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St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Hosts
Harvest Festival
[September 03, 2026]
Before the heat wave hit, St.
Peter’s Lutheran Church in Emden hosted its annual Harvest Festival
on Sunday, August 30. The festival included a traditional worship
service, followed by a luncheon with activities for children and a
program celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
The service began with the Praise Team, accompanied by special guest
Dr. Dinelle Frankland on the piano. Together they led the
congregation in several songs throughout the service. John Cross
offered the Prayer of the Day. John, a farmer from Emden and St.
Peter’s Shepherding Pastor, prayed that God would carry all farmers
throughout the harvest season. In his prayer, he reminded the
congregation that no matter the commodity yield, the greatest
harvest is love. He reminded us to have “faith through hard seasons,
hope for the future, and love for God and people.”
After the prayer, Pastor Ray
invited the children of the congregation to join him up front. The
children gathered around, and Pastor Ray told the story of the
sukkot, or festival of booths or tents, which is an autumn festival
when God commanded rest and repose for his people who had been
working so hard. The sukkot had been specially built for the church
by Larry (Moe) and Joyce Westen of Emden. After the children’s
sermon, the service continued with the readings by Betty Gail Wagner
and several more hymns led by the Praise Team. Pastor Ray gave a
sermon reminding the congregation to celebrate more because of the
wonderful gifts God provides and because God understands we need a
break to celebrate our hard work. The service concluded after the
collection, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Benediction.
Outside on the west lawn of the
church, a large tent with tables and chairs, plus several picnic
tables under the trees, was prepared for the luncheon of pulled
pork, potato salad, chips, and applesauce. The Harvest Fest
Committee prepared the pulled pork the previous evening, and Daniel
and Emily Coers hosted the event. Dessert included ice cream
provided by the SPY (St. Peter’s Youth) team and cookies from ladies
in the congregation.
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There were also several
activities outside. Holly from the farm was there with a
face-painting station; a fishing game and marble rolling were
also available. Don Batterton also provided a nut-cracking
demonstration and a honey demonstration. After lunch, a short
program celebrated America’s 250th. The congregation was led in
singing four patriotic songs: “America the Beautiful”, “My
Country ‘Tis of Thee”, “God Bless America” and “You’re a Grand
Old Flag”. Then they were treated to three visitors from
America’s past: George Washington, played by Kurt Wrage;
Benjamin Franklin, played by Neil Klokkenga; and Paul Revere,
played by John Cross. Each gave a short monologue about their
historical figure.
When the program concluded, the
guests were invited to take produce that was grown and shared by
Larry and Joyce Westen of Emden. The produce included pumpkins,
gourds, tomatoes, and peppers. The afternoon continued with visiting
and fellowship.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Harvest Festival photo slideshow
[Joli Boerma Crane]
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