January 22, 2021
St. Peter Lutheran School Hemlock, MI
Our first graders are sporting their crazy hairdos from last week! They were accidentally missed in last week's Panther Press so they get to be front and center this week.
Upcoming Events
Jan. 22: Second Quarter Report Cards Available on Fast Direct

Jan. 24: 9:30am Communion

Jan. 24-29: National Lutheran Schools Week

Jan. 25-29: Spirit Week (see below for details)

Jan. 25: 7:00pm Voter's Meeting

Jan. 27: 8:05am Chapel: Mr. Wolter

Jan. 28: 6:30pm Communion

Jan. 31: 9:30am Communion

Feb. 3: 8:05am Chapel: Pastor Morris

Feb. 4: 6:30pm Service
Christ Is Our Cornerstone
In Our Prayers: We are praying for our St. Peter boards, committees and organizations. Next week we will be praying for the St. Peter Finance Committee.

Devotion of the Week: As we approach our celebration of National Lutheran Schools Week, it is another opportunity to be so thankful for our own St. Peter Lutheran School. God has blessed this school since 1881, and we are so grateful to share Christ our Cornerstone with our school children daily. We can also be thankful to our supportive parents, our dedicated faculty and staff, the many volunteers in our church and school who do so many things to make this a great place, and to St. Peter Lutheran Church for its financial and prayerful support of our school. What a blessing to know that our children are reminded daily that Jesus is their Savior from sin, death, and the devil. Because of His perfect life, horrible death, and glorious resurrection, we have the forgiveness of sins and life eternal with Him. No child who has ever been in our school has learned anything more important than that message in their entire life. We pray that God would continue to bless the ministry of St. Peter Lutheran School as students daily learn to interpret their world in the light of God's Word. Verse three of hymn 867 from LSB is a verse that was fitting when our school started in 1881 and it is just as important today as God's Word is passed from generation to generation:
Our sons and daughters we shall tell And they again to theirs
That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs.
Lutheran Heritage Foundation: The majority of the Lutheran Heritage Foundation's mission projects raise funds to translate and publish Lutheran Bible storybooks and Small Catechisms into the languages of children around the world. LHF is able to produce most books for $5 or less. Thank you for encouraging your children to bring their chapel offerings on Wednesdays to support this ministry.
Updated Worship Times: The Elders decided at their last meeting to continue the Thursday evening worship services at 6:30pm and the Sunday morning worship services at 9:30am through Easter with the following outliers:
  • Ash Wednesday Service will be on Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30pm. (No Thursday service on February 18.)
  • Maundy Thursday Service will be on Thursday, April 1 at 6:30pm.
  • Good Friday Service will be on Friday, April 2 at 6:30pm.
  • Easter Sunday Service will be on Sunday, April 4 at 9:30am.
The Lenten services (Thursday 6:30pm) will follow the Lenten series so they will be unique from the Sunday services. Holy Communion will be served at the Thursday Lenten services preceding a Sunday service where Holy Communion will be served.
In the Classroom
Ready to Celebrate NLSW: We are excited to celebrate National Lutheran Schools Week next week in school. Thank you for sending in the pictures of your children as we were able to make collages of all classes. These will be on display in the church narthex this Sunday.
I Love St. Peter Because: For NLSW, our students shared why they love St. Peter. These statements will also be included as an insert in this week's church bulletin:

I Love St. Peter Lutheran because…
  •    my friends go here.
  •    it is a Christian school where we can learn about Jesus.
  •    I can learn all my subjects in a Christ-centered environment.
  •    it is small.
  •    the teachers are nice, kind, and really smart.
  •    we are in-person every day.
  •    Mrs. Chanin makes good food. Lunch is the best!
  •    my cousins go here.
  •    the teachers are good at teaching.
  •    you learn a lot.
  •    you can play soccer and basketball.
  •    the classes can be hard, but it is still very fun.
  •    the teachers are kind.
  •    we are getting a new playground.
  •    St. Peter does fun things that other schools do not do.
  •    the teachers help me learn.
  •    we are able to learn God’s Word.
  •    we do not have to learn on video call.
  •    we learn about Jesus and the Bible.
  •    our Spirit Days are fun.
  •    we have good teachers and they are smart.
  •    we learn about famous people in music and in other subjects.
  •    Mr. Hagenow greets us every morning.
  •    we have a toddler care and get to play with the babies. 
  •    they do not teach evolution or push anti-God agendas.
  •    it is a place where you make friends.
  •    they are like my second family.
  •    the teaching curriculum is more advanced.
  •    everyone is welcomed, loved, and nurtured no matter what.
  •    I get to play with my friends especially outside on the playground and in the snow.
  •    art and gym and music are awesome!
  •    it feels like home!
  •    we get to play outside.
  •    I love seeing my friends.
  •    we do fun projects.
  •    everyone is nice!
  •    we learn about JESUS!
Thank You: Thank you to Isabella Curry, Maryn Hyatt, and Sammie Hales for helping to create the NLSW video (link above). They did a great job!
National Lutheran Schools Week
National Lutheran Schools Week: We will celebrate NLSW this upcoming week from January 24-29. The theme for this year is Sent to Serve with the Bible verse being Matthew 20:28, “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Food Drive Collection Starts Monday: To go along with the theme, we will have a food drive during NLSW and will collect food donations for God’s Helping Hands. Our school-wide goal is to collect at least 2,000 items! Tables will be set up in the hallway for students to drop off their donations. Thank you for your support of this service project! Note: Collection includes food, kleenex, toilet paper, etc.

Here is the week's schedule:
  • Sunday, Jan. 24: 9:30am Worship
  • Monday, Jan. 25: For our first day of NLSW we will have a breakfast for all students at the start of our school day consisting of cereal, milk, and Gogurt. Spirit Day: Camouflage Day: Honoring our Military (Those in service to our country.)
  • Tuesday, Jan. 26: There will be a Superhero activity/challenge for students to do during the day, and a special treat will be served. Spirit Day: Superhero Day (They serve all those in need.)
  • Wednesday, Jan. 27: Spirit Day: WEAR IT WEDNESDAY. Students will write and decorate cards to first responders in our community, thanking them for their service. These will be sent on Friday. If you know of any first responders, please send the name and address to Mr. Hagenow (or call the school office) and we will make sure a card is sent.
  • Thursday, Jan. 28: To go along with the day's spirit day, we will have a Duct Tape Day Fashion Show in the afternoon. Spirit Day: Duct Tape Day (Duct tape serves all purposes!)
  • Friday, Jan. 29: We will have a first responder activity in the gym from 1:45-2:20 and students will be given a special treat. Spirit Day: First Responders Day (Honoring those who serve as our policemen, firemen, EMT, and all first responders.)
What's Your Story
America & Me Essay Contest Entry: Our 7th-8th graders were asked to write about someone in their life that has given them strength and encouragement during these ever-changing times in our history.  This week's essay is from Trevan Swanson, 7th grade.
School Picture Update
We Want Your Opinion: We have had a great response so far; thank you for your feedback. If you still wanted to give your input on school pictures, please take the short survey below. Thanks for your help.
News & Notes
Lunch Menu for January 25-29:
  • Monday, Jan. 25: Homemade spaghetti with meat sauce, green beans and diced pears.
  • Tuesday, Jan. 26: Homemade sloppy joes, baked beans and applesauce.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 27: Popcorn chicken, crinkle cut French fries and diced peaches.
  • Thursday, Jan. 28: Homemade macaroni and cheese, broccoli and mandarin oranges.
  • Friday, Jan. 28: Ham and cheese sandwich, fresh fruit, fresh carrots & celery and assorted chips.
Athletics
Basketball Seasons: The girls A-basketball team resumed non-contact practices this past week. The boys B-team may have practices depending on if games can be scheduled for them. The 2nd-4th grade basketball season will most likely take place later in February and into March. In the next article, there is information about Hemlock Youth Basketball. If we are able to have our 2nd-4th basketball season, that will most likely take place during the school week immediately after school and will not conflict with the Hemlock Youth Program. Please contact Mr. Eric Hagenow if you have any questions.

Hemlock Youth Basketball: The Hemlock youth basketball season will be taking place this year; however, it will be with a modified schedule and rules due to the state's COVID-19 restrictions that are in place. It will be a five-week program that will take place at Hemlock Middle School on Saturdays beginning February 6th. The program is open to boys and girls from Young 5's through Grade 6. More information, including an online registration form, can be found on the Hemlock Youth Basketball Facebook Page. The registration deadline is January 30th, and no late registrations will be accepted.
A Message from LEAP
LEAP News Nugget: This news nugget is about the purpose and people of LEAP.
Throughout the past decade, LCMS Lutheran schools of Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region, with their
sponsoring congregations, have been affiliated, together, with LEAP – the “Great Lakes Bay Region Lutheran Education Advancement Plan.” Shared below are the WHY and some WHO’s of LEAP.
  • WHY? For the past decade, the purpose of LEAP has been to Advance Christ-Centered Education through Collaboration Among Lutheran Churches and Schools. What a great cause! Praise God for His rich blessings upon the children and the families of our Lutheran schools for so many years!
  • WHO? We heartily thank Rev. Bill Hoesman for his faithful strategic planning efforts during LEAP’s beginnings and for his dedicated, quality leadership in succeeding years as the LEAP Board President! Presently serving on the “LEAP Board of Participants” are:
  • Dr. John Brandt (Bethlehem, Saginaw), Board President
  • Kurt Hillbrandt (St. Peter, Hemlock)
  • Brian Young (Immanuel, Bay City)Board Vice-President
  • Heather Schember (Zion, Auburn)
  • Rev. Bill Hessler (Holy Cross, Saginaw), Board Treasurer
  • Rev. Matthew Hall (Faith, Bay City)
  • Jeremy Warren (St. Paul, Frankenlust), Board Secretary
  • Dr. Julian Petzold (VLHS, Saginaw)
  • Jan Sleight (St. John’s, Midland)
  • Jeremy VanTol (Christ the King, Sebewaing & Unionville)
  • Shelly Biver (Good Shepherd, Saginaw)
  • Aaron Abraham (Immanuel, Frankentrost), Saginaw
  • Rev. James Bruner (St. Paul, Millington)
  • Alina Doud (Peace, Saginaw)
  • Cindy Briggs (Trinity, Reese)
  • Jessica Jeske (Trinity, Monitor), Bay City
  • Tom Denton (St. John, Amelith), Bay City
  • Rev. Bill Hoesman (St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth)
  • Carole Sweebe is the LEAP Admissions Coordinator for Holy Cross, Saginaw, St. Paul, Frankenlust, St. Lorenz, Frankenmuth, St. Peter, Hemlock, St. John's, Midland and Valley Lutheran High School.
May God bless the dedication, thinking, planning, and serving of the good people of LEAP! Praise God for the historic, effective, strong, and spiritually enriching ministries of our Lutheran schools.
Attachment Links
St. Peter Lutheran School
(989) 642-5659
2440 N. Raucholz Rd.
Hemlock, MI 48626
WORSHIP TIMES:
Sunday Morning at 9:30am and
Thursday Evening at 6:30pm