HOPE is Coming

Which type of hope do you have this Advent season?

During the month of December we find ourselves hoping for all sorts of things. We hope the Christmas tree lights will stay lit this year. We hope our child will actually sing, and not cry, during the school program. We hope our family has a wonderful time together building precious memories that last. This sort of hope is an uncertain hope... a future we would prefer, but we recognize it might not happen. The season of Advent reminds us that the hope found in the Gospel is different. It is a certain hope, one you can count on. I recently learned that the word used for hope in the New Testament is related to the word used for rope. It makes sense. If you were wrapping a rope around your waist and scaling the side of a cliff, which type of hope would you prefer to have? Because of that humble baby born in a manger and His life, death, and resurrection, we have certain hope... hope that our sins are forgiven... hope that we will live eternally with our Savior.

Soon the holidays will be behind us once again, and the cold and dreary months of winter will settle in. I'd like to invite you to join us on Tuesday evenings for a cozy break from the dreariness and to spend a little time exploring what that certain hope means for you and for your life. We will feed you a hot meal starting at 5:30, then at 6:10 we will all join in a devotional time that is sure to warm your heart.

Individual classes will begin each evening at 6:30 and run for an hour. Check out the fantastic class options for this session:

• Tips and Tricks for Parenting Teens in the Digital Age - We live in a digital age that is growing faster than my son can eat all of the Doritos in my house. More than 1,200 apps are published and accessible for your child to download every single day. Our teenagers are growing up in a world that is vastly different than it was in our teenage years. We cannot stop this technology growth or completely shield our teens from it; technology penetrates our world. As a parent, my goal is to help my children navigate everything that is accessible to them, based on being a child of God. This session will give parents some helpful websites and yes, apps, to equip us in this digital age. We will also have an environment for sharing questions and topics you may want to learn more about as we spend time together in the sessions. - My name is Kami Mogelvang, and I am a former Director of Christian Education. My husband Chris is in his first year at the Seminary and we have three children, Corban (14), GraceAnn (12) and Lena (11).

• Built on the Rock: A Biblical Look at Marriage and Relationships - The Bible is a vast source of knowledge and information, and it has some wonderful and interesting things to say about the nature of marriage and our relationships. Join Pastor Nate as we explore the inner workings of communication, conflict resolution, appropriate expectations and more as we work through how the Bible applies to us. Next to being a Christian, the most important vocation we have is to be a partner. Even though the world fights against the idea of monogamy, peace within a relationship and a proper work/life balance, it's our duty to look to God and take direction from His Word. Join us for Built on the Rock and see how the Bible can strengthen our relationships and change "You," or, "Me," into, "Us."

• Untangle Your Emotions - I (Michelle Leahy) will lead a class based upon the book by the same name by Jennie Allen. How often have you heard, “Don’t let your emotions get the best of you”? But what if instead of ignoring our feelings, we noticed them, named them, and let God use them to draw us closer to Himself and others? Feelings aren’t something to fix; they are something to feel. As we discover how to name and navigate our emotions, we’ll learn how they can draw us closer to the God who built us—soul, mind, and heart.

• Drums of Praise - Drums Alive is a program that utilizes “whole brain – whole body” thinking by developing sensory motor reflexes and kinesthetic awareness. The physiological and psychological benefits are numerous including those found in traditional forms of aerobic fitness. Drumming has also been found to improve and increase the neurological connection between the 2 brain hemispheres, stimulating Alpha brain wave activity which can lead to higher levels of concentration, sensory/motor improvement, and an overall sense of well being. In Drums of Praise, Certified Drums Alive Coach, Alicia Rodenbeck, will lead participants through a short meditation on a verse highlighting God's Masterwork in the human body before leading a fun and uplifting drumming workout suitable for all ages and abilities. Come to drum away some stress or to dance and find some joy! 

• Pastor McDowell is preparing a class dedicated to our Middle Schoolers. This class will feel like a Middle School Youth Group meeting. We will tackle a Bible study and enjoy some activities as well. 

• Bible Sprouts - This class is for children of all ages and includes games, activities and mini discussions about the Bible in the world around them. Learn through play and fellowship with other St. Peter’s kids. You can find us in the Preschool PEEPS classroom to start, but (depending on weather and class size) we often venture outside for a nature walk, to the gym, or under the front porch to the north of the sanctuary.