Fully Alive!

ASH WEDNESDAY - ASHES ON THE GO AVAILABLE
Wednesday, February 18th is a special day in the church year. Known as Ash Wednesday, it begins a 40-day season of Lent that leads us to Easter. It is a time of reflection, recognizing our brokenness as we remember just how much we need our Savior Jesus. Many people receive a cross of ashes on their forehead as a way to remember this need. If you would like to have ashes placed on your forehead, stop by one of the following locations.

Ashes available before and after 12:00 pm and 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Worship.
Ashes available all day in the Main Lobby from 8:00 am - 6:30 pm.
Ashes available at Bartz Hall from 7:00 am - 8:30 am and 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm for our extended care families.

While you’re in the building, join our school students for chapel at 8:45 am and worship our good God.

In addition, an Ash Wednesday service will be held at the Lutheran Home on Wednesday, February 18th at 2:00pm.

COURAGEOUS STORYTELLERS

Hello my name is Alex. I have been going to St. Peter since 2nd grade. Lately, I’ve been struggling to keep my faith in God, because my schedule is super busy with sports. Between soccer, basketball, and volleyball, I barely have any free time, and it’s hard to find a moment to spend time with Him. I really love playing, but sometimes it feels like I’m putting sports before God without meaning to. My days are so packed that I end up too tired to spend time with Him. I know I need to be better about making space for God in my life, even when things get busy, because He’s the one who gives me the strength to do everything I love.

James 1:2–3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” This verse shows me that if I stay strong and keep trusting God, I know I can make it through whatever comes my way. These tough times might feel hard now, but they’re actually helping me grow stronger and showing me that I can handle more than I thought.

We’re excited to welcome the Concordia University Wisconsin Symphonic Wind Ensemble to St. Peter for a special evening of music! Join us on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary for a beautiful concert featuring sacred and classical selections from the wind repertoire. This premier 60-piece ensemble from Concordia University Wisconsin brings exceptional musicianship and powerful, inspiring sound. Admission is free, with a free-will offering to support their ministry and music. Enjoy an evening of music that lifts the heart and soul—we’d love to see you there.

February is American Heart Month! From the Parish Nurse

THE ETHIOPIAN CROSS
The cross tradition and meaning in Ethiopia are immensely deeper than we think. One thing about the cross you received (given to each of the Parish Nurses by our leader Pastor Tilahun) is made from buellet casings and crafted manually. Imagine one time it was a symbol of killing and now a sign of peace and reconciliation. The three cross traditions, namely Axum, Gonder and Lalibela have their meanings behind the design. Read more HERE.

Our Kindergarten class had the honor of presenting our 2nd Quarter Chapel offerings check to a representative of Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries. Our chapel offerings were combined with offerings from the School Christmas Services and donations to the St. Peter Mission Fund.

PURCHASE WORSHIP FLOWERS

ST. PETER FINANCIAL REPORTS

CHARITABLE GIFTS
We live in an “I can do it myself” culture. Sometimes we might be tempted to think a Christian estate plan is just a collection of documents (will, trust, POA). However, we need to look deeper into the factors influencing a good plan. An automated will or trust generator may not be able to capture family nuances pertaining to inheritance. Hiring legal counsel to make sure these issues are addressed is pursued. To prepare for working with an attorney, your LCMS Foundation Associate Gift Planning Counselor can help. Contact Ray Pagels at raymondpagels1@gmail.com or his cell: 847-226-2262.

COMMUNITY • EMPOWERING • BOLDNESS • JOY

Mission: Leading People To A Full Life In Christ
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

Vision: Seeing Lives And Communities Transformed As We Become More Like Jesus
And we all… are being transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

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