April 2019 Newsletter

St. Petri Messenger April 2019 Message from the Pastor Pastor Scott Johnson Beloved in Christ, In a few short weeks the season of Lent will come to an end and the Triduum, “Three Days” of Easter will commence. I want to take this space to strongly encourage you to attend this worship experience in 2019, particularly if you haven’t done so in the past. Here’s what Sundays and Seasons, a worship planning resource from 1517 Media (formerly Augsburg Fortress), has to say about the Three Days: “The experience of worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil is, in many ways, a tunnel through which we ride together. It is a shared experience of Jesus’ loving final acts, his death, and his resurrection. The services are designed to be one liturgy, best experienced together, coming back night after night. It’s an unusual pattern for us. “See you tomorrow night!” always feels a bit weird and wonderful. When else would we set aside this kind of time for each other as the body of Christ, for worship, for prayer, for singing and hearing the story of God? Encourage your congregation to ride through Holy Week together. The tunnel is as long as it is. In the midst of these days and these worship times, we can experience the prolepsis - the anticipatory there-and-not-yetness - of Christian life in especially profound ways.”

Here at St. Petri, our Holy Week does not include the Easter Vigil, a service which begins at sundown on the Saturday night of Holy Week and moves through a great swath of scripture, liturgy and song to tell the whole salvation history of God’s people, beginning with Genesis and concluding with the resurrection of Jesus. It’s a magnificent service and, if you have the time, I’d highly encourage you to attend one someday. We do observe the services of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, however, and I want to give you a little more background about each so you know what to expect when you attend. Maundy Thursday is in many ways a remembrance of the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples, during which the sacrament of Holy Communion was instituted and Jesus’ command to “love one another as I have loved you” was given. That commandment is the basis for the name of the service: “maundy” is an English translation of the Latin word for commandment, mandatum (we also receive the word “mandate” from this Latin word). Usually the story of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples is included in the readings for the day, a sign of the humble, sacrificial love Jesus gave as an example for his disciples to follow. Quite often we will make Maundy Thursday the night of First Communion for some of our St. Petri children, since the Lord’s Supper is a focus of the liturgy itself. The service concludes with the chanting of Psalm 22 (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”) and the stripping of the altar. Cont. on p. 4

2 The Spiritual Life Committee would like to invite you to a mid-week devotion and fellowship time at 4:00 on Wednesdays during this Lenten season. If you would like more information, please contact Megan Gustafson (623-8249093). Locations: April 3 - Timberland Complex April 10 - Scandi West April 17 - Cedar Place

Lent & Holy Week Schedule April 3rd Meet @ Bergen April 10th Meet @ St. Petri

OUR MISSION: We are Disciples of Jesus Christ, called to grow in Christ and to invite all to follow him.

5:45pm-6:30pm Meal (freewill offering for HS Mission Trip) April 3: Goulash, salads April 10: Smoked meat sandwiches, chips & side salad 6:30-7pm Worship (Holding Evening Prayer) 7pm-7:45pm Faith5 Activities/Discussions FOR ALL AGES Each week we will be breaking down the different steps to the Faith5 (Share, Read, Talk, Pray, Bless), thru discussions and activities geared towards all ages and stages in life. Palm Sunday April 14 Maundy Thursday Meet @ St. Petri 7:00pm Good Friday Meet @ St. Petri 7:00pm Easter Sunday Sunrise Service 7:00am Easter Breakfast 7:45am Easter Festival 9:15am Easter Egg Hunt 10:15am -No GIFT

Hospitalized in March none Memoriam in March Valaree Muhlenburg’s Grandfather Prayers of Ongoing Concern: Orville Carslon (hospice), Darlene Patterson Bob Braucher (Doug’s father) Annette Mooneyham (Kristin’s mother) Charlotte Hill, Jim Phillips, Kay Disbrowe, Arlene Jacobson, Cooper Leeman Prayers for those not near to us: Patrick & Jacqueline Bencke, Japan ELCA Missionaries; Soldiers; Peace Workers; & Humanitarian Aid Workers

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WELCA REPORT April 11 2:00pm WELCA Bible Study April 22-24 9:00am–noon Quilt Making April 27 8:30am-noon Quilt delivery day

Mission quilts We are looking for someone to deliver mission quilts to Ankeny on Saturday, April 27th. If you can help, please call Virginia Egemo at 733-2794. If you would like to donate monetarily, each quilt costs $2.25 to ship. Anyway you would like to help is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Our next Mission quilt making is Mon.-Wed., April 22-24 from 9am to noon with a coffee break at 10. All are welcome! No sewing skills necessary. Women of the ELCA Spring Retreat will be at St. John’s Lutheran Church 1207 Indigo Ave. in Hampton, IA Saturday, April 6, 2019 9am-1pm; Cost $8 Join us for a day of fellowship and learning from the text of Ez. 11:19 “I will give them a new heart and put a new Spirit within them.” RSVP by April 1 to Avis Johnson at 641-373-3154 or [email protected] NEIA Women of the ELCA 32nd Annual Gathering Join us for a day of laughing, learning, and loving the Lord! A-New Bold I will give them a new heart & put a new Spirit within them. Ez. 11:19 at Wartburg College Waverly, IA June 22, 2019 from 8am-4:15pm. Registrations forms at: www.neiasynod.org/women-of-the-elca

St. Petri Family, Thank you again for your generous financial support of my seminary education. Thanks, too, for showing me what it looks like to be the body of Christ. I am learning so much in seminary, but you were among my first teachers of faith. You were the ones who taught me the Lord’ Prayer, who were patient with my questions in confirmation, who supported me as I went on summer youth service trips. Thank you for leading by example in generosity, service, and love. In my seminary classed I reflect often on what I learned at St. Petri. This semester I am taking Pastoral Care, Systematic theology, New Testament Letters, & Foundation of Discipleship. These classes, my professors, classmates, textbooks, & the Holy Spirit are challenging me to think more and deeper about who God is, what God is up to, and what God calls us to. It is hard & wonderful work balancing work and school and I’m having a good time and almost getting enough sleep, too! See you at Easter. Peace of Christ, Emma Grinde Dear Friends, We recently received your gift of $50 to Lutheran World Relief. Thank you! I’d like to share with you one way your support is making a big difference. In Mosul, Iraq, the fighting may have stopped, but the scars of war remain-especially for the children. Eight year-old Zahraa saw her home destroyed and her sister killed during the violence. But the compassion of people like you has helped her. Your gifts fund the “I am Safe” community center in West Mosul, where Zahraa and other children come to get help with their trauma. The first time she visited the center, she was asked to color and drew pictures of death and destruction. With the help of supportive staff and programs designed to help her, now Zahraa is coloring scenes depicting life: birds, and flowers, and sunshine. Her mother says she plays and smiles more now as well. On behalf of LWR, our partners and those we serve, please accept my thanks for your generous support and partnership. May God bless you!

4 Dear friends at St. Petri, Greetings from the north.  I am so thankful for your continued generous support towards the Lord’s work here! Your giving is so important in helping us offer camp experiences for all people, especially campers who could not come to camp without partial or full camperships. Know your gifts are making a great Kingdom impact! Thank you again & God’s blessings to you, Chris, Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

that when return, the silent darkness of the severe sanctuary will be replaced by the joyous light of the resurrection feast. Moving through the entirety of Holy Week is a practice I remember from the earliest days of my childhood. I hope you’ll join me at our services this year, which will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 (Maundy Thursday) and Friday, April 19 (Good Friday). Both services will be here at St. Petri, and they will be led by myself, Lay Pastor John Sheahan of Bergen, and the joint confirmation class from St. Petri and Bergen. A blessed Lent and Holy Week to you all. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APRIL 2019 CARE GROUP

April 1: Nick Stover, Jeanne Tanksley April 2: Anita Johnson April 3: Kim Birchmier, Arlene Jacobson April 4: Jennifer Andersen, Nicole Finley, Claudine Olson April 9: Al Holm, Jadyn Nelson, Gloria Severson April 10: Sherri Keigan, Shirley Stakey April 11: Lara Gustafson, Austin Ihle April 13: Ben Chelsvig, Kaylee Knutson, Helen Zook April 16: Nancy Hermanson, Jim Keigan April 19: Alan Gossel April 21: Olivia Schwartz April 22: Brittany Peterson April 23: Tyler Hobbs, Zac Thiessen April 24: Brooke Andersen, Olive Sampson April 25: Kim Finley April 26: Eleanor Sayre April 27: David Bartmess ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Cont. from p. 1 Pastor’s article The liturgy of the Three Days continues on Good Friday. The sanctuary is bare and silent. We begin with prayer, scripture, and perhaps a sermon. Simple hymns and quiet prayers maintain the somber remembrance of the day when Jesus was crucified. An extended prayer of confession and penitence is prayed. A cross is brought forward in procession, and a series of solemn reproaches are prayed. Finally, we sing “There in God’s Garden” to remember the triumph of the cross, and we leave in silence, knowing

CARE Group Leaders-Betty Grinde & Patty Hoversten Lorene Anderson Audrey Bauer Duaine Bostwick Gary and Hope Brown John and Nancy Carlson Bev Christenson Tony Edwards & Jennifer Knutson John & Linda Fevold Michaela Fevold Kiersten Fevold Carl and Evelyn Fink Clark & Betty Grinde Erik & Lara Gustafson Megan Gustafson Seth & Willow Hill Patricia Hoversten Paul & Karen Jacobson Lowell & Becki Lande Robert & Maxine Lekwa Mark & Patricia Minnick Janet Mortvedt Paul Ness Randy & Kelsey Olson James & Connie Phillips Shirley Stakey Rick & Angie Stover Charles & Patricia Van Patter Wayne Williams

Lend a hand! It’s simple. Many hands make light work! MAY 2019 CARE GROUP CARE Group Leaders-Karen Munson & Mardell Christian Micah & Jen Anderson Dale & Kaye Anderson Jon & Brenda Carr Mardell Christian Kay Disbrowe Cheryl Eddy Virginia Egemo Alan & Brandie Gossel Mark Helland Brian & Deb Holm Anne Howard Arlene Jacobson Brian Jones Lance & Angie Keltner Ben Knutson Donald & Marilyn Kolbe Marc & Colleen Lamoreux Jennifer Lamoreux Mark & Michele Mabee Paul & Karen Munson Carmen Peter Larry & Denice Reisetter Nick Sayre & Tanya Nunn Leland & Erin Schwartz Charles Sondrol

5 St. Petri Clean-Up Day Saturday, April 13 from 8:30-11:30am Bring chain saws, wheelbarrows, rakes, cleaning supplies, rags for specific areas in the church that need cleaning. Ex: pews where pencils are put in the holders, many marks there. In case of bad weather, we’ll move to a Saturday in May.

Please join the St. Petri Quilters with a Mission for our next service project session on Sunday, April 28 from 3-5 p.m. We will finish our pillow case project and make weighted scarves and blankets for autistic kids. We are also exploring making “fidget” blankets for Alzheimer patients. Even if you have no sewing experience there are plenty of things you can help with on these projects. St. Petri’s turn to deliver Meals on Wheels is the month of May. There is a sign-up sheet on the table outside the church office.

Join us on Sunday, April 14th 10:30am-11:30am for our Prayer Buddies Celebration. This is a time for all families and their Prayer Buddies to come together to celebrate the wonderful journey we are on. We’ll meet in the GIFT Room where we’ll do some introductions and fun activities together. So, come and join us for what is sure to be a memorable time!

Sts. Peter & Paul Church Fish Fry Friday, April 5 5:00-7:00pm at Sts. Peter & Paul Church 14238 500th Ave., Ames Adults $9; Children 5-12 $4; Children under 5 free Sts. Peter & Paul Knights of Columbus Council #15060 (proceeds go to Council charitable causes) Grand View University Choir Spring Tour 2019 Dr. Kathryn Pohlmann Duffy, Director Sunday, April 7th at 3:00 p.m. Performing at Luther Memorial Church 1201 Grandview Ave., Des Moines, IA www.grandview.edu 515-263-2800 Touch of Grace Bells will perform a concert at Grace United Methodist Church (624 Elm Ave., Story City) at 2:00pm on Palm Sunday (April 14). The program will feature a variety of familiar hymns showcasing fun & unique handbell & chime playing techniques. As an additional treat, a local men’s acapella gospel quartet, The Brethren, will appear as special guests. The concert is the first in 20 years for the handbell choir which originated at Christmas in 1976. And yes, a couple of the original bell musicians continue to perform with the group along with several veterans of 10+ years & newer members as well! Free-will offering. A time of coffee, goodies & conversation will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

6 “Laugh Yourself Happy” Thursday, April 11 at 7pm Church of Christ 900 Division St., Webster City Speaker, Shannon Zetterlund, motivational speaker, busy mother, and a published author of “I’ll Get Happy!!!” Today’s world presents many challenges & unexpected changes. We don’t always have control over the events in our lives but we do have control over our response to them. Shannon Zetterlund will provide ideas for coping in any type of situation by finding the humor within ourselves. Discover how to shape a positive world by using good humor as a communication tool. This presentation will lighten the heart, tickle the funny bone, & encourage everyone to become a success by giving positive steps to having an attitude that will help you soar in any situation! Most of all Shannon will encourage you to go for the gusto … reach for the stars … setting no limits on what you can achieve. She will have you believing in yourself, ready to live your life & truly love what you are doing. You will leave with a zest for life that is contagious! Join us for laughs, fellowship and a great message! Free Will Donation will be taken to help cover her costs! Register at: webstercitychurch.com Or call Church of Christ @ 515.832.2683 or call / text Pam Peterson @ 515.297.1959

Lutheran Services in Iowa April 2019 National Child Abuse Prevention Month Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at LSIowa.org and Facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

According to the Iowa Department of Human Services, 8,558 Iowa children were found to be abused in 2017. The most common forms of abuse included denial of critical care, physical injury, exposure to illegal drugs and sexual abuse. Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) helps combat child abuse through prevention, safety, and stability services, as well as mental and behavioral health treatment. Through regular in-home visits to families, LSI’s Early Childhood Services prevent child abuse by giving parents the support, education, and resources they need to build a healthy, stable home for their children. In 2018, our Early Childhood programs provided more than 14,000 in-home visits to families. LSI’s Family Safety, Risk, and Permanency Services help children and families already involved in a crisis or abuse situation to become safer and more stable, and LSI’s Bremwood and Beloit Residential Treatment Centers serve many children and youth who have experienced trauma from past abuse or neglect. You make a direct impact on these children and families through your support of LSI. Thank you! A Life-Changing Service Amanda felt helpless when her children were removed from their home. She & her husband, Nathan, struggled with substance use, & they could no longer provide a safe environment for their children. But with help from LSI’s Family Safety, Risk, & Permanency Services, Amanda has overcome every obstacle to build a future she only dreamed possible. LSI connected Amanda & Nathan to parenting & sobriety resources in their community, & their LSI worker, Katie, helped them schedule regular visits with their children. Knowing Katie was there to cheer them on, even on bad days, the couple was determined to beat their addiction. It was time to turn their lives around & fight for their family. Amanda & Nathan recently celebrated 2 years of sobriety, & all 3 of their children have returned home. Amanda now also collaborates with the Iowa child welfare system & organizations like LSI to support more families in need of the same care she received. “I’m grateful that Katie & LSI were a part of our lives. They weren’t there to hinder, they were there to help,” Amanda says. “I feel accomplished, & I feel really good about where my family is at in our lives. Now I’m just happy to help other families achieve their goals & realize they are not alone.”

7 b) Outreach & Fellowship report by Karen Munson: They are organizing for a New Member Sunday Feb 24. They will serve cake for the occasion for the coffee hour that Sunday. They will have Welcome Baskets for the new members.

St Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church Approved Council Meeting Minutes February 13, 2019 8:00 pm Members present: Karen Munson, Verlyn Frohling, Larry Reisetter, Abby Patterson, Megan Gustafson, Mark Helland, Kendra Braucher, Pastor Scott Johnson & Deacon Kristin Johnson 1. Meeting was called to order by Pres Abby Patterson at 8:00 PM. 2. Larry Reisetter presented the minutes. Minutes were approved as presented. 3. Treasurer Verlyn Frohling presented the Financial Reports for January. a) Each of the Treasurer’s reports was reviewed as to what information they included. These reports are: Treasurer’s Report by Account, The Bank Account Balance Less the Dedicated Funds and the St. Petri Benevolence Giving report. The Treasurer explained that these reports would be placed in the Committee Chair and the Staff mailboxes before the Sunday which occurs before the next Council Meeting. b) The Financial Report for January is as follows: Total Income including offerings and other income: $12,596.81,Total Expenses for the month of January $20,310.03, Income Less Expenses: $-7,713.22. Budget for January: Income $20,885.17, Expenses $20,885.17. Motion to approve by Carmen, Katie Seconded. Carried. 4. Committee Reports a) Music & Worship brought by Jo Murken prior to meeting. Read by Larry R. They are in need of a chairperson. They have chosen hymns for the month and are pursuing getting the organ tuned, and getting palm branches ordered for Palm Sunday.

c) Property & Trustees brought by Pat Murken prior to the meeting. Presented by Larry R. They approved a motion to accept Norsemen Lighting bid of $325 to replace the lighting in the narthex. The maple tree stump along the West sidewalk has been removed. Paul Ness donated the $350 stump removal fee. Paul Ness will pursue estimates and bids for new lighting on the South side of the church. They will be pursuing elevator repair estimates, bids and work in March and April. d) Spiritual Life by Megan Gustafson: IS gathering information about our shut ins and organizing prayer group and Bible study at Timberland Senior Living. e) Stewardship: no report f) Youth Ministry by Mark Helland: The Youth groups continue strong with about 55 youth involved between 5th grade & high school. During the month, some groups did an ice skating trip to the ISU arena, others watched and discussed a movie or 2, others played games, attempting to build camaraderie. The high school group reviewed the good and bad about 2018 and spent time writing out goals for 2019. Kristin will mail these goals back to them in Jan 2020.The committee is working on plans for Lent and for the rest of 2019. g) Youth Education by Kendra Braucher: The 2nd graders are learning the Apostles’ Creed, 3rd graders are getting Bible introduction, and the Gift Group is doing appropriate plays, skits and stories. The committee reported getting positive feedback from the congregation about the recent focus on the Generations that make up the congregation. 5. New Business a) Inactive member list: Requested by Council last year. Pastor Scott worked on drawing up a potential list and made contacts. The list as presented was composed of those who had either not replied about being removed, or affirmed the removal to inactive. Mark H moved approval, Larry R seconded, passed. b) Benevolence payment procedure for 2019. Discussion of whether to continue paying

8 Benevolences at 1/12 of Budget each month or revert to another method of calculating how much to allocate monthly. Mark H moved to continue the 1/12/mo arrangement. ??? seconded. Carried. c) How to handle the weekly quarter collection. Discussion on how this originated and why it continues. Originally this was recommended as an easy source of funding for World Hunger and was embraced by several members over the years. The total of Quarters donated has declined dramatically in recent years. Members noted that several did not know of this program. Motion by Kendra to continue this and to publish and expand emphasis as a source to Fund this program. Second by Mark H. Carried. d) Bergen has recently reviewed the contract with us regarding Kristin's employment from their side. New information is expected to be available next month. e) Pastor Scott reported that there will be a 5th couple for the new member group. They are Alan and Anita Johnson. Larry R moved approval. Kendra seconded. Carried. 6. Old Business a) a) Proposed Policy update for Fundraisers. Exec b) Committee was charged in January with coming c) up with a policy regarding how the finances for d) groups raising funds within, from or for, the e) congregation should proceed. They came up with f) the following proposal at their Exec meeting g) immediately prior to the Council Meeting.

b) Church Safety: FYI update on meeting w/Micah Anderson. Abby has contacted Micah about when he could meet with the Exec Committee to make recommendations about what kind of policies and training we need. He has suggested a meeting with the Exec Committee for 2nd Wed in March. He will bring recommendations. i) C) Policy regarding Funds for Seminarians: Current j) policy regarding funds allocated to k) Seminarians shall be raised from $3000 to $5000. l)

7. Staff Reports a) Pastor Scott: Along with his other monthly meetings and activities he spent 3 days in January at a SHAPE of Leadership Final Retreat at Good Earth Village in Spring Valley Mn. “This was the final official meeting of this group. I’m still working through what I learned and how it will help me as a pastor, but the good news is we’ll continue getting together unofficially to support and challenge each other in coming months. This has been the most effective continuing education experience in my 15 years of ordained ministry.” b) Pastor Kristin: She has highlighted several items f for this month, including; Planned Children Sermons for Sunday services at s s St. Petri and Bergen f

Attended both MS and HS lunches Was interviewed by synod staff for article in the synod’s newsletter on the Synod's Home Life Network Committee. I am the Chair of this Committee (article can be found in February’s issue of the Planned and Led Youth Ed/Youth Min Committee Meeting).

h)

Policy regarding St. Petri Fundraisers Any group wishing to raise funds in association with, or for the church, shall clear it with the council prior to fundraising. No volunteer group raising funds in association with, or for the church shall hold funds outside of the control of the treasurer. For any fundraisers held for St. Petri, the committee chairpersons will provide a proposal for fund disbursement to the Church Council, normally by the end of the fiscal year. The Church Council can recommend an alternative use. The Church Council will make the final decision on disbursement of funds.” k

Kendra moved to accept the additional Policy. K k Karen Munson seconded. Carried.

Created the youth page and other pages for the f February newsletters

Attended AED training at the church a

Mission Trip Meeting with youth/adults a a a a attending the trip for Fundraiser preparation Planned and led Youth Ed/Youth Min Comm. Mtg.

8. Executive Committee: Committee met prior to t t t the Council meeting to work on the proposed p p p Policy change re: fundraising. They tentatively a agreed on a new policy wording. 9. Verlyn moved to adjourn. Mark seconded. Carried 10. Meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer at 9pm. Submitted Larry Reisetter, Congregation Secretary

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Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp Events Register online at www.riversidelbc.org or call 733-5271 Riverside Gala – Saturday, April 6 at Gateway Hotel & Conference Center (2100 Green Hills Dr., Ames, IA 50014) Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp is once again hosting an elegant gala to continue the work God has done thru Riverside. Join us for live music by Tim Patrick & his Blue Eyes Band, a delicious meal, dancing, and silent & live auctions! Proceeds will create scholarships to enable kids to attend camp this summer & also help support the ongoing needs of the ministry at Riverside! Doors will open at 5pm. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres & cocktails while you peruse the silent auction items. Dinner, a live auction, and dancing will follow. Schedule 5:00pm - Doors Open (Please do not arrive before 5pm.) 5:30 pm - Hors d'oeuvres and Viewing of Auction Items 6:30 pm – Dinner (Live Auction and Dancing to follow) This is a formal event. While it is a black tie optional event, we do ask you to dress up for the occasion. To register, please use the supporting events section of our online registration or call our office at 733-5271. Entrance for the evening's festivities is $100 per person. However you may reserve an entire table for up to ten people for $950! If you’re unable to attend the Gala, but would like to support this event, we will accept bids on items at the auction over the phone until Friday, April 5 at 5:00 pm. Just call the office and ask to speak with Chris Dahl to place a bid. Auction Items - If you have an exciting item to donate such as a vacation home, destination accommodations, sports tickets, or a one of a kind item or experience, please call Chris Dahl at 515-7335271. Thanks in advance for your support!

Spring Blast – Saturday, April 6 (Grades 2-6; 9am-4:30pm) Take one day, mix in all the fun of camp & what do you get? The Blast! In the middle are games, chapel time, group building, lots of laughs, quiet time with God, great skits, carpetball, & lots of new friends to meet! Registration: $30/camper (add $5 if registering the week of) Spring Work Day – April 13 8:30am-lunch time It’s a great day for volunteers of all skills, ages, & abilities to come help keep the ministry of Riverside alive & well. Every summer, thousands of people will visit Riverside & experience God in amazing ways. We will have lots of jobs for folks of all work abilities. Be a part of making camp a beautiful place for the Gospel to come alive for campers & families this summer, by helping at the Spring Work Day! Lunch is provided, but please contact the camp ahead of time so we know how much food to make. You can call the office at 733-5271 or email us at [email protected]. We will be meeting at the Dining Hall at 8:30 am. There may be afternoon work opportunities as well. Rain Date: May 4th Thanks for the help! Men’s Retreat – April 26-28 Cost: $85/person Men, join us at Riverside for a relaxing weekend away from the pressures of everyday life, as you connect with God & other men who want to grow in their relationship with Christ. Speaker- Mitch Matthews, (from Des Moines) international speaker, entrepreneur, author, & podcaster who is passionate for the Bible, prayer, & exploring how to walk with God in real & tangible ways. Lil Cowpoke – May 4 9a-noon or 3p-6p; ages 4-8 $25/child; $5/adult Each child must be accompanied with an adult willing to lead a horse. We will ride horses, play games, do a craft, & end with a hot dog roast & s’mores! Family Camp Jun 30-Jul 3 Speakers-Enrique & Martha Ochoa Quilt Auction/Riverside 5K Aug 3 Family Camp Aug 11-14 Speakers-Jeremy & Michelle King

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Wednesday’s Youth Group Night 5:45-6:30pm Lenten Meal 6:30-7pm Lenten Worship 7pm-7:45pm Faith5 Activities and Discussions for ALL AGES

Youth Group during the Lenten Season: April 3rd Meet @ Bergen April 10th Meet @ St. Petri NO YG April 17th (Holy Week) 5:45pm-6:30pm Meal (free will offering to support HS Mission Trip) 6:30-7pm Worship (using Holding Evening Prayer) 7pm-7:45pm Faith5 Activities and Discussions FOR ALL AGES

Each week we will be breaking down the different steps to the Faith5 (Share, Read, Talk, Pray, Bless), thru discussions and activities geared towards all ages and stages in life. We hope you will join us.

8th-9th Grade Confirmation Sunday, April 7th 6-7:30pm @ Bergen Sunday, April 28th 6-7:30pm @ St. Petri

10th Grade Confirmation Faith Journey Retreat Sunday, April 14th

Meet at Pete’s in Story City for pictures at 5pm. Afterwards head to St. Petri for our retreat with your mentors (supper included). Parents need to be there at 7:30pm for the Faith Journey experience.

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Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 21st Following our 9:15am worship service, please join us as we continue our tradition of having an Easter Egg Hunt…with a few cute and fuzzy critters that will join in the fun as well. Bags for the children to collect eggs will be provided.

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(Growing In Faith Together)

(and runs every Sunday morning from 10:30-11:30am) THIS MONTH we’ll be learning about Shipwrecked Philemon and 40 Assassins You can expect skits, puppets, hearing God’s word, learning some sign language and even doing projects with your hands. There’s something for EVERYONE. Our Cross+Generational Ministry Goal: To offer quality faith formation and Spiritual direction for everyone together, whatever their age may be.

Faith Formation Schedule The 'Confirmation' program at St. Petri Lutheran church actually begins in the PreK and continues through the 10th Grade and beyond. The strength of our Faith Formation program lies in the fact that our children and youth are learning in the presence of the generations who have gone before them. So those in Kindergarten through 6th Grade will have a one afternoon session with their parents or a trusted adult, led by Pastor Scott, to discuss various topics. The following will be the schedule for 2018-2019. The sessions will be offered Sunday evenings from 4-5pm. 4th Grade

Worship

Sunday, April 7th

**Please note that the Sunday following your class, the children/youth will share in worship what they learned in their class. So mark those Sunday's down as well.

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Easter Lilies We will soon be ordering Easter Lilies to brighten the sanctuary for our Easter Services. If you are interested in sponsoring a lily, in honor or in memory of a loved one, please use this form. The lilies may be taken home following the Easter Festival service. Return this form and payment to the church office, or put it in the offering plate by Sunday, April 7. The price per plant is $15. (Be sure to put in the check memo: Easter lily).

Your name_____________________________ Number of Easter lilies sponsored___ Amount included $

.

.

OR ____ I will bring my own Easter lily. In Honor of____or In Remembrance of____ (Please choose)

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Easter Lilies We will soon be ordering Easter Lilies to brighten the sanctuary for our Easter Services. If you are interested in sponsoring a lily, in honor or in memory of a loved one, please use this form. The lilies may be taken home following the Easter Festival service. Return this form and payment to the church office, or put it in the offering plate by Sunday, April 7. The price per plant is $15. (Be sure to put in the check memo: Easter lily).

Your name_____________________________ Number of Easter lilies sponsored___ Amount included $

.

OR ____ I will bring my own Easter lily. In Honor of____or In Remembrance of____ (Please choose)

__________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________