Berdee Stroetz
LWMS Secretary/Treasurer

The next OWLS meeting is Thursday, August 19. We’ll begin with a noon pot luck meal in the parish hall. We’ll hear about OWLS news and notes. Then we’ll gather in our chancel area for devotion and our presentation. The Carl Satorius from Trinity will be here to talk about the OWLS Convention in Manitowoc. Anyone 55 or older is invited to join us!
St. Peter’s Quarterly Meeting
July 18, 2010
1. The meeting was called to order by Russ Snortheim. Pastor Westenberg led us in the Meditation on our Christian Calling and with prayer. There were 14 voting members present.
2. Minutes: The minutes of the April 18, 2010 Quarterly Meeting were read. M/S/P to accept minutes as read.
3. Reports:
A. Pastoral: See attached sheet.
B. Treasurer: Len Luedtke, Jr. went over transactions and balances for the quarter. The balances as of July 15, 2010 were: Savings: $5,741.29, Checking: $3,727.34 with outstanding checks of $433.46 for a final balance of $3,293.88, Loan $36,590.11 and personal loan for $50,000. M/S/P to accept report.
C. Building and Grounds: John Mullen, Doug Hafermann, and Chris Risch fixed the tile in the parsonage’s upstairs bathroom and replaced and added new fans. After inspection, there are some water lines leaking in the basement as well. Pipes are too numerous whether used or not and recommendation from the inspection is to hire a plumber to get this updated. John also noted that the 4th septic tank is leaking. The old piano in the fellowship hall is the last remaining item to get rid of but Russ Snortheim may know someone who will take it. New roofing is going to be needed on both the parsonage and the church over the next couple of years. John is looking at getting some help from members in September or October to replace the shingles on the two porches on the parsonage. John found the receipt dated 1995 for the shingles currently on the parsonage. He will submit a claim on the warrantee for the remaining life of the shingles.
D. Western WI District Convention: Russ Snortheim went with Pastor as the delegate for our church. The following are some highlights and statistics that Russ reported: CFO Popee forecasts our schools will be under funded by $1.6 million or 13%. Highest districts in regards to CMO also had the highest rate of attendance in bible class. Are circuits getting too big? They are looking into lowering the amount of congregations inside a circuit with 12 or more churches so circuit pastors can better serve their circuit. 2017 will also be the 500th anniversary celebration of Reformation.
4. Old Business:
A. Organ Repairs: Mr. Hoenecke came but we don’t have a bill yet.
B. Pictorial Directory: Nothing new.
C. Video Counseling NLHS: There is no new information and has been put on hold for now.
D. New Computer: John Mullen informed us that the Marshfield Clinic had a major problem with a computer and instead of just getting that taken care of with the manufacturer, they decided to get rid of all computers that could have the same problem. We are first on the list to get a computer once they have this problem taken care of.
E. Mother’s Room: The room is finished.
F. Energy Savings: All lighting from east doors to end of hallway by the north doors has had all bulbs changed to 25 watts. The two floodlights above the balcony also have been changed. Just these bulbs that have been changed will save over 1000 watts in energy used per hour when in use. More will be done as well as in the parsonage in the near future when funds are there.
G. Booth at Farm Technology Days: Vince Weber reported of two meetings in Edgar and will be going to observe a booth at this year’s Farm Technology Days near River Falls later this month. His understanding is 2-3 people will be needed from 6 am- 6 pm all 3 days next year and possibly a 4th day. We may also want to decide if we will have a Head Coordinator to make sure things run smoothly. The dates for our booth next year are July 12, 13, 14. Vince will report new information as time goes on. The congregation also M/S/P to have all money raised from Farm Technology Days to go into the Building Fund for upcoming major expenses/needs.
H. Mutual Benefit Appeal with the James Company: We currently do not know which option NLHS has decided upon with the company to retire their debt.
5. New Business:
A. Use of Parish Hall by non-members: We will find the information to review the general main policy on this subject that was addressed a number of year’s back. It was M/S/P to set usage at $75 for the Parish Hall and $150 for both the Parish Hall and the Church. Any expendables used by either of the above should also be replaced or paid for in addition to the set dollar amounts. It was also M/S/P to have the Council do an annual review on this policy.
B. Vacation Bible School: St. Peter’s VBS dates are set for July 26-30 from 5:30-8 p.m. This is geared for adults as well as the children. There will be adult lessons in addition to the children’s lessons.
C. 2010-2011 Tuition Policy: Council recommends keeping this policy the same as last year. M/S/P.
D. Northland Sunday: It was agreed for Pastor to set up a Sunday that is open for Northland’s Choir to be here at St. Peter’s before Lent starts.
E. Mission Festival/Walking Together Sunday: We are looking at getting Judd Krohn, a former missionary to Thailand, here late September or October. There may be a possibility to combine this with Walking Together Sunday.
6. Membership Changes:
A. Accept: Cody Meyer, Kyle Shanks, Ashley Smrecek, and Tyler Strooisma by confirmation. M/S/P to accept.
7. Adjournment: M/S/P to adjourn. Closed with Meditation on our Christian Calling and the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Chris Risch
Recording Secretary

Pastor’s Report
Special Services
• Confirmation Sunday was May 9 in which four young people were examined and confirmed in their faith.
• Ascension Service was held Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm with 20 in attendance.
• Charles Bonow was here on June 20 to lead our worship and accompany us from the organ.
• Seminary student Caleb Free led our worship on Sunday, June 27.
• Sunday evening services at the Belvedere began on June 13 at 6:00pm.
• Thursday worship at 7:00pm began on May 27 and runs through the summer.

Youth
Our SPY group is washing members’ cars once per month this summer to raise money for the youth group fund.
Adult Instruction
I am not currently involved in any adult instruction at this time.
Jesus Cares
We’re taking a break for the summer in our group homes around Marshfield. The Jesus Cares Bible Class held twice per month at the Bethel Center is meeting during the summer.
Continuing Education
I attended the Pastors’ Summer Quarter July 12-16 at MLC in New Ulm, MN. I studied “Teaching the Way the Brain Learns.”
District Nominating Committee
At the district convention at LPS on June 6—8, I was elected to our district’s nominating committee representing the Wisconsin River Valley Conference.
Vacation
My family and I were on vacation June 14—29. Pastor Guenther (305-6224) was available for anyone needing pastoral care during that time.
Respectfully submitted,
Pastor Westenberg

Tuition for Trinity Lutheran School
2010-2011 School Year
• St. Peter’s parents will pay the same amount as Trinity Lutheran Church parents pay for their tuition and registration fees.
• Parents will pay their portion directly to Trinity Lutheran School, rather than paying St. Peter’s.
• St. Peter’s will pay the remaining amount directly to Trinity Lutheran School.

This policy is subject to yearly review by St. Peter’s Common Council.

Tuition for Northland Lutheran High School
2010-2011 School Year
• Parents will pay the same tuition as parents who are members of Northland Lutheran High School Associated Member congregations.
• Parents will pay their portion directly to Northland, rather than paying St. Peter’s.
• St. Peter’s will pay the non-Associated difference directly to Northland Lutheran High School.
• This policy also applies to students enrolled in other WELS high schools.

This policy is subject to yearly review by St. Peter’s Common Council.

Q: My elderly mother is in the hospital and says she does not want any measures to keep her alive other than water because her religion requires it. She believes that if a Christian denies water she is committing suicide, but that denying food is not. I have never heard of this. What does the Bible say about dying in the hospital by denying food, but keeping an IV in so a person does not dehydrate?
A: Any action or any failure to act with the intent to cause death or accelerate the dying process is contrary to Scripture (Genesis 9:6; Exodus 20:13; Matthew 25:42). Scripture does not make a distinction between the denial of food or the denial of fluids. Scripture first looks at the heart and compels individuals to examine their motive.
Today's culture increasingly views a declining quality of life brought on by age, disease or accident as justification to deny continued life-sustaining measures. The decision to remove a person's food or fluids is often shrouded in euphemisms to "let them go" or "set them free" without first challenging the motive.
Any action to deny food and/or fluids which is intended to shorten life and hasten death is contrary to Scripture and is an affront to the Creator who holds dominion over life and death (Deuteronomy 32:39).
On the other hand, Scripture also reminds us that a person's time on this earth is limited (Psalm 90:10; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Hebrews 9:27). Life does come to an end, and for most people it is a progressive process that occurs over a span of time. As the body ages and the organs of the body begin to fail, efforts to resuscitate or even sustain the body cross a line between beneficial and futile care.
Sometimes that line is clear and easy to see: the organs begin to fail and, without the knowledge or resources to reverse the process, death becomes imminent. In such a circumstance the provision to continue feeding may antagonize or accelerate the dying process because of the body's inability to digest the food. The continued administration of fluids may provide comfort in the closing moments of life. In some circumstances, however, fluids also may not be able to be processed by the body and could agonize the dying process unless they are stopped.
Scripture speaks against actions and inactions which ignore God's dominion over life and death. The real challenges are in the so-called "gray area," because it is unclear whether death is imminent or an action is futile.
The reality is that all people involved with medical care and treatment decision-making are sinful and imperfect. Their judgments are often clouded by ignorance and/or biases. For that reason, when a particular circumstance becomes especially difficult, it is good to obtain second and third medical opinions and ask Christian family, friends, and clergy who are devoted first to serving God and who have a good knowledge of Scripture.

This we Believe
VI. THE MEANS OF GRACE
1. We believe that God bestows all spiritual blessings upon sinners by special means established by him. These are the means of grace, the gospel in Word and sacraments. We define a sacrament as a sacred act established by Christ in which the Word connected with an earthly element gives the forgiveness of sins.
2. We believe that through the gospel, the good news of Christ's atoning sacrifice for sinners, the Holy Spirit works faith in people, whose hearts are by nature hostile to God (1 Peter 1:23). Scripture teaches that "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17). This Spirit-worked faith brings about a renewal in sinners and makes them heirs of eternal life in heaven.
3. We believe that also through the Sacrament of Baptism the Holy Spirit applies the gospel to sinners, giving them new life (Titus 3:5) and cleansing them from all sin (Acts 2:38). The Lord points to the blessing of Baptism when he promises, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). We believe that the blessing of Baptism is meant for all people (Matthew 28:19), including infants. Infants are born sinful (John 3:6) and therefore need to be born again, that is, to be brought to faith, through Baptism (John 3:5).
4. We believe that all who join in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper receive the true body and blood of Christ in, with, and under the bread and wine (1 Corinthians 10:16). This is true because, when the Lord instituted this sacrament, he said, "This is my body. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" (Matthew 26:26,28). We believe that Christ's words of institution cause the real presence—not any human action. As believers receive his body and blood, they also receive the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28) and the comfort and assurance that they are truly his own. Unbelievers also receive Christ's body and blood, but to their judgment (1 Corinthians 11:29).
5. We believe that the Lord gave his Word and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper for a purpose. He commanded his followers, "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19,20). Through God's Word and sacraments he preserves and extends the holy Christian church throughout the world. Believers should therefore be diligent and faithful in the use of these divinely established means of grace for themselves and in their mission outreach to others. These are the only means through which immortal souls are brought to faith and to life in heaven.
6. We reject any views that look for the revelation of the grace of God and salvation apart from the gospel as found in the Scriptures. We reject any views that look for the Holy Spirit to work faith apart from the means of grace. We likewise reject the view that the law is a means of grace.
7. We reject the view that babies should not be baptized and that they cannot believe in Christ (Luke 18:15-17). We reject the view that baptism must be by immersion.
8. We reject all teachings that the Sacrament of the Altar offers nothing more than signs and symbols of Jesus' sacrifice, thereby denying that Christ's true body and blood are received in the Lord's Supper. We reject the view that those who eat the body of Christ in the sacrament merely receive Christ spiritually by faith. We reject the claim that unbelievers and hypocrites do not receive the true body and blood of Jesus in the Sacrament.
9. We reject the doctrine of transubstantiation, which teaches that the substance of the bread and wine are changed entirely into the body and blood of Christ. Scripture teaches that all communicants receive both the bread and wine and the body and blood of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16).
10. We reject any attempt to set the precise moment within the celebration of the Lord's Supper when the body and blood of Christ become present. We therefore reject the view that one must believe that Christ's body and blood are present as soon as the words of consecration have been spoken and the view that one must believe that Christ's body and blood become present only at the moment of eating and drinking.
This is what Scripture teaches about the means of grace. This we believe, teach and confess.

NEWS FROM OUR SCHOOLS – Stories/Reports from WELS Ministerial Education
From Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary (WLS):
Customized curriculum for special students
July 2, 2010
The seminary family has been please to host students from sister seminaries and satellite training programs over recent years. Whether enrolled on-campus during the school year or during Summer Quarter, the goal of these students is the same: to prepare themselves to carry out a gospel ministry – here in the US or around the world.
Joining us during the 2008-09 school year from Asia Lutheran Seminary in Hong Kong, a pastoral training program sponsored by the Board for World Missions, was Au Po Man. Po Man, or Angus as he introduces himself to English speaking friends, came to America with his wife, Ceci, to take classes at our seminary. But what classes would Angus take? An even more important question was why Angus should take any classes at our seminary at all. How could we justify the expense, not to mention the distress Angus and Ceci would experience with a year of study in a foreign tongue in a distant land? Through the Pastoral Studies Institute (PSI), Angus received a custom tailored individualized study program that would better equip him to study the New Testament in the original Greek and to observe evangelism programs as our congregations carried them out in the North American context. Above all, this special program gave Angus and Ceci the opportunity to associate closely with WELS pastors, members, and professors who all impressed on and modeled for Angus a profound appreciation for the unconditional gospel and confessional Christianity.
Another one of our “non-traditional” student is Luis Acosta. Luis, his wife Carolina, and their two children came to America from Venezuela. Their first home was Miami, Florida, where they came under the spiritual care of Divine Savior Lutheran Church and Pastor Carl Leyrer. The Acosta family’s experience with the gospel led Luis to study to become a WELS pastor. Luis began his training through the PSI’s Spanish language program, Cristo Palabra de Vida. Later Luis decided that he wanted to receive the traditional program so that he could partner with Anglo pastors and Anglo congregations in outreach to Latinos. Again, there were important questions to ask. What support would Luis need in order to step into the residential program at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary? How could we make sure that WLS could take advantage of all of the possible benefits of having Luis enrolled in our traditional program?
One of the key roles that the PSI executive committee plays on our campus is to wrestle with questions like these. Every non-traditional student brings a unique set of circumstances and opportunities that must be addressed in order that he might best accomplish his dream of becoming a pastor. The PSI, in collaboration with its satellite directors and a variety of North American pastors, overseas missionaries, and foreign seminaries established through tour worldwide gospel outreach, carefully consider each students circumstances to create an appropriate program of study for unique and special students.
Other students in our Asian and Spanish language programs also come to our campus to complete courses in their own satellite programs during the Summer Quarter. This allows the students in these programs to enjoy intensive study opportunities together. Their time on our campus also allows them to rub shoulders with our traditional Summer Quarter population – experienced pastors, teachers, and staff ministers from around the world. One of the chief blessings of this time together is that constituents from both the traditional and non-traditional programs come to appreciate their fellowship in Jesus and their common commitments to the gospel of Jesus. This summer 115 students enrolled in our traditional Summer Quarter classes. This number includes 28 men taking the online course on Christian leadership. There are also 28 students and five professors on campus from Cristo Palabra de Vida. There are also seven students and two professors from the Asian Ministerial Training Program with us – three of those men came all the way from Thailand to attend!
Generous special gifts have offset program costs. In order for our traditional and non-traditional programs to meet over Summer Quarter, additional and continued support is needed. These programs are growing. More importantly, these programs are being blessed. People are coming to WLS from all over the world to learn how to share their faith and to teach their faith in their own communities. The result, with God’s blessing and the students’ faith effort, will be that the wonderful message about Jesus, the only power of salvation, the only truth that sets men free, will ring out in every language to all peoples.
From Martin Luther College (MLC):
• Check out the July 16 UPDATE on the bulletin board in the parish hall near the kitchen.
From Luther Preparatory School (LPS):
Mission Advancement END OF FISCAL YEAR Report
July 22, 2010
Praise be to God – Great things He has done!
CURRENT NEEDS GOAL: $300,000—We have been blessed with thank offering of $317,357 for the general operation of Prep.
FINANCIAL AID GOAL: $100,000—We have been blessed with thank offerings of $108,819 for financial aid so that more students can receive “Preparation for ministry and Preparation for life.”
2010-2011 GOALS
CURRENT NEEDS GOAL: $330,000
FINANCIAL AID GOAL: $110,000
Possessions Are for Temporary Use to Serve God
Therefore we must use all these things upon earth in no other way than as a guest who travels through the land and comes to a hotel where he must lodge overnight. He takes only food and lodging from the host, and he says not that the property of the host belongs to him. Just so should we also treat our temporal possessions, as if they were not ours, and enjoy only so much of them as we need to nourish the body and then help our neighbors with the balance. Thus the life of the Christian is only a lodging for the night, since we have here no continuing city, but must journey on to heaven, where the Father is. (Hughes, R. Kent. Luke: That You May Know the Truth. Vol. 2.)
Fishers of Men
(from Parents Crosslink, Summer 2008)
Fishermen know the importance of silence. You can show God’s love not only by talking but also by being a good listener.
You may think that you don’t have the gifts or talents that it takes to tell others about Christ. But look what Jesus said to the disciples, “I will make you fishers of men.”
Your “tackle box” should include the times and locations of church activities. That way when you have the opportunity to invite someone to attend church, you’ll have the information you need.
People who enjoy fishing can’t stop talking about it. If there is something at church that you really enjoy tell others.
A fisherman goes where he’ll find fish. Make a list of places where you come in contact with people who don’t know about Jesus.
Fishermen often have to throw back fish that are too small. God, though, tells us he wants all people to be saved, from the little kid on your baseball team to the family next door.
Just as it is fun to go fishing with a friend, you may feel more comfortable talking about your faith with someone else there to support you.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t catch anything. Who knows what effect your words may have on someone weeks, months, or even years from now?
Sometimes fishermen argue about the best bait or technique. Rather than attacking another person’s beliefs, let people hear the good news that you have to share.
What’s going on at St. Peter’s?
Ladies Bible Study – The Heart of Jesus: Women in the Gospel of Luke concludes this month. Ladies Bible Study is held Tuesdays at 1:00pm. If your schedule allows, please join us!
Summer Worship – In addition to our normal Sunday morning service we offer Thursday evening worship at 7:00pm. If you plan to get away on weekends, join us for worship on Thursday evening.
SPY Group Car Wash – Support our youth by allowing them to wash your vehicle on Sunday, August 15, following our 9:00am worship service. Sign up in the narthex and indicate the kind of cleaning you want done. Your free will offering to the SPY Group is greatly appreciated.
New Pictorial Directory – We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will help us connect names with faces. It will be an ideal outreach tool and will capture the history of our church congregation.
Please participate! All we ask is that you have your picture taken by the professional Photographer and meet with a Portrait Consultant at the church. For the next several weeks, we will be making appointments before and after services and meetings at the church. Please sign up as soon as possible to get the best appointment to fit your schedule.
• Every participating family/household that selects a pose for the directory will receive a free directory and a complimentary 8x10 Custom Natural Portrait.
• You will come to the church only once for photography and for portrait viewing.
• The program is available at no cost to the church budget.
• You will have the opportunity to order additional portraits during your scheduled appointment time.
• If you wish to purchase extras, the portraits come with 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed.
• Whether you decide to dress formal or casual, you will want to make the most of this opportunity.
The Scheduled Dates for Photography and Portrait Viewing Are: Friday, October 8 and Saturday, October 9
If you have questions, please contact a member of St. Peter’s Pictorial Directory Committee.
We look forward to seeing everyone in the directory.
Our new pictorial directory just won’t be complete without you!