May NEWSLETTER

From the Pastor’s Desk

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the

fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Acts 2:42

Dear Members of St. Peter’s,

We are certainly living in interesting times, aren’t we? As the shelter in place continues, we alternate

between the positives and the negatives in our lives. Perhaps you are troubled because some states are

beginning to open up more businesses and are allowing people to leave their homes, possibly endangering

the health of family and friends. Maybe you believe that our governing authorities aren’t doing enough to

get people back to work or that they are overstepping their powers.

Please understand that I respect everybody’s views about these matters. This is a new experience for us

all. As a church body, the LC-MS (and in particular, St. Peter’s) is doing everything it can to follow

Romans 13 in submitting to the governing authorities. Lutherans in particular understand the idea of two

kingdoms: 1. The secular government, rulers, police, etc. and 2. God’s kingdom over all of creation.

Pastors and churches across this nation are using different means to serve the people of their

congregations with things like: 1. Church services with adequate social distancing, 2. Live streaming their

services on the internet, 3. Recording services for people, or 4. Mailing out sermons, bulletins, etc. for

church services at home.

Please know that we have been trying to do the same here at St. Peter’s. As your shepherd, I have

worked to make your ability to worship, sing praises to God, feed on God’s Word, etc. as much as possible.

With your elders, we have worked to remain in contact with you not only by emails, online worship

services, children’s bulletins, and more; but our elders have been trying to call each and every one of you to

see how you are doing throughout this pandemic. If you have NOT been contacted by an elder, please call

the church so that we can check if we have the correct phone number and other contact information.

When the day approaches that we may resume worship in the building of St. Peter’s, we will be

discussing possible ways of continuing to practice healthy ways of practicing social distancing while still

being able to gather together. This is especially important so that we will be able to celebrate the Lord’s

Supper. I have been meeting (via Zoom) with our confirmands and will hopefully be able to have

confirmation in the near future so that they might receive the body and blood of our Lord as well. Of

course the Elders, Church Council and I will discuss different possible practices for this to be possible.

I am also trying to start a Zoom Bible study on Wednesday afternoons. You may either join us on

Wednesdays at 2:00pm, or we will send out a recording of the class each week for you to listen and follow

along with us if you are working. We will look at ways how we can do that with other age groups as well.

Additionally, we will discuss adding a separate Children’s Message to be sent out.

Finally, let us pray to the Great Physician of body and soul that we can gather together without fear of

CoVid-19 or any other sickness of the body. I know personally the physical, emotional, and spiritual toll

that this has caused for all of us. I pray God’s peace for you all and that you remember that God is in

control during this time.

In Christ,

Pastor Mark Drews

News and thoughts from the Chairman of the Board of Elders.

These are certainly strange times we are in, socially as well as spiritually. A few months

ago I could not even imagine the thought of not being allowed to gather and worship our

Lord especially during the Lenten/Easter season. Now, as we have been apart as fellow

Christians for the last six weeks it may begin to seem to be the new normal. I can’t tell

you how much that thought concerns me. Before this “crisis” it could be very easy to

find reasons to skip a Sunday (or Saturday) Worship Service, but now we would jump at

any chance to gather to Worship.

As I think about different Bible studies, I have been a part of over the years and we saw

how the Christians had been persecuted through the ages and how it has always

strengthened their faith and commitment to our Lord. It occurred to me that we may be

facing a similar type of persecution by not being allowed to gather to worship while

other non-essential places are allowed to gather. I know from a non-Christian viewpoint

that worshiping out God is viewed as non-essential (and probably silly) but for us

Christians it is necessary every week to confess our sins and hear that we are forgiven

and receive the body and blood of our Risen Lord.

I know we are all anxiously awaiting the time when everything returns to normal, but it

is my hope and prayer that as we are allowed to resume worshiping together again that

we remember how precious our time together every week is to each of us and never again

take that privilege for granted. I hope our new normal is a renewed and regenerated

devotion to putting our God first in our lives. I have seen great support from our

Congregation as evidenced by our continued giving of the blessings God has bestowed on

us which encourages me to believe that this will be the new normal for our Congregation.

Even though we are going to suffer through another month of separation, I encourage

everyone to take some time to reach out to our fellow members at St. Peter’s especially

someone you may know that has been isolated by this “crisis”.

God’s blessing to everyone,

Bernie Piercy

Chairman Board of Elders

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

Here are a few notes from the Church Council meeting that was held April 28. First off we

are still meeting, planning and preparing for the days for all of us to return to worship as a

family. While these are difficult times for all, our biggest desire is for all of our family to

stay healthy during this pandemic. If you have some free time, please reach out to our

“shut ins” because they have been more secluded than ever and need to hear that they

are in our thoughts and prayers.

I am pleased to announce that we have made it through the month of April will all bills

paid without the need to use any funds from savings. Praise to our wonderful membership

that have stepped up and been able to continue to make their contributions. We know

that prayers help and you have answered my prayers by keeping us fiscally responsible

through this time to date. Please continue and we will make it through the rest of this

Shelter in Place.

Finally, if you are looking for something to do and would love to get outside doing it,

please consider spending some time at our wonderful park. I was able to get out and do

our first mowing of the season this past week. Tom Magnusson was out checking the site

over as well. There are a few projects that could use attention. Here is a brief list of

them…

Rototill the volleyball court

Weed whack areas that can’t get mowed

Weed killer on areas of blacktop

Pick up limbs and sticks

Trim back any limbs that stick out from woods

Clean entry area by gate and sign

This is just a few items but many more can be found or suggested. Please contact Tom

Magnusson if you have any questions. Please help make the park beautiful.

Blessings until we can all gather again.

Letter from the Treasurer:

Now I know that the last thing most of you want to see is a letter from me saying what I need to fulfill my treasurer duties. Well good news; that is not what this letter is.

Today I send this letter to praise our Risen Savior and the wonderful blessings provided by this congregation. Even though we have not been able to gather due to the pandemic, this congregation has stepped up and contributions have come in the mail. We were able to end the first quarter of 2020 with all bills paid and we have a tremendous start on this month already. This makes my job much easier and much less stressful.

Great work by all of you and I look forward to the days that we can gather, shake hands and hug our church family again. Please keep safe as we hopefully near the end of this Shelter in Place directive.

He is RISEN!!!

John Vollrath- Treasurer

Topic: Adult Bible Study with Pastor Drews Time: 02:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Every week on Wed, until Jun 10, 2020 May 6, 2020 02:00 PM May 13, 2020 02:00 PM May 20, 2020 02:00 PM May 27, 2020 02:00 PM Jun 3, 2020 02:00 PM Jun 10, 2020 02:00 PM

Dial by your location +52 556 826 9800 Mexico Meeting ID: 720 4015 3681 Password: 740336 Find your local number: https://us04web.zoom.us/u/fb1AMNnM1M

Call the church office with questions. 309-699-5411

Altar Guild for May is Julie Parlier & Sue Gilbert

Education Ministry News

VBS Update - In light of the uncertainty

surrounding the situation with Covid-19, Rocky

Railway VBS scheduled for July has been

cancelled.

But don’t despair! 😊

We are looking forward to

planning a Fall Festival weekend event for all

the children who normally attend our VBS and

their families, as well as all the members of

our congregation.

Watch for more details coming soon!

Mary/Martha Ladies Bus Trip date has been changed to

Saturday, November 7th.

MATURING DISCIPLES:

**SUNDAY A.M., Sunday Classes continue each Sunday, from 9:30-10:30 A.M. in The LOWER LEVEL. **TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS: Classes gather each Tuesday, in the lower level from 10:00-11:30.

*KEEP THOSE HOSPITALIZED OR WITH IMMEDIATE MEDICAL NEEDS IN OUR PRAYERS: Eldon Schoedel, Lori Gunther, Mike Sutton, E.J. Eberle, Dave brother of Julie Parlier, Marjorie Cutright Aunt of Les Newton, Ashley Howard-granddaughter of Dennis and Ruby Lindo, Nicole (VanBrooker) Sager, Jim brain cancer, Augie Eble friend of Paula Smart, Larry Howerter-Debbie Inman’s brother, Nicholas Faichney grandson of Sandra Ragon, Harold Boe, Katie Bucio neck tumors, Pat Walker, Shana Petrucci-Tom Magnusson’s niece diagnosed with MS., Marlene Nimmo, Pat Forquer friend of Nancy Schoedel, Eric & Sheryl Riley-daughter & son in law of Gordon Pullen, Michael health issues, Dr.Bruce Mathes cancer, Jack Bollinger friend of the Visocky’s, Beryl Forman Friend of Karen Visocky Lung cancer, Cindy Johnson’s daughter and grandaughter Julie Williams & Jaida please pray for healing, Don Theobald, Bob Kennedy, Cheryl renal failure, Phil Hess, Susie Davis friend of the Dusseau’s, Michael Shackelford-Michael Inmans grandfather, Gayle Masters brother of Roger awaiting a heart transplant, Robert Johnson father of Glen Johnson, health issues, Pat Magarity broken leg.

FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY AND POLICE OFFICERS SERVING IN HARM’S WAY!

Andrew Benedict, Jereme Martin, Brady Martin, Jake Gunther, Michael Lewis, David Masters, Trent Barron, Magnus Moeller, Lauren Tranchitella Covid testing sites, Austin Curry Covid testing site, Nick Barth, Traci Knott, Cody Margetis all deployed to the Middle East.

No birthday’s for our shut-in members for the month of May!

Church Classified from our Members------ 2020

Kristin Anderson (645-7142) Piano lessons in my home children & adults. Given in my home Germantown Hills Magnusson Construction Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Mastic: Replacement Windows & Siding Alexandria Lamprecht (309)439-9169 Tom Magnusson, E Peoria, Il. (309) 694-7831

Ron’s Carpets Avon-Karla Janicke Sales & Service. Free Estimates Your Avon Representative Carol Hayse, John Vollrath 674-3338 Phone (309) 382-0076 1003 NE Adams, Peoria, Il

Energy Savings Becca Ferro-Artistic Hair Design A poorly insulated home 2914 Court St. Pekin (Sunset Plaza) Can cost up to 70% more to Operate Ph: 309-863-0560 Don Meyer—AAA Insulation 698-0062

Cindy Miller, Crafts Tippy Creek Hand Made Embroidery and Crochet Items Raw (local) Honey and Honey infused soap Cell (309)472-2161 contact Pam Nelson 309-370-7271 or

Rob Preston 309-657-5692 or TippyCreek.com

Genie In A Bottle Cleaning Service Leslie Cody (309) 453-3728 & Trish Woodward (309) 660-3652 LipSense by SeneGence Visit Facebook Page: My Lips Are Sealed Crystal Kilgus - Independent Distributor Place Orders at LipLocked@yahoo.com http://www.SeneGence.com Free Shipping on Orders over $50

St. Peter’s Church is a covenant congregation member of Lutheran Senior Ministries and a Supporting

partner of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. We are affiliated with Christ Lutheran School, 1311 S

Faraday Ave. Peoria, Il. 61605. Phone: 637-1512

Office Phone: 309-699-5411 Pastor Mark Drews cell: 701.390.6073

Secretary, Marsha Roberts (309) 349-2626-marsha@stpeters-epil.com Website & Facebook: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, East Peoria

www.stpeters-epil.com