Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,
Lessons this week: Exodus 24:9-18, 2 Peter 1:16-21, Matthew 17:1-9
Songs this week: “Cornerstone”, “Joyous Light of Heavenly Glory”, “Glory Be to Jesus”, “In Christ Alone”
Happy Valentine’s to you
Thanks for working together to “Share God’s Love”. I got to deliver some of our Valentine’s cards this week and it was great. By the way, I didn’t talk as much as I did in this clip. This was the public sharing part of the conversation. I appreciate your participation in this effort, and especially a big thanks to those who helped make cards. They really did make a little-big difference!
Lent 2026 “It is Finished”
Let’s explore the ancient words of the prophet Zechariah—words written hundreds of years before Jesus walked the earth, yet describing his final days with breathtaking accuracy.
You'll be amazed at what you discover:
How did Zechariah know about the thirty pieces of silver? The piercing on the cross? The disciples scattering in fear? The cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice? As we read these prophecies side by side with the Gospel accounts, you'll see God's loving plan of rescue unfolding with stunning precision—a plan set in motion long before that first Easter morning.
Come and experience:
The comfort of knowing your Savior wasn't a victim of circumstances, but the fulfillment of God's eternal promise
The wonder of seeing prophecy and reality align perfectly in Jesus
Fresh insights into familiar stories that will deepen your faith
Time to reflect, renew, and draw closer to the One who gave everything for you
Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you're just beginning to explore who he is, this series will open your eyes to the beautiful truth: every detail of Jesus' journey to the cross was part of God's love letter to you.
Come discover—or rediscover—the One who declared "It is finished!" and meant it.
Have you read Zechariah? Do so, please. Then let me know what you think! Join us each Wednesday starting February 18th with Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 pm.
Snacks after each service.
The importance of starting new groups and churches
One thing I mention regularly is the importance of starting new groups and new churches to reach new people. The old maxim is "new churches reach new people". I recently came across two more pieces of evidence about this point. I'm sure there are issues with the evidence. For example, are these really all new conversions and new professions of faith, or is this just reshuffling? What are established churches calling these new people?
Still, the evidence seems to point to a trend. New groups reach new people.
This is one of the reasons I regularly mention starting new groups/locations/gatherings. Its one of the reasons the WELS has started the 100in10 initiative. Have you seen this idea in action?
Here is one summary of the idea: "2. NEW CHURCHES BEST REACH THE UNCHURCHED—PERIOD
Dozens of denominational studies have confirmed that the average new church gains most of its new members (60–80%) from the ranks of people who are not attending any worshiping body, while churches over ten to fifteen years of age gain 80–90 percent of new members by transfer from other congregations.. This means the average new congregation will bring six to eight times more new people into the life of the body of Christ than an older congregation of the same size." (https://www.newchurches.com/article/why-plant-churches/)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/.../why-some-churches-are...
Gospel Spotlight
Best moment of the week. “Unlike you and me, God covers over our sins. We love to talk about all the things people do wrong, all the mistakes they make, and the problems people cause. Instead, God covers our sins. He puts Jesus Christ and his innocence over us. He hides us behind the life of his glorious Son.”
I loved sharing the gospel like this.
Where did you see the gospel at work this week? Hit reply and share your Gospel Spotlight moment this week!"
Prayer Highlight
Let’s pray for Bill Harris and all those volunteering for Peace.
“Gracious God, you give your church work to do and equip individuals for that work. We pray that you would work diligently in the hearts and minds of your people to stir them to greater acts of love, service, and witness. We particularly ask you to give Bill Harris the Holy Spirit. Give his heart the fire of the gospel.”
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Our sick or homebound friends - Judy Haugh, Brenda Grimm, Shirley Kling, Darlene Syers, Irene Haas, Maxine Sandahl, Marge Gavan, Don Hutchinson
Need a prayer? Hit reply and share your prayer request
The Peace Team
This Sunday Bill Harris will be installed to serve as the vice-president of the congregation. The vice-president works with the council to direct our ministry and helps oversee matters like the facility, finances, and insurance. God willing, Mr Harris will serve a 3 year term.
Maintenance work is being restructured. There will no longer be a “maintenance coordinator”. Instead, the entire team will work together to make decisions about projects and carry them out. At this point, the team is Roger Commissaris, Paul Retberg, Pete Weyenberg, Jim Winkel, Joe Olivares. If you see something about the facility that needs, let pastor or anyone on the team know.
Each of us plays an important role in the gospel ministry of Peace Lutheran Church. We’d love to work with you to help you use the gifts and talents you have to serve people.
Council
President/Chairman………..… Josh Gower
Vice-president/Treasurer …… Bill Harris
Recording Secretary ………….. Michael Grimm
Elder ……………………………..... Terry Brower
Called/hired positions
Pastor ………………….. Nathaniel Timmermann
Musicians ……………. Cindy Commissaris, Nathaniel Timmermann, Helga Harris, Ellise Wedge, Angela Grimm
Pastoral assistants …… Tom Wright
Appointed positions
Financial Secretary …… Ralph Holewa
Bookkeeper …………….… Andy Winter
HR/Taxes ………………..… Jim Walkley
Worship
Head usher ……….….... Dan Doran
Ushers ………………..…..managed by sign up
AV team ……………….… Michael Grimm, Clara Timmermann, Ellise Wedge, Nathaniel Timmermann
Cantor …………………….
Communion coordinator …. Carlene Ketner
Flowers coordinator ………
Missions and service
Christian Neighbors coordinator …….. Irv and Judy Bolenbaugh
Care Team ……………………… Debi Seales, Jo Markwart
Ramp It Up coordinator …………….……. Jon Ott
Prayer chain coordinator ……………..…
Trunk or Treat coordinator ……………….
Devotional booklets ……………………….
Giving Tree coordinator ………… Jane Holewa
Tree of Warmth coordinator ….. Stephen and Betsy Powell
Christmas decorating………….……….... Jeanne Myers
Education/Discipleship
Sunday School superintendent/Education coordinator…… Vacant
0-3/Cradle roll …………………………………….vacant
K – 5 Teachers ………………………………….. Laurie Brower, Sarah Gower, Macayla Wright, Rachel Timmermann
131 Youth Crew (middle school/high school) …. vacant
Ladies Guild ………………………………..……. Jane Holewa (president), Cindy Hunt (treasurer), and Cindy Commissaris (secretary).
Finances
Counters ………. Ralph Holewa (head counter), Jane Holewa, Jim Winkel, Helga Harris
Maintenance and facility
Lawnmower coordinator ……... vacant
Maintenance team ………………Roger Commissaris, Paul Retberg, Pete Weyenberg, Jim Winkel, Joe Olivares
Mowing team ……………………..Managed by sign up
Cleaners ……………………….…… Managed by sign up
Heat/AC manager ……………..
Administration
Mail box items ……….
Fellowship/Fun
Funeral lunch coordinator …………………. Cindy Hunt
Senior luncheon/outing ………………….…. Jeanne Myers
Lunch bunch ………………………………………Jane Holewa
Ongoing ways to serve
These are not formal positions; you can do this work at any time by contacting the contact.
Outreach calls/contacts …..Nathaniel Timmermann
Spiritual growth/attendance contacts …. Nathaniel Timmermann
Education …………………Nathaniel Timmermann
Lawn mowing ……………
Usher …………………………
Cleaning ……………………Jane Holewa
AV team (sound, lights, slides) …. Nathaniel Timmermann
Cleaners
Other opportunities for service/ways for us to grow
Evangelism and outreach coordinator
AV coordinator
Tech coordinator
Attendance taker
Directory update
VBS coordinator
Historian
Children’s educators/teachers
Member storyteller
Sign changer
Social media manager,
AV team
Birthday and anniversary list distribution
Volunteer coordinator
Small group teachers
Sender/communicator
Plant and care for flowers ……… Pam Larson
**Positions marked “vacant” are positions required by the bylaws or policies. We should fill them. We also desire to move beyond the minimum required to do the ministry God has put before us.
Movie Night - CS Lewis
We’re hosting a great movie night in March!
March 7th beginning at 4:30
Two powerful CS Lewis stories: "The Most Reluctant Convert” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fvLEVI5e6c and “Further Up and Further In”
Dinner included!
Calendar
February 15th 9:30 am Service and catechism
February 18th 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday service with imposition of ashes
February 20th 11:00 am Ladies Guild
February 20th 6:30 pm Bunco
February 21st 9:30 Christian Theology
'February 22nd 9:30 am Service and catechism
March 3rd Team and Task Time
March 7th 4:30 pm CS Lewis Movie Night (see https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/20260205)
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Peace Lutheran Church 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104 https://peaceotsego.org