Hello friends of Peace,
The apostle Paul wrote, “15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16). He did not down play or eliminate the people of God. But he also did not connect anyone’s placement in God’s Israel with circumcision. He connected it with being a “new creation”. His principle was, “God’s Israel is the people who are a new creation from God.”
That still holds true today. The Israel of God are the people who have been made a new creation by God. That includes Israelites or Jewish people who have been made new in Christ. That includes Palestinians who have been made new in Christ. And yes, that includes Americans made new in Christ.
The conflict in Israel, Palestine, and the Middle East in general has caused terrible damage. If you have concerns, questions, or frustrations, please feel free to talk to pastor. He is glad to support and encourage you.
Peace and mercy are yours, people of God.
Picture wall
Congregational Business Meetings
Our October meetings to conduct congregation business are coming up. These business meetings are a great chance for us to publicly praise, thank, honor, and glorify God for the work he has done this past year, and to ask him to do more than we could ask for in 2024.
October 15th 10:45 Congregational Forum -
October 22nd 10:44 Voters’ Meeting
Pastor will present the 2024 ministry plan and budget. Highlights include:
We’ll approve the ministry plan and budget with an income of about $155K and expenses about $160K. There are no major changes planned for our staffing, facility, or programming for 2024. We are absorbing rising costs related to staffing and utilities.
The council wants ratification of a special hail damage expense of about $8K.
We'd like the congregation to accept the purchase of a second stove by the Ladies Guild and to pay for the necessary electrical from memorial funds.
Review Bible removal
Review furniture
Introduce a new room arrangement
Find all the reports, notes, and agenda at https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/202310voters
Pregnancy Care Center
Our affiliated pregnancy care centers invite you to check out their recent update. Click here to read.
Movie Night
Who doesn’t love football? (Okay, some of you I know). Join us for a movie night, Friday November 3rd 6:30 p.m. as we enjoy “Facing the Giants” together!
Support the Scott family
Our sister church in Wyoming, MI (Holy Trinity), Cindy Commissaris, and pastor would like to invite you to support the family of Matt Scott.
The Scott family has helped with our VBS, assisted the 131 YouthCrew, and shares closes ties with a number of people in the congregation.
The father, Matt Scott has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The Scotts have 6 kids. All treatments have been exhausted. Matt is at the end of his journey.
First please pray for the Scott family.
Second, consider supporting the Scott family at a lasagna dinner or through their fundraising page (https://giveahand.com/fundraiser/matts-fight-with-cancer?fbclid=IwAR2I-fAHUYZF0Ngzdq7miLAyWuMmiUXzTlMdrA461lV-aYxArmirG0-ygAo_aem_ASMOTzpQUYJ6sNsbXIuYp3KX3xlFUIeQ_MyyHfPFhizh6Vm37T0laBKl6cnpQl9B-s4). Matt’s friends at TwoGuys Brewing are hosting a dinner in his honor on Sunday, November 5th from 1-5:00. Tickets must be purchased in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lasagna-dinner-tickets-739543633917?aff=oddtdtcreator&fbclid=IwAR0ZZ5for7iEcXhAcmbe4PuQMM2BNSd1CIKLlkNJvQMgk4bS8YHp6jIl3zA. All proceeds will benefit the Scott family.
Remember the words of our Savior in this dying world - “I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me will live even though he dies.”
WELS Connection October 2023
The Reformation: October 31st
The Reformation is a significant event that changed so much.
There are a lot of good resources out there to get a sense of the impact of the Reformation. Here are just a couple:
Our Reformation guide histheo-reformation_impact_of-20171031.pdf
A great site detailing the theology and history of the Reformation Reformation 500th Anniversary | News, Resources, History (lutheranreformation.org)
Thanksgiving!
We’ll give thanks to God together November 22nd 6:30 pm at our Thanksgiving Service. Please join us!
As a group of believers, we are especially glad to give thanks for 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.
Be sure to grab a postcard at church to add to our “kingdom thanksgivings” board!
Nancy Kablitz, recovering from knee surgery and infection
Darlene Syers on hospice at home
Steven, Donna Weyenberg’s cousin
Ray Winkel, declining health
The Nitz family, the passing of Larry
Dolores Cook, cancer
October ushers are Jim Winkel and Andy Winter
Work Day
Our fall work day is scheduled for November 4th, 9:00 a.m. Lots to do. Please come be part of the work and fun https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KtxXFcUJzopHVXt0gg0-yleegGZB9cUUYx2kp2uSOH8/edit
Hometown Christmas - Cocoa and more
We’re starting to get in the Christmas cheer (I know, it’s still fall)! We've been invited to serve cocoa again at Hometown Christmas on December 2nd starting around 3, as well as anything else we'd like to give away to connect with people that day. This is an awesome chance to meet with hundreds of people.
If you would help pass out cocoa and make new friends December 2nd, we'd love to have you. Please contact Joan Retberg at (269) 743-8090.
Christmas Music at Kauhale
Kauhale Assisted and Memory Care Community is looking for live music this Christmas season to entertain their residents. We've got the chance to get on the schedule early. If might like to provide some musical entertainment for Kauhale, please contact pastor 269-694-6104 to discuss details.
Funeral food
We are looking to update those that help with food for Peace funerals. If interested please put your name with a phone # on the sign up sheet in the narthex. This will make it easier for those coordinating the food to know who to call. Thank you. Ladies Guild
Ushers
Please reach out to the office (269-694-6104) or stop by the next steps table to sign up to usher in 2024.
Upcoming events (full calendar)
October 20th 11:00 a.m. Ladies Guild
October 20th 6:30 p.m. Bunco
October 22nd 10:45 a.m. Voters’ meeting
November 3rd 6:30 p.m. “Facing the Giants” movie night
November 4th 9:00 a.m. Fall work day
November 7th 6:30 p.m. (6:00 p.m. dinner) Team and Task Time
November 22nd 6:30 p.m. Thanksgiving service
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Peace Lutheran Church
805 S Wilmott St
Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104
https://peaceotsego.org