Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,
Thanksgiving!
Friends, there are plenty of things that might frustrate us - the K shaped economy, political conflict, technology disruption, and community evolution. Some of these things might give some of us hope, but they also might frustrate us. So what can lead us to thanksgiving?
“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
I hope these gifts - God’s gifts - lead you and me to Thanksgiving. I want to invite you to join me in giving thanks at our service on November 26th 6:30 pm. Please join us!
But even more, join your fellow people of Peace in giving thanks. Reach out to someone and find out what they are giving thanks for.
Then bring your thanksgiving card back to Peace for service on the 26th. I hope we’ll especially focus on what we call “kingdom thanksgivings”. Kingdom thanksgivings are the gospel-related work God is up to among us. It’s what he does with his good news of forgiveness and life. Suggestions include: baptisms, professions of faith, deliverance from sin, repentance, new or renewed convictions of Bible teaching.
Be sure to grab a postcard at church to add to our “kingdom thanksgivings”!
See you Sunday at 9:30!
Pastor T
Christmas Choir - We’re having a choir to celebrate Christmas this year. Join the choir to practice December 7th, 14th, and 21st to practice for Christmas Eve December 24th!
Gospel Spotlight
The Lord humbled and encouraged me recently. On Tuesday I was talking with some pastors. We agreed that generally speaking, people today are not concerned for assurance of their salvation. People don’t generally talk to us and say, “I’m not sure I’m forgiven. I’m afraid God doesn’t love me and care about me. I’m worried that I don’t have the Holy Spirit and am not saved.”
Then surprise of surprise, the very next day someone said to me, “Pastor, I’m filled with regret. I don’t feel loved. I need God.” s
Where did you see the gospel at work this week?
Prayer Highlight
We thank God this Thanksgiving.
“Good and gracious God, every good and gracious gift comes from you. We praise you and thank you for all your gifts. We’re sorry that we often think we get so many good things on our own. Have mercy on us, and lead us to thank you for everything you give us."
“In Jesus’ name we pray,
“Amen.”
Our sick or homebound friends - Judy Haugh, Brenda Grimm, Shirley Kling, Darlene Syers, Irene Haas, Maxine Sandahl, and Marge Gavan
Planning Ahead with Faith and Purpose
How can our Christian faith guide us through life's most difficult decisions including end-of-life care? Join us for a practical, faith-centered presentation from Christian Life Resources that combines biblical wisdom with essential planning tools.
This session will explore:
How faith shapes our end-of-life decisions
Real stories of families blessed by advance planning
Guidance on completing a Christian Medical Directive (including Michigan-specific resources)
Insights from the new book Closer to Home: A Christian's Guide to Finishing Well, which connects daily devotions with practical preparation for the journey ahead
Whether you're planning for yourself or caring for aging loved ones, this presentation offers both spiritual encouragement and actionable steps. Having these conversations and documents in place is one of the most loving gifts you can give your family.
Copies of "Closer to Home" will be available for purchase ($8) for those interested.
November 30th 10:30 am
Peace Lutheran Church 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI 49078
Call 269-694-6104 for more information
All are welcome. Come prepared to think, learn, and plan with confidence rooted in Christ.
Christmas
Christmas is coming soon, and we’re going to make it great together at Peace!
We’ll start November 30th with an Advent service at 9:30 am.
Enjoy the wonder and happiness of Christmas at Otsego’s Hometown Christmas on Saturday December 6th from about 4:00 - 7:00 pm. We’ll be handing out cocoa and providing security at the parade.
On Sunday December 7th decorate Peace so that we can see Christmas really come to life. Sunday December 7th 11:00 am. Lunch will be served!
Monday December 8th the ladies will celebrate Christmas. Ladies Christmas Party at Berries Pancake House on Gull Rd in Kalamazoo https://www.berriesfamouspancakehouse.com/
December 21st 9:30 am students will share the Christmas message!
Christmas Eve 5:00 pm “Not an app or an angel, but an infant”
Christmas Night 10:00 pm
Christmas Day 9:30 am
Ushers
Ushers serve a simple but important role in the life of our congregation. Ushers
welcome people to the service
provide a friendly face
pass out service outlines and other materials
direct people to seats
watch for emergency situations
keep the doors locked as needed
We’d like the men among us to get this done. We’ll have a training in the new year.
Here is a description of the ushering work. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1t197IyxfQ1yFJ_CG4jO42jp5DCkuXmyd-yVAU5Swa9A/edit?tab=t.0
Please reach out to the office (269-694-6104) if you can take a month or stop by the next steps table to sign up.
January - Full! Thanks
February - Need 1
March - Need 2
April - Full! Thanks
May - Need 2
June - Full! Thanks
July - Need 1
August - Need 2
September - Need 2
October - Need 1
November - Need 2
December - Need 2
Calendar
November 21st 6:30 pm Bunco
November 23rd 9:30 service, catechism
November 26th 6:30 pm Thanksgiving service
November 30th 9:30 Advent service
November 30th 10:30 Life presentation
December 2nd 10:00 Craft time
December 2nd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time
December 6th 4:00 pm Hometown Christmas
December 21st 9:30 Kids Christmas service
December 24th 5:00 pm Christmas Eve
December 24th 10:00 pm Christmas Night
December 24th 9:30 am Christmas Day
January 19-21st Lutheran Leadership Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/lutheranleadership2026
July 14-17 Youth Rally
Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news
Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org
Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.
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