Greetings from Church of Peace - July 28, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace,

Breaking News:  A day camp at Pilgrim Center Camp for all Church of Peace Sunday School children has been scheduled for Thursday, August 25^th.  Children aged 4 years old - 8^th grade are invited to board the bus at our church, then spend the day swimming, crafting, playing, learning, and eating at our Pilgrim Center camp. We’ll return home, tired and happy, after supper. Parents, watch your mailbox for more information. 

The feeding of the 5,000 is the Scripture story for Sunday, a story which has a particularly heartening message for people in tough economic times.  Little Masen Holmes will be baptized.  Annie Hackbarth will provide special music. 

Esther Hassman is a patient at St. Agnes Hospital.  Please remember Esther when you pray.

Our Church of Peace softball team plays its final pre-tournament game on Monday night at Woodworth (north field) at 7:00 p.m.  Come cheer for our team.  Bring a lawn chair. 

The Messenger for August will be mailed early next week. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

We’ll see you in church.   Pastors Jim and Jenny

A prayer for today:  Don’t let the challenges of today overwhelm me, O God.  Open my life to receive your gifts of wisdom and peace. Remind me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you.  I pray that Esther Hassman will be blessed by your healing power.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - July 21, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Jim and I are back from a renewing and fun vacation.  Thanks to Revs. Kandler and Schrankler for their help while we were gone.  We thank God for the gift of time away to be refreshed in body, mind, and spirit; we hope all of you take some time to enjoy the beauty of the creation and the company of loved ones.

This Sunday’s Scripture lesson is a collection of parables.  We’ll look for the humor and the lessons in these stories Jesus told.  Pastor Jim will provide special music.  Come worship in our air-conditioned sanctuary with your church family (8:45 a.m.); you’ll be glad you did.

Tuesday night the Church Council gathered for our July meeting.  Enthusiastic reports were given by members who participated in the mission trip. Not so good news came in the congregation’s financial report.  Thus far this year our general fund has spent $11,500 more than we’ve received in offerings.  The Council is prayerfully considering how to limit expenses.  At the same time, we remind members to support Christ’s work at Church of Peace through generous and consistent giving. 

Last night, the Children’s Ministry Task Force met to continue their planning for next year’s Sunday School.  It is going to be a great year for our little disciples and their teachers.  Parents, look for more details soon. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

We’ll see you in church!  Pastors Jenny and Jim

A prayer for today:  What a beautiful day your love has created, O God, and I thank you for it.  When I see the sunshine, I remember that my life should shine with your love.  When I see the breeze gently rustling through the branches of the trees, I am reminded of the way that your energizing power moves through my life when I need strength or wisdom.  God, I ask your blessing and guidance for our church family as we address difficult financial issues.  You have commissioned us to be your people, to praise you as we serve one another and the community. Give each of us a generous heart; guide us as individuals and as a congregation to wise use of our resources. These things I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.