4 1 8 E S U M N E R S T

N O R T H F I E L D , M N 5 5 0 5 7

5 0 7 - 6 4 5 - 8 2 5 2

W W W . N O R T H F I E L D S T P . O R G

PARISH VISITOR A P R I L 2 0 1 3 S T . P E T E R ’ S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

In this Issue:

Small Group Fair 1

St. Peter’s 120th

Anniversary 1

From Pastor Janet 2

Meet the Secretary 2

Friendship Forum 3

Children, Youth

and Family 4

Notes from the Prez 5

Northfield Ecumenical

Women 5

Seniors (70+) are

Invited 5

Vacation Bible School 6

April Birthdays 7

April Calendar 8

Keep in Mind 9

Council Minutes 10-11

Turning Point

Counseling Center 12

Northfield Grief

Support Group 12

Women’s Page 13

Call Process Update 14

Council, Chairs,

and Staff 15

Church office hours:

Tuesday—Friday

9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m.

Articles for the Newsletter

must be submitted by the 17th

of each month to the Church

office or e-mailed to

jenniferwhitson@charter.net

St. Peter’s 120 th Anniversary/ Danish Days Celebration

St. Peter’s Church 1893-2013

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church is celebrating our 120th anniversary this year. A group of Danish immigrants gathered in November 1893 to establish our church. Anniversaries are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate. God has blessed us in the past and so we are making plans to celebrate our history, even as we look forward to our future together. If you are interested in serving on the committee to commemorate our church anniversary, please contact Evonne Clay @ 663-1732 or email evonneclay@localnet.com or call Philip Olson @ 645-5323 by Friday, April 12 th.

SMALL GROUP FAIR Sunday, April 7

On Sunday, April 7, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for one

or more small groups. We are excited at the options available.

• Arnold Witt will lead a study entitled: The History of the Bi-

ble: The Making of the New Testament Canon.

• Bill Bleckwehl will lead a faith and film study. • Ryan Behrens is leading a course by Rick Warren, “What on

Earth Am I Here For?”

Pastor Janet and others will have groups to offer as well. Come

on April 7th to sign-up. Meeting times will be determined by the

group. The groups will meet for four to six weeks.

If you have a class or group experience to offer, please talk to

Pastor Janet or Bill Bleckwehl. We are excited at these class

offerings and look forward to continuing to offer such small group opportunities!

“Like” us on Facebook—St. Peter’s Lutheran/Northfield

From Interim Pastor Janet

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My father died six years ago in a nursing care facility in Illinois. I was with him the morning he died. One of my lasting memories of that morning is how quickly I was able to pack my father’s things to take with me. My father had been a bit of a hoarder. A moving company packer once told him that the “stuff” in my parents’ modest house would fill two moving vans. That morning, I packed and moved my father’s things in just 10 minutes. It was a stark reminder to me of that saying: The important things in life aren’t things at all. As I write this column, I’m awaiting a phone call from Idaho telling me that our newest grandchild has been born. Elena Ann is due tomorrow, the second child of our daughter, Sara, and son-in-law, Byron. I haven’t met Elena yet, but I already love her. That’s the amazing thing about family. In our families we can experience unconditional love and acceptance. I believe that is God’s gift to us and it describes God, too. Take that a step further. At St. Peter’s, we are family. We are God’s gift to each other. In this church family we are to love and care for each other. In our church family we have the opportunity to experience unconditional love and acceptance from God and from each other. One of the most painful parts of parenting is to see our children be mean to each other, or be hard on each other. On the other hand, one of the heart-warming experiences of parenting is to see our children love each other and enjoy each other. I hope that when God sees our church family, it warms God’s heart. I would hope that God sees the unconditional love and acceptance we have for one another. That doesn’t mean we’ll always see things the same way, or agree on everything. But we owe it to each other to treat our family members with love and respect. St. Peter’s is a wonderful church family. We are God’s gift to each other. Cherish the gift. See you in church! Pastor Janet

Hi! My name is Jennifer Whitson. I am the Secretary for St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. I am in the office Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

My husband, Mark, graduated from Randolph High School and his family lives in the Stanton area. I am from West Concord (about 30 minutes south of Northfield). We moved to Northfield in 1997. We have three wonderful girls – Ellie (16), Sydney (14), and Adrienne (10) – who are involved in Northfield sports. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading and sitting on the bleachers cheering on the Northfield Raiders.

Please stop by the office and introduce yourself. I look forward to seeing you!

“…I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.” II Corinthians 12:1 B

April 7 th – See For Yourself Tour to China by Rusty Kluver The Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council sponsored a "See For Yourself" trip to China in March of 2012. As a participant on this trip, I was able to witness first hand how soybeans imported from Minnesota and the Unit-ed States were being utilized by the People's Republic of China. While on tour, I had a chance to see China up close and come away with first hand experi-ence about what it is like in China. I will share the knowledge during my presen-tation.

April 14 th – Global Mission Advocate - Co-Founder of "Journey Of Hope To Color Our World" with Steven Johnson Steve will be speaking on the value of Global Mission and his experiences following his call through his faith. He will share a PowerPoint with photo images complementing the information that he presents. Steve will share photos and stories of mission trips to South Sudan and East Africa and will reveal the story of “The Lost Boys of Sudan.” He also will share his experience of being invited and traveling to South Sudan for the signing of their Constitution and celebration of its Independence. The Republic of South Sudan is our world's newest country. You will hear some amazing stories of "faith and worship" in this new predominately Christian country. If you’d like to contribute to our mission, the most needed supplies are blunt end scissors, rulers, colored pencils, or crayons OR (if easier) DONATIONS for shipping and distribution of our supplies are very much needed.

April 21 st—Back by Popular Demand: Pastor Duane Everson Following the rousing St. Patrick’s Day forum with Pastor Duane, several attendees requested him back. He graciously agreed to come again to share more with us. At this forum our focus will be on Matthew 22:36-40: “Master, what is the greatest commandment? Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind and strength. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shall love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Christian faith is about relationships. How do we relate to God, ourselves and one another?

April 28 th—Up From the Pit- Down from the Mountain with Rober ta Morse Gather around the table and let your imagination carry you away to another place and time, with the story of Noah and the Teeming Behemoths Orchestra and Happy Paws Dance Troupe, as we visit the joys and fears of living in the two worlds in which Noah and his family found themselves, one by land and one by sea. Surely Noah was no stranger to the terrors of his time; fear lived in the very pit of his stomach as he braved the violence, mayhem and madness of his day. We will explore the magic and the marvelous mysteries of music making aboard ship as God orchestrates a new way of life for Noah and all of God's people.

WHAT DOES "CLAIM THE VISION" MEAN TO YOU? From the words of Andria Sommers: I heard Pastor Neale speak recently about what an exciting time it is for our church. During a prayer he sought God’s guidance for St Peter’s. He asked that our members walk in faith and step out in confidence . Those two comments resonated with me because I fail at times to open my heart and listen to what God’s vision is for my life. St Peter’s is in a time of revitalization. A time where we can open our hearts and listen to God’s desires for our church, our members, our visitors and our community. What does Claim the Vision mean to me? It means to walk in faith and to be confident that the Lord is with us.

Claim the

Vision

Come To St. Peter’s

Friendship Forum.

Be thou my vision,

O Lord of my heart.

Sundays 9:30

APRIL FRIENDSHIP FORUM

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CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY

Attention Class of 2013 Pictures needed for Baccalaureate

The reception to honor you, our St. Peter’s Graduat es is on Sunday, May 19 th. At the reception, we would like to show a PowerPoint of this year’s grad uates. For the PowerPoint; we would like to have both a senior picture and a picture of you as a baby; as soon as possible! Your pictures can be dropped off at the church office, or you can email them to me at lj447@charter.net. I’m looking forward to working on the PowerPoint and the reception. If you have any questions about the pictures, please ask. Peace, Laura

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God’s Blessings to our First Communicants

Eight of our young people, having studied Luther’s Small Catechism and learned about the sacrament of Holy Communion; received their First Communion at the Maundy Thursday Worship Service, March 31st. Congratulations and God’s blessings to; Rowen Jasnoch, Ethan Johnson, Peter Lovoll, Jacob Sevcik, Sadie Taggart, Ellie Wilson, Lainey Wilson, Raleigh Wilson.

Confirmation Resumes

Confirmation classes for students in 7th, 8th and 9th grades will resume on the Wednesday after Easter, April 3 rd. Classes will meet at 6:30pm; 7th & 8th in the Middle School Youth Room and 9th in the High School Youth Room.

REMEMBER—Class attendance and worship attendance are expected if you expect to be confirmed.

Attention all St. Peter’s Youth; you are

invited to join us for Youth Forum on Sunday Mornings from 9:30-10:30. We meet in the High School Youth Room and treats are always available. There are some great activities planned for this month – we hope to see you there! 7th - Meet the Pastor , with Pastor Janet White . Come and get to know this amazing woman! Bring any questions you’ve ever wanted to ask a pastor. She’ll be ready and waiting for the discussion. 14th - Intergenerational Friendship Forum . We’ll meet in the youth forum room for our snacks and visiting; then go downstairs to hear about the children of the Sudan and what the group “Colour our World” is doing for them. 21st - A study of the Catholic Religion , Come and meet Deb Wagner from St. Dominic’s. Deb will walk us through the beginnings of our religion: Catholicism, a basic introduction . 28th - Faith Story; Jeanne Machacek and Nancy Topp will be with us to tell us their faith story and why we have 2 strong youth advocates in these wonderful and amazing women. As you can read; we have some terrific people and great topics at Youth Forum this month. Pick a topic that interests you the most or come to all 4. Bring a friend; you’ll never know what you will learn unless you are there! Hope to see you at Forum in April.

NOTES FROM THE PREZ

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Building a Vibrant Church In order to build a vibrant church several things have to happen. We have to have a vibrant worship service – great music, an inspiring message, and a congregation willing to give their heart and mind to God. The second thing we need for a vibrant church is an opportunity to develop relationships. One of the best ways this can be done is through small groups. Several years ago we had a vibrant small group effort. Since then, the effort has faded away…until now. Both Pastor Janet and the Council feel that reinvigorating our small group effort is critical to building vibrancy into St. Peter’s. April will be small group month. On Sunday, April 7th, we will hold a small group fair, allowing you an opportunity to sign up for any of our more than six small groups. From books study, to review of the bible, to faith and film, we will offer something for everyone. Join us on April 7 to see what we have to offer. Hopefully, something will catch your eye and you will sign up. This session will be short, just four weeks, taking us into May. Many of these groups may continue. Or maybe you would like to start your own small group. Please let Pastor Janet or me know. See you in church. Bill Bleckwehl

Northfield Ecumenical Women

The women of St. Peter's Lutheran Church will be hosting the 14th Annual Meeting of the Northfield Ecumenical Women (NEW) on Saturday, May 4th 2013. A light brunch will be served at 9:30 am. Our guest speaker will be Chaplain Kristin Braatin-Lee of the Northfield Retirement Center. The title of her talk to be presented is, 'OF BELTS AND BURROS'. Please save the date and join us! We will also be collecting the 'Fellowship of the Lease Coin'. The FLC challenges us to act for justice, peace and creation. We are encouraged to set aside the smallest coin for each prayer of reconciliation prayed as a token of our participation.

If you’re age 70 or older, it’s your lucky

day. YOU are invited to a lunch on Tuesday,

April 16th at 11:30 a.m. in the Fellowship

Hall. It will be a time for fellowship, food

and maybe a little fun.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

We are pleased to offer two options for Vacation Bible School this year!

The first will be at St. Peter's on July 21-24. Thi s will be for children ages 3 through entering 5th Grade. We are excited to bring Vacation Bible School back to St. Peter's this year! The other is the community Vacation Bible School: Good Earth Village On the Road is Coming Back to Northfield! August 4-8 GEV On the Road is a 5 day program for children who have complet-ed Kindergarten through 4th grade. It brings the fun of camp to the camper and provides a great, Christ-centered week filled with games, worship, crafts, Bible study and singing. Registration for GEV On the Road is done through Good Earth Village. Campers can register by completing an online form or downloading and printing the form atwww.GoodEarthVillage.org. This year's On the Road location in Northfield will be Bethel Lutheran Church. Questions? Contact Good Earth Village at 507-346-2494 orinfo@GoodEarthVillage.org. All Campers must pre-register and space is limited, so please be sure to register as early as possible to insure your spot. Pre-School Vacation Bible School will be held the same week as GEV On The Road – Au-gust 5-8. This experience is open to children who will be 4 years old by September 1, 2013 through those who have completed kindergarten in the spring of 2013. This year St. John's Lutheran Church will be hosting the pre-school Vacation Bible School experience. Please be advised that the Good Earth Village option carries a cost of about $65 per child with a family limit. Cost at St. Peter's will be minimal, if any. Families should feel free to reg-ister for one or both of these options for your children.

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St. Peter’s Women Item of interest for St. Peter's Women: Many members remember long time, now departed, Ruth Petersen, who was the wife of a former St. Peter's Pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Petersen. Their Granddaughter, the Rev. Brooke Petersen, has written an article in this April "Gather" magazine! On page 37, it is titled "A Moveable Faith." Brooke resigned from her beloved first-call Church in Chicago to begin a doctoral program! Grandma Ruth & Grandpa Ken would have been so proud! A great story! Want to subscribe to this magazine with many great articles?? Just dial 1-800-328--4648 at Augsburg Fortress to get information.

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

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1 Harner, Steve

Swenson, Craig 2 Anderson, Kyle

Bergemann, Faith Dee, Eric Fischer, Karlo Papke, Tori Scheffert, Peter

3 Erickson, Claire

Ness, Davis Pinc, Ashley Tollefson, Erin

4 Wegner, Steve 5 Jenkins, Michael

Lamb, Charles 6 Fennie, Joe

Gilligan, Sean 7 Hendershot, Stacy 8 Behrens, Amy

Gunderson, Lyle Peterson, Michael Smith, Theordore Weselmann, Lael

9 Johnson, Luke 10 Boyum, Krista Jo

Knudsen, Frank Peterson, Maren Schrader, Karl

11 McDonald, Reggie 12 Bergee, Derek

Berry, Matthew Jewison, Julie Pumper, Maximus Standfuss, Alexa

13 Behrens, Alex

Edwards, Jennifer Gilligan, Christopher Morgan, Dick

14 Detlie, Donald

Hahn, Dennis Jessen, Wendy Johnson, James Laue, Aaron Nystuen, Troy Shaw, Jennifer

15 Croone, Allen 16 Rieck, Jason 17 Albers, Jane

Hagen, Bethany Rezac, Jaynie

18 Hildahl, Caden

Peterson, Kay Saari, Jordan

19 Dennison, Kristin

Goehtz, Lois Hart, Robert Hussey, Carmen Rieck, Kennedy Teske, Nicole

20 Miller, Logan 21 Baune, Gretchen

Jensen, Kary Schmidt, Timothy Tostenson, Chris Wille, Brad

22 Hetrick, Dawn

Ingham, James Pinc, Cassandra

23 Berndt, Connor 24 Brodin, Mickey

Schmidt, Lori 26 Neset, Nicholas

Vivant, Beth 27 Bjorklund, Jill

Little, Timothy Van Erp, Bonnie

28 Gilligan, Jonathan

Iverson, Jeanette 29 Gruenhagen, Renn

Valek, Curtis

APRIL 2013

SundaySundaySundaySunday MondayMondayMondayMonday TuesdayTuesdayTuesdayTuesday WednesdayWednesdayWednesdayWednesday ThursdayThursdayThursdayThursday FridayFridayFridayFriday SaturdaySaturdaySaturdaySaturday

1 12:30pm Prayer Team 6:30pm Grief Support Group 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous

2 9:30am Staff Meeting

3 5:00pm Supper

5:00pm Sacred Stitches Fireside Lounge

5:30pm Cornerstone

6:00pm CAT

6:30pm Confirmation

7:00pm Adult Choir

4 7:00am Table Talk

5 8:30am LUV Ladies Fellowship Hall 9:00am Women’s Fellowship Perkins

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7 Small Group Fair 8:30am Worship with communion 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship

8 9:30am New Spirit Circle Fellowship Hall 6:30pm Grief Support Group 7:00pm Properties 7:00pm Jubilee Bells

9 9:30am Hannah Circle Fellowship Hall 9:30am Staff Meeting 6:00pm Worship Team 7:00pm Church Council

10 8:00am Stewardship Team 5:00pm Supper 5:30pm Cornerstone 6:00pm CAT 6:30pm Confirmation 7:00pm Adult Choir

11 7:00am Table Talk 9:30am Esther Circle Perkins

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13

14 8:30am Worship 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship with

communion

15 6:30pm Grief Support Group 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous 7:00pm Eve Circle Faith Bergemann’s Home

16 9:30am Staff Meeting 11:30am Senior Lunch 7:00pm Rachael Circle Millstream Commons

17 5:00pm Supper

5:00pm Sacred Stitches Fireside Lounge

5:30pm Cornerstone

6:00pm CAT

6:02pm Business Mgmt

6:30pm Confirmation

7:00pm Adult Choir

18 7:00am Table Talk

19 8:30am LUV Ladies Fellowship Hall 9:00am Women’s Fellowship Fireside Lounge

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21 7:30am Sharing and Caring Hands 8:30am Worship with communion 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship— Children sing

22 7:00pm Jubilee Bells 7:00pm Emotions Anonymous

23 9:30am Staff Meeting

24 5:00pm Supper 5:30pm Cornerstone 6:00pm CAT 6:30pm Confirmation 7:00pm Adult Choir

25 7:00am Table Talk

26 27

28 8:30am Worship—Healing Service 9:30am Friendship Forum 9:30am Sunday School/Youth Forum 10:45am Contemporary Worship—

Healing Service

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30 9:30am Staff Meeting

8

KEEP IN MIND

9

Sunday 8:30 10:45

7 Courtney Sevcik 507.664.9422 Carson Babbini 507.650.0222

Jacob Sevcik 507.664.9422 Rowen Jasnoch 507.663.1480

14 Kate Bornhauser 507.663.0366 Laurel Mar&nson 612.227.2329

Kamrey Humann 507.663.6179 Camryn Hetrick 507.645.8629

21 Joe Gatzlaff 507.645.6389 Riley Stevens 612.363.4890

Taylor Jerde 612.242.0931 Ethan Anderson 507.581.0259

28 Dillon Rowan 507.645.5061 Nikki Schulz 507.663.9097

Nick Jewison 507.650.1354 Tyler Schulz 507.663.9097

April 2013 Acolyte Schedule

Automated External

Defibrillator (AED)

PLEASE NOTE: An AED is available in the event one is needed.

Several people were instructed on how to use the machine,

however, the machine will walk you through exactly what you are

supposed to do. The AED is located on the west wall of the

Fellowship Hall. Please be familiar with the AED location. Every

minute is important.

Waffle Breakfast Sunday, May 5

Part of our mission is outreach at St. Peter’s. Join us May 5 in supporting Ruth’s House of Rice County. A program that houses women and families in transition sits in our own backyard. This year we have the opportunity to help out a little. Please join us for our delicious waffle breakfast and support such a worthy cause. Of course if you’d like to do even more we have many opportunities. We need help serving, advertising and of course inviting friends and neighbors to join us. If you have time and would like to help out please call Barb Liebenstein at 507-649-1023. If you would like more information on Ruth’s house just go to ruthshousemn.org. As always we have a lot of fun in fellowship and it just seems like it is a little extra special when we are doing it for a worthy cause.

COUNCIL MINUTES—MARCH 12, 2013 @ 7:00 P.M.

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Present: Bornhauser, Jessen, Pederson, Behrens, Scheffert, Bleckwehl, Chapman, Shaw, Pastor Janet, Odell, Scharber, Bridley, Sommers, and Pastor Neale.

Pastor Neale provided devotions and Bryn Bridley provided treats.

Last month everyone introduced each other to everyone but we had a couple people missing. Pete Pedersen and Jenna Scheffert shared about themselves.

April Newsletter articles are due March 18, 2013. The new secretary’s email address is jenniferwhitson@charter.net.

February Council Minutes will stand as written in the March newsletter.

Mark Shaw is here tonight to talk about Holy Week. Wednesday, March 27 begins with the Seder Meal. Barb Liebenstein and Carmen Sevcik will be providing the meal. There are 8 5th graders this year that will be taking First Communion on Maundy Thursday. Good Friday service is 7:00. The Community Easter service is held at Boe Chapel on Saturday evening at 7:30. Easter Sunday will feature 3 services at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:45. Dottie Scharber and Mark Shaw will be singing at the Sunrise Service. There will be a brass ensemble at the 8:30 service.

2013 Goals BUILD OUT STAFF – pastor and support (CY&F) CALL PASTOR • Transition will consolidate and finalize the focus group findings. Once complete, this report will be

reviewed by Council. • Create a job description for the Pastor. Personnel could develop this job description even though the

transition team has summarized what they feel should be those duties. • Start Call committee process. Janet will prepare the application and copy will be published in the April

Newsletter and copies available in the Narthex. All applications must be in by April 14. The candidates will appear in the May Newsletter but may be published earlier. The candidate names must appear publicly twice. A Congregational meeting to vote on Call Committee Candidates will be scheduled for the congregational vote. May 19 is Baccalaureate Sunday and may be a good choice due to attendance on that date.

• Complete the Synod Site profile. HIRE CY&F Director Identify and Consolidate Job Descriptions. Call Dean Swenson for candidate names. Check out Synod and other hiring services. REINVIGORATE SMALL GROUPS Identify and recruit six leaders (Multiple possibilities) Host small group fair – Sunday after Easter for small group sign-up GROW INTO THE NEW COUNCIL STRUCTURE Mark attended Council tonight to give us information about the Easter/Holy Week schedule. MANAGE TO THE BUDGET BUILD TRUST – DO WHAT YOU SAY We need to hold each other accountable as we make our goals and continue to achieve and accomplish.

Business Administrator’s Council Report BALANCE Acct. #100 General Checking Balance $35,123 Acct. #220 Operating Line of Credit Balance (used) 0 Acct. #225 Commercial Loan Balance $261,019 Adjusted to Bank Balance

INCOME FEBRUARY Y-T-D BUDGET Offerings – 2013 $30,530 $56,141 $60,833 Offerings –2012 $31,766 $59,794 Increase/Decrease -$1,236 -$3,653 -$4,692

COUNCIL MINUTES CONTINUED

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TOTAL INCOME 2013 $32,708 $58,800 $63,200 2012 $34,351 $63,072 Increase/Decrease -$1,643 -$4,272 -$4 400

EXPENSES FEBRUARY Y-T-D BUDGET 2013 $38,855 $67,474 $76,785 2012 $34,385 $67,337 Increase/Decrease $4,470 $137 -$9,311

2013 Income vs. Expenses -$6,147 -$8,674 $4,409 less than 2012 2012 Income vs. Expenses -$4,265

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: February Monthly Attendance: 2013 882 2012 1064 2011 1044 2010 1102 2009 1251 2008 1360

Board Activity Extended Ministries • Waffle Breakfast brought in $1018. Milk, juice, and butter was donated by Kwik Trip. Expense total was

$218. Net total was $817. That amount has purchased winter coats, mittens, and hats for next season. All merchandise will be saved for fall 2013. Some will go to Ruth’s House and some to schools.

• Script cards - get this started in time for graduation gift buying. • Barb Liebenstein is now the co-chair of Extended Ministries. Properties • Walked through Parsonage last night. Looks like it could use some painting.

Creating a vibrant church Small groups

Anniversary Committee Evonne Clay is willing to lead this effort. Obtained $500 from Mission Endowment fund for this event.

Staff Reports Pastor Janet • My biggest concern is worship attendance. An author, Flannery O’Connor wrote “My cousin’s husband

came into the church last week. We asked how he got interested and his answer was the sermons were so horrible, he knew there must be something else to make the people come.” We need to figure out what that “something else” might be. We should be averaging more than 300 per week. We are averaging fewer than 200 now.

• Jennifer Whitson is doing a wonderful job. Try to get in and meet her. She works Tuesday through Friday.

Pastor Neale • The pastoral care team is now in place. Their focus is the area of visitation, transportation, retreats, and

missions. Dottie Scharber • Continues to work with Tim Freeland on the website. She is learning a lot and might even have taught

Tim something. • Trying to work through the learning process and get the information updated in a timely manner.

Meeting adjourned after the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Jo Odell

TURNING POINT COUNSELING CENTER

Northfield Grief Support Group The Northfield Grief Support Group will meet at St. Peter’s for six weeks until, April 22, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room. Discussion leaders are Nancy Topp, Evie Wegner, and Doris Erickson. If you have had a loss and wish to join us, please feel free to attend. For any questions, call St. Peter’s or any of the discussion leaders. This is part of the Northfield Grief Support Group Coalition. Every two months a support group will meet for six weeks in various churches around Northfield.

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The mission statement of the Turning Point Counseli ng Center: This Christ-centered ministry has but one goal – to equip all God’s people to make spirit ually mature decisions for their lives and to accep t the responsibility for those decisions. When I was a kid – and as one inventory put it: I’m older than dirt – our little rural, county seat town would be visited by a traveling tent show. The actors would put on a less than profound drama. There was always a terrible villain, who we loved to BOOO, and some kind of protagonist, who usually was a fantastic hero or heroine. They, of course, got our cheers. It was all meant to be corny and entertaining. The bigger cities had traveling entertainment shows that stayed a few nights and then moved, by train, to the next city. This was called vaudeville. This was usually a variety show of songs, dance, skits, acrobatics, comedians, satire, and pantomime. They also might throw in some risky features like a boy kissing a girl (oh-my, that just wasn’t done in public, in those days). The comedians usually worked in pairs, and their jokes went something like this: One would say, “Did you know that two antennas met on a roof, fell in love and got married?” The other guy would respond, “Was it a nice ceremony?” Then the other guy would respond, “The wedding wasn’t much to talk about, but the reception was great!” The band would usually give him a drum thump, and then they would go on to another ridiculous joke like: the other day I went to buy some camouflage trousers…at that point the second guy would jump in and say – that sounds like a great idea. The first guy would then say – I thought so too, but I couldn’t find any. At that point, the audience would groan! This was all a part of the fun of being entertained. And yes, you’re right, this was all before the day of TV. Entertainment, whether profound or foolish, has always been meant to help an individual take their mind off the present reality, and instead, focus thoughts in a different direction. Is that bad? Not necessarily. It is only dangerous when an individual lets the entertainment become their reality! We see this in individuals, and even cultures, who cannot live without their entertainment FIX. And this brings me to a very serious thought. Do I come to Church, just because of the programming – and believe me, I do like what we do here at St. Peter’s – or do I come because I need my heart and soul challenge, as a baptized child of God? The wrong focus means that I want to be entertained by the Church. The right focus means that I experience the challenge of God in all that we do here at St. Peter’s. This is something that I need to evaluate within myself on a regular basis. Am I just a consumer of goods and services, or do I want to participate in the great commission (Matthew 28: 18-20)? If you would like to invite me to walk with you on this road of self evaluation, I would consider it a privilege to walk along side you. Please call me, on this secure line, at (507) 645 – 8252, extension #13. Leave a message, and I will get back to you to set up an appointment. Your confidentiality will be respected. Neale C. Thompson Spiritual Pastoral Counselor

WOMEN’S PAGE

ALL WOMEN INVITED TO VISIT A CIRCLE THIS MONTH!

Circles are friendly, welcoming groups

Esther Circle:

Thursday, April 11 9:30 a.m.— Perkins

Eve Circle:

Monday, April 15 6:30 p.m.—Faith Bergemann’s home Study Leader: Jo Olson

Hannah Circle:

Tuesday, April 9 9:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Bible Leader: Nancy Solberg Hostess: Arlene Kluver

New Spirit:

Monday, April 8 9:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Leader: Celena Witt Bring your own treats

Rachel Circle: Tuesday, April 16 7:00 p.m.—Millstream Commons

LUV Ladies: Friday, April 5 8:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall Friday, April 19 8:30 a.m.—Fellowship Hall

Women’s Fellowship: Friday, April 5 9:00 a.m.—Perkins Friday, April 19 9:00 a.m.—Fireside Lounge Bible study

Prayer Team April 1, 2013

12:30pm-2pm in the Fireside Lounge

All are welcome!

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WELCA

WELCA Spring Gathering The Spring Gathering of the Women of ELCA will be held on Saturday, April 13. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m., program at 9:00 followed by 11:30 lunch. It will be held at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church. The church is located at 24036 County Rd 7 in Welch. (Junction US Hwy 61 and Goodhue Co Rd 7)

April Circle Bible Study From the “GATHER” magazine Theme: “Storytelling” Biblical Text: Acts 14: 21-28 THEME VERSE: "When they arrived, they gathered the church together and related all that God had done with them. and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. And they stayed there with the disciples for some time." Acts 14: 27-28 Theme Hymn: "I Love to Tell the Story" The managing editor of our inspirational April "GATHER" magazine for women, Terri Lackey, wrote. "As we move through the Easter season, let us celebrate the stories of our own cloud of witnesses: loved ones who brought us into the faith, friends and family who have gone before and are awaiting resurrection, and Jesus, whose powerful story makes all things new."

CALL PROCESS UPDATE

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The Transitions Team and the Church Council are moving forward with the call process. Those people interested in serving on the call committee must complete this application and return it to the church office by Sunday, April 14th. The application can be found on the insert of the Parish Visitor. The candidate information from the applications will be shared with the congregation in May’s Parish Visitor. The congregation will vote on the candidates at a congregational meeting scheduled for May 19th (Sole purpose of meeting is to vote. No other business will be conducted.) Serving on the call committee is very gratifying, but it is also a big commitment of time. This process was chosen in order to ensure a fair process in selecting our call committee. Prayerfully consider being a part of this important work. If you have questions, you may address them to Pastor Janet, our president, Bill Bleckwehl; or Ryan Behrens, chair of the Transitions Committee.

March 3 rd Waffle Breakfast

Hi everyone, Wendy, the chair from Extended Ministries. First I would like to thank all my volunteers for helping me with this the waffle breakfast. Second I want to thank everyone who came and enjoyed the breakfast. I can’t wait till our next one on May 5th. The proceeds are going to Ruth’s house.

We had 170 people attend with a total of $1,018 in sales after paying for all the items for the breakfast we profited $817 I used the money to purchase winter coats, hats and mittens on clearance so we will be able to donate them next fall. My final tally came out to 49 children’s coats in all sizes and over 325 hats and mittens. The coats will be distributed to both Northfield children in need and Ruth’s house. The hats and mittens will be donated to Northfield public schools. With all of these items I hope to make a child’s winter months warmer.

In closing I am very excited to be the new chair for Extended Ministries and I have a lot of ideas for the next year. Thank you and God Bless! Wendy Jessen

Church Council Bill Bleckwehl President bbleckwehl@hotmail.com Ryan Behrens Vice President lrbehr@charter.net Todd Bornhauser Treasurer todd@lakevillechambercvb.org Mike Chapman Secretary c7447@northfieldwifi.com mikec@emergentnetworks.net Bryn Bridley brynb@community-resourcebank.com Wendy Jessen wend0ll@charter.net Pete Pedersen petepedersen@earthlink.net Jenna Scheffert jenna.scheffert@gmail.com Andria Sommers andria.sommers@efi.com

Team Chairs Todd Bornhauser Business Manager todd@lakevillechambercvb.org Lisa Pumper Children’s Ministry ldpumper@gmail.com Jan Nelson Evangelism Board jarnels@charter.net Wendy Jessen Extended Ministries wend0ll@charter.net Tim Babbini Properties Board tntbabs@hotmail.com Dan Hagen Stewardship Board dhagen@stolaf.edu Mark Shaw Worship markpattyshaw@gmail.com Penny Carr Youth Ministry Penny_L_Carr@bluecrossmn.com Troy Nystuen Youth Ministry troynystuen@yahoo.com To be determined Congregational Life

CHURCH COUNCIL & TEAM CHAIRS

Rev. Janet White ext. 17 Interim Senior Pastor pastorjanetwhite@charter.net

Dottie Scharber ext. 24 Business Administrator dottiescharber@charter.net

Jennifer Whitson ext. 10 Secretary jenniferwhitson@charter.net

Neale Thompson ext. 13 Spiritual Counselor/ Visitation Pastor nealethompson@charter.net

Dan & Dottie Scharber Maintenance Coordinators

Donna Paulsen Organist Music Co-Coordinator

Peter Schleif Adult Choir Director Music Co-Coordinator

J.P. Douglas Jubilee Bells Director

Sean Stevens Contemporary Worship Music Leader

ST. PETER’S STAFF

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St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

418 E Sumner Street

Northfield, MN 55057

Return Service Requested

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

Northfield, MN 55057

Permit number 121

St. Peter’s Mission Statement

Expressing God’s love and grace to

build a community where people

Believe in God,

Belong to Christ, and

Become disciples

Who serve in day to day living.

July 21st—24th

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Mark Your Calendar! April 21—Children sing at the 10:45 a.m. Worship Service

“Like” us on Facebook—St. Peter’s Lutheran/Northfield