_ _ _ INDEX _ _ _ Page Church Council Members & Staff ................................................................... 2 Raise the Roof & Open Doors ....................................................................... 3 Pastor’s Annual Report ............................................................................... 4-6 Membership Report ....................................................................................... 6 Nominating Committee Report ....................................................................... 6 President’s Message...................................................................................... 7 Buildings & Grounds Committee Report ........................................................ 7 Evangelism Committee Report ................................................................... 8-9 Finance Committee Report ....................................................................... 9-10 Parish Education Committee Report ....................................................... 10-11 Social Action Committee Report .................................................................. 11 Stewardship Committee Report .............................................................. 12-13 Worship Committee Report ..................................................................... 13-14 Youth Committee Report ............................................................................. 14 Sugar Creek Annual Report .................................................................... 14-15 WELCA Annual Report ........................................................................... 15-17 Memorial Committee & Financial Reports ............................................... 18-20 Treasurer’s Report .................................................................................. 21-23 “Raise the Roof” Financial Report ....................................................... 24 Membership Directory ............................................................................. 25-37

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_ _ _ ANNUAL REPORT _ _ _ JANUARY 27, 2013

CHURCH COUNCIL: President……………………………………………….. Bill Wood (2011- 2014) Vice President ................................................ Aaron Peterson (2012-2015) Secretary ............................................................... Becky Trefz (2009-2012) Treasurer .............................................................. .Phil Nelson (2012-2016) Buildings & Grounds ................................ David Cauffman, Jr. (2013-2016) Evangelism………………………………………. Tammy Nelson (2013-2016) Finance ............................................................... Nancy Vogel (2012- 2015) Parish Education .........................................Brandee Lendosky (2011-2014) Social Action .................................................... .Clara Peterson (2012-2015) Stewardship………………………………..Bethany Baumgartner (2012-2015) Worship & Music ...................................... Carol & Lyssa Stolte (2011-2014) Youth ..................................................................... . Tony Bunn (2013-2016) A special thank-you to Tom Heberlein for his dedication during his term of service on the Church Council. STAFF:

Charles W. Miller, Pastor

Merry Cooley, Parish Office Manager Steve Cooley, Custodian Musical Leadership: Pat Larson, Carol Stolte, Lyssa Stolte

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Raise The Roof & Open The Doors Grand Opening

Hello! We have spent the last year taking our first steps into the Unbinding process, learning how to pray with and for each other. The Spirit and a lot of great, hard work by an amazing team of people has led us to this point. This journey has sparked great enthusiasm in the many people that have participated and we’re hoping to keep the energy alive, not just inside the walls of St. Peter but, let it blow the doors open and welcome everyone in!

With the conclusion of our E-Vent, we are now looking forward to this year and the

many exciting events and opportunities we have planned for everyone to be involved in. The first of these events is our Grand Opening for Raise the Roof and Open the Doors which we are inviting the entire congregation to attend. Right now we are more ready to invite people into a life with Christ and into our church than any of us can remember in years. We’re halfway there. We WANT and HAVE to invite! But it won’t happen just by wishing. We can’t stop this wonderful process of prayer and study just with ourselves. We’re now ready to Raise The Roof & Open The Doors!

We’ve already accomplished some amazing things. I have heard numerous stories

of people talking with others about their faith and inviting. People that would’ve never dreamed they could. Now, how can we do more of that? Prayer will help get us to be responsive to the Spirit in the moment, and we can help with prayerful specific ideas and action plans: individually, in teams, and as an entire congregation. That’s what we’re going to do on Saturday, February 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.! Pray and ask God’s guidance with these ideas and plans. Members of the Evangelism Team, church leaders, and Unbinding Your Heart participants will be on hand to facilitate your discussion of ideas and answer questions. Please mark the date on your calendar and plan to meet us in the Fellowship Hall. We will have coffee and rolls, door prizes drawn on the hour, and lunch will be provided at the conclusion. You have been receiving invitations for this Grand Opening after services and hopefully you have kept them all. Bring your invitations with you the day of the Grand Opening so you can write your name on them and be entered into the drawing for door prizes. The more invitations you have, the more chances you have to win!!

We, as a congregation, as disciples of our awesome God, can do awesome things if

we work together. Let’s keep the ball rolling, keep the legs of this church moving forward, let’s Raise The Roof and Open The Doors!

Thank You from Your Evangelism Team Tammy Nelson Aaron Peterson Eric Nelson Sally Rosemeyer Pattie Wells Pauline Boebel Pastor Chuck

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PASTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Another year come and gone. We’ve been in your midst for 17 years. 2012 was in many ways – most ways – a typical year for me. Yet it also had its unique twists and turns. I continue to serve on the synod nominations task force. I do services on a regular basis at the Good Samaritan Home, Orchard Manor and Morningside. This year’s mission for me seemed to be making doctor appointments. I did a stress test in May that indicated more blockage in my heart. Then I spent most of summer getting ready for the placement of stents to open the blockage. I did a practice run in August but the doctor could not get the major blockage opened. So I returned in September for an encore performance. That did the trick and I was feeling frisky like a young colt. However I am more like an old dog and my recovery was slowed and lingered. But to quote harry Stone’s father on Night Court: “I’m much better now.

This year I also experienced substantial growth in my spiritual life. Some was fun while some of the growth came through the dark night of the soul. The painful part coincided with the wonderful debate in the congregation over who is welcome at the Lord’s Table. We will vote at the annual meeting to set an agreed upon practice for St. Peter. As Ray Makeever’s song sings it: “Out of the darkness the light will shine. Out of the dying the bread and wine. Out of the trouble the glory be. Jesus, Jesus, sets us free! I cannot express my thankfulness to God for how he deepened my faith through this conversation about communion! I am glad for the journey and pray for forgiveness where I made the trip to contentious unnecessarily. I also thank those who spoke words of encouragement and prayed faithfully. I am particularly proud of the Church Council’s patience and leadership!

I also was blessed with joyous growth through the Unbinding evangelism journey we began in the fall of 2011. There will be more particulars reported elsewhere but I want to say a huge thanks to God and to all who joined the Unbinding studies. In spring we studied the book “Unbinding The Gospel.” Then this fall we studied the book “Unbinding Your Heart” during our 6 week E-Vent. This coming year we will study “Unbinding Your Soul: an Experiment in Prayer and Community.” We will be led thic coming year to reach out in the community in ways that invite people to join us in connecting to God’s amazing grace. It will be fun!

We continue to have a dedicated and active church council that oversee our life and mission. In my tenure here we have always had dedicated and wise leadership on the church council. What a blessing. This past year was no different. This council has also developed and excellent chemistry.

Thank you to and God’s richest blessings to Kathy Napp, Tom Heberlein and Ron

Blume who complete their service on the church council! Thank you!

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I want to say a special thank you to the women of St. Peter! WELCA is one of the joys of my ministry. You do so much to live out the truth of the gospel!! Thank you. Every year you distribute thousands of dollars to worthy causes. Your response when a funeral lunch is need is phenomenal. And your quilts are your faith unfurled! God bless you! In addition this year the women of the church headed up a campaign to remodel and redecorate the upstairs rest room. Thank you!

I want to thank the staff for their level of dedication and friendship this past year. Merry Brechler-Cooley, our parish office manager is a tremendous asset but more than that she is a beautiful person with a soulful disposition. I like to tease her that she is the boss. While it is true she does it in such a way that I am always grateful to her for guiding me. I deeply appreciate her insights, wit and wisdom! Thank you Merry!

I am grateful for Steve Cooley. Steve is a jack of all trades and master of most. We have been together here at St. Peter since I came. He has a mystic spirit and a mechanical aptitude. I have come to calling him Magic because he seems to walk near computers and printers and sound system and… suddenly they work! I continue to be inspired by his loving dedication that shines through all he does. Thank you Steve for all you do!

I want to thank all who volunteer their time by serving on committees or leading task

forces or doing the many, many things that need to be done in the life of our congregation. Thanks to those who help teach the faith through Vacation Bible School and Sunday School! Thank you to all those who do participate in Sunday worship. Lectors and greeters and ushers and communion assistants and directors and choirs and accompanists and guitarists and soloists and organists.

This year Kathy Napp, our long time Saturday worship leader, resigned so that she

could take care of her granddaughter. A special thank you to Kathy for her years of dedication and devotion to her Lord as Saturday evening worship leader! While we are on the subject I am hoping we may be able to find talent in our midst to pitch in on Saturday evenings. If you can play the piano or guitar stop by and volunteer to help out!

Thank you to this year’s nominating for their work on finding good candidates for the

council and other positions that needed to be filled! As of this writing we are still looking for a Treasurer. Pray that the Lord will provide.

Another joy for me has been the number of young families that have become so

integral to our congregational life. They give this old dog a new bounce in my step. I thank God as I thank you!

This January begins my 18th year in your midst. I pray God will continue to challenge us and mark us with the cross as well as make us alive in the Spirit and image of our Lord and Savior Jesus. I want to say Thank you to you all for the many ways your stories of faith have inspired me. And as Sophie Moen, my patron Saint put it, “Most of all I give thanks for Jesus our Lord and Savior, our dearest friend, our blessed brother!”

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This past year I performed the following pastoral acts: Baptisms 10 Confirmations 7 Weddings 4 Funerals 12

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 2012 Submitted by Merry Cooley, Office Manager

Baptisms: 10 Funerals: 12 (-4 Baptized Members, -4 Confirmed Members) Marriages: 4 Members Confirmation: 7 (+7 Confirmed Members) New Members joining congregation: 12 (+12 Baptized Members, + 8 Confirmed Member) Members transferred out of congregation: 13 (-13 Baptized Members, -11 Confirmed Members) Beginning – January 1, 2012 Baptized Members: 837 Confirmed Members: 629 Baptized Members: 837 Confirmed Members: 629

+22 +15 859 644 - 17 -15 842 629 Ending – December 31, 2012 Baptized Members: 842 Confirmed Members: 629

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT Treasurer Phil Nelson

Buildings & Grounds David Cauffman, Jr. Evangelism Tammy Nelson Nominations committee for 2013 Dan Gratz Beverly White OPEN

Synod Assembly Delegates: OPEN, OPEN

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Respectfully submitted by Bill Wood, President

Once again, we made it through another year. Sometimes I wonder how, but the

mystery of faith prevails! Despite our sometimes rocky journey, I think most of us could say we are generally fortunate and happy. I believe this comes from prayer and the trust that we are always in the hands of Jesus, in good times and bad. At this time I would like to thank our current, outgoing and incoming council members. I appreciate all you have done, all you are doing and all you intend to do!! On behalf of your council and the entire congregation, I need to call out a special THANK YOU to Kathy Napp. Kathy, you're work as treasurer was beyond tremendous. We miss you're music but appreciate all the years you blessed us with. A big thank you to Pastor Charles (this is what you're mother used to call you but you didn’t do anything wrong this time), Merry and Steve. I would encourage the entire congregation to give them a thank you as well. A look back includes the loss of loved ones and the addition of new loved ones. A look back also includes a powerful prayer/evangelism project, a trip to New Orleans, a new bath room, continued debt reduction, and continued benevolence. There was another awesome vacation bible school and a prayer group created. All these things that take a lot of thought and effort and we should be proud of it all....I am....and I thank you all! I think St. Peter is the greatest, or I think I have a t-shirt that says "ST. PETER ROCKS"!! Bless you all, Sincerely, Bill Wood.

Thank you all….God Bless you all! Sincerely, Bill Wood

BUILDING AND GROUND COMMITTEE REPORT

Thank you to all who helped this year with various projects around the church. Thank you! We wish to express our gratitude to Steve Cooley, our custodian. God’s richest blessings to you! Not much happened in Buildings and Grounds this year (Thank the Lord). Big kudos to WELCA for spear heading the bathroom remodel. It looks wonderful! Thank you to all whose special donations helped pay for this project. We thank Tom Heberlein for stepping in as building and grounds chair this past year. Dave Cauffman, Jr. will be serving as the chair of building and grounds going forward. Respectfully submitted by Pastor Chuck

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EVANGELISM COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted Aaron Peterson, Chair

It’s hard to believe that another year has come to a close. It has been an exciting, yet challenging year for me. I received a promotion at work which required me to take on a new role and I also began my journey in serving you on the church council. As I look back on both adventures and think of all the challenges, I can easily forget about them as the rewards start to enter my thoughts. When Pastor first approached me to serve as the Evangelism chair, I had some serious reservations. I was eager and willing to serve but, EVANGELISM???? The only image that entered my head every time I thought about it was Tammy Faye Bakker. There is no way I can do this I thought but, after some long talks with Sara, I decided to give it a whirl. I couldn’t be happier with that decision. The main focus of my first year as the Evangelism chair was taking our first steps into the Unbinding series. The idea behind this book series is to resurrect Evangelism in our churches through prayer and community. The book contains statistics that are overwhelming and scary and you don’t have to read too far to realize we have to do something! I finally had an understanding of what Evangelism was and I could finally get these images of the make-up clad TV personality out of my head. I would love to take credit for this idea and bringing it to St. Peter but it was all Pastor and I was just going along for the ride. We began the process in the fall before I joined council with one study group reading Unbinding The Gospel and it was an amazing experience. We had a very diverse group ranging in age from 33 to 91. In floored me every week how we could have one topic and six or seven different perspectives. It not only opened my mind, but my heart as some very special relationships began to form. We followed up the initial study by offering the same study to a larger group as a way to train leaders for what would eventually be an all congregational study. Again, I had a group that was not quite as diverse but we came together every week and shared stories and insight. Relationships once again grew and you just can’t help but get excited as everyone begins to open up. The second round of studies concluded in the spring and preparations begin for the fall study. We worked through the summer planning and marketing our E-vent as it was called. The goal was to get 80% of the congregation to participate in a 6 week study of the second book in the series called, Unbinding Your Heart. The E-Vent concluded in late fall and although we didn’t quite hit our goal, we still had an amazing turnout. The feedback we have received has been amazing. Everyone that participates not only has an understanding of Evangelism, but the relationships of being a member of a solid Christian community are worth their weight in gold! There have also been some powerful additions to St. Peter that have been born out of this ride we’re on. They include the creation of a new prayer team, prayer walls have been added to the wall separating the fellowship hall and sanctuary, we have held two 24 hour prayer vigils and we also now have attendance pad’s in the pews. We are hoping that these pads will make it easier for us to reach out and follow up with visitors and those that attend but are not members. Last, but not least, we have a new bible study group that is meeting weekly on Sundays. As we look forward to 2013, our sails are raised and the ship is full steam ahead. We have formed a focus group of 5 Unbinding participants that are going to oversee the many activities we have planned for the upcoming year. Things to look forward to in the near future include, an Evangelism presentation at the Annual Meeting on January 27th, 2013 that will lay out our charted course, the Grand Opening of Raise the Roof and Open the Doors on Saturday, February 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., more book study sessions and, what we hope will be multiple outreach events headed up by all different facets of our Church.

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As I conclude my year as your Evangelism chair, I’m happy, proud, and excited. I will be handing the reigns over to Tammy Nelson this next year as I will be moving to fill the role of Vice President. I’m excited to have some new perspective on the process and to see the great things she will do with what we have started. As the years continue to roll by, I hope the momentum that fills our church continues to roll with them so that we may truly RAISE THE ROOF AND OPEN THE DOORS!! God Bless, Aaron Peterson .

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Nancy Vogel, Chairman

First of all, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you, the Congregation, for your loyal support over the past year by your regular giving as well as for supporting all of the special projects we have had presented to us over this past year. Some projects are anticipated and some just happen as with all of us. It is you that keep St. Peter going and we need the support of each and every one of you to accomplish this.

Next, I would like to thank my committee members for all of their dedicated help. We are here every Monday morning counting the funds and getting them to the bank so that bills can be paid in a timely manner. You know what they say about it takes a village and there are many of you who help us throughout the year that we send special thanks to. Your assistance is greatly appreciated and makes our job that much easier.

As you have heard me say before, we are always happy to encourage members to enroll in the Simply Giving program. This is a wonderful way to make sure your financial support to St. Peter goes on even when you are unable to attend church. Because as you already know, whether we are here or not, the expenses of the church always are. It is really a simple procedure to sign up. Your money is automatically taken out of your bank account and deposited directly into our church's account. If this is of any interest to you at all, please contact the church office and Merry will be happy to get you set up.

Every year it is the responsibility of the Finance Committee to prepare a new budget for the upcoming year. Once again we have done this and presented it to the Church Council. We have made very few changes to the budget this year thanks to the committees doing such a wonderful job of working within their individual budgets. Some expenses, of course, we have no control over and this is what we constantly have to tweet. This budget was approved by the council and is now submitted to you, the congregation, for your approval. It seems like every year it gets a little harder to do as expenses keep rising just like our own expenses do.

Once again, my sincere thanks to all of you as well as to all of the individuals who helped us this year. Know it is appreciated.

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PARISH EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Brandee Lendosky

It is hard to believe how fast 2012 flew by. Such great things happened in the Parish Ed.

Department, it is hard to believe we are putting a close to the year already. We have been blessed with amazing volunteers, fabulous children, and a great church community for which to grow our faith and trust in God. I am truly honored to be working with all of the people that share these thoughts with me and my family and I thank the congregation for their continued support and kind words.

Early in 2012 we began wrapping up the first year working with Group’s “Living Inside Out”

curriculum. The children responded very well to the weekly lesson plans, and we are excited to be bringing it back in 2013. We had our once a month family night get-together’s, and ended the Sunday School year with a fantastic church service run completely by the children. This was followed by Pastor Miller’s obligation to follow through on the “dares” that the kids came up with for meeting their donation goals. This year the children brought over 500 food items for the food pantry and they raised over $750 that went to the synod to help with their causes, plus we helped put some money toward the Come For Supper event too! For these goals, Pastor Miller rode a tricycle (that we were able to make more his size), he threw the kids a pizza party, and he gave his sermon wearing Hawaiian clothes.

Summer brought on another fantastic Vacation Bible School and it is thrilling to be able to say

we had over 100 children for the second year in a row! This year’s theme was called “Sky”, and would not have been the huge success it was if it weren’t for the over 40 volunteers of all ages who helped make it run so smoothly. They make it a joy to come every morning and watch the church transform into something new. Once again the kids got to learn how to believe and “Trust God” through lots of hands on activities, stories, reenactments and games. They learned all kinds of fun new songs, made strong relationships and laughed a lot! To celebrate the end of the week we had an ice cream social run with the help of the Luther League families. This is always such a glorious, evangelical week for us as we welcome so many children from the community and show them the excitement of God’s love, no matter where they are on their own journey. A special thank you goes to the committee that helps me: Brenda Bunn, Leslie Larson, and Christina Winch in addition.

Many of our kids spent time this summer as campers at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in Ferryville.

There was also a day spent there in July for kids not quite old enough to go overnight. Thank you to anyone who drove as we had a very large group of kids who went. The experiences at Sugar Creek included horseback riding, prayer time, arts and crafts, swimming and social time. I think all the kids are looking forward to their chance to be campers sometime soon at Sugar Creek.

At the beginning of fall Sunday School began with Rally Day, and we had a lot of fun again

with games, songs, socializing and more. Thanks again to “The Three Musketeers- Tony Bunn, Tom Kretschman and Aaron Peterson for reprising their Wipeout style course after its huge success last year. We began our year with the annual hayride adventure with the help of the Cauffman family and then dove deep into the “Unbinding Your Heart” evangelical movement that the whole church participated in. We set a goal for the kids to learn two things: how to pray and how to talk about God. We did this by switching between stations like food, games, stories, crafts, and a movie all trying to show you can never pray wrong, and God delights in us trusting Him. I feel that we met our goal. The kids also made prayer beads to remind them of the things God likes to hear about when we pray, and for that we thank the Evangelical team and the Prayer Group for showing us how to make these beads. Hopefully the kids are still enjoying them.

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The Christmas Program this year was developed by Sara Peterson and her committee of Christina Winch, Sarah Kretschman, and Tammy Nelson. It was a retelling of the nativity with some actors, speakers and of course the classic Christmas Carols we all know and love. Please thank these ladies if you see them, it was an awesome time to watch it all come together and the children did a fabulous job.

I want to thank my teachers who are so incredibly dedicated to the children of this congregation, and are just the nicest, most wonderful group of people I’ve met. The Sunday School teachers currently are: Roger Boettcher, Brenda Bunn, Rob Campbell, Leslie Larson, Brandee Lendosky, Jon and Jenny Lindberg, Bethany Baumgartner, Deanna Needham, Christina Winch, Sarah Peterson, Lisa Parrish, Tammy Nelson, Jessica Peterson, Sarah Kretschman, Tara Faulkner, and the assistant Diane Ashmore. Our subs are Tony Bunn, Tami Kjos, and Renee Nelson. If you see any of these people, please give them thanks, for if it weren’t for them and their gift of time there would be no Sunday School.

Thank you again to this congregation for everything! It has been an amazing year, and I look

forward to many, many more.

SOCIAL ACTION COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Clara Peterson, Chairperson

Thank You to all who have given to the food donations. It is greatly used by those who are in need. Social Action- Clara Peterson

STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Bethany Baumgartner, Chairperson

STEWARDSHIP REPORT Stewardship has lots of different things we are responsible for in the life of the congregation. What follows is a listing and narrative of what we do. Building Fund Each year we seek to encourage people to continue to support our ongoing commitment to pay for our renovation project. This year we will begin that process in the Easter season. I want to thank all who continue to support this “Raise the Roof” project. A special thanks to Stephen and Kathy Napp for their diligence in encouraging the support of this project! St. Peter Endowment Fund Bill Wood has been working tirelessly to make this a reality in our congregation. Thank you Bill! We are now set up to receive gifts to this fund. The interest from this fund will be used according to the Endowment fund by laws to enhance our mission and ministry.

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Seminarian Assistance Fund This fund has been administered by St. Peter for many years. It was started by Doug Daechsel as a way of supporting seminary students from our synod. Each year the appeal goes out in November to congregations, WELCA units in congregations and foundations in our synod as well as to many individual members including all from our congregation. In the past few years the Stewardship Committee has given support to Doug and his crew. Tony Bunn has been leading this effort. Thank you Tony! Every year thousands of dollars are distributed to thankful seminarians of our synod! Thank you Doug for your vision, dedication and determination in this nifty endeavor! Time and Talents The worship committee is looking at a more efficient way of securing volunteers for many tasks in our congregation. If you would like to be considered in volunteering please let a member of the worship or stewardship committee know. Merry Brechler-Cooley continues to publish the monthly duties in the parish report and bulletin, as well as notifying people by letter or phone call to remind them of their duties.

Thrivent Choice Dollars In past years Thrivent, as part of their arrangement with the Federal Government as a fraternal society, gave us about $1600.00 a year. This was divided between the youth and the women. Now Thrivent asks customers who have large enough dollar investments with Thrivent to designate where these dollars will go. Each person has a different amount to designate depending on the amount of their investments. They can choose to give it to a seminary or a Bible Camp or any number of places including to their own congregations. Thrivent then deposits the money with the proper institution. This past year our members were very generous in designating over $3000.00 dollars to St. Peter. The church council whose job it is to allocate these funds gave half of it to the Luther League, a quarter of it to WELCA and a quarter of it to our synod commitment. Simply Giving

This is a way members can make their contributions to the church through electronic giving. You set up an electronic transfer between your bank and the church by completing a simply giving form. These forms are available through the church office. After completing the form you give it to Merry Cooley and she will send it in. You can designate how often and when you want the transfer made. The most popular options are weekly, twice a month or monthly. If you have questions or want to begin giving to the church electronically ask Pastor Chuck.

Annual Stewardship Campaign Every year we take time to encourage people to support the ongoing financial needs of the congregation. We all have our ways of determining how much money we contribute to the church. Some use the tried and true tithing method. You give 10% of your income to the church. According to the internet the average salary is roughly $30,000.00 a year. So with all 300 giving units contributing at this rate the church’s yearly income would be $900,000.00. We actually average about $800.00 a year from those who contribute. Not everyone who is a member contributes financially. We manage to stay close to what we need to meet our financial obligations. We have made use of memorial gifts, savings and second mile giving to meet our expenses. The stewardship committee always takes a faithful look at how we can most responsibly fund the mission and mission of our congregation. As we look forward we should continue to fund our responsibilities and commitments. Our strategy if we do not have the needed money is to keep salaries flat and not pay

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our budgeted commitments to the ELCA and South Central Synod, Sugar Creek and Lutheran Social Services. This year we are hopeful that the Synod sponsored Macedonia project will help us as a congregation in our gratitude and generosity. After having said all this again a big thank you goes to all that are able to contribute to the church’s financial needs.

WORSHIP COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Co-Chairs Carol and Lyssa Stolte

Current worship committee members are: Lisa Evans, Carol and Lyssa Stolte. We’d like to begin by thanking everyone with heartfelt appreciation who has volunteered to

serve the Lord through worship duties like: Host, Lector, Communion Assistant, Usher, Communion Preparation or Clean-Up, and Communion Bread Baker (esp. Christy Cooley). Don’t forget as we head into 2013 that this is a fantastic way to serve the Lord and others. We’re always looking for willing helpers! Thanks to Doug Daechsel and Mark Strohbusch who continue to make our communion wine.

A big thank you to all the musicians who put so much time and effort into choosing hymns, preparing liturgy and preludes, hymns and anthems, and are ready to go every weekend! Thanks to the choir and the organists, including Pat Larson, Carol and Lyssa Stolte! Our deepest gratitude to Kathy Napp and Rhonda Arndt for all the years they put into getting the Saturday night congregants into the worship mood! Kathy is now spending some time with her new grandbaby. Congratulations! Thank you to all who sign up to purchase flowers to decorate the church: Easter lilies, Pentecost geraniums, Christmas poinsettias, outdoor flowers, and weekly altar flowers. Don’t forget to sign up on the flower chart by the kitchen to commemorate your special day with flowers for church. A huge thank you to the “expert” Christmas decorating crew for all their help making the church look beautiful for the season. A big thanks to Merry Cooley for keeping us connected and reminded of dates, times, etc. God’s blessings to you and yours in 2013.

YOUTH COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Tony Bunn, Youth Coordinator As I complete my third year as chair for the youth committee, I would say it has been a truly enjoyable adventure. The youth group has been periodically and there have been a one word topic chosen by a youth for discussion. Some of the fun activities for this past year were the Sugar Creek retreat and the 2012 Youth Gathering in New Orleans, LA. Seven youth (Alyssa Campbell, Stephanie Hastings, Rachel Howell, Amberly Solorzano, Louis Heberlein, Hans Heberlein and Everett Schwer) and three adults (Julie Howell, Liz Heberlein and Sara Peterson) participated in the spiritually filling event. The youth have continued to serve coffee hour during the school year.

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The youth has also maintained most of the fund raising events they have had in the past (examples: 50/50 raffle, yard raking, Ash Wednesday supper and Easter breakfast). Along with helping with the Supporters of Solorzano benefit event. We look forward to an exciting year in 2013 which will many of the same activities as in the past. Thank you for all the congregational help in the past and into the future.

SUGAR CREEK ANNUAL REPORT 2012 Yes, it is with 'sadness' and 'peace' I write this last report for your annual congregational report. It has been a wonderful and blessed 26 years of ministry with you- in your camping ministry. It is time for 'change'. I personally have a real peace about leaving. We have done so much together. The story of Sugar Creek's ministry is truly awesome. It includes thousands of people being involved in such a wide variety of ways. As I leave, I would like to lift up a couple of things I feel most grateful for: A safe journey! I am especially grateful that we did not have to deal with any death or serious injury at camp! We can take pride In in knowing we have provided programs that carry a certain amount of risk (horses, house boating, canoeing). We have worked hard through our staff to make sure we are always concerned about everyone's safe experience. An 'ethical' journey! We can be thankful we have never had to be in court for some misdeed. We have been trusted with so much and have acted responsible for all things. This includes being responsible for the lives of children, for finances and for the stewardship of over 660 acres of land. We should feel honored! I always am aware of the honor that parents (and others) trust us with their children for a week of camp. This is no small thing. I feel a real sense of honor when I see parents drop their child off on Sunday afternoon and see them leave with a sense that their child is in good hands. We should feel ‘blessed’! We have been blessed with so many wonderful dedicated people who have served here in so many ways. The people who have helped make this a special ministry are not only those who work here. It also includes the Youth Workers, Pastors, Sunday School teachers and others who have helped to promote Sugar Creek within your congregation. Sugar Creek is not just another activity to support. Sugar Creek's ministry is an integral part of your Congregational ministry. Partnership Ministry: It is my prayer that you as a congregation and as individuals will continue to support Sugar Creek as a partnership ministry. We can only exist with you as active participants. Sugar Creek's ministry can be noted in this way: It is our ministry to help you (parents, grandparents, and congregations) nurture the faith of your children. THANK YOU for your support of me in my ministry here with you. I have been very blessed and honored. I have always depended on the Holy Spirit guiding, Jesus walking with me and God hearing the prayers. Amen!!!!! Dick Iverson Departing Director of Sugar Creek Bible C

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WELCA COMMITTEE REPORT

Respectfully submitted by Martha Hestad, President

I would like to thank the WELCA Executive Board for all their help over the past year. It would be impossible for any one person to handle all the activities WELCA is involved with so a special thanks goes to these very dedicated women. Thanks to Vice President – Sally Rosemeyer, Secretary – Sharon Beer, Treasurer – Charity Bray, Chair of Justice – Jan Fitzsimons, Chair & Vice Chair of Stewardship – Jane Soman & Loretta Kephart, Chair & Vice Chair of Discipleship – Christy Cooley & Lisa Riley. WELCA has continued to serve funeral lunches, thank you Jane Soman and Ingeborg Froiland for coordinating these lunches as well as all the women who participate by helping out with food and service. WELCA also sponsors the Good Samaritan Center birthday party in February, help to organize the Mother/Daughter Banquet with lots of help from the men of the congregation, WELCA also helps prepare, serve and organize along with the Kiwanis Club the Senior Recognition Banquet in May. In the fall of the year WELCA does a major fundraiser, which is the quilt raffle and silent auction along with the pie auction. In December we have a Christmas candy/cookie sale. Our funds were used to do the majority of the remodeling of the main floor bathroom Thanks so much for the many donations and support of this project. WELCA also continues to sponsor youth attending Sugar Creek Bible Camp during summer as well as many other projects. Attached to this report is a list of our Mission Projects. The Sew & Sews meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s mornings, 8:30-12:00 again this as a great opportunity for fellowship. This year WELCA shipped 144 quilts for Lutheran World Relief. This congregation also shipped 67 School Kits, 10 Fabric Kits, 30 Baby Care Kits and 41 Personal Care Kits. The Hospice and New Born Kits are taken to the Synod Assembly in May. The Sew & Sews also make quilts for the senior students from the congregation as well as keep some for local needs. This year a number of WELCA members made “Little Dresses (70) and Little Shorts” (10). WELCA continues to have two circles that meet throughout the year for Bible Study and fellowship. Love Circle meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. from September to May. Chocolate Boutique meets six times per year. This year a representative of WELCA has been invited to attend the Church Council meetings. At this time WELCA does not have voting rights but our representation is important as the women of the church do play a role in the leadership of the congregation. This has already leaded to better communication with the council and church as a whole.

May God bless you and keep you safe in 2013

The money that WELCA raises during the year is distributed at our December Executive Board meeting to a number of causes. Below is the list of organization that we were able to donate too:

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WELCA MISSION PROJECTS 2012

Marsden Park $50.00

Grant County Hospice $50.00

LWR Project Comfort $100.00

Family Advocates-Platteville $100.00

Operation Bootstrap $25.00

Lutheran Campus Ministry - Platteville

$75.00

Sugar Creek Bible Camp $100.00

Bread for the World $25.00

Lutheran Social Service $100.00

Seminarian Assistance Fund $100.00

Project Self Help $50.00

Global Health $25.00

LAMP $50.00

Transitional Housing Porchlight $100.00

Oaks Indian Center $25.00

WELCA Katie's Fund $25.00

WELCA Navajo Evan. Lutheran $25.00

Depot Food Pantry $175.00

Fennimore Blood Mobile $100.00

Helping Hand Fund $50.00

Grant County Salvation Army $75.00

In health Wellness Clinic Boscobel $175.00

Fennimore Schools money for field trips

$100.00

Total $1,700.00

Thank you to everyone in our congregation who supports WELCA by donating food, money, and time to make the year one of sharing and caring. God Bless you all.

MEMORIAL COMMITTEE REPORT Respectfully submitted by Pastor Chuck Miller

A special thank you to everyone who has remembered loved ones with a memorial or honorary gift to our

congregation this year. Your gifts are greatly appreciated.

Special thanks to Merry Cooley who keeps track of memorials income and disbursement as well as

sending thank you notes out!

A memorial wish list does exist, and if anyone would like a copy, please contact the church office or talk

17

with Pastor Chuck. We are also always open to suggestions for items to include on this list. Gifts may also

be made in commemoration of special events such as anniversaries or birthdays, retirements, etc.

Two of the projects that you may wish to contribute to are the kitchen renovation project and parsonage

upkeep and renovation project.

You may also consider the Raise the Roof (Building fund) or the St. Peter Endowment fund as good

places to remember a loved one or to celebrate a birthday or anniversary with a memorial gift.

A special thank you for the generosity of those this year who contribute to the work of our Lord through

the Memorial fund! God bless you! Pastor Chuck * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Date Amount Designated for

1/1/2012 $ 50.00 Raise the Roof

1/1/2012 $ 50.00 Raise the Roof

1/8/2012 $ 15.00 Undesignated

1/15/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

2/5/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

2/26/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

3/18/2012 $ 60.00 Undesignated

3/18/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

3/18/2012 $ 30.00 Undesignated

4/29/2012 $ 15.00 World Hunger

5/6/2012 $2,000.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $100.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 15.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 35.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 50.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 25.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 5.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 25.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 25.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 25.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 200.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 15.00 Raise the Roof

6/24/2012 $ 5.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 20.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 2.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 5.00 Undesignated

6/24/2012 $ 5.00 Undesignated

7/22/2012 $100.00 Raise the Roof

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Date Amount Designated for

7/29/2012 $ 25.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 5.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 25.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/5/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/5/2012 $ 15.00 World Hunger

8/12/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

8/19/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/19/2012 $ 15.00 World Hunger

8/26/2012 $1,188.00 Raise the Roof

8/26/2012 $ 35.00 Undesignated

8/26/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

8/26/2012 $ 50.00 Undesignated 8/26/2012 $ 20.00 Undesignated

8/26/2012 $ 20.00 Undesignated

9/2/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

9/30/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

10/7/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

10/28/2012 $ 25.00 Raise the Roof

11/4/2012 $ 5.00 Raise the Roof 12/9/2012 $ 50.00 Kitchen Remodel

project

12/9/2012 $ 751.12 Memorial Fund

12/16/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

12/16/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

12/23/2012 $ 231.63 World Hunger

12/23/2012 $ 115.82 Improvements

12/23/2012 $ 231.63 World Hunger

12/30/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

12/30/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

12/30/2012 $ 50.00 undesignated

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Disbursements 2012

Date Amount Purpose used for

1/1/2012 $ 50.00 Raise the Roof

1/1/2012 $ 50.00 Raise the Roof

2/5/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

2/26/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

6/24/2012 $ 15.00 Raise the Roof

7/22/2012 $ 100.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 5.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 25.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

7/29/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/5/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/5/2012 $ 15.00 World Hunger

8/12/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

8/19/2012 $ 20.00 Raise the Roof

8/19/2012 $ 15.00 World Hunger

8/26/2012 1,188.00 Raise the Roof

9/2/2012 $ 30.00 Raise the Roof

9/30/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

10/7/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

10/28/2012 $ 25.00 Raise the Roof

11/4/2012 $ 5.00 Raise the Roof 12/9/2012 $ 50.00 Kitchen Remodel project

12/9/2012 $ 751.12 Memorial Fund

12/16/2012 $ 10.00 Raise the Roof

12/16/2012 $1,000.00 bathroom renovation

12/16/2012 $ 10.00 Undesignated

12/23/2012 $ 231.63 World Hunger

12/23/2012 $ 115.82 Improvements

12/27/2012 $ 231.63 World Hunger

12/30/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

12/30/2012 $ 20.00 World Hunger

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MEMORIAL LIST IDEAS

If you would like to mark a special event in your life, such as an anniversary or birthday, or give a memorial, you may refer to this list for suggestions.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

ELCA Benevolence

ELCA World Hunger

Gideon’s International

Lutheran Social Services

Fennimore Helping Hands Fund

Seminarian Assistance Fund

Sugar Creek Bible Camp

Sugar Creek Campership Fund (principle is maintained, w/ interest used to assist youth attending)

St. Peter Endowment Fund (principle is maintained and only interest is used) BUILDING AND GROUNDS

“Raise the Roof”/Debt Retirement Fund

Parsonage Maintenance & Improvements

South entrance canopy renovation

Chancel renovation

‘Storm Window’ for Gethsemane Window

2-tiered folding cart dolly – chair storage

Any needed building improvements

Any needed furniture

KITCHEN LIBRARY- AUDIO/VISULA

Shelving under the island Books

Countertops Tapes/CDs/DVDs

Any needed kitchen accessories LANDSCAPING PARISH EDUCATION

Shrubs Scholarships for National Youth Gathering

Trees Vacation Bible School SEASONAL ITEMS WORSHIP

Banners or Tapestries Choir Music

Christmas or other seasonal decorations OFFICE

Any needed office equipment or software

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2012 TREASURER’S REPORT Respectfully submitted by Kathy Napp, Treasurer

Certificates of Deposit Mission

Investment

Account Number Amount

Maturity Date Int Rate Designation

20000003205 $5,000.00 02/15/13 1.29% Luther League

20000003573 $10,073.83 03/22/13 1.59% Ella Herberlein-Int. to World Hunger

Total $15,073.83

Citizen's Bank

4520842693 $11,000.00 02/24/14 1.34% Bernice Woll-Int. to Scholarship Savings

Livingston State Bank

44381 $5,000.00 12/17/14 1.00% Myrtle Nodolf-Int to Needy

44380 $2,500.00 12/17/14 1.00% Ford Miles-Int for Improvements

44051 $100,000.00 05/29/15 1.49% Nelda Brechler-Int for Improvements

44379 $12,500.00 12/17/14 1.00% D/V Eisele-Int. for Camperships

Total $120,000.00

Savings Accounts

Citizen's Bank

as of 12/31/11

4520972250 $15,545.30

var Future Needs

4520820335 $2,141.66

var Scholarship Fund

4520819998 $3,906.98

var Cemetery Fund

4520820053 $16,315.38

var Memorial Funds

4534306727 $4,048.88

var Faith Development

Total $41,958.20

Livingston State Bank

2108-556 3737.34

var Sugar Creek Campership

Grand Total $191,769.37

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2012 2012 2013

Benevolence/Donations Budget Disbursed Proposed

ELCA 10,000.00 5,000.00 10,000.00

LSS 2,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00

Sugar Creek Bible Camp 2,700.00 1,000.00 2,700.00

Seminary Assistance

616.00 World Hunger

462.00

Food Pantries (Anonymous Donation)

1,000.00

Sugar Creek Steer Project

180.00 WELCA Bathroon Renovation

2,421.00

Jody's Fund

280.00 Thrivent Choice Donations

6,464.00

Salaries/Wages/Benefits Pastor 46,968.00 46,968.00 46,968.00

Pension/Medical 17,970.00 16,278.98 18,970.00

Utilities 4,000.00 4,000.08 4,000.00

Furnishings 1,000.00 1,000.08 1,000.00

Pastor - Cont. Ed/Media 1,000.00 552.47 1,000.00

Pastor's Car/Mileage Exp. 4,000.00 1,806.52 4,000.00

Substitute Pastor Expense 600.00 0.00 600.00

Secretary Wages 12,675.00 10,070.07 12,675.00

Custodial Wages 15,340.00 13,302.00 15,685.00

Music Salaries 3,500.00 0.00 3,500.00

Social Security/FICA/State 4,500.00 4,896.56 5,000.00

Member Education Conferences/Conventions 1,000.00 568.00 1,000.00

Religious/Devotional Material 1,000.00 552.63 1,000.00

Committee Support Evangelism 500.00 577.55 500.00

Parish Ed/Sun School,/VBS 4,000.00 7,317.47 4,500.00

Social Action 300.00 0.00 300.00

Stewardship 1,600.00 1,304.44 1,800.00

Worship/Music/Choir/Supplies 3,150.00 3,342.30 3,700.00

Youth 500.00 9.66 500.00

Administration Postage 3,500.00 3,408.15 4,000.00

Equipment Repair 400.00 731.56 400.00

Office Supplies 4,000.00 3,124.71 4,000.00

Telephone/Internet 1,800.00 1,619.44 1,800.00

Miscellaneous 2,500.00 79.44 2,500.00

Buildings & Grounds Insurance 5,800.00 5,511.00 5,800.00

Fuel 13,000.00 5,970.56 13,000.00

Utilities 6,000.00 4,245.91 6,000.00

Repair/Maintenance/Supplies 10,000.00 4,363.08 10,000.00

Parsonage Repair/Maintenance 6,000.00 0.00 6,000.00

Stitzer Cemetery Mowing 1,600.00 1,140.00 1,600.00

Total 192,903.00 161,163.66 196,498.00

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Receipts General Offering 114,146.45

Simply Giving 31,738.00 Sunday School 958.75 Sunday School Pizza Sales 1,632.00 Parish Ed (Crafts) 441.50 VBS 2,263.21 World Hunger Donations 474.45 Rent 995.00 CheckBook Interest 3.08 CD Interest 212.99 Livingston Bank donation 50.00 Postage Reimb-Seminary Mailing 0.00 WELCA Bathroom Donations 775.00 Flowers 741.00 Stitzer Cemetery 100.00 Steer Project Donations 195.00 Evangelism Summer Coffee Hour 244.25 Sugar Creek Explorer Day 185.00 Special Collections 380.00 Mission Endowment 100.00 Food Pantry Donations 1,000.00 Benevolence Donations 564.00 Thrivent Choice Donations 6,846.00 Faith Dev. (Unbinding Books) 226.50 Total: 164,272.18

Transfers Memorial Fund Transfer 1,000.00

Woll Scholarship Transfer 0.00 Raise the Roof Simply Giving Trsf (2,600.00) Future Needs Svgs Transfers (2,723.00) Sugar Creek Campership Svgs 400.00 Stitzer Cemetary Svgs Transfer (100.00) Thrivent Choice Svgs Transfer 6,464.00 Faith Development Svgs Transfer 2,738.99 Total Receipts: 169,452.17

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St Peter Lutheran Church Raise the Roof Fund:

St Peter Lutheran Church Raise the Roof Fund:

Original Principal borrowed on 5/14/04: $397,000.00

2012 12/31/11 Checking Acct Balance: 17,528.00

Contributions 28,808.00 Memorials 1,793.00 Livingston State Bank donation 50.00 Total Deposits 30,651.00 Payments 31,000.00 12/31/12 Checking Acct Balance: 17,179.00 An extra $2200 payment was applied to Principal

from Thrivent Choice Donations

2012 Payment Breakdown: Principal 21,802.52

Interest 11,397.48 Total: 33,200.00

Principal Balance Reduction:

12/31/2012 12/31/2011 12/31/2010 12/31/2009

204,431.92 $226,234.44 $244,547.50 $261,780.51