From Pastor's Desk:
This week I want to discuss holidays. March is an interesting Month because it can be the Month where we celebrate Ash Wednesday. This year it is celebrated in February. It can be the month we celebrate Easter, but this year it will be celebrated in April. Yet, there is one holiday we celebrate every March, and that holiday is St. Patrick Day.
Saint Patrick lived in the Fifth Century. Patrick was originally born in Britain. He was captured by a group of Pirates when he was sixteen and taken to Ireland. While he was in Captivity, they made him work jobs like being a shepherd. He claimed later in life that being mistreated made him pray to God and trust in him, and grew his faith.
Then he heard a voice telling him to escape and he ran to boat. He then convinced the captain to take him back to Britain. He then grew up and studied to be a Priest. He then returned to Ireland to be an Irish Missionary. There is evidence that some Christians were already in Ireland, but it was mostly Pagan. Patrick knew from his time in captivity that the people needed to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Patrick was said to have converted thousands of Irish people but he also faced difficulty and was often arrested. There are two legends associated with St Patrick. First that he used the shamrock to explain the trinity. Three in One. That being three leaves but one clover. Just like in the trinity we have 3 Persons, but one God.
The second legend is Less likely. The one about him driving out the snakes out of Ireland. It’s unlikely because people visiting Ireland noticed a lack of Snakes as early as the 3rd Century. Saint Patrick’s Day was originally the Feast of Saint Patrick. Which means it was originally a Christian Feast Day. “Feast Days” mean An annual religious celebration, a day dedicated to particular saint. The day celebrates the Patrick’s coming to Ireland and his sharing of his Christian Faith. In America it is more a celebration of Irish Culture than a Religious Feast Day.
Lenten Services
Wednesday Lenten Services – 7:00 pm at St. Peter
Thursday Lenten Services – 7:00 pm at St. Paul
This year’s Lenten series is: Lamb of God Pure and Holy
Lenten Meals
Meals will take place at 6:00p.m., starting March 1st. Tableware and drinks are provided by the BOWSO. Mark the dates on your calendars for a night out. Feel free to bring family, friends, and neighbors. Free will donations will be collected.
Easter Flowers
Members can purchase an Easter flower of their choice wherever they chose and bring it to the church library on April 8th by 12:00 noon. Please let Bette, Pam or Dana know: Your name, kind of flower, how many and In Memory of. Thank You!
LWML
We appreciate so very much the generosity of our members on the first Sunday of the month MITE OFFERINGS. St. Peter's contribution for MITES totaled in excess of $753 during 2022. Mite offerings are only used for mission projects of Ohio District and National LWML for mission grants. These grants are selected at district and national LWML conventions. Your MITES help spread the Word of God---the Good News of Jesus, our Savior--- to the whole world.
Another example of LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION was the abundance of neat stuff provided for the COLLEGE CARE PACKETS! We were able to fill five boxes. We are grateful to all of you and say OUR GOD BE THANKED!
Lana Culp, a recipient of one of the college care packages writes;
Thank you so much for the care package! I really appreciated the skin care products and snacks. The tissues were also really useful since I didn't have any. Everything was so thoughtful and I appreciated everyone taking the time to put it together and send it to me. Sincerely, Lana
Greetings from Preschool!
Our Preschool students enjoyed spreading some love and kindness last month and also learned about how God loves us and heals us when we are sick. The class worked on making posters for the Night to Shine event held in Defiance and made Candy Grams for area healthcare workers at the Filling Home of Napoleon and Mercy Hospital of Defiance. We also had Dr. Kamcza from Mercy Family Practice visit our classroom and she talked about how Doctors help take care of us when we are sick and did some hands on activities with the children as well. Next month we will be celebrating Right to Read Week and Dr. Seuss’ birthday with guest readers from the community including the Mayor of Florida and the Henry County Sheriff’s Department. We will also be learning about taking care of our teeth and will have a special visitor come talk to the class about Dental Hygiene.
Mrs. Arce
Save the Date for:
April 1, 4:30-6:00 Community Storytime & Egg Hunt
April 28, 5:30-7:00 Parent Workshop & Dinner, volunteers are needed for serving dinner/childcare
