Day: August 2, 2023

The mission of Saint Peter is to discern God’s mission through worship, learning, witnessing, and service; and to equip and inspire people to serve that mission.

If you’re a big fan of The Chosen, or maybe you loved Season 1 and began having questions about Season 2, we have a great resource for you. Pastor Jason hosted a Bible Study earlier in 2023 to watch each episode and discuss the parts that are Biblical, the parts that might be supported by what was known about the time, and other parts that are pure fiction.

While the study has ended, a PDF version of the episode worksheets is available from Pastor Jason. Feel free to contact Pastor Jason and request your copy. If you have questions about some aspects of The Chosen, you might even want to set aside a little time to chat with Pastor Jason and get his thoughts on the subject.

If you’ve never had an opportunity to watch The Chosen, that’s fine too! Pastor Jason has a copy you can borrow.

By Pastor Wade Brinkopf

I just finished reading a book that was handed to me by one of our lead shepherds. It is entitled, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. The author’s name is W. Phillip Kellner. In short, he was a shepherd in one of his previous lives. He told a story of shepherding as he felt it related to Psalm 23, David’s authorship of the Psalm, and David’s work as a shepherd centuries ago. It was a good read; not too dense or difficult. Our lead shepherds have copies if you’d like to read it. I want to share a quote with you this week from A Shepherd Looks.

“In looking back over my own life, in the light of my love and care for my sheep, I can see again and again a similar compassion and concern for me in my Master’s management of my affairs. There were events which at the time seemed like utter calamities; there were paths down which He led me that appeared like blind alleys; there were days He took me through which were well night black as night itself. But all in the end turned out for my benefit and my well-being.

“With my limited understanding as a finite human being I could not always comprehend His management executed in finite wisdom. With my natural tendencies to fear, worry, and ask “why,” it was not always simple to assume that He really did know what He was doing with me. There were times I was tempted to panic, to bolt, and to leave His care. Somehow, I had the strange, stupid notion I could survive better on my own. Most men and women do.

“But despite this perverse behavior I am so glad He did not give up. I am so grateful He did follow me in goodness and mercy. The only possible motivation was His own love, His care and concern for me as one of His sheep. And despite my doubts, despite my misgivings about His management of my affairs, He has picked me up and borne me back again in great tenderness.

“…There is a positive, practical aspect in which my life in turn should be one whereby goodness and mercy follow in my footsteps for the well-being of others.

“Just as God’s goodness and mercy flow to me all the days of my life, so goodness and mercy should follow me, should be left behind me as a legacy to others wherever I may go.” (Kellner 155-156, 157)

Did you know that we have a Shepherding Program here at Saint Peter? Did you know that we are striving to have this sort of legacy within our church; between neighbors, reaching out into community? Did you know that you can participate in our Shepherding Program? You can help! Come find out how! May our work for the Lord be strong!

Pr. Wade

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As Lutherans, we believe in the Trinity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We confess God as Father and creator of the universe and Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.

We believe that the Good News of Jesus Christ is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. We celebrate the fact that through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, human beings can be reconciled to God.

Lutherans also believe that Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and keeps the whole Christian church on earth. We call it the “Catholic” church, but in this sense the word “Catholic” is defined as “all embracing.”

Lutherans believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the written Word of God, inspired by God’s Spirit speaking through their authors. The Scriptures record and announce God’s revelation centering in Jesus Christ. We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of the church’s proclamation, faith, and life.

Lutherans believe that all human beings are born in sin and cannot live the life God intends for us on our own. We believe that we are justified only by grace through faith on account of Christ.

Lutherans understand that God comes to us through the Means of Grace, the Word of God and the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Through them, God helps us understand and receive the benefits of a relationship with Him. God graciously speaks to us through the Law to tell us what we need to do; and through the Gospel to tell us what He has done for us.

Questions? Reach out by completing a contact form, and let us know you’d like to speak to someone.

[The disciples said] “We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.” And he [Jesus] said, “Bring them here to me.”… he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And all ate and were filled… about five thousand men, besides women and children.
~Matthew 14:17-19

The feeding of the 5000 in Matthew invites the Jewish people and us to reflect on a time when there was little food, and many to feed. Jews would recall their ancestors wandering in the desert for 40 years after being enslaved in Egypt. In reality, most of us today are more like the privileged Egyptians with no need to worry about where the next meal might come from and when it might be available.

Yesterday, a member from Saint Peter encountered a wanderer at the church office who said, “Do you have any food? I haven’t eaten in a while and am really, really hungry.” As you know, the church is a place for help, but we don’t normally have warm food ready to give away on a Tuesday afternoon, hours after lunchtime. In fact, when we give away food, we primarily funnel our efforts through the SOIICF Food Pantry and refer people there. Yet somehow, the guest needing help from above found a warm meal, a box of food, and additional resources at Saint Peter. God multiplies more than just bread and fish around here.

Thank you to the silent angles who have given boxes of food for Saint Peter to use in case of emergency. And thank you to those who give their lunch when someone needs a sign from God that the church cares about them and their needs.

-Pastor Jason