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

Annual Congregational Meeting,

Reformation 500, & 2016 Superkids

Pg. 1

Pastors & Parish News Pg. 2

Parish News Pg. 3

Reformation 500, Thrivent Choice Dol-

lars, & St. Peter’s Phone App

Pg. 4

A Look Inside:

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

St. Peter’s

Lutheran Church

January 2017January 2017January 2017January 2017

Bible Studies Pg. 5

Ladies News, Calendar, Snip-its, Gals’ Night

In, & Prayer Shawl Ministry

Pg. 6

Calendar, Schedules, & Birthdays Inserts

Epiphany, Dinner for Eight, & Green Team Pg. 7

Church, Community and the world &

School News

Pg. 8

Youtherans, Confirmation, & SPLAT Life Pg. 9

Church, Community, Financial

Information, Constitution Amendment

Process

Pg. 10

Church Business Pg. 11

SPLC Directory Pg.12

2016 Superk2016 Superk2016 Superk2016 Superkidsidsidsids

REFORMATION 500 PROJECT-Restock the Shelves (See Page 2 & 4 for more information)

Annual Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 29th

Following the second service

Lunch in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for budget forums on January 8th at 9:30am and January 15th at 12:00pm

to learn about our exciting ministry in 2017. & Potluck

2

A Word from the Pastor

Thank you to EVERYONE who helped make this year's Superkids a success. Especially Director Deborah Vanicek, Co-Director Anna Womack, and ALL of the many, many parents, youth and other St. Peter’s members that helped with costumes, small groups, move furniture, prepare, serve and cleanup brunch. Of course a HUGE round of applause to the cast for giving us such a special gift!!!

Thank you to David Martin, Greg Murrell, Robert Womack, and all the families that helped decorate the Christmas tree.

A BIG thank you to Robert Womack for lining up the hayride for the Meadowlakes caroling and the Chisholm family for hosting the after caroling festivities.

Thank you to Mike Williams for taking pictures of Superkids, New Members, and Lessons & Carols, along with all of the extra office help to prepare for Christmas.

Elizabeth Knebel, Jayne Schoonmaker, and Pastor Dick Bremer for working on St. Peter's Constitution

Don Trapp, the choir, and the Martins and Wurfels for sharing their gifts for the Lessons & Carols Service

The St. Peter's Orchestra members for their special music on December 18th

Thank you to St. Peter’s

Thank you to our St. Peter’s family for all of the gift donated to the annual toy drive with a special thank you for those of you that adopted families. Also, a big thank you to all who volunteered during the 2016 toy drive. In Christ, the Williams & Virdell Families Thank you so much for my finals week care package! I loved receiving it and opening it up to see all of the treats inside. It was very much appreciated. Thank you all, Jaylan Bible Thank you for the generous care package for finals and for keeping me in your prayers! I’m doing well, with only one semester left! Love, Blair Persyn

Resolutions Reformed Like most people at this time of year I've been thinking about what New Year's resolution to make this year (again) – perhaps eating better, exercising more, spending more time with family, or taking more time for serving others. All of these are great ways to make a difference and my life and the lives of others.

But as I was thinking about my resolutions for this year, it occurred to me that this year is the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Lutheran's around the world are preparing to celebrate in ways big and small. One way to focus on the Reformation is to use it as a lens for everything we do this year. For example what might it look like if our resolutions were reformed? What If instead of using resolutions to reform myself, I simply made a resolution to let God reform me this year? What if instead of making resolutions for our congregation, we simply asked God to reform our congregation this year?

Although many would call Luther the father of the Reformation, I think part of what actually sparked that Reformation is the fact that Luther was himself reformed by God. Yes, he tried reforming himself by becoming a monk and by answering that call well, but it was God who reformed him – his way of thinking, his way of being the church, his way of understanding God. God reformed Luther to see God as loving rather than punishing; God reformed Luther by sending him off to receive degrees that he would later use to reform the Church.

So what would it look like for God to reform St. Peter’s this year? What would it look like for God to reform you – your heart, your mind, and your spirit? Perhaps God will reform you through our Reformation 500 projects that will help us celebrate throughout the year (see pg. 4) or maybe God will just sneak up on you with a bolt of lightening and Reformation will happen all over again! – In Christ, Pastor Casey

Parish News

3

Parish News

A.C. Wessels in the loss of his sister, Geraldine Lang. Cole Younger in the loss of his father.

The friends and family of Nell Mueller.

In Our Prayers Cindy Houghtling Carol Schroer Elizabeth Knebel Gerald Doffing Marci Wilde Don Wilde Margie Ratiliff Harold Brueckner Don Burke Annie Woods Chad Levert Ellen Doffing Elna Wendler Bolton Casey Fonda Rhoades Nik Schappe Chris Grazier Mary Langehennig Shirley Waters Bobby Norred Karen Holbrook Jayne Schoonmaker Cindy Masko Cheyenne Treutken Craig Knebel Fred Holland Jim Bob Thomas Richard Cowie Shirlene Cowie Biff Flatt Karin Wind Kristie Chatham John Brooks Hayden Towns Paul Harris Linda Laird Greg Butler Conner Green, who is deployed in Iraq

Special Thank You to our St. Peter’s Family

Pastor Casey and Eric: Many heartfelt thanks to the congregation for the generous “Christmas purse” as well as all the other goodies, gifts, special donations, and cards. We are blessed by your care and support throughout the year. It is a joy to watch Brecken and Bolton learning about Jesus in Sunday School and VBS, sharing their gifts in Superkids, and singing beloved Reformation hymns and Christmas carols in this community of faith, and that is the best gift you could give us! God’s Blesing in the New Year, The Casey Family Pastor Vanicek, Deborah, Virginia, & Henry: We love living in Marble Falls, where we enjoy growing in faith and life with you all, our church family. Thank you for your prayers, your thoughtful gifts, and your kind notes throughout the year and in this Christmas season. Thank you for always asking about the kids and how they are doing. And, I (Harold) am always appreciative of the little drop-ins to the office throughout the year, when I get to chat and catch up with you. You have brought the hope and light of Christ into our lives, and we are richly blessed because of you all. God grace your Christmastide and New Year! With much love, The Vaniceks Dave Leighton: Thank you for the Christmas bonus. It is a privilege to work and serve as St.

Peter's Treasurer.

Marietta Williams: Many, many heartfelt thanks to the St. Peter’s congregation for the Christmas gift, to the Altar guild for the beautiful poinsettia as well as all the other goodies, gifts, and cards. I am so blessed to part of such a loving Christian family. May your new year be filled with blessings and peace. Cindy Struchen: A warm thank you to my St. Peter's family for the special Christmas bonus. I feel so humbled and blessed to be part of such a wonderful family where God’s grace flows freely and endlessly. You have blessed me in more ways than you will ever know. God’s peace and joy to all of you!! Tracy Knight: Thank you, St. Peter's, for the generous gift. I love that I get to work in a place that is so special. Our church blesses my family in so many ways, and I thank God for putting us at St. Peter's. May peace be with you in the coming year. Tracy Knight Anna Womack: Our family is blessed to call St. Peter's home and I am doubly blessed to teach at the preschool! Thank you for the generous Christmas gift. We loved celebrating this special season with our church family. Jeannie Hanshaw: Thank you St. Peter's family for the Christmas gift. I feel so blessed to be a part of this congregation and to have the opportunity to teach here at St. Peter's Lutheran School. Blessings and peace to you all in the coming year! Lindsey Pyle: Thank you for the Christmas bonus. I am so very blessed to work at St. Peter's school and to have such a wonderful church family! Audrey Beltran: Thank you so much for the Christmas bonus! I look forward to a wonderful 2nd semester! Don Trapp: Many thanks to St. Peter's congregation for your wonderful support of the choir, and your generous gift to me. A special thank you to the choir for your gift of music, and your extraordinary commitment of time and talent. I feel honored and privileged to be a part of St. Peter's Choir. God's blessings in the new year, Don Elizabeth Knebel: To my beloved St. Peter’s Family—so many thanks for your gifts and support and inspiration. You bring me joy. Pat Erickson: Thank you so much for your generous Christmas gift. God has blessed me in so many ways by the congregation of St. Peters. I love being a part of the music ministry as we praise and worship our Lord together.

4

Reformation 500

REFORMATION 500 PROJECT

October 31, 2017 will make the 500thanniversary of when Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the

door of the Wittenberg Church, beginning what we now refer to as the Reformation.

We at St. Peter’s, along with Lutherans and other Protestants worldwide, will not only celebrate this

signi(icant event, but useitasanopportunitytoseekourownreformation. The Reformation is not

just something that happened in 1517 and revolutionized Christian theology, it continues today.

During 2017 we will emphasizeouroutreach within our congregation, our community and our world.

What do we need to change in our church and within ourselves? How can we be better disciples?

Assisting Pastor Casey and Pastor Vanicek in this planning are the Evangelism, Social Outreach, and

Stewardship Teams. We welcome your input and will provide an opportunity for you to post your

reform/renewal ideas on our “church door”.

Apreliminarycalendarofeventsislistedbelow.Throughoutthatmonthwewillhaveaspecial

collection, offering, and/or service opportunity. We will also welcome guest speakers from

various organizations during the Sunday School hour. Wehopeyouwill joinwithusaswereform

ourselves,ourchurch,andtheworldinhonorofLutherin2017andbeyond.

January: Restock the Shelves – The Marble Falls Helping Center

February: Have a Heart – Valentine’s for the Elderly & Valentine’s Youth Fundraiser

March: Going Global – Lent Offering for Young Adults in Ministry at St. Peter’s, in seminary & abroad

April: St. Peter’s School – Lent School Offering

May: Be a Community Hero – VBS Offering

June: Open Door Recovery

July: Back to School Blast – sock collection

August: Boys & Girls Club

September: Phoenix Center

October: God’s Work. Our Hands – volunteer hours

Reformation 500 January Project

Restock the Shelves In honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation help us

collect 500breakfastitems for The Marble Falls Helping Center:

cereal, Pop Tarts, & “just add water” pancake mix.

Thrivent Members

Don’t forget to direct your 2016 Thrivent Choice Dollars by March 31st, 2017 Log on to your account at www.thrivent.com.

STAY up-to-date with the St. Peter’s Phone app!

The app has weekly reminders, up-coming event details, our church calendar, and a short daily devotion you can read on the go. This app is available in both the Apple App store and the Google Play store. Search “St. Peter’s Lutheran” to find it..

Visit our web-site at www.splcmf.org

5

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:

Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: Fulfilled Promises: December 24th – January 1st

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.

Continuing Promises: Continuing Promises: Continuing Promises: Continuing Promises: January 8th – February 16th Throughout Epiphany we traditionally hear stories of how Christ fulfills the promise of the Messiah. In the Narrative Lectionary this is not different, yet hopefully we are more connected to the Old Testament stories on which these fulfilled promise continue through time to Christ and then through Christ to us. We will listen as Jesus is proclaimed as God’s Son at his baptism and then goes on to call disciples and begin his ministry. We will end with the Transfiguration as Jesus is once again proclaimed as God’s Son while on a mountain. As Christ is transfigured by light, we realize we are transfigured by God’s promises through him still today.

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. Next meeting will be January 9th. See 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 January 16th.

Prayer Shawl Ministry: Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 3:00pm in Room 212. Next meeting will be January 17thth.

WELCA B���� S������: Meet the third Thursday of the month. 10:00am—Deborah Circle (Anderson) and 1:00pm—Agape Bible Study (Kjos). Next study will be January 19th. The Bible study is taken from the Gather magazine, which can be found on the current publication table, in the narthex.

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.

6

Ladies 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 Luther 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, January 10th 2017, 1:00pm - Final WELCA board meeting Tuesday, January 17th, 9:00am - Snip-its (see below for more information) Tuesday, January 17th, 3:00pm - Prayer Shawls (see Page 6 for more information) Thursday, January 19th, 10:00am - Deborah Circle at the home of Cindy Anderson Thursday, January 19th, 1:00pm - Agape Circle at the home of Ruth Kjos Monday, January 23rd, 6:00pm - Gals’ Night In (see below for more information)

Snip-its

Please join us on January 17th, 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.

Gals’ Night In “After Christmas”

White Elephant

January 23rd

6:00pm

“Re-gift” that special treasure

that you received.

At the home of

Jan Starkey

350 Stewart Street

Meadowlakes, TX Please bring a finger food to share and

your beverage of choice.

Guest are always Welcome!

Can you crochet or knit?

If so, then, we need your gifts for St. Peter’s Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Peter’s Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Peter’s Prayer Shawl MinistrySt. Peter’s Prayer Shawl Ministry. The group meets on the third Tuesday each month, at 3pm, in room 212.

For more information contact Carol Moquist at cjmoquist@gmail.com or 281-216-9344.

7

Church, community and The World

SYMBOLS AND TRADITIONS OF EPIPHANY Epiphany is a Greek word meaning “appearing” or “revealing.”

The Star –Symbolically, the Epiphany star has eight points. It was the guiding star for the wise men. It was a celestial phenomenon that announced the birth of the Son of God. Some say that the “star” was actually an alignment of stars and planets within the constellation Leo – Leo includes the star of Regulus and the planets Jupiter, Mars, Mercury, and Venus.

Candles – Lighted candles in homes and churches can help us claim Epiphany as a celebration of the arrival of the Magi. According to Luke and John, God’s appearance in the person of Jesus is comparable to light entering a darkened world.

Wise Men – Scripture mentions the arrival of wise men after they had followed the star. There is no mention of them being kings nor is there mention of the fact that there were three. The Scripture simply says that there were wise men. Some texts use the word astrologists. In Greek the word for astrologist is ‘magi.’ So legend has made these magi kings and has even given them names – Caspar, Melchoir, and Balthazar.

Three Gifts - Gold, frankincense, and myrrh are scriptural. Of course gold was and continues to be a highly valued substance. Myrrh is an essential oil used throughout history as a perfume, incense, and medicine. Frankincense is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes. Both frankincense and myrrh are extracted from trees.

Blessing of the Magi – The re-enactment of the Blessing of the Magi, which will be explained during worship, is the acknowledgement of Christ’s entrance into the world which makes our homes places of peace and hospitality.

Changing of the colors – The liturgical color of the Christmas Season is white which symbolizes purity and completeness. The color for the Season of Epiphany- which extends from January 6th through Transfiguration Sunday - is green. Green symbolizes growth – the spreading of the news of Jesus birth from Bethlehem to the world.

Feast of Epiphany – Some congregations come together to partake of food representative of the ancestral countries

of their congregants. Some may come to the feast dressed in representative clothing or may bring decorations that symbolize the countries of their family’s origin. All of this is a way to celebrate the Epiphany message of the light

spreading from tiny Bethlehem throughout the whole world.

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!

Green Team

Living�Green�

Now that the Christmas Season is over and we start a New Year, the days are getting longer again. It won’t be

long before we all will be out preparing our yards and gardens for another summer. We need to pre plan to

conserve water. I hear folks say the drought is over and are looking forward having a lush yard. As stewards of

God’s creation, let’s consider ways we can conserve water in our

yards and in our homes. My New Year’s Resolution is to find at

least one more way to conserve water.

Cal Clausen

St. Peter’s Energy Usage (Main building + SPLAT house): December 6,910 kWh, $660.

YTD - 93,673 kWh, $8,878.

8

The 2017 Offering Envelopes are

available for pick up in the narthex!

If you don’t find envelopes with your name on them, and would like some, please contact Marietta Williams at mwilliams@splcmf.org or

830-693-2253.

Let us give and share out of our abundance.

Electronic Giving

As we begin a new calendar year at St. Peter's please consider electronic giving. It is a benefit to both you and the church with steady, regular giving from you and steady, dependable income for the church. There are a several ways to achieve this.

1) From the church website, www.splcmf.org, click on "Donate Now" in the lower right column and then on the next webpage click on "Click here to donate online". This will take you to a webpage where you can fill out a profile directing the source and frequency of your giving. 2) Pick up a Vanco/Simply Giving form at the church office to fill out and return. 3) As an alternative, go to your bank's online web site and setup an automatic, recurring payment to St. Peter's Lutheran Church again directing the source and frequency of your giving.

Thank you for your support of the mission and work of St. Peter's.

For questions or more information, contact our Treasurer, Dave Leighton at dave@splcmf.org.

Church, community and The World

St. PeterSt. PeterSt. PeterSt. Peter’s Lutheran Schools Lutheran Schools Lutheran Schools Lutheran School January is always busy for the teachers and families of St. Peter’s

Lutheran School! It begins the downhill slide to spring! The teachers will be

conferencing with parents to discuss progress and goals for the spring!

This month, the School Board will be making plans in preparation for the fall. Pre-

registration for church members, returning students, and siblings will begin March 1. All

others may begin pre-registration on April 1. Please begin sharing this information with your

family, friends, and neighbors!

Also, please mark your calendars . . . Ash Wednesday and the 1st Lenten Meal will be

on Wednesday, March 1. That will begin our Lenten Meal Fundraiser! Also, Saturday, April

29 will be our Annual Run for the Son benefiting the school’s scholarship fund! Please make

plans to attend the Lenten Meals and the 5K!

As always, thank you for supporting our school and its ministry financially as

well as through prayer. We are truly blessed by our

congregation.

Tracy Knight, St. Peter’s School Director

SchoolSchoolSchoolSchool NEWs

9

St.�Peter’s�Youth��will�be��

collecting�donations�for�the�annual��

“Souper�Bowl�of�Caring”�on�Sunday,�February�5th.�

Before�and�after�both�services.���100%�of�the�contributions�will�go�to�our�local�Helping�Center.�

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. January 8th - 12:00pm - All Hands SPLAT family meeting.

Agenda is around our spring fundraiser, Souper Bowl of caring service project (Sunday 2/5), possible Super Bowl

watching part at SPLAT house, and discussion/planning in starting a weekly family gathering.

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.

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!

Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith:

In January, classes will be around visiting three of our sister congregations in town. We will

also be having special prep classes in Sunday School the Sunday before we visit to learn a bit

about that particular denomination / congregation. See schedule below. Parents are encouraged

to be part of these prep classes and/or attend the Wednesday church visits.

Note the following upcoming dates:

January 1st - Sunday School - Learn about being Baptist January 4th - Visit First Baptist with Pastor Ross Chandler January 8th - Sunday School - Learn about being Episcopalian January 11th - Visit Trinity Episcopal with Pastor Cathy Boyd January 15th - Sunday School - Learn about being Church of Christ January 18th - Visit Church of Christ with Pastor Greg Neil January 25th - NO CLASS THIS WEEK

Youtherans VBS 2017

Hero Central: Discover Your Strength with God

June 19th—23rd

10

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. All readers are welcome!

Thursday, January 26th, 2017, 11:30am in the Fellowship Hall

St. Peter’s member, Irene Mullins with Texas Home Health, will speak about home health and hospice care services.

Lunch: Soup and Sandwiches

Please sign the attendance sheet in the narthex or contact Betty Matejowsky by Sunday, January 22nd.

Winter Texans, please join us!

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

Church, community and The World

Meals on Wheels Cookie Project

Each month we will need . . .

17 dozen cookies by Friday before the 3rd Saturday of the month (January 20th)

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

"Meals on Wheels."

Restock the Shelves In honor of the 500th anniversary of the

Reformation help us collect 500

breakfastitems for The Marble Falls

Helping Center: cereal, Pop

Tarts, & “just add water”

pancake mix.

Financial & Attendance Information

Financial Results 2016 Avg. A�endance/Sunday

Item November YTD November YTD

Income (All) $ 31,203 $ 441,429 A�endance - 2016 192 199

Budget Income $ 39,524 $ 473,661 A�endance - 2015 213 213

Diff. $ Over/Under(-) $8,321 ($32,232) Diff. (21) (14)

% 79% 94%

Expenses $ (38,118) $ (445,131)

Budget Expenses $ (42,747) $ (479,132)

Diff. $ Over/Under(-) ($4,629) ($34,001)

% 89% 93%

Net ($6,915) ($3,702)

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.

We want you in worship!We want you in worship!We want you in worship!We want you in worship! Why? - Because “from the very beginning of the church… the life of

the community of faith has revolved around the regular gathering of

believers for worship, common prayer, and ea�ng bread and drinking

wine in remembrance of the one in whose name they gathered.

Worship is the linchpinWorship is the linchpinWorship is the linchpinWorship is the linchpin of a discipleship church… To absent oneself from To absent oneself from To absent oneself from To absent oneself from

worship is akin to a hungry person turning away from a free mealworship is akin to a hungry person turning away from a free mealworship is akin to a hungry person turning away from a free mealworship is akin to a hungry person turning away from a free meal…

Worship is both the culmina�on of discipleship & the matrix from which

discipleship is formed” (Power Surge: Six Marks of Discipleship for a

Changing Church).

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St. Peter’s Church Council Meeting Minutes November 15, 2016

The Church Council meeting was called to order at 6:01 PM by Bryan Hicks, President of the Church Council for 2016. Member present were Dave Leighton, Dick Schroer, Julie Causgrove, Bryan Hicks, Pastor Casey, Joan Leake, Rod Holley, Kathy Nobles, and Kimberly Sandman. Also in attendance was Steve Reitz from the Advisory Team, and Elizabeth Knebel who has drafted the revised Constitution for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Dick Schroer led devotions with discussion “Regarding The Poor”. He began by reading from Psalm 113 and in verse 7 where it says “He raiseth up the Poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill.” He stated that one bible story he always remembered was from Luke 16:20 where Lazarus a beggar, ate of the crumbs from the rich man’s table. He went on to discuss verses from Proverbs, in 19:17 is says “He that hath pity on the Poor, lendeth unto the Lord, and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” What the Lord God Almighty is saying here is “YOU CANNOT OUTGIVE ME BY GIVING”. Other Proverbs verses quoted were from 14:31, 17:5, and 21:13. Dick ended devotions by stating that there are many needy poor people here within our own community. The Helping Center here in Marble Falls has ordered 200 turkeys from HEB for Thanksgiving. Let us pray that we at St. Peter’s can continue to help. The Consent Agenda which includes the Minutes from the preceding meeting, the Treasurer’s Report and Committee Reports were presented. A motion to accept the Consent Agenda was made by Dick Schroer and seconded by Joan Leake. Motion Passed. Steve Reitz was then asked to give an update on the Advisory Team. He stated that the team would be meeting with consultants before Thanksgiving. He also said that there are many churches, like ours facing declining attendance, with money problems. They will in the future, be meeting with every committee, to write up job descriptions. Pastor Casey gave her report. She covered recent and upcoming special services along with, hospital, nursing home and phone visits. She also stated that she has been working with the Advisory & Sabbatical Teams for ongoing evaluation and planning for the future. Pastor Vanicek will be going on his Sabbatical in 2018. Pastor Vanicek is on vacation but his report indicated that he has been working with the youth including Confirmation, SPLAT projects and care packages for college students. He also attended multiple meetings and events, both at St. Peter’s and around the Synod. The Children & Family Ministry Report was presented and included ongoing Sunday School along with upcoming events such as Superkids, First Communion, Christmas Tree decorating & Caroling. Full staff reports are available in the office. A motion to accept the Pastor’s reports was made by Kathy Nobles and seconded by Kimberly Sandman. Motion Passed. Elizabeth Knebel presented a copy of the Constitution of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and stated that it had not been updated since 2003. Pastor Dick Bremer has helped in the updating. She pointed out many of the changes that had already been made with Dick’s help. A few other changes were made by the Church Council. The final draft will be sent to the ELCA Synod Council who will have to approve it following a Congregational vote at the Annual Meeting. A motion to approve the changes was made by Joan Leake and seconded by Kimberly Sandman. Motion Passed. The next item on the agenda was to nominate members to be on the Facility Planning Committee. Members were selected. A motion was made to approve these nominations if they accept by Julie Causgrove and seconded by Joan Leake. Motion Passed. More on this later. An item on the agenda “Council Ministry/Job Description” was tabled for future discussion. Moments of gratitude were followed by the praying of the Lord’s Prayer. Faithfully Submitted,

Church Business

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830-693-2253

Office H

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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