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Our vision statement is strong: "Claimed by Christ, Growing through Grace, Sent to Serve." Many recent events have occurred that prove we, as a congregation, have kept the vision statement alive. Each of us, through our baptism and by proclaiming our faith each Sunday, is "Claimed by Christ.” The merger with Trinity Lutheran Church shows how we are "Growing through Grace.”
Our congregation not only grew in numbers, but our lives have been enriched with the addition of many talented and wonderful people. Our youth are the future of St. Peter's. The youth trip, "People - to People" in New Orleans in 2009 and the upcoming trip in 2011, along with our many ministries such as the Prison Ministry and the Social Ministry Committee's support of surrounding community food pantries, as well as the support of Gracedale, the Slatebelt Rehab and Nursing Center, Families First, Turning Point, Safe Harbor, and VNA Hospice are all examples of our mission "Sent to Serve."
The key to the success of St. Peter's is to keep the vision statement close to heart in all of our decisions. We believe it is only through helping others that God becomes visible in our lives and the life of the church.
As President of Council, I feel humbled and blessed to be part of the dynamic ministry here at St. Peter’s. We at council feel this congregation is to be thanked for its gracious contributions and special gifts of treasure, as well as talents and time which allowed us as a church community to do so much this past year as well as into the 2012 year.
Council has planned with the leadership and help of the Property Committee and the approval of you, the Congregation, to upgrade the downstairs classrooms and kitchen, an area of our facility that is in constant use. This accelerated upgrade was made possible by a special gift by one of our loving members. Thank you.
Council feels it is now a good time to look at our music program along with worship and music committee and see what might be changed to upgrade the music program along with hiring an organist, which will be council’s priority this year. While we have approval of our updated constitution and bylaws, council continues to work on the resolutions to upgrade them.
I would like to thank this congregation for allowing myself and my wife, Eileen, to act on your behalf as delegates at our Synod Convention last June. It was a great experience, something every member should experience.
I also am thankful for having attended the ELCA’s “Ethics in Eating Camp”, and hope to help St. Peter’s and the community make a difference in Community and World Hunger.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all congregation members, committee members, chairpersons, leaders and teachers, staff, and Pastor Terhune for your enthusiasm and effort. I pray we make a difference as we work and yes struggle together to Praise God, share God’s Blessing and do God’s work in this place we call St. Peter’s.
Jim Sandt