St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Conover, N.C., is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year with a theme of “Rooted” – reflecting its deep history, and the roots that feed and are the foundation for growth in year 201 and beyond. Pastor Peter Frank wants to encourage parishioners to lean into their mission to share, grow, and serve with the love of Jesus.
“‘Sharing’ is all about sharing the love of Christ through the hope we have in his resurrection,” Pastor Frank said. “‘Grow’ is about growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ and his word and sacraments. Serving our neighbors, that’s what we are called to do as the body of Christ, without expecting anything in return.”
After Hurricane Helene decimated parts of Western North Carolina this past fall, the Southeastern District sought member congregations to help in the relief efforts. St. Peter’s answered the call. Because of its proximity to the impacted area and because it already had an on-site disaster-relief facility, it became a drop zone — receiving donated supplies and housing volunteers who participated in the cleanup process.
Pastor Frank had only been installed a few months prior.
“He said, ‘Oh, we have the facilities to do that,’ and offered us up,” said congregant Staci Bumgarner, who heads up St. Peter’s anniversary committee. “It was huge, but we wouldn’t have taken that step if he hadn’t been here. It was remarkable to see who came to help. It was truly a terrible thing for the people in the mountain, but a blessing for us to serve in that way.”
Bumgarner is a descendent of one of St. Peter’s 173 founding members. Pastor Frank said they don’t have great records from the 1800s, but the church’s cemetery has yielded some clues about the congregation’s history. The earliest marked grave is that of a child who died in 1816. The next oldest grave is from 1831. They also have a record of the August 28, 1828, baptism of Elizabeth Hefner.
Following the celebration, those tidbits, along with other stories and records, will be gathered and compiled into a book.
But first, there’s more celebrating to do. St. Peter has a theme for each month. For May it is “Old-Fashioned Day,” when congregants are invited to dress up from a bygone era and attend a potluck. For August the theme is “Founding Families.” For December the theme is “Worship Traditions” and will feature the musical heritage of the Lutheran church.
As proud as St. Peter’s is of its history, Pastor Frank does not want the congregation to succumb to the mindset that it must do things the way they’ve always done them. He also wants the congregants to know that just because half of the membership is over the age of 60 doesn’t mean they have to slow down sharing, serving, or growing in the love of Jesus. He said it means “we just do things in different ways. Every aspect of life is a gift from God.”
These outreach spotlights are designed to encourage congregations to serve and love those God has placed in their community. Got a story to share about what God is doing through your congregation? Please email Robin Domeier
