FEBRUARY/MARCH

NEWSLETTER

From the Pastor’s Desk “O come, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set

before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”.

(Heb. 12:2)

When the characters in the Passion narrative look at Jesus, what do they see? In most cases, people

misunderstood who He is and what He was doing. In some cases, by faith, people recognized Him aright. Our Lenten

series this year, based on the Gospel according to St. Mark, will examine how the various people around Jesus

viewed Him—and how we should view Him. We will “fix our eyes” on what Jesus has done to save us from our sins

by His holy, precious blood and innocent sufferings and death, and celebrate what God sees on account of His work:

our justification for His sake.

On Ash Wednesday, we will see how, in spite of Jesus’ repeated predictions about His upcoming Passion, the

disciples with “Misjudging Eyes” fail to recognize that soon He will not be with them, and they cannot see the

anonymous woman’s anointing of Jesus as preparation for His burial. But Jesus sees her actions as a beautiful deed

that will be proclaimed throughout the world wherever the Gospel is heard.

At our midweek service after the 1st Sunday of Lent, we will look through Judas’s “Betraying Eyes” and learn

why he did this awful deed. Yet the behind-the-scenes-reality is that Jesus was “handed over” (another way of

translating the verb for “betray”) by God the Father Himself, so that Jesus could die for the sin of the world.

“Sleepy Eyes” is the theme for the 2nd

week of Lent. In Gethsemane, Jesus’ inner circle of Peter, James, and John

cannot keep their eyes open to watch and pray with Jesus for even an hour, while Jesus comes to see that His Father’s

will is that He drink the cup of God’s wrath when He comes to the “hour” of His suffering.

In the 3rd

week of Lent, we stare into the “Denying Eyes” of Peter and the other apostles. They couldn’t see how

they could ever fall away from Jesus, but after Jesus is betrayed by Judas, ten of them flee, and Peter—when he is

spotted by a servant girl and sees that his own neck is on the line—denies Jesus, which leads to his own eyes

weeping in remorse. We sinners likewise deny our Lord in many ways, but Jesus denied Himself to take up the cross

for our salvation.

“Murderous Eyes” is the theme of week 4 in Lent. The chief priests and scribes saw Jesus as an obstacle to be rid

of by murdering Him through the Roman judicial system. Yet during the Passover festival, they would unwittingly

bring about the Father’s sacrifice of the ultimate Passover Lamb.

In the 5th week of Lent, we look through the “Worldly Eyes” of Pilate, the Jewish leaders, and the Roman

soldiers. Pilate only views matters in a worldly, pragmatic way, wishing to placate the Jewish leaders and crowd, so

he consents to hand Jesus over for crucifixion. The soldiers see the opposite of a worldly king, but their ironic hailing

of Him as “King of the Jews” proclaims who He really is. The world looks for power and glory; God’s way is

suffering and the cross.

On Maundy Thursday, there is “More Than Meets the Eye” to the Lord’s Supper. We will look into the Old

Testament background of the Last Supper and rejoice in the mystery that Jesus, in and with, bread and wine, gives us

His body and blood in order to deliver to us the benefits of His Passion.

On Good Friday, we look through “God’s Eyes” to see what is happening during the Passion: the once-for-all

atonement for the sin of the whole world and the justification of all sinners on Easter.

“Resting Eyes” is the theme for Holy Saturday. Various disciples rested their eyes upon the dead Jesus, cared for

His body, and buried it. As Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses rest their eyes upon the sealed tomb and

contemplate further anointing of His body the next day, they cannot see that Jesus’ own eyes are merely resting

temporarily, and Easter morning will bring a dramatic reversal.

Finally, Easter Sunday gazes upon “Angel Eyes.” The angel in the tomb knows the whole story of Jesus’

resurrection. When he sees the women, he proclaims the Gospel to them, shows them where Jesus’ body had

formerly lain, and tells them that they can see Jesus themselves in Galilee. Likewise, the “angels” or messengers of

the Church in the apostolic ministry tell God’s people where they can find Jesus and His salvation in the Means of

Grace.

Eyes on Jesus will continuously focus our eyes on Jesus Christ and Him crucified, buried, and risen for our

justification. This is a vision that will never disappoint, for by trusting in Jesus, He promises that we will gaze upon

His beautiful face now by faith and forever in heaven! In Christ,Pastor Mark R. Drews

NEW Sunday School Class for Women

February 23 – March 29

A New Song: All of Your Wonderful Deeds

This Bible study will encourage and uplift you with stories – faith

narratives – based on biblical psalms and written by real women

facing real-life issues. Each of these women share their stories of

finding help, encouragement, and direction for her life from God’s

Word.

We are blessed to have Stephanie Fidler leading this six-week

class which will be Sundays at 9:30 a.m. in Room 106. There will be

refreshments to enjoy, as well as babysitting for your children

under the age of three who aren’t quite old enough to attend

Sunday School.

Books will be available to share during class and will also be

available to purchase at the class for $10.00 if you would like your

own book. You can also sign-up on the bulletin board to pre-order a

book.

Please make plans to join us and bring a friend!

Save the Date:

Mary/Martha Ladies Bus Trip:

On October 24th, Mary/Martha will be sponsoring a bus trip to

the Iowa City Outlet Mall. There will be a sign-up sheet in

August/September. No Children under 13.

The cost will be $20 per person.

We will be having a prayer vigil on February 19th 2-6pm. Please put your list of prayers in the prayer box in the back of the church.

Good Samaritan will NOT meet in February. The next

meeting will be held on March 10th.

From Hilda Strobel:

As announced the offering envelopes have been delayed due to printing issues.

They will not arrive until March. Questions please call me at (309) 694-7115.

Thank you

Becca Ferro is our Contemporary Music Coordinator. If you are

interested in singing, playing an instrument or managing technology at the late

service please contact Becca at 309-863-0560 or see her after church service.

CONNECT NEWS

Connect meet each Wednesday evening from 6-7:30 p.m. Grades 3-5 meet as the Kids of

Christ group for Christian education, crafts, and activities. Grades 6-8 meet for

confirmation classes. Music is also included, as well as field trips, speakers, and service

projects. We are looking forward to seeing all 3rd – 8th graders! Questions? Please contact

Pam Nelson.

Connect families donated and wrapped gifts for 2 under privileged families in December. Items

were delivered with both families expressing extreme gratitude.

JOIN US FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL!

Every Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. for PreK – Adults

Do you know the children’s Sunday School opening has a new home?

Openings are now held in the Education Office

at the end of the balcony corridor above the multi-purpose room.

Connect will be having a bake sale the weekend of March 7-8. Please come and buy a lot of goodies to support Connect youth.

Please send a birthday greeting to our shut-in members on their special day!

February 2 Eldon Schoedel 4444 N Knoxville #307, Peoria IL 61614 February 17 Cathy McKenna 102 W Autumn Ln, East Peoria IL 61611 February 22 Beth Reinholdt Sharon Healthcare Woods, 3223 W Richwoods Blvd., Peoria IL 61604 March 3 Don Theobold 225 Maria, East Peoria IL 61611 March 5 Aleene Geier 1116 Springfield Rd, East Poeria IL 61611 March 9 Denise Zimmerman 926 Main St., Apt 812, Peoria IL 61602 March 26 Ruth Dippel 129 Sun Valley Ct, East Peoria IL 61611

*KEEP THOSE HOSPITALIZED OR WITH IMMEDIATE MEDICAL NEEDS IN OUR PRAYERS: Eldon Schoedel, Lori Gunther, Mike Sutton, E.J. Eberle, Dave brother of Julie Parlier, Marjorie Cutright Aunt of Les Newton, Ashley Howard-granddaughter of Dennis and Ruby Lindo, Nicole (VanBrooker) Sager, Jim brain cancer, Augie Eble friend of Paula Smart, Larry Howerter-Debbie Inman’s brother, Nicholas Faichney grandson of Sandra Ragon, Harold Boe, Katie Bucio neck tumors, Frank & Margaret Horvath, Pat Walker, Shana Petrucci-Tom Magnusson’s niece diagnosed with MS., Marlene Nimmo, Pat Forquer friend of Nancy Schoedel, Eric Riley-son in law of Gordon Pullen, Michael health issues, Dr.Bruce Mathes cancer, Jack Bollinger friend of the Visocky’s, Beryl Forman Friend of Karen Visocky Lung cancer, Cindy Johnson’s daughter and grandaughter Julie Williams & Jaida please pray for healing, Don Theobald, Ruth Bohannon lung cancer sister of Colleen Dearman, Bob Kennedy, Cheryl renal failure, Phil Hess, Susie Davis friend of the Dusseau’s, Michael Shackelford-Michael Inmans grandfather, Aleene Geier, Julie Parlier, Lillian Davis, Flora Diffie. If you have additions or changes to the prayer list please email to marsha@stpeters-epil.com or put in the offering plate. Thank you.

FOR THOSE IN THE MILITARY AND THOSE SERVING IN HARM’S WAY!

Andrew Benedict, Jereme Martin, Brady Martin, Jake Gunther, Michael Lewis, David Masters, Trent Barron, Magnus Moeller. Lauren Tranchitella (Kuwait), Nick Barth, Traci Knott, Cody Margetis all deployed to the Middle East.

mailto:marsha@stpeters-epil.comhttp://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj8g5yvgNbaAhWE5oMKHdeQBfkQjRx6BAgAEAU&url=http://www.clipartpanda.com/clipart_images/prayer-request-clipart-62546315&psig=AOvVaw0FSMJ3CtjeY1MMx0khpKcr&ust=1524765521198540

MATURING DISCIPLES:

**SUNDAY A.M., Sunday Classes continue each Sunday, from 9:30-10:30 A.M. in The LOWER LEVEL. **TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS: Classes gather each Tuesday, in the lower level from 10:00-11:30.

MISSIONS/KYRIE “HEARTS AND HOPE FOR UGANDA (HH4U)

1. Keep the aluminum cans coming. 2. LOVE PACKAGES: Missions is collecting used Bibles and used Christian materials

to send to Love packages. A box is located in the narthex to collect these items

We are in need of Ushers for the 10:45 service. If you are interested

please call the church office, Jerry Mallicoat or an Elder. Thank you

Ash Wednesday service will be on February 26th at 7:00pm

Church Classified from our Members------ 2020

Kristin Anderson (645-7142) Piano lessons in my home children & adults. Given in my home Germantown Hills Magnusson Construction Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Mastic: Replacement Windows & Siding Alexandria Lamprecht (309)439-9169 Tom Magnusson, E Peoria, Il. (309) 694-7831

Ron’s Carpets Avon-Karla Janicke Sales & Service. Free Estimates Your Avon Representative Carol Hayse, John Vollrath 674-3338 Phone (309) 382-0076 1003 NE Adams, Peoria, Il

Energy Savings Becca Ferro-Artistic Hair Design A poorly insulated home 2914 Court St. Pekin (Sunset Plaza) Can cost up to 70% more to Operate Ph: 309-863-0560 Don Meyer—AAA Insulation 698-0062

Cindy Miller, Crafts Tippy Creek Hand Made Embroidery and Crochet Items Raw (local) Honey and Honey infused soap Cell..(309)472-2161 contact Pam Nelson 309-370-7271 or

Rob Preston 309-657-5692 or TippyCreek.com

Genie In A Bottle Cleaning Service Leslie Cody (309) 453-3728 & Trish Woodward (309) 660-3652 LipSense by SeneGence Visit Facebook Page: My Lips Are Sealed Crystal Kilgus - Independent Distributor Place Orders at LipLocked@yahoo.com http://www.SeneGence.com Free Shipping on Orders over $50

St. Peter’s Church is a covenant congregation member of Lutheran Senior Ministries and a Supporting

partner of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. We are affiliated with Christ Lutheran School, 1311 S

Faraday Ave. Peoria, Il. 61605. Phone: 637-1512

Office Phone: 309-699-5411 Pastor Mark Drews cell: 701.390.6073

Secretary, Marsha Roberts (309) 349-2626-marsha@stpeters-epil.com Website & Facebook: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, East Peoria

www.stpeters-epil.com

mailto:LipLocked@yahoo.comhttp://www.senegence.com/mailto:349-2626-marsha@stpeters-epil.com