St. Peter Press May-July 2025

JESUS: THE ONE TRUE HEAD OF THE CHURCH

 

Over these last few weeks, the Roman Catholic Church has been the center of a lot of news coverage.  On April 21st, 2025, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church died at age 88.  Since then, the cardinals of the catholic church have convened for conclave, and chosen a new pope: Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, born and raised in Chicago.

Well, with all this buzz recently around the pope, we as Lutherans do well to remind ourselves: What does scripture say about the papacy?  Why don’t we have a pope in our church?

Now, before we get into that, it needs to be said that though we as Lutherans rightly condemn the false teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, we find no pleasure in the death of anyone.  We remember in our prayers all those who mourn for pope Francis, and pray for God to be merciful in leading all to faith in Christ.

            But with that said, we believe, teach, and confess that there is no biblical basis for the office of Pope, and therefore he is not the head of the Church by “Divine Right”, as Rome claims.  We believe there is only one head over the entire Church on earth, and that is Jesus Christ.  As the Church’s head, Jesus leads His Church through His word, to which we all, pastors and congregations, submit. 

            So how then did the office of the papacy start?  Well, a little history is helpful.  Originally, the pope was simply the bishop, or pastor, overseeing the church in Rome.  He was recognized as the first among equals alongside the other bishops in centers of the early church, which included not only Rome, but Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria, and Jerusalem.  He was a brother bishop (a biblical word, by the way), but nothing more.

            But that changed over time.  The Papacy began to put itself above every other bishop in the church, leading to the split between the Western and the Eastern Church.  The pope began to hold not only increasingly more spiritual power, but also began holding political power as well. And by 1302, Pope Boniface issued a papal bull that went so far as to say “We declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff.”  And this is still official Roman Catholic doctrine today.

            And all this is in defiance of what Jesus taught.  Jesus directly forbade Lordship among the disciples.   Though the bible clearly teaches God instituted an office of preaching, administering the sacraments, and shepherding the flock, no pastor is above another.  When once the disciples were arguing about who among them was the greatest, Jesus said to them  “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25b-28) Even though pastors are not all equal in terms of ability, and some pastors are given more or different responsibilities than others, no pastor is above another. 

            And this helps us also understand also that the papacy was not founded upon St. Peter, as the Roman Catholic Church believes.   The Roman Catholic Church holds that the office of the Papacy was instituted when Jesus said to Peter “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church.” (Matthew 16:18)

            But it was not Peter, or the office of the papacy, that the church was built upon. The rock upon which the church is built is Peter’s confession of faith that he said right before about Jesus: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16) Though Peter was foremost amongst the disciples, was not above any other of the disciples.  The church is not built upon Peter.  It is built upon this good confession that Peter made: Jesus is the Son of God.

            For if Jesus is not the Son of God, His sacrifice on the cross did not atone for the sins of the world. If Jesus is not the Son of God, then He was not raised from the dead, and our faith is in vain.  If Jesus is not the Son of God, then the word of God truly does contain errors, and is just a useless book full of words. 

 But Jesus is the Son of God.  He did pay for our sins. He did rise from the dead.  And He still does speak to His Church through His infallible Word. 

And it is through God’s Word that Jesus rules His church as our head.  God’s Word institutes the office of the Holy Ministry.  God’s word tells pastors what they are to do, and not do.  God’s Word tells pastors how they are to preach the word, administer the sacraments, and shepherd the flock with all love as those who will  have to give an account (2 Tim. 4:2, 1 Cor. 4:1, Acts 20:28).  God’s Word institutes His Church, and tells congregations what to do, and not to do.  God’s Word tells congregations to obey, support, and submit to pastors as those worthy of double honor, while at the same time holding their pastors to the word of God (Heb. 13:7, 1 Cor. 9:14, 1 Tim. 5:17-18)

            But notice who is in control in all of this: Jesus.  He tells pastors what to do.  He tells congregations what to do.  He is head over everyone.  And not only does He tell us what to do, but through the Gospel, through our baptismal grace, through His holy Supper, He changes our hearts, so we want to do as He says.  He does what no other person on heaven and earth could do, He forgives sins, cleanses our hearts, so that we desire to walk and live as He always intended us to.

Therefore, as you hear all this news about the pope, remember this: Jesus alone is the head in our church.  And for that, thanks be to God.

 

 

 

LITTLE LAMB PRESCHOOL

By Martha Short

Another year of preschool has come to an end! We had a fun year together. It is always fun to look back and see how much these kids have grown since September. We had our preschool graduation program on May 7. It was a great celebration and a great way to end the year.

We are very thankful to have had Miss Alaina Halladay in our classroom this year. We will miss her greatly but pray for God's blessings as she heads off to college in the fall. We have not yet heard from the high school if we will have a student helper for next year or not. 

The preschool board has approved getting another helper if there is someone available. They have also approved a new curriculum from Concordia Publishing House for our Jesus time. This includes weekly take home sheets for family involvement. We will be deep cleaning the preschool classroom to get ready for next year, which starts September 2.

Please keep these outgoing preschoolers in your prayers, as well as the 20 preschoolers signed up for next year! Thank you for your continued support!

 

FELLOWSHIP/EVANGELISM COMMITTEE

By Jules Emmons

Fellowship/Evangelism Committee prepared 48 Alleluia Baskets. With great help from Lavonne Ladehoff, Donelle Simanek, Sandy Rains, Laurie Neeman, Wendy Murphy, Mel and Ava Harrell, Katie, Brinley and Arlie Tank we had them put together, wrapped in cellophane baskets bags and tied with ribbons  in just over ONE HOUR!!! Many hands make for little work! Heidi Widick took 13 to The Gathering Place. Pastor made visits with 3. Gloria Westerman and Jules delivered the remaining 32. The Alleluia Baskets are truly our favorite project!! 

The 5th Sunday Brunch in March was cancelled since that day was a community pancake breakfast fund raiser to benefit the new North Bend Fire Hall. 

Our committee hosted the reception for St. Peter’s 5 Confirmands on May 4. We also provide gifts for our high school graduates each year. This year we will honor two young people:

Alaina Halladay and Ethan Widick. 

This concludes our regularly scheduled activities. School will soon be out. Summer is coming. See you in the fall!! Blessings!!

 

KIDS FOLLOWING CHRIST

Sing to the Lord a new song! On Sunday, April 27th, our KFC kids shared their voices with us during the church service.  In KFC, the kids have been singing not only hymns to help them learn the language of the church and how to sing, but also songs that put God’s word to music.  One of the best ways to learn and memorize is through song, and what better thing should we memorize and sing, if not the Word of God?

On April 30th, the kids celebrated the last KFC for this school year with a day of fun games. Thank you to Holly Hild and Katie Tank with your guidance of the 3rd and 4th graders this year!  KFC will begin again this coming September.

 

CONFIRMATION CLASS

This year, we were blessed to have five children of God confirmed in the faith!  On Sunday, May 4th,

Tristyn Feala, Brecken Frana, Hadley Karnatz, Lane Taylor, and Bennitt Smeal (Member of St. Matthew’s, Cedar Bluffs) were confirmed as members of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and received the Lord’s Supper for the first time.  May God continue to bless them and stregthen them in the faithful reception of His gifts! 

 

So also, confirmation for this year has ended.  We will start up again this coming August. 

 

 

YOUTH GROUP

By Amanda Reznicek

Another spring has sprung, and another year has concluded for the St. Peter's Youth Group. Looking back, I am so proud of this group. They have all worked hard this year to fundraise for the upcoming trip to New Orleans. I look forward to hearing of all their great experiences, growing in their faith and meeting other Christian youth! This past year the group has been part of service events for the church and community. We hosted the Christmas party at the Library with the Presbyterian church due to the increasing numbers of youth attending this year. We also wish the very best to our Senior graduates and will pray for this next milestone ahead of them. This year also marks my last year as the youth leader. The past three years have been a joy, and I have appreciated each one of the teens that I have had the opportunity to get to know more. I will pray for our next church member that will lead this group. To be in this role has been an honor and a blessing. 

 

VBS 2025

 

Vacation Bible School will be June 2-6 from 9 to 11:30am. A program for family and friends will be presented on Friday at 11:30 with a meal following. Several spots for volunteers are open. Registration for children age Pre-K (potty-trained) to 6th grade will remain open to the start of VBS. We appreciate early sign up so enough supplies and snacks will be purchased. Join us for a fun Alaskan themed week of adventures!

Use the QR code to the right, or go to the website URL below to sign-up!  You can also call in to the church office, and we can help you.  https://vbspro.events/p/e28b40

 

OLD SETTLERS FOOD STAND

Our church is responsible for the Old Settlers food stand on Sunday, June 22. Many workers will be needed throughout the day and early evening. 

Please sign up on the sheet in the fellowship hall to work one of the five shifts listed.  If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Mensik, Bryon Chvatal or Jules Emmons.

Thank you!

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

5/14/25

Income & Offerings:	$51,859.50
Expenses	$48,852.51

 

General fund balance as of 5/14/25: $33,035.18

 

SISTERS IN FAITH & LWML

Several members gathered for our quarterly meeting on Monday, May 5th to discuss church events. We still need several items for the Orphan Grain Train Christmas boxes. They will be packed at our next meeting in August. If you are interested in helping to collect any of items needed, reach out to Heidi Widick for the current inventory list. This summer’s celebrations include Mother’s Day, Graduation, Father’s Day, and Sundae Sunday. Date for Sundae Sunday to be determined in July.

We also discussed our upcoming Tapestry of Tables salad supper. We narrowed down the theme choices. Our final choice will be announced at our next meeting on August 4th at 7pm. 

 

PIECEMAKERS QUILTERS

The Piecemakers Quilt Group is going into summer mode. They may or not be meeting weekly. If you would like to join them, contact Lavonne Ladehoff to be sure they will be here. Members include Lenora Schuetz, Laurie Neemann, Karan Legler, Gloria Westerman and Lavonne Ladehoff (and Megan Williams in the summer). Jan Schindler assists in binding and Jan Vopalensky also helps with sewing. No sewing or quilting skills needed. All are welcome to join in helping in our mission by doing God’s work. Please join us any Thursday afternoon, here at the church. 

 

~CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS ~

Prayers for Healing & Comfort:

Our Church Family: Sue Dodge,Laurie Neeman, Anna Stuehmer, Rick Elofson, Jim Novak, Joe Murphy, Ed Slavik, Bernard Larson, Bonnie Wennekamp, Kelly Spath, Terry Sorensen, Lenora Schuetz, Mindy Siebels

Friends, Family, and Loved Ones:  Renate’ Scheuermann (Carroll Wiebold’s niece), Lonnie Reker (Vickie Reker’s father), Holly Colburn (Karan Legler’s daughter), Liam Settles (Grandson of Martha & Gordan Settles), Doug Rasmussen (Friend of Doug & Connie Wamburg), Eliese Espinosa (Terry Sorensen’s half sister) Larry Farris (Jim Spath’s Brother-In-Law)

(NOTE: If you would like to add someone to our prayer list, please fill out a prayer request form near Pastor’s office, speak to Pastor, call the church office or email. Names will remain on the list for 4 weeks.)

Prayers for Members & Loved Ones Serving in the Military:  Justin Chadwick, Mike Elofson, Lauren Kohl, Seth Saalfeld, Matthew Schuetz, Chris Tank, Theo Tauber, Trevor Widick, Kobe Wilkins, Wyatt Olson, Owen Wynia, Kaylee Boyle

 

Welcome to our New Members!

*Reed and Kiley Janousek and their children: Eden, Emry and Elliot.

*Katie Shultz and her children: 

Loretta, Bonnie and Henry.

 

PASTOR’S SUMMER HOURS: 

Monday through Thursday 8-5. 

Saturdays and Sundays by appointment.

CHURCH CALENDAR

(Services are live-streamed.)

May 4-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

     Mites Sunday & Confirmation

5-Sisters in Faith Meeting-7pm

6-Last Day of T/TH Preschool

     Last Women’s Bible Study-7pm

8-Last Day of M/W Preschool

     Preschool Graduation Program-6pm

11-Worship with Choir-9am

     (NBC Graduation & Mother’s Day)

12-Material Girls Quilt Guild-7pm

13- Men’s Breakfast Bible Study-6:30am

14-Church Council Meeting-7pm

18-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

25-Worship with Guitars & Piano-9am

     (Memorial Day Wknd)

 

June 1-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

     Mites Sunday

Jun 2nd-6th Vacation Bible School

                        9am to 11:30am

8-Worship-9am

     Voter’s Meeting-10:15am

9-Material Girls Quilt Guild-7pm

9-12 Pastor on Vacation

15-Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

     (Father’s Day)

20-21 Pastor at NE District Convention

22-Worship-9am

     Old Settlers Food Stand

27-7/5 Pastor on Vacation

29-Worship with Rev. Steve Felton-9am

 

July 6- Worship w/Holy Communion-9am

     Mites Sunday

13- Worship-9am

19-23 National Youth Gathering 

20- Worship-9am Rev. Steve Felton

27-Worship with guitars & piano-9am

 

 

Birthdays/Anniversaries

 

BIRTHDAYS–MAY                                           

1st-Tiffany Hogeland

8th-Heidi Juhl              

15th-Kinley Mottl                    

       Grayson Mottl                  

       Chuck Pospisil 

16th Mark Chromy                                               

18th-Tracy Kaiser                    

        Rick Elofson

19th-Chris Tank                       

20th-Martha Settles                                             

21st-Jennifer Karnatz                                             

22nd-Hallie Mottl 

        Jon Roemmick

        Christian Sorensen                                             

23rd-Barrett Taylor                                       

25th- Hayden Frana                                             

26th-Tanner Bishop

        Ashley Wegner                                         

27th-Sara Bishop

        Kirk Hansen

        Ava Harrell

30th-Bridget Tauber

31st-Zoey Feala   

       Mason Petersen

       Reese Petersen     

ANNIVERSARIES-MAY                                     

3rd-Dan & Rachele Malousek

12th-Scott & Rita Heinemann 

26th-Jeff & Tracy Kaiser                               

BIRTHDAYS-JUNE

1st-Charley Chvatal

3rd-Andrea Halladay

4th-Robert Saalfeld

6th-Hope Bunn

       Katie Tank

       Jim Wesch

7th-Linda Mylander

10th-Sue Dodge

       Cash Hanis

       Seth Harrell

       Joe Murphy

12th-Daryl Lanc

13th-Dane Kelberlau

        Matthew Larson

14th-Dylan Olson

15th-Bradley Benzel II

       Bruce Williams

17th-Lavonne Ladehoff 

       Charley Mock 

19th-Jamie Halladay

       Sarah Olson

21st-Wes Bosco

       Mindy Siebels

22nd-Martha Short                                                                        

23rd-Shawn Juhl                                                                       

24th-Terry Sorensen

25th-Kyana Deveaux

       Patrick Gaughen

26th-Rachael Oerman

        Lane Taylor                                                                         

27th-Bethany Wiebold                                                                       

28th-Koda Baehr                                                                                            

     Steve Grueber                                                                                             

     Mark Mueller                                                                          

29th-Jim Spath                                                                        

30th-Brady Juhl

ANNIVERSARIES-JUNE

1st- Blake & Anna Wilberding

2nd-D.J. & Kyrsten Mottl

5th- Bart & Virginia Bosco

      Jim & Mary Spath

7th-Mark & Linda Brower

10th-Sam & Katie Settles

13th- Joe & Wendy Murphy

16th-Dave & Sheila Hull

18th-Troy & Jana Post

21st-Mike & Hope Bunn

29th-Jim & Jules Emmons

30th-Gil & Ashley Wenger

 

BIRTHDAYS–JULY

2nd- Jon Baehr

       Danny Madsen 

       Evla Saalfeld                                         

3rd- Rita Heinemann

       Dan Malousek

       Caitlyn Wiebold

4th-Nick Reznicek

8th-Kori Manning

        Hudson Schutt

9th-Brad Benzel

11th-Sheila Hull

12th-Corrine Mueller

14th-Cindy Kucera

       Krystal Penlerick

17th-Evan Balch

       Glenn Chvatal

18th-Cheyenne Chromy

21st-Kendall Karnatz

       Brooklyn Wilberding

22nd-Tristyn Feala

23rd-Jan Schindler

24th-Larry Tank

            Sarah Wesch

25th-Kaleb Bjorklund

27th-Kathryn Gaughen

            Kara Hellbusch

28th-Eileen Chvatal

            Huxton Harrell

            Tom Mensik

            Connie Wamberg

29th-Brandon Dodge

Wendy Murphy

30th- Arlee Tank 

Brinley Tank   

31st-Emma Kavan

ANNIVERSARIES-JULY

2nd-Ryan & Johanna Fittje

9th-Jason & Kara Hellbusch

13th-Jason & Jenna Saalfeld

18th-Marlyce & Richard 

        Franzluebbers

22nd-Jon & Terri Baehr

23rd-Ron & Jan Schindler

30th-Scott & Leta Wiebold