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.

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.