can do would be a great help. For more information, contact Judy Martin at 830-598-4249.

2016Advent Daily Devotions

From Heaven Above

Advent Devotions based on Martin Luther’s Beloved Hymn By Michael Hoy

Pick up a copy today in the Narthex for your advent reading.

In this time surrounding the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, this beloved hymn by Martin Luther provides the theme for these daily devotions for Advent. Theology professor Michael Hoy “unwraps” each week a different gift that comes “from heaven above” through the birth of Christ. Reflections reveal the

benefits of the divine gifts of hope, love, peace, and life that were delivered to us in a holy Child wrapped in swaddling clothes.

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Christmas Season

Caroling & Hayride thru Meadowlakes Sunday, December 11th from 5:00-7:00pm

Please meet at the Meadowlakes Clubhouse parking lot. From there we will go as a group

caroling and finish at Trent & Cristi Chisholm’s for cookies and hot chocolate.

Wear your Christmas hats!

Please bring (2) dozen cookies or Christmas goodies to share.

RSVP to the Evite or email Cindy at cstruchen@splcmf.org

Caroling for the Entire Family! Sunday, December 18th at 9:30am

Meet in the Commons Area

We will go caroling as a group to local

Assisted Living and Nursing Homes.

Celebrating Jesus’ Birth December 24th 5:00pm and 8:00pm

Holy Communion and Candlelight Carols

Welcome the Joyous Nativity of Our Lord! As the birthday of God made human approaches, we welcome Christ by celebrating the

sacrament of Holy Communion and singing Christmas carols.

Bring the children, relatives, and friends.

These services have been a great blessing for many individuals and families.

It is a special night, a holy night. December 25th 10:00am Holy Communion and Carols

Christmas service Projects

Family Sunday School Family Sunday School Family Sunday School Family Sunday School

“Blessings in a Backpack” Service Project“Blessings in a Backpack” Service Project“Blessings in a Backpack” Service Project“Blessings in a Backpack” Service Project

December 11th at 9:30

Making Christmas Cookies? Making Christmas Cookies? Making Christmas Cookies? Making Christmas Cookies? Make Some Extra to Share!Make Some Extra to Share!Make Some Extra to Share!Make Some Extra to Share!

As you’re doing your holiday baking, consider making an extra dozen cookies to share with Meals on Wheels! See page 10 for more information.

The due date is December 16th

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There will be a Christmas tree located in the narthex filled with gift tags. These tags are for gifts to children, with greetings from their parent, who

is incarcerated in a corrections facility in Texas. This project is part of the Prison Fellowship ministry to inmates.

You may choose to donate a $25 HEB gift card or choose a tag with a child's gender, age, and gift suggestions; purchase and wrap the gift; then return it to St. Peter's by

December 18th. The gifts will be delivered to the children the week of December 19th.

For more information on this program, please contact Carol Leighton.

Christmas Is For Kids Service Project Christmas Is For Kids Service Project Christmas Is For Kids Service Project Christmas Is For Kids Service Project

Highland Lakes Christmas is for Kids project began over 26 years ago when a group of local residents (several of them are St. Peter’s members) identified the need in our community of many children going without Christmas gifts. There will be collection boxes located in the commons area through December 15th. You may drop off your unwrapped gifts for male

or female children ages birth to 16 years old in one of those collection boxes.

Marble Falls Middle School front foyer (right behind HEB) Marble Falls Middle School front foyer (right behind HEB) Marble Falls Middle School front foyer (right behind HEB) Marble Falls Middle School front foyer (right behind HEB)

You and your family are invited to participate in this very rewarding project. Friday, December 16th, beginning at 6:00pm we will sort toys. This usually takes no more than an hour or so. No

experience is needed and we have a job for everyone.

Saturday, December 17th, beginning at 9:00am SHARP the fun begins. We will chose and sack toys for every child on our list. With a little luck we will have a break for lunch before pick ups start at 1:30.

At 1:30pm we’ll need more help. Each family receiving gifts will drive through the circle drive and have their gifts loaded into their car. Please remember that this will happen rain or shine, cold or not. For your comfort please

watch the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

For more information on this project, please contact Marietta Williams or Jennifer Virdell.

Christmas service Projects

Calling all St. Peter’s instrumental musicians!

Sunday, December 18 the St. Peter’s Orchestra will lead the musical portions of both services, 8:15am and 10:45am. We invite all instrumentalists, grade 7 through adult, to be a part of this wonderful tradition. The music is fun, easy and we can supply parts if you want to practice ahead of time. We will have one rehearsal Saturday, December 17 at 10am in the sanctuary. The rehearsal will last approximately 45 minutes. Polish those instruments and warm-up those “chops.” There will be a sign-up in the Narthex, so we have an idea of what music we might need.

St. Peter’s Orchestra

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Youtherans

Confirmation Confirmation is what we call an intentional two year process of faith formation guided by the pastors, adults mentors, and special speakers. We dig into the small catechism (The Lord’s Prayer, 10 Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Baptism, and Communion). We will also do some faith practices, field trips, service projects, and a number of new things this year!

Note the following upcoming dates:

December 7th 10 Commandments: Do not Covet/Commandment Conclusion December 14th Service Project and Christmas Party

St. PeterSt. PeterSt. PeterSt. Peter’s Lutheran Schools Lutheran Schools Lutheran Schools Lutheran School Merry Christmas from the staff and students of St. Peter's School! We are having fun

anticipating Jesus' birthday this month! In addition to our regular curriculum, we are

talking about Mary and Joseph's journey, angels and shepherds, and that special night

when Christ was born.

In November, the kids collected a basket full of grocery items to donate to the Marble Falls Helping

Center! We give thanks for the generosity of all who gave food. We continue to collect toys for the Christmas

Is for Kids toy drive. We would like to thank the wonderful families of our school who are so giving and make

our school so special, and our faithful church volunteers.

We were fortunate enough to have some volunteer Community Helpers visit our school in November to

share with us their roles in the community. Jeff Beltran (firefighter), Dr. Greg Ritchie (dentist), Jennifer

Virdell (teacher & Christmas is for Kids board member), Tucker Edwards (minister), and LeeAnn Clark (baker –

Sugar Mamas) all gave of their time to share with our students! If you see any of these wonderful people, please

thank them!

We were also excited to put on a Thanksgiving Program for our families titled “Goldilocks

and the Three Turkeys: A Thanksgiving Celebration”! We will also be performing

“The Littlest Christmas Tree” in December before a special birthday celebration

for Jesus!

May the joy of Christ be with you this season!

Tracy Knight, St. Peter’s School Director

SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool NEWs

VBS 2017

Hero Central: Discover Your Strength with God

June 19th—23rd

Ways to Help Our SchoolWays to Help Our SchoolWays to Help Our SchoolWays to Help Our School The school will continue collecting Box Tops for EducationBox Tops for EducationBox Tops for EducationBox Tops for Education this year. These are found on many items in your pantry at home. Please clip these, save them, and then turn them into the church office or school office. Each box top is a dime to our school, so they really add up and can give us a nice amount of

supplemental funds! We appreciate the assistance!

Smile.amazon.comSmile.amazon.comSmile.amazon.comSmile.amazon.com is up and running for St. Peter’s Lutheran School (make sure it’s the one located in Marble Falls, Texas). 0.05% of all eligible purchases will come to our school. You must use

smile.amazon.com in order for it to count, but the site is exactly the same as the regular amazon.

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SPLAT Life

St. Peter’s Lutheran Active Teens Gathering Schedule

SPLAT Sunday School: 9:30am Sunday Mornings Meet across the street at “the SPLAT House.” Allyson Black hosts with a homemade breakfast. Aaron Pyle and Pastor Vanicek lead the discussion, activity, or game for the day. Check your weekly SPLAT+family email for any special details for the month. Let Pastor V. know if you are not receiving this weekly email.

Green Team

Living�Green�

3 Tips for a Green Christmas from www.livescience.com

While Christmas is sometimes white, it generally isn't green. All that one-time-use wrapping paper and packaging, fuel spent traveling and shipping presents, and energy used to light up trees and houses means the holiday season takes a toll on the environment. In fact, Americans produce about 1 million extra tons of trash around the holidays, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which reported that the volume of household waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day rises by 25 percent above normal. I don’t share all this to make you feel bad, but to consider some possible alternatives to better steward our planet this time of year:

Recycle wrapping paper — or better yet, forgo it altogether. Try making your own wrapping paper and trimmings from newspapers, paper bags, art projects, clothes, dish towels, etc. And if you do buy new wrapping paper, go for the kind without glossy metallic coating, which makes it harder to recycle.

Use real dishes. While disposable plates and silverware are easier if you're hosting crowds, the environment will thank you if you buck up and do the dishes.

Use a real tree – and then recycle it when it's done! Though it may feel sad to cut down a tree for the holidays, consider that most Christmas trees are grown expressly for the purpose (so you're not contributing to deforestation), and can be planted or composted when you're done with them. Plastic trees, in contrast, require petroleum to make, and then can't be recycled easily when you're through with them.

St. Peter’s Energy Usage (Main building + SPLAT house): November 4,514 kWh, $460.

YTD - 86,697 kWh, $8,209.

What is your talent? God has given a variety of talents to everyone. Which one of your talents are you willing to share with the Church? Don’t be humble and reply with, “I don’t have a talent.”

Everyone has gifts from God, from helping make coffee on Sunday mornings, to helping with Sunday School. How about reading the Sunday lessons, or there is always Vacation

Bible School, or setting up for communion. Do you enjoy baking?… bring baked cookies for Meals on Wheels. Maybe just use your smile with a “good morning” to greet members as they begin their week at church.

“Your talent is God’s gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God.” Leo Buscaglia

Vonda Orton, Stewardship Committee Member

stewardship

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St. Peter's Book Club will meet on Monday, January 9th, 1:30pm to discuss A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman.

From Amazon: Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful

exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others.

Retiree Roundup will not meet during the holiday months of November and December.

Be sure to reserve the last Thursday of each month (January through October) on your new 2017 calendars for next year’s activities.

Winter Texans are very welcome to join us when we resume our schedule on January 26, 2017

Contact Betty Matejowsky or Pam Wettstein for more information about this group.

Church, community and The World The Nominating Committee is receiving names for consideration for 2017201720172017 Council Members Council Members Council Members Council Members

until Sunday, December 4th

If you are interested in being a council member or would like the team to consider someone, please contact one of your Nominating Committee members:

Dinner for Eight! Did you ever wish there was an opportunity to get to know other St. Peter’s members? Wish no more!!!! Groups will consist of about 8 people to meet 4 times during the year (your group makes your own schedule!) Look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Groups will be assigned

in January. Bon appetit y’all!

Meals on Wheels Cookie Project

Each month we will need . . .

17 dozen cookies by Friday before the 3rd Saturday of the month (December 16th)

You can bring the cookies throughout the month, and put them in the kitchen freezer

marked "Meals on Wheels."

The Helping Center needs your help! Let’s fill the basket!!

Please bring non-perishable and canned foods to the church throughout the month and leave in the grocery basket located in the Narthex. The last

Sunday of each month (12/25) they will be collected and delivered to the Helping

Center for distribution.

COPING WITH GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP On Tuesdays, November 1 through December 13 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm in Room 212

Facing the holidays can be difficult for those dealing with the emotional pain caused by the loss of a loved one. Many

questions come to the fore. Which traditions should I keep during the holidays? What will I miss the most about not having my loved

one here to celebrate with me? How can I best take care of myself to make it through from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. To explore

possible answers to those questions, a “Coping with Grief Support Group” will meet at St. Peter’s. Arlis Flaten Schmidt, LCSW

Emeritus will facilitate the group. Ms. Schmidt is a retired licensed social worker with several years of experience of working with

groups. Please call Ms. Schmidt at 210.326.7447 or email her at redraider238w@aol.com if you have any questions. All who are dealing

Notice of St. Peter's Constitution Amendment Process:

In accordance with the ELCA Model Constitution approved at Churchwide assembly 2016 required changes are being made to St. Peter's Constitution. Beginning Sunday, December 25th copies of the proposed changes will be made available. Emails will be sent to all congregation members with email ability and hard copies will be available at the church office for others. This will allow more than the 30 days' notice required by the ELCA for constitutional changes. A vote to approve the changes will be held at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29th at 12:00 PM. For more information please contact Elizabeth Knebel.

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St. Peter’s Church Council Meeting Minutes October 18, 2016

1. Devotion by Judy Haverlah and the parable of the laborers and “getting what we deserve” 2. Present: Bryan Hicks, Kim Sandman, Julie Causgrove, Joan Leake, Dave Leighton, Dale Moquist, Judy Haverlah, Pastor

Casey. Absent: Richard Schroer, Pastor Vanicek and Kathy Nobles 3. Consent Agenda was presented 4. Treasurer's Report was removed from the consent agenda--Dave Leighton presented updated 2017 Budget. This

includes total income of $524,012 and expenses of $524,012. Major changes are no monies for Youth Director the first 3 months of the year, zeroed out facility repair reserve, a 3% increase in pastors’ salaries, and taking $2000 per month from a gift dedicated to youth to pay for youth director.

5. Consent Agenda including minutes of the Council Meeting September 20. Moved by Joan Leake and seconded by Judy Haverlah. Motion passed.

6. Pastor Casey gave highlights from her report. She shared an article Pastor Vanicek and she had been discussing. The article is from the Fuller Youth Institute that will be used in the November Newsletter and spoke about the importance of young people. They need us and we need them. They motivate the entire congregation with their passion, service, and innovation.

7. Pastor Vanicek was on vacation and there were no questions on his report or on Cindy Struchen’s report 8. Committee Reports were approved. Judy Haverlah moved and Julie Causgrove seconded the motion. The motion

passed 9. Update on Youth Director: In January the budget will be approved, in February the job will be posted, and in February

and March start interviews. Hopefully we will have someone on staff by April. The job description has been updated to a full time position. Kimberly Sandman moved the motion. Judy Haverlah seconded the motion. The motion passed.

10. ELCA required constitution changes were discussed. This is being worked on by Elizabeth Knebel to present at annual meeting in January.

11. Nominating Committee: We need three new members of the council for 2017. The committee will be July Haverlah, Julie Causgrove, Richard Schroer, Kathy Nobles, and Bryan Hicks. Joan Leake moved the motion. Kim Sandman seconded the motion. The motion passed.

12. Building Committee proposal from the Property Committee. Items of concern are signage for the church, value of the current church property, kitchen remodel, additional parking, repair of parking lot, and looking at new property. Members of the committee need to have the time and skills to move forward. Motion was made to change the name to Facility Planning Committee by Joan Leake. Seconded by Judy Haverlah. Each council member is to forward 3 names of potential members of this committee (with 1-2 sentences about why) to Marietta. These names should be submitted by November 8.

13. Council's goals for the church tied to purpose statement. Motion was made to have a special meeting to discuss these goals. This motion was made by Joan Leake and seconded by Julie Causgrove. The motion passed. We will meet on the October 26 at Julie Causgrove’s.

14. Moments of gratitude were followed by the Lord's Prayer.

Faithfully Submitted, Dale C. Moquist

Financial & Attendance Information

Church Business

Financial Results 2016 Avg. A�endance/Sunday

Item October YTD October YTD

Income (All) $ 40,991 $ 410,226 A�endance - 2016 191 199

Budget Income $ 50,857 $ 434,137 A�endance - 2015 186 213

Diff. $ Over/Under(-) $9,866 ($23,911) Diff. 5 (14)

% 81% 94%

Expenses $ (40,228) $ (407,013)

Budget Expenses $ (43,204) $ (436,385)

Diff. $ Over/Under(-) ($2,976) ($29,372)

% 93% 93%

Net $763 $3,213

We know the holidays are a busy time of the We know the holidays are a busy time of the We know the holidays are a busy time of the We know the holidays are a busy time of the year for everyone, but one of the best ways to year for everyone, but one of the best ways to year for everyone, but one of the best ways to year for everyone, but one of the best ways to enjoy these holyenjoy these holyenjoy these holyenjoy these holy----days are in worship.days are in worship.days are in worship.days are in worship. Make time Make time Make time Make time to join us and invite friends you haven't seen in to join us and invite friends you haven't seen in to join us and invite friends you haven't seen in to join us and invite friends you haven't seen in a while to do so too.a while to do so too.a while to do so too.a while to do so too. Spend less on presents and Spend less on presents and Spend less on presents and Spend less on presents and more on presence this Advent and Christmas! more on presence this Advent and Christmas! more on presence this Advent and Christmas! more on presence this Advent and Christmas!

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830-693-2253

Office H

ours:

www.splcmf.org 8:00am—3:00pm ♦

Monday—Friday

SPLC DIRECTORY Senior Pastor Rev. Danielle Moore Casey 830-693-2253 dmcasey@splcmf.org

Associate Pastor Rev. Harold Vanicek 830-693-2253 hvanicek@splcmf.org

Parish Ministry Associate Mary Posey posey@nctv.com

Church Administrator Marietta Williams 830-693-2253 mwilliams@splcmf.org

Financial Treasurer David Leighton dave@splcmf.org

Financial Secretaries Faith Trapp Marietta Williams finsec@splcmf.org

Children & Family Ministry Cindy Struchen 830-693-2253 cstruchen@splcmf.org

Director of Music Don Trapp 830-596-1325 dononmac@yahoo.com

St. Peter’s School Tracy Knight, Director tracy@splcmf.org

Women of the ELCA President Arlis Schmidt

Helping Center Representative Faith Trapp

Council President Bryan Hicks

COUNCIL MEMBERS Julie Causgrove Judy Haverlah Bryan Hicks Kathy Nobles Kimberly Sandman Richard Schroer Rod Holley Joan Leake-Magerkurth Dale Moquist

TEAM LEADERS

Endowment Bryan Hicks Dave Leighton Richard Schroer

Evangelism Kimberly Sandman

Faith Formation Rod Holley Dave Leighton

Fellowship Julie Causgrove Judy Haverlah Joan Magerkurth-Leake

Property Rod Holley Richard Schroer

Social Outreach Julie Causgrove Judy Haverlah Dale Moquist Kathy Nobles

Stewardship Dave Leighton Dale Moquist

Worship/Music Bryan Hicks Joan Magerkurth-Leake

Worship Leader Coordinator Jan Wilde

Sabbatical Team Elizabeth Knebel Jana Holley Jerry Bostick Pastor Vanicek

Member Care Team Nick Bohmann Elizabeth Knebel Dale Moquist Cindy Struchen