Lenten Greetings from Church of Peace 02-25-15

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Lenten morning!

Tonight we begin our Lenten series on connecting faith with everyday life.  Our Scriptures deal with two challenges faced by every Christian – judging and gossiping.  Join us as we chuckle over Andy Griffith while we examine our own lives.  The service begins at 7:00 p.m.  The confirmands will light the Lenten candle of Humility.

Tomorrow night’s Bible Study on Ecclesiastes will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Gammert Hall.  The topic is “The Key to Life is Low Expectations” from chapters 4-6.  Newcomers will be welcomed heartily.

Sunday’s service continues the theme of last Sunday: the cross and the crown.  Just what does it mean to bear the cross in our time and place?  We’ll celebrate Holy Communion together.

Don Kremer remains in the hospital.  Janet Norenberg is at the Hospice Home of Hope.  Delores Pinkert has become a resident of the Lutheran Home. Please remember them when you pray.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: During this Lenten day, O God, may I turn to you over and over again – for guidance, for inspiration, for peace.  Let me live as Jesus would live. I pray for those who are sick, especially Don Kremer, Janet Norenberg, and Delores Pinkert.  May they each feel your healing presence.  Amen.

Ash Wednesday Greetings from Church of Peace

Greetings from Church of Peace on this Ash Wednesday!

Yes, it is a bit nippy out there. But that won’t stop us hearty Church of Peace Christians from gathering at 7:00 for our Ash Wednesday communion service.  It will be a lovely service with slides of gorgeous sunsets, peaceful evening hymns, and a sermon written to touch your heart and enliven your faith. Two confirmands will bless our service by lighting the Lenten candle.

Tomorrow night’s Bible Study will focus on Ecclesiastes 3 and 4 – To everything there is a time….. The study begins at 6:30 in Gammert Hall. If you attend, you’ll be so glad that you did.

Sunday’s service will be the first Sunday in Lent. Worship will begin at 8:45 a.m.

Three people are hospitalized from our church family: Theresa Timm, Rose Randall, and Don Kremer. Janet Norenberg remains a patient at the Hospice Home of Hope. The funeral for Corliss Christie, John’s wife, will be tomorrow evening. Please remember these people when you pray.

Have you tried out the “new Oscar’s” (The Green Dragon) yet?  You have an opportunity this Sunday night.  We’ll meet there at 5:00 p.m. for a buy-your-own dinner.  What a nice way to get to know members of your church family and enjoy a delicious meal at the same time.  You can sign up on the coatroom bulletin board.

It is time to let us know if you plan to go on the Golden Fellowship tour and luncheon at La Clare Farms next Tuesday.  Please call the church office (921-8215) if you haven’t signed up yet.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: As I enter this Lenten season, O God, I pray for the courage to examine my life honestly.  Show me how to live more faithfully in the ways of Jesus.  I pray for your serenity-bringing presence to be felt by Rose Randall, Don Kremer, Theresa Timm, Janet Norenberg, and the Christie family.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace - Valentine Edition 02-12-15

Greetings from Church of Peace,

Full of meaning and smiles – that describes our worship service this Sunday.  Our Sunday School children (all ages) will provide an anthem.  We will honor the members of our congregation who have been married for 25 years or more.  The sermon will focus on family relationships.  Join us at 8:45 for an inspirational and enjoyable service.

Tonight the Bible study on Ecclesiastes will continue.  Meet in Gammert Hall at 6:30 for an hour of conversation and inspiration.

We have three members in special need of your prayers. Rose Randall and Debra Baker are hospitalized.  Janet Norenberg is now a resident of Hospice Home of Hope.  Thank you for remembering them in prayer.

The prayer shawl ministers will gather this Saturday morning at 9:00 in the youth room for a time of stitchery and friendship-building.  

THANK YOU! We met the goal we set for the Souper Bowl of Caring -- 1166 items were brought in to be shared with the hungry.  What a testimony this is to the compassion of our congregation.

Coming up….

Ash Wednesday Worship, Feb. 18^th 7:00 p.m.

Diner’s Club, Green Dragon, February 22^nd, 5:00 p.m.

Golden Fellowship, LaClare Farms, February 24^th 11:00 a.m.

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 for a cheerful attitude and a compassionate spirit. Please grant me energy to do your work. I pray for Rose Randall, Debra Baker, and Janet Norenberg; may each one experience your tenderness today.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 01/28/15

Greetings from Church of Peace!

It is Super Bowl Sunday!  That means it is also Souper Bowl Sunday, the day when youth from churches across the nation lead a movement to stock their local food pantries.  The Church of Peace goal is 1000 items this year.  We need all kinds of canned and boxed goods, especially high-protein items and fruit.  Let’s make our goal!!

Sunday’s worship service will feature a story of Jesus casting out a demon.  Are you wondering, “How can this story be meaningful to us in the modern age?” Come find out! Worship begins at 8:45.

Sunday morning at 10:15 we will gather in the choir room for an update on the planning as we try to get a multi-generational mission trip organized for this summer.  If you can’t come to the meeting but are interested, just let us know and we’ll keep you in the loop as things progress.

Sign-up sheets are available on the coatroom bulletin board for Church Family BINGO, Diner’s Club, and the trip to LaClare Farms. Check the Messenger for details  (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 (from a prayer by Rev. Kim Henning): O God, I thank you for your companionship today.  Calm any anxiety that lives within me and enter with your peace.  Lead me on the pathway to faithfulness. Show me how to shine your light in all I do and say.  Thank you!  Amen.

Greetings from Church of Peace 01-15-15

Greetings from Church of Peace!

Have you heard the voice of God lately?  Our Scripture readings, sermon, and songs will help us do just that on Sunday morning.  At 8:45 a.m. we’ll gather to worship the God who is still speaking!

Interested in an inter-generational mission trip for youth and adults?  If so, please join us this Sunday at 10:15 in the choir room for a brief informational meeting.

Alice Thorsby is home from a recent hospital stay. Please pray for her continued return to health and strength.

We extend our Christian sympathy to the family of Sandy Treptow whose funeral will be held on Saturday.  Please hold the Treptows in your prayers.

We are looking forward to our Annual Meeting in a week and a half -- on Sunday, January 25^th at 10:15.  Come learn about the wonderful things Church of Peace has done in the past year and help us set the stage for a faithful 2015.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Speak to me, precious Lord, as I go about my day. I yearn to hear your gentle voice which fills my heart with peace and my life with purpose.  Guide me in my decisions, my words, and my actions.  I pray that your healing power will be active in the life of Alice Thorsby and that your gift of comfort will be poured out on the family and friends of Sandy Treptow.  I pray these things in the name of Christ.  Amen.   

Greetings from Church of Peace 01-08-15

Greetings from Church of Peace where our warm sanctuary awaits you on Sunday and our warm hearts pray for you every day!

Are you baptized?  This Sunday we will read the Biblical story of Jesus’ baptism and think about the meaning of our own.  The Chapel Choir will sing. Join us at 8:45 a.m. for an hour of spiritual refreshment.

At 10:15 this Sunday, the congregation is invited to a meeting to review the proposed 2015 budget.  The Council will be available in the choir room to answer questions and listen to comments.

We know of no one who is hospitalized at this time.

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: On this cold day, O God, my heart is warmed by the knowledge of your companionship as I journey through my day. May I find myriad ways to bolster the spirits of others.  Make my words kind and my actions compassionate.  When I go to bed tonight, may I hear your voice saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”  Amen.  

Greetings from Church of Peace 01/02/15

Happy New Year from Church of Peace! It is our prayer that you will be richly blessed by God’s grace throughout the New Year.

This Sunday is Epiphany Sunday, the day each year when we celebrate the coming of the Magi to honor the infant Jesus.  This year, Epiphany will have special meaning to us as we proclaim a modern day version of bringing gifts to the Christ Child – our total pledged amount for the Building to Serve Campaign.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  Join us at 8:45 a.m. 

Shirley Hanke is hospitalized, recovering from surgery.  Please pray that God’s healing light will continue to shine upon her.

Next Sunday, January 11^th, the Church Council will host a budget meeting for all interested members in the Choir Room at 10:15 a.m. The purpose of this meeting is to answer questions and get input about the 2015 budget which will be officially presented at the Annual Meeting on January 25^th. 

That’s the news from Church of Peace.

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

A prayer for today: Like the ancient wise men, I seek your guiding light, O God.  Bless me with a deep sense of direction as I try to live faithfully. Don’t let me give up when life’s journey seems long or difficult.  I pray that you will bless Shirley Hanke with returning health and strength. I pray these things in the name of Christ.  Amen.