St.

Peter News
St. Peter Lutheran Church, Bassett, NE Pastors John & Melody Brink jbrink-ne@hotmail.com
melody_325@yahoo.com

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7) Several years ago at Synod Assembly, seminary professor and theologian Mark Allen Powell spoke with us about stewardship, specifically about financial stewardship. In his book, Giving to God: The Bibles Good News about Living a Generous Life, he speaks openly and frankly about financial giving as being not only a way of life, but also a good way of life. The problem is that many of us forget that giving, tithing, offering gifts back to God is part of our faith life. Too often we see the church as a business. The bills come in every month, and so we need to pay them. We forget that the church is not a business. The church is a place of worship, a place where ministry ideas begin, and a place through which God works. Why is it then that we get so nervous when it comes to giving? Why are we afraid to give? Why is it such a touchy subject? Well, I have some ideas. For one, money is power. We use our money to show importance to things. As another text says For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21) Money gives importance to things. With money, we feel powerful. We can give to something or not. It is our choice. So, how do we use that power? Do we choose to give to God only what is left over? Or do we choose to give to God first? It is something that each of us must spend time

in prayer about. God wants us to think about Him and about Jesus example even as we make decisions about where our money goes. Mr. Powell shares an interesting image in his book. He talks about money related to baptism and thinks of it as a person holding his or her wallet out of the baptismal waters. We think that all that we are belongs to God in baptism, but we are unable to live it. Did you know that the Bible very clearly states that we should be tithing? A tithe means 10% of income. Now, Ive been asked before if that means net or gross income. I dont think it matters as long as we spend time in prayer asking God for guidance. Now, I am not and will never tell you how much money you should be giving back to God for ministry to take place. But, did you also know that on average, people (not just in our congregation) give only between 1%-2% back to God by way of their worshiping communities (congregations)? So, I come to you with a challenge for the next 6 months. I challenge you to sit down at some point within the next year and take a look at all of the money that you receive and that you spend. I challenge you to figure out how much money you give back to God both through this congregation as well as through other charities. I challenge you to figure out what percentage of your total income that is. And then I challenge you to try to raise it. Raise it by 50 cents, by $1, by $10, by 1%, by whatever you feel God calling you to. All things are done through prayer and supplication. But in the end, it will be good to find joy in giving. Giving as a response to our baptismal call, not as another bill to pay. Giving as a way of worship, not a debt. Giving in finding joy in the ways in which God lives and moves and has his being here in this place. Thanks be to God!! In Gods Peace and Love,

THIS ISSUE
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Wise words from the Pastor Notes/Announcements Stories Council Minutes Council Minutes Birthdays/Anniversaries/Prayers/Worker Schedule

Pastor Melody

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Argentina Accompaniment Trip

For the past 24 years, the Nebraska Synod has shared a companion synod relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Argentina and Uruguay (Iglesia Evangelica Luterana Unida - IELU). To further strengthen this relationship, please join us as we visit our brothers and sisters in Argentina and Uruguay on a Nebraska Synod-sponsored trip scheduled for July 25-Aug. 6, 2014. Participants will visit many ministry sites of our companion church such as schools, a home for the elderly, and a facility for individuals living with HIV/AIDS as well as take in the cultural diversity Argentina has to offer. Female participants will have the opportunity to attend the IELU Women's Assembly and accompany them as they discuss women's rights and violence issues. The cost of the trip is approximately $3,000 and includes all travel, lodging and most meals. Space is limited. For more information or a reservation form please contact Stephanie Lusienski at stephanie@nebraskasynod.org or 402-896-5311.

December January - February 11:00 am Church services at St. Peter 10:00 am Fellowship time This am year's Germanfest will one week later than usual. 9:00 Church services at be St.held John's

The date is Sunday, November 10, so mark your calendars and tell you friends to save the date! LeAnne and Ev have been working on the list for food and . supplies. It will be at the church the first Sunday in October. If Church council meeting first Tuesday of every month at 7pm. you have a large supply th of something in your garden or This month February 4 .still being excepted. orchard, new recipes are Last year the numbers were really down. It's important to spread the word about this major fundraiser for our .. congregation. Please sign up and plan to attend.

Wild Women Retreat February 28-March 2 A time to renew yourself and your faith surrounded by women from all over the state of Nebraska. The theme for this years retreat is John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." If youre interested in attending, please contact Pastor Melody or go to http://www.caroljoyholling.org/getinvolved/events-a-retreats/229-wildwomen

Pictoral Directory St. Johns and St. Peter will have a new pictoral directory soon! Lifetouch Photography will be at both churches March 12-15 to take pictures. Keep your eyes peeled for more information! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mens Retreat: Men in the Outdoors April 25-26, 2014 This retreat will gather men from around the state of Nebraska for a time to worship, serve, and learn. Youll take part in a variety of camp activities like archery, boating, fishing, and fly fishing lessons. If you are interested in attending, contact Pastor John or go to http://www.caroljoyholling.org/get-involved/events-aretreats/216-mens-retreat ..........................................................................
Time & Talents If you havent turned your Time & Talents sheet in, please get them in by February 16th! .

Confirmation The 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation Class is starting up again! Class is meeting February 12th, 19th, and 26th. See you then!

BASIC (Youth Group) will be serving a soup and sandwich supper on Feb. 16th from 6-8pm at the church. Monies earned will go toward their upcoming mission trip this summer to New Jersey with the Nebraska Synod. While there, they will help with clean-up from the hurricane that New Jersey suffered last year.

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The Bassett Ministerial Association will be hosting a Progressive Dinner on March 16th! Stay tuned for more information!!
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A nice reminder shared by Bill & Di McNutt!

INNOCENCE IS PRICELESS Thanks for sharing, Ev! One Sunday morning, the pastor noticed little Alex standing in the foyer of the church staring up at a large plaque. It was covered with names and small American flags mounted on either side of it. The six-year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, 'Good morning Alex.' 'Good morning Pastor,' he replied, still focused on the plaque. 'Pastor, what is this? ' The pastor said, 'Well son, it's a memorial to all the young men and women who died in the service.' Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex's voice, barely audible and trembling with fear asked, 'Which service, the 9:00 or the 10:30?

TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2014:

With all the problems the World is facing, it can be unsettling to the mind. Today, sharing with you ten predictions that are true!

1. The Bible will still have all the answers. 2. Prayer will still be the most powerful thing on Earth.. 3. The Holy Spirit will still move.. 4. God will still honor the praises of His people. 5. There will still be God anointed preaching. 6. There will still be singing of praise to God. 7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people. 8. There will still be room at the Cross. 9. Jesus will still love you. 10. Jesus will still save the lost when they come to Him.

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December 8, 2013 St. Peter council met on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Council members present were: J.T. Shaw, Kristy Beard, Laurie Witte, Lori Stolcpart and Tiff Mauer. Visitor Rod Stolcpart brought samples of glass for the window behind the alter. He is researching the best options to replace the existing panels of glass. He plans to research a few more options. Kristy made a motion seconded by Lori to approve minutes of the November meeting. The November financial statement was presented by Jan and Carol. Motion was made by Kristy seconded by Tiff to approve the November financial statement. Laurie reported that Jim Arnholt will lead worship for Pastor John and Melody January 5th. They will be attending St. Johns annual meeting. J.T. discussed snow removal. The German Fest was successful with $1139 collected. The 25 cent store will be open December 14th. Christmas Eve services will be at 5:30 p.m. The next joint council meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2014 at St. Johns at 7:00 p.m. The annual meeting is scheduled for January 12, 2014. Church services will begin at 10:00 p.m. with a meeting and potluck to follow at 11:00 a.m. J.T would like all committee reports to be sent to him by Sunday, January 5th. The budget committee will schedule a meeting for January 2nd. Motion was made by Lori to adjourn the meeting seconded by Tiff. The meeting adjourned at 10:45 a.m. The meeting closed with the Lords Prayer. Laurie Witte Recording Secretary

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January 07, 2014 St. Peter council met on Tuesday, January 07, 2014. Council members present were: J.T. Shaw, Kristy Beard, Laurie Witte, Tim Hinkhouse, Lori Stolcpart, Carol Fredrich and Pastor John. The meeting began with devotions from Pastor John. The December financial statement was presented by Carol. Motion was made by Tim and seconded by Kristy to approve the treasurers report. Motion carried. The January 2013 to December 2013 treasurers report and the proposed 2014 Budget was presented to the council by Carol. Pastor suggested that we call the Budget a Spending Plan. The council reviewed the 2013 treasurers report and the 2014 Spending Plan. A few changes were made to some of the line items. Carol will make those changes and the 2014 Spending Plan will be presented to the congregation at the annual meeting. Pastor John reported that the Christmas Eve service was well attended. Time and talent sheets were handed out to the congregation. It is very important that they are filled out. Included this year is information for the new directory. Pastor asked about the history of how Confirmation ages are determined. Committee Reports- Worship: Jim Arnholt will lead worship January 19. Education committee: Numbers are low for attendance. The Christmas program was very nice. Activities committee: 25 cent store was a success. Bids will be made on the roof. Rod Stolcpart found replacements for some of the colored panels for the window behind the alter. Di McNutt is asking for help with the cleaning of the church. The Annual meeting is scheduled for January 12th. New Business- Three council members are needed to replace J.T. Shaw, Laurie Witte and Bill McNutt. Synod assembly dates are May 29-31. The next joint council meeting is set for February 18 at St. Johns at 7:00 p.m. Motion was made by Tim and seconded by Kristy to use the 25 cent store proceeds to buy Christmas decorations for the church. Motion carried. Motion was made by Kristy seconded by Lori to adjourn. Motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m. The meeting closed with the Lords Prayer. Laurie Witte Recording Secretary

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Birthdays & Anniversaries Have a Blessed Day! Bryce Coleman Shaina Shaw Barry Frerichs Deb Frank
Rhegan Shankland

Nancy Carley Brad Harms Brandi Hollenbeck Norm Hixson Reed Ellermeier Eli Brink Susan Tracy Brent Giles

4-Feb 5-Feb 7-Feb 10-Feb 10-Feb 11-Feb 17-Feb 18-Feb 20-Feb 23-Feb 27-Feb 27-Feb Feb-29

Norm & Pat Hixson

9-Feb

Prayer Concerns
Please keep the following people in your prayers: Karen Wilson Christiansen, Rick Lingenfelter, Virginia Aulner, Jeanie Shankland, Kelli Dannenbring, Mona Mangum, Ryan Austin, Rick Stolcpart, Ione Fischer Military Men & Women: Chris & Jenn Magnussen, Matt Magnussen, Kelly Peterson, Doug Harlan, Josh Bravo, Nick Brooks, Monica Olson, Corey Novotny, Pat Brooks, Paul Carpenter, Tim Dodge, John Brink Jr, Matt Brink, Spencer Jenkins, Justin Imm

Lay Worker Schedule Date 2/2/14 2/9/14 2/16/14 2/23/14 3/2/14 3/9/14 3/16/14 3/23/14 3/30/14 Reader Gary Bussinger Jim Shaw Ev Armstrong Kristie Camp Rod Stolcpart Lori Stolcpart
JT Shaw

Ushers Leah H & Danita S JT & Kim Shaw Jim & Nancy Carley Bernice K & Jan F Bradd B Willis & Betty Haynes Rod & Lori Stolcpart Jim & Ella Shaw Steve & Kristie Camp

Acolyte Mason H Addie Shaw Gracie Swanson Peyton Ebert Branson Anderson Gage Herrington Karley Anderson Mason Hagan Kylie Beard

Communion Server Kristie Camp Tara Swanson

Kristie Camp Tim Hinkhouse

Doug Fox Leanne Fox

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