Greetings of Church of Peace - December 29, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace on this 5^th day of Christmas!

This Sunday we have a wonderful opportunity to begin the new year in a holy way.  We’ll be gathering New Year’s Day at 8:45 a.m. for worship.  Come join us as we praise God for the blessings of 2011 and ask God for guidance in 2012. Holy Communion will be celebrated. There will be no Sunday School this week.

We know of two people who are hospitalized: David Borchert in Neenah and Pat Pratt at St. Agnes.  Please remember these folks in your prayers. We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Sharon Miess.  Sharon’s funeral was yesterday. 

The church’s financial books will close on Friday morning at 10:00 so if you have donations that you would like credited to 2011, please make sure your gift arrives at the church office by then. 

A word of thanks: on behalf of the congregation as well as ourselves, we want to express our gratitude to all the people whose dedication made possible our inspirational Advent and Christmas seasons: all of our musicians, the Worship Enhancement Team, dramatists, teachers, candle-lighters, readers, ushers, and staff. A special thank you to Ray Beilke, Art Conklin, and Jeanette Hinn for their leadership of the Christmas Day worship service. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Dear God who has blessed me so richly in the closing year, I turn to you with a grateful heart, thankful for all the love that I have experienced during the days of 2011.  As the year comes to a close, remind me to forgive those who have hurt me in any way, just as you have forgiven me for my transgressions during the year.  Please continue to shine your healing light upon David Borchert and Pat Pratt; bring consolation and peace to the family of Sharon Miess.  I pray these things remembering Jesus.  Amen.   

Greetings from Church of Peace - December 15, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Tonight we hold one of the loveliest services of the year at Church of Peace – the Service of Remembrance and Hope.  At 7:00 we’ll gather in the beauty of our candlelit sanctuary for prayers, songs, and Scriptures.  The trees are up and decorated; the poinsettias will be in place. Join us for this time of spiritual refreshment.  A social hour will follow.

Sunday is the Advent Sunday of Love. Worship begins at 8:45 a.m.  The Chapel Choir will sing. Then at 10:15 the children of the Sunday School will present their Christmas program which will be followed by a social hour.  (PARENTS: have your child in his/her classroom by 9:50 please.)

At 5:00 Sunday night we will meet for a quick pizza supper, then climb on a bus to go caroling for some of our members.  We’ll return to the church by 7:00.  This is an activity for the whole family.  How heart-warming it will be for all!

David Borchert has been hospitalized at Theda Clark Medical Center.  Please pray for his speedy and complete recovery.

On Saturday the one and only rehearsal for the children’s Christmas program will begin at 9:00.  All children who are in the program need to attend.  The practice will take about an hour and a half.  Following the rehearsal, the middle-school students will be decorating cookies for the next day’s social hour.

Next Tuesday, all members and friends are invited to Golden Fellowship to enjoy pizza and to share Christmas stories from times past. Come to Gammert Hall at 11:00 to join in the fun.

Looking ahead:

Christmas Eve:    4:00 Communion Service/ Special Music by Inge                                               Adelmeyer and Pastor Jim

                                     7:00 Communion Service/Candles for Everyone

                                  11:00 Pew Communion/Candles for Everyone

                                            Chapel Choir Singing

Christmas Day   10:00 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols

                                            No Sunday School, Breakfast Club, Social Hour

Are you planning to attend the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service?  If so, would your family be willing to light the Advent candles?  Please call Pastor Jenny at 921-8215 if you would be willing to help in this important way.  We will give you the words to say.

That’s the news from Church of Peace. 

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

A prayer for today: Eternal Source of birth and new life, help me to prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas.  Slow me down and remind me to place my hope in you.  Be my calm center; make me a channel of your peace. Bless David Borchert with your healing power.  Amen.