connection

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St. Peter’s

CONNECTION VOL. 7, No. 22 June 16, 2017

Connecting the World with God’s Love

THIS ISSUE:

Finding strength in God

Teachers making a difference Find out more about our

volunteer teachers who help adults, students, and children grow in their faith.

Antiques and Art tour Senior adults are invited to sign up for this trip to visit Houston sites starting June 25 in the Lobby.

Hero Central Vacation Bible School has been an exciting experience for both children and volunteers. More than 500 child heroes and 250 hero volunteers have assembled all week to discover their hero traits in God. They have learned that God's heroes have heart, courage, wisdom, hope, and power. Through opening worship, storytime, music, missions, and more, our young heroes have fulfilled their mission of Hero Training. Our mission project for VBS was Operation Christmas Child. All week, kids brought items that will be donated to fill shoeboxes for children in need this Christmas season.

20775 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas 77450 (281) 492-8031 stpkaty.org

Host families needed for camp counselors

Thoughts on Father's Day Dear Friends, This Sunday is Father’s Day. In the traditional services, I will be preaching about the day that Abraham discovered he would be a father. Abraham and Sarah were old and did not think parenthood was possible. However,

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e our partnering with T Bar M Discover 252 Adventure Camp this summer to provide a week-long camp for children on the St. Peter’s campus. A team of college-age counselors will be a part of this camp, and we need two more host families who can give them a place to stay from July 15-22. Three to four college students of the same gender will stay at each home. The host families will provide a basic continental-style breakfast each day and dinner most nights. We need to know if you can help as soon as possible so we can plan. To serve as a host family, contact Elizabeth Bucher at [email protected].

that is exactly what happened when they had a son and named him Isaac, which means “laughter.” We also will have the opportunity to hear the Vacation Bible School children share a song in all our worship services. It will be a great day of worship and celebration.

Dr. Pat Sparks, Senior Pastor

I wondered how Father’s Day began, so I looked up the history. Here is what I found: The institution of Father’s Day is credited to a woman by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd. She wanted a special day to honor her father, Henry Jackson Smart. Her father was widowed when his wife died during the birth of their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington State. As an adult, Sonora realized the sacrifice her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. In the eyes of this daughter, he was a courageous, selfless, and loving man. In 1910, Sonora Smart Dodd started writing letters in support of a national Father’s Day observance. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson proposed that Father’s Day be proclaimed as a national day of observance. In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge endorsed the same idea. In 1926, a National Father’s Day Committee was formed in New York City. In 1956, Father’s Day was recognized by a Joint Resolution of Congress. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. And in 1972, President Richard Nixon established a per-

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manent national observance of Father’s Day to be held on the third Sunday of June. I have always been inspired by parents who show sacrificial love for

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their children. On Father’s Day, I remember the declaration of Joshua when

Elaine Saunders at

he said to the Hebrew people, “Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord,

esaunders@stpkaty. org.

choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Blessings,

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Pat

Donate blood; get a beach towel!

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ur next blood drive is July

Church Council Meeting Tuesday, June 27 7 p.m., E106

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the Scout House. You can sign up in the Lobby today or June 25 or by contacting Marsha Asplin

All church members are welcome to attend.

at [email protected]. All those who successfully donate will receive a Commit for Life beach towel. Please consider donating as blood donations are down this summer. Contact Marsha if you have questions.

Alzheimer’s Support Group

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he Alzheimer's Support Group will meet June 19 at 1:30 p.m. in S209 for a time of caring and sharing. For more information, contact Beverly Deerhake at (281) 372-8389.

Favorite Bible Verses Romans 5:3-5

Not only so, but wealso glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. This verse encourages me every day to always know that I’m walking the plan He has laid out for me, and even though there will be hills and valleys along my walk, my end destination will be great and wonderful. —Amanda McDaniel

Favorite Bible Verses Once again the summer issues of the St. Peter's Connection will feature favorite Bible verses. Please share your favorite verse along with a few sentences about why it is your favorite. Submissions can be sent to [email protected].

Prayer Quilt Ministry

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he Prayer Quilt Ministry invites anyone who is interested in helping others to join them June 21 in E221 from 9 a.m. to noon. This ministry has created more than 1,000 quilts to give to those needing comfort. The quilts are prayed over by the group before they are delivered. There are tasks for all abilities and quilting experience is not required. For more information, contact Tereasa Reimer at (281) 468-9367.

Please return your baby bottles this Sunday

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ur Baby Bottle Blessings program concludes on Father's Day, June 18. You may return your bottles with your contribution to crates located at the Information Desk in the Lobby or the entryway to The Element.

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Confirmation 2017 Antiques and Art. On July 20, the KEYS will tour the 10,000-square-foot Heights Antiques store, where you can shop for everything from fine china to cowboy boots. We will then have lunch at Luby’s Cafeteria in the Galleria. A cultural afternoon is planned at the Museum of Fine Arts, where you will take a selfguided tour to your desired areas of interest. The bus will leave St. Peter’s parking lot at 9:15 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. The cost is $10 per person plus your lunch. Payment is due at registration, which begins June 25 at the KEYS bulletin board in the Lobby. If you have questions, contact Mark and Lura Padgett at (281) 647-9555. Brown Bag Bridge. In June, for the first time ever at Brown Bag, Bea Dante and Mary Ann Drobnitch finished with a tie for high score, both raking in a whopping 7,360 points. Our next play date is July 13 at 10 a.m. in Asbury Hall.

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Former member Craig Moore shared his experiences living in Jordan during a recent presentation on the complicated situation in Syria that is resulting in millions of refugees living in countries such as Jordan. Craig talked about his wife, Loren's, work with the refugees there and also drew parallels between the issues in Syria and issues that people faced during biblical times.

Volunteers needed for prison ministry

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f you want to help the Holy Spirit work in the world, you may be interested in joining Kairos Prison Ministries to bring Christ to men in prison. Currently, Kairos is expanding its ministry at the State Prison in Richmond from one to two prison units and is looking for new volunteers willing to work for Christ. An information meeting will be held on June 27 at 7 p.m. in Asbury Hall East. Kairos leaders—men experienced in this ministry —will be on hand to tell Kairos’ story and answer your questions. Kairos is not just for men. Women are welcome to serve as well on the outside for men’s prisons and on the inside in women’s prisons. Please join us to see how the Holy Spirit is working in this ministry.

Help victims of human trafficking

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he St. Peter’s/Rescue Houston phone bank ministry continues to have an impact on fighting human trafficking. This group already has helped train and plant another Rescue Houston phone bank at Christ United Methodist Church in Sugar Land. The St. Peter’s Phone Bank will meet on July 12 and Aug. 9 from 9:3011:30 a.m. in E225. Summer schedules may afford some women who normally can’t contribute to the effort the opportunity to participate. Please join us before the next school year begins if you’re able. Contact sreastland08@ att.net for more information.

Making a difference through teaching

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ill Pierce has been teaching Disciple Bible study since 1998. He had been looking for a way to serve God and discovered that St. Peter’s had a need for teachers of adult Bible studies. He began with a teaching partner, but in 2000 the partner left and Bill’s wife, Joy, joined him, helping to organize the class. They have led several groups through the 5-year cycle for all the Disciple courses. Through their faithful service, Bill and Joy are truly helping St. Peter’s members grow in their faith.

Support our choirs at Skeeters games

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t. Peter’s choirs will be performing the National Anthem at Sugar Land Skeeters minor league baseball games this summer. The Youth Choir will sing Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. and the Chancel Choir will sing Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. We encourage everyone to come out to Constellation Field to support our choirs. Tickets are $11 per person and must be purchased by July 21 for the Aug. 1 game and by Aug. 25 for the Sept. 2 game. Contact David Galasso at [email protected] or (281) 492-8031 for tickets and information.

ST. PETER’S ATTENDANCE June 4 Traditional Worship 8:30 163 9:45 201 11:00 305 The Element 9:45 50 11:00 135 SPLASH 46 West Campus 66 West Campus Students/Kids 40 TOTAL 1,006

June 11 Traditional Worship 8:30 173 9:45 189 11:00 370 The Element 9:45 65 11:00 115 SPLASH 75 West Campus 65 West Campus Kids 42 TOTAL 1,094

In Our Prayers

PRAYERS Lyle Asplin, Marci Barnes, Jim Basham, Dennis Bowling, Gordon Buffington, Claire Cook, Lorkeshia Davis, Faunelle Deaton, Jenifer Franklin, Joe Hawkins, Art Henderson, Mike Ibarguen, Lin Johnson, Brian Jones, Oscar Jones, Lisa Leitch, Ralph Long, Ralph Lovell, Joe Mireur, Neil Pickthall, Kathy Powell, Janice Remmele, Virginia Reper, Katherine Sadowski, Fay Smith, Cheryl Swift, and Annabelle Turner. JOY To Chris and Angie Leisher on the birth of their daughter Julianne. SYMPATHY To Lamar Evans and family on the death of his wife, Diane Evans. To Cynthia Hepler and family on the death of her father, Bob Kristensen. To Beverly LaGrone and Russell LaGrone and family on the death of their mother and grandmother, Lou Moore. PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY Chris Barnes, Tim and Alison Batig, John Belsha, Will Brandt, John Buck, Jonathan Burdette, Skyler Cook, Austin Foster, Westley Freeze, James Gilbert, Tyler J. Gorcie, Dylan Greismeyer, Stephen Travis Harding, Adam Higdon, Mike Linn, Blake Nunes, Cameron Nunes, Ryan O’Quinn, Melissa Ouellette, Matthew Platz, Noah Platz, Shawn Platz, Hamilton Rencurrel, Jack Ritchie, Don Rolleg, Ben Saunders, Jacob Shinkle, John Simmons, Justin Simon, Theo Speas, Jason Steele, and Jasen Wilson.

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Still time to sign up for children's summer programs!

U.M. ARMY Vacation Bible School 2017

Family Fun Nights Lakeview Methodist Camp Sunny Days Family Vacation Bible School Register at stpkaty.org

Volunteers needed in Children's Ministries

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hildren’s Ministries is looking for volunteers to serve in a variety of areas. There is truly something for everyone: Sunday School teachers, SPLASH and SPLISH SPLASH volunteers, and helpers at one of our two Children’s Ministries desks during any of the services on Sunday. Please contact Elizabeth Bucher at [email protected] to volunteer.

Update on trip to Salzburg

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e have filled one bus and are considering securing a second bus for our visit to the cathedrals in Salzburg, Vienna, and Prague. If you are interested in this trip that will take place in the summer of 2018, please contact David Galasso as soon as possible at [email protected].

Fun for families Family Vacation Bible School

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amily Vacation Bible School, which is July 26-28, will be an opportunity for you and your family to learn what it means to be a Super Family that follows God and Christ. Each night we will focus on virtues that make a regular family a Super Family: love, forgiveness, prayer, and fun. Family VBS is for all ages of children with their parents/grandparents. Nursery is available if requested during registration. Cost is $50 per family, which covers dinner, activities, games, and materials. Register at stpkaty. org. For information, contact Whitney Peper at [email protected].

Family Fun Nights

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amily Fun Nights offer a fun night out with your family on the first Sunday of the month this summer. Each month will have a different theme with exciting games and activities for all ages. Cost is $20 per family and includes dinner. Our next Family Fun Night is July 2 from 6-8 p.m. To register, visit stpkaty.org or contact Director of Children’s Ministries Elizabeth Bucher at (281) 492-8031.

Daily Bible Reading June 19 – 25 MONDAY Genesis 21:8-21 TUESDAY Jeremiah 20:7-13 WEDNESDAY Romans 6:1-11 THURSDAY Matthew 10:24-39 FRIDAY Genesis 18:1-8 SATURDAY Psalm 133 SUNDAY 1 Peter 4:7-11 June 26 – July 2 MONDAY Genesis 22:1-14 TUESDAY Jeremiah 28:5-9 WEDNESDAY Romans 6:12-23 THURSDAY

Matthew 10:40-42 FRIDAY Ecclesiates 1:12-18 SATURDAY 1 Timothy 3:14-16 SUNDAY Proverbs 8:1-21

"Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath"

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ne of the greatest challenges among women in our culture is taking time to stop from all our activities and busyness and just breathe. By neglecting time for tranquility, serenity, and repose, we limit our Christlikeness and miss out on some of God’s greatest gifts. It is time for us to breathe and build margin into our lives for God. Please join us for the study “Breathe: Making Room for Sabbath” by Priscilla Shirer meeting Fridays beginning June 23 at 10 a.m. in S201. Register at stpkaty.org. Reservations for child care can be made at registration. Study books are $10 and can be purchased at LifeWay. Please bring your book to the first class.

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S u nday Worship 8:30 a.m.

Traditional Worship with Holy Communion

9:45 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship Sunday School for All Ages

10:30 a.m.

St. Peter’s West Campus at Cinco Ranch High School

11:00 a.m.

Traditional Worship The Element Contemporary Worship SPLASH Children’s Worship Sunday School for Adults

St. Peter’s Events Calendar Sunday, June 18 4:00 p.m.

Cancer Support Group

S205

1:30 p.m.

Alzheimer's Support Group

S209

6:00 p.m.

Adoption Support Group

S201

7:00 p.m.

Trustees

Conference Room

Monday, June 19

Wednesday, June 21 9:00 a.m.

Prayer Quilt Ministry

E221

"Breathe" Bible Study

S201

Monday, June 26 9:00 a.m.

is for families thinking of

adopting, in the process of

Church Council

pleted adoptions. It is designed to uplift, support, and encourage families who have been led by God to adopt a child or

Cooking With Friends begins

children.

Tuesday, June 27 1:00 p.m.

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he Adoption Support Group

adopting, or who have com-

Friday, June 23 10:00 a.m.

Adoption Support Group

E106

We will meet June 19 at 6 p.m. in S201. For more informa-

Friday, June 30 10:00 a.m.

"Breathe" Bible Study

S201

tion, please contact Whitney

6:00 p.m.

Friday Night Friends

E221

Peper at [email protected].

Detailed weekly calendars of St. Peter’s events are available on our website.