November 2017
Following a week of Thanksgiving feasts and the arrival of Christmas music, Americans across the country are celebrating the holiday season through food and music which are important to American culture. Just over one month ago, St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in Arlington Heights celebrated another culture in the same manner, immersing the community in all things German.
1,000 excited students and adults enjoyed pretzels, carnival games, savory plates of brats and sauerkraut, refreshing beverages, live music, and more at St. Peter’s inaugural Oktoberfest on October 17.
The event drew local and cross-state visitors of all generations who were able to build relationships and connect further with St. Peter. Jen Graf one of St. Peter Lutheran School’s first grade teachers said, “all that evening and into the following weeks, the committee members heard uplifting and positive comments from church members, school families, and even kids. One third grade boy told me the following week in the hall, “there was a kid from my soccer team there! It was crazy!’”
The Oktoberfest was entirely volunteer based meaning all profits raised through food, drink, etc. were able to be allocated to upgrading and expanding the technology throughout St. Peter’s nationally accredited preschool-8th grade Blue Ribbon school.
Admission began at 4 p.m. and was free to all patrons. Guests ranging from toddlers to grandparents came early to enjoy carnival games and by 6 p.m. the crowds began transitioning to enjoy hay rides and the yodeling, Australian Cowbells, Swiss Alphorn, and Polka Music of The Johnny Wagner Band. A ‘stein holding contest for contestants over 21 years of age marked the transition point of the evening after which Jahli Llama, “a high energy rock cover band on a mission to play songs that aren’t overplayed” took the stage to play music from the likes of The Clash, U2, The Black Keys, and The White Stripes.
Graf noted, “All the teachers and staff were there that night talking with parents and kids, as well as serving beside many of them. All of those relationships were strengthened. Now these families may be more willing to attend a church service or the next relational event like a potluck or reach out to the teacher when they are in need. … From the beginning we gave it to Him. We were doing a study in church at the time called Immeasurably More; he certainly gave us immeasurably more!”
Praise God for his abundance and provision. If you would like to learn more about St. Peter, please visit their website.