The RockAUGUST 2011

VOLUME 22 ISSUE 8

If you no longer wish to receive The Rock, please call the Church office at 793.5712, ext. 10.

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St. Peter’s United Methodist Church12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd.Wellington, FL. 33414 Phone: 561.793.5712 Fax: 561.793.5848 www.stpeters-umc.org

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St. Peter’s United Methodist Church

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church ~ 12200 W. Forest Hill Blvd. ~ Wellington, FL. 33414

The Rock

REV. DR. RAINER RICHTER

“From the Pastor’s Desk”

Jesus never said at the end of one of his sermons or teachings, “Do you agree?” Rather, what he said was “Follow me.” Christianity (the ability to believe “You are the Christ”) is more than a philosophy of life. Christianity is a way of life. If we confess that Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God, as much of God as we ever hope to see, then we must conform to Christ. In other words, if we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, then we must live as if he is the Messiah. We must not only believe he is the Christ, we must obey Christ as if he were the Christ, the Son of God.

If we believe that Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of God” (as Peter confessed), then what difference does it make in how we live? Charles Colson was a powerful man, assistant to the President. Obedient to President Nixon, Colson did some terrible things against the people of the United States. Then he got caught, went to prison, and there had his life turned around. He became a sure, certain believer. But maybe even more impressive than that, Colson became a vibrant, engaged, courageous “obeyer.” He began the world-wide Prison Fellowship that goes into prisons and reaches peo-ple for Jesus Christ. In short, he not only believed in Jesus but followed Jesus.

Sometimes I fear that we’ve become a group of religious people who be-lieve similar facts about Jesus but are not necessarily following Jesus. This is why events like our “One Great Day of Service” are so crucial. It helps us put shoe leather to our faith. Someone has said that “if you really want to know what someone believes about something don’t pay attention to what they say – pay attention to what they do.” On Saturday, September 17th, we as a congregation have the opportunity to let our actions do our speaking regarding our faith. It is my hope and prayer that many of us will commit to be involved in some act of service for Christ in our community on that day. Sometimes actions speak louder than words and random acts of kind-ness become practical demonstrations of God’s love for others.

Grace & peace,

CELEBRATING TOGETHER AS THE BODY OF CHRIST AT ST. PETER’S

ARE YOU AN EARLY RISER?Once a month we need help with the Angel Food Distribution Day, especially during the summer months. For early risers; meet at the church at 6AM to drive the van down to the old Goodwill Warehouse on Old Okeechobee and pick up the order, bring it back and help unload it at the church. For really early risers; be at the warehouse at 5AM to 7AM to help unload the Angel Food trucks and help with the counting and checkout of other sites. The 2011 remaining Distribution Days are : August 27, September 24, October 29, November 19 and December 17. Call Barbara Johnston at 798-2058 if you can help any month.

STRETCH YOUR FOOD DOLLARS WITH

ANGEL FOOD MINISTRIES Angel Food Ministries did a price compari-son across 10 samples cities in May. Aver-age savings on the B1 - Bread of Life Box is $39 and on the B3 - Bountiful Blessing Box is $49! With food prices rapidly rising, check out the August Angel Foods menu at www.angelfoodministries.com. It’s a great way to save money on food!

ANGEL FOOD DONATIONS NEEDED

Every month we donate $35 Bread of Life Boxes to those in need in our congregation and neighborhood. You can make a check out to St. Peter’s, marking the memo sec-tion “Angel Food”, and put it in the offering plate. Or, if you’d like to make a cash dona-tion, you can bring it to our table in the plaza. Thank you.

I cannot begin to say thank you enough for all the cards, calls, visits, flowers, candy and prayers that I received since my hip surgery in May. I feel so loved and cared for by my church family.Blessing to you all,

Thanks Again,Robin O’Larte

Just a note to let you know I’m trying to “settle” in to my new life here in Virginia. I’m enjoying the cool weather right now but they tell me that will change soon. Already miss all of you there at St. Peter’s and know that I will have to adjust to my new lifestyle. Just know that I will always miss all of you and love you for making my life so wonder-ful while I was living there in Florida.

Love Always,Ruth Tillman

Many thanks to my St. Peter’s church family for all the cards, emails, gifts, and caring words after the passing of my husband Howard Morris. Spe-cial thanks to the Chancel Choir for the flowers on the altar in memory of Howard.Sally Morris

I would like to thank Christine, Bill Brennen, and all the fanstantic youth who came to my home to fight bugs, fire ants, poison ivy, rain, stickers, dirt, etc. to help me with my overgrown jungle. I appre-ciate the polite youth who worked the hot humid summer heat with out a single negative comment. No only did they make my yard look a great deal better but they gave me a fun filled day. Tinsel, Zoe, and Nutmeg also enjoyed their company and would like them to return any time. Thanks again St. Peter’s youth and the great director.

Barb Otto

by Pat Banks Our summer campers have really enjoyed their time here. Some of the classes have taken a tour around the world stopping in Japan, Mexico, Italy, Pacific Islands, deserts and rainforests. The 3’s have learned about different ways to travel, about animals that hop and jump. Thank you to our wonderful Summer Camp Staff: Miss Traci, Miss Debbie, Miss Lori, Miss Mi-chelle, Miss Pam, Miss Jennifer, Miss Ashley and Miss Pat. We will begin preparation for the coming school year this month. We do still have limited openings for the 3 and 4-year-old classes. If you know anyone who might be in-terested please have them call Pat at 798-3286. At the present time we are still accepting ap-plications for the following position: Music Teacher part time Thursday & Friday. Please call the school office if you are interested in this position.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR THE START OF

SCHOOL ARE AS FOLLOWS:

Open House VPK Classes Aug.19th 9:00 to 10:00Open House for those attending school on Tues/Thur Aug. 23 9:00 to 10:00 Open House for those attending school on M-W-F August. 24 9:00 to 10:00, 1:00 to 2:00 for the afternoon class Enjoy the remainder of your summer.

By Joseph FarrarAugust is here and lots of our mu-sic groups are going to be starting to meet again after the Summer break. But not before we have our 3rd An-nual MMAD Week. MMAD week is a half day fine arts camp for rising 4th graders (and maybe some ambitious rising 3rd graders) right up through high school youth age. We will pres-ent a one act musical at the end of the week on Friday at 7:00. Check your bulletin for the sign up form. If you like to sing, dance, act, or paint/draw, don’t forget to sign up. There’s a fee of $50 for the week to cover supplies and snacks.Children’s Choirs will be starting back up. The leaders for this year which are myself, Mary Hubbard and Annaleah Morrow are meeting soon to establish the date and time, but we’ll be getting that information out very soon.Chancel Choir will be resuming it’s rehearsals on August 10th at 7:00 in the sanctuary and believe it or not the Christmas Choir will begin rehearsals for “The Nativity Experience” at 8:00 on August 31.

Prayer Corner

Methodists have

“The Upper Room

Living Prayer Center”

prayer ministry with a

24-hr, toll-free

Prayer Line at: 1-800-251-2468

Here at St. Peter’s we have an

intercessory prayer group called the

“Pathway to God Prayer Team.”please email Nancy Benyon

at Snmma@aol.com

HELLO SUPPORTERS OF OUR GLOBAL

INTERFAITH PROGRAM

Although Equal Exchange has had to have some price increases in the coffee and tea products, we (St. Peter’s congregation) are doing everything we can to to continue our support of small farmers by maintain-ing our cost to you. On April 1, Equal Ex-change had to make a decision to increase the cost of their products to us plus charge us for shipping. Why are prices going up? Global warming, climate change, demand for organic products, fairly traded coffee, and middlemen. However, the price to you for Equal Exchange Coffee and tea, at St. Peter’s, remains $7 per bag of coffee and all teas are $3 -- still.The farmers depend on us. They appreciate your support. Join us for a cup of Justice. Visit with us on Sunday mornings.

THE COUNSELING CENTER NEEDS YOUR HELP

Imagine the satisfaction you could feel from of-fering your time to do the Lord’s work by volun-teering with the Community Christian Counseling Center’s annual fundraiser. We need people to help us in the next 4 months in picking up items, data entry, and soliciting items for auction.

We need DONATIONS OF ITEMS to put in our online auction and SPONSORSHIPS from compa-nies and/or individuals. This is a fantastic way to advertise your business and help a worthy cause. You could be listed on our online auction page with Bidding for Good that reaches a minimum of 220,000 bidders across the U.S.

Proceeds from the auction will be used to pro-vide subsidy funds for professional counseling services to those in need, especially women and children, that cannot afford even the lowest fee on our sliding fee scale. We are the only agency in Palm Beach County that provides scholarship funds for those in need below the level of a sliding fee scale.

For more information contact: Ann Lewis 561-373-2347, somethingspecial1144@yahoo.comOR Sheryl Beach 561-7907225, sherylbeach@earthlink.net

2011 MEN’S RETREAT

AT LEESBURGMake plans now to attend the 2011 Men’s Retreat at the Life Enrichment Center in Leesburg Octo-ber 21-23. Cost for the event is $149 and includes room and meals. We leave on Friday and return on Sunday afternoon. Event features inspirational speakers and breakout sessions with plenty of free time for golf, fishing, or just relaxing. All that’s due at this point is your commitment to go so a room can be reserved for you. Call Steve Jilek 253-4543 or Rev. Richter 793-5712, ext. 11 for more information or go to the Men’s website : www.ummflconf.org.

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ADULT MINISTRIESby Rachel Lever

CHURCH PICNIC ~

A GREAT TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!Many, many thanks to each of you who attended the church picnic on July 3! We were blessed with beautiful weather, great food, and wonderful fellowship. I am so pleased that several of our new members joined us for this event.Kudos to Ed Shaffer for planning the food! He invested an enormous amount of time and energy in making sure that we had a delicious picnic lunch. The following per-sons worked with Ed:Food prep:- Fred Hickerson (baked beans!) - Renee Shaffer (cup cakes!) Vehicles; set up; serving; clean up:- Bozena and Keith Barkley - Rosalie Gill- Patricia McGregor- Carol Patton- Joe and Beth SmallingSpecial thanks to Julia and Jeff Noll for providing the bounce house. For three hours, it was a very popular spot for the children!

WOMEN OF FAITH CONFERENCERegistration deadline: August 15Conference dates: October 28-29

A personal testimony: I have been to many retreats. In fact, I’ve even planned retreats for youth, single adults, and women. However, the Women of Faith experience is totally unique! You can sense the energy and the excite-ment as soon as you enter the BankAtlantic Center. The speakers are down-to-earth, and their messages are filled with humor. The music and drama are truly inspiring. I highly recommend this event!

The cost of the conference is $89.00. Please send your check, made payable to Women of Faith, to Rachel Lever. We will carpool to Fort Lauderdale. Rooms have been reserved at Hampton Inn for those who want to spend the night.

PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDYWHY? Making Sense of God’s Will

Begins Mid-SeptemberEach Wednesday PM, 7:00 PM

In his book, WHY? Making Sense of God’s Will, best-selling author, Adam Hamilton, brings fresh insight to the age-old question of how to under-stand the will of God. Rejecting simplistic an-swers and unexamined assumptions, Hamilton addresses how we can comprehend God’s plan for the world and ourselves.For six weeks this fall, Rainer Richter will lead a study of Hamilton’s book. The following topics will be covered:

- Why Do the Innocent Suffer?- Why Do My Prayers Go Unanswered?- Why Can’t I See God’s Will for My Life?- Why God’s Love Prevails

The cost of the book is $6.00. Call Rachel Lever, 793-5712, ext. 21, or email, rlever@stpeters-umc.org, if you would like to participate in this class.

NEW MEMBER ORIENTATION

Begins Sunday, September 18Continues September 25, October 2, October 9

The New Member Orientation Class gives partici-pants an opportunity to meet the ministers; hear about St. Peter’s; learn what makes United Meth-odism distinctive among Christian denominations; discover one’s spiritual gifts and ways to use them in service to others; and more!

The September 18 session will begin at 3:00 PM. The three remaining sessions will begin at 11:00 AM. To register for the class, call Rachel Lever, 793-5712, ext. 21, or email, rlever@stpeters-umc.org.

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS: Megan Herrick, Daniel Farly, Jhanelle Bisasor, Hannah O’Connor, Aminah James, Elizabeth McCown, Natasha Salapek, Hunter McCabe, Sean Connolly, Kaden Connolly, Heather McGarity, Cameron Jones, Brittney Oh, Alexei Salopek, Daniel Rivera, Vanessa Rivera, John Yackulics, Tyler Moak, Taylor Yackulics, Miranda Pace, Molly Lasko, Mitchell Albright, David Hausmann, Bennett Aikey, Anthony DeCario, Amanda Hausmann, Lauren Alvarez, Michael Materdomini, Kerry Castor, Jilian Tortorella, Brianne Corrado, Danielle Corrado, Jessica Gabriel, Nina Laureano, Elisabeth Turrens, Sarah Manuel, Anthony Bevacqua, Brandon DesJardins, Daitlin DesJardins, Dylan Race, Savannah Race, Kara Flanders, Lauren Olevitch, Ashlyn Johston, Morgaan Jessell, Allie Terry, Enzo Lerer, Alison Munden, Nina Laureano, Vanessa Hotchkiss.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDEDWe are in the process of recruiting volunteers for Children’s Ministries for the fall and spring. If you have a desire to serve God through our children please contact me. We have a need in the following areas:

SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS: 3 year old Class, 4 year old Class, 3rd GradePUMPKIN PATCH: Scarecrow, Puppet Show, Pumpkin Bread BakerUPWARD BASKETBALL/CHEERLEADING: Referee Commissioner, Photo Coordinator, Award Ceremony Coordinator, CoachesWEDNESDAY NIGHT PROGRAMS:Volunteers, TeachersTEAMKIDS: Teamkid Event Coordinator, Snack Dinner Coordinators, Volunteers

SUNDAY SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT: 5TH GRADE

As part of the 5th Grade Memorial Day lesson, their class wrote letters and made cards to send to the military through an organization call “A Million Thanks”. Each student signed their first name only and are anxiously waiting for responses.

HOMETOWN NAZARETH

“Where Jesus Was a Kid”Vacation Bible School was a huge success!

Three hundred children learned, from Mary, what life was like for Jesus when

he was a child.Many Thanks to the Following Volunteers:

DECORATIONS & SET UP: Julie & Dale Hausman, Joy & Larry Johnson, Gretchen Delagrange, Stella Thompson and Sharon Lasko.

TEACHER COORDINATOR: Susan CastilloSNACKS: Becky Terry, Monica Longo, Lori NovackCRAFTS: Becca Fihe, Julie Hausman, Caryle Westervelt

YOUTH COORDINATOR: Garret RochaGAMES: Garret RochaMUSIC: Joseph FarrarADMINISTRATIVE: Anne MillerDRAMA COORDINATOR: Mary Hubbard

ACTORS: Madeline White, Isabelle Longo, David Johnson, Bennett Aikey, Garrett Rocha, London Walker, Maison White, Nichole Brennan, Rebekah Manuel, Samantha Davisson

TEACHERS: Judy Palma, Kayla Palma, Beau Petersen, Melissa Perry, Megan Perry, Monica Longo, Abby Yuzenas, Megan Keiser, Jeannie Robbins, Jennifer Dalman, Haley Jones, Tiffany Dalie, LaDona Alvarez, Cara McDermott, Jill Wyland, Christine Oien, Sharon Lasko, Lori Maxwell, Sheri Aikey, Tammy Manuel, Rebekah Manuel, Suzette Hale, John Donohue, Kim Toohey

YOUTH VOLUNTEERS: Cassie McClanahan, Alexis McClanahan, Jessica Taylor, Erin Davisson, Brett Petersen, Alyson Moak, Bennett Aikey, Kaden Connolly, Carsen Jessell, Sean Connolly, Sheridan Aikey, Brittney Oh, Sophie Keiser, Bailey Pignato, Tara Larson, Haley Larson, David Johnson, Reese Albright, Patrick Palma,

Contact Information: Website: stpeters-umc.org Phone: 561-793-5712 Fax: 561-793-5848

Senior Pastor: Dr. Rainer G. Richter, Ext. 11 Rrichter@stpeters-umc.org

Assistant to Pastor: Rev. Rachel Lever, Ext. 21 Rlever@stpeters-umc.org Director of Music: Joseph Farrar, Ext. 30 Jfarrar@stpeters-umc.org

Director of Youth Ministry: Christine Oien, Ext. 32

Coien@stpeters-umc.org

Director of Children’s Ministry: Shelly Albright, Ext. 29 Salbright@stpeters-umc.org Director of CEC: Pat Banks, Ext. 17 Pbanks@stpeters-umc.org CEC Assistant: Pam Fleming Ext. 16

Secretary: Debbie Ferrugio, Ext. 13 Dferrugio@stpeters-umc.org Organist: Barbara Thompson Custodian: Ana Solis Our Missionaries: Russia Carol & George Steele Zambia Lorraine Enright Chosen People Ministries Boris & Irina Goldin Romania Sarah Davis, Walter WIlliams Light in the East Eitan & Kaitlin Bar Our Sister Church in Cuba Iglesia Metodista de Puerta de Golpe

OUR CHURCH MINISTRY TEAM

CARRYING THE LIGHT OF THE LORD 8:00 11:00

August 7 Corrine Westervelt Brett Petersen

August 14 Jessica Gabriel Brittany Brennan

August 21 Isabelle Alvarez Billy Gabriel

August 28 Quentin Weber Leah Sodergren

If you cannot make your scheduled time slot please call someone else on the list and call the chuch office and let them know.

GOD’S R.E.I.G.N. FOREST

Reaching Every Infant’s Greatest Need! The nursery IS GROWING! We are in need of additional help-ers in the nursery! Please consider holding a baby once a month while their parents worship with St. Peter’s. Whether it be once a month or as a substitute, I would love to talk to you!

9:30 11:00August 7 Leigh or Gary Keaton Amber OwenAugust 14 Sue Olevitch Stella ThompsonAugust 21 Loretta Hooker Assistant NeededAugust 28 Amy Lamboy Val Harrison

Swing on into God’s Reign Forest and join us on some wild adventures. Each Sunday brings a new memory and amaz-ing joy for everyone. I am looking for loving adults who would like to commit to one Sunday a month to help in the nursery. Please contact me if you would like more information. Jennifer Klinkowitz 795~8908

YOUTH EVENTSIt has been a blessed summer so far! The highlights have definitely been the mission trips. Both the middle school and the high school youth felt the presence of God as they served communities in the name of Jesus. All parents of youth who attended should be very proud of how God was at work in and through their child!

The middle school youth went to Orlando where we partnered with IMPACT. We were the only church there so our group of 25 was really able to build and strengthen relationships with each other. We split into two teams and tackled painting two houses. At night we enjoyed worship and hearing a sermon series on the “Three Trees.” It was a very hot week, but the youth did a great job working and having fun while doing it. Thank you to John Tamsberg, Paul Oien, LaDona Alvarez, and Karen Korner for being leaders this week!

The high school youth went to Knoxville, TN where we partnered with World Changers. This trip filled up with 300 youth by February. Our group of 38 was divided and put into crews with others from various churches. This trip was very labor intensive! Crews built porches, wheelchair ramps, tore off and re-shingled roofs, and all this began by 7am! Many crews were able to connect with whom they were serving on a personal level, making the experience all the more meaningful. At night we worshipped and listened to a series about “Unless.” Thank you to Mark Forrest, Paul Oien, Brett Beckwith, Elaine Beckwith, Pam Yackulics, Mary Moore, Betsy Keiser, Peggy Larson, and Ava Sue Hickerson for making this trip possible with your leadership!

DATES IN AUGUST:Wednesday, 3rd- (Bring Your Own Toppings) Waffle and Movie Party It’s $3 from 8pm-MidnightThursday, 4th- High School Volleyball at 6pmFriday-Sunday, 5th-7th- Girls Chrysalis FlightSunday, 7th- Regular Youth, RSVP and $ due for Marlins Game! Monday-Friday, 8th-12th- MADD Week with JosephWednesday, 10th- Marlins Game @ 7:10Thursday, 11th- High School Volleyball at 6pmSunday, 14th- Sunday School Teacher Training Noon-3, Regular YouthTuesday, 16th- Beach Day, Noon-5 bring snacks and $ for RitasWednesday, 17th- High School His House Orphanage tripThursday, 18th- High School Volleyball 6pmSunday, 21st- PROMOTION SUNDAY! All grades move up in Sunday School and Youth! Welcome Fiestas during Regular Youth!!!Sunday, 28th- Regular Youth