Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,
I had a good Thanksgiving - not just the service Wednesday evening where we joined in offering thanks with one another, but more importantly the weeks leading up to Thanksgiving. Guiding, directing, encouraging, and confronting people toward expressing thanks for God’s gifts.
If you missed our service Wednesday evening, check out our short sermon here and subscribe. https://youtu.be/uAAzSbfj8KQ
This week we begin Advent. That’s what Christians call the weeks leading up to Christmas.
Advent asks us - if you knew someone important was coming to see you sometime soon, but you didn’t know exactly when, what would you do?
Historically, Christians have prepared in a number of ways:
Repentance
Lighting candles - usually put in an Advent wreath. Candles are a sign of our watching and waiting with light in the darkness. Here is a simple wreath https://a.co/d/59VdFiH and some candles https://a.co/d/20xvcbW.
Special reading of God’s message before his coming. You can read lessons and prayers here. https://issuu.com/mlc.edu/docs/2025_advent_devotion_-_all_things_new?fr=sMTY5YTg0MTE0NDM
Listening to certain music and singing https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2M0SnW9zXQ5UCzZbmOhRky
Don’t wait for the next year to do the real work of life change. Change your soul with the infant this Christmas.
We’ll start getting ready Sunday with an Advent service of lessons and carols. We’re singing (not necessarily these arrangements)
Savior of the Nations Come https://youtu.be/DsNPi71O7FI?si=3ByGawC9jdy-2uvC
O Come O Come Emmanuel https://youtu.be/draHA_9MS18?si=SmSu0uotudZoj_tW
Lift Up Your Heads Ye Mighty Gates https://youtu.be/fTYDOfyW734?si=jehHmTRmCSoz5geb
Hark a Thrilling Voice is Sounding https://youtu.be/-2MBFks9qQo?si=fw2hI_IqQbNmTCuC
Wake, Awake for Night is Flying https://youtu.be/wdN7vC2q9Mc?si=F5JDV0GnWdB8sEd7
Lo He Comes With Clouds Descending https://youtu.be/w98-VuKi-4Q?si=dpAmAuDNkt3EzRL9
You can hear the message of the songs and feel their impact. It’ll be a great day!
Can’t wait to see you!
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
Thanksgiving was a great opportunity to encourage people with the gospel. I asked one acquaintance, “What are you thankful for? How can I join you in thanksgiving?” Sadly, the person admitted that they weren’t really thankful for everything. They didn’t think they had much for which they could be thankful. I could have probably said many things. I told him, “Friend, I want you to know that the people of Peace care about you and most importantly your Lord Jesus cares.” I wanted him to have some love no matter whatever else he went through.
That was a great chance to share the gospel. 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
Due to the storm, tomorrow's presentation "Planning Ahead with Faith and Purpose" from Rachel Greiner is cancelled. We'll reschedule for a future date.
In the meantime, what are you trying to figure out as you bring your faith to life issues? For example,
should I try to live as long as possible? Is that the principle I should try to live by?
are there ever any procedures, cares or services I should refuse?
how do I protect the lives of family and friends when they seem to get bad medical advice?
What about you? What are you asking these days?
Christmas
Christmas is coming soon, and we’re going to make it great together at Peace!
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 1:00 pm 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
Forward in Christ/Mediations - Publications
Our synod offers two main periodicals: Forward in Christ (a monthly magazine) and Meditations (a quarterly devotion booklet).
We help individuals who want to receive paper editions subscribe. We receive a discount that way. If you’d like to subscribe to either of these, now is the time. For new sign-ups or if you have questions contact the office or Charlie Kling @ (269) 903-7091
These periodicals are also available electronically.
Calendar
November 30th 9:30 Advent service
November 30th 10:30 CANCELLED: Christian Life Resources Presentation
December 2nd 10:00 Craft time
December 2nd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time
December 6th 4:00 pm Hometown Christmas
December 7th 10:45 am Christmas decorating
December 8th 1:00 pm Ladies Christmas Party at Berries Pancake House
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
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Peace Lutheran Church 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104 https://peaceotsego.org