The Voice - St. Peter Lutheran Church
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The Voice
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Pastor Mark Schlenker Office – 515.986.3077 stpeter@stpeterofgrimes.org www.stpeterofgrimes.org June 2021
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A couple of weeks ago I went to the gym for the first time without a mask in a very long time. Even
though I had regularly been one of the only people in the gym wearing a mask, it still felt a bit awkward. I had
been wearing one for so long that I felt like I was missing something. The one part of my brain was telling me
I’m totally fine. I’m healthy, without any underlying conditions that I know of, and am fully vaccinated. The
other part of my brain was so used to wearing a mask though, that it kept noticing something missing. It
hasn’t been the first time I’ve felt that over the last couple weeks either, as I’ve begun shedding the mask in
public. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) has updated their guidelines to say all fully vaccinated
individuals are safe to be in public without a mask or social distancing, which is why I’ve begun loosening up
my own practices. After going over a year wearing a mask and being mindful of social distancing, I am
recognizing the challenges ahead, not just for me, but for all of us. Even if you’ve been ready to ditch the mask
from the beginning, and worn it at the absolute minimum, I’m guessing you may still catch yourself at times
wondering, “Wait, where’s my mask?” before leaving the house or car. Wearing masks, social distancing, and
gathering for meetings online rather than in person are just a few of the things we’ve grown accustomed to
over the past year. It’s going to take some time to readjust.
I read an interesting article recently by Diana Butler Bass. In it she talks about how people are
concerned about all that has been lost over the past year. We’ve lost loved ones to death, lost opportunities,
lost income, lost a sense of security, and lost the ability to roam freely in the world. As she said, “We’ve lost a
lot.” She also goes on to say that, “Lost doesn’t just refer to what is gone. It also means that which is mislaid,
out of place, dislocated. Sometimes lost just means that we’re lost…we need to be relocated in the world.”
She mentions four major ways that we have been dislocated:
1. Temporal dislocation: We’ve lost our sense of time.
2. Historical dislocation: We’ve lost our sense of place in our own and communal stories.
3. Physical dislocation: We’ve lost our sense of embodiment with others and place geographically as
we’ve entered the virtual world.
4. Relational dislocation: We’ve lost our daily habits of interactions with other humans, the expressions of
emotions together in community.
I hadn’t really thought about what has been “lost” during COVID in these terms before, but it makes a lot of
sense. We need to be relocated, to find our place in a disrupted world. The Good News is that God has not
lost us. God is ever and always with us. As we find
our hearts in and with God we will find ourselves,
along with our place and calling in the world.
I’ll be exploring this topic of
dislocation/relocation, and seeing how scripture can
help inform us, more during worship this June. I look
forward to seeing you all soon!
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
Thank You for Joining Us for Worship!
From May 30th – Sept. 5th (Memorial Day - Labor Day weekends), we will have one Sunday
service at 9:00 a.m. The first Sunday of the month, we plan to have outdoor service with an
alternative online posting for Facebook or YouTube viewers in lieu of live-stream. Other
Sundays will be inside, available on FM radio frequency 94.3 in the church parking lot, and
live-streamed.
Join St. Peter Lutheran in the Governor’s Days Parade – June 12
Come and walk with us in the Governor’s Days Parade on Saturday, June 12. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m.
If you would like to represent St. Peter Lutheran in the parade, join us at the Sports Complex parking lot at
9:30 a.m. Look for the St. Peter Lutheran parade banner. Help us hand out flyers for Vacation Bible School
along with some parade treats. We hope you will join us!
FYI – please be aware that the church parking lot is reserved by the City of Grimes the morning of Saturday,
June 12, for overflow participants in the Governor’s Days Parade.
WELCA Women’s Social – Taco Night
Women of St. Peter – WELCA is hosting a women’s social at the Schlenker
home on June 19 at 5:00 p.m. The WELCA Board will provide taco fixings;
ladies just need to bring a chair and a beverage. We hope you’ll join us for a
night of fellowship and fun!
Need a Little Fellowship, Faith, and Conversation?
Join us monthly for Moms Group!
Moms Group meets to offer friendship and support as we minister to one another, our children, and the
community in grateful response to Christ’s love. Join Moms Group at their monthly meetings the third
Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the church library. For more information, email:
momsgroup@stpeterofgrimes.org.
2021-2022 Confirmation Registration is Open
Confirmation registration is open for youth entering 7 th grade in the
fall. Registration is also open to youth older than 7th grade who have not yet
been confirmed. (Those entering 8th grade and currently attending
confirmation do not need to re-register.) St. Peter welcomes all youth to join in
our confirmation program – youth do not need to be a member of St. Peter to
attend confirmation.
The 2021-22 Confirmation year will run from September to May. We meet on
Wednesday nights from 5:30pm-6:30pm. We do not meet during school
breaks. (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break etc.)
To register your youth, or if you have any questions, please contact Jill Capps at
faithformation@stpeterofgrimes.org.
Prayer Ministry Team – June 27
Once a month, we meet in person to pray together for those who have requested prayers through
the prayer chain or other requests. It is a chance to spend time in prayer, get updates, and send notes to those
the group prays for. You don't have to be comfortable praying aloud to participate! Join us outdoors at church
by the shelter at 4:30 on the last Sunday of the month.
Mission Trip Car Wash Fundraiser – July 10
The St. Peter Lutheran Mission Trip participants will be hosting a Car Wash fundraiser on Saturday, July 10th
from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Church. For a free-will donation, your car will be washed and dried,
vacuumed, and wiped down on the inside. All proceeds will go to support our Mission Trip to Copper Hill,
Tennessee this July. Come by and let us get your car ready for those summer months. If you have any
questions, please reach out to Matt Schmidt via email at youth@stpeterofgrimes.org or via phone at 515-238-
3053.
Register for Vacation Bible School 2021!
VBS will be here before we know it! Mark your calendars for June
28th-July 1st as we venture into a frozen land in search of The King's
mighty armor!
New this year: You will have TWO Sessions to choose from - 10AM-
12PM or 6PM-8PM! Registration is open; go to this
website: https://www.myvbs.org/stpeterlutheranchurch
We are in need of volunteers to make both sessions happen!! You
can sign up today by visiting this
website! https://www.myvbs.org/stpeterlutheranchurch
Pick the session time that works best for you and your schedule. *All
volunteers are required to complete a background check before
volunteering with youth.*
Due to Covid, we plan to have most all activities outside this year; and masks will be required for everyone. By
providing two sessions, we are hoping to reduce the number of both children and volunteers here at once.
If you have any questions regarding VBS please contact Monica Malmberg.
Pastoral Acts
Olivia Rose Mikesell, daughter of Chris and Megan Mikesell, was born on October 22, 2020 in Des Moines, IA.
Olivia was baptized at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Grimes, Iowa, by Pastor Mark Schlenker on May 20, 2021.
Thomas and Kassi Mrazek are Olivia’s baptism sponsors.
ST. PETER GARDEN
There are still garden plots available. If you are interested in signing up for a garden
plot, please contact Brian Hansen or the church office for more information; and watch
the eNews for updates.
Registration is Open for Small Miracles Preschool
Small Miracles Preschool is a mission of St. Peter Lutheran Church and offers both a 2-day and 3-day program
for three and four year olds. To register your child, you can go on the church website to fill out an online
registration form. You can also request a registration form to be emailed to you by contacting the church
office at stpeter@stpeterofgrimes.org. Once the church receives the registration form, a $40.00 non-
refundable registration fee, and parents pick up a registration packet, your child will be enrolled for next fall.
The preschool staff looks forward to welcoming your child and family into our preschool program!
Volunteers Needed – Can You Help?
Worship Volunteers Live-Stream Audio/Visual Volunteers
If you would like to help as assisting minister, Volunteers are needed for our live-stream
please contact Emily Wells. audio/visual production. These volunteers would
If you would like to be a reader, please contact Sue serve as substitutes when Jill is on vacation or
Dooley. otherwise unavailable. Volunteers will be trained
in the production process for our live-stream
If you can help host by greeting worshippers and service. Computer experience and a high comfort
helping them find their worship materials, contact
level with technology is required. The ability to
Roxanne Hauge.
multi-task is essential; all other new skills needed
If you can assist as a worship teller, please contact can be learned. If you are interested in learning
Rich Weiss. more, please contact Jill at
The church office can put you in contact with these faithformation@stpeterofgrimes.org
volunteer coordinators. Thanks for sharing your
time and talents with St. Peter!
From the Stewardship Committee:
Ryan Witt, Jason Hughes, & Rich Weiss
April 2021 YTD
Income Income: 20,154.70 Income: 81,595.80
Expense Expense: 24,497.39 Expense: 96,400.23
Net Income Net Loss: (4,342.69) Net Loss: (14,804.43)
• General Fund--April 2021, expenses were greater than monthly income thus it finished with a loss of
$(4,342.69).
• General Fund YTD--April 2021, expenses were greater than income, thus it finished with a loss of
$(14,804.43)
Online Giving Opportunities
Online Giving Expanded for your Smartphone! St. Peter offers online giving options through Thrivent's Simply
Giving Program, which includes one-time giving and enabling members to set up their own recurring
donations through the following secure methods:
1. Find and download the Give+ Church mobile app in the App Store or on Google Play for Android
smartphones by searching "give plus church". Choose search for a church near me or
type in St Peter Lutheran and choose our address in Grimes, and follow the steps; or
2. Go to St. Peter's website www.stpeterofgrimes.org and click on the yellow Online
Giving link or scan the QR code printed here.
3. Set up bill pay through your bank to St. Peter Lutheran.
4. Please contact the church office to designate your donation between specific funds.
Contact the church office with questions. Thank you for sharing your resources to support the ministries of St.
Peter!
Grimes Storehouse – Community Food Pantry
The Grimes Storehouse is located at 112 NE Ewing St., Suite B, in Grimes. Grimes Storehouse hours are
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and every 1st & 2nd Tuesday from 5:30-7:00 p.m.
NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS LISTED IN ORDER OF NEED: PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD ITEMS –
LISTED IN ORDER OF NEED:
Spaghetti Sauce Diapers (Size 4 & 5)
Instant Oatmeal Packets Liquid Body Wash
Canned Pasta Shaving Cream
Pasta/Noodle Sides Woman's Deodorant
Ketchup Laundry Soap
Pancake Mix & Syrup Dish Soap
Corn Muffin Mix Paper Towels
Cream of Chicken Soup Shampoo
Bottled Apple Juice Conditioner
Misc. Meats (Manwich, Beef Jerky & Beef Stew) Body/Hand Lotion
Mixed Vegetables Toilet Paper
Baked and Pork 'n Beans Men's Deodorant
Soup (Large Cans) Toothpaste
1001 S James Street
Grimes, Iowa 50111
Pastor Mark Schlenker
515-986-3077
stpeter@stpeterofgrimes.org
www.stpeterofgrimes.org
www.facebook.com/StPeterGrimes
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING – APRIL 8, 2021
Pastor’s Report:
• I took a week vacation after Easter with my family in Florida. I presided at the wedding of Bambi’s sister as well.
It was good to get family together.
• Worship has been going well so far in May with one service inside and one outside. Weather has been good.
• We recognized senior graduates last week at worship. Council, if you could please sign the cards for the
graduates tonight that would be great. They are on a table in the entryway.
• This Sunday we have 9 youth who will be affirming their baptism. I’m praying fervently for good weather at the
outdoor worship. But if it’s not, I know the youth will roll with it, as they’ve so wonderfully done this past year.
It’s been different, but they’ve been diligent in their participation and done an amazing job. Huge thanks to Jill
for her multiple adaptations to the program as the year went on through COVID. She did a fantastic job
keeping them engaged and growing in their faith throughout the challenging year.
• Synod Assembly is next Friday and Saturday. It is being held online again this year. Much of the basic business
of the church will take place. No bishop election like last year.
• I began coaching Ashton’s T-ball team, which will take place during May and June. Always a fun way for me to
spend time with my kids and get to know more people in the community.
Faith Formation: Jill Capps
• Affirmation of Baptism – On Wednesday, May 12th Pastor Mark and I met with the 8th grade youth and their
families. The youth shared their faith statements with the other confirmation students and families. On Sunday,
May 16th 9 8th grade students will affirm their faith at either the 9:00am or 10:00am worship services. These
youth did an amazing job adapting to all the changes over the past 15 months. The flexibility, grace, and
respect they showed through all the changes is commendable & beyond their years, we should all be proud to
have them as part of our St. Peter Family.
• Confirmation – On May 19th I will meet with 6th graders and their families for confirmation orientation. We
will discuss the confirmation program and answer any questions the youth & families have about the program.
Confirmation will resume in September following the same schedule of 5:30pm-6:30pm on Wednesday
evenings.
• Technology – Thanks to Kevin Dirks for helping to set-up Lauri’s new desktop computer. Lauri has already
noticed improved processing speed with the new computer. Thanks to Dave Brahn for his assistance in setting
up additional users on the new soundboard desktop computer. The processing speed has been noticeable and
will aid in the production of live-stream services. Thanks to Trent Ohannessian for his assistance with our email
system. Audio / Video Tech – Thanks to Rich Weiss for his willingness to learn the audio/camera system so he
can serve as a substitute when I am gone. I still hope to train a couple more people who can serve as back-ups
for vacations/illnesses. Matt Schmidt will also be trained to serve as an emergency back-up for the system as
well.
• Copyright – We have entered our copyright reporting period which lasts from April 1st through September
30th. In addition to properly displaying all copyright information during a song, we are required to send
additional information to our copyright provider including the number of times a song is played, recorded or
printed during this time period.
Youth Report: Matt Schmidt
• Middle school Youth Group twice during the month during our normal gathering times. Thanks to Pastor Mark
for leading in my absence on Wednesday, April 21st.
• High school Youth Group met four times during the month of April. We held three devotion nights on April 4th,
11th and 18th. We held a game night on Sunday, April 25th following prom.
• In April we also held our second Mission Trip meeting for our youth and chaperones. We completed our
getting to know each other activities and watched the last Mission Trip video. There has been a change in our
destination as the State of Virginia is not allowing camps this summer. We are now headed back to Copperhill,
TN. Copperhill is a great camp and we are excited to return.
• In May, we will finish out our middle school Youth Group year on the 5 th. High school Youth Group will meet
each Sunday in May, except Mother’s Day and during the Memorial Day weekend. We will also hold a Mission
Trip meeting for youth and chaperones on Sunday, May 23rd.
Stewardship
• Audit Committee follow up included considering whether Memorial, Myamba Scholarship and Assessment
funds could be allocated to CDs to earn more interest. Council agreed not to pursue changes to Myamba
accounts due to seasonal fundraising and distributing. Council discussed a plan for keeping a percentage of
Memorial funds and Assessment funds liquid and another percentage in 7 mo or 12 mo CDs. Council to review
in June to look at balances of accounts and understand any Treasurer concerns before decisions are made.
Building and Grounds
• Air Con did their semi-annual review. Compressors need some attention; possibly minor repairs. Bathroom
minor repair completed, and a maintenance weekend will be planned in June; asking for volunteers. Brian has
taken over the garden project, 12 plots available.
Education
• May 23 will be the carnival with sign up. Vacation Bible School will be led by Monica Malmberg, with 2 sessions
planned. Volunteers needed. Flyers will be passed out at parade, if St. Peter is participating this year.
Evangelism
• Farmers Market will be staffed in June/July in Grimes, possibly be a part of the parade for Governor’s Days.
Monti and Terri will be ready with fellowship time for the congregation when guidelines allow for this.
Worship and Music
• Discussed the need for volunteers, discussed the option to have the camera outside for recording (Rick
reported on this). Chime Choir is still practicing, and has new lights, tables will be ordered as well. New music is
being looked at for the Chime Choir. Emily Wells hopes to have the Vocal Choir in the Fall.
Summer Worship
• Pastor summarized inside worship services over the summer months, and the discussion that brought the
decision. There have been a large number of online views. The first Sunday of the month may involve 9am
outdoor worship with an alternative online posting for Facebook or YouTube viewers in lieu of livestream.
Pastor is trying to balance holding one 9am service with the different ways members have enjoyed
worshipping.
Nominating Committee
• 5 candidates needed for the following committees- Building and Grounds, Education, Worship & Music,
Stewardship and Executive Committee.
Prayer Ministry Team:
• The first meeting was well attended, meetings will continue; led by Mindy Morris.
New Business
• Church Council Family Ice Cream Social will be Sunday June 6th at 4pm. Bring your family for an ice cream
sundae as a thank you for your service. Yard games welcomed.
Local Mission Donation: Joppa in Des Moines
St. Peter Lutheran June Office Hours
The Church Office is open Mon. 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.; Tues. – Thurs. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Jill Capps – Faith Formation Director
Open Office Hours: Mon. 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Wed. 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.; Sun. 8:00 – 10:30 a.m.
Tues., Thurs., Sat. as needed/by appointment
Pastor Mark Schlenkers’s day off is Friday.
The 15th of each month is the deadline date for newsletter items to be
submitted to the church office. Thanks!
Dawson Assink is planning on attending Iowa
State University in the fall majoring in Civil
Engineering.
Photo credit: Nicole Baugh
Will Augsburger ships to The United States Marine Corps boot
camp at Camp Pendleton, California, on June 14th.
Photo credit: Amie Chumbley
Class
of
2021
Cody Kynion will be attending Kirkwood Community College in
Cedar Rapids studying Construction Management.
Photo credit: Jane Foreman
Connor Morrison plans to attend DMACC in Ankeny this fall for
general studies.
Photo credit:: LandryAnna Designs
Congratulations to St. Peter’s
Graduating Seniors!
May God’s presence in your life give you the confidence
and courage to live out your dreams!
Jack Owen is planning on attending UNI in
the fall. He has not yet decided his course of
study, but is looking forward to keeping his
options open. This summer he will finish his
senior year of Baseball with DCG and continue
working at Blaze Pizza in West Des Moines.
Photo credit: LandryAnna Designs
Luke Rankin will be attending Dordt University
in Sioux Center, IA this fall. He plans to major
in Business with an emphasis in finance and
statistics. Luke will also be a member of the
Dordt Men’s Basketball program and begins
summer training on June 1. Go Defenders!
Photo credit: LandryAnna Designs
Emma Wagner will be attending the University
of Nebraska Lincoln with plans to study Actuarial
Science.
Photo credit: Tim Vorland Photography
Not pictured: Parker Anderson, Sydney Anderson, Kylee Blank, Drew Clausen, Alexis Protzman, Abby
Rastetter, and Hope Warren.
You are all in our prayers as you move forward with your future plans!
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