St.
Petri Messenger
June, 2019
“Let us hold fast to the
confession of our hope without
wavering, for he who has
promised is faithful. And let us
consider how to provoke one
another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet
together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as you see the Day
approaching.” - Hebrews 10:24-25
I never much liked chasing pigs when I was a kid
growing up on our family farm. It’s a dirty, smelly,
frustrating job, much more difficult than herding cattle
or sheep. Cattle & sheep aren’t particularly intelligent
or curious animals; they tend to go where you want
them to go if you spread out your arms, herd them
toward your intended gate, and give them space to
move slowly and without panic.
This is not what happens when you chase pigs. Pigs
are smart, curious, and highly excitable. They do not
like being herded, they’re tough, and most of the pigs
you chase are fast. The only pigs who aren’t fast are
the boars and sows you’re not sending to market in the
first place, though a sow can move pretty quick if she
decides she’s got the proper motivation (usually
plucking a fresh-born piglet out of the nest she’s made
in a farrowing yard will do the trick). In the years my
dad farrowed hogs while I was growing up, I spent
more hours moving pigs through sorting gates and into
hog yards with fences held together by baling wire
than I care to remember, although I did learn some
interesting words on those hot summer afternoons
when one pig or two decided they didn’t want to stay
in the trailer at the top of the loading ramp before one
of us could get the gate shut.
Usually we used sticks or even whips to extend our
reach and keep the pigs as much in line as we could,
but there were a few times when Dad would try to use
a cattle prod in close quarters to get things moving in
the right direction. A cattle prod is essentially a
lightweight rod with two metal prongs at one end and a
battery with a button switch at the other. The battery
gives an electric charge to whatever you poke with the
prongs - not nearly enough to do permanent harm, but
uncomfortable enough to get a large farm animal
moving away from it. Prods can work great on cattle.
Not so much on pigs, though. Pigs get spooked and
jumpy and usually just getting everyone around them
worked up, and pretty soon your prod gets the whole
bunch screaming and running in every direction except
into the gate where you want them to go. Like I said, I
never much liked chasing pigs.
Imagine my amusement many years later when one
of my seminary professors told us that the word to
provoke in the verse above is also used to describe
what a shepherd or farmer does to prod their charges
forward. The professor referred to it as an “ox goad,”
but I know that means “cattle prod” and boy, do I want
to be careful when I talk about “prodding” fellow
believers to not neglect meeting together as the body
of Christ. Some of you are going to take that the wrong
way and pretty soon you’ll get spooked and jumpy and
there’ll be screaming and running in every direction
and…
You can probably sense where this is going. June
will mark the beginning of summer, which brings
changes in schedules, family vacations, summer sports,
and all the wonderful things summer has to offer. It
also means Sunday morning attendance drops a bit due
to travel and other summer activities. So let this be the
one time I will encourage you to not forget about your
St. Petri family altogether as the days lengthen, the
temperatures rise, and the golf course/ball
diamond/lake/campground beckons. We’ll be here
every Sunday morning, of course, but there are many
other ways to love and do good deeds with us this
summer. You’ll read about them in this newsletter and
St. Petri Messenger 2

hear about them from Kristin and myself all summer ST. PETRI
long.
I much prefer this present herd that’s been entrusted
SCANDINAVIAN DAYS
to me over the ones I tended as a Nebraska farm boy. WELCA BAKE SALE
You all smell better, for starters, and most of the time I Saturday, June 8th
get to work in air conditioning. Consider this your 8:00am – 11:00am
prodding for the summer from me. Make time to come
at the Story City Comm. Center, 503 Elm Ave.
and rest in the loving embrace of God’s mercy for you
(to those who would like to bake for the bake sale,
and I bet you’ll find yourself less anxious and more
all baked goods are welcome, although
able to enjoy all the rest of summer as well.
Scandinavian baked goods are encouraged since it’s
Yours in Christ’s peace, Pastor Scott
a Scandinavian event. Please have your items to the
Comm. Center by 8am and price them according to
Hospitalized in May the price list below.
Ordean Johnson
In Memoriam 2019 ST. PETRI SCANDINAVIAN DAYS
Anita Johnson BAKE SALE PRICE LIST
Annette Mooneyham Angel Food Cake - $6.00
(Kristin’s mother)
Berliner Kranse - $3.00 dozen
Prayers of Ongoing Concern: Bread - $4.00
Jim Phillips, Charlotte Hill, Kay Disbrowe,
Cookies - $3.00 dozen
Arlene Jacobson, Cooper Leeman
Prayers for those not near to us: Bars - $2.00 ½ dozen
Patrick and Jacqueline Bencke, ELCA Mission- Cupcakes - $2-$3 ½ dozen or .50 each
aries, Japan (depending on size)
Soldiers, Peace Workers, and Humanitarian Aid Dinner rolls - $6.00 dozen
Workers Fattigmand - $3.50 dozen
----------------------------------------------------------- Fruit Soup - $7.00 pint
THANK YOU to Haglatta - $3.00 pint
all who helped Kavring - $3.00 dozen
deliver Meals on
Wheels in May! Krumkake - $3.25 ½ dozen
Many hands Lefse - $1.50 each
make light work! Pies - $8.00 - $10.00
Heartland Senior
Potato Cakes - $3.50 ½ dozen
Services depend on people like you to volunteer
in helping others. Puppy Chow $2.00 1 qt.
Thank you! You are appreciated! Rosettes - $3.50 ½ dozen
Sandbakkels - $3.50 ½ dozen
The NEIA Synod expresses their appreciation for
Spritz - $3.00 dozen
St. Petri’s gift of $213.70 to ELCA World Hunger Sweet Breads $3 lg., $2 med., $1.50 sm.
(more on ELCA Hunger at ELCA.org/hunger). Sweet Rolls - $.75-$1 each (depends on size)
Also, thank you for the gift of $166.66 to Tea Rings - $10.00 and up (depends on size)
support the missionary work of Patrick &
Jacqueline Bencke, ESL teacher and music Kringla - $5.00 dozen
teacher, both serving in Japan. (more on Global Pizzelle - $3.00 dozen
Ministry at ELCA.org/globalmission). Muffins - $3.00 dozen (depends on size)
Jam - $5.00 pint and up Rev. May 2019
St. Petri Messenger 3

"A big thanks to the May Care Group for

pitching in to make the month go smoothly.
You deserve a pat on the back."
Karen M. and Mardell C.

WELCA Report JUNE CARE GROUP

June 8 – 8:00 a.m. Scandinavian Day Bake Sale CARE Group Leaders: Ann Healy, Mary Peterson
June 13 – 2:00 p.m. WELCA with Bible Study Eric & Vicki Anderson Martha Arends
June 22- NEIA SWO Convention, Wartburg College Tim & Amy Crouch Mark & Cindy Doolittle
June 24-26 9 a.m.-noon Quilt making Carol Foss Garrett & Sierra Healy
Mike & Ann Healy Kyle & Nicole Healy
Jeff & Callie Henrichs Roger & Nancy Hermanson
Walt & Barbara Hermanson Lorna Hoversten
Rev. Nancy Jewell Al & Anita Johnson
Sheldon & Mindy Kardell Kevin & Diana Keech
Levi Keech Mary Nannenga
Darlene Patterson Margaret Peter
Steve & Mary Peterson Ron & Glenda Rahfeldt
June 6: Duaine Bostwick, John Satre Marty & Connie Rasmusson Chris & Angie Roling
June 8: Marilyn Lekwa Charles & Jeanne Tanksley Ryan & Katie Thorson
June 9: Julianne Schwartz, Hubert & Gloria Tussey
June 10: Zachery Anderson
June 11: Barry Muhlenburg
June 13: Zach Healy, Pat Murken, Daniel Olson
June 15: Kevin Patterson
June 16: Jane Bauman
June 18: Levi Keech
June 19: Landon Greiner, Pua Kailiawa
June 21: Eric Anderson, Christian Chelsvig
June 24: Alex Muhlenburg
June 25: Elaine Olson, Tyler Rivers
June 26: Kay Anderson
JULY CARE GROUP
June 27: Garrett Healy
CARE Group Leaders
June 28: Bella Muhlenburg
Angie Rieck-Hinz, Valaree Muhlenburg
June 30: Owen Patterson
Dave & Nicole Bauman Jane Bauman
Kim Birchmier Brad & Beth Dedic
Doug & Kim Finley Tom & Kris Foss
Marlene Helling Paul Hill
John Hinz & Angie Rieck-Hinz Danny & Chris Hobbs
Tyler & Crystal Hobbs Pastor Scott & Kristin Johnson
James & Sherri Keigan John & Jan Lekwa
Doris Mathre Barry & Valaree Muhlenburg
Trent & Katelyn Muhlenburg John & Mary Pelican
Kevin & Susan Ruby Olive Sampson
Sharon Sills Craig & Paula Van Brocklin
Paul Wierson Tom & Mary Wynia
Helen Zook
Friday, June 14th
St. Petri Messenger
-----------------------------------------------------------
St. Petri Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(except Tuesday afternoon)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sunday,
June 16th
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Affordables is asking YOU to volunteer at our
store, which supports the residents of Bethany
Life in Story City. Can you volunteer 3 or 4
hours a month and pledge to volunteer for a
minimum of six months? We are ALL busy, but if you
could commit to working 3 or 4 hours per month at
Affordables, you would make a world of difference.
You can chat with customers, help with displays,
assemble merchandise, sort and price merchandise or
run the cash register. We will do EVERYTHING we
can to ACCOMMODATE your schedule.
We are personally asking YOU. Won’t you HELP
US?
Call the store and talk to Denice about volunteering
this week 515-733-5304.
HELP US support the elderly in Story County. We
can’t do it without YOU!
4
Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp Events
For more info. or to register online, go to:
www.riversidelbc.org or call 733-5271
Riverside’s Program Review will be Thursday,
June 6th at 9:15 am in the chapel. Anyone is welcome
to come and help perfect the skits for our youth this
summer. You are then welcome to join us for lunch.
Please call to let us know how many are coming by
contacting Cheri at Cheri@RiversideLBC.org
Summer Camp 2019– Theme: PRESS ON
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is
ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for
which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 3:13, 14
Riverside offers a wide range of summer programs,
from half week sessions for our youngest campers, to
full week programs for campers entering 3rd grade
all the way through high school, & family camp.
Riverside also has a beginner & intermediate ranch
camp program as well as an adventure camp focused
on growing in faith through enjoying God's creation.
But of course, all our programs are first & foremost
focused on knowing Jesus Christ.
Family Camps –
June 30-July 3 with Enrique & Martha Ochoa
August 11-14 with Jeremy & Michelle King
Urgent Vehicle Needs & Summer Wish List
We have an urgent need for more vehicles.
Specifically, we need a reliable minivan to transport
our Day Camp teams to churches across Iowa -
sharing the extravagant love of Jesus Christ. Our
year-round staff would also benefit from these vans
as they travel across the Midwest through the year to
connect with churches & Riverside supporters. Help
us to ensure these important ministries continue to
happen. Your vehicle could be a generous blessing to
God's work here. If interested, please contact our
director, Chris Dahl at Chris@RiversideLBC.org.
AMAZON WISH LIST: A fun, new way to give to
the ministry of Riverside is to check out our Wish
List on Amazon. You can buy directly from the
website, and it quickly ships right to us.
St. Petri Messenger 5

Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of

Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated
AREA COMMUNITIES ARE INVITED TO: social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA
(Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) & a member of
Trinity Lutheran Church LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of
1629 DeWitt St., Ellsworth, IA all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national
origins, ethnicities, races, & sexual orientations. Learn more at
FOR: LSIowa.org & Facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
Trinity Men’s Group Breakfast (Free) A New Life
Sat., June 1 7:00am A year and a half ago, Kevin was homeless. He
Plus, hear Ron Gruber’s amazing story struggled with substance use. He didn’t have a car. Or
about how the power of God changed his life a driver’s license. Or a job.
Then, his world turned upside down & all at once, his
from one of crime and worldly desires to
priorities shifted. He found out he was a father to a
serving the Lord in changing young people’s beautiful baby girl, Willow. Kevin immediately began
lives. RSVP Pastor Jon at 836-4792 or rehab & fought hard to build a healthy lifestyle. After
jonrollefson@hotmail.com if you plan to months of hard work & efforts to get clean, Willow
come so we have enough food. was placed in Kevin’s care while her mother received
AND: treatment for her substance use disorder.
“Run the Race” Movie Kevin turned to LSI’s Early Childhood Services for
Sun., June 2 6:00pm support & a community to help him create the best
home for his daughter. After starting services last year,
It’s a family movie!(Tim Tebow Production)
Kevin can’t imagine life without LSI.
FREE movie, popcorn & pop! Through regular in-home visits from Lindsay, his LSI
worker, Kevin is helping Willow develop her language
& speaking, as well as her motor skills.
Lutheran Services in Iowa June 2019 Now one and a half, Willow is learning to use pens &
markers, & loves writing & coloring. Her favorite
At Lutheran
book is a present from her dad – a picture book of the
Services in Iowa ABCs.
(LSI), we strive to Kevin now has sole custody of Willow, & he works
build up & empower closely with her mother to ensure she gets regular
Iowa kids &
visits. His life has changed for the better, & he credits
families. For us, Lindsay & LSI for walking alongside him on his
Father’s Day is a journey.
time to celebrate all “LSI teaches you to think about all the little things we
the fathers & male often overlook as parents. And we learn to appreciate
role models we see those little things more because of it,” Kevin says.
every day. “LSI is teaching me to be the best father I can be.”
Through our Early
Childhood Services, ----------------------------------------------------
young men are
learning to become
dads. They’re becoming confident & active in their
child’s life, & they are creating loving, bright futures St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church
for their families. Approved Council Meeting Minutes
Many of the boys & young men that LSI serves in our April 10, 2019 8:00 p.m.
Bremwood & Beloit Residential Treatment Centers Members present: Karen Munson, Verlyn
have never had a positive male role model in their Frohling, Megan Gustafson, Kendra Braucher,
lives. But our caring volunteers & staff members are
Carmen Peter, Jane Bauman, Nicole Bauman, Jo
there to help guide them.
You are making all of this possible through your
Murken, Pat Murken, Peg Patterson, Pastor Scott
support of LSI. Thank you for responding to the love Johnson, and Deacon Kristin Johnson
of Jesus Christ through compassionate service!
St. Petri Messenger
1. Meeting was called to order by Vice President
Kendra Braucher at 8:02 p.m.
2. Peg Patterson presented the minutes. Minutes
were approved as presented.
3. Treasurer Verlyn Frohling presented the
Financial Reports for March.
1. A new financial sheet was presented and
explained by Verlyn, bottom line down
$16,134.00 for the year. This month will
show payment from Bergen.
2. Discussed automatic payment as several
members use this method for giving to the
church. Motion to accept Treasurer’s report
by Pat Murken, second by Jo Murken.
Carried
4. Committee Reports
1. Music and Worship presented by Jo
Murken, they have picked out hymns for Easter
and will have decorations up for the Easter season.
2. Outreach/Fellowship did not meet
3. Property/Trustees presented by Pat Murken
the project plan was presented will present to con-
gregation 1st Sunday after Easter what they have
come up with for the next two years. Work day
will be April 13th if weather permits, if not will be
moved to May. 975 pounds of salt was used on
sidewalks and parking area this past winter. 81
volunteer hours was used to clear snow.
4. Spiritual Life presented by Megan
Gustafson, attendance at the mid-week Lenten
services has been good, will continue past Lent.
Communion kits need to be cleaned or replace as
some are in bad shape. Doing worship leader
training - had communion assistant training, will
be doing Assisting minister later this month.
5. Stewardship presented by Carmen Peter,
discussed the designated stewardship envelopes,
automatic giving, sharing of gifts and time, will
continue this coming Sunday and the Sunday after
Easter. Will present the completed gifts and time
spread sheet to council in May. The Piggy banks
that the children have made was well received by
the children.
6. Youth Ministry presented by Jane Bauman,
discussed Wednesday night youth group during
Lent seeing a huge drop during the Lenten season.
Also discussed Pick a Number Foundation and
Summer Stretch. Youth group will resume April
6
24th final meeting will be May 1st at Perfect
games. Pick a Number will continue thru Lent.
Summer Stretch registrations went out and
Immanuel and Grace will be combining with us
again this summer.
7. Youth Education was presented by Nicole
Bauman, last Gift will be the 1st week of May,
have 20 - 30 that show up weekly. Will be placing
in the bulletin weekly the giving from the Jingle
Jar. Prayer Buddies celebration will be April 14th.
Scholarships for Bible camps have been given.
Easter egg hunt after church outside weather
permitting. VBS will be June 21-23 with “Who’s
My Neighbor” by World Hunger.
5. New Business: Worship time was discussed,
choir now practices on Wednesday night, GIFT
families could move to 8:30 if church was at 9:30,
discussed having church at 9:30. Was tabled until
May meeting.
6. Old Business:
1. Shelter in Place was discussed, motion to
accept plans as presented by Pat Murken, Karen
Munson second. Discussion included having signs
made, a map of the church areas is being worked
on and new exit signs. Went over the First Aid Kit
as to what was needed to have in it. Motion
passed.
2. Elevator, Pat Murken discussed on how
payment will be handled with the down payment
already paid. Karen Munson motioned to approve
plan. Second by Jane Bauman. Carried
3. Mission Planning, SMART. = end date in
mind, information was giving too committees to
discuss, will be voted on at May meeting.
7. Staff Reports were presented and read.
8. Adjourned at 9:16 pm.
9. Meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by Peg Patterson, Acting Secretary
St. Petri Messenger
CONFIRMATION 2019
Dawson Chelsvig: One of my favorite bible verses
that I feel has impacted me day in and day out is from
Philippians 4:13 “I Can Do All
Things Through Christ Who
Strengthens Me." I feel that
whatever I do whether it’s in
school, out on the field, or in
church that Christ is always
watching over me giving me
the strength and support I
need. Jesus Christ was God’s
only son and our lord and
Savior. He gave his life upon
the cross so that we can live
our lives with eternal
gratitude. His devotion before and after his death
continue to ripple into our lives every day. He’s
someone who we can talk to in our happiest and
darkest moments without judgement. He loves us no
matter whether we made the right or wrong choice.
Even in our darkest moments when we feel no one is
there, he’s always watching over us and trying to help
guide us.
Going through confirmation classes over the last
couple years, I’ve been able to grow my relationship
and understanding of our God. I’ve known the popular
bible stories, but in confirmation I’ve been able to
learn things I didn’t know and my view upon what the
Lord brings and represents has grown much broader.
I’ve always known that the lord is there for me, cares
for me, and loves me. Going through confirmation has
deepened my own love and care for all he sacrificed
for me. I want to honor and praise him for all he did
and continuing to do that with my continuing after my
confirmation in my beliefs and love.
I’m very blessed to have a family and community who
supports and believes in you as you grow throughout
life. They want to see the success and happiness you
can lead in your life. One of the ways I have always
felt positive support throughout is through church. I
have been able to grow in my faith through summer
bible camp, youth group, and during everyday
moments. It’s so nice to receive a text or message
from our youth minister, pastor, or prayer buddy
recognizing your grades or sports or even just a hello.
Those moments they take to spend that time, truly
impact myself and others on such a grand scheme. I
7
feel very lucky to grow up and have so many who have
left an impact on so many levels from so many. I
know that they will continue to impact my growth into
my faith as I grow. I will always be grateful to them,
thank you.
My parents and family have brought a positive and
supportive role as I’ve grown. I’m grateful and
thankful to them for that. I want to thank my parents
as they went through the classes with me the last
couple years. I want to thank my mentor Chuck
VanPatter, who has been a supportive role all my life
and one of the main reasons why I thought he would be
the perfect mentor. My goal as I continue to grow and
go throughout my life is to have a remaining constant
relationship with the Lord and church. I might move
and my own family will start one day, but I hope that I
am able to show my love and appreciation for God so
that they will want to continue and share their own for
him also.
Maddy Stevenson: “Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105 is a verse I
always look to when I need to
be reminded of the love and
wisdom God has for me.
Throughout my confirmation
journey, I have learned many
things. I learned about who
Jesus is and how he served
others. By learning his story,
it helped me form who I want
to be as a person. Jesus died
to relieve us of our sins. The
way he lives reminds me to
serve others and spread the
word of Lord. He symbolizes
all good in the world. I am thankful to have incredible
people to help guide me through the scripture, so I can
implement my faith in my everyday life. I plan to
continue learning and serving Jesus.
By going through three years of confirmation I have
shown my congregation that I am committed to
following Jesus. I have spent a lot of time learning the
ways of our church and plan to continue to serve as a
member. I have spent the last three years
understanding the church and how my faith works.
Working with Pastor Johnson and Lay Minister
Sheahan, my first two years, I have gained knowledge
of the Christian faith and what it means to be a
Lutheran. While this past year I spent time getting to
know Angie Rieck-Hintz. She helped guide me in my
faith as well as showed me what it means to be an
St. Petri Messenger
active member of the church. As I have gone through
this process, I realized that confirmation is about
taking your time to understand your faith. It is an
important time in a teenager’s faith journey.
This journey helped me decide to commit myself to the
Lord because he reminds me to be humble. Being
committed to the Lord also provides me hope through
the hard times. God’s word always gives me hope
during bad times and positivity in the good times.
Being reminded that the Lord sent his only son to die
for my sin is something that reminds me to do my best
and never give up. The scripture he presents gives me
comfort, and that’s why I think a lot of people stay
loyal to God. When it feels like there is no safe place
the scripture and the thought that Jesus died for us all
is comforting. I will continue my faith as I enter
adulthood because of the promises God has made for
me. He has forgiven my sins and will continue to put
me through challenges and joyful moments.
The fact that the Lord allows me to be a part of many
great opportunities is something that keeps calling me
to the church. The opportunities I am given outside of
the church builds my character. When I come to
church on Sunday mornings, I am greeted by so many
smiling faces that are interested in what activities I
have been doing during the week. It is so fun to be able
to share with them the talents that God has blessed me
with. When I share my stories, many elders respond
with thoughtful suggestions or responses. It exciting to
be able to hear their stories and the suggestions they
have for me to grow as a child of God. The support
within the congregation drives me to want to maintain
my faith. When someone goes through a hard time
everyone is ready to help them have faith and
remember good times will come again.
Being a part of a congregation doesn’t only allow you
to have an outstanding support system. Everyone is
gifted within the church community. Everyone has a
different talent. In our congregation, you can serve the
Lord and the church in so many ways. I have been
serving the church by serving cookies, videotaping,
and greeting. I plan to continue those acts of service. I
enjoy them because a small helping hand could make
someone's day. I plan to find new ways to serve the
church in the future. It has been a great journey that
will continue to go on. My faith is stronger than ever
and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has planned for
me.
8
Kole Knutson: What Jesus means to me is everything.
Jesus is my lord and savior
and the one who died for
sins and to me that means
everything. Knowing that
Jesus died for our sins
means a lot to me.
Because he gave
forgiveness for all of the
sins in the world. He
loves every single one of
us and that means a lot to
me.
Jesus has always got me
through some tough times
through life whether it's the ups or downs in life or
times I need just needs some help. I know I can
always pray and Jesus will be there for me. Being
confirmed is a big honor and milestone to me, my
family, and my church. I think this a big milestone
because I finally confirmed as a member of the church
and I'm officially a part of something forever no matter
where I am. This is also affirming my baptism. By
being confirmed I hope that my fellow Christians see
that I am committed to God and the church and that I
am now a part of a community of faith that I will
always be in and serve.
I want to commit myself to Jesus in my adulthood
because I know in the future there will ups and downs
through life and I know that Jesus will be with me
through every step of the way. I know I will have faith
in him every step of the way, too. In my adulthood I
will also have faith and commitment in the church
community because I know that my fellow Christian s
will be with me in my adulthood as I will be for them
in there's. I want to be a part of the body of Christ
because I know that I will be in a community of
Christian believers that have the same faith and
compassion as I do. I know that my fellow Christians
will help me through my faith through God and help
me get closer connection and bond through Jesus too.
Being in a community of Christian believers also
means that we are all willing to help each other and
guide each other. No matter where life takes me i will
have my faith. I will be working with other Christians
as well and spreading the message of the Christian
faith. With my faith I am willing to do the same and
help spread and learn the message of our God.
After I am confirmed no matter where I go or no
matter how old I am, I know that I will always be a
part of the of the Congregation and being in church.
To continue to learn and help spread the word of God.
St. Petri Messenger
Being involved in church activities is a great way to
keep my faith to the congregation and whenever the
congregation needs my help or utilize my services,
they can count on me to help. I also know that helping
my community by helping others and doing good
deeds also a great way to help my congregation and
also spreading the word of God in my community.
I am thankful to have this opportunity to understand
what confirmation means. By experiencing the
confirmation activities, working with my peers, my
mentor, and the guidance of our church’s leaders I can
fully appreciate the gift of confirmation.
Caden Henrichs: After these past eight months of
being out in the open
world with my mentors
guiding me along the way,
I have learned so much. I
have seen and learned so
much about Jesus Christ,
and how his words help
guide us to become the
good people we are today.
Being able to say I’ve
been confirmed means to
me that I understand the
lessons God has been
trying to show me.
As I say goodbye to my teenage years, I know that as
long as I remember the lessons that I was taught, then I
will remember why everything in my life including the
ones I hold close to me are important. Someday, I want
my future children to know that everything that the
Lord has done was done out of love for us. He truly
taught us how to live, and to further more expand his
message across to those who seek his guidance. Jesus
showed his ways to his disciples because he wanted
them to see what it truly meant to be alive.
I recently took a journey down memory lane as I saw
the place that I was baptized. The place where it had
all begun, where I was marked by the symbol of God
and blessed. As the years went on, I soon learned who
Jesus Christ was, and what he had done for all of us.
He had laid down his life to save us from being
destroyed because of our sins. He had faith in us even
when we deceived God and Him. Jesus believed in us
so much that there was hope that we could have
redemption.
So many times in my life I wondered if there was ever
a chance that I could fix mistakes that I made. To be a
part of the Body of Christ is learning from your
mistakes and moving forward with your life. I look
9
around me a lot and see people as a part of our
congregation, who understand God’s message.
I saw a film about a man who was a former nightclub
bouncer, who later started driving a famous African
American Pianist across the South. This story spoke to
me in many ways that we are all the same and we are
all human in the world God has created. We were all
created with a right of having free will to be whoever
we want to be without anyone discriminating against
us because of our race. God could have, during a
period of discrimination, ended it all. But He wanted
us to figure out that what we were doing to each other
was wrong.
My mentor Paul Wierson met Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr. who was a part of the Civil Rights Movement in
1954. My other Mentor Mark Helland reminds me of
myself when he told me about his past. I learned we
weren’t that different growing up as teenagers when
we both took this Journey of Faith. We were both not
really social in the beginning but today we are both
changed individuals. God has taught us both not to be
afraid of the world that he has created for us. Being out
in the world making differences in people's lives and
giving them faith is what God wants. As I was out
there volunteering, I was serving not only my church
but my community. I still believe as I finish my
confirmation class that I can continue to provide
service to my church and help in any way I can.
There are good people in my church that have given
me so much and have treated me and my family with
so much love. As I grow up into the good man my
family knows I can be, I carry along the experiences
and the lessons that the Lord had given me.
St. Petri Messenger
Ben Chelsvig will be attending
Morningside College in Sioux
City, Iowa to major in Ag
Business while also playing
football.
Hailey Anderson will be
attending Iowa State University.
She is still deciding on a major.
Gabi Henrichs will be
attending the University of
Northern Iowa and will be
majoring in Interior Design.
Rey Torres will be
attending DMACC and
study tech and mechanical
engineering.
10
Summer begins!
June 21, 2019
4 different versions of Romans 12:21
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil
with good. (KJV)
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good. (N.A.S.)
Do not let evil conquer you, but use good to
defeat evil. (N.E.B.)
Resist evil and conquer it with good. (J.B.)
4 different versions of Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward
you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and
not of evil, to give you an unexpected end.
(KJV)
“For I know the plans that I have for you,”
declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and
not calamity to give you a future and a
hope.” (N.A.S.)
I alone know the purpose for you, says the
Lord: prosperity and not misfortune, and a
long line of children after you. (N.E.B.)
I know the plans I have in mind for you-it is
Yahweh who speaks-plans for peace, not
disaster, reserving a future full of hope for
you. (J.B.)
 St. Petri Messenger 11

Youth Group Year End Review…..thru Pictures!

HS Youth Group: We had Bible study discussions on various topics such as sexism and sexual
assault, wearing ‘masks’ to hide our true selves, prayer, and on setting goals for our futures. For
some of our ‘Destination Unknowns’ we went to HyVee to discuss world hunger and food shortages,
the Story City Rec Center, and Ice Skating at ISU.

MS Youth Group: We had Bible study discussion on various topics such as God’s way vs the world’s way, holding
steady when things get tough, generosity, stress and anxiety and we watched the movie SecondHand Lions and
discussed it. We also played lots of fun team building games.
 St. Petri Messenger 12

……….to the MANY caring adults who helped at

Youth Group this past school year, either thru being
present during our Bible studies, preparing or
donating to a meal or attending one of our Youth
Events. This ministry couldn’t happen without you!
Thank you for being a part of the lives of our youth
along their journeys of faith. Y’all ROCK!!!!
 St. Petri Messenger 13

Cross+Generational Ministry
Summer Congregational BBQ’s
Come one, come ALL to our summer BBQ’s
to celebrate fellowship and the summer. The
first one of these will be on Wednesday,
June 26th at the parsonage from 6-8pm.
Bring your own meat to grill & a dish to
share.
And place on your calendars:
July 24th (location TBA)
August 21st (at Seth and Willow Hill’s home).

Faith5
When using the Faith5 as a family the thing we hear
the most is how hard it can be to find a scripture verse
to read. While the Bible is obviously full of great verses
that apply to our daily lives, it can be tough to narrow
down which ones to use. So here is a wonderful
resource for you: "Drops from the Well". With your cell,
text the word "Drops" to 614-328-5636 You will then
receive, every Sunday afternoon at 4:14 (For John
4:14) a text to your phone with a scripture verse from
the Gospel text from the previous Sunday’s lesson. You
can then use that "drop" of scripture throughout the
week for your Faith5. It’s fast, it’s easy and it will help
enrich your Faith5 experience as a family.
St. Petri Messenger
14

Cross+Generational VBS

WHEN:
 Friday, June 21st from 6pm-8:30pm: includes a meal
 Saturday, June 22nd from 9am-11am
 Sunday, June 23rd Celebration Service during worship

WHO:
Everyone!!
This is for ALL ages, the young and young at heart. Bring your
children, grandparents, neighbors and friends.
ALL are invited to participate in the fun.
WHERE:
At St. Petri.
COST:
There’s no cost, other than two hours a day for some
FUN with your family and friends.
Please RSVP by June 16th with Kristin Johnson
@ 733-4623
Or stpetriyouthmin@gmail.com