Ministry Matters Quarterly Newsletter

Desk of Pastor Hays

Welcome to this edition of Ministry Matters. As you read this, we are moving through the joyful—and often busy—season of Advent and Christmas. It is a time filled with worship services, school programs, gatherings, and opportunities to serve. While the calendar is full and the pace quickens, our focus as a congregation remains steady: we are moving forward together, intentionally putting our strategic vision into action.

One of the most encouraging developments I am excited to share is that we are very close to issuing a Divine Call to an individual to serve as our Pastor of Family Life Ministries. Should he accept the call, this will fill a significant and long-standing need in our ministry life. More importantly, it will strengthen our ability to walk alongside families as they grow in faith, navigate the challenges of daily life, and raise children who know Jesus and His love. This role is a key part of our commitment to being a congregation that supports families at every stage of life.

As Senior Pastor, I technically carry the responsibility for the overall direction and health of our ministry. Yet, I also know—with deep gratitude—that this ministry does not move forward because of one person alone. It moves forward because of faithful staff members and dedicated volunteers who bring their gifts, time, and hearts to the work God has given us. Their leadership, creativity, and servant spirit are essential, and I am thankful every day for the trust we share and the ministry we do together.

In the pages that follow, you will see living examples of our mission in action: to love people and serve the world, so that others may come to know the hope we have in Jesus Christ. This hope is rooted in the grace of God, who sent His Son into a broken and uncertain world to be our Savior. Because of Him, St. Peter continues to be a faith-filled community that offers refuge, stability, and hope for individuals and families alike.

At St. Peter, we are:

• Worshiping, where God recharges weary hearts and souls
• Growing in relationships as followers of Jesus—something God has been doing here since 1847
• Serving people locally, regionally, and globally in Christ’s name

It is my prayer that as you read this issue of Ministry Matters, you will find meaningful connections, encouraging stories, and clear invitations to engage more deeply in Christian community here at St. Peter. May God continue to guide us, strengthen us, and use us for His purposes—now and for generations to come.

+Peace in Christ+

Jerry D Hays

Senior Pastor

Desk of Pastor Dubensky

“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10–11

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ;

Advent and Christmas draw our eyes once again to the simple, stunning truth that the Son of God stepped into our darkness to be our Savior. In a world that feels noisy, rushed, and uncertain, the manger reminds us that God keeps His promises in His time and His way. “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son” –Galatians 4:4

Over the past few months, I’ve been deeply encouraged by the ways our congregation has been shining that light. From welcoming our community at Septemberfest, to launching a new season of Sunday School, Confirmation, and youth ministry, to walking with families through baptisms, funerals, and everyday joys and sorrows—Christ has been at work among us.

Our call committees has been faithfully at work, praying and discerning how best to strengthen our ministry to children, youth, and families for years to come, and we are looking forward to calling a new Director of Family Life Ministry very soon!

Looking into the New Year, we’ll keep building on this foundation—growing in worship, deepening in God’s Word, and stepping into new opportunities to serve our neighbors together in Jesus’ name.

My prayer for you in this season is that the good news of Jesus would move from the manger to the middle of your everyday life—your home, your work, and your relationships.

May the Lord use us, together, to carry His hope into our neighborhoods so that others may see His light and know His love and His Gospel.

May the Lord bless you in this, and every season!
Pastor Matt
Pastor of Discipleship & Outreach
St. Peter Lutheran Church & School, Schaumburg

Desk of Julie Messina

We wrapped up the first trimester of the school year in November. As we move into the second trimester, we are excited about upcoming events like the Advent service led by grades 3-8 and the Kindergarten through second grade Operetta on Friday, March 13, 2026. These activities are important opportunities for our community to come together and feel connected.

We are already planning for the 2026 - 2027 school year. Our Open House on Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 12:15 - 2:00 pm, is an excellent opportunity for you to share our school with others and help them feel welcomed. I also offer individual tours throughout the year-please contact the school office to schedule one.

We are excited to announce our Day of Service! Instead of parent-teacher conferences on Thursday, February 12, 2026, we will have a Day of Service. Teachers will lead various service activities, and we invite you to join us. The day begins with a Family Chapel Service at 8:00 am, with service projects starting around 8:30 am. Your participation will help strengthen our school community and foster a shared sense of purpose.

Our Bi-Annual Gala will take place on Friday, April 17, at the Seville. The gala is a wonderful time while raising money for the school. We encourage parents and guardians to support the school by making donations, volunteering to set up or clean up, or attending the event. More information about how to get involved will be shared soon. This year’s theme is A Night at the Races, and we hope to see many of you there.

We are starting our Accreditation for the 2026 - 2027 school year. The planning and reviewing are in the early stages, but will be in full swing after the first of the year. The visiting team will review our self-study in October of 2026. We are looking forward to seeing how we have grown and the improvements we can make in the future.

Julie Messina

School Principal

From the desk of Rick Bersano

Brothers & Sisters in Christ:

Hope all had a blessed Thanksgiving.  Jan & I did our usual tradition of spending the day serving meals and visiting with recruits (51) from Great Lakes Naval Base hosted by Redeemer Lutheran in Waukegan.  This was their first day off the base since these recruits arrived nearly 8 weeks ago.  Not only did they receive a traditional homemade lunch and dinner but had the opportunity to call or spend time on line visiting family and friends.  Plus, other past times as playing pool, air hockey or foosball and watching the annual Thanksgiving football games.   

They had no idea what to expect when they arrived except they would be fed one traditional meal.  They were surprised, pleased and thankful that they were able to spend the time celebrating the holiday.  They shared about where they came from, why they joined the Navy and what their future plans were.  Jan & I are thankful that these young men & women are committing the next several years of their lives protecting us and our country. 

As we enter the season of Christmas, it gives even a deeper understanding of being thankful.  Knowing that our Lord humbly was willing to come down to redeem us from our sins, which we were unable to do ourselves and which we can never pay back. 

So, what do we do as Christians to show the love we have received? We volunteer, we share the treasurers the Lord has given us and we spread God’s Word so others may receive the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Five months into the 25-26 fiscal year, you have all continue to give to help in the ministries of St Peter and to spread the Word.  Through November 30, church giving is up 9.9% vs. the same period last year and budget.  It truly shows the love SPLC has in reaching out to others.

May the Lord continue to fill your hearts especially in this Christmas season and help us to continue to have an attitude of gratitude for all the blessing He has bestowed on us. 

Your servant in Christ

Rick

Traditional Worship

After enjoying a summer break, the Traditional Vocal Choir began in early September. We welcomed quite a few new faces (and voices) but we can always use more! It’s not too late to join. We meet Thursday nights from 7:15 to 8:00 in the Music Rehearsal Room next to the balcony and sing once or twice a month. Can’t make it every week? That’s OK. Want to join us for Thanksgiving Eve and/or Christmas Eve? We’d love to have you. Contact Julie Sawusch at jsawusch@stpeterlcms.org for more details. Handbells begin Thursday, October 2nd. We meet from 6:30-7:15 in the church balcony. No experience needed, just a willingness to learn and the ability to count! We ring at Reformation, Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve. If you’re interested, let me know at jsawusch@stpeterlcms.org so I can have your music ready on the 2nd.

I want to thank all of my “singers and ringers” who help enhance our worship and help us to “Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord!”

Julie Sawusch

Traditional Music Director

Young At Heart

Ministry Matters:  September - December

Activities of the Young at Heart Senior Group 2025 (Y@H)

The activity for September 25 was a sharing activity about our experiences with “cars”.  Our seniors were ready to share Model T’s to Electric Vehicles with pictures, anecdotes, car trips, etc. It was amazing how much we learn about each other when we share.

We celebrated Oktoberfest with the rest of the St. Peter congregation on September 28 with food, music, and wonderful conversation. It was so fun watching the children in their costumes as they went along the creative Trunk and Treat displays.

Our Trick or Treat Y@H Meeting on October 23 was a lunch with Vienna Beef Hot Dogs with many sides to enjoy.  The recipients were asked to wear Halloween colors—and those who did were the first to get in line for the food. At this meeting we gave a monetary donation to help with medical supplies in Ethiopia. This was suggested by Barb Royce.  We also sent funds to support the Tournament of Roses Parade -A project of Lutheran Church Charities.

Many of us enjoyed the play and diner October 24 that the Schaumburg Park District set up at Chandlers—It was a Speakeasy Mystery.

In November we shared some fun Thanksgiving thoughts and games.   Such as… “What were you doing for Thanksgiving?”  Some trivia questions to find out who of us were most like the turkey.

Joan and Charles Falk brought a family member as a guest. Scott had a good time learning about us and our Y@H Crew.

The St. Peter Senior Christmas Party at Encore was on December 11 and the Overshadowed Theater’s current play, 

Last but not least, we gathered on December 18, Young at Heart group welcomed a guest speaker, Tim Hetzner.  His topic was “Christmas - Get the Story Straight and Get the Story Out.” He told his story with a few laughs along the way.

 55+ are always welcome to join us.

Come join in!!

Message from Our Incoming Council President

It is truly an honor to serve as the new Council President here at St. Peter. I would like to begin by warmly welcoming our new council candidates. Thank you for your willingness to step forward and serve our congregation. Your commitment and gifts are greatly appreciated.

I also want to express my sincere gratitude to our current council members and outgoing leaders. Your faithful service, dedication, and countless hours of work have strengthened St. Peter in many ways. This congregation is blessed because of your leadership.

For those who may not know me well, my family and I have been members of St. Peter since 1990. Over the years, this church has played a significant role in our lives. Our children were baptized and confirmed here, and they also graduated from St. Peter Preschool. This congregation has truly walked alongside our family through every season of life.

In the past, I served four years on the Board of Elders, which gave me a deeper appreciation for the ministry and mission of St. Peter. More recently, I have been honored to serve on the 5/2 Committee, helping prayerfully plan for the future of our church. I am excited and committed to assisting as we begin implementing our strategic vision and move forward together.

As I step into this role, please know that I am here to listen, to serve, and to work collaboratively. My hope is that, together, we remain centered on Christ as we continue to grow, serve, and carry out the work God has entrusted to St. Peter.

Thank you to all who serve our congregation in so many ways. I look forward to what God has in store for St. Peter in the years ahead.

Blessings In Christ,

Stefan Gfesser, President of the St. Peter Mission and Ministry Council

In June 2025, St. Peter sent 4 church members to join the Belize Mission Society in Seine Bight Belize for a weeklong mission trip. Our main focus was to serve the village of Seine Bight which is primarily a Garifuna community. We worked diligently to construct an addition onto a local family’s home, several team members worked in the school, we facilitated men’s and women’s ministry, and we conducted over 80 home visits, delivering basic medical care to residents, addressing immediate health needs, and offering compassion in the name of Jesus. Seine Bight is a coastal village in Southeast Belize with a population of roughly 1,100 people. Thank you for your support which makes mission trips like these possible. I am looking forward to serving in Belize again, and if you are interested in how to support the Belize Mission Society, or if you are interested in being part of a mission team in the future, please let me know!

Poland Missions

In August, a mission team of ten members from St. Peter traveled to Tychy, Poland, to lead our annual day camp ministry. By God’s grace, this year’s camp welcomed 53 children, the highest attendance in the history of this mission partnership. As in years prior, the program combined English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction with Vacation Bible School (VBS), offering the children opportunities to strengthen their language skills while also hearing and learning God’s Word through Bible lessons, crafts, music, and activities.

In addition to leading the camp, the team had the privilege of visiting several sites of historical and cultural importance. These included the historic Lutheran church in Miechowice, associated with the ministry of Mother Ewa von Tiele-Winckler; the Castle of Moszna, a notable landmark in Silesia owned by Mother Ewa’s father, the Museum of Silesian History in Katowice; and the historic city of Kraków.

Historical Note – Mother Ewa von Tiele-Winckler (1866–1930): Known as the “Mother of Silesia,” she dedicated her life to Christian service. Although she was born into an aristocratic family, she chose a path of humility and compassion, establishing orphanages, schools, and homes for the elderly, widows, and those in need. Her legacy of mercy and devotion continues to inspire the Lutheran Church in Poland and throughout the world.

We give thanks to God for His blessings upon this mission trip, for the opportunity to share the Gospel, and for the continued partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Poland. We ask the congregation to keep the children and families of Tychy in prayer, that the seeds planted through this ministry may continue to bear fruit in faith.