st peter’s lutheran church · kfc & adult bible study at 9:00a every ... dec 15 / 9:00-11:00a...

13
St Peter’s Lutheran Church Worship Hours ~Saturday Evenings at 5:00p Sunday Mornings at 10:00a KFC & Adult Bible Study at 9:00a every Sunday morning Pastor Christopher Miller [email protected] Cell phone: (608) 415-8633 Church Office: 727-3721 Office hours: Vicky – Tuesdays 8:00-10:00a & Fridays 8:00-10:00a Carol – Thursdays 9:30-11:30a Remember to set the clocks back Saturday evening, November 3 rd . Daylight savings time begins on Sunday, November 4 th . Meetings in November Worship Committee ~ Wednesday / Nov 7 / 6:30p Luther League Meeting ~ Sunday / Nov 4 / 6:00p Council ~ Thursday / Nov 8 / 7:30p Women’s Bible Study ~ Nov 13/ 1:30p or Nov 19 / 7:00p Quilting ~ No meeting till Jan 2013 Prayer Shawl ~ every Monday / 7:00p Dartball ~ every Monday / 7:30p Adult Bible Study ~ every Sunday / 9:00a Men’s Bible Study ~ every Thursday / 9:00a A Message from Bonnie… COUNCIL CORNER Hello again. Halloween is just around the corner and Thanksgiving will be here soon. I hope you all have time to enjoy these special days. On November 11 th , we will be honoring our veterans and will be having a guest speaker. We are also having a potluck following our worship service that day and an informal congregational meeting to get your ideas on what you want out of worship here at St. Peter’s. Is there something we can do or change to make it more worthwhile for you or to make you want to come more often? We had a bit of a discussion on this topic at the annual meeting, but we are now dedicating this time to get more of your input. We tried a survey and other ways and are once again going to try and get more involvement in this discussion. Please bring a dish to pass and plan to join us. By the time you get this, the church directory photographs will be complete and you will be able to look forward to receiving your directory within a few weeks. While there are always some folks who do not or cannot participate, a special thank you to all of you who were willing to be part of the directory. Our mission for the months of November and December will be Human Services. The past several years Sue Wobschall has had several families in need at this time of year so we decided rather than wait until December and be re-active we would start in November and be pro-active. Her requests last year is what prompted us to create a “local mission of the month” this year. So, it is only appropriate to dedicate the November and December mission money to that cause. Again, soon you will be contacted regarding your willingness to serve on Council or Parish Ed. Please give this some thought. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, contact any council member or Pastor and we will put your name on the ballot. Remember, if you are aware of someone who would like a visit from a council member or Pastor to discuss a question or concern, please tell us so we are aware and can do that. Also, any time you have questions or want to share your comments or concerns, feel free to contact me or any other council member. God’s blessings, Bonnie Haag, President

Upload: doannguyet

Post on 05-Apr-2018

216 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

St Peter’s Lutheran Church

Worship Hours ~Saturday Evenings at 5:00p Sunday Mornings at 10:00a

KFC & Adult Bible Study at 9:00a every Sunday morning

Pastor Christopher Miller – [email protected] Cell phone: (608) 415-8633

Church Office: 727-3721 Office hours: Vicky – Tuesdays 8:00-10:00a & Fridays 8:00-10:00a Carol – Thursdays 9:30-11:30a Remember to set the clocks back Saturday evening, November 3rd. Daylight savings time begins on Sunday, November 4th.

Meetings in November

Worship Committee ~ Wednesday / Nov 7 / 6:30p Luther League Meeting ~ Sunday / Nov 4 / 6:00p Council ~ Thursday / Nov 8 / 7:30p Women’s Bible Study ~ Nov 13/ 1:30p or Nov 19 / 7:00p

Quilting ~ No meeting till Jan 2013 Prayer Shawl ~ every Monday / 7:00p Dartball ~ every Monday / 7:30p Adult Bible Study ~ every Sunday / 9:00a Men’s Bible Study ~ every Thursday / 9:00a

A Message from Bonnie…

COUNCIL CORNER Hello again. Halloween is just around the corner and Thanksgiving will be here soon. I hope you all have time to enjoy these special days.

On November 11th, we will be honoring our veterans and will be having a guest speaker. We are also having a potluck following our worship service that day and an informal congregational meeting to get your ideas on what you want out of worship here at St. Peter’s. Is there something we can do or change to make it more worthwhile for you or to make you want to come more often? We had a bit of a discussion on this topic at the annual meeting, but we are now dedicating this time to get more of your input. We tried a survey and other ways and are once again going to try and get more involvement in this discussion. Please bring a dish to pass and plan to join us.

By the time you get this, the church directory photographs will be complete and you will be able to look forward to receiving your directory within a few weeks. While there are always some folks who do not or cannot participate, a special thank you to all of you who were willing to be part of the directory.

Our mission for the months of November and December will be Human Services. The past several years Sue Wobschall has had several families in need at this time of year so we decided rather than wait until December and be re-active we would start in November and be pro-active. Her requests last year is what prompted us to create a “local mission of the month” this year. So, it is only appropriate to dedicate the November and December mission money to that cause.

Again, soon you will be contacted regarding your willingness to serve on Council or Parish Ed. Please give this some thought. If you are interested in running for one of these positions, contact any council member or Pastor and we will put your name on the ballot.

Remember, if you are aware of someone who would like a visit from a council member or Pastor to discuss a question or concern, please tell us so we are aware and can do that. Also, any time you have questions or want to share your comments or concerns, feel free to contact me or any other council member. God’s blessings, Bonnie Haag, President

Dartball started October 22nd / every Monday at 7:30p

Here is the schedule and the teams participating for this year’s Dartball League. The Second team listed is the Home team and should arrive at St Peters by 7:00p to practice shooting. The visiting team will practice from 7:15-7:25p. Games start at 7:30p promptly.

Your captains for St Peter’s are: Shaun Haag / 495-0910 / Blue Team and Jason Hooker / 434-2880 /Red Team

1. LRUMC 2. Advent Christian 3. Zion

4. St Peters / Reedsburg 5. St Peters / Red 6. St Peters / Blue

7. Bethany 8. LaValle UMC 9. Holy Family Catholic

Carol is changing her Office hours

I have to change my Thursday morning office hours to 9:30-11:30a. And the office will be closed November 8th. I will be on vacation.

Thank you, Carol Confirmation Fundraisers…

CAT Class raised $315 during their BAKE SALE at the LFD PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Thank you all for your HELP…especially to Judith Schlieckau for chairing the event.

Thank you on Behalf of the Chili Supper & Bazaar

The Freewill Offering for the Chili Supper gathered was: $2544.00 and a very generous donation of $499.97 for the all of the ground chuck was also given. The Bazaar raised $259.25. Thus the income taken in for the evening was $3303.22. Expenses for the Publicity / remaining ingredients including the ground chuck came to: $1047.26. The profit for the evening was: $2255.96.

The monies will go toward necessary improvements in the church basement.

Potluck on November 11th / following service

There is a potluck following our worship service on November 11th and an informal congregational meeting with the potluck.

Please take note of Bonnie’s message in the Council Corner.

Thank Offering Service / November 18

Sunday, November 18th, will be our annual Thank Offering Service. The ladies of the church participate during this service. They may be contacting you to help in some way, please help by accepting the task. The Thank Offering boxes are also collected that Sunday. The W/ELCA will also be installing the new officers for 2013.

Pizza Sale / Orders ready on Nov 11th

Luther League Pizza Orders being taken through November 4th. Order sheets can be found on the table at the bake of church. Pizzas will be assembled November 10th / Your orders can be picked up any time after 1:00p / Nov 10th or on Sunday / Nov 11th.

Our deepest sympathy to our Church family….

Thank you from the Men’s Club…

Thank you for all the donations for the God’s Goodness Auction.

We raised $1100 from your generous bidding. The monies will go towards improvements around the church.

The family of Gerhardt Schrank

Our Church family’s loved ones….

KFC News… We continue with our rotation the “Story of Abraham.” The children are learning the words covenant, descendants, obey, trust, and patience. These words all play an important part in the story. Congratulations to the 2nd grade students who will be receiving their “Good News” Bibles on

October 28, 2012 during service. Those eligible this year are: Ashley Cunningham, Jase Engel Kristine Hooker, Devin Judd, Nicole Riberich, Carter Stone, Addie DeMars and Victoria Slama.

The children are learning a song to sing for you Sunday, November 18, 2012,

to give you and the congregation a little preview of our Christmas program. We encourage all children to participate.

With that in mind, please look for more information in regards to Christmas practice dates and times. As in past years we will be using Sunday School time to practice. We encourage all children who plan to participate in the Christmas program to be present.

We also will be looking for volunteers to help with the children during Christmas practices times. Please take note of the Christmas practice schedule below.

Again, thank you to everyone who has helped out with KFC. Your time is greatly appreciated. Sue Wobschall KFC Superintendent

It all Happened in the Country / Practice Schedule As mentioned, Sue & Vicky have planned the dates for practice for the KFC Christmas program. We are going to start the practices earlier than last year. And because we are doing this, we realize that children will not make every practice. HOWEVER< It is very important to make as many as possible.

Saturday practices: November 25 / 9:00-11:00a / speaking parts & soloists ONLY (I will let you know if you need to attend) Dec 1 / 9:00-11:00a / songs & speaking parts / EVERYONE except Pre-K and Kindergarten Dec 15 / 9:00-11:00a / songs & speaking parts / 1st - 8th We will be running the musical in order . Dec 15/ 10:00a / Pre-K and Kindergarten (We will practice the procession and fit for costumes & sing)

Sunday practices: Every Sunday during KFC at 9:00a / MUSIC / some parts / EVERYONE Dec 23 / Sunday evening / 6:00-8:00p sharp / DRESS REHEARSAL / EVERYONE

Additional practice (if needed): Dec 22 / 9:00-11:00a / EVERYONE Many speaking & singing parts available, please let Vicky know if your child would like to do something extra. She will be asking many of them but, a little hint never hurts. Also, we would love to have special music by the children before the program on Christmas Eve. If your child loves to sing or dance or play a musical instrument, we would love to showcase their talents. Please contact either Sue Wobschall / 495-1399 or Vicky Baumgarten / 727-4141 or 393-0066

W/ELCA NEWS

W/ELCA NEWS FOR NOVEMBER FROM CAROL & RACHEL

In the November GATHERED BY GOD Bible Study, Jesus invites us to “come and see” what it is like to be in the presence of the one “who came down from heaven.” We will join the crowds in the Gospel of John as they eat their fill of five barley loaves and a couple of fish, with more pieces left over than there were to begin with. In the abundance on the mountainside, we will gather to be fed with the bread of life, so that none may be lost.

As you read this, the new Program Book draft will have been completed. It will be available the beginning of December. Hopefully you filled out your sheet which requested your duties for 2013. If not, or if you have talents for God and St. Peter’s, speak to an officer. There are always many tasks to choose from!

Be sure to check the new booklet for instructions for the committees you may serve on and also instructions for all the LWR and other projects we work on throughout the year. There are projects that everyone can do.

NOVEMBER 2012 COMMITTEES Communion Prep. - Kathy & Janice Geffert

Post Communion - Gabe & Becky Pierce Visiting Committee - Kathy Geffert & Liesa Stienmetz

Flower Committee - Kathy Geffert & Deanna Elfers NO QUILTING until January 2013

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER

November 4 - Flowers presented for All-Saints Sunday November 18 - Women’s Thank Offering Service & installation of Officers

Our special speaker will be Carolyn Lien, president of the South Central Women’s Organization. Please bring your Thank Offering to the service & be used to support various ministries of the ELCA.

November 4-25 - Signup sheets out for Cheer Pails

From Thanksgiving to Christmas and always, let us remember to thank our marvelous God for all His wonderful gifts.

There is "thread" available for sewing projects on the desk in the Narthex. It was donated by Lands' End. There are quilt top kits available in the Narthex. Please feel welcome to take them home and return the completed quilt top. This would be an excellent project for "community service credit" for high school or Confirmation class. If you have questions, please call Marge Schmidt / 524-4121. Card Fronts and Canceled Stamps: W/ELCA will be collecting greeting card fronts only (NO Hallmark or American Greetings). We will also be collecting canceled stamps which will be sent to Stamp Camp USA. Please place stamps in plastic bag and leave a margin around the stamp when trimming. You can visit the web site at www.stampcampusa.org A box will be available in the Narthex.

Welcome new members of St Peters / October 14

WE would ALL like to welcome Jenn Mudek & Ken Wilk, Jr. They have expressed their wishes to become part of our family here at St Peters.

Family Style Fish Fry

St. Luke’s Church – Plain, WI November 2, 2012

Serving 5:00-8:00p (Carry Outs available)

“Thrill the World” Saturday, October 27th at 2:00p on North Walnut St, Reedsburg

Come & dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” World synchronized participation

Collecting items for the Food Pantry

Events in our area…

Baptism / Marriages

Reformation Sunday / October 28th / guest speakers

A group from Christ Lutheran Church in Spring Green will be our guest speakers on Sunday, October 28th. They will be speaking to the KFC with a VIDEO / Slide Show and answer any questions about their trip to Joplin, MO earlier this summer. They will also speak to us during worship that weekend.

Reminder: Second Graders are presented the Good News Bible

Congratulations on the Baptism of Mason Matteo Jorgensen On October 20, 2012

Parents are Paul & Rhiannon Jorgensen Sponsors are Gary & Mary Bronecki and Gary & Amy Bronecki

Congratulations to

Kevin & Lora Derheimer, married October 6, 2012.

Congratulations to Gary & Mary Bronecki, reunited in marriage on October 20, 2012.

Church Dartball League every Monday Night / 7:30p at St Peter’s Church

Red team captain / Jason Hooker & Blue team captain / Shaun Haag See schedule included in this newsletter

St John’s community dinner

November 25th from 4:00-6:00p Come join in the Fellowship

Thank yous…

Thank you for the generous donation placed in the Music and Worship fund from Rex Albers’ Memorial contribution.

I want to thank you for the beautiful and very useful shawl. I have used it at great length. I am doing well & have only one chemo treatment left of six. I have fortunately been able to tolerate them quite will. Of course there always are a few bumps to cross. Again, thank you for your kindness & prayers. Nola (Pam Schieldt’s aunt)

Thank you for the beautiful prayer shawl and for all your prayers during my illness. May God bless all of you! With love, Dottie Elfers

Don’t forget to bring your donations….

The directory portraits are this week. Remember to bring a donation for the food pantry and/or make a contribution (of any dollar amount) to the next Camp Metigoshe trip and you will receive coupons for each to use toward any portraits that you purchase.

Usher Schedule / November-December

Here is the ushering schedule for November THRU December 2012. Please mark your calendars. Ushers should be there 15 minutes prior to the start of the service to assist with bulletins, etc.

W/ELCA Missions

Thank You! We are the “Hands of God!” Many have given their time & talents to make this a fruitful year at St. Peter’s. On Saturday, Oct 13th, Ruth Kruse delivered 103 quilts, 72 layette kits, 10 health kits & 60 school kits to Madison to be shipped to Lutheran World Relief. Karen & Duane Radke delivered 60 quilts & a large bag of hats & scarves for the homeless veterans at the Tomah Veterans Hospital. Sue Wobschall will be taking about 40 quilts to Sauk County Social Services & 50 quilts will be delivered to Hope House in Baraboo. A complete list will be in the yearly report in January. Thank you to everyone who donated items for the quilts & kits. It takes hundreds of hours to cut, assemble and hem nearly 300 quilts & pack the various kits for shipment. Join us on the fourth Tuesday for tying quilts. Quilt top kits are available in the Narthex for you to sew at your home. The quilters will meet starting again in January.

Nov 4 Jamie Judd Mark Kast Hunter Kaun Scott Kaun Nov 11 Allen Knuth Brett Knuth Mike Knuth Ryan Knuth Nov 18 W/ELCA W/ELCA W/ELCA W/ELCA Nov 21(7:30p) Todd Knuth Harlan Koenig Marques Koenig Steve Koenig Nov 25 Gary Krueger Ron Kruse Derek Lehman Dan Lehman Dec 2 David Lichte Dennis Lichte Mike Madigan Travis Marshall Dec 9 Jon Maxwell Dale Meyer Jason Meyer Randy Meyer Dec 16 Chuck Muchow Kurt Muchow Lucas Muchow Mark Muchow Dec 23 Matt Muchow Dan Nemitz John Niemann Jim Pierce Dec 24(7:30p) TJ Pierce Duane Radke Kenneth Radke Brian Reichert Dec 24 (9:00p) Dean Repka Ron Reusch Randy Roecker Charles Schieldt Dec 30 Gary Schieldt Dave Schlieckau Randy Schlieckau Tom Schlieckau

With the holiday season approaching, Reedsburg Area Helping Hands' mitten trees will be popping up all over the area. We at St Peter's responded generously last year by purchasing clothing, boots, shoes and toys. Your RAHH representatives, Carolyn Meyer and Jan Henke, are asking for your help again. Please check upcoming bulletins & the December Bugle Call for more information on availability of mittens and gift deadlines. Thank you in advance for your help. This is an excellent way to help local children in need.

It’s Popcorn Time!

The Christmas season is coming soon…

Watch for order forms

for this year’s Poinsettias that will grace our church at Christmas.

The forms will appear on the table in the back of church sometime in November.

Cheer Pails on December 2

Christmas cards will be available in the narthex come November. Money envelopes

provided, please drop money in the office.

The kids are busy fundraising. KFC is working with the Men’s Club

selling Popcorn & Peanuts! Samples have been out weekly before and after Sunday Service. You just can’t stop eating this wonderful popcorn.

Orders will be taken through October 28th. Don’t miss an opportunity to sign up!

On December 2nd, Cheer Pails will be distributed to individuals in our congregation who are 85 & over, and to our shut-ins.

Sign up sheets for fruit, cookies and candy donations will soon be on the table in the back. Please place cookies, 2 each, in small baggies. All items should be

delivered to the church by Dec 2nd for packing and distribution. We also need ice cream pails (covers not necessary)

If you have questions, contact Marge Schmidt / 524-4121

Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30p.

Veteran Services on November 11th

To all our Veterans and Farmers, Society (US Citizens) has a moral obligation to take care of its Veterans and its Farmers. For without the Veterans and the Farmers, we would not be able to enjoy the life we have in this country.

Don’t forget to Vote / Nov 6th

Remember to vote on November 6th for our next President of the United States and other elected officials on the ballot. It is your duty to be heard and recognized, one of the REASONS our military serve, to give us this great gift of voice.

No Saturday Evening Worship / Nov 10th Pastor & Donna will be out of town, the weekend of November 10 & 11, so we will not have service Saturday evening.

All Saints Sunday / November 4th We will celebrate All Saints Day on Sunday, November 4. This is when we will pay special recognition to our fellow members who have been called to their heavenly home over the past year. We will be doing something a little different this year to recognize and remember other family and friends who have been called home, whether it was this year or previous and whether they were members of St. Peter’s or not. This year we will be honoring members of our Congregation that have found their way up to heaven with our Lord.

Steve Kent Kaun Gerald Robert Schuette Autumn Jo Stienmetz

Rupert Arnold Harder Frieda Alvina Craker

Kenneth Harold Harder

Check the Website…

Bill has been working hard at the website bringing you the news through cyber space, lots of photos, Pastor’s sermons, and much, much more. So much more that I cannot fit it in the newsletter. Everything is in

During Worship services on November 11, we will be honoring our Service People of all our branches of service to our country and to our God. If you have served or are currently serving our country and are in the area, we would be privileged to honor you during our service. We would like to have you participate in a procession at the start of the service. Meet at the back of the church. Feel free to wear your uniform or hat that represents the branch of service you were a part of. Please take note of the list of veterans who have served in the past as well as those that are currently serving from our congregation. May God Bless You

God Bless you all.

Something you cannot enjoy unless you go to www.stpetersloganville.org

(Jesus – Others – You)

To Proclaim Christ’s Love in the World with “Joy”

Pastor’s Page ~ November 2012

In October for the last 10+ years, the Bishop & Synod have had Convocation for Pastors, spouses and lay professionals…as an opportunity for fellowship and continuing education. This year it was at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. This year the two speakers were 40-somethings, the man was a lay-person working with devastated neighborhoods in Philadelphia; the woman a pastor-developer of a different kind of church in Denver. I took notes that were more like gleaning quotes from their talks. I want to share some with you for your personal reflections & consideration.

Shane Claiborne is working against the “powers & principalities” of inner-city life / living; said = “It is time to stop complaining about the Church we have, and begin working toward creating (re-imaging, re-creating) the Church we want / need for these times & tasks.” “The Gospel spreads best through ‘Fascination’ rather than by ‘Force’.” “Jesus has amazingly survived all the embarrassing things His Church has done in His Name.” “The PURPOSE of the Church is to CALL and MAKE DISCIPLES… not ‘Believers’.” On Shane’s office wall: “If you wanna go Fast – go it alone; If you wanna go Forward – go together.” On all the stuff that appears to be Christian and is often promoted in the contemporary Church = “Christianity is not supposed to [nor needs to] be CO-SIGNERS for all the cultural B.S.” Lastly, among his books, his latest is entitled: “What If Jesus Really Meant What He Said?”

[I personally can’t believe someone has not already used that as a “title”…what a ‘concept’ too.]

Nadia Bolz-Weber, ELCA mission-pastor in Denver, shared these insights from her parish ministry = On her role as pastor / preacher: “I am not responsible for what my people believe, BUT, I am responsible for what they hear (in this church / from this pulpit).” On whether the Flag has a place in worship space: “…the Flag is not synonymous with the Faith…” On our individual missions as congregations: “Given WHO God made us, and WHERE God has put us ~ WHAT is the Church to be?” On how we behave (or not) as Christians and who we welcome into worship & service: “God loves you NOW – not just when / after you start making better decisions.” On a THANKSGIVING DAY Service Project – begun 4 years ago. They have gone from serving 50 box lunches to now serving 600 in their greater community = “We cooked turkeys at home, then brought them to church to carve, we made box lunches with hot turkey sandwiches…and delivered them to people who had to work ON Thanksgiving Day ~ like people in the hospital laundry room, bus drivers, and the clerk behind the counter at the Adult Book Store…” On the mission of the Church ~ quoting MLK Jr = “We are NOT meant to be the chaplains of society, but the conscience of it.” On tendency of pastors to inadvertently say stupid or hurtful things, and especially telling your new people / members = “If I (or we as a congregation) disappoint you or hurt you, the question is ~ will you stay around long enough to see the Grace overcome that wrong / pain?”

Thank you! I appreciated this opportunity for continuing ed and fellowship / recreation. PrC Miller

Spiritual Reflection for November 2012

Be Silent and Listen

It was Friday morning the first official day of my Silent Retreat and here was my wakening thought, relief! I

realized I would not have to explain myself to anyone. I would not have to make small talk. I would not have to worry

about offending anyone with my words. I was free to be quiet without judgment. I felt freed from idle chatter. I felt an

invitation to be silent and listen.

The retreat was held at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI, a wonderful setting for a silent retreat. It is

located on the lovely shore of Lake Winnebago. The retreat center had large windows facing the lake, walking paths

along the lake, trails through the woods and one-speed bikes available for traveling the country roads. There were 60

women in attendance and for 64 hours we honored the power of silence (a miracle in itself!).

At breakfast, that first morning, I noticed the women avoided eye contact with each other at their tables and with

those entering the room. They were mostly just looking down with almost sullen faces. I wondered, ‘does silent translate

as sad?’ Maybe that is why I received such negative responses when I told people I was going on a silent retreat. Many

told me they would not be able to do it, that it would be awful. On this Friday morning only hours into the retreat I would

describe it as awe-filled!

For me the silence was uplifting. I felt like smiling. My lungs were filled with the breath of life and I was aware

of it. It felt good. I was hopeful others were feeling it, too. I appreciated the lack of distractions. My cell phone was

tucked away in the glove compartment of my locked vehicle out in the parking lot! No one, no one was on a “tablet”. No

one was “googling” anything. Life has a deeper meaning than idle chatter or fast answers, much deeper and I was being

made aware of it.

Remaining silent throughout the day was like any discipline it became easier and easier as time went on. Eye

contact and smiles returned. There was a 30 minute “recreation time” offered each evening for those who simply could

not keep quiet, sort of pressure valve I guess. I found myself leaving well before it started lest I be distracted by a human

voice.

Each day there were four 30 minute inspirational sessions offered, which guided me and others through the

wandering thoughts of life back to a quieted mind. It was at one of these sessions that our retreat director pointed out that

silent and listen have the same letters and that one required the other. He encouraged us to “notice” and “notice” I did.

I began to think about the fact that only 7 % or our communication is verbal, 38 % is tone of voice and 55 % is

body language. I wondered why we focus so much on words. As I “noticed” in the silence I was able to hear joy in the

heart of an expectant mother as she folded her hands across her growing belly. I heard sorrow in the tears flowing down a

woman’s cheek. I heard enjoyment and pleasure in the broad smiles and reverent nods of women as we met in the

hallways. I heard a longing for relationship with God as each woman filled her seat for the inspirational sessions, morning

prayer and church services. I heard God calling me to pray as I noticed many things.

As I wrote (with a pen on paper) raindrops interrupted my writing, but my thoughts continued, not thoughts of

what others were thinking, not of expectations of me by others, no, simply thoughts of the closeness I was feeling to God

in these silent hours. I smiled as the rain stopped. God must have seen I was on a roll with his message! The lack of

words also allowed for a lack of criticism, sharp words, and thoughtless comments. Perhaps we are less likely to hurt one

another when the tongue is silent. Indeed the silence allows us to consider the circumstances before we blurt out

something we cannot take back.

God seems closer when I am silent. He helps me with my reactions, my responses. God is there waiting for you

to be silent and listen, too. He will help you in your reactions, your responses. If you ever have a chance to experience a

silent retreat please do. If not, at least consider taking time to be silent before each of your conversations with others

honoring their thoughts before you bombard them with yours. When we are truly silent we are better able to really listen

to what is being said not only verbally but nonverbally, where the real message lies.

Questions to ponder:

1. What would it be like to be on a silent retreat?

2. What do I notice when I am silent?

3. How do I listen for the nonverbal cues from others?

4. How can I learn to take a silent moment before responding to listen for God’s guidance?

May God’s Peace Be Yours,

Tammy Koenecke, RN, BSN, MASL

Spiritual Care Coordinator, RAMC Proverbs 16:1

We can gather our thoughts, but the Lord gives the right answer.

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Pastor Christopher Miller – [email protected] Parsonage phone: 415-8633

Council Members President Bonnie Haag President Elect Mike Wobschall Deacon/Parish Ed Sue Wobschall Deacon/Cemetery Board Tom Schlieckau Deacon/Worship Comm Rachel Niemann Secretary Joyce Knuth Financial Secretary Becky Henke Trustee/Treasurer Pam Judd Trustee/Property & Main Peter Giese Trustee/Finance/VP Hank Elfers Congregation Staff Janitor Mike Wobschall Office Secretary Vicky Baumgarten Asst. Office Secretary Carol Myers Choir Director Dawn Webber Organists Sharon Schlieckau Marge Schmidt Bonnie Haag Luther League Advisor Tracy Simacek David Stienmetz KFC Superintendent Sue Wobschall Parish Education Becky Riberich Teresa Judd Linda Schlieckau

Sunday Greeters Vernon & Joyce Knuth

Ushers in November Nov 4 / Jamie Judd, Mark Kast, Hunter Kaun, Scott Kaun Nov 11 / Allen Knuth, Brett Knuth, Mike Knuth, Ryan Knuth Nov 18 / W/ELCA Nov 21 / Todd Knuth, Harlan Koenig, Marques Koenig, Steve Koenig Nov 25 / Gary Krueger, Ron Kruse, Derek Lehman, Dan Lehman

Sunday Readers Nov 4 Nov 11 Not available at the Nov 18 time of publishing Nov 21 Nov 25

W/ELCA Committees for November 2012 Communion Preparation: November - December Kathy Geffert & Janice Geffert Post Communion: November - December Gabe & Becky Pierce Visiting Committee: Kathy Geffert & Liesa Stienmetz Flower Committee: Kathy Geffert & Deanna Elfers Quilting Day Serving NO QUILTING TILL JANUARY 2013