Pastor’s desk for June
Throughout this year we have been discussing the specific times and seasons of the church year. We more specifically discussing unique customs or traditions that happen during these seasons. The First Sunday in June this year is the Sunday of Pentecost. In Scripture Pentecost is the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.
There are 40 days from Easter to Ascension, and then there are 10 days from Ascension to Pentecost. In the ancient church kneeling during services was fairly common. The Council of Nicaea in 325 specifically banned any kind of kneeling during Pentecost. [Here “Pentecost” is that whole fifty day period from Easter to Pentecost.] Kneeling, they said, was a mark of penitence and humility. In other words, they wanted people to pray boldly, standing upright.
We know Pentecost is one of the OLDEST holidays celebrated in the church year. Pentecost is even a Jewish holiday. In the Old Testament it was known as the Feast of the First Fruits, or the Feast of the Harvest. Originally it was a thanksgiving for the harvesting of the wheat in and around Israel. In this, can see why this day was picked for the Holy Spirit to descend upon the disciples. The Holiday should remind us of Jesus words to his disciples in Matthew 9:37-38, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. ” The Holy Spirit’s work showed us, it was time for the Disciples to go and spread the word of God throughout the world. Of course, we are still called to spread that word of God today.
Taken from “The Year of The Lord: The Church Year: Its Customs Growth and Ceremonies. By Theodore Kleinhans. Concordia Publishing, 1967. Pages 83-85.
Lana Hui Hope Culp
Lana Hui Hope Culp is graduating from Ayersville High school. She has participated in marching band, choir, powerlifting, wrestling, school musicals, yearbook staff and National honor society. She plans to attend Kent State University in the design program this fall.
God Bless you Lana in the next chapter of your story, we love you and are so proud of you
St. Peter – LWML
80 YEARS AND GOING STRONG – the Lutheran Women’s missionary League Pennies, silver coins and quiet money placed in LWML Mite Boxes has been a successful mission ministry in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, in the Ohio District and throughout the world.
JUNE 17-18 are the dates for the LWML, OHIO DISTRICT CONVENTION AT ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NAPOLEON, OH. The theme for the convention is “Lord of the Harvest”. Mission grants will be chosen and new officers elected. Attending from St. Peter are Pastor Stuenkle, (candidate for District Pastoral Counselor), Delegates Betty Hoy and Alice Knepley. Alternates Ruth Block and Sharlene Bunke.
ALSO, we are collecting donations of infants new socks and diapers, and children’s new socks and underwear for Orphan Grain Train. There is a box in the narthex to receive these items. The deadline for donations is June 12th. Thank you.
Last but not least, please include in prayer the Convention Committees of the Defiance, Napoleon and Toledo Zones as they finalize plans for this convention and our delegates for another inspirational and uplifting time as they “Serve the Lord with Gladness”!
A Peek from Preschool
Our Preschoolers finished off the school year with a bang and are so excited for summer break! The children enjoyed their last field trip to the Florida Library until next school year and had Field Day outside with some relay games. Our Preschool program was also a great success and the children enjoyed sharing songs they learned throughout the year with their families. We look forward to our upcoming Rummage sale on June 9, and drop off of items for this event us on June 8 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Also, save the date for our Preschool Carnival on July 13 from 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. We are looking for volunteers to help with games, food and anyone interested in clown ministry, face painting or balloons should contact Emilie Parsons with any information. We look forward to the summer and hope to see you soon!
Mrs. Arce
