Pieces of the Rock
Quest for His Kingdom
Matthew 6:33
Parents,

For some reason this week I have been thinking quite a bit about the idea of a ripple effect. The ripple effect when you get up early at the lake and throw a stone out into the untouched water. As the small waves move out from that point you can easily see the ripple effect that a single event can have on its surroundings. 

Each day there are opportunities for us to explore what type of ripple we are having on the people around us. As we interact with people on a daily basis, are we spreading love? Are we showing others through our actions that we serve a Lord that laid his life down for us? Are we making sure that those around us are taken care of and their needs are met before our own? Or do we do what the world would tell us, which is to focus on ourselves and what is best for us first and focus on others after that? 

The Lord gave us directions through Paul in Philippians 2:3 ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.’ Mind you, Paul wrote this while in prison in Rome. In prison the Lord still spoke through Paul. Despite his circumstances, Paul was still able to put others before himself. Paul knew where he was going, heaven. We know where we are going, heaven. Not by our own work but simply by the grace of God. 

My encouragement to you this week is this, consider your ripple effect. This message is so counter-culture but for that reason is all the more important. Culture will tell you to focus on yourself. As Christians we should constantly consider, are we pointing people to or away from the cross through our actions? Paul was different. So different that he was put into jail. People knew he was a follower of Christ without a shadow of a doubt. If someone were to look at us can they say the same thing? Allow Him to use you to create a school and church community here at Saint Peter's that radiate His love. Allow the Lord to let the ripple that follows your actions point people to Christ each and every day! Have a great weekend!

In Him, 

Chris Brune
Weekly Updates & Reminders
Thank you, Mrs. Kidd!
Our beloved Preschool Director, Mrs. Kidd, is spending her last 'official' day here being around the kiddos she has loved and helped the past 18 years here at St. Peter’s. In unrelated news, Dr. Science made another appearance in the Kindergarten class... To thank Mrs. Kidd for the countless thousands of hours she has poured into the students and families of Saint Peters would take just as long. So when you see her around, in church or around school/preschool volunteering (we know she will be around) make sure you express to her your thanks. She has served many roles here and we are eternally indebted to her serve. In Matthew 25 it states, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.” Michelle, you have been served the largest of ways & in charge of many things and you have been faithful throughout. We know that we cannot say thank you enough for all you have done for us and the families at St Peter’s. So where human words fall short we lean on the words of our Lord…. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ We will miss you but we know we will see you around! Blessings on your new adventure and may God bless you like he so richly has until now!
Canned Food Drive
Each Thanksgiving you have faithfully had your kids bring in canned food and dry good items for our Thanksgiving Food Drive. The items you contribute are combined with the items contributed by the congregation. Then, the day after Thanksgiving, volunteers skip the big sales to sort the food and deliver it to St. Peter's families who need some help. Thanks to your generosity, we've been able to help about a dozen families each year. In the days before Thanksgiving please support our fellow members with your generous contribution!

Our amazing Art Director, Mrs. Koenig, is working on taking those donations and making a CANstruction display for Family and Friends Day here on Wednesday, November 27th. Be sure to check out the amazing work all our students achieve under her direction on display in our hallways and the CANstruction on special occasions like F&F Day. Thank you Mrs. Koenig for all your dedication and love you pour into our kiddos and the art program here at St Peters. We are blessed to have you!
Honor Roll Oops!
After Pieces of the Rock went to press last week, we learned we had an error in our Honor Roll list. Sixth grader Anya Stankovic was incorrectly omitted from our list, when, in fact, Anya had all A's and has earned Honor Roll recognition. Our apologies, Anya, and congratulations on a job well done!
Mark Your Calendar ... Family & Friends Day!
The day before Thanksgiving, Wednesday, November 27th , we will celebrate Family & Friends Day. We invite Family & Friends to join us starting with Chapel at 8:30 am in the sanctuary followed by lots of fun activities in our classrooms. Our day will conclude at 11:15 am. Please note, Clubhouse will not be offered in the afternoon on this day. Carline will run from 11:15 - 11:30 am. Watch for a sign up link to be emailed next week with more information.
A note from your Wildcat Athletic Boosters
Thank you to all the parents who have signed up to help support our Wildcat athletes! Whether it be coaching, concessions, or cheering from the stands, we value the support you give to our student athletes here at St. Peter’s. Your continued help throughout the school year helps to keep costs reasonable for all of our our St. Peter’s families.

Here’s how you can help -

Concession Stand – 2 people needed during most events (3 is often too many in the confined space). Volunteers serve refreshments and are the friendly face of St. Peter’s to all our hungry visitors. Shifts are 90 minutes. BONUS: If you volunteer in Concessions, you’ll get to see & use our new popcorn machine! This is the primary fundraising effort for our Athletic Boosters, which is why it is so important that we offer concessions at each sporting event.

Clean-up – 2 people needed following home events. Volunteers clean bleachers (leaf blower for popcorn messes!), check locker rooms, sweep gym floor, take trash out, etc. With 2 volunteers, this work can be done in 20-30 minutes. This is the quickest, easiest job of all. The gymnasium is shared throughout the ministry and each group is responsible to leave it in order for the next group.

Spirit Wear/Hall Monitor – 1 person needed during most events. Volunteers will accept payment for Spirit Wear sales and act as Hall Monitor. Monitors remind kiddos that a parent should accompany them whenever outside the gymnasium; Monitors also help direct visitors within our facility. (Restrooms? Yep, just down the stairs…) St. Peter’s Lutheran Church has a policy in place that a monitor must be present for events (yes, even school sporting events), so we ask for volunteers to fill that role. If volunteers are unable to monitor, the Athletic Boosters will be charged a monitoring fee from the church…which means less profit is realized from all of the popcorn & candy we sell.
eLearning Night
Yes, it is true we will be having eLearning days for school cancellations this year! We are beginning our eLearning program with an informational night for parents and students. On Tuesday, November 19th at 7pm teachers will be providing a ‘training’ night here at school. This night is for both parents and students as we aim to all be on the same page when an actual eLearning day comes along. You will learn how our program will run, receive information, and have time to ask questions. Our teachers continue to put countless hours, training and energy into making this a positive and beneficial experience for everyone. See you all on the 19th!
In Our Classrooms
Concordia Day for 8th Graders
Today our 8th graders took a trip to Concordia Lutheran High School for the annual 8th grade Concordia Day. Students from across our Lutheran grade schools and public schools visit our Lutheran high school to see all that Concordia has to offer. From sports, to fine arts and excellent curriculum, our students get to experience a day of being a Cadet. We are thankful that we are blessed with a Lutheran high school in our area to partner along with. Continue to hold Concordia and its teachers, students and administrators in your prayers!
Cat's Cradle
Fun fact, Cats Cradle is one of the oldest games in recorded human history! As our most recent book in Literature class talked about this oldest of games we thought, what better way to learn than to play by ourselves. For it being so old, it sure was not easy!
Health
Our students in 2nd, 4th, 8th grade had visitors from McMillen Health here to present on a lot of different topics listed below...
2nd Grade - Body Friendly Foods
4th Grade - Incredible Machines
8th Grade - Lookout Opioids Kill
From learning about how our bodies work to what they need to run effectively, our students learned how to best maintain and care for their bodies. Even though the kiddos were surprised to learn how many fruits and vegetables we should be eating daily, they were happy to learn about how we work!
Looking Ahead
Advancement News
LCEF Young Investors Account
Many of your children have opened a Y.I. StewardAccount through the Lutheran Church Extension Fund in the past. This is a reminder to submit your Good Grades Extra Credit Form, which you can find below, for the A's they received on their latest report card. You can learn more about these accounts by going to the LCEF website .
Scrip Update - Limited Time $5 & $10 Gift Cards Available
The perfect small gift is now available through Scrip for a limited time! Also, check out the Holiday Gift Guide !
Worship
Chapel Offering for November & December
Chapel offerings for November and December will go to support the Lutheran Agency for Ministry to Burmese.
Church Attendance
When signing the Ritual of Friendship pad, use one line for each family member and write legibly. That will ensure that your attendance is properly recorded.
Pastor's Sermon
Pastor Steve Ahlersmeyer is preaching this weekend. His sermon is titled "The God of the Insecure”. Please take some time to prepare for worship by reading the Bible passages before attending church.

Old Testament - Exodus 3:1-15
Holy Gospel - Luke 20:27-40

Please join us for worship on Saturday evening at 5:00 or Sunday morning at 8:00 or 10:30.
Prayer List
Please include these requests in your personal and family prayers.
  • Morgan Moher as she continues treatment
  • Mrs. Ripke as she continues treatment
  • Family friend of Taylor's while they await heart transplant
  • Gage Thompson as he recovers from knee surgery
  • Healing for Mr. Poor
  • Mrs. Launer, healing for her shoulder
  • Odie Linker with a dealth in the family
PTL
Important Dates
  • Wednesday, November 20th - Teacher Appreciation Lunch Sponsored by the 6th grade class
  • Wednesday, December 4th - Sparkle Shop
Lunch Menu
Dates to Note
Thursday, November 14th - Beginning Band Concert at CLHS 7:00
Saturday, November 16th - Intermediate & Advanced Band Winter Concert at CLHS 7:00
Tuesday, November 19th - 7th Grade Field Trip to McMillen
Tuesday, November 19th - eLearning Night 7:00
Wednesday, November 20th - iLEAP & Kindergarten Open House 6:00
Friday, November 22nd - 3rd & 4th Grade Field Trip to CLHS Freaky Friday
Wednesday, November 27th - Early Dismissal 11:15 - Family & Friends Day
** NO AFTERNOON CLUBHOUSE ON THIS DAY **
Thursday, November 28th - No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 29th - No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, December 6th - Kindergarten Field Trip to History Center Gingerbread Festival
Friday, December 13th - Kindergarten Field Trip to Civic Theater Nutcracker Ballet
Thursday, December 19th - 5th-8th Grade Field Trip to Roller Dome North
Friday, December 20th - 3rd & 4th Grade Field Trip to Roller Dome North
Friday, December 20th - End of Quarter 2
Monday, December 23rd - Friday, January 3rd - No School - Christmas Break
Friday, January 17th - Kindergarten & 6th Grade Field Trip to McMillen
Monday, January 20th - No School - MLK Day (Snow Makeup)
Monday, January 27th - Friday, January 31st - National Lutheran Schools Week
Friday, February 14th - No School - Professional Development
Monday, February 17th - No School - Presidents' Day (Snow Makeup)
Thursday, March 5th - Band Almost Spring Concert at CLHS 7:00
Sunday, March 8th - Arts Festival at CLHS
Friday, March 13th - End of Quarter 3
Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 3rd - No School - Spring Break
Monday, April 6th - 3rd Grade Field Trip to Survive Alive House
Friday, April 10th - No School - Good Friday
Friday, April 13th - No School - Easter Monday
Friday, April 17th - 7th Grade Field Trip to Chicago
Wednesday, May 6th - Strings EOY Concert at CLHS 7:00
Friday, May 15th - TinCaps Reading Program Game 7:05
Saturday, May 16th - Band EOY Concert at CLHS 7:00
Friday, May 22nd - 4th Grade Field Trip to Conner Prairie
Monday, May 25th - No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26th - 8th Grade Field Trip to Cedar Point
Monday, June 1st - Last Day of School Early Dismissal 11:15 (182 Scheduled Days)
** NO AFTERNOON CLUBHOUSE ON THIS DAY **
Monday, June 1st - End of Quarter 4 (Pending Snow Days)
School Delays & Closings
Severe weather related delays or closings will be announced as
Fort Wayne Lutheran Schools
Clubhouse is available at 8:00 am on delay days.
You should also be receiving Parent Alert texts, too!
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