Greetings from Church of Peace 03-28-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

It is Holy Week.  Lots of musicians, enhancers, costumers, cooks, and actors have joined the church staff in preparing services that promise to be life-enhancing.  Here’s the schedule:

TODAY is Maundy Thursday.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. It is a dramatic re-enactment of the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples.  Holy Communion will be served in the pews.  This service will make Jesus’ last meal with his disciples come alive in your heart.

TOMORROW is Good Friday.  We will gather at 7:00 p.m. to commemorate the death of Jesus.  Two anthems sung by a small ensemble will highlight the service which is made up of Scripture readings, prayers, and the snuffing of candles.  The screen will be used to present artists’ portrayals of Jesus’ last day.

SUNDAY is Easter!  We will gather at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for the glorious celebration of Christ’s resurrection.  Holy Communion will be offered at our altar which will have been transformed into a garden of praise.  The choir will sing at each service.  Don’t let your Easter be just about bunnies and colored eggs; worship on this holy day! There will be no Sunday School on Easter.

SUNDAY from 9:00-10:00 a.m. the mission trippers will be hosting an enhanced social hour, both as an opportunity for the congregation to socialize and as a fund-raiser.  Please plan to come enjoy their home- made goodies and support this very worthy cause.

The extraordinary worship services are not done after Easter Sunday.  Next week, April 7^th, the Lakeland College Choir will sing for our 8:45 a.m. worship service.  Plan to be here.

Several families in our congregation are grieving at this time.  Tom O’Laire’s funeral was held on Tuesday.  Roger Wendt has died; his funeral will be on Saturday.  Eldon Wohler is very frail as he rests in hospice care.  Please remember these families when you pray.

The April Messenger is available on line (www.uccchurchofpeace.org) and in the narthex at the church. The church office will open at noon on the day after Easter.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  As I remember the events of these dramatic days in Jesus’ life, O God, I thank you for the love he showed and the example he set.  I pray that my heart will be open to fully appreciate the significance of this holy time. Bless the many people at Church of Peace (as well as Christians everywhere) who are working together to bring the deep meaning of Holy Week and Easter to our lives today.  As I pray, I remember those families whose hearts are heavy, especially the families of Tom O’Laire, Roger Wendt, and Eldon Wohler.  May the meaning of Easter be especially comforting to them this year.  I pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 3-20-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Forgiveness: we're happy to receive it from someone else but we find it difficult to grant it to those who have hurt us. Join us for the Lenten service at 7:00 p.m. tonight as we study the Scriptures to glean help with forgiving others. Our friends Snoopy and Charlie Brown will add insight and humor to our service.

The Worship Enhancement Ministry Team will transform the sanctuary for our Palm Sunday service this Sunday at 8:45 a.m. The Sunday School children will sing. 

We know of no one who is hospitalized at this time.  Tom O'Laire has been admitted to hospice care.  Please remember Tom and his family when you pray.

LOOKING AHEAD

Maundy Thursday  (March 28th) 7:00 p.m. service

Good Friday (March 29th) 7:00 p.m. service

Easter Sunday (March 31st) 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. services

That's the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  I want to be a faithful disciple of Jesus, O God. Strengthen me when I face temptation. Help me to make good decisions. Use me as an instrument of your peace. May I brighten the day of all the people with whom I interact.  I pray that you will make your loving presence evident in the hearts of Tom O'Laire and his family during this difficult time in their lives.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 03-06-13

Greetings from Church of Peace!

The past few days haven’t been easy ones for many people in our church family.  Death, illness, broken dreams, loss of jobs – the list goes on.  Is life worth the hard times?  Is there hope?  These are questions that will be addressed by tonight’s Scripture readings and meditation.  Join us at 7:00 p.m. for a time of spiritual renewal and refreshment.  We’ll do some chuckling too, and who can’t use a little of that? 

Will you be late for worship on Sunday?  You will if you forget to set your clock ahead an hour when you go to bed on Saturday night.  Remember: spring forward!

Sunday’s Bible story is a love-filled one – Mary of Bethany anointing the feet of Jesus and drying his feet with her hair.  Why did she do this?  What inspiration can we get from this tender story?  As we worship, we will express our love for God, open our hearts to new wisdom, and enjoy the company of Christian friends.  The Youth Choir will sing.  The Martha Society is hosting the social hour. Join us at 8:45 a.m.

We offer our Christian sympathy to the family of Jean Whittaker, a life-long member of Church of Peace who died Sunday evening.  Please hold the Whittaker family in your prayers.  Additional people for whom to pray: Leo Zinniel and Marilyn Oestreich who have been hospitalized and Alvin Dehring who is at Hospice Home of Hope.

After worship on Sunday, all church members and friends are invited to the YMCA for “Church of Peace Day at the Y.”  We can use all their facilities for free.  If you want pizza for lunch, the cost will be $3.00; you need to sign up on the bulletin board in the church coatroom or by calling the church (921-8215) so our Stewardship Ministry Team provides a sufficient amount.  We’ll have a lot of fun!

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  When life is hard, O God, forbid that I should ever blame you for my troubles and heartaches.  Instead, remind me that it is you who stands with me, offering strength and hope. With your loving touch, bless the Whittaker family, Leo Zinniel, Marilyn Oestreich, and Alvin Dehring. May all of your children feel your healing love.  And remember God, I would be honored to bring that heavenly touch of love on your behalf to anyone in need of it, so show me how.  I pray in the name of Jesus.  Amen.