ST. PETER’S MISSION STATEMENT: As God’s family led by the Holy Spirit, we are a loving and welcoming community inviting others to share and grow in God’s Word and grace.

Vision Statement: As compassionate people we desire to reflect Christ’s love .

.

“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning.” – Mark 13:35

I recently read an article that stated the CEO’s who appear on the Forbes financial list read an average of 60

books a year. The article explained that when people read regularly from a broad spectrum of sources covering a wide range of content, they are more likely to try new things and take risks in their work. Being an adventurous reader appears to be a key to success. This bodes well for me. I am an avid reader. By the first week in November I had already read 59 chapter books in 2017. I realized last year I have a tendency to gravitate toward theology books (for work) and mysteries (for pleasure). I was in a bit of a reading rut. To help me become more adventurous with my reading, I participated in a reading challenge I found on Pinterest. The challenge had about 40 different categories to help me look for books outside of my old reliables. List items encouraged me to read a book over 100 years old; read a Hugo Award Winner; read a political memoir; read a book recommended by a stranger; read a book over 500 pages. The most challenging list item was to read a book where the protagonist shared my occupation. If there are any aspiring writers out there – you have an open market with pastors being the primary character! As we prepare for the return of Christ and the turning the calendar to a new year, now is a good time to reflect upon whether we are adventurous with our faith. Are we in a faith rut like I was in a reading rut? Do we tend to gravitate to the familiar classics and not take risks to see how the Holy Spirit is guiding our lives in ways we haven’t imagined? It’s helpful to remember that the arrival of Jesus was anything but comfortable and familiar. The chosen nation of Israel expected the Messiah to come through the ways of the kings. They clung to the idea of the Messiah being a king like David the way I curl up with a good book on a cloudy day. No one anticipated that the Messiah would come born of a carpenter and his pregnant finance. No one anticipated that the Messiah would have to flee a zealous tyrant like Herod, forced to live as a refugee in a foreign land as a baby. God comes to us in the unique and the unexpected. While the birth story of Jesus may be a familiar and comforting story, the message it carries is to look for God in the unexpected. Be open to the Messiah to appearing in places you wouldn’t imagine looking. What I loved about my book challenge is that even as I tried new things, I didn’t have to abandon my mysteries and theology texts. (The book recommended to me by a stranger just so happened to be a mystery.) Having faith practic-es that are old reliables is important in maintaining a healthy relationship with God. What the Christmas story reminds us is that Christ will come when we least expect him. In the spirit of Jesus’ unexpected birth, I encourage you to devise your own faith challenge for 2018. Keep the traditions that are old reliables, but encourage yourself to try something new. Maybe a challenge item could be attending Monday night Bible study. Perhaps it’s volunteering at one of the Zion Meals. A challenge item could be attending Synod Assembly or a Bishop’s Gathering; helping out at Junior Church; sharing your musical talent in worship; leading a Children’s Moment; serving on a committee; inviting a friend to worship and then taking them out to lunch to talk about their experience. The Gospel of Mark reminds us to keep awake for we do not know when the Messiah will come. How may a faith challenge help you keep watch? Wishing you God’s peace and blessings, Pastor Tina Heise

Rev. Kristina Heise, Pastor Phone: 440-376-5904 (cell) Email: pastortina@stpeterelca.org Parsonage Address: 9361 Ashland Road Wooster, OH 44691

Church Office: (330) 264-1986

E-Mail: office@stpeterelca.org Website: stpeterelca.org Facebook: St-Peter-Lutheran-Church

Panda Preschool:(330) 264-1986 (church phone #) Email: pandapreschool@stpeterelca.org

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Pittsburg, OH

December, 2017-January, 2018

Page 2 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

20s & 30s Group: First Thursday of the month, at 6:30pm, in the library

The 20's and 30's group is the first Thursday in January: January 4th, 6:30 PM.

.

Annual Christmas Trays Assembled Saturday, December 2 at 10:30 AM*

by Jubilate Circle. (*Note time changed)

A sign-up sheet is at the back table for donations for the Christmas Trays: cookies, candy and money.

Please have items to church Sat. Dec. 2 prior.

Our Carolers will deliver most on Sunday, the 3rd

to our loved ones who cannot be with us often.

Annual Altar Guild Breakfast Saturday, December 2, 8:30 A.M.

At Perkins in Ashland. Guild members, spouses, and those interested in becoming a member… you are most welcome!!! If interested in carpool-ing meet at 8:15 at the church. We will return to the church to hang the Advent wreaths, etc. Please contact the church office if you plan to attend, so we can get a (close) count.

The Guild can use more members… SO, JOIN US FOR BREAKFAST!!! It’s a great time to ask questions and learn more about what we do, plus enjoy a yummy breakfast! This is the only time during the year we get together as a group.

Poinsettias will again adorn the sanctuary this Christmas season. Plants will come from Northwestern FFA. Sign-up sheet and envelopes are at the back table.

- Cost is $12.00 for 6” pot (single stem) - Please make a notation if given in honor

or memory of someone. You may also call the church office to place order. - Place envelope with cash or check (to St. Peter, with notation: poinsettia) in offering plate.

**Last Sunday to order: December 10th

Please take plants home following Christmas Eve services.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2017

Items of business include:

2018 Budget; Approval of the slate of officers and committee nominations for 2018; Endowment Fund Dispersals; Approval of Constitution changes; Plus any other business that is raised from the floor.

Please note: Constitutional changes are a two-step process. The first is to approve changes. In January a separate meeting will be held to ratify these changes. If you have pro-posed changes to the bylaws, these will tentatively be voted on December 2018.

Copies of the proposed budget, Officer and Committee Slate of nominees, Endowment Fund dispersals, and Constitution changes will be available at the back table to preview at the two weeks prior to the meeting.

Notify the church office to have a copy of the Constitution emailed to you.

St. Peter will hold its annual meeting Sunday, December 3, 2017

following worship.

Share In a Day for Others!!! !!! ! St. Peter rings bells for The Salvation Army Saturday, December 2

We will be at Save A Lot Wooster (inside) Two-hour time slots (9AM—3PM) This is for everyone in the congregation including youth! A sign-up sheet is at the back table.

Thank you for supporting this important outreach. This is one of those times, you receive way more than you give.

“We wish you a Merry Christmas…”

JOIN US FOR CAROLING December 3 All ages will join together Sunday, December 3 following worship for caroling. We will enjoy a pizza for lunch first, then head out to share our Christmas spirit! Can’t sing? That’s ok… we will still use your smiling face!!!

You will receive way more than you give!!!!!

Ugly Sweater Party for 20 & 30 Somethings

Saturday, December 2 7 PM - 10 PM

20 and 30 Somethings are invited to an Ugly Sweater Party at Pastor Tina’s on Saturday, December 2 at 7pm for an evening of conversation and games. Friends, spouses, and significant others are encouraged and welcomed.

Wear your ugliest sweater. Bring a snack or drink to share. Hot Chocolate fixings will be provided.

Page 3 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

MEN’S BREAKFAST 2nd Tuesday of the month—8:00 A.M.

December 12 , 2017 & January 9, 2018

We meet at Perkins Restaurant in Ashland, OH.

All men of the church are invited to join for prayer, good food and great fellowship!

Jubilate met October 9th at Buehler’s in Ashland for lunch with six members present along with Miriam Mutchler. After lunch some went to see Marge Zimmerman.

Next meeting November 13th at Joyce Garner’s home at 1:00 PM. Everyone to share a reading.

Secretary, Shirley Gilbert

JUBILATE CIRCLE

Church Directory

Updates for 2018:

Would you like to be ADDED to St. Peter’s church directory?

Submit your name(s), phone, email, address, birthdates, wedding date to the church office.

Current listings: Please check over your family’s listing(s) and submit any changes, including college students.

ANNUAL REPORT FORMS will soon be distributed to committee and group leaders. Please return to the church office by January 14, 2018.

COUNCIL CHRISTMAS PARTY

Council’s Christmas party is December 2 at 6:00 PM at Hastings’. Bring a dish or dessert to share. Thanks!

Holiday Cards are available at the card rack. Check out the new selection and making someone’s day by sending them one!

GIVING TREEGIVING TREE

GIVING TREE DECEMBER, 2017, 2017 Hillsdale Cares

The follow items would really help. canned sloppy joe, hamburger helper, chunky soup

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THINKING OF US.

JANUARY & FEBRUARY, 2018, 2018 Mohican Food Bank Watch for a list of needs.

Thanks for helping us create a better world

by serving people in need!

BLOOD DRIVE At St. Peter Lutheran Church

January 23, 2018 3:00-7:00 p.m.

The need is constant. Please give if you can.

Watch for the church who will man this drive. Contact Linda Reichert with questions.

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2018 Blood Drive Schedule at St. Peter:

Drives are 3:00-7 :00 P.M. Tuesday, Jan 23 Tuesday, Mar 20 Tuesday, May 15 Tuesday, July 10 Tuesday, Sept 18 Tuesday, Nov 13

Page 4 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS

October 11, 2017 7:00pm Secretary’s Report Church Council met October 11 with nine members present. Ruth Ann Cherry was absent. Rita Tegtmeier gave devotions. The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s report were reviewed and approved. Our new website was dedicated to the glory of God during worship on September 3. It went live later that day. Feedback has been great. Thanks to Ruth Ann Cherry, Wayne Garner, Mary Kinney, Amy Miley, and Pastor Tina for their efforts on this project. Pastor Tina attended a worship conference that explored alternative models for special services. We plan to survey the congregation regarding format for Advent services. Pastor Tina made nine visitations during the month. She will be attending First Call Theological Education; Akron-Wooster Conference; the Bishop's Gathering; and Female Rostered Ministers Luncheon later this month. She will be taking four days of vacation November 8-12. Four new members will be joining church on October 22. Evangelism Committee met September 24 and made plans for New Pittsburg Trick or Treat on October 28 and new member interviews. Bill Redick, Properties chair reported the elevator is not repaired yet but the company is working on it and will return October 13. Social and Outreach chair Molly Hastings announced Giving Tree recipients as follows: November-West Salem Outreach; December-Hillsdale Cares; and January/February-Mohican Food Bank. The annual Rabbit Supper is November 15; Bell ringing for the Salvation Army is December 2; and caroling is December 3. Stewardship and Finance committee met September 27 and agreed on raises for paid personel and a pastor's increase. A letter with a pledge card will be mailed to members and temple talks are underway. Pledge cards will be collected on October 29 followed by a luncheon. Worship and Music committee met September 27. They have not received any interest in the choir director position. There will be no PDW service in December. Christmas in the Barn service will be at the Hershey's on December 17. The committee will publish an Advent booklet again this season. Council completed the annual assessment of our church administrator, Mary. Discussion was held about merging Evangelism committee and Social & Outreach committee but since they are two very busy committees, we decided against it. Council reviewed the revised draft of the Constitution. Corrections will be made and it will go before the Congregation for a vote to accept it. Once the Constitution is in place, council will look at the By-laws and Continuing Resolutions beginning in 2018. The copy machine vendor is failing to provide adequate cus-tomer service. We are looking for a resolution to this problem. We were reminded newsletter items will be due a week earlier on November 12 for the December/January Messenger. Council received LORAC minutes of September 7 meeting. Council’s next meeting will be November 8, 2017. Pastor Tina will be absent due to vacation but will have preparations made prior to our meeting. We adjourned by praying The Lord’s Prayer together.

Joni Hagans Parish Council Secretary

November 8, 2017 7:00pm Secretary’s Report Church Council met November 8 with nine members present. Pastor Tina was on vacation. Nancy Keener gave devotions. The Treasurer’s and Secretary’s report were reviewed and approved. There was a tie vote regarding format for Advent services. The congregation will be surveyed again with only those two options. Thanksgiving Eve service is November 14. Christmas in the Barn service is December 17 and Christmas Eve service will be December 24 at 7 pm. Pastor Tina presented her report of the many events she attended for the Synod/National Church and her ministry for St. Peter during the month. She made nine visitations. She will be taking her remaining seven days of vacation 12/25/2017-12/31/2017. Bill Redick, Properties chair, reported the elevator is not repaired due to waiting on a part. Damaged ceiling tiles in the nursery will be replaced and he is inquiring about snow plowing for the season. Social and Outreach chair Molly Hastings announced Bell ringing for the Salvation Army is December 2 at Save-A-Lot; and caroling is December 3 with a pizza luncheon. Giving Tree recipients are as follows: December-Hillsdale Cares and January/February-Mohican Food Bank. Stewardship and Finance committee met and approved the budget for 2018. It was presented to council. Joni Hagans moved we accept the budget and present it to the congregation for approval at our annual meeting; Molly Hastings seconded and the motion carried. Council reviewed the revised draft of the Constitution. Molly made a motion to approve the Constitution and present it to the congregation for approval at our annual meeting, Nancy Keener seconded and the motion carried. The Constitution will be made available two weeks prior to the Congregational meeting. Once the Constitution is in place, council will look at the By-laws and Continuing Resolutions beginning in 2018. The Nominating Committee presented an incomplete Slate of Officers and Committee Candidates. For this reason, Council took no action. The Endowment Committee met October 18 and approved dispersing $7,150.00. Recipients are as follows: St. Peter Building and Maintenance Fund $1500; St. Peter Youth Christmas shopping for others in need $250; Panda Preschool classroom centers $1000; Habitat for Humanity in Wayne County $1000; Blessing Boxes for children with terminal or long term illness $400; Viola Startzman Free Clinic $1000; New Pittsburg Lions Club $500; New Pittsburg Lions Club Playground Improvements $500; ELCA National Youth Gathering $1000. There was a significant decrease in applications this year. In a effort to help members be informed and to encourage members to identify groups that may warrant financial assistance, the committee will do a temple talk well in advance of the October 1 deadline in 2018. The copy machine vendor is failing to provide adequate customer service. We are looking for a resolution to this problem. Council received LORAC minutes of their October 12 meeting. Council’s next meeting will be a special meeting to approve the Slate of officers and committee candidates (to be announced). Our next regular scheduled meeting will be December 13. Council's Christmas party will be at the Hastings' home on December 3. We adjourned by praying The Lord’s Prayer together.

Joni Hagans Parish Council Secretary

Page 5 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

1.

Sunday, January 21 at 9:15 AM BIBLE CLASS GIFT: The Bible Families are invited to our next GIFT (Generations in Faith Together) educational story time on Sunday, January 21 at 9:15. We will learn about how the Bible came to be. All are welcome to participate. Contact Pastor Tina with questions at pastortina@stpeterelca.org.

Our 2nd Graders will then receive their very own Bibles during worship on this morning with a reception to follow.

GIFT (Generations in Faith Together)

Youth Activities & Events…

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

Junior Church will be held the 1st & 2nd Sundays in December including Christmas Program practice. A helper will assist each Sunday.

The Christmas Program is December 17th (no class); then we take a break resuming on January 7th.

LEADERS & HELPERS: Why not consider being a teacher or helper. New lectionary-based material is available. Watch for the winter schedule. Extra hands always appreciated!

Sunday, December 17 at 10 AM - 11 PM

All are welcome on Sunday, December 17 for worship at 10am for St. Peter's annual Children's Christmas Program. Our children will share a contemporary rendition of the Christmas story. Communion will also be served during worship.

Rehearsals: Christmas Program Practice each week during Junior Church through December 10.

ALL ages! Even if you don't want to speak or be on stage, older youth can help with behind-the-scenes things. During these practices during Jr. Church we are still asking for a Jr. Church “helper” to be of assistance with the children (no planning necessary) Questions to Ruth Ann Cherry.

SCAVENGER HUNT: This event will be in the spring. Date to be decided.

Thank you so much for your generous donation of boys and girls underwear to the Northwestern Elementary School Clinic. Thanks also for the donation of boys and girls bottoms. It is so helpful to have some change of clothing to help students through the day when surprises happen. Many parents have also expressed their gratitude at not having to leave work to take care of these minor emergen-cies. We are so fortunate to have a caring community in this school district.

So Blessed by YOU!

Sharon Bowers RN Northwestern School Nurse

Page 6 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

PANDA PRESCHOOL

MESSENGER

NEWS

What a beautiful tome of year to be surrounded with children.

In December we will be centering our activities around Christmas and Christ’s birth. Our Christmas parties will be held on December 19 & 20. Panda will be closed December 21 through January 2. School will reconvene on January 3, 2018.

In January we will learn how God provides for the animals, discuss snowmen and various other winter activities.

There will be no school January 15th in observance of Martin Luther King.

Merry Christmas! May you and your family have a blessed holiday season!

Miss Tara

Panda Administrator

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL BOOKLET, 2017

St. Peter members are again compiling an Advent devotional. We hope this booklet will provide inspiration during the Advent season. Booklets will be available the first Sunday in Advent (Dec. 3). Be sure to pick up a copy. Thank you to everyone who participated in this meaningful project.

BOOK DISCUSSION

Thursday, January 11, 7pm at the parsonage. We are reading "Come and Eat: A Celebration of Love and Grace Around the Everyday Table" by Bri McKoy.

Come with your brokenness, your cele-bration, and your worries, but most of all come and eat.

In today’s busy and often superficial world, we all crave something deeper and truer. Maybe it’s relationships that go beyond the surface or gatherings that allow for joy and pain. Bri McKoy tells us this is within reach! All we need is a table, open hearts, and a simple invitation: come and eat.

McKoy invites us to discover how a common dining-room table can be transformed into a place where brokenness falls away to reveal peace and fellowship. Whether the table is laid with bounty or with meager offerings, whether it is surrounded by the Body of Christ or homeless, broken souls, she shows us that healing begins when we say, “Come in. I may not know you, but I know your maker. And so I offer you my heart.”

For all those who are hungry and craving more of God’s king-dom in their homes, Come and Eat offers recipes, tips, and ques-tions to jumpstart conversation, while reminding us that fel-lowship in God’s love is always the most remembered, most cherished nourishment. Because when we make room for oth-ers, we make room for God, and our homes become a vibrant source of life, just as he means them to be.

Always interesting discussion, so join the group!

COW FOR A CARD ELCA World Hunger: Good Gifts Global Barnyard A gift that keeps on giving

Jubilate Circle is again supporting donations toward purchase of a cow, goat, or other animal for World Hunger this Christmas; thus, Cow for a Card, for Good Gifts Global Barnyard.

Instead of giving Christmas cards to church members bring one card for the whole church family; post on the sanctuary bulletin board. Use the money saved for a donation to the ELCA Global Barnyard through the World Hunger Appeal, helping farmers raise animals in earth-friendly ways to help break the cycle of poverty. A family receiving an animal passes on the first offspring to another family and the cycle of development continues.

Donation container at the back table.

FAMILIES WANTED: Sundays in Advent December 3, 10, 17 & 24

This year we are inviting families to help lead, light candles, etc. during the worship services in Advent. If you would like to help with please contact Pastor Tina at pastortina@stpeterelca.org.

ADVENT MIDWEEK:

The congregation was surveyed about preferences for Advent Midweek activities. We had a tie between a 7pm Worship service of Word and Prayer and a 6:30pm Bible study. We are re-surveying, with only these two options. Based on those results, a final decision will be made by November 20, 2017.

A table will again be set up to share Christmas greetings with

members to pick up at the back table.

Page 7 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

FINANCIAL CORNER WAYNE COUNTY

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

ZION

MEALS

JANUARY 21, 2017— Our next ZION MEAL date.

Help us help others! Servers will be

needed. Watch for the sign-up sheet.

Thank you to all who support this on-going ministry

by helping, donating, and serving food at Zion Lutheran.

STOP at St . Pete r

December 7, 2017 January 4, 2018

6:30—7:45 PM

SEPTEMBER, 2016 25 18 8:15 A.M. PDW Present Day Worship

25 70 10:00 A.M.

OCTOBER, 2016 2 78 10:00 A.M.

9 64 10:00 A.M.

16 56 10:00 A.M.

23 13 8:15 A.M. PDW Present Day Worship

23 54 10:00 A.M.

30 84 10:00 A.M.

NOVEMBER, 2016 6 84 10:00 A.M.

13 97 10:00 A.M.

SEPTEMBER, 2017 24 14 8:15 AM PDW Present Day Worship

24 65 10 AM

OCTOBER, 2017 1 85 10 AM

8 73 10 AM

15 86 10 AM

22 18 8:15 AM PDW Present Day Worship

22 81 10 AM

29 67 10 AM

NOVEMBER, 2017 5 92 10 AM

12 69 10 AM

FINANCIAL CORNER 9/30/2017

Checking Account - For Current Expenses

September Offerings $9,578

Year-to-Date Offerings $97,179

Projected Offerings $98,592

Total Expenses Year-to-Date $96,997

Checkbook Balance $10,240

Other Offerings Given This Month

Building/Maintenance Fund 939

Contingency Fund (MIF) $27,795

Building/Maint. Fund (MIF) $10,870

Scholarship Invest. (LPL Financial) $26,351

Endowment Fund (all accounts) $103,558

(Balance as of 12/31/16)

FINANCIAL CORNER 10/31/2017

Checking Account - For Current Expenses

October Offerings $11,878

Year-to-Date Offerings $109,057

Projected Offerings 111,232

Total Expenses Year-to-Date $108,386

Checkbook Balance $10,868

Other Offerings Given This Month

Building/Maintenance Fund $110

$190

Memorial/Youth Min. Balance $12,083

Contingency Fund (MIF) $27,830

Building/Maint. Fund (MIF) $10,875

Scholarship Invest. (LPL Financial) $26,480

Endowment Fund (all accounts) $103,558

(Balance as of 12/31/16)

Noisy Offering $22

Disaster Response— Hurricane

Scholarship Auction + Donations $335

Noisy’ Offering $29

Rel. Ed. (Outdoor Service loose money) $328

(Pd. $51.40 for Zion Meal)

Memorial/Youth Min. Balance $12,083

(Trans. $1385 from checking) (Pd. $2599 for new furnace)

Disaster Response—Hurricane $1,320

Noisy Offering $30

MISSION OF HOPE CRANKS CREEK KY CHRISTMAS GIVE-AWAY COLLECTING:

BLANKETS& LINENS, BABY CLOTHES, TOYS, HOUSEWARES

*Drop off donations to St. Peter (box @ back table) by

Dec. 10.*

*Date of Give-Away Changed to December 21-23.

Special thanks for supporting this annual mission trip to

Cranks Creek KY!

For information on going on this trip contact Mary Kinney.

Address Service Requested.

Mailed on or before 11/20/17

St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church 9451 Ashland Road Wooster, OH 44691

TO RECEIVE NEWSLETTER BY MAIL OR EMAIL, OR TO BE REMOVED from mailing: Call 330-264-1986; Email: office@stpeterelca.org

ADDRESS

Panda Messenger — Page 3

Youth Events — Page 5

Panda Preschool — Page 6

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17

JOIN US FOR

CHRISTMAS IN THE BARN

We all know Jesus was born in a stable. There is something special we recover when we go to a barn and celebrate His birth. For to gather in a place where we can hear the animals, sing Christmas carols, and hear the Christmas story is enriching to our spirit.

We invite you to dress warmly, bring a blanket

or two and come to Ted and Anita Hershey’s barn on

Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 PM. Together we will sing of God’s love in giving us

his Son, and hear the promise of Emmanuel, God is with us.

What good news that will be for us.

CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

DECEMBER 24, 2017

SERVICE AT 7:00 P.M.

SERVICE WILL INCLUDE HOLY COMMUNION,

CHILDREN’S MOMENT AND CANDLELIGHTING.

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE

GOD’S GIFT OF HIMSELF FOR US!

The Executive Board met on October 9, and below is a summary of the business and news from that meeting.

Fall 2017 Religious Ed. News Northwestern Schools

Greetings Religious Ed. Supporting Churches, Thank you for your prayer and financial support of the Religious Ed. Program. Without faithful support this very im-portant ministry would be impossible. It is such an important ministry because many of the students consider Reli-gious Ed. "their church," and they are learning Christian truths for the first time. Since you do support the Religious Ed. Program we want to keep you informed as to Religious Ed. happenings. Teacher Reports All three Religious Ed. teachers reported a good start to their 2017 year and all three asked for prayer to be effective in leading and discipling students for Christ. Tracey Price, the Northwestern and Norwayne Elementary Rel. Ed. teacher, shared her excitement, and that of her 4

th graders, in having donated Adventure Bibles to use in class and

then for the students to own at the end of the year. Mrs. Price is using music to teach Scripture memorization and her curriculum has been teaching Elijah and Elisha. Pastor Mike Gladson, teacher of Norwayne Middle School stu-dents, reported the greatest student attendance yet, 240 6

th-8

th graders. He entitled his curriculum "Is Your God Too

Small?" and he explains and teaches an attribute of God each class period. Pastor Paul Bartholomew, Northwest-ern Religious Ed. Middle School Teacher, called his curriculum "Building a Firm Foundation." Pastor Paul is teaching the truth of the Scripture and is helping the students learn to make that truth the foundation of their lives. He asked for prayer that more students might be able to attend, even though there is a scheduling conflict that causes students to choose between extra academic help or attending Religious Education. Financial Update From January 1-October 1, 2017 the Religious Ed. giving exceeded the expenses by $153, ending with a balance of $47,222 in the general fund and $16,000 in the building fund. (Praise the Lord and thank you!) Prayer Requests 1. For teachers to be effective; for volunteers to be faithful; for students to grow spiritually. 2. For Northwestern Middle School students to understand academics so they will be free to attend Religious Ed. classes instead of receiving extra academic help. 3. A special request for the Program to be able to purchase 2+ acres of land adjacent to Northwestern Elemen-tary to enlarge and improve the existing Religious Ed. building. Although we are very thankful for the existing build-ing, it is small for the size of classes, a restroom and running water would be a great improvement, a shorter walk would increase class time, and a structure that provides more student safety would be a needed improvement. Thank you again for your prayer and financial support and may you be blessed for your important role! Mary Lynn Frary, Religious Ed. Secretary

Page 9 The Messenger, December, 2017-January, 2018

St. Peter Welcomes New Member Andrea (Andi) Hershey

Andrea ( Andi) Hershey is one of St. Peter’s newest members. She has been married to Trent for 10 years and they have a daughter Brooke, who is 8 years old. She has an older brother Josh, and attended Waynedale, where she won numerous awards through her involvement in FFA.

Growing up, Andi attended Parkview Church of Christ. She vividly recalls being a counselor at church camp and helping the camp staff. She particularly loves the hymn Amazing Grace.

Andi works for Direct Sales Company and in the spring is employed at Buchwalter’s Greenhouse in Orrville. She enjoys making crafts and sometimes volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House in Columbus. She and Trent enjoy attending tractor pulls, as he is often involved in the competition.

Andi commented that she likes the inclusive atmosphere of our church where our members talk to one another and make oth-ers, including herself, feel welcome. She appreciates Pastor Tina and her leadership. We as a congregation feel very fortunate that Andi has chosen to worship with us. We look forward to the future and the direction God has in store for St. Peter’s.

Interviewed by Lisa Pim

St. Peter Welcomes New Members The Weisgarbers

If you enjoy good laughs, then I recommend spending some time with St. Peter's newest members; Marvin (Marv) and Connie Weisgarber. The couple is enjoyable and relaxing to visit with; yet their life stories are very humbling both in childhood and through adult life as the two met each other, at a time in their life, as widowers.

Connie grew up as Connie Hooley on a dairy farm on Rice Hill Road near Overton. She attended Northwestern

Schools and is a Huskie graduate, class of 1965. (the 1965 basketball team won the State title ) Connie continued her education at Wayne County Nursing School and then at North Central Technical College. She grew up attending St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church of New Pittsburg with her family. However, as a senior in high school she left St. Peter and then attended Zion Lutheran Church in Wooster with her Grandmother; which was her Grandmother's church. Connie made nursing her career. She was the Director of the Alzheimer Unit in Navarre. Connie is presently semi-retired.

Marv grew up in Wilmot, Ohio. As a young boy, the town grocery store owner befriended Marv and gave him a job after school for an hour or two. The owner asked Marv's mother for permission to take him to a father/son event and was granted permission as the man treated him as a "son". Marv attended Fairless High School in Wilmot. After graduation he attended Wooster Business School. Marv attended the Methodist Church in Wilmot. Marv dedicated thirty-seven years of his life working for the railroad retiring from the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad.

Connie and Marv eventually were introduced to each other by Marv's daughter-in-law, Kelley, who happened to be Connie's social worker; professionally. At the suggestion of meeting each other; Connie said, "No", as she was content with her life. She was eventually enticed by the idea of a free meal, at the very least. The dinner took place on March 1, 1995 at Chi-Chi's in Canton. Subsequently this awesome couple was engaged one month later in April and married on December 16, 1995. They spent their first twenty-two years of married life at Tappan Lake and attended Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Together they enjoy a blended family: Kellie (Martin) Rabatie; Melissa Fordenwalt; Dana (Gina) Fordenwalt; Brandon (Kelley) Weisgarber, Lisa Wright and Karen (Eric) Robinson. Eric is retired from the United States Navy. There are fourteen grandchildren: Zach, Scotty, Kelsie, Andrew, Taylor, Ryan, Tressa, Hayden, Ashton, Bailey and Jaelynn. They also enjoy six great-grandchildren: Kaden, Emma, Audra, Colten, Brantly and Mae.

Connie enjoys reading. Marv enjoys playing tennis and fishing. Together they enjoy bike riding on the area trails. The Millersburg bike trail is a favorite. The couple also enjoy spending winters in Florida. A special cat, Sassie, shares their home.

Connie and Marv like St. Peter Lutheran Church as it is small and quaint. Being raised in the church brought Connie back to St. Peter when they moved back to the area. Connie's favorite hymn is "This is my Father's World". Marv's favorite Bible verse in John 3:16.

"WELCOME TO ST. PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH"!!!

*****Hosting this very special couple in our home was such a pleasure! "Thank You" for the gift of Salted Chocolate Caramel Corn (Yummm)!

Ken and Sally Chance

Caleb Schmucker

Caleb Schmucker joined St. Peter Lutheran Church on October 22, 2017. Caleb and his wife, Madalyn, and 1 year old daughter, Nora, reside at 1715 Harold Ave. in Wooster.

Growing up in East Canton, Caleb was the youngest of 3 boys and graduated in a class of 84 students at East Canton High School. While in high school, he played Division 6 Football. Caleb mostly played positions on the defensive line and but, on occasion, also played offense. Close in age to his brothers, he felt fortunate to play alongside his older brother on the football team. His is a close-knit family, with both of his older brothers currently living within 5 miles from their parents. Moving to Wayne County, therefore, makes for a comfortable ride for Nora to visit her grandparents on both sides.

Being close to family is very important to him and after coming to church with Madalyn, Caleb felt St. Peter held that same family-oriented environment he was seeking. When asked what he was looking for in a church family, without hesitation, Caleb said, "Fellowship". Caleb's favorite verse is 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. "Be on your guard. Stand firm in faith. Be courageous. Be strong. Do every-thing in love." He said it is just a daily reminder for him.

Caleb is the manager of the Bonding Department at LuK USA LLC in Wooster. LuK is a 24-7 operation, so Caleb is often called on to resolve issues at any hour. With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from West Virginia University, he specializes in programming, upkeep of machinery and development of new products. As manager, he also supervises a large number of employees.

Since East Canton and Northwestern are not rival schools, I wondered how these two met. Caleb said simply, at work. After some additional coaxing on the subject, Caleb said at first he really didn't want to talk to her but finally did. She had been hired into his department at LuK-before he was the manager. Later, since the two were dating, Madalyn began working in a different department by the time Caleb was the manager. Caleb enjoys being Dad to Nora and says this has had a grounding affect on him. That is evident when witnessing the enjoyment and peace he displays when holding his little girl in church.

Caleb enjoys sports and spending time with his Dad and brother fishing on either Lake Erie or Atwood Lake. He did not share any fish tales with me, but I'm sure there are some. Welcome, Caleb, to St. Peter! Interviewed by Deb Berger

Page 8 The Messenger, December, 2017- January, 2018