Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,
I spent about a day and a half this week at the Lutheran Leadership Conference. https://lutheranleadership.com/ More than 1,500 people gathered for services, devotions, keynote speeches, some breakout sessions, networking, and making new friends. I enjoyed my time with so many Christian people and pray that I was able to encourage some as well in their Christian life.
We had two solid keynote speeches. I liked Dr Ryan Olson from the University of Virginia. He spoke on “Character Formation”. This is a very practical question. Do honesty, integrity, fairness, humility, mercy and the like matter? If so, how do these develop in people? Ryan Olson thinks that the WELS has a great set up for character formation through its model of home - school - church partnership.
I also got a lot out of Dr Stacy Jensen’s presentation on “Vision that inspires service”. She helped us understand the key components to moving people toward action. I think this is relevant question, as I constantly hear from people that most people are not involved or active at all.
Wayne Ulhorn, Chuck Westra, Leon Ehlert, and John Parlow rounded out my time. I was glad to see some old friends, make new friends, and spend time with so many great people.
What are you studying to learn and grow these days?
See you Sunday at 9:30 for another great service!
Lessons this week: Isaiah 8:19 - 9:4, 1 John 2:3-11, Matthew 4:12 - 23
Songs this week: “Christ is the World’s Light”, “Heart of Worship”, “The People Who in Darkness Walked”, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light”
Ministry planning
Friends, we need to finalize our plans for ministry in 2026.
Someone looked at our list of options and told me, “I didn’t know what to pick. They’re all good.”
That’s the challenge. We’ve got so many things we could do. We need to choose what we will do.
We passed out a list this last week so that you can let us know what you think. You are welcome to add your preference. Download a copy of the right here and send an email or text to pastor with your choices.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ya_EyVKDuAqxOQfGbCgBVNP6Zl_fNppxXYR-KTe19Vs/edit?usp=drive_link
Look forward to working with you in 2026 under God’s grace.
HEAR: Read your Bible and Hear God in 2026
How are you listening to God through his Word this year?
I would encourage everyone to try to read through their Bible no matter how long it takes.
One good system is the “HEAR” system. The “HEAR” system has a journal with a reading plan that lets you read and apply God’s Word.
Let me know how you plan to read God’s Word this year, and if I can help you with the “HEAR” system, I’m glad to!
Read Lutheran doctrine
The Book of Concord is the confessional work of most Lutheran Churches. We have written what we believe in this book. We summarize all the important Christian ideas - that there is one Triune God, that he made humans to be like him in some way, that Jesus came as a human, that through him we are approved by God, that faith is the thing which maintains our relationship with him, and so much more.
Almost every Lutheran has read part of the Book of Concord because we have read the Small Catechism.
If you would like to read or preview a copy of the Book of Concord, you can find one in our library.
If you’d like your own copy, you can buy one here https://online.nph.net/concordia-the-lutheran-confessions.html
There are also a number of different copies available online of varying quality. Some options include https://bookofconcord.org/, or https://thebookofconcord.org/, or https://bookofconcord.cph.org/, or https://www.1580boc.org/.
You can subscribe to the “Forward in Christ” or “Meditations” for synodical publications. Forward in Christ (a monthly magazine) and Meditations (a quarterly devotion booklet).
See you Sunday at 9:30.
Gospel Spotlight
Best moment of the week. I sat down and shared the Great Exchange with some people. Jesus took our sin so we could have his holiness. At one point we said, look at all the things you and I do to try to fix ourselves - compare ourselves to others, try harder, or just make our good outweigh our bad. They recognized right away all the things we do, and they just don’t cut it.
Thank God Jesus does.
Where did you see the gospel at work this week?
Prayer Highlight
Let’s pray for my friends who heard the gospel this week.
Dear Jesus, thank you for Terry and Kyley’s interest in their Savior. I pray you stir their hearts and enlighten them with the light of Christ.
“In Jesus’ name we pray,
“Amen.”
Our sick or homebound friends - Judy Haugh, Brenda Grimm, Shirley Kling, Darlene Syers, Irene Haas, Maxine Sandahl, Marge Gavan, Cary (Cindy Hunt’s brother), Don Hutchinson, and Sarah Sisson
Envelopes and Giving Statements.
Offering envelopes for those who would like to support the gospel ministry of Peace via cash or check are available. These allow you to receive credit for gifts for tax purposes. Giving via bank account or debit/credit is available online at https://peaceotsego.org/give.
Giving statements are also distributed in mailboxes for those who have them.
TV
Did you replace a TV over Christmas or the New Year? We could use a new-to-Peace one to replace some aging equipment. Again, doesn’t need to be new; used is good :-)
Thanks!
Bake sale
Need your Valentine’s goodies?
Bake sale February 8th
Christianity Explored
I love the privilege of sharing the good news of Jesus with people, because the gospel is so much better than we can imagine.
I’m starting the next session of our group to explore the basics of the gospel on January 26th at 6:30 pm.
This group is eight weeks and provides all the information you need to get to know the gospel.
If you want to check it out, visit https://www.christianityexplored.us/courses/christianity-explored/ for an overview. If you have any questions, please contact the office 269-694-6104 or church@peaceotsego.org
If you are an adult and interested in joining Peace Lutheran Church, this is the place to start.
The 8 sessions cover
Gospel
Identity
Sin
The cross and suffering
Resurrection and life
Grace and forgiveness
Following Jesus
God’s gifts
You can let me know you’re coming by contacting me at 269-694-6104.
Calendar
January 25th 9:30 am Service and catechism
January 26th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored https://www.christianityexplored.us/courses/christianity-explored/
January 29th 6:30 pm Bible study
February 1st 9:30 am Service
February 1st 10:45 am Voters’ Meeting
February 3rd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time
February 7th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop
February 8th Bake sale
February 12th 12:00 pm Senior lunch
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