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THE NET
FEBRUARY 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers of St. Peter’s,
Grace & Peace to you!
Did you know that the first Sunday in February marks the 35th anniversary of St. Peter’s
organization as a congregation? That is a milestone worth celebrating. So at our January
council meeting, a 35th anniversary committee was appointed to find ways that we can celebrate
this milestone in the life and ministry of St. Peter’s.
So what’s happened at St. Peter’s during those 35 years? Well, as the congregation has grown from its original
charter members (including Ron & Barbara Hager, Millie Starck, Elsie Price, Bunky & Pam Dolle) numerous building
projects and expansions to enlarge the sanctuary have been necessary, as well as new classrooms and offices, a
Community Life Center, and the Son and Sand Retreat Center.
But more important than that… just imagine all the lives that have been touched with the love of Christ during
the past 35 years at St. Peter’s! Literally hundreds of children have been baptized, tens of thousands of people have
heard the Word of God, thousands of people have received a hot meal and a caring smile at Open Kettle, countless
(millions?) of prayers that have been offered for sisters and brothers in need, hundreds of weddings, thousands of people
have come to St. Peter’s for spiritual renewal at the Son & Sand Retreat Center, hundreds of lives have been celebrated
at funerals and memorial services, thousands of people have been assisted in their recovery from addiction as a result of
AA and NA meetings. The list goes on and on…
And isn’t that what we celebrate most of all? The lives that have been touched with the Word of God and the
Love of Christ during these past 35 years at St. Peter’s are mind-boggling. It’s a mission that never ends. Truly, thirtyfive years is just the beginning. How many more lives do you imagine we can touch this year? How has YOUR life
been touched by the Word of God and the Love of Christ at St. Peter’s.
During this 35th anniversary year at St. Peter’s, I’d like to invite you to write a brief reflection about a time when
God’s mission and ministry at St. Peter’s touched your life. With your permission (and possible editing if necessary),
we’d like to print some of those reflections in The NET, as a reminder of the on-going mission and ministry of God here
at St. Peter’s.
Thirty-five years of God’s mission and ministry at St. Peter’s is truly something to celebrate. I hope you will
celebrate with us! Happy Anniversary!
Pastor Gregg
++RESOURCES FROM THE PASTOR ++
THE SEASON OF LENT
by Dennis Bratcher,
The Christian Resource Institute
Originating in the fourth century of the church,
the season of Lent spans 40 weekdays beginning on
Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week
with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good
Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter.
Originally, Lent was the time of preparation for those
2
who were to be baptized, a time of concentrated study
and prayer before their baptism at the Easter Vigil,
the celebration of the Resurrection of the Lord early
on Easter Sunday.
Today, Lent is marked by a time of prayer and
preparation to celebrate Easter. Since Sundays
celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, the six Sundays
that occur during Lent are not counted as part of the
40 days of Lent, and are referred to as the Sundays in
Lent. The number 40 is connected with many biblical
events, but especially with the forty days Jesus spent
in the wilderness preparing for His ministry by facing
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was born in Breslau in 1906.
The son of a famous German psychiatrist, he studied in
Berlin and New York City. He left the safety of America
to return to Germany and continue his public repudiation
of the Nazis, which led to his arrest in 1943. Linked to the
group of conspirators whose attempted assassination of
Hitler failed, he was hanged in April 1945.
Copies will be available in the narthex by midJanuary.
Please join us for great conversations!
the temptations that could lead him to abandon his
mission and calling.
Lent has traditionally been marked by
penitential prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Some
churches today still observe a rigid schedule of
fasting on certain days during Lent, especially the
giving up of meat, alcohol, sweets, and other types of
food. Other traditions do not place as great an
emphasis on fasting, but focus on charitable deeds,
especially helping those in physical need with food
and clothing, or simply the giving of money to
charities. Most Christian churches that observe Lent
at all, focus on it as a time of prayer, especially
penance, repenting for failures and sin as a way to
focus on the need for God’s grace. It is really a
preparation to celebrate God’s marvelous redemption
at Easter, and the resurrected life that we live and
hope for, as Christians.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
by Doug Harry
Thanks to all who supported our newest project,
Operation Christmas Child…103 boxes were prepared by
members and friends of St. Peter's Lutheran Church and
delivered before Thanksgiving to the Worship Center in
Berlin for subsequent delivery to children around the world.
Over fifty pairs of gloves or hats were delivered to
Buckingham and Phillip C. Showell Elementary schools in
Berlin and Selbyville, respectively, for those without cold
weather gear--thanks again for your generous donations!
Thanks also for the eighty two (82) gifts and 21 gift
cards which were wrapped and returned to the "Star" Tree
for one senior individual and a total of 18 children in five
deserving families. Most of these children would have had
no Christmas without your generosity!
Although the senior and one family were
designated by Worcester G.O.L.D., our committee has
decided to focus follow-on efforts with four of the families
with connections to SPLC. Each of them has a working
parent who is unable to keep up with their own needs. We
are currently planning to collect donations for the members
of these four families. Four donation baskets will be
located in the Narthex during Lent, and a description of
each family will be posted on each basket. These
donations will be delivered before Easter.
We want to thank G&E Grocery of Ocean View &
members of the congregation for your ongoing donations
to the Food Pantry and those individuals & families who
have bagged groceries which are distributed to needy
individuals and families during Open Kettle each
Wednesday. The grocery bagging sign up sheet is on the
Pantry door. Please sign up for a week or two in March or
April.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, February
10th at 10 a.m.--all are welcome!
FEBRUARY BIBLE LESSONS
Feb. 1
Matthew 6:21
4th Sunday after Psalm 20:7
Epiphany
Feb. 8
Matthew 14:13-33
5ht Sunday after Psalm 95:1-5
Epiphany
Feb 15
Matthew 16:24-17:8
Transfiguration Psalm 41:7-10
of Our Lord
Feb 18
Matthew 18:1-9
Ash Wednesday Psalm 145:7c-10 or 51:1-3
Feb. 22
Matthew 18:15-35
1st Sunday in
Psalm 32:1-2
Lent
++ST. PETER’S MINISTRY TEAMS++
ADULT SPIRITUAL GROWTH
SPIRITUAL READING GROUP
FOOD PANTRY
Items most needed are: boxed cereal, peanut
butter & small jars of jelly, canned vegetables, individual
cups of fruit(s) and juices, 5-6oz. cans of chicken or tuna,
and cans of tomato or vegetable beef soup.
St. Peter’s spiritual readings group will start up
again on February 6th at 10:00 AM. The book that we will
be discussing is Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together: The
Classic Exploration of Faith in Community.
2
of God and what Gideons do locally, nationally, and
internationally.
Our next meeting will take place at Community
Lutheran Church in Omar, DE. Further information, the
date, and time will be announced and a sign-up sheet will
be located in the Narthex area. All men of St. Peter's are
encouraged to attend.
FELLOWSHIP
by Marti Latchaw
Fellowship hopes you are all having a wonderful
beginning to the New Year. A year filled with the peace,
love, and joy that come from our faith. We want to thank
the Men’s Group for asking us to prepare their breakfast.
Once again, it seemed to go quite well. We also want to
thank our many volunteers that are coming out in some
very bad weather to prepare lunches on Wednesdays. The
lunches continue to attract 80-90 people each week.
The Twelfth Night Dinner was also a huge
success. The food was delicious and the 70+ attendees had
a wonderful time. Thanks to Jeannette and her many
helpers for this event. The next dinner will be Shrove
Tuesday, February 17th at 5:00pm. We will have
pancakes, eggs, hash browns, and sausage. Mark it on your
calendars! We are also prepared for Pastor Kay’s Youth
Lunch on January 25.
As always, thanks for your kind donations and
prayers.
PROPERTY
by Larry Ryan
Paradise Energy (our future electricity supplier)
has informed us that they have made permit applications
to the Town of Ocean City for our solar panel installation.
Keep reading your "Net" for further updates.
Many of you have seen the large scaffold in the
Community Life Center. "Pardon our appearance" while
we make acoustical improvements. Our hope is to
complete the project before the Spaghetti dinner fundraiser
for ‘Camp Possibilities' in March. We may have to endure
the appearance during our Lenten Soup suppers. Thanks
to many who have provided support and assistance for this
important improvement.
Other projects have included painting all of the
plywood bases for the Retreat center bunk bed
mattresses. This was done in order to prepare for users of
our "Cold Weather Shelter" initiative. We have enjoyed
broad support for this and thanks to all of those who have
helped.
Here are a few of the items on our "Wish List":
Remote controlled shades for the CLC windows
Compost pile materials for all the leaves we generate
from the trees lining the south and west of our
property.
Installation of a digital sign on our Marquis along
Coastal highway.
Repair of the cracked tile in the main entry atrium of
the church.
Completion of the Columbarium entry to include closet
doors on the right side of that space.
Re-insulation above the Columbarium entry.
A new roof on the storage shed in the back of our
property
Wireless internet access throughout the church
property.
Any feedback/suggestions anyone is willing to provide on
any of the items on the above list is appreciated. Many
thanks to all who assist in moving St. Peter's property in a
forward direction!
MEN’S BREAKFAST FELLOWSHIP
by Paul Grahe
In February, we will meet on Saturday, February
21, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. Breakfast will be prepared by Doug
Harry. In order for the proper amount of food to be
prepared, please let Doug know you will be attending by
calling him at 703-328-7296. Following breakfast, Paul
Grahe will be leading the discussion in Genesis 5:1-6,8
and Psalms 1. If you do not have a Study Guide, you can
prepare for our discussion by reading those chapters. You
can obtain a Study Guide from Will Hiewsky.
We encourage ALL men of St. Peter's to join us for
breakfast, our discussion, and especially the fellowship.
We look forward to your participation and seeing YOU as
we study God's Word and learn from one another.
We want to thank you for your donations to the
Veterans’ Project. We continue to collect items using the
labeled grey tub in the Narthex area. The following items
are being collected: gently used clothes (men, women, and
children); nice clothes to wear for an interview; kitchen
items, small appliances; bedspreads and linens. We
appreciate your continued support and donations.
.
MEN'S INSPIRATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST
by Paul Grahe
SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY (S.A.M.)
by Sue Shoop
In January, we had 23 men from all the churches
represented at the meeting. Those attending enjoyed a
delicious breakfast of egg casserole, bacon, assorted
donuts, fruit cup, and juices prepared and served by our
Fellowship Team. Mr. Mike Eskow, our guest speaker,
presented a power point and video presentation sharing
personal testimonies of various people affected by Gideon
Ministry. He shared the transforming power of the Word
First, thanks to everyone who contributed to
Lutheran Good Gifts. We received $500 which will go
towards the purchase of chickens, goats, and a pig.
It is cold outside so come and join the SAM group
as we stay warm together. On Shrove Tuesday, February
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Ruth Circle will continue their Bible Study series
entitled “Transforming Life and Faith” taken from the
“Gather” magazine, a Women of the ELCA publication.
Please consider joining us in conversation and study as
Ruth Circle meets the third Thursday of the month in
homes at 7:00 p.m. All ladies are welcome. Contact Pam
Estes 410-600-0412 for additional information or if you
need a ride.
17th, we will view a movie and enjoy some hot cross
buns. Join us at 10 a.m.
On April (8am-8pm), SAM is planning a trip to
Sight and Sound in Lancaster, PA to see the presentation
of Moses. We will go via tour bus, enjoy a good lunch,
and see the show. The cost is $130 per person and is due
by February 1st. The theatre will not reserve seats until
we pay. Call David Searle at 302-524-8137 to make
reservations.
The SAM group is looking into purchasing a
sound bar for the Son and Sand retreat center. This will
enhance the sound when we view movies.
Our next planning session will take place on
February 4th at 12:45 pm. Think about the type of
programs you would like us to offer and come and share
your ideas.
WITNESS
by Evelyn Houston
In January, we set-up a display for the youth
gathering "Road Trip" held at the Clarion Hotel from
January 23rd-25th. Information packets were prepared and
handed out to those in attendance. I want to thank those
individuals who manned the display on Saturday, January
24th.
In February, we welcome the Confirmation Class
from St. Mark's Lutheran, Wilmington, DE. on February
6th-7th. Let us give them a warm St. Peter's welcome. So
far, I have received 13 requests and/or inquiries for dates
in 2015 including the months of February, March, April,
May, June, July, September, October, and November.
For additional information, dates available, and if
anyone is interested in being part of this ministry and serve
as a Son & Sand Greeter, please contact me by e-mail at
[email protected] or by phone at 410-943-1186. Also,
you may see me on Sunday mornings at church.
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Being a Christian has made me look at love in a
whole different light.
As the Lenten season is about to begin, let’s take
a look at this thing called love.
Love means going that extra mile with all of our
brothers and sisters, not just those that are Christians.
Love means giving of one's self not just with emotions or
money, but also with clean heart and a fervor that will
make a difference in someone's life. Love means taking
time to reach out and witness to those who are less
fortunate than us and to step up and take that unpaid
servant role at church.
Don't get me wrong, I still miss the point. I still
miss an opportunity to witness or an opportunity to reach
out to someone in need or an opportunity to serve. It is
now, though, that I am aware that to be a Christian, I must
love outside of my normal comfort zone. I must love
without anything in return.
God has placed each person in our lives for a
reason…some to encourage and support us; others to
teach and sharpen us; still others to give us a chance to
display the character of Christ by loving them despite.
Jesus calls us everyday where we live and where we
work. He asks us to love one another and to witness to his
love. He blesses the work of our hands so that we may be
a blessing to others.... And that is what love has to do with
it!
ST. PETER’S WOMEN OF THE ELCA
WORSHIP AND MUSIC
by Pam Estes
by Ginny Stannard
Our DE-MD Synodical Women’s Organization has
announced that Saturday, April 25th will be our Annual
Convention at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Glenn
Burnie, MD. The theme will be “of many generations”
reflecting the theme of our Triennial Convention held in
July in Charlotte, NC. It is a one day convention 8:30 4:30 and the cost is $25.00 until March 28th. As your
President and Delegate, I will be attending and
representing our Women of St. Peter’s, but I would
gratefully appreciate the company of another woman from
the congregation who would be willing to ride with me. As
one of your elected delegates to the Triennial Convention,
it will be my responsibility to give a report as well as to
participate in the day’s proceedings. Please let me know if
you would be available.
Ash Wednesday, February 18, services will be at
1:00 and 7:00pm.
Larry Ryan and Gabriel Knepp will be videotaping
portions of the Sunday services to be uploaded to our
website.
The worship and music team approved the
purchase of a new $1300 digital soundboard for Free
Spirit.
Elsworth advised the team that St. Peter’s
received a donation of a new piano. Also music was
donated by The Worcester Chorale which disbanded in
2014.
It was suggested that a reception be held for new
members following their installation and that their contact
information be included in the bulletin so it may be added
to our member directory.
SON & SAND RETREAT CENTER
by Paul Grahe
4
1:00 & 7:00 PM: Service of Holy Communion &
Imposition of Ashes
Mid-Week Lenten Soup & Service, Wednesday
evenings Feb. 25th – March 25th
5:30 PM Soup & Bread Dinner
7:00 PM Service Theme: The Body of Christ
++ST. PETER’S NEWS++
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
January 13, 2015 – Regular Meeting
NEW:
Discussed high annual cost of in-house Xerox
copying and how to cut costs
Elected council officers to be installed on February 1
President – Billy Haynes
Vice President – David Searle
Secretary – Ada May Shipley
Treasurer – Corey Rimel
Assistant Treasurer – Bill Shoop
Appointed Executive Committee Member-at-large
Leslie Wendorf
Scheduled Council Retreat, Saturday, February 25
th
Appointed council members to organize 2015 35
Anniversary Events for congregation
Discussed at length the policies and procedures for
use of St. Peter’s Retreat Center as cold weather
shelter by the Ocean City Cold Weather Shelter
Coalition.
MOTIONS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY:
For SAM to purchase and install sound equipment
in Retreat Center to augment sound from existing
TV
To begin monthly Pastor of the Week Program in
which each month in March, April, May, October,
and November an ELCA Pastor and his family will
be invited to stay for a weekend in the Retreat
Center
and for the pastor to be the guest preacher
for that
Sunday.
Tabled action to install heat ducts in choir
room/library area until funding is readily available
DID YOU KNOW???
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, OCEAN CITY,
MD WAS OFFICALLY ORGANIZED ON SUNDAY,
FEB. 3, 1980…
Therefore, on Sunday, February 1, we will
th
commemorate the 35 Anniversary of the organization of
the congregation at a combined service at 10 AM. Please
join us for this joyous celebration!
Also, during that time, we will be recognizing the
Charter Members, installing the Council Members for
2015, and also there will be a Baptism. What a Joyous
Day It Will Be!
EMERGENCY COLD WEATHER
HOMELESS SHELTER
St. Peter’s helps establish Ocean City Emergency
Cold Weather Shelter
St. Peter’s is leading a coalition of Ocean City
congregations and community organizations in
establishing a much-needed emergency cold weather
shelter for our area. During recent months, representatives
from St. Peter’s, Atlantic United Methodist, Ocean City
Baptist, First Presbyterian, St. Paul’s By-the-Sea
Episcopal, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Knights of
Columbus have been meeting to make preparations to
utilize the Son & Sand Retreat Center as an overnight
emergency shelter when the temperature/wind chill dips
below 25 degrees.
Local government agencies and emergency service
providers (including the OC Police Department, OC
Volunteer Fire Department, and Worcester County Health
and Social Services Departments) have also been involved
in the discussions.
More than 30 people participated in volunteer
trainings held at St. Peter’s on Saturday, Jan. 17th and
Monday, Jan. 19th. Volunteers will be utilized to serve
meals and stay overnight with guests at the Son & Sand
retreat center when the emergency shelter is in operation.
To date, over $10,000 has been donated from
various congregations, foundations, and organizations
toward the costs of operating the shelter. If you are
interested in volunteering or learning more about the
emergency cold weather shelter, please talk with Pr. Gregg
or St. Peter’s Community Service Team leader, Mary Lou
Tietz.
AVERAGE WEEKLY ATTENDANCE FOR
December 2013: 204 (5 weeks)
December 2014: 219 (4 weeks)
BELLS & CHOIR
Come join us as we ring and sing praises to the Lord!
BELLS: 6-6:45 P
8TH NOTES: 6:45-7:30P
CHANCEL CHOIR: 7:30-9:00P
OUR LENTEN JOURNEY AT ST. PETER’S
Shrove Tuesday, Feb. 17th
10:00 AM: Hot Cross Buns & viewing of the movie
Bonhoeffer.
5:00 PM: Pancake Dinner/Mardi Gras Celebration
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18th
Noon: Open Kettle Soup Luncheon
5
GUEST PASTOR PROGRAM AVAILABLE
WE WANT TO REACH YOU WHEN YOU NEED US!
St. Peter’s Son & Sand Retreat Center is offering
up to one-week of free stay for spiritual renewal to Pastors
and their families during the months of March, April, May,
October, and November. In lieu of payment for use of the
retreat center, the guest pastor will be asked to preach at
Sunday morning worship services during their visit. This
program will be limited to one pastor per month and is
available to pastors of any denomination who are in fullcommunion with the ELCA. Pastors of the DelawareMaryland Synod will be given first priority.
In addition to providing a valuable benefit to
pastors and their families, the Guest Pastor Program will
also provide additional exposure and publicity for the Son
& Sand Retreat Center. Interested persons may contact
Paul Grahe or Pr. Gregg for additional information.
We need your current phone numbers and emails. Please
complete this form and drop it in the offering plate, return it
to the church office or email it to us at
[email protected]. Thank you!
Name: _________________________________________
Telephone #s: ___________________________________
______________________________________________
Email: _________________________________________
++NEWS OF THE CONGREGATION++
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
PHOTOGRAPHERS NEEDED!!!
We really would like to have a photographer (no
need to be a professional) to take pictures at the different
activities we have throughout the year and then email
them to us so we can put them on the website and/or in
the newsletter. Please call Pat at the office to volunteer or
to have your questions answered.
Bill & Rose Skledar
Donald & Nancy Brager
Johan I. Nykvist
William & Pat Strickland
02/07
02/11
02/18
02/28
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
S.A.M. TRIP
On Thursday, April 9 (8am – 8pm), S.A.M. will be going
to the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA to see
“Moses.” The cost is $130 per person which covers the
bus, mid-day meal, and the show. Reservations need to
be made by February 1 by calling David Searle at 302524-8137
Karen Boon
Debbie Ryan
Evelyn Westfall
Elizabeth Romig
Maxine Brisbane
Kate Long
Pat Stokes
Bradley Bayline
Harry Biles
Carl Crimm
Ronald Albright
Pamela Dolle
Jeanenne Logan
Trond Emberland
Stephen Weimer
WE NEED YOUR HELP!!
The Congregational Council is attempting to save
money by reducing printing and color copying expenses.
Please join with other members of the congregation in
allowing us to email your monthly copy of the newsletter.
In addition to saving us money and volunteer time, this
also allows us to be better stewards of our resources and
God’s creation.
Beginning in May, the newsletter will no longer be
mailed. There will be a few printed copies in the Narthex
for those who do not have email.
If you do not already receive email from us, and
to assure you get a copy, please fill out the info below
with your name, telephone #s, and email address; place
it in the offering plate, or turn it into the office, or email it to
us at [email protected]. This also updates our data
base when we need to get in touch with you.
02/01
02/01
02/01
02/02
02/03
02/03
02/04
02/11
02/11
02/11
02/12
02/12
02/13
02/14
02/14
Mary Jo Wheatley 02/14
Cynthia Shultz
02/15
Al Kastner
02/16
Cathy Leyden
02/16
Carolyn Nuovo
02/16
Bob Swingler
02/17
Barbara Hager
02/18
Michael Leyden 02/19
Elsie Koehler
02/20
Jacqueline Tingle 02/22
Deborah Dallatezza02/23
Corey Cropper
02/24
Gary Gasser
02/25
Eric Myers
02/25
Betty Mitchell
02/26
Larry Ryan
02/27
Gifts & Memorials
In Honor of our Parents
for the Open Kettle by:
Larry & Debbie Ryan
6
Robert & Becky MacKinnis
14010 Barge Rd
Ocean City, MD 21842
In Memory of Bernice Mitchell
for the Youth Fund by:
Sharon Anthony
Bob & Lee Marsh
11738 Maid-At-Arms Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
In Memory of Judy Swingler
for the Open Kettle by:
Bob Swingler
Sandra Pascone
10610 Shifting Sands
Ocean City, MD 21842
PRAYER CONCERNS
Permission is needed to use your full name when
publishing your request for prayers in both the
bulletin and newsletter. Call the office.
On-Going Needs: Ron Albright, Rebecca
Anderson, Beverly Berry, Savannah Bona, Jane
Burke, Kim B., Cathy Carter, Bill Chaney, Sean Curtis, Billy C.,
Angie Deily, Lonnie Dolan, Christine D., Carole Evitts, Nora
Flohr, Richard Floyd, Ed & Mim Fritz, Marilyn Gay, Linda
Grahe, Adan G., Dylan G., Peggy G., Ron Hartman, Bonnie
Hiewsky, Celia H., Karen H., Mike H., Larry H., Ron H., Nancy
Jacoby, Emma Jerscheid, Dave Johnstone, Kirsten Jones,
Kardian Family, Carol Kastner, Jeffery Kelso, Gabriel Knepp,
Howard & Elsie Koehler, Fred & Connie Kruelle, Anita
Louizes, Marilyn L., George L., Samara Loss, Karen Miller,
Jason & Ruth Ann Mitchell, Bernie Mostrom, Anna & Bill
Neimiller, Meghan Ochs, Daniel Pfaff, Pat Pfannenstiel, Chuck
Pyle, Pr. John Ranney, Bob R., Jeff Robinson, David Searle,
Ada May S., Nancy Staton, Margie Steinbock, Pat & Larry S.,
Ken S., Trey S., Marvel Wahrman, Bob Werner, Barb W., Jerry
& Ellie Zwick,.
Eldercare Shut-ins: Mary Coleman, George & Carolyn Shoben
Assisted Living: Lisa C., Helen Coe, Al & Nancy Sledge, Pat
Stull
Military: Matthew Carter, Brenden Curran, Matthew Deems,
Grant Dietrich, Vincent Federighi, Erik Gilgenast, Aaron.Hale,
Craig Harmon, Kurt Kastner, Elizabeth Little, Michael Little,
David Leyden, Jill Leyden, Ryan Morrison, Katie Newland,
Alex Partridge, Michael Rausch, James Sidoli, Madeline
Sorrentino, Nicholas Sorrentino, Sean Wilson
Lisa & Scott P. Phillips
11839 Man O War Lane
Berlin, MD 21811
A LETTER TO MEMBERS OF ST. PETER’S
from Dayna Feher – January 15, 2015
Pastor Gregg asked me to write this letter so that
everyone will be aware of a change that will be taking
place with Free Spirit. Last evening at our weekly
rehearsal, after our practice and a short meeting, I
announced to the group that I will soon be ending my time
as a member of Free Spirit and as the leader of the group.
This was the hardest thing I have had to do in many, many
years. I have been prayerfully considering this for many
months and the time had come.
It was a meeting full of tears and sadness because I
have loved every minute of being a part of this group! We
are family – we spend every week of every year with each
other – we pray for each other – we tease each other – we
laugh with each other and we support each other.
Additionally, the spiritual enhancement in my life that
comes from the music we learn and sing and from the
interaction with the congregation at the 9:30 service and
the wonderful worship we participate in is priceless.
But, I have had this role for a full 15 years now,
and quite frankly, I was burning out. The role requires
more than Wednesday evening rehearsals and showing up
for church on Sunday and actually this role should and
could be so much more but I don’t have the time to expand
it any more than I have since I already work full time. I
am going to continue to fulfill my role for a while so that
Pastor Gregg and the members of Free Spirit can figure out
who will take my place.
I would like to end with a tribute to the members
of Free Spirit. This group lives by a set of covenants that
we wrote that cover our spiritual life – our covenants with
God – and that cover our promises to each other as a
group. There are also written Rules and Responsibilities
that each member must adhere to. The reason for all of
this is because the commitment to be a part of Free Spirit
is a 50+ week a year commitment. These people spend
most Wednesday evenings in rehearsal and then arrive at
Monica Fagan
(H) 410-723-1663
600 Salt Spray Rd, Unit #6
(C) 410-600-5457
Ocean City, MD 21842
[email protected]
(H) 302-396-5552
Mike & Jessica Heiser
104 Pinehurst Rd
Berlin, MD 21811
(M) 443-856-5750
(J) 443-417-0781
Mark & Kate Hoos
302 West Street
Berlin, MD 21811
(K) 410-430-3192
Beverly & William Jester
11125 W. Dixie Dr
Bishopville, MD 21813
(H) 410-935-4335
(H) 443-664-2297
(C) 610-710-1370
[email protected]
Edwin Travers & Jeanne Cushing
(H 410-603-8263
9025 Marshall Creek Rd
Newark, MD 21841-2145
[email protected]
RECENT NEW MEMBERS INFO
for your Directory
Kevin T. Gallagher
th
106 78 Street
Ocean City, MD 21842
(H) 443-664-6247
(B) 443-600-6390
(L) 443-929-9898
[email protected]
[email protected]
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church at 8am every Sunday (unless they are sick or on
vacation) and they don’t leave until about 11am on
Sunday. There are other duties and responsibilities that
each member has taken on that help the group function so
well. And everyone is committed to musical excellence
and are expected to practice music at home. So, to Free
Spirit members: Dave Horn, Stephanie George, Corey
Rimel, Katie Rimel, Eric Rimel, Theresa Pyle, Julie Knepp
and Chris Horn I say: Well Done, Good and Faithful
Servants of the Lord!! You are all wonderful Christians
and you love this church or you couldn’t do what you do.
I love you all.
2015 COUNCIL
Pastor Knepp
Billy Haynes - President
David Searle – Vice President
Ada May Shipley – Secretary
Corey Rimel – Treasurer
Bill Shoop – Assistant Treasurer
Leslie Wendorf - Exec. Committee
Veronica Bona
Crystal Cudnik
Patty Ellis
Pam Estes
Dee Floyd
Theresa Pyle
Larry Ryan
STAFF
The Rev. Gregg Knepp, Senior Pastor
[email protected]
The Rev. Harry Biles, Senior Adult Ministries
[email protected]
Mr. Elsworth Wheatley, Minister of Music
[email protected]
Ms. Amy Morgan, Office Manager
[email protected]
Ms. Pat Stokes, Office Assistant
[email protected]
++NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY++
FUNDRAISER FOR CAMP POSSIBILITIES
The very popular and delicious “Camp Possibilities
Spaghetti Dinner” will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015
from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the St. Peter’s Community Life
Center. This fun-filled night includes Dinner, a Ticket-Drop
Auction, Silent Auction, and Raffle.
Tickets are $10.00 for Adults and $5.00 for
children 12 & under.
To order tickets or for more information contact:
Katie @ 410-251-4793 or Corey @ 410-251-0626 or
[email protected].
Camp Possibilities is a camp for children between
the ages of 8 and 15 who have diabetes. Due to the
complexity of diabetes management, these children often
do not get the chance to go to a summer camp. Camp
Possibilities offers swimming, fishing, arts and crafts
projects, basketball, field games, a nature walk, talent
show, dance, and other activities. A 501(c)(3) tax exempt
organization, Camp Possibilities was established in 2002.
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Diaconal Minister Sharey Biles - Adult Spiritual Growth
& Discipleship
Jeannette Latzo – Altar
Pr. Gregg Knepp – Christian Ed.
Mary Lou Tietz – Community Service
Doug Harry – Facebook
Joyce Tillbery – Fellowship
Marti Latchaw – Fellowship
David Searle – Mutual Ministry Team
Dex Stannard – Personnel
Larry Ryan – Property
Pr. Harry Biles – Senior Adult Ministry (S.A.M.)
Paul Grahe – Son & Sand
Billy Haynes – Support
Evelyn Houston - Witness
Pam Estes – Women of the ELCA
Ginny Stannard – Worship & Music
++FROM ST. PETER’S OFFICE++
FROM THE OFFICE:
Please inform the church office of any changes
in your personal information: mailing address, email
address, phone numbers, marriage, divorce, or new
births so we can keep our records up-to-date.
EDITOR'S NOTES
th
The deadline for the newsletter articles is the 15 of every
month. You may email, drop them in The Net box, or my
mailbox – Sharon Sorrentino
Email –[email protected]
CONTACT INFO FOR PASTOR GREGG
For emergencies or after hours
(h) 410-973-1256
(c) 443-397-5970
OFFICE HOURS
Mon. – 9a-3p – Amy & Pat
Tue. – 9a-3p – Amy
Wed. & Thu. – 9a-3p – Amy & Pat
Fri. – 9a-12p – Amy
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TO REACH HUNDREDS ALL YEAR
FOR ONE LOW COST!
St. Peter's appreciates the businesses
that help support The NET.
However,
St. Peter's Lutheran Church
neither endorses nor recommends any
particular company or its products.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, ELCA
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage Paid
Permit No. 16
Ocean City, MD
10301 Coastal Highway
Ocean City, Maryland 21842-2501
Phone: (410) 524-7474
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.stpetersoc.com
DATED MATERIAL PLEASE
DELIVER PROMPTLY
A FEED ing congregation to the
Spiritually hungry of the world.
FEBRUARY 2015
THE NET STAFF
Sharon Sorrentino, Editor
[email protected]
PRODUCTION TEAM
Jeanenne & Don Logan, Gen
Hartline, Will & Arlene Kelso,
Chuck & Mary Lou Erwin, David &
Pat Searle, Joyce Boland, Patty
Ellis, Kate Long, Elaine Gilganast.
The Net is a publication of St.
Peter’s Lutheran Church,
ELCA, Ocean City, MD 21842
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