Greetings from Church of Peace!

This is “Red Sunday” at Church of Peace.  Our sanctuary will be resplendent with red and fire, symbols of the Pentecost story that we celebrate.  You are encouraged to wear red, orange, or yellow; it adds to the festive feeling.  There will be a Pentecost prayer journey.  We have invited our high school graduates to be with us so we can honor them.  The service begins at 8:45.

Monday at 6:00 p.m. we will gather at McDermott Park North for a tail gate party. Bring your own dishes, drinks, and main dish (grill if you want to).  Please bring a salad, side dish, or dessert to share.  We’ll be cheering on the Church of Peace softball team which will play at 7:00.

Ray and Juli Beilke, Art Conklin, and Pastors Jim and Jenny will be attending the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference of the UCC in Green Lake tomorrow and Saturday. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: O Loving God who has given me life, I pray for one more thing:  I pray that today my heart will be open to your Holy Spirit and that my life may reflect its fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control.  Bless the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference of the UCC that the Christians gathered together there might be strengthened in faith and bring back good news to share with our congregations.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - June 2, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Could you please do us a favor?  We are trying to get as many opinions as possible to the question, “What do you think God is calling Church of Peace to accomplish?”  Could you please click “reply” and write a few words of response?  What do YOU think God is calling Church of Peace to accomplish? Your answer will remain anonymous.

Thank you! Now, on to the news:

Sunday’s service (8:45 a.m.) will present us with the very interesting, often perplexing story of Jesus’ ascension.  Join us as we see what this dramatic ending to the resurrection story has to teach us as today’s disciples.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Sunday is the last day to bid on the delightful doll house which Dave Candlish built.  The money will go to the youth mission trip fund. 

Monday night’s softball game will be held at Woodworth School, beginning at 9:15 p.m.  All you night owls out there are invited to come and cheer.  The following Monday is our tailgate party.

Shawl Ministers are invited to meet Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. in the Upper Room.  Interested?  Come see what we do! 

Youth mission trippers and their adult advisors will be working at several homes on this Saturday to raise money for the trip.  Be at the church at 8:30 for rides to the worksites.  We are gathering at Ethan Hackbarth’s home for a bonfire and further trip preparation on Sunday at 6:00 p.m.  See you then.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Open my eyes that I may see visions of truth you have for me, O God.  Open my ears to hear the cries of those in need.  Open my hands to reach out with help for others.  Open my mouth to speak lovingly to all I meet.  Open my heart to the presence of the Holy Spirit in and around me. Open my life to faithful and joyful living today. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.     If you haven’t clicked “reply” and answered the question yet, please do so now. What do YOU think God is calling Church of Peace to accomplish? Thank you!

Greetings from Church of Peace - May 26, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Memorial Day is a civic holiday, not a Christian holiday; the Bible says nothing about it.  But the Scriptures do address topics closely related to the theme of this weekend’s holiday so Sunday’s sermon will reflect on how we as Christians can honor those who have made sacrifices on behalf of our nation.  We will also celebrate the baptism of little Adalyn Rolffs.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. as we gather to praise, pray, and learn together.  And, yes, a social hour will follow!

Tonight is the final Mid-Week Faith Boost for this school year.  We will finish our series on Biblical archaeology. Come to the Upper Room at 6:30 to join in a fascinating conversation about the nature of the Bible and our faith history. 

We know of two people from our church family who are hospitalized.  Julie Rose and Shirley Hanke are both recovering from surgery and expect to return home soon.  When you pray, give thanks for God’s healing power which has been active in their lives this week.

This Saturday, a team of youth workers will be doing work projects at the homes of our members who have requested their help.  It is not too late to call the church office and let us know if you would like a crew to come to your home (921-8215).  We have other dates available as well.   

There is no church softball on Memorial Day.  Games will resume on Monday, June 6^th.  Check your Messenger (which will arrive early next week) for information on a tailgate party at Fond du Lac’s McDermott Park before the game on June 13^th.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  How I long for sunny days, O God, because they lift my spirits and brighten my mood. Even more, my life longs for the warmth and light of the Holy Spirit. In my mind, I know you are always with me, but sometimes in my heart, I feel like you are far away. Please help me to notice your activity in my life and in the world so I feel closer to you.  Thank you for your healing power which has been active this past week, in particular in the returning health of Julie Rose and Shirley Hanke.  Thank you also for the ways the United Church of Christ has been able to help people in Missouri and Oklahoma in the aftermath of the storms there.  May we continue to support our helping ministries generously so people in need can experience your love.  I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - May 19, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

“Hush!” is the name of the song that our Chapel Choir, Youth Choir, and Sunday School children will be singing together in worship on Sunday.  What a triumphant way to end the Sunday School and choir seasons – with a jubilant multi-aged choir singing God’s praises.  Another highlight in this music-filled service will be the return of our drums/electric guitar duo. You will come away from worship with a smile upon your heart. 

Saturday morning might bring rain and it might bring sunshine.  Either way, there is plenty to do at Church of Peace and we can use your help.  Our Spring Work Day is from 8:00 a.m. until noon.  Bring a rake, shovel (for mulch), and a wheelbarrow if it is sunny.  If it is rainy, some rags and a bucket will come in handy.  This is your opportunity to donate a little time and make a big difference in the appearance of our building and grounds.

Tonight at 6:30 the Mid-Week Faith Boost series on Biblical archeology will continue.  Come grow your faith!

We’ve had two people hospitalized from our church family: Aloha Fields and Julie Rose.  Each is doing well. Please pray for continued healing for Aloha and Julie as well as for comfort for Rosemary Burns’ family and friends. Rosemary’s funeral will be held this morning in our sanctuary.

What do a Victorian doll house, pizza, and clean windows have in common?  These are all fund-raisers for the youth mission trip which leaves a month from today. Stop in at the table in the lobby: you can bid on the dollhouse, buy pizza coupons, or sign up for some teens to come work at your house.  Will you or someone you love need some help raking leaves in the fall? Coupons for a youth work team to help later in the year are available as well.   Please support this very important ministry of our young people and our congregation.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Today I thank you, O God, for the members of my church family.  What a powerful force for good we are when each one adds their faith, talents, and gifts to the ministry of the Church of Peace!  I pray that my participation will be a blessing to others as theirs is a blessing to me and that together we will serve you faithfully.  May your peace and compassion shine upon all of us, especially Aloha Fields, Julie Rose, and the family of Rosemary Burns.   I pray in the name of the One we serve, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - May 12, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Last night the church building was buzzing with goings-on.  The Loaves and Fishes crew from Holy Name was cleaning up after serving hungry people a hearty meal. The Chapel Choir was rehearsing a lovely new song for Sunday’s service.  The confirmands were getting pictures taken and practicing for the rite of confirmation this Sunday.  What a joy it is to see this vibrant activity taking place! Join us on Sunday morning at 8:45 as we proclaim the Risen Christ through word and song and welcome our new confirmands into the church family.  There will be room for you!

Please hold in tender prayer Rosemary Burns and her family.  Rosemary is in hospice care at St. Francis Home.  A memorial service for Ruth Magyar will be held this Saturday; please pray for her family as well.

Do you enjoy the History Channel on TV?  Are you interested in the origins of the Bible and the archaeology of ancient lands?  If so, you will enjoy the Mid-Week Faith Boost gathering tonight as we watch a short film and discuss its significance for our faith.  It will be at 6:30 in Gammert Hall.

Next Tuesday, a full busload of Church of Peace members and friends head down to Chicago for a day of friendship, food, and an architectural tour by Curt Behnke.

When you see the doll house that is in Gammert Hall, you will be amazed at its size and detail.  It is spectacular and will delight children for generations.  You can bid on it in a silent auction which will support our youth mission trip.  In addition to the doll house, there will be a table in the narthex where you can sign up for youth workers to come do a project at your home, purchase Eaton’s pizza coupons, or buy a couple of Church of Peace cloth bags.  Please support our youth mission trip in these ways.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  Sometimes the needs of the world seem so big and my resources and abilities seem so small, O God.  Keep fresh in my mind the truth that every act of kindness or word of encouragement from me today is a step in the direction of peace.  Show me how I can best use what I have in your service. Bless with your gentle comfort Rosemary Burns, her family, and the family of Ruth Magyar.  These things I pray in the name of the One whose compassion never fails.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - May 5, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Sunday is Mother’s Day and we have a service planned to inspire the whole family.  Join us as we give thanks together.  Pray with us as we lift before God those for whom Mother’s Day brings feelings of loss or bitterness. The Youth Choir will sing on this Festival of the Christian Home. 

Tonight our Thursday evening Mid-Week Faith Boost resumes with a four-part film series on archaeology and the Bible.  What historical treasures have been brought to light recently? How do these findings enhance our faith? Join in on the education and the conversation tonight in Gammert Hall at 6:30.

This Sunday morning at 10:00 our LIGHT classes and Chapel Choir will meet in the sanctuary to rehearse for our musical grand finale in worship on May 22^nd.  After practice, our children will go to their classes.

We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of George Weber, a Church of Peace member whose funeral was held yesterday.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today:  As spring slowly opens the flowers and brings new life to this part of the earth, I pray, O God, that you will open my heart and bring new life to me.  Release me from attitudes and habits which keep me from enjoying the gifts you pour out for me today.  Fill my life with vitality and purpose. May joy rise up like a fountain within me. Give me your vision of the future so I can be filled with hope. I ask your blessings of comfort and peace upon the family of George Weber. I pray remembering Jesus.  Amen.

 

Greetings from Church of Peace - April 28, 2011

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Happy Eastertide to you!  We continue our celebration of the resurrection of Christ on Sunday with another joyful service.  This Sunday our confirmands will reflect with us on some of the Biblical friends of Jesus. The Chapel Choir will sing.  Because Holy Communion was celebrated during three services last week, it will not be a part of this Sunday’s worship service.  The service will begin at 8:45 a.m.

The Women Retreaters will meet at the church tomorrow evening at 6:00. We look forward to a renewing time together at Pilgrim Center.

The Ladies Aid rummage sale will be held all day Tuesday and on Wednesday morning of this coming week.  We can use your no-longer-needed stuff and your baked goods (our most prolific baker is on the sick list). Set-up help on Sunday after worship and on Monday would be deeply appreciated.  Thank you to the Ladies Aid for this worthwhile project which helps our neighbors, promotes re-using, and raises money for Church of Peace ministries. 

Long-time member George Weber is near the end of his earthly journey, residing now at Hospice Home of Hope.  Please remember George and his family in your prayers.

There will be no Mid-Week Faith Boost tonight.  A week from tonight a new series will begin which features archeology in the Holy Land, teaching us about the origin of the Bible and about life in Bible times.  Plan to be a part of this study series on Thursday evenings in May.

If you have signed up for the Chicago trip and haven’t yet paid, please get the $27.00 to Jackie soon.  Thank you.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: My heart is still singing Easter praises to you, O God.  What power and love you have demonstrated in the resurrection of Christ!  I see that same power at work in my life and I thank you.  I would be honored to be an instrument of your love in the lives of others; show me how.  I ask your blessings of comfort and peace upon George Weber and his family during this difficult time.  In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.