Greetings from Church of Peace 04/24/14

Greetings from Church of Peace,

Did you know Jesus could cook?  Our Scripture reading for this morning tells of a time after the resurrection when he made breakfast for the disciples.  Join us at 8:45 as we continue our Easter celebration.  Our little Sunday School children will sing.

After worship on Sunday, there will be time to grab a cup of coffee in Gammert Hall, then head back upstairs to a specially-called meeting of the congregation.  An architect will be with us to explain the problems with our flat-roofed additions.  He will offer three options on how to deal with the problems. We will not be choosing an option at this time.  We will vote only on whether or not to begin raising the funds to solve these problems and also to enhance our outreach possibilities.  Please attend this meeting.  It will be informative and is crucial to the future of our congregation.

This Saturday morning women with birthdays in April are invited to a gathering at Gift ‘n Gab in Peebles. We’ll begin our party at 10:00 and be done about 11:00.  Need directions? Check The Messenger or call the coffee shop at 933-3525.

Tuesday morning two Master Gardeners from Fond du Lac with be with us as the program for Golden Fellowship.  They’ll be showing us spring gardening tips. Boxed lunches will be served at noon.  Please sign up on the bulletin board so we know how many to expect for lunch.

Next Tuesday afternoon/evening is the Turkey Dinner. The food is ordered, the help has signed up, the pies are planned. Items for the raffle table are arriving. Join us between 4-7 for a delicious dinner and some church family fun.  Tickets will be on sale after worship on Sunday or you can buy them at the door on Tuesday.

The May Messenger is on-line (www.uccchurchofpeace.org) and will be available at the church on Sunday.

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 thankful I am for your tender care today. When I face difficulties, remind me that you are by my side. Show me how to proceed with wisdom and grace.  Bless our congregation as we make an important decision about our future at the meeting on Sunday. Bless our Turkey Dinner so it can be an enactment of our congregation’s welcoming spirit. Amen.

Ushers this week: Scott Heim, Theresa and Tom Schultz, Bob Hanke, and Norm Behnke.

Greetings from Church of Peace 04/17/14

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Maundy Thursday morning!

Our week is full of worship - each service very different, each one an opportunity to express your gratitude to God, each one a time to grow in faith. 

Tonight’s service will be at 7:00 p.m.  It features the story of the last night of Jesus’ life.  We will be sharing pew communion.  A very special guest will be sharing in worship leadership with us – Rev. Iris Susen, former Associate Pastor at Church of Peace, who is visiting from Germany.

Friday’s service is also at 7:00 p.m. This solemn service features two solos by Pastor Jim as well as a deeply meaningful candle-lighting ritual.

Sunday’s two Easter morning services (8:00 and 10:00) are identical, featuring triumphant music by our choir and Helene, gorgeous pictures on the screen, and – most importantly – the central story of our faith: the proclamation that God’s love can overcome any obstacle, even death. Altar communion will be served. Come see our sanctuary at its loveliest and feel your spirit rise as we sing “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.”

Following each service, the Alleluia! Social Hour will be hosted by the youth of our church family.  Join us for delicious home-baked treats and other goodies.  Any monetary donations will be used to support the mission trip. We have invited the on-duty police officers to join us for the social hour (for free, of course) as a sign of our gratitude for all they do.

If you donated a flower to enhance the church on Easter, you may take it home after the second service.  Remember to find the one with your name on it!

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: I remember, O God, that on this day long, long ago, Jesus commanded his followers to love one another.  May I spend today doing just that – showing your love to everyone I meet through kind words and a cheerful disposition.  Bless our church family in the coming days as we commemorate the Last Supper, the death of Jesus, and the most joy-filled day of our faith, Easter.  I pray these things with deep gratitude and in faith.  Amen.

 

Greetings from Church of Peace 04-09-2014

Greetings from Church of Peace,

Tonight is our final Andy Griffith sermon and it is one which will give us all lots to ponder.  The Lenten candle of commitment will be lit. Join us at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday is Palm Sunday, a festival celebrating the parade which welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.  The day will be full of palms, music, and festivity. Little Jaxon Schmitz will be baptized.  Join us at 8:45 for this joyful worship experience.

Next week is Holy Week.  Here are the times and highlights:

          Palm Sunday – 8:45 a.m.

          Maundy Thursday – 7:00 p.m. Pew Communion

          Good Friday – 7:00 p.m.

          Easter Sunday – 8:00 and 10:00 a.m.  Altar Communion

                   Alleluia! Social Hour between services

This Sunday we will receive our One Great Hour of Sharing offering.  Please prayerfully consider a generous contribution to this offering which meets urgent needs around the world.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: What a lovely day this is, O God!  Through the natural beauty around me, I see your artistic hand at work. In the people around me, I see your loving heart beating.  In the work you call me to do, I know the fulfillment you intend for me. Thank you!  Bless me with a sense of your nearness and strength as I seek to live as a faithful disciple today. Amen.

Ushers this Sunday: Renee and Jack Kiefer, Brenda and Isabel Post, Theresa and Tom Schultz, and Ron Wilson.

Greetings from Church of Peace 04/02/2014

Greetings from Church of Peace on this sunny Lenten day!

Tonight’s Lenten service focuses on the theme of reconciliation.  Join us as Andy Griffith reminds us how important it is to be an agent of cooperation and harmony.  The service will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday’s Scripture reading is the delightful story of Ezekiel prophesying to the Valley of the Dry Bones (“the head bone’s connected to the neck bone, the neck bone’s connected to the backbone…”). Join us at 8:45 as we praise the God who can bring life even from dry spirits and despondent lives. We will celebrate Holy Communion. The Chapel Choir will provide special music.

We are delighted to tell you that all of our hospitalized people have come home.  Thanks be to God for the gift of healing!

Sunday brings us an opportunity to have some fun together as a church family.  COP Day at the YMCA begins after worship and lasts for the day.  Pizza will be served at noon.  Come enjoy the pool, work-out room, racquetball court, or gym.  There is no charge.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O God, may this day offer me a new beginning: to experience anew the joy of hope, to rediscover the blessings of your presence, and to learn again the truth that in you, all things are possible.  If the tasks of the day seem daunting, remind me that you strengthen me for any task to which you call me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.