12-19-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

The trees are up and decorated! This week we celebrate the Advent Sunday of Love.  Palmer Wachter will be baptized.  The Advent candles will be lit.  Join us for a “lovely” time at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday.

Tonight we gather in the candle-lit beauty of our sanctuary for the healing service we call “Remembrance and Hope.”  Our time together will feature quiet music, Scripture readings, and prayer. There are many reasons that your heart might be weary or sad; join us at 7:00 p.m. tonight to let God touch your life with peace.

Herman Rucks has entered the hospice program. Please remember him when you pray. Please also remember the family of Bill Minnich, Sr. ; Bill’s funeral was at the U.C.C. in St. Germain on Monday.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FAMILIES: Rehearsal for the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning.  The program itself will begin at 10:15 on Sunday.

It is time to go caroling!  Sunday afternoon at 5:00 p.m. we will meet for pizza, then board the bus, and head out to bring Christmas cheer. We’ll return to Church of Peace by 7:15.  This is a fun event for the whole family.  Sign up on the bulletin board in the coatroom or respond to this email so our pizza order can be accurate.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES

4:00 p.m. Family Service

Carols, Costumes, Communion.

Special music by Inge Adelmeyer and Pastor Jim.

Bring a bell.

7:00 p.m. Candle-Lit Service

Carols, Candles, Communion.

Special music by Siera Ramirez.

Bring a bell.

11:00 p.m. Candle-Lit Service

Carols, Candles, Communion.

Special music by the Chapel Choir.

Bring a bell. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Amidst the hustle and bustle of this season, it renews me to stop to think of you, O God – to ponder your gifts of hope and peace and joy and love. Slow me down enough to appreciate your constant shower of blessings. Show me ways to share these gifts with others in my life. I pray for those who are sick or sad, especially Herman Rucks and the family of Bill Minnich, Sr..  Amen. 

Ushers this week

Sunday: Ray Beilke, Brenda Roehl, Kelly Konen, Art Conklin, Cindy Duffy.

Christmas Eve 4:00: Victor Abitz, Brenda and Tim Hackbarth, Nancy and Gary Zupke.

Christmas Eve 7:00: Steve O’Krueg, Ray Beilke, Norm Behnke, Brooke Rymer, Anne Streeter.

Christmas Eve 11:000: Deb Opperman, Carol and Gary Krueger, Art Conklin, Rebecca Pluim Opperman. 

Greetings from Church of Peace 12-12-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

It’s Joy Sunday at Church of Peace! The Advent candle of joy will be lit, Scriptures encouraging us to rejoice will be read, and the Chapel Choir will sing a spirited anthem written by Pastor Jim.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. for this festival of praise.

Tonight is the last gathering of NEW Worship with Andy Griffith for this calendar year.  We’ll begin at 6:30 p.m. in Gammert Hall. Laugh and learn with us.  We grow more faithful to God’s ways with each episode we watch.

Judie Behnke is a patient at Aurora Hospital in Oshkosh.  Please pray that Judie will have a full recovery from her surgery.

Next Thursday, December 19^th, you are invited to a time of comfort and renewal – the Service of Remembrance and Hope.  Beginning at 7:00 p.m., we will sit in the candlelit loveliness of our sanctuary and let the healing love of God embrace us. Although this service is designed for those with heavy hearts this Advent season, the service provides a time for all of us to rest in God’s care and be renewed.  You are warmly invited to the service and the social hour which follows. 

Want to add a bit of heart-warming meaning to your Christmas celebration?  Come Sunday, December 22^nd at 5:00 p.m. to have some pizza and then go caroling.  The bus will stop at homes of some of our members who will appreciate an extra dose of Christmas cheer. If you plan to participate, please reply to this email or sign up on the bulletin board in the coatroom so we can order sufficient pizza.

That’s the news from Church of Peace. 

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

A prayer for today: As I approach the Advent Sunday of joy, dear God, I pray that you will fill my heart with gratitude and delight.  It is so easy to get bogged down in the trimmings of this season and to forget the deep meaning which it holds.  Restore awe and wonder within me.  I pray that Judie Behnke will continue to heal from her surgery.  I also pray that those who are homeless today will find warm places from which to hide from the cold.  Thank you!  Amen.

Ushers this week:  Theresa and Tom Schultz, Mary Lange, Ron Wilson, and Robert Hanke.

Thanksgiving Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace on this day before Thanksgiving!

Tonight we gather for a holy and gratitude-filled service at 7:00 p.m.  What a delight to have such a beautiful setting in which to offer our thanks to God for our many blessings! There will be a story sermon. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Each worshipper will receive a gift share with a friend.

Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent – the season of the church year that we prepare our hearts to meet the Christ of Christmas. The Worship Enhancement Team will have transformed the sanctuary with the symbols and colors of Advent. The candle of hope will be lit.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  Make yours a holy Advent – worship with us at 8:45 a.m. 

Two funerals are being held this week for members of our church family: Dave Gahagan’s service is today and Marjorie Sharkey’s is on Friday.  Please remember their families when you pray.

The Stewardship Ministry Team has received feedback that filling out an Estimate of Giving card is a meaningful faith practice for many of our members.  Although we will not be hosting a Consecration Sunday this year, members will have an opportunity to use the cards. We will have them available Thursday and Sunday in the pews.  If you wish to participate in this faith practice, put your card into the offering plate on Sunday.  Thank you.

The wrap-up meeting for the bazaar is Monday, December 2^nd at 6:30 p.m.

The church office will be closed on Thanksgiving and on Friday.

A prayer for today: O God, fill my heart with gratitude to you for the abundant blessings in my life, for when I am filled with gratitude, I have no room for fear or worry. Your provision for me is more than enough – it is overflowing with generosity.  And so I thank you.  Bless those whose Thanksgiving celebration is tinged with sadness, especially the families of Dave Gahagan and Marjorie Sharkey.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Ushers tonight: Brenda and Tim Hackbarth, Dick Kunasch, Stefanie Sharpe, and Iris Abitz.  Ushers for Sunday: Gary and Carol Krueger, Scott Towne, Dawn Sabel, and Jennifer Pittl.

Greetings from Church of Peace 11-14-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Police Chief William Lamb will be our Witnessing Steward this Sunday in worship. He’ll share his thoughts about the impact our congregation makes on our community. The Chapel Choir will present an anthem. There will be a thought-provoking sermon, meaningful prayers, and favorite hymns. Join us for this inspiring hour of renewal.

Tonight Andy Griffith will provide the sermon during our NEW Worship at 6:30.  Join us as we chuckle our way to more faithful living.

This Friday night and Saturday our confirmands will be on retreat at Pilgrim Center.  Please hold us in prayer as we study the Trinity and build Christian friendships.

This Sunday, next Sunday, and Thanksgiving Eve a special offering will be received for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. Please plan to support this ministry generously.  You can write checks to Church of Peace.  United Church of Christ congregations in the Philippines will administer the funds to those most in need.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Eternal God, I pray that you will breathe your Spirit into my life today so that I may be a faithful disciple.  Grant that I will find joy and peace as I seek to live in the manner of Jesus. I ask your blessing upon the confirmands and their leaders as they grow in faith together. These things I pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.

This Week's Greetings

 

Greetings from Church of Peace, home of inspiring worship, friendly people, significant help for the impoverished, and a terrific bazaar!  Aren’t you glad you are a part of it?

Sunday is All Saints’ Sunday.  With great joy and reverence we will be honoring those from our church family who died this year.  The Chapel Choir will sing.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  Our first Witnessing Steward of the season will be speaking; it is Barb Zahn, who is perhaps better known as Lucy’s mom. Join us at 8:45 for a service which promises to leave us all feeling renewed and full of zeal.

Tonight’s NEW Worship in the Upper Room will also feature Holy Communion.  It begins at 6:30 p.m.

The November Messenger is available in the church narthex and on line (www.uccchurchofpeace.org).

Steve Oestreich was hospitalized and has returned home.  Please remember him when you pray.  Please also remember the families of Phyllis Funk and Ruth DeTroye, both of whom died in the last few days.

Saturday is the Fall Work Day.  There’s raking to be done as well as other chores.  We would be very grateful for YOUR help. Come any time after 8:00 a.m. 

Saturday is also a Shawl Ministry meeting.  We’ll be choosing shawls for the Cancer Center as well as blessing lots of new ones.  Bring your stitchery and join us at 9:30 a.m.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: My goal for today, O God, is to be so filled with your love that I shine with compassion in every word I say and everything I do. Please help me to achieve this. I pray that you will fill the lives of not only Steve Oestreich but also the families of Phyllis Funk and Ruth DeTroye with your healing love. Thank you!  Amen.

Ushers this Sunday: Carol and Gary Krueger, Dick Kunasch, Anne Streeter, and Nicole Schendel.    

Special Bazaar Edition - Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from a hustling, bustling Church of Peace as we set up for the Autumn Blessings Bazaar this Saturday!  It is already beginning to feel festive as the excitement builds.  Here’s the schedule:

          Today: Set up tables and booths, begin kitchen tasks.

          Friday: DROP OFF DONATIONS (7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).

Saturday: Bring your friends to feast and shop!

          Sunday: Celebrate with us in worship at 8:45 a.m.

Tonight’s NEW Worship will be held in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.

Sunday’s worship will feature an anthem by the older Sunday School children, lots of upbeat music, and a sermon about falling down and getting up again. 

At 10:00 Sunday morning, the book study group will meet in the Upper Room and usher training will be held in the sanctuary. Diner’s Club will meet at Pizza Ranch Sunday night at 6:30. 

Chad Steenberg is a patient at Froederdt Hospital after successful heart surgery.  Please pray for Chad’s continued recovery.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

We’ll see you at the bazaar and in church!

Pastors Jenny and Jim

Ushers for Sunday: Tim and Brenda Hackbarth, Scott Towne, and Becky Opperman Pluim.

A prayer for today:  Thank you, O God, for continuing to provide me with a variety of ways to serve you.  You make my life full and satisfying as I go about doing good in the name of Christ. Today I pray for eyes that are open to opportunities for service.  Bless Chad Steenberg as he continues to strengthen and heal.  Bless Church of Peace as we host the community with our bazaar.  Bless me that I may be filled with your peace.  I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 10-13-10

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Do you know what the word “alleluia!” means?  Sunday you’ll find out and you’ll have an opportunity to praise God for your many, many blessings.  The pictures on the screen will enhance our songs and prayers.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. to be spiritually uplifted.

Tonight’s service will focus on Psalm 111, a song of praise.  Meet with us at 6:30 in Gammert Hall.

Holly Post was hospitalized over the weekend and has returned home.  Thank you for your prayers.

We pastors have been doing home communion calls this week, sharing your concern and care with the less-agile members of our church family.

Church of Peace has a thriving ministry to those in our community who are low on food or need help with rent.  You have an opportunity this month to help people far away who are in even dreadful circumstances. Your cash gift will be used to purchase livestock that can feed a family for years.  Why not consider giving an “alternative Christmas gift” of a pair of goats or rabbits to honor one of your own family members during the upcoming Christmas season?  Stop at the information table in the narthex after worship this Sunday.

Is the bazaar date of SATURDAY, October 26^th written on your calendar and etched in your mind?  What are you going to donate?  When are you going to shop?  What friend can you bring to lunch.  It is going to be a happy, fun-filled day at Church of Peace! Don’t miss it!

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God who pours blessing upon blessing into my life, I thank you for this day and for the opportunities it brings to me to praise and serve you. Awaken within me a sense of your nearness.  Open my mind to hear your guiding voice.  Touch my heart with your strength as I serve you today.  I thank you for your healing power manifest in the life of Holly Post and so many others.  Bless our world with your peace.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 10/03/13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

It is World Communion Sunday. Be one of millions of Christians around the globe to celebrate our unity as Christ’s people. The Chapel Choir will provide an anthem.  Worship begins at 8:45. Tonight’s NEW Worship will also feature Holy Communion.

Sunday after social hour, set-up for the rummage sale will begin.  You can bring your stuff in then or drop it off on Monday.  The sale is Tuesday all day and Wednesday morning.  In addition to your used treasures, baked goods are needed for the sale.  Thanks for helping!

This year, there will be no CROP Walk in Fond du Lac. But there will be a fun opportunity for Church of Peace members to help the hungry the way the CROP Walk did, through the same ecumenical agency – Church World Service.  We will be “selling” animals for a Church of Peace farm.  You can “buy” a chicken, rabbit, pig, or cow.  At the end of October, our farm will be dedicated and the money sent to Church World Service for emergency and development aid. Please plan to support this project which will help the very poorest people in the world.

Forgiving family members who have hurt you can be very difficult. Forgiving Your Family is an easy-to-read book that helps Christians move from bitterness to peace.  We’ll be meeting Sundays, October 20^th-November 10^th from 10:00 to 11:00 to discuss this book.   If you are interested, you can pick up a book in the church office for $5.00.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, you are the Fount of Life.  From you flows all health and vitality. Touch me with your healing power.  From you flows all beauty.  Help me to appreciate the loveliness of the creation during this autumn season.  From you flows all kindness. Open my heart and hands to those in need.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 09/26/13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Music adds richness and meaning to worship.  This Sunday’s worship service will be sparkling with music provided by Syncerity, the female trio directed by Pastor Jim. We will baptize little Ayden Kelly.  The sermon will deal with the search for contentment. Join us for this very inspirational service. It begins at 8:45.

Contentment will also be a theme at tonight’s NEW Worship.  We meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room of Gammert Hall.

This morning the funeral for Elsie Strelow will be held here in our sanctuary.  Hold her loved ones in Christian sympathy and prayer during the coming days.

Three people have been hospitalized: Leroy Bahr, Donna Blaine, and Darlene Luttenberger.  They have each returned home.  Please pray for their continued recovery. 

This Sunday afternoon, Church of Peace will be featured in a CAREInc walk around downtown Fond du Lac.  The walk is from 1-3 p.m. It includes stops at 12 locations which help the poor of our community.  It is an honor for our church to be included in this walk. The walk gives people in our community a chance to see what a difference we make as we work together for Christ. 

Next Saturday the Shawl Ministry will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Upper Room of Gammert Hall.

The ushers this Sunday will be Theresa Schultz, Deb Opperman, Art Conklin, Larry and Deb Conger.

The October Messenger will be available at the church this Sunday and on line after noon Friday at www.uccchurchofpeace.org.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A Prayer for Today: As the crisp air and lovely colors of autumn begin to emerge outside, O God, I pray that deep within me your Spirit will cause such Christ-like qualities as patience and compassion to emerge in my life.  Give me opportunities to be kind and to work for justice for those who are down-trodden.  Bless with your healing power all who are sick, especially Leroy Bahr, Donna Blaine, and Darlene Luttenberger.  May the family of Elsie Strelow find peace as they worship this morning, a peace which will remain with them through the coming days.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thursday Greetings on Wednesday 9-18-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Has anyone ever been unfair to you or broken your heart? We can all answer “yes” to that question.  Our Scripture lesson for Sunday shows us how to overcome anger and bitterness so we can move on positively with life.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. for what promises to be a helpful and inspirational service. The Chapel Choir will sing.

NEW Worship will be held tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room of Gammert Hall. 

There may be a couple of seats left for the Chicago trip on Saturday.  Call the church right away if you are interested (921-8215).  If you’ve already signed up for the trip, be at the church at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Elsie Strelow has been transferred to Hospice Home of Hope.  Please remember her when you pray. We extend our sympathy to Church of Peace members Bonnie Percy and Roxanne Birschbach on the death of their mother Elvera Luhn, who was also a member of our congregation. Jenny’s dad, David Dawson, is having an aortic value replaced Thursday (tomorrow) in Wausau.  Our family appreciates your prayers for his speedy recovery.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, sometimes it is difficult to hear your voice amid the everyday noise and distractions of my life.  When I am tempted to feel alone or overwhelmed, remind me to pause to remember your nearness and power.  Shine your healing light upon all who suffer from illness or grief, especially Elsie Strelow and the family of Elvera Luhn.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Thursday Greetings from Church of Peace September 12, 2013

Greetings from Church of Peace!

What a blessing Sunday’s service will be for us all!  We will hand out Bibles to our third graders and dedicate our Sunday School staff. The Chapel Choir will sing an anthem. Of course there will be praying and singing and learning from the Word.  Join us at 8:45 a.m.

Thursday’s NEW Worship will be held tonight in the Upper Room.  If you need a spiritual hug, this is the place to be at 6:30 p.m.

At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, the Worship Enhancement Team will meet to plan for the autumn worship services.

Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. the Shawl Ministers will gather for a time of creation and conversation.  We would be delighted to have more shawl ministers.  If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, we will teach you.  This is a very enjoyable way to share God’s healing love.

On Saturday, September 21^st a bus will take members and friends of Church of Peace to Chicago for an architectural boat trip as well as other stops.  Interested?  Give the church office a call (921-8215) for more information.

This Sunday’s ushers will be Renee Kiefer, Carol and Gary Krueger, Isabel Post, and Dave Schultz. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today (from a prayer by Samuel Schmiechen): Dependable, Loving God, teach me to be dependable and loving as you are.  May none who rely upon me be disappointed.  May none who look to me for help turn away empty.  May none who search my life for faith and love find it barren.  Help me to discover joy in my work and renewal in my leisure time.  Thank you.  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 09-05-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Here’s the Sunday schedule for this week:

7:45 a.m.  Chapel Choir rehearsal – the first for the season.  It is

a great time to join the choir!

8:45 a.m.  Worship begins.  Little Bentley Holmes will be baptized.  Join us for an hour of beauty and renewal.

9:30 a.m.  Sunday School registration starts in the narthex (lobby).  Parents, please register your child before escorting them to their classroom.

10:00         Sunday School classes begin.  Four large classes with several teachers in each: Pre-K/K, 1^st through 3^rd grades, 4^th and 5^th grades, middle school. 

11:00         Youth choir rehearsal in the choir room.

It will be a great day.  The air will be filled with enthusiasm.  May God’s Spirit bless us with a faith-filled season at Church of Peace.

This morning we’ll be leading worship at All About Life Nursing Home at 10:30.  You are welcome to attend this service of Holy Communion.

Tonight’s NEW worship will bring us together to think about clay! Curious?  We’ll meet at 6:30 in the youth room.

Shawl Ministry will meet Saturday at 9:30 in the Upper Room.  Bring your needles or hook and come help spread God’s love.

This coming Wednesday is the first night for confirmation classes.

Chad Steenberg has been in the hospital. Please pray for returning health and strength for Chad. Church of Peace member Emil Kalnins died this week. Please remember his family in your prayers.

Have you signed up yet for the day trip to Chicago, highlighted by a boat trip through the harbor? It is for adults of any age.  September 21^st is the date.  More information is available in The Messenger and at the church.

Ushers this week: Ray Beilke, Tim and Brenda Hackbarth, Sarah Koziche, and Linda Beyer.

That’s the news from Church of Peace. 

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

A prayer for today: O God, I ask your blessing upon our congregation as we begin a new season of worship, learning, and service.  Please bless our leaders, teachers, and co-workers in Christ with wisdom and love.  Show me what I can do to make my church more faithful and active in serving you.  Bless all who are sick or sad with your healing love, especially Chad Steenberg and the family of Emil Kalnins.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - August 29, 2013

Greetings from Church of Peace!

We’ll be gathering this Sunday at 8:45 for Holy Communion, a prayer journey, a children’s service of blessing as they head off to school next week, and a sermon on the story of Jesus healing the bent woman. The pictures on the screen will add meaning to it all. It will be a refreshing, renewing service. Join us!

Tonight’s NEW worship will also feature Holy Communion.  We meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room.  You’ll be glad you came.

The church office will be closed on Monday in honor of Labor Day. 

This is the last Sunday before we resume our fall activities such as Sunday School, confirmation orientation, and choir rehearsals.  Check the on-line newsletter for dates and times: www.uccchurchofpeace.org.

Ushers this Sunday will be Brenda Roehl, Victor Abitz, Rebecca Pluim Opperman, Tina Gray, and Peter Peterson.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: As the last weekend of the summer season approaches, O God, I pause to thank you for all the blessings its months have brought. I am grateful for the memories made and the smiles shared.  May my celebrations this weekend include time to worship and praise you. As I celebrate Labor Day, remind me to pause and pray for those who cannot find employment and for those who are significantly underpaid for the work they do. May your vision of fairness be made real in our world today.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace August 22, 2013

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Love stories will be featured in Sunday’s sermon – not the romantic kind but deep love, none the less.  Kendal Cleora Burns will be baptized. Lindsey Reiter will play a piano solo.  Join us at 8:45 for this meaningful service.

Tonight the NEW Worship service will take place at 6:30 in the Youth Room.

Do you like to cut and sew?  A team of quilters will be working on the quilt for this year’s bazaar and would love your help and company.  Come to the Choir Room tonight at 6:30 to participate.  

Tomorrow night – Friday evening at 7:00 to be precise -- a young people’s choir from Germany will grace our sanctuary with a concert.  Come enjoy their music (in German and English) and then converse with them over some DQ ice cream cake afterwards.

Jeanette Hinn is currently a patient at St. Agnes Hospital.  Please remember her when you pray. Delores Hanson and Charles Smith died this week; please ask for God’s comfort for their families as well.

Sunday School and confirmation information is going to be mailed today.  Watch for it in your mailbox if you have children between the ages of 4 and 13.  If you have neighbors or relatives who would like to become a part of our Sunday School, have them call the church office (921-8215)for registration information.

The September issue of the Messenger will be available in the elevator lobby and narthex on Sunday and on line by Friday noon: (www.uccchurchofpeace.org).

That’s the news from Church of Peace. 

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

A prayer for today: What a friend I have in you, O God, a friend I can depend on for guidance and encouragement and strength.  Please help me to feel your presence with me and to follow your holy nudgings in my life.  I pray that you will bless Jeanette Hinn with healing and all who grieve with the comfort of heavenly peace.  Amen. 

Greetings from Church of Peace 08/15/13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Inspired – that is how you will feel as you leave worship this Sunday.  We have musical guests that will provide several songs, a duet of hand bells and piano.  Their addition to our worship will be lovely.  A baby will be blessed and dedicated. Scriptures will be proclaimed. Prayers will be offered.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. for this time of renewal and spiritual invigoration.

NEW Worship will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. in the Youth Room. This conversational-style worship service is a great way to grow in faith.  

Please remember in your prayers these church members: Delores Hanson and Charles Smith who are in the last days of earthly life and Eleanore Stamurs and Elsie Strehlow who are in hospice care. May God’s healing power keep each one from pain and fill each one with peace.

Our congregation will serve Loaves and Fishes next Wednesday, August 21^st.  The number of meals served each week has been high this summer so we will need extra help. Please sign up to help and/or bring food.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Thank you, God, for this lovely day and for all the blessings of its hours. Touch my heart with your light so that I will feel your presence with me.  Touch my life with your love so that I will actively look for ways to brighten the lives of others.  I pray for all who suffer with illness, especially Delores Hanson, Charles Smith, Eleanore Stamurs, and Elsie Strehlow. May your heavenly peace be theirs – and mine.  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 08/07/13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

What is happening to the church in American society?  We used to be bulging at the seams with people.  Now, most people don’t belong to a church.  Sunday’s sermon will address this change in our culture and help us find God at work even in the midst of the change.  Little Reed Steenberg will be baptized. Lovely pictures will be on the big screen to enhance our worship.

There will be no NEW Worship this week.  Pastor Jenny is going to have cataract surgery tomorrow morning so we will not gather in the evening. 

Next Wednesday is the Church Family Day Camp.  Meet at the church at 8:50 to participate in the fun. If we don’t know you plan to come, please call the church office and let us know (921-8215).

Our softball team has finished their season.  They had a lot of fun and so did the spectators.  Thanks, players and Coach Brian Poirier.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, how great is your creative and renewing power.  Show me how open my heart so that your divine energy can flow through me into the world.  Lift my spirits so that I do not let the troubles of my day keep me from appreciating your many blessings.  Touch our whole world with your peace.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace August 1, 2013

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Our greetings are a day early this week because our internet service will be down on Thursday morning.

We’re back from a delightful vacation and are eager to see our church family again.  Join us tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6:30 for NEW worship (in the youth room) and/or Sunday at 8:45 a.m. for the service in the sanctuary.  Holy Communion will be shared at each service.

Have you signed your children/grandchildren up for the Church Family Day Camp?  It will be held on Wednesday, August 14^th at Pilgrim Center.  The cost of $10.00 per family includes the bus ride, lunch, and supper.  Each child can bring one friend (the friend is $5.00).  Just reply to this email if you want to sign up a child and/or yourself.  We’ll get the permission slip to you in plenty of time.

We’re hosting Loaves and Fishes on Wednesday, August 21^st.  We need volunteers to help cook, serve, and clean up.  We also need donations of food and money. 

Looking ahead:

          Wednesday, August 14^th      Day Camp

          Friday, August 23^rd              German Choir Concert

          Monday, September 2^nd        Great America Trip

          Sunday, September 8^th         Sunday School Begins

Saturday, September 21^st       Day Trip to Chicago

          Fri.-Sat., September 27-28,   Confirmation Retreat

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: What a relief it is, O God, to know that you walk with me through this day!  I need your wisdom and strength as I face decisions, large and small.  Thank you for guiding me.  Show me ways to be a more faithful disciple with each passing day.  Amen.