St. Peter's United Church of Christ

We have come this far by faith leaning on the Lord, He has given us the strength and vision to work together through the year, during which we have tried to fulfill His call and mission in improving the Spiritual life of our church.

I am thankful to the Church Board and members for the great level of support that you have given in the stewardship of your Christian service, your cooperation and faithful church attendance are commendable indeed.

Death- Merle Mae Hutter August 30, 2011 and Mary Ann Wallace September 10, 2011

Memorial-Eight departed loved ones were remembered including three members, Marie Wagemann, Merle Hutter and Mary Ann Wallace

Confirmation- Presently there is one Confirmand in class.

New Member- Matthew Logan was accepted December 4,2011

Bible Study- Our Bible Study attendance has improved over the months which include community members. All are included in the study

Youth- meetings were held with members of the Youth Fellowship and Young Adults, with the hope of resuscitating the groups.

Advent- Advent reflections were held

Conference- In an effort to build relationship between St. Peter’s and the wider church, I usually forward information to all members who have an email address.

Duties-Thanks to everyone who carried out faithfully their weekly and monthly duties in the life of St.. Peter’s. Also to Katie for sharing her vision for the DVD ministry, and training others to operate the equipment in taping the Service and special occasions. Also to those who contributed funds for the envelopes and DVD.

Benevolences- It is quite clear that St. Peter’s membership have given generously to the various Benevolences.

Meetings- I attended the meetings of the Ozark Cluster of the United Church, the Billings Ministerial Alliance, Western Association meeting, Annual meeting of the Missouri Mid-South Conference.

Committees- Some committee met during the year 2011, hopefully more meetings can be held for the New Year 2012 to plan the respective ministry.

Outreach-Thanks to those who contributed funds that were used to purchase food stuff for travelers and others who may stop by the church and need food for the journey.

Prayer- The Prayer Chain continues to respond to prayer request, members are reminded that Prayer changes things, so let us continue to use the prayer ministry.

Mission Moment- We met on the 5^th. Sunday evenings during the Year to discuss the Mission of the church, and how we can carry out that Mission in our local setting. Our first Mission Moment for 2012 will be Sunday January 29^th. At 7:00pm, all members are encouraged to attend.

News- We used the community News Papers to announce our activities to the wider community; there is also the Face book page, website-www.stpetersucc.us

JOPLIN- We will always remember on May 22, 2011 when that Tornado ravaged Joplin with the loss of lives and property, thanks to members who contributed toward the fund that help those affected, I would like to let you know that the United Church of Christ did responded to the needs there with funds and Work Teams.

Community Outreach- Efforts were made to reach out to our community by praying for the neighboring churches one each month during the year, expression of appreciation by the pastors were made during meetings of the Billings Ministerial Alliance. Members profile were included in the Church’s News Letter, speakers from the wider community came in on a Sunday morning to speak about their specific area of work or ministry.

I was available to have home prayer and Study in the home of any member or non member, but there were no response to this offer. During the Year I have intensified my Pastoral Care for the sick, shut-ins and the bereaved and also for those in the Nursing Homes.

It is my hope that we will continue to reach out to our community and do all we can to define and practice the Mission of the church here in this local setting, and touch the lives of families and individuals. During the Year we have had the Conference Minister Rev. Jeff Whitman and Associate Conference minister Rev. Marc Wessle speaking during our morning worship

Western Association- I would like everyone to know that the next Western Association Spring meeting Saturday April 28,2012 will be held will be held here at St. Peter’s  which  will begin at 10:00am as usual St. Peter’s  being the host will be responsible to prepare lunch, it sounds like there will be a large turnout for the meeting.