Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church

17 26 9 ACTSLent 2013Join us as we study the book of Acts during Lent. Through home reading, Bible class, and Wednesday services we will learn together about the early history of the church.Visual BibleIf you miss a Wednesday evening service or want to view the video again, click to watch it on youtube!Daily ReadingsMarch 17 :: Acts 25:23-26:32March 18 :: Acts 27:1-27:12March 19 :: Acts 27:13-27:26March 20 :: Acts 27:27-27:44March 21 :: Acts 28:1-28:10March 22 :: Acts 28:11-28:16March 23 :: Acts 28:17-28:31

Leadership and Church Size DynamicsBy Timothy KellerThe roles of leadership, the strengths and weaknesses, and the operation of a church vary based on the size of the congregation.

coming up Don Kuiper began his work at Saints Peter and Paul in January 2008. He is a 1970 graduate of Calvin College earning a degree in Spanish and Mathematics. He also has a Master's Degree in business from Michigan Tech University. He loves to travel, especially in Latin America and the United Kingdom. Reading classic English, Spanish and American Literature is his pasttime. He and his wife Gene live in Misery Bay "far from the madding crowd."maintenance@copperluth.org

Summer Schedule StartsInformal Worship @ 8:30amTraditional Worship @ 10amThere is no Sunday School during the summer.

Our LogoAs you can see, there is a gradient to the flames. This symbolizes the different hues you see in copper. At the bottom, you can even see green which is a color metal can take on when it's really hot and also a color copper takes on after it's been worn. There is a geometric pattern to the flames, almost like stained glass. This is inspired by the history of our church. We are a forward-thinking congregation, with modern construction, yet with ties to a long past in a town with a lot of history. There are three flames symbolizing the Trinity, all three working together to refine us. When we are refined in Christ, our rough edges become smooth no matter how tattered they were before we met Him.

Adrienne Shipley was hired as the music director at Saints Peter and Paul in January 2007. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2001 and is currently working on a Master of Music. She is married to Daniel Krueger and they have two children, a dog, and a cat. Her family loves to spend time together enjoying beautiful Lake Superior. musicdirector@copperluth.org

CommunityO rganizations We SupportLove, INCA Christian networking organization for local agencies and churches to support one another to assist in reaching the poor and needy of the copper country. Pastor Gehrke currently serves on the board of directors for this organization.Salvation Army In November, we collect non-perishable foods to support their food driveIn December, we adopt families from the Salvation Army to give Christmas presents Little Brothers Friends of the ElderlyWe open our facility for dinners and activities Habitat for HumanityEvery summer, volunteers from our congregation build a house in the communityCommunity Worship ServicesPastor Weber leads worship services once a month at senior living facilities in the community. Services are: The Bluffs in Houghton - 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 2:00pm North Ridge Pines in Calumet - 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 2:30pm Houghton County Medical Care in Hancock - 1st Thursday of the month at 2:00pm

GroupsIf you are interested in joining any of these groups or you have an idea to start your own, please contact the church office.Bible Study GroupsHome Bible Studies Weekly Bible study/fellowship groups that meet in people’s homes. The curriculum varies at each group. If you would like to join, or start group, please contact the church office. Tuesday morning men’s breakfast 7:30am – Portage Hospital Women’s Bible study 10:30am – 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the monthFellowship Groups Dorcas This is our church's Lutheran Women's Missionary League (LWML). Club Copper A fellowship group for adults that holds monthly activitiesSenior SaintsA fellowship group for senior adults (55 and older) that meets for lunch and a program the 3rd Thursday of the month. Other outings are planned periodically.Women's MinistryA fellowship group for women that holds monthly activitiesMom's Night OutA group of frazzled and silly mothers of young children that meets once per month for our sanity - to regain a sense of oursevles, and create friendships on this journey called "motherhood". We strongly believe that no mother should feel alone. We are here for YOU!Visit our website - click here!Service GroupsAltar Guild Prepares the Lord"s Supper for worship services Prayer Shawl A group that makes prayer shawls on behalf of the congregation which are given to people in needMusic GroupsPraise Team We have a few different groups that lead the worship at our early service. If you are interesting in helping, please contact Pastor Gehrke.Handbell ChoirAdult ChoirIndividual Instrumentalists and Vocalists

KidsJesus said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them. For to such belongs the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).Kids are an integral part of the life of our congregation.Every Sunday during the school year, we have Sunday School from 9:45-11:00am starting at age 3.For one week every summer, we host an exciting Vacation Bible School program.During the summer, we also host a week-long music camp where kids learn the songs, scripts, build the set, and perform a full Christian musical.We host a program called Parents' Day Out--child care for ages 1-5. This is every Wednesday from 10am-2pm. If you are interested, please contact the church office.

Jason Auel started at Saints Peter and Paul as business manager in May 2006. He is married to Miki. He works full time at the Copper Country Intermediate School District as the coordinator of business services. In his spare time he enjoys golfing, biking, and spending time outdoors. business@copperluth.org

Our MissionWith a rich history of copper mining, our area of the Upper Peninsula is often called "The Copper Country." Our congregation has adopted this image to help us remain focused on God's mission for us at this time and in this place.We believe that in Christ we are: Called Out People Proclaiming Equipping Reaching

Judy Fenske started as office manager in June 2002. She is married to Duane and they have three sons. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, cross-stitch, sewing, reading, and knitting. secretary@copperluth.org

Pastor Gehrke was called to Saints Peter and Paul in July, 2010. He is a 2010 graduate of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO and 2006 graduate of Concordia University in St. Paul, MN. He is married to Abby and they are proud parents of their daughter Hazel. They also have a black lab named Bauer. He enjoys playing all kinds of sports and musical instruments. Pastor Gehrke and Abby also love the great outdoors: skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fishing and so many other activites. pastorgehrke@copperluth.org

Pastor David Weber was called to Saints Peter and Paul in 1998. He is a graduate of Concordia Seminary St. Louis - class of 1979. He is married to Lois, and they have four married children and nine grandchildren. He enjoys playing guitar and banjo and writing his own compositions. Also, he enjoys fishing, hunting and the great outdoors. pastorweber@copperluth.org

Contact UsPhone: (906) 482-4750Fax: (906) 482-7425Location: 1010 Madeleine Street Houghton, MI 49931 - MAPEmail: Use the form at left or email secretary@copperluth.org to reach the church office. Email webmaster@copperluth.org for questions about this website.Facebook: Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/saintspeterandpaul Click Here to submit a prayer request.

Our Beliefs As a congregation within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod , Saints Peter and Paul Lutheran Church teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God:the Father, creator of all that existsthe Son, Jesus Christ, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satanthe Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God"s Word and SacramentsTo learn more about the beliefs of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, click here.

Ongoing EventsGet in the Word!Women's Bible Study - Sundays @ 6:30pm (led by Maura Leinonen)Women's Bible Study - 2nd & 4th Tuesdays @ 10:30am (led by Dorothy Paul)Men's Bible Study - Tuesday @ 7:30am @ Portage Hospital cafeBethel Series Bible Study - Sundays @ 9:45amConfirmation Class - Wednesdays @ 4pmHome Bible Studies Tuesday - 6pm - Gernot & Julia Joachim Wednesday - 6:00pm - John & Dala Beard Wednesday - 6:30pm - Pastor & Lois Weber Wednesday - 6:30pm - Mark & Deb VanWagner Wednesday - 6:30pm - Hewett's Thursday - 7:15pm - Peter & Jill PietilaStay Active!Tai Chi - Tuesday @ 5:30pmBe Involved!Mom's Night Out - 2nd Tuesdays @ 6pmSenior Saints - 3rd Thursday @ 12pmDorcas/LWML - 3rd Tuesday @ 7pmMake A Joyful Noise!Hand Bell Choir - Mondays @ 6:00pmPraise Group - Thursdays @ 5:15pmEmail webmaster@copperluth.org to submit an event!

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College StudentsWe are blessed to live in a community with two wonderful universities - Michigan Technological University and Finlandia University. We have an active student group that coordinates activites and Bible Study for college students. Find us on FACEBOOK.A few of the students live at the Concordia Lutheran Student Center - Saints Peter and Paul's campus house. 217 Blanche Street Houghton, MI 49931 - MAP Want to live at the student center? Click here to fill out an application.Our congregation has an Adopt-A-Student program where a student is partnered up with a congregational family who will be a friendly face at worship, provide home cooked meals, and give gifts at special times. Are you a student and would like to be adopted? Click here Are you a church family and would like to adopt a student? Click here

WorshipSundays @ 8:30 am •This service is led by a praise team. At this service, we sing contemporary Christian music. •Communion is celebrated the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the monthSundays @10:00 am (@11am the 3rd Sunday in September through Memorial Day)•This service is led by the organ and we sing the liturgies and hymns from the Lutheran Service Book. Nursery provided during this service. •Communion is celebrated the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month

Our HistoryOur congregation had its beginnings in the mid-1800’s during the mining boom that gave the Copper Country its name. Lutheran immigrants, distressed by the lack of properly called, trained, and ordained ministers, wrote to Dr. C.F.W. Walther, president of the Missouri Synod, requesting a pastor. Eventually, in response to this request, Rev. I.E. Wuebben arrived in Houghton in 1866. In January of 1867 the first Lutheran congregation in the Copper Country [and probably in the whole of Michigan's Upper Peninsula] was formed under the name "German Evangelical Lutheran Peter and Paul's Congregation at Hancock."In the first year of its existence the congregation conducted services in the public school on Franklin Street in Hancock and in the county courthouse in Houghton. However, later in 1867, the first Lutheran church building in the Copper Country was built on a lot donated by the Quincy Mining Company. On April 11, 1869 a great fire destroyed nearly the entire village of Hancock. The church was one of only a few buildings left undamaged by the fire.Rev. Wuebben remained until 1873 and was followed by Rev. C.F. Ebert. These two men did exploratory mission work throughout the area from Eagle Harbor to Ontonagon to Marquette. The organization of St. Paul's in Laurium and Trinity (now Redeemer) in Marquette were offshoots of their labors. During the pastorate of Rev. Philip Wambsganss (installed in 1878), the issue of building a new church nearly split the congregation. The members from Hurontown, who made up almost half of the congregation, wanted to build in Houghton or buy the old Houghton Fire Hall, which had been offered at a low price. However, the congregation stayed together and the new church was built on the corner lot next to the old church. (The lot was obtained on a 99-year lease from the Quincy Mining Company and at the end of the sale purchased for $1.00). The new church was dedicated in 1881.The ministry of Rev. Edmund Huebner (installed 1887) was difficult due to economic changes in the community and the growth of activities harmful to the church, such as itinerant preachers and lodges. But he continued to lay a good foundation for the future. Three large bells (Glaube, Liebe, and Hoffnung) were installed in the belfry. The old church became the congregation's one-room parochial school building and continued to be used as such until 1917.With Rev. Gottlieb Traub's ministry (1896-1922) the congregation began to move into the modern era. In 1906 the congregation began to have English language services (once a month). Steam heat, electricity, gas, and plumbing were installed. A choir, Sunday school, and ladies' and young people's societies were organized. He served preaching stations at Atlantic Mine, Trimountain, Topaz, and Bergland.Rev. E.W. Feldscher's pastorate (1922-1962) was the longest in the congregation's story. He extended ministry to Painesdale (resulting in Trinity congregation, which merged with SS. Peter and Paul in 1957) and a preaching station in Redridge. He led major renovations and the Hasse organ project, but one of his most noteworthy contributions was initiation and development of ministry to students at what is now Michigan Technological University. He was one of the fathers of campus ministry in the LCMS. Back in the 1960s, alumni established a scholarship fund at MTU in his memory.Rev. Robert Paul was installed as the congregation"s seventh pastor in 1962. His ministry carried on Rev. Feldscher's work in maintaining a stable congregation and pursuing campus ministry. A thriving Gamma Delta student group metamorphosed into (Lutheran) Beta Sigma Psi fraternity (Theta chapter) with its own house on College Ave. in Houghton. Beta Sigma Psi played a positive role in the campus scene for several years but was undone by the campus turmoils of the late 60's and early 70's . He was called to serve a town and campus congregation in Wisconsin in 1967. After ministry there and another pastorate, he was called back as our tenth pastor in 1975.Rev. Carlton Spatzek came to SS. Peter and Paul after service as a Navy chaplain. Although well liked, he served here only about a year (1967-1968). The Copper Country climate affected him and his wife adversely, and he felt constrained to continue his ministry in another location.Rev. Vernon Schwartz was called by our congregation from a town and campus ministry in Illinois and served 1969-1975. He made contributions in parish organization and new initiatives in campus ministry. Upon his recommendation, the North Wisconsin District purchased a house a half-block from the heart of MTU's campus, which became Concordia Lutheran Student Center. Ever since, it has been the connecting link between the church and the campus. The monthly student suppers he initiated are still a primary venue for student fellowship and ministry.During Rev. Paul's second pastorate (1975-1995), a large part of ministry was involved with serving an aging segment of the congregation and fostering student involvement in the life of the congregation. The ties that developed between members and students were cherished by both. The two major projects during this pastorate were the narthex addition and the elevator.The ministry of Rev. Patrick Boomhower (1995-1998) took a spirited approach to outreach, with the result many new members were added to the congregation. He also used his considerable artistic and musical talents to oversee a beautiful redecoration of the nave, chancel and altar, and a much-needed renovation of the organ.Through its long history, the congregation has had only one long vacancy (1978-79). Most have been 6 months or less. Rev. David Weber came in the fall of 1998. His approach to ministry is straightforward and evangelical. He, too, has musical talents and has used them to add vocal and instrumental music to the congregational life. Another mark of his ministry is to be highly active in standing by and helping people in times of sickness or other needs. The new facility in Houghton was built during his pastorate and the congregation moved in March of 2009.For the first time in its history, the congregation added a second full-time pastor in July of 2010. Rev. Aaron Gehrke was called to serve alongside Rev. David Weber as the congregation's growth necessitated additional staffing. He, too, has musical abilities and is able to use them to lead the congregation in worship. He has a heart for the poor and the lost, and will equip the congregation in finding ways to reach all people with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Upcoming Events Dorcas SocieyMay 21 :: 7pmAfter a business meeting, Dorothy Paul will lead us in a Bible Study. Dessert will follow. All women of the congregation are welcome!Senior SaintsMay 23 :: NoonJoin us for lunch, then carpool to the Great Lake Research Center for a tour!Church WorkbeeJune 1 :: 8am-12pmWe need help in the kitchen, outdoor chores, and window washing. SIgn up in the narthex if you are able to help.Life Outreach Center 5k/10k Walk/RunJune 8 :: 9amDust off your sneakers and start training for the Life Outreach Center's fundraiser run. All proceeds to to providing free pregnancy services in our community. PIck up a packet in the narthex.Chris Weber's OrdinationJune 9 :: 4pmJoin us for the service and celebratory meal as Chris is ordained into the ministry. Please sign up by June 2 for the meal.Vacation Bible SchoolJune 17 - 20Mark your calendars for the 2013 VBS adventure! Please click here to volunteer or register!FinnFestJune 23 :: 3:30pmSS Peter and Paul will be hosting a stop on the FinnFest Church Bus Tour! The tour will arrive around 3:30pm and stay for about 45 minutes for singing hymns, hearing a brief presentation on the history of our congregation, and a tour. Coffee and Finnish refreshments will be served!Help Build Camp Luther's New Camp!Camp Luther has a new location near Houghton called Keweenaw Base Camp. Starting May 9-11 and 16-18 volunteers are needed to help build facilities and get the property ready for summer. All skill sets are welcome, but those with construction and corpentry experience are much needed for many of the building projects. For more information or to register, visit http://campluther.com/kbc/resources/volunteer-opportunities.Calling All Kids Music TheatreJuly 22-26 :: 9am-12pm :: $30We will be sponsoring the Calling All Kids Music Theatre again this summer! This music camp is for children 2nd grade-7th grade. Throughout the week campers will prepare the Christian musical "Jonah's Druthers: A Whale of a Tale from the Good Book" for a final performance on July 28th. Contact the church office for an application.

Vacation BIble SchoolJune 17-20Volunteers are needed to make VBS the best it can be! Click here to volunteer or register!

Chris Weber's OrdinationJune 9 :: 4pmJoin us for Chris's ordination service followed by a celebratory meal. Please sign up by June 2.

Our Location 1010 Madeleine Street Houghton, MI 49931 - Map(906)482-4750

Sunday Morning Worship8:30am - Contemporary Service10:00am - Traditional Service

proclaiming, equipping, reaching