St.
Petri Messenger
March, 2021
LOVE is >
The theme for our
Wednesday evening
services during Lent is
“LOVE is Greater Than….”
Each week will be singing
the song “Goodness is
Stronger than Evil” words
by Desmund Tutu.
Goodness is stronger than evil;
love is stronger than hate;
light is stronger than darkness;
life is stronger than death;
vict'ry is ours, vict'ry is ours,
through God who loves us.
Vict'ry is ours, vict'ry is ours,
through God who loves us.
Desmund Mpilo Tutu was born October 7,
1931, Klerksdorp, South Africa. As a black man
in South Africa, he grew up under one of the
most oppressive systems of racism and white
supremacy in the world. Yet, despite everything
being against him, he became one of the
world’s foremost leaders for the cause of peace
and justice.
Though he wanted a medical career, Tutu was
unable to afford training and instead became a
schoolteacher in 1955. He resigned his post in
1957. He then attended St. Peter’s Theological
College in Johannesburg and was ordained an
Anglican priest in 1961. From 1972 to 1975 he
served as an associate director for the World
Council of Churches. He was appointed dean of
St. Mary’s Cathedral in Johannesburg in 1975,
the first Black South African to hold that
position. From 1976 to 1978 Tutu served as
bishop of Lesotho.
In 1978 Tutu accepted an appointment as the
general secretary of the South African Council
of Churches and became a leading
spokesperson for the rights of Black South
Africans. During the 1980s he played an
unrivaled role in drawing national and
international attention to the iniquities of
apartheid. He emphasized nonviolent means of
protest and encouraged the application of
economic pressure by countries dealing with
South Africa. The 1984 Nobel Prize for Peace
was awarded to Tutu, and In 1985, he was
installed as Johannesburg’s first Black Anglican
bishop, and in 1986 he was elected the first
Black archbishop of Cape Town, thus becoming
head of South Africa’s 1.6 million-member
Anglican church. In 1995 South African Pres.
Nelson Mandela appointed Tutu head of the
Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which
investigated allegations of human rights abuses
during the apartheid era.
“Goodness is Stronger than Evil” is a witness to
the heart of a man who embodied God’s
command to love God and our neighbor as
ourselves. In just a few words, Desmund Tutu
captures the essence of the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Join us on Wednesday evenings during
Lent as we explore ways in which “LOVE is
Greater Than….”
Pastor Scot McCluskey
 2 St. Petri Messenger
Hospitalized or
receiving treatment in
February
N/A
Memoriam in
February
John Carlson
Prayers of Ongoing
Concern:
Karen Keech (Kevin & Diana’s sister-in-law)
Pat Minnick, Linda Fevold, Kay Munsen,
Kay Disbrowe, John Satre, Lynn Kelly (friend of
Betty Grinde)
Juli Tostlebe (Daughter-in-law of Marilyn
Tostlebe Hanson),
Luke Baade (Judith Schnurstein great nephew)
Prayers for those not near to us:
Patrick & Jacqueline Bencke, Japan ELCA
Missionaries; Soldiers; Peace Workers; &
Humanitarian Aid Workers
Congratulations
and
Best Wishes
on the birth of
Kylah Amirra Knutson
daughter of Kaylee Knutson. Kylah was born
February 16th & weighed 6 lbs. 6 oz.
Her grandparents are Ben Knutson,
Jennifer Knutson & Tony Edwards.
Our Japan Missionaries!
Patrick Bencke (Mar 8) &
Jackie Bencke (Mar 6),
If you’d like to wish them
“Happy Birthday”
you may send an email to
Jacqueline.bencke@gmail.com
St. Petri,
Thank you for your generous scholarship for my
continued seminary education. I am currently
on internship at The Lutheran Center Campus
Ministry at the University of Nebraska in
Lincoln. I am learning so much on internship in
ministry with the students. I get to teach and
preach and provide them pastoral care in the
midst of big transitions in their lives. It is a joy
and gift to be here for such a time as this. This
fall I will start my final year of classes as a
residential student in Dubuque at Wartburg
Seminary. Your financial support is an immense
blessing as I continue my education and
prepare for pastoral ministry. Thank you.
Peace of Christ, Emma Grinde
Thanks so much for the cute Valentine card. I
enjoyed it and someone sure made a cute card.
I loved it! Thanks so much, Helen Zook
Thank you for the neat card. It’s always nice to
know that “thumb-buggy” is thinking of us and
that we are loved!
God’s blessings, Marilyn & Don Kolbe
Bell Choir practices
will be at 6:30pm on
Thursdays, March 4,
11, 25, and April 1.
Easter Sunday
(April 4)
we will be playing
“Morning Has Broken”.
 3 St. Petri Messenger
WELCA Report
March 11 2:00 p.m. WELCA Bible Study
March 21 No Bake Bake Sale
March 29-31 9 a.m. to noon - Quilt Making
“NO BAKE” BAKE SALE
March 21, 2021
A bit of news – we have today
A bakeless Bake Sale is on the way.
In these busy, rushing, hectic times
Who bakes cookies, cakes, breads and pies?
You’d be surprised if you counted the cost
Of ingredients, heat, and time you lost.
Baking for sales is extra work
Yet, nobody really wants to shirk.
So we’ve thought of a plan that is really grand
And we feel quite sure that you’ll understand.
In the apron pocket – please put the price
Of a pie or cake – or something nice.
Without fuss or bother – you’ve done your part
We hope you’ll give – with a loving heart.
This is the end of our little tale
Wish us success for our “NO BAKE” Bake Sale!
Please place your donation in one of the apron
pockets at the entries of the sanctuary. Thank
you!
No calories–No fat–No cholesterol
No mess–No bake
March
March 1: Sam Braucher
March 2: Megan Van Brocklin
March 5: Kevin Keech
March 6: Brenda Carr, Jon Carr
March 8: Marilyn Hanson, Kelsey Olson
March 9: Carmen Peter, Denice Reisetter,
Kevin Ruby, Craig Van Brocklin
March 10: Tanner Birchmier
March 12: Seth Crouch, Jeff Henrichs
March 14: Shawn Kardell, Angie Keltner
March 15: Anne Kern, Hubert Tussey
March 16: Paul Kardell, Sam Peterson,
Dylan Rivers, Judy Schnurstein
March 20: Kyle Keigan, Peggy Patterson
March 22: Evelyn Fink, Connie Phillips
March 23: Anne Howard, Paul Ness
March 24: Hailey Anderson
March 26: Christine Hobbs, Nancy Jewell
March 28: Dawson Chelsvig, Maggie Foss,
Terri Hermanson
March 31: Barb Hermanson, Liz Johnson
Lenten
Study Guide
ELCA
World Hunger’s
40 Days of Giving
Please pick up a weekly Lenten Study
Guide that is in the church office
entryway.
 4 St. Petri Messenger
managing challenges of everyday living: poverty,
Reform video: Is the
Holy Spirit a person, abuse, mental illness, depression, addiction,
wind, fire, or what? disability, and many other situations.
Online activity: Iowa wouldn’t be the same without the patience,
Herd Mentality game guidance, and empowerment that social workers
Home activity: provide. Happy National Professional Social
Make cookies with your Work Month!
family! For more info., please contact Deb Whitford,
(Cookie dough will be LSI’s Director of Philanthropy and Church
available to pick up at Relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or
the church after 563-676-2065.
Sunday, Feb. 28th). Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to
Meeting information: the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service.
Meeting ID: LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of
the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical
896 4396 3448
Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA
Passcode: 301037 (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve
people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender
identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and
sexual orientations. Learn more at LSIowa.org and
facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
A Path to Hope and Healing
Mike remembers feeling angry and depressed, and
his family was at risk of falling apart. When he
decided to start Therapy Services with LSI, he
questioned the decision. Therapy wasn’t easy and
when he missed an appointment, he didn’t want to
go back.
March 7, 2021
But through working with his LSI therapist,
Sherry, for the past several months, he has found
March 14, 2021 ways to grow and heal. During each session,
Don’t forget to Sherry is there to listen without judgement, and
she provides a listening ear for anything Mike
set your clocks
wants to talk about. At the end, Mike is always
ahead one hour! given a type of homework or a lesson to think
about until they meet again.
LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA While they originally began meeting in person,
March 2021 Sherry has continued to be available through
March is National Professional Social Work virtual therapy throughout the COVID-19
Month, a time to recognize social workers and pandemic. The virtual sessions ensure Sherry and
thank them for all they do. At Lutheran Services Mike can continue meeting regularly, on a flexible
in Iowa (LSI), we are grateful for the many social schedule and from the safety of their own homes.
workers who have dedicated their lives to serving “Thank God for working through LSI in-person
our communities across the state! and through telehealth, and especially for Sherry,
Maybe you have never had a social worker who helps people like myself who have been lost
involved in your life. Yet, whether you realize it for years. If I hadn’t chosen LSI, I wouldn’t have
or not, you have had the benefit of their behind- met my therapist who has truly helped me keep
the-scenes work in your community. Social my family and stay alive,” Mike says. “I look
workers help people help themselves by back at the progress I have made and see some
overcoming life’s most difficult circumstances or light peeking through to the end.”
 5 St. Petri Messenger
PALM SUNDAY, MARCH 28th

------------------------------------
Easter Lilies
We will soon be ordering
Easter Lilies to brighten the
sanctuary for our Easter
Services.
If you are interested in
sponsoring a lily, in honor
or in memory of a loved one, please use this
form.
The lilies may be taken home following the
Easter Festival service.

Return this form and payment to the church

office, or put it in the offering plate by Sunday,
Mar. 21.
The price per plant is $15.
(Be sure to put in the check memo: Easter lily).

Your name_____________________________
Number of Easter lilies sponsored____
Amount included $ .
OR ____ I will bring my own Easter lily. .

In Honor of ___ or In Remembrance of____ Wednesday

(Please choose) March 17th
______________________________________
______________________________________
 6 St. Petri Messenger
RIVERSIDE LUTHERAN BIBLE CAMP EVENTS
(For Registration forms, call 733-5271 or
go to at www.riversidelbc.org)
Gala March 27
As the pandemic set in at the beginning of 2020,
our plans for the annual gala and auction seemed
to be in peril. That was when we connected with
Whitaker Marketing Group and decided to move
ahead with our event – virtually! Our friends at
Whitaker helped to make our 2020 event a
success and we have already secured them for
2021 to help us again! As with so many of our
evens, the final details are yet undecided as
guidance and restrictions seem to change with
such frequency. We hope to be able to proceed
with an in-person celebration and will be keeping
our website updated as the plans fall into place.
We also anticipate the auction being accessible to
people online, similar to last year. So for now,
mark your calendar for March 27, 2021, and plan
to participate with us either in-person or online!
Watch social media and our website for updates
for plans of this special celebration.
Junior’s Spring Blast April 10th
Grades 2nd-6th 9:30am-4:00pm
Cost $30. (add $5 if registering the week of)
Imagine all the fun you’d have in a week of camp
packed into one full day – that is what we call a
JUNIOR’S SPRING BLAST and we want you to
come! For past campers, it is an energy-packed
reminder of what is coming up in Summer 2021.
For new campers, it gives you a great idea about
all of the fun that is waiting for you in a full week
of camp.. Games indoors and out, chapel time an
worship, quiet time with God, hilarious skits, new
friends, and so much more is what you can expect
on April 10. Register online today!
Men’s Retreat April 24th-26th Join us for a relaxing
weekend away from the pressures of everyday
Spring Volunteer Work Day
Saturday, April 17 from 8:30-lunch time
Meet at the Dining Hall at 8:30am. Lunch will be
provided, but please contact the camp ahead of time
so we know how much food to make.
Men’s Retreat
April 23-25
Watch for details!
Lil’ Cowpoke
Saturdays May 1 and May 8
Options: 9-11am; 12-2pm; 3-5pm
Ever wonder what Lil’ Cowpoke is? At Riverside, a Lil’
Cowpoke is a cowgirl or cowboy between the ages of
four and eight years old. This is a great time for your
child to spend time on the Riverside ranch learning
about how to ride and care for a horse, to play games,
and most importantly to learn more about the love of
Jesus! Every child participating needs to be
accompanied by an adult who is physically able and
willing to lead their Lil’ Cowpoke in the arena. All
participants will also enjoy an outdoor meal together
at the ranch. We made some changes to our Lil’
Cowpoke event in 2020 and received tremendous
feedback, so we are especially excited for this spring
on the ranch! Y’all can register online!
Young-At-Heart Day for guests 50+ years of age
Tuesday, May 4th
Join us for our first-ever Young-At-Heart Day! Engage
in Bible teaching from our guest speakers, Stephen and
Sandy Anenson, enjoy coffee and cinnamon rolls,
worship and fellowship with others.
Stephen and Sandy Anenson have served the people of
the Story City area for decades. Stephen was called to
serve at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Story City in
1983 and served there unto he retired in 2016. He
presently serves as District Coordinator for the Iowa
District of LCMC. Sandy ministered to the elder saint of
the community at Bethany Life for 28 years serving as
chaplain.
Following retirement they moved to Ankeny, Iowa.
They have two sons; Nathan who serves as Senior
Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Cross in Altoona;
Jonathan who serves as Lutheran Church of Hope Des
Moines+Elim. They also have four grandchildren.
Family Camp July 4-7
 7 St. Petri Messenger
St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church 
Approved Council Meeting Minutes
December 13th, 2020 – 11:00am via Zoom
In attendance: Pastor Scot McCluskey, Willow Hill, Donna Guard, Kendra Braucher, Abby Patterson, Rick
Stover, Brandie Gossel, Randy Olson, John Hinz, Carmen Peter
 Call to order by President Abby Patterson at 11:00am
 Opening prayer by Pastor Scot
 Call Committee Update by Randy Olson
o The congregational forums provided helpful input, but since then has been a lull in
productivity. The committee had been meeting weekly up until that part. Due to some life
circumstances the process has slowed down but the committee met again this past week
and assigned tasks. They’ll meet again next Monday. The ministry site profile is close to
complete. They need some council input and will reach out.
 November minutes presented by Secretary Willow Hill
o John moved to approve the minutes as written, seconded by Kendra. All were in favor; the
motion passed.
 Financial report presented by Treasurer Rick Stover
o YTD without the PPP funds we would be down $19,900, with the loan we’re up $4,300. Rick
at the bank said that people are getting quick turnaround on PPP loan forgiveness, Rick
Stover will submit ours this week.
o There is a treasurer’s training in January that Rick will attend.
o Ted Tostlebe’s funds should go towards window repair according to his widow Marilyn.
o We received $5,000 from Charlotte Hill to go to “undesignated memorial funds.”
o Rick will create a line item for “Stained Glass Window Repair.”
o John moved to accept the report as presented, Brandie seconded. No discussion. All were in
favor; the motion passed.
 Pastor’s Report
o Youth group is working on Angel Tree and doing online games through “Jackbox.” This
doesn’t need to apply just to youth as we could offer small group games to help people
reconnect to other St Petri members.
o Thanks to everyone helping during the pandemic with creative ways to keep our sense of
community.
 There has been talk about getting together NYE for some online games. Angie R-H is
working on this.
o Pastor sent out a document that helps with church volunteer recruitment
 Abby reported that spots have been filled for the council

 OLD BUSINESS
o Standing item on church reopening
 15 people have signed up for Christmas Eve services. Due to the low number
interested as well as the newest Governor’s guidelines, we feel that a virtual service
is the best option.
8 St. Petri Messenger
We will stream at 4:00 & 7:00pm, but also host the video on YouTube so families can
watch at their convenience. Kendra and Abby will contact the people who have
signed up to let them know.
 Motion to provide the Christmas Eve service virtually at 4:00pm and 7:00pm as well
as services in January to remain virtual was made by Carmen, John seconded. All
were in favor and the motion passed.
o Vote on opportunities presented by Lexie Green, a Prevention Specialist with Community &
Family Resources
 Follow up on request a few months ago about having Narcan on site, someone at St
Petri trained to administer, and bags for the used medication on site.
 Brandie made a motion to have the material on site and be trained to
administer, Carmen seconded. No discussion. Motion passed 6-1.
 Because we have a pharmacy nearby where we can dispose of all drugs
Council decided to not have drug disposal bags on site at St Petri.
o Annual report information: provide reports to Veronica prior to December 20
 Please include the flow chart of what each committee is responsible for.
 NEW BUSINESS
o P&T update: a new copier contract was signed the week of November 30. Projected savings
for 2021: $1,883.44 (with 3 months no payment). Projected savings for 2022: $966.96
o We are now connected to Stratford internet service, and it may be possible to have the
service on TV. Pat Murken is looking into this option.
 In the past we have paid Story City Chamber $100/year to be listed in the business directory and
online. We need to make a decision for 2021.
o Kendra made a motion to pay $100 Story City Chamber for advertising purposes, Carmen
seconded. No discussion; all were in favor; the motion passed.
 Record of business conducted via email between November and December council meetings:
o Council voted to approve the 2021 budget
o Council voted to approve updates to the music copyrights as follows:

Item Level Cost

One License base fee C $300.00
One License streaming bundle C $105.00
CCLI License base fee B $235.00
CCLI License streaming bundle B $73.00
Total cost/year $713.00
o John moved to amend the budget to add these items to the budget, Brandie seconded. No
discussion and the motion passed.
 We will present this to the congregation prior to the annual meeting. John will
come to church on January 3 to present. We can also email the budget to
congregation so they have it to follow along.
 Coordinator reports:
o The cookie walk went well. They sold out in 10 minutes- 150 dozen cookies. Cookie boxes
(3 dozen) were $10 each.
 Adjourned by Abby at 11:55am
 Pastor led the Council in The Lord’s Prayer
 9 St. Petri Messenger
St. Petri Evangelical Lutheran Church 
Approved Council Meeting  Minutes
January 10th, 2021 – 11:00am via Zoom
IN ATTENDANCE: Pastor Scot McCluskey, Abby Patterson, John Hinz, Kendra Braucher, Donna Guard,
Willow Hill, Carmen Peter
 Meeting called to order at 11:03am by President Abby Patterson
 Opening prayer by Pastor Scot
 December minutes presented by Secretary Willow Hill
o Carmen moved to accept the minutes as presented, John Hinz seconded. All were in favor and
the motion passed.
 Financial Report presented by Treasurer Rick Stover
o Lutheran Services in Iowa as well as Riverside were not being paid throughout the year as was
planned. Rick will pay those items and back date to 12/31 to keep it in the 2020 budget. The
total will be $2,500 and these are funds that were budgeted for and approved previously.
$24,767.16 will be left after this amount is paid.
o PPP was in the dedicated accounts which doesn’t show up as income or expenses. Our account
would sit at $-9,48.28 without the PPP loans.
o Forgiveness paperwork was turned in but we have not gotten the approval yet. Net result will
be $24,767 once that loan is forgiven. We will pay back the money to the Student Loan fund
that has been borrowed at $4,365.16
 John Hinz moved to repay the money we borrowed last year to the Student Loan Fund
($4365.16) and to transfer the remaining money to the 017-00-04-56 Reserve Fund to
balance the general fund to $0 for the year end. Kendra seconded. All were in favor and
the motion passed.
o The total expenditures for 2020 came to $206,155.
o Updates & notes for the budget:
 Pastor’s cell phone bills have been coming in at $30/month, but we can get a $5
discount by doing automatic payment. The bill will be $25 +tax
 Garbage bill could be lower as we will now call when needed instead of having them
come monthly due to our low amount of garbage. We are unsure of the exact amount
as this is a new procedure.
 Insurance has increased so we will change the budget from $8,700 to $9,100 (line 18).
o John moved to accept the treasurer’s report as presented, Kendra seconded. All were in favor
and the motion passed.
o Organist Paul Hertz requested for back payment for his services at $100 per service for the last
five years (June 2015-Dec 2020). Because we have no record of services played the council feels
that is an unreasonable request. There was never an official agreement in place to support this
plan. Pastor Scot will talk with Paul.
 Carmen made a motion to not pay the requested back pay, John seconded.
 Kendra made an amendment to the motion to pay Paul for his services in December
2020 but not for the back pay through 2015. Donna seconded. All were in favor, the
motion passed.
 Donna made a motion to establish a contract with Paul for $100/month to play on the
4th Sunday of the month with guidelines in place. Carmen seconded. The Pastor will
make the call on if timeliness is achieved which will affect payment. All were in favor,
the motion passed. Abby will work with Tom Wynia to draft the contract.
 10 St. Petri Messenger
 Standing item on church reopening
o In person service was approved via email the week of January 4 for the Annual Meeting on
January 17,2021
o Infection trends are looking better for the state and Story County
o Kendra moved to hold services in person starting in February, Donna seconded it.
 John amended the motion to hold in person and online services going forward from this
date, Kendra seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
 Pat Murken is gathering additional information on the use of Stratford internet services to broadcast
our Sunday services.
 Pastor’s Report
o Thanks to Abby for her wonderful and amazing council!
o Thanks to all who have stepped up during COVID times to keep programs running as smooth as
possible.
o One application has come in for the youth position. Pastor and the committee will meet to
discuss on Wednesday.
 John moved to give Pastor and the St Petri committee the authority to approve a youth
director for St. Petri by simple majority, Kendra seconded. All were in favor and the
motion passed.
o Discussion about the Leadership Retreat being in person or online due to it being 4 hours.
Pastor is asking Riverside if we can use their facilities.
o The council reviewed the Narrative Budget
 Kendra moved to approve the cost of sending this out to the congregation, at roughly
$250. This can come out the advertising budget (line 26). Donna seconded. All were in
favor and the motion passed.
 New Business
o Annual Meeting
 Kendra will run the Zoom portion of the meeting while Abby runs the in person portion
of the meeting next week.
 Quorum: per constitution section C10.04, 10% of the voting members shall constitute a
quorum. There are 142 family units (based on contact list provided by Veronica in early
2020). Proposal is to consider 14 families joining as a quorum.
 Council discussed the draft agenda for the meeting
o John moved to approve the proposal from Betty and Angie is to use the cookie walk proceeds
($650) to donate to ELCA good gifts ($325) and contribute to the front steps project ($325),
Donna seconded. All were in favor and the motion passed.
o Request from Emma Grinde
 Emma Grinde requested funds to help her as she finishes her seminary journey. St. Petri
gave her $5,000 in 2018.
 John moved to give $5,000 to Emma for her education, seconded by Carmen. All were in
favor and the motion passed.
 Emma will need to send an official request letter to Barb for records.
o FYI that Pat Murken (Murken Lawn Care) has volunteered to mow and maintain the church lawn
for the year 2021.
o Coordinator reports- none to report
 John moved to adjourn, Carmen seconded. All were in favor and the meeting was adjourned 12:26pm.