Church of Peace Greetings 02-27-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

It’s Wednesday and it’s Lent so that means that tonight we gather at 7:00 for 45 minutes of inspiration.  We’ll listen as God speaks to us through the words of Scripture and through the activities of the Peanuts gang.  We’ll feel God’s Spirit touch us as we sing and pray.  Tonight’s theme: God can use you and me, as imperfect as we are, to be vessels of holy love and power.

Sunday’s service will be designed to open our thirsty souls to God’s quenching love.  Holy Communion will be served.  The Chapel Choir will sing.  The service will begin at 8:45 a.m.

Two people from our church family died this past weekend.  The funeral for Lois Burleton will be held in Waupun this morning.  Donna Trapp’s memorial service will be at Church of Peace tomorrow afternoon at 3:00 p.m.  Please remember the families of these women when you pray.

We have had three people hospitalized that we know of: Leo Zinniel remains at St. Agnes where he is recovering from surgery.  Helene Schrankler has returned home from the hospital and is recuperating there.  Alvin Dehring has been transferred to the Hospice Home of Hope.  Please continue to hold them all in prayer. 

It is our turn to host Loaves and Fishes tonight.  Snow will not hinder our guests and we trust it will not hinder those who signed up to prepare and serve the meal.  The kitchen will be active all afternoon; serving starts at 5:00; clean-up ends about 6:30. 

The Messenger is now available in the church narthex and on our web-site  (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: Let your warm love surround me today, O God, as I proceed through my tasks. Use my smiles and words and deeds to remind others of your generous spirit of joy.  Bless those who are sick (especially Leo Zinniel, Helene Schrankler, and Alvin Dehring) or grieving (especially the families of Lois Burleton and Donna Trapp) with a sense of your nearness and healing touch.  I pray remembering Jesus.  Amen.

Lenten Greetings from Church of Peace 02/20/13

Greetings from Church of Peace on this chilly Lenten Wednesday!

“You will have difficulties,” Jesus once said.  And he was right, wasn’t he?  Life is often very hard.  Come this evening to our Lenten service (7:00 p.m.) and gain some insight as to how our Savior suggested we handle tragedies and challenges which do come our way.  There will be a prayer journey and gorgeous slides on the screen.  You’ll be glad you came.

Sunday’s service will feature an anthem by our youngest Sunday School children.  They are always so cute! Come worship with us at 8:45 as we open our hearts to God’s healing love.

Please remember these people when you pray: Donna Trapp (in hospice care at home), Leo Zinniel (in the hospital), and Audrey Schaalma (transferred to the Lutheran Home). 

Our turn to serve Loaves and Fishes is coming soon: February 27^th.  We need people to help prepare the food, serve our guests, and clean-up after the meal.  The sign-up sheet is in the coatroom.  Monetary gifts to pay for food are always appreciated as well.  Thank you!

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, my Maker and my Friend, you have assured me that you will never leave or forsake me.  Take away my fears and worries; fill me instead with your peace.  I pray for all who are in need of your healing power, especially Donna Trapp, Leo Zinniel, and Audrey Schaalma.  Thank you for your graceful touch in their lives and in mine.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace on Ash Wednesday

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Ash Wednesday!

Today is the first day of the Lenten season.  We will gather for worship at 7:00 p.m. this evening for a service which will include Holy Communion.  The ashes of repentance will be available for those who want them.  Join us as we prepare our hearts for a season of renewal and growth in faith. Lenten services will be held every Wednesday in Lent at 7:00 p.m.  There will be no NEW worship on Thursdays during the Lenten season.

Sunday’s service is a favorite of many as we honor those among us who have been married a long time.  The Sonshine singers will provide special music. Worship will begin at 8:45 a.m.  The Hospitality Ministry Team will provide cake for the social hour.

Your prayers for several people in our church family will be deeply appreciated.  The funeral of Jean Welch will be held here on Saturday; please remember her loved ones when you pray.  Donna Trapp is very frail as she rests in hospice care;   Ruth Loehrke, Audrey Schaalma, Lola Shady, and Leo Zinniel are hospitalized. Please pray for God’s healing power to be active in their lives.

This Sunday night the Sweetheart Dinner will be held at Sebastian’s Supper Club.  Call the church office today if you want to sign up.

Next Tuesday is Golden Fellowship.  Meet at the Senior Center at 11:00 a.m. Lunch is included in the planned activities.  You need to sign up so sign up tonight in the coatroom or call the church office (921-8215).

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, your kindness and strength provide me so much hope and comfort.  Thank you!  Please bless the family of Jean Welch as they grieve her death and celebrate her life.  I pray for the sick, especially Donna Trapp, Ruth Loehrke, Audrey Schaalma, Lola Shady, and Leo Zinniel; shine your tender light upon them.  As we begin this Lenten season, I pray that you will lead me to greater holiness and deeper faith.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 02-07-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Visions of people from the past and faces glowing with heavenly radiance highlight the Scripture readings for this Sunday.  Come join us as we open our hearts to be filled with light and hope.  The Chapel Choir will sing.

Like Sunday’s worship, tonight’s NEW worship features the story of the Transfiguration.  We’ll meet at 6:30 p.m. in the Upper Room.

This morning, Church of Peace will lead the communion service at All About Life Nursing Home at 10:15.  You’ll be warmly welcomed if you choose to join us there.

Last Sunday’s Souper Bowl food drive continues this week.  We need about 150 more items to meet our goal of 1000 boxes and cans of food.  Thank you!

Two people from our church family are hospitalized: John Stepp and Audrey Schaalma.  Please remember them when you pray.

On Sunday evening at 6:30, people interested in the Mission Trip will be meeting in Gammert Hall to make further plans and volunteer for fund-raising activities.  If you are interested in the trip this summer to Kentucky (June 15-22), please attend.

Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. Communion will be served. Our Lenten services every Wednesday will begin at 7:00 p.m. and will focus on connecting our faith to every day life.  It is our hope that each one of us will be a more faithful disciple of Jesus at the end of Lent than we are at the beginning.  Join us as we grow in dedication and goodness this Lent.  These services are required for our confirmands.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  O God of Light and Hope, shine in my heart and through my life today.  Open my heart to those who need an encouraging word or a helping hand.  Give me a sense of purpose as I move through my day.  I pray for your healing touch to be upon all who are sick, especially Audrey Schaalma and John Stepp.  I pray remembering the One who shone with your light.  Amen.