WELCOME! to the November 2008 web edition of
The Fisherman Newsletter,
ST. PETER EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
ELCA • Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
3751 Estero Blvd. • Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931
E-mail: Stpeterfmb@aol.com
Website: WWW.STPETERFMB.COM
OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday • 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
STAFF
Rev. Walter Schuman, Interim Pastor -- Email StPeterFMB@aol.com
Susan Frantz, Office Administrator -- Email Susanstpeter@aol.com
Muriel Hale, Music Director • Shirley Roe, Artist in Residence
Want to help out with the mailing costs of The Fisherman? You have the opportunity to DEDICATE a mailing of a monthly issue IN MEMORY OF or IN HONOR OF someone special, or as a SPECIAL GIFT. Since the postage price increase, our approximate cost is $65.00 monthly. Let us know today if you are interested in giving to this ministry.
CHURCH OFFICERS & COUNCIL MEMBERS
St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church VISION STATEMENT:
As a Church Family of God, our vision is to create a loving, welcoming fellowship. Led by the Holy Spirit, we seek to become a beacon of the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Parish Bulletin Board
SUNDAY WORSHIP: ............... (thru December 28) ................. 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM
HOLY COMMUNION............................................... 1st & 3rd Weekends of the Month
CHURCH WORKDAY (All Hands are Welcome!).. .................... Mondays . 9:00 AM
Evangelism Committee ............................................................. 2nd Monday • 10:00 AM
CHOIR Rehearsal ...........................................................................Wednesdays • 6:30 PM
Church COUNCIL .................................................... 3rd Thursday • Nov. 20 • 7:00 PM
Women of the ELCA – ALL LADIES are invited to attend:
Anne Myrtle Circle .......(& Fall Luncheon) ..........2nd Wednesday • Nov. 12 • 9:30 AM
Ladies' Lunch Bunch (Call Jana to reserve)..................Last Wed.• Nov. 26 • 11:30 AM
FROM PASTOR WALTER.....
We are beginning a new season here at St. Peter Lutheran Church – a season of homecomings as our northern church family returns to us, and a season of change as we seek God's choice of a new pastor. Until that man is found, I am pleased to serve in ministry, alongside all of you!
I want all of you to know my pastoral schedule, which is as follows:
THURSDAYS 9:30 AM – I will perform a Eucharist with healing service.
10:30 AM – Conversation with the Pastor. This is a great time to talk with your Interim Pastor, one-on-one
1:00 - 3:00 PM – Scheduled Counseling and Visitation To let you know how my first few weeks of ministry here at St. Peter have gone, • I met with some members of the Call Committee and am preparing for the discernment processing by reading Discovering Your Congregation's Future by Roy Oswald, Jr. I will meet with the Committee in November.
• I have called on members of the church and community, providing pastoral counseling, home communion, and annointing of the sick.
• I attended my first Beach Ministerial Association meeting, which was hosted here at St. Peter on October 8. We will be hosting the Good Friday ecumenical service, and I will be preaching. I also offered to provide preaching for the ecumenical Unity Service in January. I attended the day-long meeting in Bradenton for Interim Pastors, sponsored by the Synod.
• I suggested that we have communion intinction with the Host placed in the hand of the communicant, for the duration of the interim ministry.
• I have been in touch with Muriel Hale to work on the music for Advent and Christmas. We agreed to continue to use the liturgical resource book, Sundays and Seasons.
• I have offered suggestions for book studies in adult education, and I plan to preach on moral issues from the Bible at the midweek Thursday service.
• The secretary, Susan and I have developed a fine working relationship and I plan to hold a meeting in November for all personnel in the church.
And now, we are off to a very good start, sharing the love of Christ with each other. May we continue to rejoice, giving thanks in all things through our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Walter Schuman
Musings from the President
Pastor Walter has settled in as our Interim Pastor and he and the St. Peter family are getting to know each other. We are certainly blessed to have Walter with his pastoral abilities and experience here with us. This is one more proof of the Spirit's involvement with our church family as He leads us toward finding the pastor God has chosen for us.
I want to thank those who have offered to help in the office. As you know from past columns there are many opportunities for lay involvement. If you are willing to become an active part of God's work here at St. Peter, please contact me or the church office so we can match your skills with God's needs. Remember: "stewardship is everything you do after you say 'I believe.'"
HELP! At this time last year as we were gearing up for the drive to refloor Lau Hall, one of the hall's air conditioners gave out and needed to be replaced immediately. For that reason church council decided to install a used unit of the same size that Haines had on hand for $900. This allowed us to continue with plans for the flooring. Right in line with Murphy's Law, the used air conditioner has died. Therefore we faced the need to replace it. Council decided to purchase a new high efficiency 2-speed unit complete with air handler similar to the one we replaced two years ago in the church which cools the narthex and offices. The cost is $9500, with six months same-as-cash financing. A week after the installation, the finance company refused our application; this was the same company that approved our application two years ago. (Murphy's Law strikes again: we no longer have six months to pay.) Therefore we are now requesting donations to pay for the air conditioner without critically depleting our operating funds. Your help with this need is essential! Please indicate on your check memo line or the outside of the pew envelope "A/C FUND". There will be a thermometer in the narthex to track our progress.
Just a reminder to all of you who indicated your desire to contribute toward purchasing the new ELW and Bibles for our church pews during the survey last year: We have received sufficient funds for the Bibles but are $760 short of our goal for the ELW. Now is the time to send your contribution so we may order them.
Now I have an update on the progress of the call process. But first I need to correct an omission in the September Fisherman. John Linebarger's name was unintentionally left out of the Call Committee listing. A corrected list was to be printed in the October Fisherman, but somehow our wires got crossed again. Please accept my sincere apology for this error. A correct updated list will be found at the end of this column. Now the update: On September 28th, Ben Polk submitted his resignation as chairperson and member of the call committee. At an October 6th meeting of the call committee, John Linebarger was selected as chairperson and Eleanor Paulson as secretary. They then began planning for their first step, a discernment process - see the colored Insert for your input, found in this issue of The Fisherman; the next step will then be to complete our church profile which will include the opportunity for all of us to have input as we list the strengths we are looking for in our new pastor. (A definition of discernment: to distinguish and select what is true or appropriate or excellent.)
Please continue to keep the St. Peter family, the call committee, myself, and the church council in your prayers as we progress on this exciting journey of new beginnings, searching for the shepherd God has chosen to lead us.
I have found that many things that were taken for granted have now become the responsibility of church council and myself, but the willingness of you- the church family- to respond to the needs as they arise is most certainly more proof of the Spirit's presence. It is almost impossible to find words to express my gratitude for the support and encouragement I continue to receive. It is truly an honor and a privilege to be a part of our loving St. Peter family. Again, thank you for all you do.
In His Service, Bob Burr
P.S. As promised, here is the correct listing of your Call Committee:
John Linebarger, chair
Eleanor Paulson, secretary
Jim Albinger
Diane Allen
Carol Dagnall
Charles Hester
Jessica Kurtz
SHARING Our BLESSINGS!
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly." - Colossians 3:16
ENJOY YOUR GIVING
As we enter the month of November, we think of Thanksgiving. It is the time of giving to those in need of food and clothing. It is also a time we welcome friends and family in our homes as we gather to give thanks.
Matthew 25:35-36 For I was hungry and you fed me; I was thirsty and you gave me water; I was a stranger and you invited me in your home; naked and you clothed me; sick in prison and you visited me.
As stewards, giving to God a weekly amount of your income makes giving easier and adds to the satisfaction of knowing as you spend the rest of your income, that you have given to God the first fruits rather than what is left over.
By giving to the church, we become a part of the purpose for which it was created - to spread the Good News about Salvation!
Your Stewardship Committee
In His Music Ministry,
Muriel Hale
You're Invited to our 4th ANNUAL ST. PETER FISH FRY!!
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9
Following the 11:00 AM Worship Service
Come Enjoy!
Fresh-Caught FISH from the Gulf of Mexico! (Caught by our own St. Peter fishermen!)
. HUSH PUPPIES!
. BEVERAGES!
Bring Your Favorite HOME-MADE DISH to share!
On SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8th
we're Going Fishin' for the St. Peter FISH FRY on Captain Tony's Fishing Express.
If you would like to Fish with us, Call Bob Burr to reserve your spot!
Meet new FRIENDS and enjoy Island fare!
Here's What's News
FLU SHOTS Available!
I got a flu shot last year. Do I need to get one this year, too? YES.
You need an annual flu shot because the vaccine changes from year to year. The flu vaccine you got last year wasn't designed to fight the virus strains in circulation this season, or next. Influenza viruses mutate so quickly, they can render one season's vaccine ineffective by the next season. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advisory committee meets early in the year to estimate which strains of influenza virus will be most prevalent during the upcoming flu season, and the manufacturers produce vaccine based on those recommendations. It's best to have your annual flu shot in the fall - October or November - so your body has time to develop antibodies against the virus before the flu season hits its peak. - Mayo Clinic Health Quest We all know how Flu Season goes - immunization shots can be scarce and hard to find. Listed below is an opportunity here on the Beach, coming soon, for YOU to be protected!
SATURDAY . Nov. 8
3:00 - 7:00 PM PUBLIX Super Market 4791 Estero Blvd. Fort Myers Beach
Price: $30 & Pneumonia shots @ $45. Medicare Part B accepted with no co-pay (Bring your card!) Receipt provided for other plans.
FRIDAY . Nov. 21
9:00 - 11:00 AM ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH 3751 Estero Blvd. Ft. Myers Beach
Price: $30 & Pneumonia shots @ $40. Medicare Part B accepted with no co-pay (Bring your card!) Receipt provided for other plans. Immunizations provided at St. Peter Lutheran Church are sponsored by the Ft. Myers Beach KIWANIS Club.
Many thanks for this public service!
PEANUT BUTTER Sunday • NOVEMBER 16TH
We can help many children at the migrant worker camps in our area that don't have the everyday items that our children take for granted. A very real need which we can provide is PEANUT BUTTER! This wonderful source of nourishment and protein can sustain a whole family for many meals.
Our St. Peter Women of the ELCA ask for YOUR HELP to share the love of Christ with our local migrant worker families. Our gifts will be distributed by Harvest Time Ministries of Bonita Springs, when they make their regular deliveries of essential items on every other Saturday.
Please BRING JARS of PEANUT BUTTER •16 oz. or smaller jars are appreciated • by SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH CASH GIFTS also gladly accepted. Checks should be payable to: St. Peter WELCA, and indicate "Peanut Butter." Thrivent Financial for Lutherans "Care in Community" program will contribute MATCHING FUNDS for your cash donations! With your cash donations, WELCA will contact Pastor Gerry at Harvest Time to see what the most immediate needs are, and we will shop for those.
The next time you do your shopping, REMEMBER the PEANUT BUTTER!!
Questions? Call Georgiann Stenerson .
Prayer Shawl Ministry
If you enjoy crocheting or knitting, you may want to join in the Prayer Shawl ministry here at St. Peter! Our artisans work at home, producing comforting and attractive shawls to give to members and friends in crisis.
Did you know that 12 Prayer Shawls have been prayerfully prepared and distributed, just this past Summer? For more information on the Prayer Shawl ministry, please call Joyce Burr.
DONATE USED CELL PHONES!
The Abuse Counseling & Treatment Center, Ft. Myers, is accepting our donations of used cell phones, which they sell to raise funds for their operating costs. A container is located in the narthex for your donated cell phones.
This Summer, YOUR donations of 12 cell phones and chargers, etc. were given to this wonderful service.
Keep bringing those old phones!
LAP QUILTS
If you would like to help produce lap quilts, lovingly sewn to deliver to various programs such as AIDS Task Force, Hope Hospice, and assisted-care facilities, or have supplies to donate for their projects, please contact Helen Snell.
LOSSES in the FOLD
Our heartfelt love and sympathy go out to St. Peter member Diane Allen, whose cousin LOIS ALBIRTY passed away in October. Please remember Diane and Bruce, and the Albirty family in your prayers during their time of sorrow.
We were sorry to learn that BOYD VICK, father of St. Peter member Donna Markusen, passed away on Friday, October 10th in South Dakota. Our love and heartfelt sympathy go out to Donna and her family. Please keep these families in your prayers.
Service of Healing & Eucharist
Beginning Thursday, November 6, St. Peter will conduct a weekly Service of Healing and Eucharist on Thursdays at 9:30 AM.
Voting Here
On Tuesday, November 4th, National/General Elections will be conducted, with voting all day at St. Peter Lutheran (Precinct #81). Be sure to exercise your right to vote – every vote counts!
THANKS SO MUCH!
St. Peter Lutheran Church is very grateful for the generosity of the following friends, who very kindly contributed funds to produce and mail The Fisherman newsletter:
ROY & JOYCE PATTERSON
Mail Call...
Be sure to let us know in the church office when your address changes, so we'll save returned postage fees. Thanks for helping!
Thanksgiving Worship
Join the Beach community in a community service of Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM at St. Raphael's Episcopal Church, 5601 Williams Drive. All Beach pastors participate.
Veterans Day
As we celebrate Veterans Day this year on Tuesday, November 11th, we remember all those men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Armed Forces. We deeply appreciate all they have done to secure our freedom and to keep America one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
Choir
This Season is the perfect time to consider singing with the St. Peter Choir! Regular Choir Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 6:30pm in Lau Hall.
Time Change, Worship Schedule
Daylight Savings Time will END on Sunday, Nov. 2nd, so be sure to remember to set your clocks BACK 1 hour on Saturday night!
Sunday Worship times for November through December 28th are 8:30 & 11 AM, with Holy Communion on the 1st & 3rd Sundays.
YES we are still accepting MILITARY COUPONS!
Don't throw away your Sunday newspaper manufacturer coupons, and don't pass up the little red coupon machines at the grocery stores! Bring manufacturer coupons that have bar coding on them (no local business coupons) to St. Peter! In collaboration with Lee Memorial Health System Military Support and the American Legion Post Auxiliary #38, all coupons collected will be sent to our troops to use in the PXs. See separate article in this issue of The Fisherman for further details!
GO FISHING with ST. PETER!
Saturday . Nov. 8 & Tuesday . Nov. 25 EVERYONE is invited to go Deep-Sea FISHING on Saturday, November 8th & Tuesday, November 25th from 9:00 AM until about 4:30 PM on Captain Tony's Fishing Express, located on your right just before you cross the sky bridge onto Fort Myers Beach. The cost is $45 each.
Other Fishing Trips will be planned in the near future, so watch future announcements for details. Please contact BOB BURR immediately to reserve your spot or for more information! Join the fun!
Take a Child to LUNCH!
YOU Can Help Provide Lunches for Children of AIDS/HIV Families Many children whose parents are assisted by the McGregor HIV/AIDS Clinic (about 100 families) are at home during the school Christmas break, and without school lunches, they have a pressing need for food items which they can prepare without adult supervision. In the spirit of the Christ of Christmas, our St. Peter Women of the ELCA need your help to provide simple food items for these children.
Listed below are suggested easy food items for the children to prepare at home. Please note that all listed foods are non-perishable, since the AIDS pantry has no refrigeration.
Your Loving Gifts will lighten the burden for these families. Donations may be placed in the Shopping Cart Anytime through SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7.
Easy-Mac (macaroni & cheese) -- Peanut Butter Jelly or Jam -- Crackers & Snack Crackers -- Canned Tuna --Canned Soups Puddings / Applesauce -- Canned Spaghetti --Canned Stew -- Canned Chili -- Cereal -- Pop Tarts -- Ramen Noodles --Canned Fruit -- Any Easy-To-Fix Lunch or Breakfast Product!
Come & Help "PACK LUNCHES" on Monday December 8 at 9:00 AM. Brunch provided!
Cash donations are gladly accepted. Please make Checks payable to: St. Peter WELCA, memo line AIDS. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans "Care in Community" program will contribute MATCHING FUNDS for your cash donations!
Questions? Call Pat Modafari.
CHRISTMAS is Coming!
St. Peter Lutheran Church is getting a head-start on filling Salvation Army Christmas Stockings for needy children in our area. The Women of the ELCA are seeking your donations of toys and surprises!
YOU can be the hands of Jesus this Christmas to a needy child in our community! Bring your donated items to church anytime through November 23rd Suggested items for your Christmas List, for children ages 2-14:
Small Stuffed Animals -- Crayons & Coloring Books -- Small Cars & Trucks -- Small Dolls Books (for ages 2-teen) -- Hair Barrettes-Ribbons & Bows -- Personal Diary -- Cologne/Girl's toiletry items (for teens) -- Socks -- Transistor Radio/with batteries -- Baseballs, Baseball mitts -- Girl's Jewelry -- Cosmetics -- Keychains -- Pocket Calculators -- Baseball Caps -- Decorated T-Shirts -- Sunglasses -- Hair Brush, Comb, Mirror --Wallets/Small Purses -- Yo-Yos -- Small Flashlights -- Anything to bring a smile to a child's face!
Monetary Donations gladly accepted and WELCA will shop for you! Please Make Checks Payable to: "St. Peter WELCA" and indicate "Stockings."
THRIVENT Financial for Lutherans "Care in Community"program will contribute MATCHING FUNDS for your cash donations!
Remember - please do NOT bring perishable items (such as candy). Closer to Christmas, all are invited to BE an ELF and help stuff the stockings, which is almost the best part of this whole project – knowing, as you select each item for the stocking in your hand, that this will bring pure joy to a child at Christmastime this year! QUESTIONS? Call Diane Allen.
Thanksgiving Flowers
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 5:18
It has been suggested that, to decorate our Thanksgiving dining tables, we should buy a very special type of flower arrangement. Not rare or expensive flowers, but roses; special roses. Arrange some with their beautiful blooms intact, delicate and richly fragrant. But also include others – thorny rose stems, with no blooms or buds.
Before we begin our Thanksgiving meal, we may give thanks to God for the roses in our lives – good times, the love of family and good friends, good fortune, and all those blessings of grace which God has shared with us during the past year.
But also, we should give thanks for the thorns in our lives – those times of pain, or sorrow, that shadowed our days last year. Because of the thorns, we have climbed closer to our Lord along the path of pain. Through our tears, the colors of God's rainbow look much more brilliant. The thorny stems remind us of what we learn from 'thorny' times. Perhaps we should label each of the thorny stems for a specific problem, and give thanks for what that problem has taught us.
We may have thanked God a thousand times for our roses – the good things in our lives – but never once for our thorns. We probably never stopped to question Him about why those good things happen to us. But when bad things happen, we usually cry out, "Why? Why me?" It may take some time to learn that the dark times are important to our faith. We always enjoy the "flowers" of our lives, but it takes the "thorns" to show us the beauty of God's comfort; and from God's consolation, we may learn to comfort others.
Praise Him for the roses; thank Him for the thorns. May we be thankful for all that the Lord does for us.
Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God.
Movie Night at St. Peter!
THURSDAY • NOVEMBER 13 • 6:30 PM
Your Christian Education committee is excited to announce an education Movie Night at St. Peter!
Join us on Thursday, Nov.13th at 6:30 PM in Lau Hall for a presentation and discussion of the feature-length movie, LUTHER (2003, starring Joseph Fiennes, Shakespeare in Love, and Peter Ustinov, directed by Eric Zill). Snacks will be provided!
This movie examines the Protestant reformer Martin Luther's personal battles, and his transformation from a simple monk into a leader of the Protestant movement. It is the first full-length film on Luther in more than half a century. Packed with action, whimsy and yet Gospel-centered, it avoids stereotypes. (Director) Eric Zill has woven together commanding faith statements, hilarity, human interest and great cinematography.
Martin Luther is a hero of faith for all Christians. Join us on a captivating journey through the adventurous, often dangerous, life of this man of God!
"Come with us, and we will do you good." Numbers 10:29
Several people have expressed a desire to unite with St. Peter Lutheran Church as either Full Members or Associate Members. The next NEW MEMBERS CLASS will be received on: SUNDAY • DECEMBER 7, 2008
Full Members have voice and vote at all congregational meetings, and may serve on the church council. Associate Members have voice but no vote, and may serve on committees.
If you wish to unite with the church, please complete the form below and give it to an Usher, or return it to the Church Office.
We are delighted to anticipate your membership here!
Type of Membership Desired: ___Full Membership OR: ___Associate Membership
Name: __________________________________________________________________
Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ______________________________________EMAIL: _______________________________________
Best Time to Call: ___morning ____afternoon ___evening
____I have not spoken to you about joining, but I would like to discuss it – please call me.
We want to hear from you!
Your Call Committee has been meeting and is starting to move forward with the discernment process. This process will guide us to identify the future mission of St Peter and what our needs are for a Pastor. We will look at our history, our present, and where we want to be in the future.
It is important to understand the current health of the St. Peter family. To help us, please respond to the following four survey questions: *
1. If our congregation did not continue to_______________________________________________________________
I would lose interest in remaining a member.
2. The thing that concerns me the most about our congregation is ____________________________________________________________.
3. If our congregation would _______________________________________________________________________________________,
I know I would call my friends and tell them what wonderful things they are missing.
4. If with a stroke of the pen I could change one thing at our congregation, I would _________________________________________________.
Your Responses will provide valuable input as the Call Committee studies the current feelings and future needs of our church family. Please place your completed survey in the offering plate, or place it in the basket in the narthex, or mail it to: St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church (Attn: Call Committee), 3751 Estero Blvd., Ft. Myers Beach, FL 33931, or email to StPeterFMB@aol.com to be received by no later than November 16th, 2008.
This is the first of several opportunities for you to provide input into the work of your Call Committee. Please direct any questions or concerns to John Linebarger, jonline@embarqmail.com.
* Please provide any further comments you wish to make.
A Note From our Florida-Bahamas Synod Companion Program
(Haiti Pig & Pastor Program)
September 12, 2008
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ at St. Peter Lutheran Church, We are fortunate to live on the banks of the St. John's river, with a long distance view and 99+% of the time things are well. The other percentage can be difficult, as when Tropical Storm Fay made the river swell to the point that our neighborhood streets could only be navigated in a very large truck. For a while that was not big enough, and we found ourselves refugees, but even then the Love of Christ was manifest, expressed in a place to stay and a warm and gracious hostess, and even good fellowship and laughter.
What about Haiti, where those who were devastated by storms in a like manner lost everything, and whose neighbors were unable to help as they were struggling also?
All they have is us.
The very short Epistle of Jude, while only 25 verses long, reminds us to "...have compassion, making a difference." Thank you for doing just that!
Your July, August and September donations totaling $164.00 for the General Fund (Pig & Pastor), and your August donation of $1,250.00 for the Scholarship Fund (for Naomie Duclair) is hereby acknowledged and greatly appreciated.
For the Acknowledgment Committee,
David R. Bergstresser
Enterprise, FL
Council Meeting Notes...
SPECIAL MEETING October 5, 2008
Following are HIGHLIGHTS of actions taken at a Special Called Council Meeting. Final Minutes will be read and approved at the next monthly Council meeting, then posted on the narthex bulletin board.
1) Because of the need for a replacement, council voted to acept a bid from Haines for purchase of a new air conditioning unit for Lau Hall at a cost of @$9500, payable six months same as cash.
October 16, 2008
Following are HIGHLIGHTS of actions taken at Council Meeting. Final Minutes will be read and approved at the next monthly Council meeting, then posted on the narthex bulletin board.
1) Approved purchase of a maintenance contract for our now one-year-old duplicator.
2) Pending recommendation from Worship and Music Committee, approved implementation of Pastor Walter's suggested placement of the wafer into communicant's hand, with the communicant then dipping the wafer into the wine.
MISSION STATEMENT
. STRIVING to provide time, facilities and materials for all ages through our Education programs so that God's children will have the opportunity to grow in the Gospel and experience God's presence in our midst.
. USING our congregational gifts of location, compassion, generosity, friendliness, and inclusiveness to meet, through our program of Evangelism, the needs of our neighbors: seasonal visitors, the homeless, migrant workers, and young families. We will also continue our outreach to others in God's family, prayerfully meeting new challenges as they come to us.
. MAKING our Property facilities accessible and appropriate so that in large or small groups, either worshiping or working, we will be able to grow in the Gospel through Fellowship and educational opportunities to provide support for those who are our neighbors.
. RESPONDING in loving care and concern through the outreach of Social Ministry as we meet the needs of those in our area through material items and emotional support.
. GATHERING volunteers to share the knowledge of St. Peter's local, national and worldwide ministries through appropriate Stewardship of time, talent and treasure so that we may respond to the needs of others.
. PROVIDING a Worship experience through Word and Sacrament using historic and contemporary materials which will form a vibrant Liturgy for our growth in the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
St. Peter's WOMEN of the ELCA
ANNE MYRTLE Circle
All ladies are invited to share in the fun and fellowship on Wednesday, November 12 at 9:30
a.m. in Lau Hall for a business meeting and presentation by Mary Ann Spengler of Christ
Lutheran Church. Following the meeting, all Ladies and their "significant others" are invited to
enjoy the WELCA Fall Luncheon at 12:00 pm at the Lighthouse Restaurant (on Comfort Rd.,
just before the causeway to Sanibel). For Luncheon Reservations, please call Diane Allen at
254-1794.
Happening This Month...
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 9
Nations Association – the 2nd Sunday of each month is "Nations Sunday," when a cash
collection is taken to benefit Nations Association, a vital local ministry which provides food,
clothing, educational opportunities, medical assistance, and much more for the homeless and
needy in the Ft. Myers area.
SUNDAY • NOVEMBER 16
Peanut Butter Sunday
Your donations of jars of Peanut Butter and cash gifts will be collected for migrant families
served by Harvest Time Ministries in Bonita Springs.
(See separate article in this issue of The Fisherman for complete details).
MONDAY • NOVEMBER 24
Stocking Stuffers Sought!
Come help the St. Peter "Elves" as they "stuff" Salvation Army Christmas stockings with all your
donated gifts and surprises! Also enjoy a delicious lunch with the Elves! The fun begins at
9:00am, in Lau Hall.
NOVEMBER– All Month
We Continue to collect your donations of small toys and gifts to "stuff" into Christmas Stockings
for distribution through the Salvation Army to disadvantaged children this Christmas. Cash
donations are also welcome. Details found in separate article this issue of The Fisherman.
Looking Ahead...
NOVEMBER 23 – DECEMBER 21
Everyone may provide living Poinsettia Plants to celebrate the birth of Christ and decorate our St.
Peter Christmas altar. More details coming later this month, and in the December issue of The
Fisherman.
SUNDAY • DECEMBER 7
Collection for AIDS Family assistance through "Take a Child to Lunch." Separate article this
issue of The Fisherman has full details.
WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER 10
Anne Myrtle Circle – All ladies are invited to our third annual "Christmas Tea," at 10:00 a.m. in
Lau Hall. The "Candy Cane Story" will be featured.
Special Thanks
Big Hugs and Thank You's to everyone for helping with our many WELCA ministry projects
through your gifts and labor!
"...whatever you did for one of the least of these... you did for me." Matthew 25:40.
Questions about any of our projects? Please call Diane Allen or Pat Modafari .
THESE ITEMS BENEFIT St. Peter WOMEN of the ELCA Projects!
RADA CUTLERY is the BEST!
This is a high-quality and extensive line of knives and cutting tools, available for purchase from anyWELCA member, or call Pat Modafari at 466-6120 or Mary Lou Wright at 415-6626. There are several new items in stock, and others can be ordered. Proceeds benefit many WELCA outreachministries
COOKBOOKS!
Everyone KNOWS that Lutheran ladies can really COOK! You can purchase the St. Peter Lutheran Women of the ELCA cookbook, KEYS TO GOOD COOKING with thousands of tried and true recipes for yourself, or they make GREAT gifts, only $15 each! ALSO û Hot off the presses! New ADD-IN RECIPES of 106 new scrumptious delights to insert into your Cookbook, for just $5.00 each (+$1.75 if we ship it for you).WELCA ladies will sell Cookbooks anytime û just ask one! Or call the church office at (239) 463-4251.
BIRTHDAYS!
ANNIVERSARIES!
November 1 Sheldon & Shirley Roe (49)
November 4 Gene & Carol Dahlin (41)
November 10 Ken & Lisa Taylor (8)
November 14 Pete & Gwen Patchin (49)
November 17 Doug & Courtney Eckmann (1)* * A Milestone Year! Best Wishes!
November 17 Rich & Janelle Engle (52)* *Sweet Love! Congratulations!
November 25 Verner & Gail Drohan (14)
November 27 Bill & "Skip" Buehler
November 28 Jim & Elaine Killelea
November 29 Jerry & Marilyn Mader (11)
November 29 Ben & Millie Polk (50)** You're in the dictionary under ‘Lovebirds'!
We love to celebrate your special days with you! If you don't see your name on our list, please call the church office at (239) 463-4251 to be included.
Prayer Requests
Mary Aardrup
Dorothy Abbott
Family of Lois Alberty ? (Diane Allen's cousin)
Susie Armstrong (Hornings' friend)
Joan Berecz*
Nancy Bernphal ? (Phyllis Robertson's niece)
Joy Booth*
Virginia Bowlby*
Jo Cereceda (Anita's mom)
Judy Eul*
Dee Garbade*
Cliff Hansen*
Brittney Helmbrecht ? (Figgins' granddaughter)
Jerry Krueger*
Debbie Loesch*
Doris & Lee Luenser
Ed & Ellie Mason*
Martha Miller*
Marilyn O'Connor* ? (Muriel's daughter)
Gwen Patchin*
Heather & Jasmine Peacock*
Thelma Popp*
Pat Sanford* ? (Curly & Elsie's nephew's wife)
Carol Ann Sanker (F. Modafari's sister)
Bill Schoenberg
Mindy Shappell*
Cathy Sheehan*
Michael Shook (Muriel's son-in-law)*
Charlotte Simonis*
Walt Stephenson
Joyce Stensrude*
Rachel Stoltzfus*
Craig Thompson*
LeAnn Torgerson & family* ?
? (Bill Schoenberg's daughter)
Family of Boyd Vick (D. Markusen's dad)
Edna Watson*
Steve Weschke (Jana Clevenger's brother)
"Larry" Zeigler*
LIST OF HONOR
Please Pray for peace throughout the world and for our St. Peter Family currently serving in theArmed Forces:
William Benzing . Nephew- Army -
Wounded in Iraq Lee & Doris Luenser
.
Petty Officer Ryan Buttlar . Grandson -
Nuclear Submarine Phyllis Robertson
.
Maj. Kevin Groth . Nephew - Army-
2nd Tour in Iraq Bob & Georgiann Stenerson
.
Tim Schweigert . Nephew -
Army - 2nd Tour in Iraq Lee & Doris Luenser
.
Matthew Skapriwsky . Grandson -
E4 Army Phyllis Robertson
.
S/Sgt Ronald Snell . Grandson -
U.S.A.F.2nd Tour in Iraq Bill & Helen Snell
.
S/Sgt Geoffrey Wilson . Nephew - Air Force - Back in U.S. from Iraq (6/08)
Max & Mary Lou Wright
If you have a prayer concern to add or remove from this list, please call the Church Office or mark it on the list posted on the bulletin board. Names will be listed for 1 month, after which they will be removed unless we hear from you to keep them active. It is our privilege to carry your prayer concerns to the Throne Room of our God!
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7,8
"If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:22
"And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isaiah 65:24
We Get Mail (and E-Mail)!
My sincere thanks to all of you for your cards, concerns and MOST OF ALL YOUR PRAYERS for me. My surgery went better than expected and the recovery is slow, but good. Pete is doing well and is anxious to get back to the Beach. For all that's happening to us, we are glad to still have our Florida driver's licenses! Hope to see you all soon – take care, may God bless, and don't forget to pray!
Gwen Patchin
Burnsville, MN
September 25, 2008
Dear Ladies, (Quilting Angels)
Thank you so much for the beautiful lap throw. It is a thoughtful and very useful gift.
Thelma Popp
Cape Coral, FL
September 25,2008
St. Peter Church Family
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts & prayers during my recovery from surgery. I am starting to get my strength back and your shawl has helped keep me warm and steadfast on my goal
Walter Stephenson
New Castle, PA
October 16. 2008
Dear Mary Lou (St. Peter Women of the ELCA) ,
Thanks to you and St. Peter's church for the large box of U.S. and foreign stamps (nicely trimmed), the post cards and postally unused stamps. The support you give us is much appreciated. I have received your newsletter – what a busy church you have! Looking forward to cooler days ahead. The holidays will be here before we know it.
Blessings,
Marian Lindberg
Corresponding Secretary
FL Lutheran Retirement Center Auxiliary
Deland, FL
October 15, 2008
Dear Pastor & Mr. Robert Burr,
Dear friends and brothers in Christ, I greet you in the name of Jesus Christ. I write to say thank you for your support of Naomie (financial scholarship for high school education). Thank you also for your understanding about education – education is very, very important in a society, so please accept my thanks!
Pastor Denis Duclair
Carrefour, HAITI
October 7, 2008
I just got back from Haiti and I have to say that the money you have sent for FELD'HA is much needed and appreciated. We lost 3 churches with the 4 hurricanes and many people lost their homes, livestock and hope. Please remember these Haitians in your personal and congregational prayers. Thank you so much for everything you have done at St. Peter. You are truly a blessing.
Peace,
Pat Hansen,
Haiti Programs
Florida-Bahamas Synod,
Global Missions
October 6, 2008
Got a riddle for you. Next to the love of God, and a man's immediate family, what is the most precious thing he can own? I'm rich, because in my opinion, I have it!
It's having friends like you who care!
What more can I say except that the shawl was sincerely appreciated. Thank you, St. Peter Family, for your help in giving me this feeling.
Sincerely,
Home and Healing,
Bob (and Hazel) Stenzel
Ft. Myers Beach, FL
October 9, 2008
Hi Everyone – Joan and I visited her surgeon at Yale today. He was very pleasantly surprised how well her wound is healing. He said that in another month or so it should be completely "healed over" without further surgery. He also removed the vacuum dressing from the wound and it will stay off... so she's no longer connected to any external devices. He decided she is ready to begin the three biweekly radiation treatments, and the first is scheduled for next week. As soon as the physical therapist at the rehab facility thinks she is ready, she will be coming home. We expect that will happen within a couple of weeks. So all the news today was good. Since we had to pass our Connecticut condo on the way to and from Yale, I used the opportunity to bring Joan home this evening for a short visit. She loved sitting in her recliner with a glass of scotch on the rocks. She also found that the shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers, and fresh pineapple that I provided as a snack was much better than hospital food.
We thank you for your continued prayers and good wishes. If all goes as well as the doctor's prognosis indicates, I will be sending you the LAST "Update on Joan's Condition" when she comes home... not just for a two-hour visit, but to stay.
Regards,
Vic (and Joan) Berecz
Fairfield, CT
Military Thanksgiving Gifts
This Thanksgiving ...Help Us to Give "Thank You!" Packages for Our Members in the Military You are invited to contribute toward Thanksgiving Packages that we will be sending to those on our military prayer list (List of Honor). Your donations may include appropriate items in small sizes (suggestions below) - or cash to be used for purchase of items or for the postage required for the flat-rate boxes ($9.80 each).
Packages will be mailed by November 15th.
Suggestions:
Small containers of cookies or snack cakes
Mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, etc.
Snack mixes
Pringles
Chewing gum
Breath mints
Non-melting candies
Microwave popcorn
Ramen noodles
Cereal or granola bars
Beef jerky
Individual pkgs.: Cocoa, coffee, tea, Gatorade, etc.
Baby or body powder
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Razors
Hand and face wipes
Dominoes, dice, playing cards, hand-held games
Music CDs or DVDs
AA or D batteries
Ink pens
Word puzzle books
Paperback books
Disposable camera
Long-distance phone cards
A card or supportive note thanking those serving us and our country.
(Items donated in excess of those needed will be sent to additional soldiers not on our church family's prayer list.)
Questions? Call Joyce Burr.
Help us Decorate the ALTAR for Christmas!
This year on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the St. Peter altar will be surrounded with beautiful, living POINSETTIA PLANTS to celebrate the birth of Christ! Please donate one or more plants for the Altar. Cost is $10 per plant.
Any money left from the cost will be given to the St. Peter quilt-sewing group. You may take your plant home with you anytime after Christmas Day.
ORDER FORM
Please complete THIS FORM and place it in a PEW ENVELOPE or Mail it to the Church Office with your payment.
Checks should be payable to: St. Peter WELCA – Poinsettias. DEADLINE for your Order is: Sunday • DECEMBER 14th.
NAME: _____________________________ NUMBER OF PLANTS: _____________ AMOUNT PAID: $ ___________
In Memory Of: ______________________________________ In Honor Of: ______________________________________
Thank You!
Join Us For Monday Work Day
2008-2009 Season
Join the St. Peter Lutheran Church family & friends for fun excursions and events this Season!
Make your reservations early (on enclosed form) and include your check for the best tickets.
CALL Sally Rudolph for more information.
New!! WEDNESDAY . JANUARY 21, 2009
The OFF Broadway Palm Theatre
"CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES" Tickets: $38.00/each
Buffet 11:45 AM; Show 1:15 PM Tickets are SELLING FAST!
Hilarious musical celebrating church basement kitchens everywhere and the women that work there!
Need PAID Reservations by Jan. 1
and ...
Ladies' LUNCH BUNCH! This group of St. Peter ladies get together for lunch on the LAST Wednesday of each month, at a different restaurant. For January Only, we will enjoy THIS SHOW on Wednesday, JAN. 21st. For reservations and information, call Jana Clevenger.
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre TUESDAY . February 3, 2009
"SINGIN' IN THE RAIN" Tickets: $47.00/each
Buffet 6 PM; Show 8 PM
Need PAID Reservations by January 1
Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre TUESDAY. March 10, 2009
"ALL SHOOK UP" Tickets: $47.00/each
Buffet 6 PM; Show 8 PM Need PAID Reservations by Feb. 1
Let's Go! O R D E R F O R M
Please Include Payment With Order. Separate Check for each event.
Please Make Checks Payable to: St. Peter Lutheran Church - "LET'S GO"
Please indicate how many tickets for EACH event:
No. Tickets: _________For Event: ___________________________________________________________________
No. Tickets
For Event: ___________________________________________________________________
Check Enclosed Amount: $ ______________________________
WANT TO SEND US A QUICK EMAIL?
To Pastor: Stpeterfmb@AOL.com
To Susan: SusanStpeter@AOL.com