Greetings folks of St. Peter's,

We are nearing the end of the year and Christmas is around the corner. We journey through Advent, watching the light around the Advent wreath grow each Sunday...a sign of hope...a sign that God is up to something in this world and it will be good news for all...good news for times such as these.

We cry Kyrie Eleison (Lord, have mercy), as the effects of the pandemic are felt closer and closer to home. We pray for decisive and clear leadership in the days ahead, that delivery trucks of vaccines are efficiently routed. We pray all will not ease up on the call of mercy and love of neighbor in wearing a mask when out and about. Remember, we don't wear masks to protect ourselves. We do so to protect and care for our neighbor in case we are unknowingly carrying the virus.

First, don't forget to sign-up for a Christmas Eve worship to help us in our planning. Two of the worships are nearly full! Also, if you wish to consider any special end-of-year giving to St. Peter's or specific ministries of our congregation (youth, music, school, etc.) see the section below in this email.

Tomorrow you will get a couple special emails from the church. One is for Ministry Scheduler Pro to help us schedule volunteers for Sunday morning through February (ushers, greeters, lectors). We know not all are able or desire to attend in-person right now, so simply block out your availability accordingly. If you have any questions, you can contact Tristan in the front office. Worship Committee has decided to stay at the one 9am worship for now.

Also, a special email will be going out for our Sunday Town Hall meeting (12/20 @ 11am) via Zoom. It will have the link to the Zoom meeting, and also note the topics to be updated/discussed. If you are not able to Zoom in, you can send feedback, questions, etc. to a council member or me via email.

On December 21st (the winter solstice and longest night of the year) there will be a sight to see low in the Southwest sky. Jupiter and Saturn will be in conjunction (aligned from our earthy perspective). It will look like they are touching, even though they are 400 million miles apart. This conjunction happens about every 20 years, but for it to be this close together...at night where you can see it...and late in December...well this hasn't happened for 800 years (the year 1226).

When we read of the Magi seeing a star in the East (Matthew 2), we wonder what unique thing they saw in the night sky that sent them on such a long journey. No-one really knows. Some speculate a comet, others the conjunction of planets (there was a very close and visible conjunction of Venus and Jupiter during the summer of 2 BC). Actually, no one knows when exactly Jesus was born. The gospels don't give a year other than during the rule of Augustus Caesar (16BC - 17AD). It is also possible Jesus was born in the summer. Yet, these details don't change the central part of the story...that God was born among us as one of us, that we might all see and be transformed by the power and vulnerability of God's love for all.

So, look to the Southwest this coming Monday after sunset. Be filled with wonder like the magi (for in that time there was no difference between natural and supernatural events). These kinds of convergences for them would have been seen as divine acts in our world. For us, maybe even a divine reminder that we can rely on the course of God's love holding our lives together as we gaze upon the stars and planets placed along their courses by the God of all creation.

Blessed wondering to you all,

Pastor Vanicek

2:00pm - Family Friendly Outdoor Worship

4:00pm - Outdoor Worship

6:00pm - Sanctuary Worship (in-person and live-streamed)

8:00pm - Sanctuary Worship (in-person and live-streamed)

They are $10.00 each and can be taken home after the 8:00pm Christmas Eve Service.

Please use the sign-up sheet in the Narthex or link below to order your poinsettias. Turn in or mail payment to the office and write “poinsettia” + name of person to remember or honor.

Friday, December 18th, 6:00pm, we will sort toys at the Marble Falls Middle School front foyer. (right behind HEB) Saturday, December 19th, 9:00am. We will be packaging the gifts for the families of the Highland Lakes.

To all those who have given so generously this year, thank you for your faithful financial support of St. Peter's. 

The end of the year is historically a season marked by generosity, both in our church and in our culture at large. As you reflect on 2020 and give thanks to God for His many blessings, please consider how you might respond to God's graciousness in your life. Giving back to God a portion of what He has given us is one way we show our thankfulness to Him.

Click the OTHER WAYS TO GIVE button to learn more about giving through IRA distributions and stock options that offer tax saving opportunities for you. If you would like to give to specific ministry of St. Peter's (Blessings, Youth, Music and Choir, School, etc.) click the GIVE ONLINE button. If the ministry you want to support is not listed, use the "other" option.

NOTE: The financial update below is in the bulletin (linked in Saturday email)

Thanks and appreciation for our St. Peter’s Staff  

At Lutheran Camp Chrysalis

in Kerrville

February 12-14, 2021!

lpyle@splcmf.org by Sunday, December 20.

St. Peter’s Prayer Ministry prays for the church prayer list, and also for additional requests and concerns. Members of the Prayer Ministry Team receive information by email weekly and pray individually. This group does not gather in person at this time. If you have prayer concerns or requests and/or if you feel called to be part of this important ministry, contact Janette Clausen, janetteclausen@aol.com. 

BYOBible Study - not meeting.

Contact Dusty Knight

Deborah Bible Study - not meeting in person, email check in.

Contact Pam Wettstein

Agape Bible Study - Contact Belva Latshaw for next meeting.

Book club will be meeting in person at church and via Zoom on the third Monday at 2:30 pm.

January 18, 2021--Trouble in Nuala by Harriet Steel

Contact Betty Matejowsky for more information.

Study more about peace by CLICKING HERE.

Please send Tristan any notes that you would like to share with the congregation. Thank you. tristan@splcmf.org

Use smile.amazon.com and choosing St. Peter’s Lutheran School (Marble Falls) as your charity of choice. A portion of your purchase will go to support our school. Over the past few years, over $700 has gone to our school through this program. Thank you!

Free COVID-19 testing at the Marble Falls Fire Rescue station has been extended through Dec. 30. Testing is 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at the fire station,