Christmas Eve Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Christmas Eve Day!

Tonight we hope to see you at one of our three services. Here are the highlights:

4:00 p.m. Family Service for the young and the young at heart.  Special music by Pastor Jim.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  The holy family will make an appearance. Bring a bell if you have one.

7:00 p.m. Candle-light service.  Special music by Pastor Jim and Ellie Martin Cliffe.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  The passing of the light of Christ will be a highlight of the service. Bring a bell if you have one.

11:00 p.m. Candle-light service.  Special music by the Chapel Choir. Holy Communion will be celebrated.  The passing of the light of Christ will be a highlight of the service. Bring a bell if you have one.

We know of four people who are hospitalized: Don Kremer, Jim Mitchell, Carol Moon, and John Stepp.  Please pray for the healing light of Christ to shine upon them this Christmas.

Sunday’s worship will be a service of lessons and carols featuring a children’s story and an anthem by the Chapel Choir. Worship will begin at 8:45. There will be no Sunday School this week.

The church office will be closed beginning today at noon.  It will reopen on Monday, December 29^th at 9:00 a.m.  January’s Messenger will be delayed because of the Christmas holiday.

May you each have a joyful and holy Christmas.

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

A prayer for today: O Holy Child of Bethlehem, descend on me, I pray.  Cast out my sin and enter in; be born in me today.  Bless those who are sick or sad this Christmas with your tender, compassionate touch, especially Don Kremer, Jim Mitchell, Carol Moon, and John Stepp.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 12/18/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Feeling a bit stressed by the holiday preparations and expectations?  Missing someone you love? Is your soul weary? Tonight’s Service of Remembrance and Hope offers just what your spirit needs.  Join us at 7:00 p.m. for a time of quietness and healing in our candle-lit sanctuary.  If you have a grieving friend, invite them to join you. A social hour will follow.

The trees are up and decorated. The Love Candle is ready to be lit.  Inge and Roger have rehearsed the special music. We’re just about ready for Sunday’s service which will be uplifting and joyful.  The service will begin at 8:45.

Please include in your prayers these four people from our church family who are hospitalized: Don Kremer, Jim Mitchell, Carol Moon, and Glenn Van Norman. 

Attention parents! Please have your child at the church at 9:00 on Saturday morning for the Christmas Program practice. Sunday morning the program will begin at 10:15.  It will be followed by a social hour hosted by our middle-schoolers.

There’s still time to sign up for the Caroling Party on Sunday.  We’ll meet at the church for pizza at 5:00 p.m. and then head out in the bus to bring some Christmas cheer. 

Christmas Eve Schedule

4:00 p.m. Family Service.  Special music by TJ Schultz and Pastor Jim.  Holy Communion will be served. Bring a bell if you have one.

7:00 p.m. Candle-lit Service.  Special music by the pastors’ family.  Holy Communion will be served.  Bring a bell if you have one.

11:00 p.m. Candle-lit Service.  Special music by the Chapel Choir.  Holy Communion will be served.  Bring a bell if you have one.

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 Ruth Duck): O God, you know this is a season of hopes and anxiety for me.  I get caught up in the excitement and plans of the holidays. I worry about whether everything will get done and whether my relationships will blossom, bend, or break in the stress of the season.  Bring me near to your side and help me to place my hope in you.  Be my calm center so I may be a channel of peace to the people around me.  I pray that your healing light will shine on Don Kremer, Jim Mitchell, Carol Moon, and Glenn Van Norman; hold them in your gentle hands.  These things I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 12/10/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

“Joy to the World!” will be our closing hymn on Sunday as we celebrate God’s gift of joyfulness.  The Smet family will light the Advent candles.  Come see the empty manger and prepare your heart for Christ’s birth.

Carol Moon and Don Kremer are in the hospital.  Please remember them in your prayers.

Pastor Jim has released a video on YouTube.  Watch and listen. You’ll be inspired. And you’ll see some familiar faces!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KQI9F3QI1M.

 

COMING UP

·        Saturday – Women’s Birthday Celebration at 10:00 at Rolling Meadows Family Restaurant.

·        Tuesday – Holiday BINGO featuring fabulous prizes and delicious lunch to follow. Starts at 11:00 a.m. Please sign up so we can order an appropriate number of lunches.

·        Thursday, a week from today – A Service of Remembrance and Hope, specially designed for those of us who’ll be missing someone at Christmastime or who’ve had a tough year.  Everyone is welcome to attend this lovely, peaceful service.  It is at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 18^th.

·        Sunday, December 21^st – The Children’s Christmas concert at 10:15 a.m. 

·        Sunday, December 21^st - Caroling at 5:00 p.m. (starts with pizza, then on to the bus to bring cheer). Please sign up so we can order the pizza.

·        Wednesday, December 24^th – Family worship at 4:00 p.m. Candlelight services at 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m.  All services include Holy Communion.  Bring a bell if you have one!

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 hope and peace, I pray for your blessing upon my day.  Fill my heart with serenity as I live through its hours.  Give me gracious words and kindness-filled actions.  Above all, keep me aware of your loving presence with me.  I pray for Carol Moon and Don Kremer.  May they also feel your loving, healing presence within them today.  Bless our church staff as they prepare the myriad of events and services which are designed to prepare us for the celebration of Christ’s birth at Christmas.  These things I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 12/04/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Peace – that’s the Advent gift we celebrate this week in worship.  Brian and Ariel Brautigam will light the Advent candles.  Holy Communion will be celebrated. Our new organist, Roger Meyer, will be at the keyboards.  Please plan to stay for the social hour where you will have an opportunity to welcome Roger.

Tonight we will meet at 6:30 in the sanctuary for an evening worship service with Holy Communion. 

Carol Dehnel and Carol Moon are patients in the hospital. Please remember them when you pray.

This Saturday morning at 9:00 the Shawl Ministers will meet in the Upper Room.  

Lifeline Health Screening will be meeting here next Thursday to do health screenings.  If you want to participate, you need to give them a call at 1-888-653-6450.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: In this particularly-hectic season, I could use a little extra peace and patience, O God.  Help me to slow down for a moment and breathe in an awareness of your nearness.  Fill me with the serenity that can only come from you.  Assure me that together, you and I can proceed through this day with grace.  I pray that your healing light will continue to shine in the lives of Carol Dehnel and Carol Moon. I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Thanksgiving Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Thanksgiving Eve Day!

As you are finalizing plans for your Thanksgiving celebration, don’t forget the Thanksgiving Eve Worship service which begins at 7:00 p.m. tonight.  Holy Communion will be served in the pews. The service will be serene and fill your heart with joy.

Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent!  The Worship Enhancement Team will transform our sanctuary into its blue and purple finery.  The Candle of Hope will be lit by the Hanke family. The Chapel Choir will provide us with an anthem of praise.

Don Kremer and Carol Moon are currently in the hospital.

The church office will not be open on Thursday or Friday of this week.

The Messenger will be on-line  -- www.uccchurchofpeace.org -- by the end of the day and will be available for pick-up in the narthex tonight.

Thanks the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, Giver of Every Good, I thank you for your lavish provision for my every need.  Especially in this season of thanksgiving, I find my heart filled with gratitude for your never-ending kindness.  I pray that I will remember to express this gratitude with my life.  And I pray that you will bless Don Kremer and Carol Moon with newly-found health and strength.  Amen.

  

Greetings from Church of Peace 11-20-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

The children are singing in worship on Sunday. We are receiving new members.  What a joyful service it will be!  Join us as we celebrate Christ the Sovereign Sunday in sermon, prayer, and song.  Worship begins at 8:45 a.m.

Carol Moon is still a patient at St. Agnes Hospital.  Please pray for God’s healing light to continue to shine in her life.

This Saturday at 10:00 a.m., women with November birthdays will gather at the Rolling Meadows Restaurant for an hour of conversation and cake.  If you weren’t able to join us on your birthday month earlier in the year, please join us on Saturday.

Next Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. is the Thanksgiving Eve service.  This will be a serene and quietly jubilant service as we thank God for our many blessings.  Pew communion will be celebrated.

Building to Serve team members are finishing up their calls this week and next.  This means we will be able to announce the total amount pledged in December.  We will keep you posted!

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 soul yearns to feel your deep touch of peace and my heart is eager to hear your guiding voice.  I pray that I may walk closely with you today, that my words and actions will reflect your loving care.  Bless Carol Moon with returning health and strength.  Keep in your warm love all who have to be outside, especially those who are homeless and show us how to help them.  Thank you, God.  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 11-13-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Jesus told stories called “parables” to teach valuable lessons about life and faith.  This week’s Scripture reading is one of those stories, a tale of a master and three slaves.  Come learn from its wisdom and be inspired to live faithfully. Worship begins at 8:45.

Carol Moon is a patient at St. Agnes Hospital.  Please remember her when you pray.

The Shawl Ministers will meet this Saturday at 9:00 a.m. for a time of handiwork and conversation.

Our Building to Serve Campaign has reached the 76% mark in terms of households reporting!  Congratulations to our team members and those of you who have graciously welcomed them into your homes. We are hoping to finish up soon so we can announce the results in early December.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: The chilliness of the weather calls to my mind the warmth of your love for me, O God.  Bless me with a keen sense of your presence today.  Show me how to share the compassion and generosity that I receive from you. Bless Carol Moon with healing and hope as she recovers from surgery.  These things I pray remembering Jesus.  Amen. 

Greetings from Church of Peace 10/30/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

This Saturday night it will be time to set your clocks back or you will arrive at Church of Peace an hour early on Sunday!

This Sunday’s service will be an All Saints’ Day celebration.  As we take Holy Communion, we will rededicate ourselves to live as saints.  As we remember the people of our church who have died in the last year, we will give thanks for their lives.  Join us!

We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of JoAnne Steenberg who died this weekend.  When you pray, please also remember Carol Moon who is in the hospital, recovering from surgery. 

This Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. is outdoor work time at the church.  Bring a rake and help make our property look like we care (because we do care!). 

Have you talked with a team member from the Building to Serve Campaign yet?  If not, you can expect a call any day.  The campaign is coming well with over 60% of households responding thus far.

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 come to you asking for your help and for your blessing upon my day.  Soften my heart so I can live in peace with others. Grant me the patience and wisdom I need to make good choices.  Bless those who are sick or sad, especially Carol Moon and the family of JoAnne Steenberg.  I pray these things remembering Jesus.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - Bazaar Edition

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Do you know what Jesus said are the most important commandments?  Come find out on Sunday morning as we sing, pray, worship, and learn together.  The service begins at 8:45 a.m.

This Saturday from 9:00 – 3:00 the church building will be hopping with people eating, shopping, and chatting with one another -- it’s the Autumn Blessings Bazaar!  We need your help in several ways: set-up tomorrow, kitchen and lunchroom on Saturday, and donations like baked goods, “yesterday’s treasures,” desserts for the luncheon, and/or handiwork to sell.  In order to make this bazaar a financial success, we need YOUR help. Be a part of the fun as we extend Christian hospitality to our neighbors and friends.

Sunday after worship we are hosting our first Sabbath Health Fair.  During Social Hour, there’ll be flu shot for all ages (free if you have no insurance), blood pressure readings will be taken, and there’ll be information on being a bone marrow donor.  Parents and grandparents, learn about correct use of child safety seats. Take advantage of these healing ministries at your church this Sunday.

Tuesday morning the Golden Fellowship invites you to a fun hour of “show and tell.”  Bring something from your past to show the group.  Lunch will be served at noon.

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

That’s the news from Church of Peace!

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

      Pastors Jenny and Jim

A prayer for today: What a lovely day to enjoy your many blessings, O God.  Thank you! Please fill me with strength and wisdom as I seek to be faithful during its hours. Bless our bazaar with your joy. Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Is there any one of us who wouldn’t befit from a generous increase in inner peace? This Sunday’s service will focus on God’s gift of peace and how to be open to it.  Little Joshua Olesen will be baptized.

Today the Visitation Ministers will gather at 10:00 a.m. to discuss their visits with our home-bound and institutionalized members. If you are interested in becoming part of this heart-warming ministry, please let one of the pastors know. 

YOUTH AND PARENTS: This Saturday the youth will be making applesauce for the bazaar from 9:00 – noon.  That evening, we’ll meet at 6:30 at the COP parking lot to travel to Conger’s home for pizza, a hayride, a bonfire, and walk through the woods.  Wear old shoes and bring a flashlight!  Kids (aged 6^th grade – 12^th grade) can bring a friend to either event.  Permission slips for the hayride are available at the church or email us and we’ll send you one.

The Autumn Blessings Bazaar is a little over a week away – Saturday, October 25^th.  Have you signed up to help? 

A Sabbath Health Fair will be held on Sunday, October 26^th, during Social Hour.  Free flu shots will be available to anyone from our church family who does not have insurance; if you have insurance, please bring your card.  Other interesting opportunities will be available.  Plan to attend!

That’s the news from Church of Peace!

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

A prayer for today: O God, on this dreary day, remind me that the sunshine of your love surrounds and upholds me.  Let me bring cheerfulness into every conversation and a spirit of hope into each decision that I make.  These things I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 10-09-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

This Sunday is Harvest Home, the Sunday when we celebrate the fruits of the harvest and give thanks for all that God has provided. The sanctuary will be resplendent with the signs of the season.  The Chapel Choir will add their anthem to the celebration.  Meg Kiefer and Isabel Post will be our Witnessing Stewards.  Jazlyn Elizabeth Beau-Champ will be baptized. 

If you would be willing to contribute produce to the Harvest Home display, please bring it to the church before Saturday.  You may reclaim it after the service. Thank you!

Please remember the family of Jane Merten.  Jane died early this week.

The confirmation class will leave for their annual retreat on Friday at 7:00 p.m. and will return Saturday by 4:00 p.m.  This year’s theme is prayer.

Have you had your flu shot yet?  On Sunday, October 26^th, we will be hosting a Sabbath Health Fair in Gammert Hall during Social Hour. Walgreen’s will be there to give flu shots (free if you have no insurance) and other health-related information will be available.  Stay tuned for more information.

The Building to Serve team members are busy making phone calls and visiting church members. Please make every effort to welcome them when they call you.  You’ll enjoy your conversation. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, Source of all that is beautiful and good, I thank you for taking such good care of me.  I have been blessed beyond measure and I am deeply grateful.  I pray that you will be able to see my gratitude reflected in the way that I live.  Please shine your light of comfort upon the family of Jane Merten. Please bless the confirmation retreat with faithfulness and growing friendships.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace!

All who follow Jesus, all around the world: Yes! We’re the church together.  These words of a popular hymn point us to the theme of Sunday’s worship.  It is World Communion Sunday.  We will have breads from around the world to enhance our closeness to our sisters and brothers in faith. 

Worship tonight at 6:30 in the sanctuary will also be a communion service.  Join us for a short service that will be renewing for your soul.

Please remember the family of Esther Fiebig in your prayers.  Esther’s funeral will be at Church of Peace tomorrow afternoon.

On Sunday and Monday, we will be receiving items for the Ladies’ Aid Rummage and Bake Sale which will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We need your donations to sell.  Then come shop – you may find a treasure!

The Shawl Ministers will meet this Saturday at 9:00 in the Youth Room. We have beautiful shawls to bless.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: I know, O God, that you will provide many opportunities for delight and joy during the hours of my day.  Open my eyes to notice your gifts all around me. I long to live with a truly grateful heart. Show me how to express my gratitude in compassionate and generous living.  I pray that you will bless the family of Esther Fiebig with deep peace as they commend her to your eternal care.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 09/18/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Can you smell pancakes cooking?  They’ll be sizzling in the Church of Peace kitchen on Sunday morning and you’re invited to help yourself! It’s the official kick-off for the Building to Serve Campaign. Join us for worship at 8:45 and breakfast to follow.  Annie Hackbarth will be our Witnessing Steward.

The final Awareness Meeting for Building to Serve will be held on Sunday at 10:00.  This is an informational meeting.    Please come if you have any questions about the Building to Serve Campaign. You will not be asked for money at this meeting.

This Saturday morning, women with September birthdays will be gathering at Rolling Meadows at 10:00 a.m. for an hour of conversation and friendship-building.  There will be beverages and sweet rolls to share. If you are a woman who missed the gathering on the month of your birthday, you are welcome to join us.

On Tuesday, September 30^th, you are invited to a presentation on Current and Common Scams.  Golden Fellowship will host Officer Steve Olsen as he informs us of these threats.  Lunch will follow.  Please sign up on the bulletin board so we have an appropriate amount of food for lunch.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Today, O God, I pray that you will fill me with your Spirit so I might be a channel of your tender care for those who are brokenhearted or searching for a bit of light.  Refresh and renew me for Christian service.  Bring me moments of delight.  I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 09-11-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

This Sunday we will commission and bless the women and men of our congregation who have answered the call to be Team Members in our Building to Serve Campaign.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. for a service full of music, prayer, and proclamation. The sermon will focus on how to forgive those who have hurt us. Deb Opperman will be the Witnessing Steward. An Awareness Meeting and Sunday School will each follow at 10:00 a.m.

If you have a high-school aged youth at home, please remind them that they are being requested to serve the social hour this Sunday.

Pat Klebs expects to go home from the hospital today.  Please pray that she will continue to be blessed with healing.

At 9:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Shawl Ministers will meet in the Youth Room for a time of conversation, planning, prayer, and handiwork.  Join us if you’d like to be a part of this healing ministry. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Keep my soul warm with your love today, O God.  Remind me that the changing of the seasons does not bring a change in the depth of your goodness, the perfection of your wisdom, or the tenderness of your heart. I pray that you will bless Pat Klebs with returning strength.  Thank you for everything!  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 09-04-14

Greetings from Church of Peace,

“Sing a new song to God!” is the Scriptural basis for Sunday’s worship service which begins at 8:45 a.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Tonight Holy Communion will be served at 6:30 in the sanctuary at our mid-week worship service. 

Sunday School starts at 10:00 on Sunday morning.  Parents, please download a registration form from the on-line Messenger (www.uccchurchofpeace.org) or pick one up in the narthex on Sunday before you bring your child to their classroom.  Confirmation classes begin next Wednesday.

The second Awareness Meeting for the Building to Serve Campaign will be held this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary.  This is an interesting program designed to explain the campaign.

On Monday, it is our turn to serve Loaves and Fishes.  The last couple of times we have been short on help.  Please sign up on Sunday if you can assist.  We especially need help from 5:30-6:30 p.m.   

Tom Strauss has come home from the hospital.  Please remember Tom when you pray and also pray for Dixie Borchert and her family.  Dixie’s mother died yesterday.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, as this new education season begins, I pray that patience and wisdom will be your gifts to teachers, parents, and students in our Sunday School and confirmation classes as well as in the public schools and colleges.  I pray also for Tom Strauss and Dixie Borchert that they may each be blessed with a keen sense of your presence and healing power in their lives.  Show me how to shine with gratitude in every aspect of my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 08/28/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

“Who am I?” The answer to this question changes as our lives go on.  The Biblical character of Moses asks this question of God in our Old Testament reading for Sunday. Join us for worship at 8:45 as together we seek some answers to our deepest yearnings.

The first of the Awareness Meetings will be held at 10:00 Sunday in the sanctuary. If you haven’t signed up for one yet, call Jackie at 921-8215.  The meetings are designed to help each of us understand the Building to Serve Campaign.  There will be time to ask questions and get answers from people “in the know.”

Tom Strauss is a patient at Froedtert Hospital. Please pray that Tom will regain strength in the coming days so he can come home soon.

Help!  We are forming a team of people to take turns running the PowerPoint in worship on Sundays. If you’d like to be on the list of people, please tell one of us.  There will be a training session in early October.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, as I go about my day, enjoying your presence with me, please shine in and through my life.  Fill me with holy energy as I try to serve you faithfully.  I pray that you will bless Tom Strauss with returning health and strength.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Greetings from Church of Peace 08-21-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Sunday’s service will feature a story sermon and lots of great music.  Join us at 8:45 as we consider God’s calling to follow Jesus as disciples.

We know of three people who are hospitalized: Leo Lefeber, Carol Moon, and Randy Stafford.  Please hold them in prayer. Two of our members have lost loved ones in death this week: Lois Abitz’ son, Jay, has died as has Jan Alf’s brother, Carl.  May God’s gift of comfort be with them.

Please sign up for an Awareness Meeting (Sundays, August 31, September 7,14, and 21 at 10:00 in the sanctuary).  These meetings will help explain why we are undertaking the Building to Serve Campaign.  This will be the perfect time to ask questions.  Call Jackie at 921-8215 to register.

Our Sunday School teachers will meet on Saturday at 9:00 in the Upper Room to go over plans for the new school year.  We have a new spirit of energy and a new curriculum.  Sunday School starts on September 7^th.

That’s the news from Church of Peace!

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

A prayer for today: Your merciful love flows around me today, O God, as it does every day and for that I am grateful.  I pray I will live with an awareness of your nearness as the day’s hours progress. Keep me from feeling frazzled or frantic; fill me instead with a sense of well-being in your care.  I pray for your healing love to be manifest in the lives of Leo Lefeber, Carol Moon, and Randy Stafford.  I lift before you all who grieve, especially Lois Abitz and Jan Alf. These things I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Greetings from Church of Peace 08/14/14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

This Sunday we have two services. The first will be in the sanctuary at 8:45 a.m.  The focus of this service will be the power of prayer.  The second service will be at the Mauthe Lake State Park shelter at 11:00 a.m. with a potluck to follow.  This service will be a camp-style service.  Either one will leave you inspired and renewed. Or attend both for a dramatic spiritual boost!

Carol Moon remains a patient at St. Agnes Hospital.  Please pray that Carol will continue to experience God’s healing power in her life.

Have you signed up for a Building to Serve Awareness Meeting yet?  Call the church office (921-8215) or sign up on the bulletin board.  The meetings will be held August 31 and September 7,14, and 21. 

This Saturday there will be a rummage and bake sale in Gammert Hall sponsored by the friends of Lucy Zahn.  Stop in to support our Lucy!

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Another beautiful day – thank you, God! May I make it even more beautiful by the words I speak and the deeds I do. I pray that you will bless Carol Moon with returning health and strength. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 08/07/14

Greetings from Church of Peace,

Is your life calm right now or in the midst of a storm?  Either way, you’ll find Sunday’s Scripture story strengthening.  Join us as we read about Jesus walking on the water and calming the storm.  The service will begin at 8:45 a.m.

Tonight we will gather at 6:30 for a worship service which will include communion.  We will meet in the sanctuary.

Last Sunday’s children sermon emphasized how abundantly God provides.  Twelve families received shopping bags which they will fill with groceries and return this Sunday.  If you’d like to participate, fill a paper shopping bag and bring it Sunday.  It will help teach the children about God’s generosity. And you’ll feel really good about it, too.

Saturday is the Summer Women’s Birthday Gathering at 10:00 a.m.  All women with summer birthdays are encouraged to attend. The place has been changed – it will be held at Rolling Meadows Restaurant. We’d appreciate a call (921-8215) if you can join us.

One member of our congregation remains hospitalized – Carol Moon. Please remember her when you pray.

The Messenger is now available at the church and on line (www.uccchurchofpeace.org).

Sunday, August 17^th will bring us the opportunity to worship outside at Mauthe Lake and to enjoy a picnic/potluck.  All you need to bring is a dish to pass and a lawn chair. A bus is available.  It will leave COP at 10:00 a.m. and return between 1:30 and 2:00.  Please let us know if you plan to attend so we can have plenty of drinks and main dish for everyone.

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 have blessed me with another day of life.  May I enjoy it and use its hours to serve you.  Bless Carol Moon as she recovers from surgery.  Bless our church family with a sense of purpose and peace.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 07-31-14

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Sunday’s worship brings with it the opportunity to be renewed by God’s Spirit while enjoying the companionship of your church family.  Holy Communion will be celebrated. The service is at 8:45 a.m.

We’ve had four people hospitalized this week: Daniel Griffin, Carol Moon, Tom Strauss, and Hannah Wohler.  Please remember them when you pray.  Please also pray for the families of Lavonne Koehler and Steve Oelke.  Her funeral was Monday at the church and his will be this Friday morning in our sanctuary. 

We’re gearing up for the church picnic and outdoor worship on Sunday, August 17^th. Here’s the plan:

8:45            Traditional worship in the sanctuary

11:00         Outdoor worship at Mauthe Lake

12:00         Potluck dinner at Mauthe Lake

If we have enough interest, we will have a shuttle bus from Church of Peace (leaving at 10:00 a.m.) to the park and back again after the meal.  Please register for the picnic by calling the church office or by turning in a slip on Sunday morning.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, with great gentleness you have called me to be yours.  I am eager to respond --please bless my day with many opportunities to serve you.  I pray that Dan, Carol, Tom, and Hannah will continue to experience your healing hand at work in their lives.  Please bless the Koehler and Oelke families with comfort and peace.  I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.