Peter s Net S T P E T E R S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H. Sept Oct Website:

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1 S T P E T E R S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H RR1 Bornholm ON N0K 1A office@stpetershouse.ca Website: find us on Facebook Sept Oct 2014 Peter s Net CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Dexter Breitmaier, grandson of Rein & Char Breitmaier who was baptised on July 6th, 2014.

2 You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger. James 1:19 FROM THE PASTOR: A story is told of Franklin Roosevelt, who often endured long receiving lines at the White House. He complained that no one really paid any attention to what was said. One day, during a reception, he decided to try an experiment. To each person who passed down the line and shook his hand, he murmured, "I murdered my grandmother this morning." The guests responded with phrases like, "Marvelous! Keep up the good work. We are proud of you. God bless you, sir." It was not till the end of the line, while greeting the ambassador from Bolivia, that his words were actually heard. Nonplussed, the ambassador leaned over and whispered, "I'm sure she had it coming." Are you a good listener? I think most of us would like to think we are, at least most of the time. But listening is one of those things that sounds simple and yet is often so hard to do well in practice. Because listening actually takes a lot of work. It requires paying attention and making a conscious effort to process what someone is telling you. When we re feeling tired or when we re busy, it s easy for information to go in one ear and out the other. But listening is so important. It s a crucial piece of communication and it s an essential part of building and maintaining healthy relationships. When we listen we learn what s important to the people around us. When we listen, whether we agree or not, we let the people in our lives know that they are important to us; that we care about what they have to say. This September there will be a couple of times (at least) when it will be important for us as a congregation to listen. On September 14th Dr. Rev. Allen Jorgenson from the Waterloo Lutheran Seminary will be joining us for a session on Same-Sex Marriage, Scripture and Theology. This is an opportunity for us to learn more about this topic and to begin talking about what it means for us. The other occasion is on September 21 st when we ll be having a congregational meeting to begin discussions about replacing the carpet in the sanctuary. On the surface it seems like a relatively small matter but it will mean a change in a very important space. In my mind, when it comes time to discuss these issues the biggest challenge won t be whether we will all agree but whether we

3 will be willing and able to really listen to one another. Will we already have our minds made up or will we be willing to hear other points of view? Will we really listen to what others have to say or will be we formulating our responses while others are talking? Will we miss something important because we think we already know what someone is going to say? (like the President of the United States confessing to murdering his grandmother!) Christ calls us to be one. Our oneness doesn t mean that we ll always agree on everything but our oneness does compel us to respect and care for one another. It s for this reason that the Epistle of James calls us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Wisdom for life together, and I, for one, am looking forward to hearing what you have to say! IN MEMORY Cemetery Decoration Sunday saw many people wandering the freshly decorated cemetery both before and after the touching service. Many took time to reflect, to give thanks and to communicate. Those members who were buried this year are: Lloyd Prueter Arthur Hinz Jean Ahrens Toleda Parrott Jean Mastin Alice Dietz Rose Robinson Sympathy was extended to John Leonard and Pastor Laura on the passing of John's father Jeff Leonard on June 27 in Toronto. Happy listening, Pastor Laura Sympathy was also extended to the family of Alice Dietz who passed away July 13th in her 99th year. "Harvest Home" Oct. 12th Famillies whose surnames start with the letters "S" will be decorating the church this year.

4 LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN As it appears to happen every year, the summer just seems to fly by and this year is no exception. Hope everyone was able to enjoy some down time and relaxation. Since no meeting was held in June, the LCW members have still been active keeping up with visiting the sick. On July 23rd, we had our summer outing planned by Margaret Scherbarth s Team East, resulting in an enjoyable afternoon. We met at Zehrs Country Market just south of Bayfield for some shopping. Since this place was a new experience for many of us we were impressed by the many and varied goods on offer. We then followed Barb Scherbarth to her trailer site at the Old Homestead Camp Ground for a time of fellowship. Following a short business meeting, Team East organized some games complete with prizes. Everyone enjoyed a lovely supper out at the Docks restaurant to bring an enjoyable outing to a close. No meeting will be held in September, but I would like to extend an invitation to the congregation to join us for our October meeting to be held October 8th at 1:30 in the afternoon. Vicki Siemon s Team West are in charge of the program and Char Breitmaier will be presenting a Bible Study titled What on Earth Am I Here For?? This promises to be a not to be missed topic and Char does an excellent presentation, so please join us for an uplifting afternoon. Of course refreshments will be served. Coming up also in October, we have been invited to attend the Fall Gathering with other Lutheran Women in the newly formed Thames Valley Ministry Area. Their theme is MISSION POSSIBLE? This event is taking place on Saturday October 18th from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in London. And the cost of $10.00 includes lunch. They have prepared a day to include a Hymn Sing, Worship Service, Speakers, a Fashion Show, Displays and Retailers, a Bible Study and a delicious lunch. All Lutheran Women are invited and if anyone would like to attend please contact me Vicki Siemon ( ) to arrange transportation. As fall approaches we pray that weather conditions be favourable and our farmers can reap a bountiful harvest. GODS BLESSINGS TO ALL!! Vicki Siemon LCW Chair

5 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada From Synod Assembly From June 26th to 29th this year, Pastor Laura and Deb Elligsen attended the Eastern Synod Assembly on behalf of St. Peters Lutheran Church. The theme for this year s assembly was Together for the Love of the World. A complete report will be submitted for the next issue of Peter s Net but there s one significant change we wanted to pass along this month. Motions affecting the restructuring of our Synod were adopted at this assembly, which means we have transitioned from conferences into ministry areas. Prior to assembly, we were part of the London Conference, now we are part of the Thames Ministry Area along with the following churchs: St. Johns, Aylmer St. Pauls, Leamington Redeemer, London St. Ansgar, London Trinity, London Trinity, Windsor St. Peters, Zurich These areas do not exist for any governance function, but as a way of encouraging local outreach and ministry. There are no constitutions or set structures each area has the freedom to shape their ministry in ways that will work best for their unique context. Each area however, will have a dean appointed by the Bishop. For our area, the Bishop has appointed Pastor Laura to this role. CONGRATULATIONS PASTOR LAURA!!! Ministry areas are a new venture and will take some growing into. The transition won t be without its challenges but there is opportunity for great things to take shape. If you have any further questions about this change, don t hesitate to contact Pastor Laura or Deb Elligsen. Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) National Bishop Susan C. Johnson wrote to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and expressed her deep concern for the people of Mosul. In her letter, Bishop Johnson urged the Government of Canada to call for an end to violence, intimidation and expulsion, and... Full story: "We stand with all the people in the Holy Land and keep them in our prayers," says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. "We pray for peace for all who are affected by this violence and devastation. Gracious God, comfort all those who live in fear. May you bring mercy, compassion and grace to all... Full story:

6 NARRATIVE LECTIONARY This fall, we will be using The Narrative Lectionary once again during our Sunday morning worship. Although we ve been doing this for a year now I m sure there are some who are still wondering, What in the world is a narrative lectionary? Let me explain. On Sunday mornings, we read Scripture as part of our worship. In some congregations, it s the pastor who chooses the readings each week. In most Lutheran congregations, the readings are decided by a lectionary, which is a list of assigned readings for each Sunday. The most common lectionary is one called the Revised Common Lectionary (or RCL for short). The RCL is on a three year cycle which means that every three years we start again with the same assigned Scripture readings. This is what was used at St Peters before making the switch to the narrative lectionary. The Narrative Lectionary is a set of assigned readings that are designed to cover the major stories in both the Old and New Testaments and it s on a four year cycle (one year for each Gospel). From September through May, the passages for each Sunday follow the sweep of Biblical stories, from creation through to the early church. This year will be the year of In the fall, we begin by working our way through the Old Testament then in December we start into the Gospel of Matthew. After Easter we move into the books of Acts and Romans. Join us this year as we journey through the story of Scripture: God s story, our story! ARCHIVES We found theses gems from our history of 1921: paid to Adam Kistner - 40 for church keys paid to Geo. Leonhardt - $2.85 for 64ft of maple lumber and $15.65 for 1260 lbs of hay paid to Martha Diegel - $18.00 for playing the organ paid to Geo. E Mogk - $2.00 for a pipe fitting

7 NEWS FROM THE PEWS July 6th - Our campground Service at Family Paradise included the baptism of Dexter Brei t ma i er a nd l unch provided by the Outreach Committee. July 8th-14th - Pastor Laura was on vacation. July 13th - Deb Elligsen did an excellent job preaching for Pastor Laura. July 20th - The mobility bus brought out several members to the service. July 23rd - The LCW held their summer outing in Bayfield area. July 28th-Aug 11th - Pastor Laura was on vacation. Aug 3rd - Rev. Bob Hutchison was the guest preacher with Deb Elligsen assisting. Aug 10th - Char Breitmaier was the guest preacher with Sherri Bennewies assisting. Thanks Folks. Aug 17th - Cemetery Decoration Sunday was held 2:00 pm with many people attending. Aug 31th - Sunday s Service was held at the Mitchell Fall Fair. TREASURER REPORT Curr t (inc misc) Here is a snapshot of our financial situation as of July 31st, We are still running in the deficit position of $13, (for current account) and $ (for missions account). Improvement Actual Ex. Received Gain/Shortfall $90, $77, $13, $3, $6, $2, Missions $7, $4, $2, Total -$12, When compared to the numbers from last year, we are about the same. Susan Alexander Church Council Choir Practice 7:30 p.m. Thurs - Sept 4th New members are welcome to attend. Come out for singing and fellowship.

8 I am presently reading a book written in 1961 by Harry Boyle. He is from the Wingham area and his book is about growing up in the area back then. One such remembrance is the coal lantern. Late at night, if a lantern was glowing in the window; it was a sign for other neighbours that there was an emergency and the neighbours would come. Then came the party line phone which was quicker than high speed internet by the sounds of it. If a certain ring came through, all would pick up knowing that a dire emergency needed all the neighbour's help. It was also understood too that no one used the phone for a period of time after that call in case a call needed to go out to get the doctor or what have you. During the thirties everyone worked together to help each other just to get by. Money didn't keep the neighbours fed; sharing what everyone had did! We found this book among the things at the Church we bought and it is really sad to see how self-absorbed society has become. The close knit communities are far and few. Whether it be across the sea or right in our own back yard; it is always a great feeling to pull together to help someone out and in return be in among good company and friends. The book also has some good humor in it too! It's called 'Mostly in Clover'. I'm sure the library in Huron County must have some copies. If you get a chance to read it, I'm sure you will not be disappointed! Lisa Rapien Same Sex Marriage: Scripture & Theology Join Church council and other faithful believers in a conversation with Rev. Dr. Allen Jorgenson from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Rev. Jorgenson and other pastors are thankful for the National Church Council s presentation of a Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the three motions to address issues that have occupied synodical and national conventions as of late. Come, listen, question and talk about what the scriptures tell us. Rev. Jorgenson s presentation will follow our morning worship and prepared lunch downstairs at 12:30 p.m.

9 ST PETERS CALENDAR September :30 Holy Communion Sunday School - upstairs Confirmation Meeting 14 10:30 Word and Prayer Same Sex Marriage Scripture & Theology 21 10:30 Holy Communion Mobility Bus 11:30am Congregational Meeting re: Carpet in Sanctuary 28 10:30 Word and Prayer Bring A Friend Sunday :30 Senior Choir :00 Confirmation BBQ at Pastor Laura's :30 Church Council Pastor Laura on vacation

10 WORSHIP LEADERS SCHEDULE September & October 2014 Date Assistant Communion Washers Sept 7 Murray Rose Gerald & Jean Beuermann Projectionist Reader Greeters Flowers Elsie Beuermann Joan Beuermann Don & Sherry Bach Sept 14 Greg Beuermann Grace Brown Susan & Brent Robinson Sept 21 Deb Elligsen Darcy & Angela Smith Joan Beuermann Deb Elligsen Perry & Kathy Bennewies Sept 28 Sherri Bennewies Wayne Jarmuth Roy & Joan Beuermann Oct 5 Jan Leonhardt Rein Breitmaier Dale & Debby Bennewies Oct 12 Sherri Bennewies Don & Pauline Beuermann Elsie Beuermann Char Breitmaier Greg & Barb Beuermann Oct 19 Gerald Neeb Keith & Pauline Siemon Oct 26 Lynn Hoegy Donna Wettlaufer & Sherri Bennewies Nov 2 Murray Rose Marion Weir & family Greg Beuermann Lyn Sandiford Doug & Sandra Dietz Joan Beuermann Gwen Neeb Bill & Dianne Beuerman Laurene Regele Maxine Hinz Erin Robinson Kathy Bennewies Sherri Bach Harvest Home Ruth Eickmeier Diana Rapien Cindy Ludington

11 SCRIPTURE READINGS We are encouraged to read the assigned scriptures in order to prepare for worship Date Service Description Title Readings Notes Sept 7 10:30 Holy Communion Sept 14 10:30 Word and Prayer Sept 21 10:30 Holy Communion Sept 28 10:30 Word and Prayer Oct 5 10:30 Word and Prayer Oct 12 10:30 Holy Communion Oct 19 10:30 Word and Prayer Oct 26 10:30 Holy Communion Nov 2 10:30 Holy Communion Pentecost 13 Flood and Promise Pentecost 14 Call of Abraham Pentecost 15 Joseph in Prison Pentecost 16 Rescue at the Sea Pentecost 17 Covenant and Commandments Pentecost 18 Joshua renews the Covenant Pentecost 19 David & Bathsheba Pentecost 20 Solomon s Wisdom Pentecost 21 Elisha heals Naaman Genesis 6:16-22; 9:8-15 Matthew 8:24-27 Genesis 12:1-9 Matthew 28:19-20 Genesis 39:1-23 Matthew 5:11-12 Exodus 14:10-31 Matthew 2:13-15 Exodus 19:3-7; 20:1-17 Matthew 5:17 Joshua 24:1-15 Matthew 4: Samuel 12:1-9 Psalm 51:1-9 Matthew 21: Kings 3:4-9, Matthew 6: Kings 5:1-14 Matthew 8:2-3 Sunday School starts upstairs Sunday School starts upstairs - Blessing of the Backpacks Mobility Bus 10:30 Sunday School Bring a Friend to Church 10:30 Sunday School Sunday School starts upstairs Harvest Home Family Sunday Local Food Meal & Skype Call with The Olive Branch for Children; Family Sunday Reformation Sunday 10:30 Sunday School All Saints Sunday School starts upstairs

12 ST PETERS CALENDAR October :30 Holy Communion 12 10:30 Word and Prayer Harvest Home 19 10:30 Holy Communion "Local Food Meal" Skype service with Deb McCracken Peter s Net Deadline 26 10:30 Word and Prayer Mobility Bus :30 LCW Meeting "What on Pastor Laura at Dean s Retreat Earth Am I Here For? by Char Breitmaier :30 Church Council Pastor Laura on vacation :30 Senior Choir LCW London Conference Fall Event Pastor Laura at Rural Ministry

13 Fact Sheet/Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care June 4, 2007 LIABILITY PROTECTION FOR PEOPLE USING DEFIBRILLATORS The McGuinty government passed legislation that will protect people from civil liability when they attempt to save a life using a public automated external defibrillator (AED). The Chase McEachern Act (Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability), 2007 based on a private member s bill put forward by Liberal MPP Bruce Crozier (Essex) is named after 11-year-old Barrie resident Chase McEachern. After being diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, and hearing that two professional hockey players also have irregular heart beats like his, Chase decided to start a campaign to make defibrillators mandatory in hockey arenas and schools everywhere. On February 9, 2006, Chase passed out while jogging warm-up laps in gym class. He was rushed to hospital but efforts to resuscitate him failed. With the death of the young hockey player, the McEachern family created a tribute fund in honour of their son. A donor made a $100,000 gift to the fund with the condition it be used to put defibrillators in arenas in Grey and Bruce counties. An AED is a device that analyzes the heart rhythm of a person who has suffered cardiac arrest. It determines if the rhythm requires defibrillation and, if required, prompts the person using the AED to deliver a shock to restart the heart. Most AEDs are compact, easy to use and include visual and voice prompts which guide the user through the operation of the machine. Upon proclamation, the Chase McEachern Act (Heart Defibrillator Civil Liability), 2007 will: Protect individuals from liability for damages that may occur in relation to their use of an AED to save someone s life at the immediate scene of an emergency, unless damages are caused by gross negligence; Protect health care professionals from liability for damages that may occur in relation to their use of an AED to save someone s life at the immediate scene of an emergency, unless damages are caused by gross negligence and unless the AED is used in a hospital or other place having appropriate health care facilities and equipment for the purpose of defibrillation; Protect owners and occupiers of premises on which an AED is installed from liability for any harm that may occur in relation to the use of the AED, provided that the owner or occupier made the AED available for use in good faith without gross negligence and properly maintained the defibrillator. The protection does not apply where the premise is a hospital or other health care facility. A number of Ontario communities are already installing AEDs in arenas, libraries, community buildings and other public places. It is hoped that ensuring protection from liability will provide the necessary reassurance and encourage other communities and facilities to install AEDs. The Act is intended to support public access to AEDs and encourage their use in order to save lives. The Ontario government is moving forward with its commitment to improve health and safety by installing 250 life-saving portable heart defibrillators in close to 100 provincial government buildings. The government has also contributed $3 million to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario to install defibrillators in recreational facilities across the province through the Thousand Defibrillators Program. Media Contacts: David Spencer David Jensen Minister s Office Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Passed June 4th, 2007.

14 CHURCH COUNCIL NEWS At the August 12th, 2014 council meeting it was decided to change the meeting date to the 3rd Wednesday of each month. We found several council members had conflicts with schedules which affected attendance for meetings. This will be on a trial basis until year end when it will be reviewed and changed if it works better. In May we received the Insurance report from the loss control inspection done on behalf of Howick Insurance. The inspection went well finding nothing critical but recognized a few items that needed attention. The Property & Maintenance Committee will complete these shortly and are installing smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. This spring/summer there have been a few improvements at the parsonage: a new garage door with opener was installed a steel roof above side entry door was installed roof repairs were completed with the removal of the capped chimney. We are still waiting for the inspection and brick repair work to be done on the west bell-tower. Defibrillator Training will be held at the church in the future, please watch for specific dates and times. We hope everyone interested will come out. Please check out the info sheet covering the liability protection legislation, information and history from the Ontario government (see page 13). The Defibrillator cabinet is being installed in the entryway a central location for both upstairs and downstairs. UPCOMING EVENTS: Sept. 14th - Same-sex marriage, scripture & theology session at 12:30 pm with Rev. Dr. Allen Jorgensen from Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. Council is providing a light lunch following our morning worship service. Sept. 21st - CONGREGATIONAL MEETING following worship service. A presentation and discussion regarding the removal of the two steps under the altar and the installation of new carpet project. Sept. 28th - Bring a Friend Sunday Refreshments will be provided by the Outreach committee following the service. Oct. 19th - Local Food Meal & Skype service with Deb McCracken from the Olive Branch (this is a Faithlife function). We are looking for food donations, please contact myself or any council member. Please plan to attend and support this wonderful cause. PENDING PROJECTS: New carpet and the removal of two steps under the altar: the church has just received a

15 very generous donation with the request it be used for this project. We are starting the process of getting firm quotes and will have a CONGREGATIONAL MEETING immediately following service on Sept. 21st to go over the options we are considering. THANK-YOU NOTES: Thanks to Brad Rapien for the generous donation of the topsoil and mulch used on May 31st for the flowerbed/landscaping project. The tree removal in July on the east side of the church went well. We appreciated Mr. Williams quick attention to this project and it has really opened up the area and will prevent further problems. A big thanks to Hugh Dietz for power-washing the east side church foundation and all his attention to harrowing the parking lots this summer looks much better. You may have not noticed, but Rodney Hinz and Hugh Dietz trimmed the big spruce trees in the church and parsonage driveways. This will help with clean-ups after storms. Thanks guys for your extra work. The Church has received more donations towards our $ cost of the Defibrillator. A huge thanks for the $ from the Brodhagen Chamber of Commerce/Community Centre and the $ from the LCW (Lutheran Church Women) of St Peters. Your financial support for this project has really been appreciated. It has been a busy summer and we appreciate all the support council have received from the congregation. Enjoy the warm weather left and have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Gwen Neeb Church Council Chairman

16 MUSIC & WORSHIP Every Sunday we join together in praying together the prayer that Jesus taught us, otherwise known as the Lord s Prayer. For something just a little bit different this fall, we will try singing the Lord s Prayer at our services in September and October. This is not a permanent change, but something to try for a couple of months. We look forward to hearing your feedback! BLESSING OF THE BACKPACK September is here! For many families that means the start of a new school year! Shopping for school supplies, books, and fall clothes becomes a part of everyone's schedule. Here at St Peters, on Sunday, September 14th, we want to celebrate and bless the beginning of another school year. Students, preschool through adult, bring your backpacks or lunch boxes to worship at 10:30. The service will begin with a blessing for all students, dedicating them to God's glory as we begin a new school year. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times. In the English tradition, days of thanksgiving and special thanksgiving religious services became important during the English Reformation. In reaction to the large number of religious holidays on the Catholic calendar (95 Church holidays, plus 52 Sundays, when people had to attend church, stop work and pay for expensive celebrations) in 1536 the number of Church holidays was reduced to 27. These holidays were to be replaced by specially called Days of Fasting or Days of Thanksgiving. Unexpected disasters or threats of judgement from on high called for Days of Fasting while special blessings, viewed as things coming from God, called for Days of Thanksgiving.

17 SAKURA HOUSE CEMETERY COMMITTEE REPORT Any monies that the cemetery board receives for upkeep comes from plot sales and donations specifically mentioned from the plate and on cemetery Sunday. Due to recent higher maintenance costs, the cemetery board will be in a shortfall at the end of this year. Those attending Cemetery Decoration Sunday would agree that not only the flowers were beautiful but the grounds look wonderful as well. We are asking the congregation to prayerfully consider making a donation specifically directed to the cemetery fund. Thank you in advance for your kindness. Job Posting: The person who usually digs the graves here at St Peters is wishing to retire. Anyone interested in filling this position please contact Brad Rapien at Brad Rapien Prayers are the stairs that lead to God, And there s joy every step of the way. When we make our pilgrimage to Him, With love in our hearts each day. In September a collection box will be placed at the back of the church for Sakura House Hospice in Woodstock, which is a palliative care facility. The following items are on their wish list: Unscented lotion Combs 4 blade disposable razors Nivea chap sticks Travel size mouth wash(alcohol free) All metal nail clippers Small spray bottles Kleenex Black sharpies (markers) Mens large cotton t-shirts Baking supplies for kitchen Bird seed Or any financial donations payable to Sakura House (a registered charity) would be appreciated. Diana Rapien has offered to deliver everyything collected.

18 Youth Group At this time, there is nothing new to report for our youth group. I was trying to organize an outing to the Ice Culture centre in Hensall as well as a tugboat tour at the Goderich Harbour but to no avail. Success comes in cans I can, you can, we can. A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out! Our Amazing Race is sitting at the ready but unfortunately we were unable to get the extra volunteers needed to run with it. I have received many a compliment for taking on the youth group but no one seems to want to stand behind us and support our youth by giving just a few hours here and there. It is such an impressionable age and I feel this is an important ministry within our Church. We are still planning a Bible Trivia Pie Off and also checking into going on an outing to one of the corn mazes nearby. Lisa Rapien BE A VOLUNTEER! St. Peter s Mission Statement. Built on the Rock of Jesus Christ, we are an inclusive and caring community of faith in action. We are dedicated to the regular worship of God and service of people everywhere, providing a safe haven of love and fellowship, and nurturing spiritual growth, beginning with children.