A Voter’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 25th at 7 PM for the sole purpose of calling Vicar Matthew Peterson as Pastor of Youth Ministry at St. Peter.

The seminary feels that Vicar Matt is progressing well through this year of vicarage despite his challenges with his illness. They feel that he will be certified as a Pastor in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod with his vicarage that will conclude at the end of July. Vicar Matt Peterson is a “convertible vicar” which means he may be called right after his vicarage instead of returning to the seminary.

Dr. Nielson indicated that the next step is for St. Peter Congregation to meet as a voting body and extend a call to Vicar Matt Peterson to serve as Pastor of Youth Ministry at St. Peter. We will work through the Northern Illinois District of the LCMS and with President Dan Gilbert to facilitate this call.

After his ordination in late July or early August, (Pastor) Matthew Peterson will also be able to consecrate the elements at Holy Communion, conduct Baptisms, offer absolution, conduct funerals and weddings, and other pastoral needs in our congregation. This call has nothing to do with the departure of Pastor Cate as Associate Pastor. The call process will soon begin its search for a replacement for the position that Pastor Cate held. This process could take as long as a year or more. You may remember that after Pastor Ade was called to heaven, it took nearly 18 months before Pastor Cate accepted the call. Please be praying about this decision!

We want to hear from you! In an effort to better understand the needs of the congregation, the Council has created an online survey to obtain feedback on the subject of Bible studies. The survey is approximately 5 minutes long. The information obtained in the survey is completely confidential, and you will not be required to provide any personal information. To launch the survey, click here.

It is very important that you participate and complete the survey, even if you’re not interested in attending a Bible study. We will use the information to see how the Bible studies programs can be updated to better suit your needs. If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me by email at Council@stpeterlcms.com.