Dear friends of Peace,
News Edition For Sunday of August 16, 2026
Lessons this week: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8, Ephesians 2: 13-22, Matthew 15: 21-28
Songs this week: “Christ is Made the Sure Foundation”, Glory to God in the Highest”, “The Church’s One Foundation”, “Church of God, Elect and Glorious”
Service Sunday 11:30 am
Unexpected Truths
The opening lines of the United States Declaration of Independence boldly assert that certain truths are “self-evident”—truths accessible to human reason and widely recognized by observation of the world. Among these are that all people are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The founders appealed to principles they believed reasonable people could recognize simply by reflecting on human nature and justice. These truths were meant to be obvious, clear to the mind, and persuasive in the public square.
Lutherans, however, note that the most important truths revealed in the Bible are not self-evident at all. In fact, they frequently appear surprising or even contrary to human expectations. Scripture teaches that humanity is not naturally good but deeply sinful. It declares that salvation cannot be achieved through human effort but comes entirely by God’s grace. Most unexpected of all is the message that God brings forgiveness and eternal life through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.Biblical truth is revealed by God rather than discovered by reason alone. While some truths may seem obvious to human judgment, the truths of the Bible are often unexpected.
Christians Answer Doubt with Faith
“All are welcome!” Is that true at our church? Or is church meant only for people of the right heritage who behave the right way, “good church folk”? Is it conceivable that a stranger could walk into church unexpectedly and for some reason you would ask yourself, “What is someone like that doing here?” Or perhaps you ask that question about yourself. “There seem to be godly people here. I’m not like them. Do I really belong?” Today Jesus shows us that the Church is for all people. All of us—regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, or social status—have the same problem of sin. And we all have the same Savior. Anyone who comes to Christ’s Church and cries out “Lord, have mercy!” is welcome.
Seeking feedback: We are seeking feedback on when to offer our church services this fall and winter. We put together a simple survey that can be accessed from the link below. We are also going to have paper copies available at this Sunday’s service if you would rather provide feedback in that manner. We will use these responses to determine our service day and time starting this fall. We are asking each family/household to provide one survey so that the feedback isn’t skewed.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/J2BSPH2
Fall Kick Off:
75 Years of Peace Celebration: Sept 27th
Will be held September 27th after service pot luck style with cake and ice cream. Working on getting some pictures from the past if anyone has pictures or stories you would like to share please let me know.
Volunteers sign ups:
There is now a sign up sheet for mowing and string trimming
A look ahead:
Aug 23rd 11:30 am Sunday Service
Aug 30th 11:30 am Sunday Service
Sept 6th 11:30 am Sunday Service
Sept 13th 11:30 am Sunday Service & Fall Kick Off
Sept 20th 11:30 am Sunday Service
Sept 18th Ladies Guild
Sept 27th 11:30 am Sunday Service, 12:45 pm 75 Years of Peace Celebration
Pastor Rau will be on vacation the 1st week of August if there is a pastoral emergency you can still reach out to him, and he will make arrangements for someone to visit with you.
May God be at work among the people of Peace and our gospel ministry as we listen to him and follow him! Assistant Administrator at Peace Lutheran Church, Shelly Wedge
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Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org
Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting reach out to our interim Pastor David Rau (ST.James Portage) at pastor@stjamesportage.org or 262-325-9355
Have a suggestion or comment you’d like to share? Let us know!
Would you like to donate to Peace? Please use the link for online giving
Peace Lutheran Church 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104 https://peaceotsego.org