Good news for Peace February 10

This week’s lessons: Deuteronomy 30:1-10, Luke 6:17-26

 

Dear friends,

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up”. (1 Thess 5:11)

I like to think about courage as having a full heart. If you’ve been encouraged, you’ve been filled up. Not in your head, but in your heart.

Encouragement might include flattery or praise, but it’s more than praise. Encouragement might include commands and urging, but it’s much more than that. Encouragement might be wise sayings, inspiring stories, or basic teaching.

We could all really use some encouragement now. Friends and neighbors, take your empty hands to God and let Him fill you up with the gifts of Jesus. See his humble life, his willing sacrifice, and his amazing accomplishments. Let him tell you you are worth more to him than the world, but also let him show you your own weakness and frailty.

“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.”

I want to invite you to encourage each other. Fill each other’s hearts with calm, satisfaction, and confidence. If you want some light-hearted guidance on courage, you can check out Brene’ Brown’s talk Watch Brené Brown: The Call to Courage | Netflix Official Site

Can’t wait to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 am!

Happy Valentine's Day if I don't see you Sunday!

Sincerely

PT

The Peace team

I’m happy to work with our 2022 Peace team. I’d like to take a moment to share our staff, key volunteers, and elected leaders with you. These individuals model a Christian life for us and help us follow Jesus.

Staff and Volunteers

Council (Board)

Charles Kling - President

Roger Commissaris - Vice President

Micah Rimpel - Recording Secretary

Tom Wright - Elder

I’m grateful for all of these individuals and many more who come together to bring the gospel to Otsego-Plainwell. Look to see what God does through us!

 

131 Youth Crew: You and Your Mental Health

February 27th 4:00 pm

Middle school and high school students welcome. Love to have you!

 

Video camera - do you have a handheld digital camera you no longer use? We might be able to improve our video system if you’d like to donate it. Please speak with pastor.

Paint - We’d like to paint around the facility. If you are interested in painting (we have the supplies), please let pastor know.

Easter - we’re looking for a great team to help make Easter wonderful. I’m looking for people to help with outreach, decorating, music, and food. Let me know if you want to be part of the team!

Snacks for Lent - serving snacks before Lenten services. Check the list at the Next Steps table for each week’s emphasis.

Before and after school care - Peace is looking into offering before and after school care. If you could help explore this option, please speak with pastor. He is looking to build a team of 3 or 4.

Christian Neighbors - items for February are pasta and pasta sauce

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • February 11th, 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

  • February 18th, 11:00 am Ladies Guild

  • March 2nd, 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday service (Midweek Lent begins)

 

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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

Good news for Peace February 3

This week’s lessons: 1 Kings 17:7-24, Luke 4:20-32

 

Dear friends,

The gospel is truly an amazing story, one that secures our spot in life. If you missed the message last week, check it out here. https://youtu.be/Q3aBo7TJn24

PS If you haven’t subscribed to our Youtube channel, you should. All the cool people are doing it.

I want to make sure you know about two important funerals this week.

On Sunday, we’ll rethink our view of God. When we realize he loves us, we actually rewire our brains. The most profound change comes over us.

Can’t wait to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 am!

Sincerely

PT

Christianity Explored is a seven-session course that gives people the time and space to think about the big questions of life and to explore the life of the man at the heart of the Christian faith.

As they explore Mark's Gospel, people find out who Jesus is, why he came and what it means to follow him.

This group starts Monday February 7th @ 6:30 pm. Bring a friend!

Business update

Thank you to those who were part of the meeting on Sunday.

  • We adjusted the budget slightly.

  • We will continue with two services for the time being.

  • We reviewed reports and progress.

  • We elected new officers.

2022 officers will be

  • President Charles Kling

  • Elder Tom Wright

  • Treasurer Roger Commissaris

  • Recording Secretary Micah Rimpel

 

131 Youth Crew: You and Your Mental Health

February 27th 4:00 pm

Middle school and high school students welcome. Love to have you!

 

(full prayer list)

Family of Larry Hutchinson

Keller family

Rhonda W - brother passed away

Those without power, heat, water, etc in emergency situations around the US

Many thanks to Cody V for cleaning out the maintenance/cleaning closet. There are more free items on the counter. Check ‘em out!

Video camera - do you have a handheld digital camera you no longer use? We might be able to improve our video system if you’d like to donate it. Please speak with pastor.

We’d like to paint around the facility. If you are interested in painting (we have the supplies), please let Pastor know.

Easter - we’re looking for a great team to help make Easter wonderful. I’m looking for people to help with outreach, decorating, music, and food. Let me know if you want to be part of the team!

Christian Neighbors

Items for February are pasta and pasta sauce.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • February 3rd, 6:30 pm Choir

  • February 4th, 11:00 am Andy Keller Funeral

  • February 5th, 11:00 am Larry Hutchinson Funeral

  • February 7th, 6:30 pm Christianity Explored begins

  • February 10th, 6:30 pm Choir

  • February 11th, 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

  • February 17th, 6:30 pm Choir

  • February 18th, 11:00 am Ladies Guild

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Please pray for the family of Larry Hutchinson

Larry Hutchinson

Dear friends and family of Larry Hutchinson,

On Tuesday February 1st, Larry was brought to glory to celebrate with his Savior. I am comforted to know that he triumphs with all the saints because of Jesus. I pray that you have the same comfort. He experiences what we can only imagine:

“Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude… shouting, ‘Hallelujah! For our God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bridegroom has made himself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given him to wear.'” (Revelation 19)

Larry modeled our heavenly Father as a father. He is well-known for developing hard working, independent, and responsible individuals. He publicly accepted Jesus’ work for him as an adult and upheld that commitment for years. He is a model of both hard work and dependence on Jesus.

Obituary: To read Larry’s obituary, please visit Larry E. Hutchinson - Winkel Funeral Home | Otsego Michigan

Funeral: Larry’s funeral will take place on Saturday February 5th at Peace Lutheran Church. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

The funeral is open to the public.

Concerning health, attendees are encouraged to follow state and local guidelines. Peace does not have any different protocols in place.

Information to participate remotely (livestreaming or phone) is available on our website, https://peaceotsego.org/worship.

Interment: Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery on Saturday immediately following the service. Family and close friends are welcome to attend.

Luncheon: Everyone is welcome to attend a light luncheon following the service.

Visitation: Visitation will take place on Friday February 4th from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at Winkel Funeral Home; or from 10:00 - 10:45 am on Saturday February 5th at Peace Lutheran Church.

Memorial To give a memorial to Peace in honor of Larry, please go to https://peaceotsego.org/give and select “Memorial”.

Let’s gather on Saturday to mourn and celebrate the victory Jesus gave to Larry. May Jesus work healing and hope in us.

Serving the living Savior

Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann

Please pray for Larry’s family: 


Lord Jesus, by your victory over death you have opened the way to eternal life for all of us. Comfort Larry’s family in their loss. Let their grief empty their souls of pain, hurt, and disappointment. Fill them up with new life. Renew their joy each morning. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Good news for Peace 2022 Looking Ahead

1 Timothy 4:1-10, Luke 8:9-11

 

Dear friends and family of Jesus,

I don’t know you, but I’m really glad for our time lately enjoying Jesus. Yes, he causes many problems for our usual way of looking at things, but he is also so much better than we expect. Check out each week below if you’ve missed the message.

Jesus exists and matters

Who is Jesus

Love God first

Miracles

I also want to give you a little heads up on some of the dreams God has put before us for 2022.

Keep doing

Most of what we’ve done, we’ll keep doing. That includes….

  1. Wonderful Sunday worship at 9:00 and 10:30. We’ll tell people of the good and just God, and all he did for us in Jesus to change our lives for now and eternity. 

  2. Class, worship, and prayer for children during the 9:00 am service. 

  3. At least three Study and Life Groups each week, one online 

  4. 131 Youth Crew and instruction for middle school students

  5. Personal pastoral care

As we go through the year, we’ll also adapt and work on some new initiatives. The following are just a few of them.

Staffing 

  • Our main musician Cindy Commissaris has retired and we’ll redouble our efforts for our next musician

  • We’ll phase out the administrative assistant up to July this year. 

Ministry and programs

  • We really want to increase the number and quality of personal pastoral interactions 

  • Help our seniors find another good step to take in life and mission

Facility, administration, and ministry support

  • Complete hail damage repair 

  • Finish bylaws revision and get them approved by the district 

By God’s grace, I know that we will partner for a lot more in 2022, but if we are blessed to even work on these few things, that will be good. Please join me in praying for and seeking good gospel among us.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. God bless!

Pastor T

 

We've got about 30 FREE 25W CFL light bulbs to give away. If you want them, call the office or stop by.

Someone is giving away a round/oval dining room table. Formica top. Seven seats. Two leafs. Please contact the office if you are interested.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 30th, 11:45 am Voters’ Meeting

  • February 1st, 6:00 pm Team and Task Time

  • February 3rd, 6:30 pm Choir

  • February 4th, 11:00 am Andy Keller funeral

  • February 7th, 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

  • February 11th, 12:00 am Senior luncheon

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace 2021

Acts 4:23-31, Luke 4:14-21

 

Dear friends and family of Jesus,

I want to take a minute and reflect on the work God let us be part of in 2021. As we look at highlights and challenges, we can use that information to guide us through 2022.

Highlights and Blessings

Services

In 2021 we focused on improving our outdoor services by

  • providing live music outdoors each week after purchasing a keyboard

  • getting a new tv

  • developing a strong, consistent crew to set up

Everyone - members and neighbors enjoyed worshiping outdoors with us. It was fun to invite people to this unique experience!

Worship attendance increased more than 10% this year. That alone was a huge blessing in a tough year.

Christmas Eve service attendance was up 25% from last year! We’re so thankful for this blessing.

Team and Task Time

Task and Team Time was formed to bring us together to organize and accomplish tasks both small and large that benefit the church and our local community.

  • met most months

  • at least 5 people each time

  • lots of good projects - teacher training, Ramp It Up, newsletter, organize Senior Luncheon, plan Welcome Home, clean up

Gingerbread Bash

Gingerbread Bash teaching both kids of Peace and friends about the love of Jesus and playing games. 25 kids! 20 non-members.

Gifts from Guests

Gifts from Guests is our new initiative.

  • Small gifts are given to a local non-profit in honor of a first-time guest

  • This token of appreciation was well-received.

  • People participated the first week we did it!

Welcome Home

It was great to see so much of our church family at the fall Welcome Home celebration!

Bylaws

We switched to new bylaws and a new structure at the beginning of the year. It always takes time to learn how to live differently. Thanks for all your work!

Summary

  • Average weekly worship attendance = 79

  • Baptisms = 1

  • Professions of faith/confirmations = 3

  • Giving = $153,781.44

 

Challenges

As we navigated through 2021, we were not without challenges. We experienced many internal struggles and external hindrances.

We continued to navigate COVID-19 and the variants that have impacted our community.

As shown in the chart below, our giving was about $20,000 below what we had budgeted for. Our team had to adjust our spending in several areas. Still spending was about $6,000 more than income.

Our main musician Cindy Commissaris has retired from her regular job. She will come to help out around Peace, but her role will adapt. We deeply appreciate all the service she has provided to Peace.

As we step into 2022, we look forward to growing with you! Next week we’ll share more on the 2022 plan for gospel ministry.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 20th, 6:30 pm Choir

  • January 21st, 11:00am CANCELLED Ladies Guild

  • January 22nd 7pm 131 Youth Crew

  • January 23rd, 11:45 am Congregational Forum

  • January 30th, 11:45 am Voters’ Meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Winter/Spring 2022 Children's Ministry

Schedule

Date
Lesson
Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
1/9/2022
Lesson
Lesson 13
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Rachel
Older Rachel
Date
1/16/2022
Lesson
Lesson 1
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Tamara
Older Laurie
Date
1/23/2022
Lesson
Lesson 2
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Sarah G
Older ???
Date
1/30/2022
Lesson
Lesson 3
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Macayla
Older ???
Date
2/6/2022
Lesson
Lesson 4
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Rachel
Older ???
Date
2/13/2022
Lesson
Lesson __
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Tamara H
Older Laurie B
Date
2/20/2022
Lesson
No class - worship with family
Date
2/27/2022
Lesson
Lesson 6
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Sarah G
Older ???
Date
3/6/2022
Lesson
Lesson 5
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Macayla
Older ???
Date
3/13/2022
Lesson
Lesson 7
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Rachel
Older ???
Date
3/20/2022
Lesson
No class - worship with family
Date
3/27/2022
Lesson
Lesson 8
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Tamara H
Older Laurie B
Date
4/3/2022
Lesson
Lesson 9
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Sarah G
Older ???
Date
4/10/2022
Lesson
Lesson 10
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Macayla W
Older ???
Date
4/17/2022
Lesson
No class - Easter! Worship with family
Date
4/24/2022
Lesson
Lesson 11
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Rachel T
Older ???
Date
5/1/2022
Lesson
Lesson 12
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Tamara H
Older Laurie B
Date
5/8/2022
Lesson
Lesson 13
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Sarah G
Older
Date
5/15/2022
Lesson
Lesson ???
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Younger Macayla
Older
Date
5/22/2022
Lesson
Student and Teacher Recognition
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Pastor T

Good news for Peace January 13, 2022

This week’s lessons: Isaiah 62:1-5, John 2:1-11

 
 

Dear friends,

I love my wife, my family, the people at Peace, my neighbors, and the growing number of friends and acquaintances.

There are plenty of things I love that aren’t as helpful. Money, my happiness, success in life, and even my job. They’re good things. I need them in life. But to love them so much isn’t healthy.

I’ve seen so many people get chewed up and spit out by the things they love. They committed to and loved a family, but were abandoned by a spouse and turned on by kids. They devoted decades to a job only to discover that the job didn’t really care about them after all. When they didn’t win, succeed, and do well in life, they almost gave up.

What you love more than anything matters. Come celebrate the incredible love of God in Jesus this weekend.

Services at 9 and 10:30 on Sunday

God bless

PT

Congregational Forum and Voters' Meeting

All are welcome to provide feedback and make inquiries/suggestions during our congregational forum.

Congregational forum will take place on January 23rd @ 11:45 am

Voters' meeting will take place on January 30th @ 11:45 am

Baptism

“Look here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” That’s what a man from Egypt said when he heard the good news of Jesus. 

Why shouldn’t you be baptized? Easter is a great time of the year. It’s a time to celebrate Christ’s victory and success. There is no greater way to celebrate than baptism. 

If you aren’t baptized or you know someone who isn’t baptized, Easter is a great time to get baptized. Learn about baptism from this simple teaching on baptism, this sermon and study materials on baptism, and I appreciate this outsider’s perspective on baptism in a Lutheran church. Check it out! 

Then call (269-694-6104) or email (church@peaceotsego.org) to set up your baptism!

 
 

HEAR

“Jesus replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.””

The HEAR journal and reading system is our system for regularly reading through the Bible and applying it. There are a lot of systems out there that guide you through reading the Bible. There is a lot of material out there that tries to apply the Bible. There is very little that guides you to apply Bible. That’s why I look and we use the HEAR journal.

Nothing does more to eliminate hypocrisy, self-deception, lies, and fraud than hearing Jesus well. When we really listen and follow, he brings our lives together - even if we don’t see right away.

Contact the office to pick up one of our journals and HEAR the word with the rest of us.

 
 

(full prayer list)

The Walkley family

The Keller family on the passing of their son Andy (no information available yet)

Christian Neighbors

Items for January are ramen noodles and canned soup.

Confessions of faith: Roy Mendoza and Paul Moronczyk – FORWARD IN CHRIST

Forever Family - our new study on building great families A Forever Family — Peace (peaceotsego.org)

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 14th, 12:00 pm CANCELLED - Senior luncheon

  • January 14th, 6:30 pm CANCELLED - Bunco

  • January 20th, 6:30 pm Choir

  • January 23rd, 11:45 am Congregational Forum

  • January 30th, 11:45 am Voters’ Meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace January 6, 2022

This week’s lessons: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Luke 3:15-22

 
 

Happy New Year!

I pray the Lord has brought you and your families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances safely into the new year.

I’m really enjoying the word from the Lord that is bringing us into the new year. Whatever problems we might face in our lives, in some ways Jesus is the biggest problem. He is the problem that reveals all the lies, false truths, broken promises, and failed dreams we live by. He is the problem that will not let us settle for anything less than the best.

This week we’ll take a look at the idea of what Jesus was all about. You might find it surprising and wonderful!

Since everyone else is sharing their top 2021 content, I thought I’d share ours:

Top 2021 stuff

Hope you have some fun with all that! Can’t wait to see you this weekend and let’s chat before then.

Services at 9 and 10:30 on Sunday

God bless

PT

Thank You for your Donations

Dear friend,

“I don’t know why people put him to death”. That’s what someone said about Jesus. He really does mess up people’s lives if your idea of life is that things should always work out for good people. That’s not the gospel. The gospel is good for sinners.

Thank you for partnering with us to bring the gospel of Jesus to Otsego-Plainwell in 2021. Your gracious gifts and generous time made a real impact.

Together we brought more than 500lbs of supplies to others. We gave over $150 in emergency assistance – mostly food – to individuals. We welcomed 4 people into God’s family. We educated ten children each week this year. Almost 300 different individuals gathered throughout the year to hear the good news of Jesus and ascribe worth to God at our regular services. And we shared the good news of the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ with 400 people at all of our annual events.

And you were with us. Thank you.

We’ve got a great chance to bring people the gospel of Jesus and see real community development in 2022. Whether children are receiving more personal and quality age-appropriate Christian education, young adults gathering fun and meaningful service and worship each month, or adults are meeting to pray and support each other with God’s Word, 2022 is a year for people to come alive with God’s life. I look forward to doing this together.

Thank you for your time, effort, and donations to support gospel ministry through Peace in 2021! We are so fortunate to have your continued support and look forward to 2022.

With heartfelt thanks,

Pastor T and staff

Congregational Forum and Voters' Meeting

All are welcome to provide feedback and make inquiries/suggestions during our congregational forum.

Congregational forum will take place on January 23rd @ 11:45 am

Voters' meeting will take place on January 30th @ 11:45 am



Christianity Explored

The gospel, Jesus, and faith that brings life!

This is the class for people who aren’t sure if they believe in Jesus, would like to know more about Christianity, or would like a more formal introduction to the Christian church.

The next session will start February 7th!

 

Youth Crew 131 skating event January 23rd @ 3:00 pm.

 

(full prayer list)

Jerry Koenig

Allan White, Ann Kling’s brother

Christian Neighbors

Items for January are ramen noodles and canned soup.

Offering Envelopes

2022 offering envelopes are available in your box. Please pick them up and save us the postage! If you won’t use it, please turn it into the office with a note. Thank you!

Undecorating

We’ll take down the Christmas decorations around 11:45 on Sunday, January 9th. Please join us.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 12th Study groups restart

  • January 14th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon

  • January 14th, 6:30 pm Bunco

  • January 23rd, 11:45 am Congregational Forum

  • January 30th, 11:45 am Voters’ Meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace December 23, 2021

This week’s lessons: Christmas lessons! Luke 2:1-20

 
 

Merry Christmas!

Your friends and family at Peace would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

No matter how hard this year has been, no matter how many failures and setbacks and disappointments you have experienced, and no matter how many people have thrown in the towel on you, Christmas tells you and I one thing for certain: God didn’t quit.

The point of Christmas is that God actually became a man and he really lived as Jesus. He did and he said everything he said. You can trust your life to him.

We’d be glad to celebrate with you at Peace on Christmas Eve at 4:30 or 6:30 pm with a beautiful candlelight service, and if you’d prefer to watch and sing at home, you can find us online at https://peaceotsego.org/worship (be sure to bring your candle!)

And whether you join us or not, we’d like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas!

With Christmas joy,

Pastor Timmermann

  • Christmas Day December 25th @ 10:00 A.M.

  • December 26th @ 9:30 A.M. We will only have one Sunday service. Normal Sunday service times will pick back up on Sunday, January 2nd.

  • Weekly news will not go out next week. We will pick back up after the new year.

 

Our children gave us an amazing service on Sunday telling us the story of Christmas. Check it out! https://youtu.be/wVDyVVCZFFs

 

Christian Neighbors

Items for December are macaroni and cheese, and canned pasta

2022 offering envelopes are available in your box. Please pick them up and save us the postage! If you won’t use it, please turn it in to the office with a note. Thank you!

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 24th, 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm Candlelight Service

  • December 25th, 10:00 am Christmas Day Service

  • December 26th, 9:30 am Service

  • December 27th Office closed

  • January 2nd, 9:00 and 10:30 am regular services

  • January 12th Study groups restart

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace December 17, 2021

This week’s lessons: Christmas lessons! Matthew 1:20-25

 
 

Hello friends and acquaintances of Peace,

What are your favorite Christmas carols? My family visited last weekend and we sang together. We sang “O Holy Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and “O Christmas Tree” along with “Jingle Bells”. It was a great time. What songs will you sing to celebrate?

I hope you don’t just sing at church. Singing is a wonderful part of life and Christmas is a great time to sing.

I’m looking forward to singing with you over the next few days, and I hope you’ll join me for all our Christmas singing. Every song proclaims the one who became a person for us.

Our children will tell us part of the Christmas story this Sunday at 9, with a regular service at 10:30. See you then!

Pastor T

Christmas 2021

On Christmas, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let’s join in the celebration. Let’s gather for any of these remembrances!

KIDS CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 19TH @ 9:00 A.M. (10:30 regular service)

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH @ 4:30 AND 6:30 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY December 25th @ 10:00 A.M.

December 26th @ 9:30 A.M.

We’d love to prepare a spot for you and your group. Click the button below and let us know how many people are coming in your group so we can prepare for you! Thanks!

Giving Opportunities

During the holiday season, we had many opportunities to give. Please permit us a couple of quick reminders.

  • December 19th will be the last day to give to our called worker

  • December 26th will be the last day to give to be counted for 2021

Office Closed

The office will be closed the week of December 27th - January 2nd to celebrate the holiday season.

Christian Neighbors Thank You

Dear people of Peace,

Judy and I (Irv) are pleased to be able to deliver the gifts given by friends of Jesus at Peace to the local Christian Neighbors collection site. Through the end of November this year we delivered 582 items weighing 603 pounds. Those are your generous gifts!

Christian Neighbors serves our local community with wisdom and discretion, so we are benefiting our actual neighbors.

But that is not all. Christian Neighbors has educational opportunities for its clients. They help individuals build skills and become self-sufficient. This is such an important part of their mission that they have planned to build a new education building in 2022.

Christian Neighbors is also able to provide emergency financial assistance to families in need in the form of medical, utility, and rent expenses.

Be assured your gifts are acknowledged and appreciated by those who receive them.

Thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Your friends in Jesus, Irwin and Judy Bolenbaugh

 

 
 

(full prayer list)

Paul Myers, surgery

Christian Neighbors

Items for December are macaroni and cheese, and canned pasta

2022 offering envelopes are available in your box. Please pick them up and save us the postage! If you won’t use it, please turn it in to the office with a note. Thank you!

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 18th, 1:45 pm Caroling

  • December 19th 9:00 am Children’s Christmas service, 10:30 am regular service

  • December 24th, 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm Candlelight Service

  • December 25th, 10:00 am Christmas Day Service

  • December 26th 9:30 am Service

  • December 27th Office closed

  • January 2nd, 9:00 and 10:30 am regular services

  • January 12th Study groups restart

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace December 10, 2021

This week’s lessons:

 
 

Hello friends and acquaintances of Peace,

I’m excited to work with you after last week’s message to build a great church. Let’s build a gathering of people that tells the word God is present. We did that this week at Team and Task Time, Sunday decorating, and Gingerbread Bash! Check it out! What People is This: Temple (God's dwelling) — Peace (peaceotsego.org)

What guides us as we go about building a great church? A great text. The Bible is a great text that tells the world we’re all about goodness and grace.

We’re getting ready for Gingerbread Bash, a Christmas for Kids event. I’m looking forward to our children’s Christmas service on December 19th at 9:00. And we’ll have some wonderful celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day - I’d love to have your help!

See you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30!

Pastor T

Christmas 2021

On Christmas, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Let’s join in the celebration. Let’s gather for any of these remembrances!

KIDS CHRISTMAS DECEMBER 19TH @ 9:00 A.M. (10:30 regular service)

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH @ 4:30 AND 6:30 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY December 25th @ 10:00 A.M.

December 26th @ 9:30 A.M.

We’d love to prepare a spot for you and your group. Click the button below and let us know how many people are coming in your group so we can prepare for you! Thanks!

Giving Opportunities

During the holiday season, you might think about ways to express your gratitude and serve the community around you. We are inviting you to join us in these opportunities.

  • December 19th will be the last day to give to our called worker

  • December 26th will be the last day to give for 2021

 

 
 

Christian Neighbors

Items for December are macaroni and cheese, and canned pasta

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 17th, 11:00 am Ladies Guild

  • December 18th, 2:00 pm Caroling

  • December 24th, 4:30 pm & 6:30 pm Candlelight Service

  • December 25th, 10:00 am Christmas Day Service

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Officer elections and appointments 2022

About nominations

As we celebrate these holidays, the nominating committee, council, pastor and the entire congregation are considering individuals to help the congregation carry out its mission.

Paul and Barnabas did this work as they traveled around according to Acts 14:23, “Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” Paul told Titus to do this in Crete when he worked there. “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” (Titus 1:5) From the Bible, we learn a number of things about local leaders: 

  • Elders, deacons and other ministry workers should come from the local group. Every church should have people who can use God’s Word in people’s lives, whether they help students, young adults, or seniors. God’s people work together.

  • People mature in the Word should select the next generation. Many people should have involvement. Still, we have good reasons to let our current leaders narrow the list of future leaders.

  • Selecting leaders happens alongside spiritual practices – prayer, fasting, careful assessment of what is undone, and discipline

Please feel free to make suggestions for nominations to pastor or any of our council/elders (Charlie Kling, Tom Wright, Roger Commissaris, and Micah Rimpel).  You may offer yourself if you would like. 

We will look for people who show signs of gifts and developing spiritual maturity to lead God’s people. The use of individual gifts is more important than simply filling a role.

One person provided some wise advice for selecting leaders: “Most churches make the mistake of electing the competent, the confident, and the successful; whereas what you really need is a man who has been broken by the knowledge of his own sin, and restored by an even greater knowledge of grace. That kind of elder (or other leader) can lead the congregation in being the chief repenter: repenting more quickly, more publicly, more often and more deeply.” Please pray for all the current and future servant-leaders of Peace.

Positions open for nomination

The position of president of the congregation is open for nomination.

  • Must not be a new convert

  • Voting member

  • Male, in good standing

  • 3 year term (2022-2024)

  • runs the council and congregational meetings

Council

For 2022, the council will be

  • President = up for nomination

  • Vice - president = Roger Commissaris

  • Elder = Tom Wright

  • Recording Secretary = Micah Rimpel

  • Pastor = Nathaniel Timmermann

Appointed positions

We’re also looking for the Lord to guide us to other individuals to serve around Peace

  • Maintenance coordinator = vacant

  • Financial secretary = Ralph Holewa

  • Bookkeeper = Andy Winter

  • Lead counter = Ralph Holewa

  • Musicians = looking for 1 - 2 more

  • Education coordinator/Sunday School superintendent = vacant

  • Choir director = Cindy Commissaris

  • Other elders = vacant

We’d love to partner with you in any of these areas. For the whole team, visit Team – Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.church)

God bless you as you consider your place in God’s kingdom.

Good news for Peace December 3, 2021

This week’s lessons: 2 Samuel 7:5-7, 11-16, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, John 2:13-22

 
 

Hello friends and acquaintances of Peace,

A lot of us dream of cultivating a piece of land. We’ll buy 5 or 10 or more acres outside of town and turn it into our own little piece of heaven. Sounds good to me.

Last week God told us we can make a piece of land that shows us his eternal land; we can taste a little bit of that eternal land. We can make a place of rest. We can make a place that is a light to the nations. We can make a place filled with life. Let’s make that symbol of God’s presence and God’s people. You and I can do it. Check out Sunday’s sermon for more What People is This: Land — Peace (peaceotsego.org)

This Sunday we’ll take a look at the place where God is present. Ancient people built temples for God. We build churches. We need to really become aware of his presence in his Word and sacrament so that the whole world knows God is here.

Can’t wait to see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30!

Advent is a time of coming and expectation. I pray this year that he matches the expectations of your heart to his own so that his return is nothing but the greatest bliss, joy, pleasure, and satisfaction for you.

Pastor T

 
 
 

Friends and family who would like to hear the story of Christmas are welcome to Gingerbread Bash! This will be a great event for kids who aren’t part of our church and don’t know the story of Jesus well.

Kids ages 5-10 are welcome to join us on December 12th @ 11:45 am - 1:45 pm. We’ll be playing some games, singing songs, and building a gingerbread nativity while learning about the very first Christmas.

Free hot dog lunch provided.

Space is limited. Register below!

(full prayer list)

Jim Walkley Jr - infection

Christian Neighbors

Items for December are macaroni and cheese, and canned pasta

Hometown Christmas Parade Security

Enjoy a front-row seat for this year’s Christmas parade and make it a safe, fun time for families. We’re working with area organizations to provide a safety team for the Hometown Christmas parade. December 4th, 5:30 - 6:45. No experience required, all training provided. Contact pastor and sign up at https://signup.com/go/ZPPmfoX

Christmastime Giving Opportunities

We know there are lots of requests for gifts and donations this time of year. We put all the information about giving opportunities at Peace in one place. Check ‘em out and make your plans!

There is key information here about end-of-year giving.

May the Lord enrich your experience of his coming in Word and Sacrament this Christmas

Ryan Burge: Why ‘Evangelical’ is becoming another word for ‘Republican’ (sltrib.com)

Into the Unknown (theartofleadership.com)

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 4th 3:00 Hometown Christmas hot chocolate, 5:30 parade security

  • December 5th after services, Christmas decorating

  • December 12th last day of fall studies, groups break for Christmas

  • December 12th 11:45 Gingerbread Bash (Christmas 4 Kids) - Event to share the message of Christmas with kids who don’t know it. Registration required.

  • December 17th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

  • December 18th 2:00 pm Caroling

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Special Christmastime opportunities for giving

 

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Psalm 34:8

Special Christmastime Opportunities

Please know how thankful I am for all your generosity to the Lord and the mission he has given us. You respond with abundance and generosity.

I know how many people ask you to give to certain causes and interests this time of year. Like you, I have things I like to support.

We at Peace want you to have a chance consider all your giving opportunities this season. I’ll put them all out there once and trust you to make a wise choice guided by the Holy Spirit.

God’s gospel demands everything from us. But it also gives everything to us. Nothing else in this world gives and takes.

May the Lord enrich your experience of his coming in Word and Sacrament this Christmas.

The Tree of Warmth

  • We’re collecting new items including hats, gloves, scarves, and socks to keep people warm

  • Donations will go to Dix Street, Washington Street elementary schools, Sylvia’s Place, and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission

  • Donations will be accepted through January 3rd

The Giving Tree

  • We’re glad to help a family from Sylvia’s get some Christmas cheer!

  • Take a card from the tree

  • Purchase the gift

  • Return the unwrapped gift under the tree by December 10th with the card

Christmas Bags for Kids

  • We’ll hand out small gift bags to the children that attend our Christmas services

  • Thanks to everyone who donated candy, crayons, coloring books, Christmas cards, ornaments and so much more for this year!

  • We plan to give away 40 bags.

  • Drop off items in office by December 12th 

  • We can’t wait to share Christmas with your family and friends!

End of Year Donations

  • And finally please know that Peace is incredibly grateful for your gifts, your worship of God through giving, and your partnership in our mission. If you’d still like to give thanks to the Lord and join in our mission, please make sure your gifts are in by Sunday, December 26th to be counted as 2021 gifts. Gifts received after that date will be considered 2022 gifts.

  • Individuals 70 ½ or older should also know that they can receive some excellent benefits through the end of the year IRA charitable distributions. Since the explanation is fairly lengthy, please visit the WELS page that explains. https://mcg.welsrc.net/download-mcg/ira-charitable-distributions/. If you need help, please speak with Ralph Holewa, Jim Winkel, or pastor.

Thank you for your partnership as we bring people the gospel of Jesus!



Christmas Gift for Called Workers

 

Sunday, November 28, 2021

Dear fellow member of Peace,

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” -1 Chronicles 16:34

I hope you enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday when we gave thanks to our gracious God for all of the blessings he has given us this past year.

Now, with Advent upon us, when we have the opportunity to once again prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate Christ’s coming, and with the celebration of that birth once again close at hand, when we give thanks to the Lord for his greatest gift of a Savior from sin, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and Christ-centered Christmas season and thank you for letting me serve as your president.

Please accept this letter as an opportunity to also give thanks to the Lord for our called worker here at Peace, Pastor Timmermann, and to express our love and thanks to him for his work among us. You are invited to place your monetary token of love and appreciation in an envelope marked “Christmas Gift”. Then get it to me or Ralph Holewa by US mail, in person, drop it in the collection plate, or leave it in one of our church mailboxes no later than the morning of Sunday, December 19. These gifts are to be presented at the end of the 6:30 PM Christmas Eve service. Please make any checks payable to “Peace Lutheran Church”. If you have any questions, please ask. The best ways to reach me are face-to-face, or by calling or texting me at (269) 903-7091.

With thanks,

Charlie Kling,

congregation president

*Please note: Per IRS publication 526, these gifts are considered contributions to a specific individual, and are, therefore, not tax-deductible.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Peace Lutheran Church

805 South Wilmott Street + Otsego, Michigan 49078-1460

Good news for Peace November 26, 2021

This week’s lessons: Ezekiel 37:24-28, Hebrews 4:1-3, John 4:19-26

 
 

Hello friends and acquaintances of Peace,

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we’re waiting and looking for Christmas. Ok, some of you are already playing Christmas music, you’ve decorated for Christmas, you have Christmas plans all made, and are mostly done Christmas shopping, but the rest of us are scrambling - and waiting!

As you and I watch and wait, we have certain symbols that remind us of who we are. We’ll keep these symbols to keep our Christmas great. We’ll make these symbols to make a Christmas - and a forever - we can remember.

  • Land - a place where we belong

  • House of worship - the place to meet God

  • Text - words to guide our life

  • People - the people we call our own

Each symbol marks us as we wait and makes this Christmas truly great.

I’d love to make this Christmas wonderful with you. Let’s make our first symbol this week - the land. This is our first Advent service. Advent means “coming” and "expectation". I pray this year that he matches the expectations of your heart to his own so that his return is nothing but the greatest bliss, joy, pleasure, and satisfaction for you.

If you don’t have an Advent wreath, get one this year. Church will be glad to help you get a beautiful, simple Advent wreath for only $15. Email church@peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

Can’t wait to see you! Services at 9:00 and 10:30.

May your every day be filled with Thanksgiving.

Pastor T

 

Children’s Christmas service

Our kids are already hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas service. We’re so excited that they get to share the gospel with words and music.

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 19th at 9:00 am.

If you’d like to have your kids participate in this year’s Christmas service for kids, please use the link below to see the service and let pastor know.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service!

Can’t wait to hear them!

(full prayer list)

None at time of print

Christian Neighbor’s items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Christmas flowers (poinsettias) Christmas poinsettias make our sanctuary beautiful. You are invited to donate a poinsettia in remembrance of a loved one or simply to celebrate Christmas. Email (church@peaceotsego.org) or text the church if you would like to donate one. Each poinsettia is $7.

Poinsettias may be taken home after Christmas Day worship on December 25th or the Sunday following Christmas.

Tree of Warmth is up. We’d love to partner with you and collect hats, gloves, scarves, and socks for local individuals in need. The tree will be up through December. Let’s decorate with those warm items!

Hometown Christmas Parade Security Enjoy a front row seat for this year’s Christmas parade and make it a safe, fun time for families. We’re working area organizations to provide a safety team for the Hometown Christmas parade. December 4th 5:30 - 6:45. No experience required, all training provided. Sign up at https://signup.com/go/ZPPmfoX

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 4th 3:00 Hometown Christmas hot chocolate, 5:30 parade security

  • December 5th after services, Christmas decorating

  • December 12th last day of fall studies, groups break for Christmas

  • December 12th 11:45 Gingerbread Bash (Christmas 4 Kids) - Event to share the message of Christmas with kids who don’t know it. Registration required.

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace November 19, 2021

This week’s lessons: Daniel 7:9-14, Matthew 26:26-27

Hello friends and acquaintances around Otsego-Plainwell,

Thanksgiving service with songs and prayer on Wednesday, November 24th at 6:30

So many of us in the area have lots of reasons to be thankful this year. We’ve got decent health, jobs, kids back in school, time for family and friends, and so much more.

If that’s you, I hope you have more than just a little thanks. I hope you have genuine gratitude. Do you know the difference? A little thanks says the quick “thank you”. Genuine gratitude makes life change so that people can’t help but see you’re thankful.

On the other side, many of us might have very little reason to be thankful. We’ve lost family and friends, jobs, finances, reputation and so much more.

If that’s you, you’ll want to work a little harder to find an attitude of thanksgiving.

Whoever, you are, Jesus gives everyone reasons to give thanks.

Join us for the thanksgiving service.

Share our thanksgiving for God’s kingdom work

  • add a postcard at church to our “kingdom thanksgivings” board

  • Email your kingdom thanksgiving to church@peaceotsego.org, text to 269-694-6104, or reach us on social media and we’ll add it to the wall

Can’t wait to see you!

God bless!

Pastor T

 

Advent 2021

Advent means “coming”; it also means "expectation".

Starting November 28th, for 4 weeks before Christmas, Peace will spend time expecting Jesus’ coming.

This Advent as you meditate on God’s Word, may he match the expectations of your heart to his own so that his return is nothing but the greatest bliss, joy, pleasure, and satisfaction for you.

If you don’t have an Advent wreath, get one this year. Church will be glad to help you get a beautiful, simple Advent wreath for only $15. Email church@peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

On Christmas, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Please join us in the celebration! 

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH @ 4:30 AND 6:30 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY @ 10:00 A.M.

Christianity Explored

The gospel, Jesus, and faith that brings life!

This is the class for people who aren’t sure if they believe in Jesus, would like to know more about Christianity, or would like a more formal introduction to the Christian church.

The next session will start in February! Please start praying about who you should invite.

Children’s Christmas service

Our kids are already hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas service. We’re so excited that they get to share the gospel with words and music.

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 19th at 9:00 am.

If you’d like to have your kids participate in this year’s Christmas service for kids, please use the link below to see the service and let pastor know.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service!

Can’t wait to hear them!

Students who have graduated from 8th grade through leaving high school in the summer of 2022 are invited to join us for Youth Rally 2022!

Save the dates! I can’t wait to join you!

For more information or to register a participant or volunteer follow the link below.

Early registration offers a discount! Plan and save now for the event.

(full prayer list)

Paul M — surgery

Barb W — father in law passed away

Tina — needs thyroid surgery

Christian Neighbor’s items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Christmas flowers (poinsettias) Christmas poinsettias make our sanctuary beautiful. You are invited to donate a poinsettia in remembrance of a loved one or simply to celebrate Christmas. Email or text the church if you would like to donate one. Each poinsettia is $7

Poinsettias may be taken home after Christmas Day worship on December 25th or the Sunday following Christmas.

Religion and Personality Type | 16Personalities

Andrew Schroer, 364 days of thanksgiving

Ben Sadler, “Divisiveness: Why Christianity is Our Only Hope”

CS Lewis Essay Collection

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • November 19th, 6:30 pm Bunco

  • November 24th, 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Worship

  • December 5th after services, Christmas decorating

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace November 12, 2021

This week’s lessons: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Mark 13:24-27

Hello friends and acquaintances around Otsego-Plainwell,

I’ve heard and been part of conversations with some of us about one or two services.

If we’ve talked, thanks for the conversation. This is a decent conversation to have. We need to think about these things well.

I wanted to offer a few questions and comments as we discuss this together.

The Bible doesn’t directly or even really indirectly address this question. There were lots of services every day in the temple. There were three services each day in the synagogue. Revelation may suggest one whole group gathered at worship.

There is any number of good practical reasons to have one service. We don’t wear out volunteers. We get to worship altogether. We feel like one united congregation. One gathering might be a little larger. Loving each other with “hellos”, “goodbyes”, and “how can I pray for yous” is easier with one service.

At the same time, there are good practical reasons for two services. More people can take advantage of more options - and we have exactly that. We have consistent attendance at both services, no matter who is there. We get to involve more people in serving and we’re doing that. We have more intimate gatherings and we can focus on fewer people.

If you’d like to keep thinking about this, consider asking yourself and others a few questions…

  • When you gather, do you hear God’s amazing gospel well and gather primarily to hear that gospel? We all can get distracted and gather for other reasons at times, which isn’t all bad, but not the most important thing?

  • We’ve all agreed that we’re here to bring others the gospel. Are you doing that?

  • Do people feel both welcome and closely connected when we gather? I love being a close-knit family. That’s great. I also love welcoming others. Let’s do both.

We can use godly wisdom as we discuss this question. No matter what we decide, we’re glad to bring people the gospel.

God bless!

Pastor T

 

Thanksgiving 2021

The Christian message at Thanksgiving is both easier and harder than we imagine. Paul puts it this way. “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 5:19 - 20) Singing, making music, and giving thanks are not hard tasks. The Lord doesn’t ask us to feed all the hungry or fix poverty.

At the same time, he says do it “from the heart”. Saying “thanks” doesn’t count if we don’t have a deep, living conviction of thanksgiving.

Join me in generating both the heart and the activity of Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving service with songs and prayer on Wednesday, November 24th at 6:30

Kingdom Thanksgivings

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.

This year we invite all our friends and neighbors to share their thanksgivings

  • add a postcard at church to our “kingdom thanksgivings” wall

  • Email your kingdom thanksgiving to church@peaceotsego.org, text to 269-694-6104, or reach us on social media and we’ll add to the wall

On Christmas, we gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Please join us in the celebration! 

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24TH @ 4:30 AND 6:30 P.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY @ 10:00 A.M.

 

Children’s Christmas service

Our kids are already hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas service. We’re so excited that they get to share the gospel with words and music.

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 19th at 9:00 am.

If you’d like to have your kids participate in this year’s Christmas service for kids, please use the link below to see the service and let pastor know.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service!

Can’t wait to hear them!

 

(full prayer list)

Doris P

Christian Neighbor’s items for November are pancake mix and syrup.


A huge thank you to all our volunteers that helped during workday on Saturday. We appreciate all of the help keeping our church and grounds looking nice.

We got some of the supplies cleaned up, put out markers for winter, and replaced a down-light pole. And of course, had donuts!

See you in the winter for an inside day!

Student goodie bags

It’s time to send goodie bags to our college, seminary students, and some missionary children. 

If you would like to donate items for the students, please drop them off in the kitchen by November 14th. Please no fragrances. 

Born Again This Way - Rachel Gilson, Sam Allberry | The Good Book Company

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • November 12th, 12 pm Veteran’s Day Potluck

  • November 19th, 6:30 pm Bunco

  • November 24th, 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Worship

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

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

Good news for Peace November 5, 2021

This week’s lessons: Malachi 4:1-3, Matthew 13:1-23

Hi all!

“What we do know is he went into the fire and he said, I’m with you. He didn’t put out the fire, he didn’t put out the flames. He took the shame. He took the blame. He took the mistakes. And he said, “I’ll stand with you.”

“No other god can save in this way. Every other religion, every other ideology, every other way of living says to you, follow these rules, do these things, and you’ll be a good person.  

“Jesus says, I’ll be with you. I’ll come down and I’ll go to the cross.” That was the message from last week as we remember the Reformation.

Now we’re getting ready to give thanks.

Thanksgiving starts with knowing what you have, not what you wished you have. Have you taken inventory of your life?

It’s probably time to do it again, so you can be thankful for what you have.

Start with that, and I’ll see you Sunday at 9:00 or 10:30 am to count it all up.

Sincerely

Pastor T

 

As we commemorate Veteran’s Day, let each of us pray for and honor those who have served.

We would like to thank: Paul M, Daton W, Tom H, Al K, Jim K, Tom K, Don H, Ralph H, Dave G, John G, Irw B, Larry, N, Ray W, Jim W, Richard U, Paul S, Don N, Gary C,

We appreciate your sacrifices and courage.

If you’d like us to thank and pray for anyone else, please add them with this form.

All veterans are also welcome to attend a lunch this coming Friday, November 12th at 12:000 in their honor.

Stories that Sneak in: The Parables of Jesus

I saw this comic while preparing for Sunday. Good one, huh!

Ancient parables worked in much the same way. They snuck the point in while people were smiling, laughing, or wondering. Jesus was an expert parable teller. He always helped people discover the kingdom of God at work among them and invited them to trust.

We’re going to take a look at parables in our next study session. We meet

  • Wednesday night at 6:30 in the Kalamazoo area

  • Thursday 8:00 pm online

  • Sunday at 7:50 am.

Join us and bring a friend.

Don’t forget to set your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday!

The Christian message at Thanksgiving is both easier and harder than we imagine. Paul puts it this way. “Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph 5:19 - 20) Singing, making music, and giving thanks are not hard tasks. The Lord doesn’t ask us to feed all the hungry or fix poverty.

At the same time, he says do it “from the heart”. Saying “thanks” doesn’t count if we don’t have a deep, living conviction of thanksgiving.

Join me in generating both the heart and the activity of Thanksgiving this year.

Thanksgiving service with songs and prayer on Wednesday November 24th at 6:30

Kingdom Thanksgivings

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.

This year we invite all our friends and neighbors to share their thanksgivings

  • add a postcard at church to our “kingdom thanksgivings” wall

  • Email your kingdom thanksgiving to church@peaceotsego.org, text to 269-694-6104, or reach us on social media and we’ll add to the wall

 

Children’s Christmas service

Our kids are already hard at work preparing for this year’s Christmas service. We’re so excited that they get to share the gospel with words and music.

The Children’s Christmas service will be December 19th at 9:00 am.

If you’d like to have your kids participate in this year’s Christmas service for kids, please use the link below to see the service and let pastor know.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service!

Can’t wait to hear them!

November Youth Crew

November 7th, 4:00 pm. All middle school and high school students are invited! Love to go with you!

Leave Peace at 3:15

God, Guys, and Gals: November Youth Crew — Peace (peaceotsego.org)

 

(full prayer list)

Healing for Samantha H after surgery

Judy H surgery

Christian Neighbor’s items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Dix Street Elementary school would love to have a few people clean up the landscaping this fall.

Fall work day!

November 6th, 9:00 am.

Love to have your help!

This is the start of the list. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1N6V6Ftf6E1iDjSJwvCeg7TX3JJMuTLCLtv7v0yXJkOg/edit?usp=sharing

Welcome Home thank you!

Many thanks to Jeanne, Sharon, and Jo for their work in putting Welcome Home together. Cindy and Kaitlyn also gave us wonderful music.

Thank you to all of you who welcomed one another to such a wonderful gathering.

November Ushers: Jim Winkel and Kart Wedge

Parables in Luke — Kenneth Bailey.net Ken Bailey was a professor in the Middle East and an expert on ancient Jewish culture

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • November 6th, 9 am Fall Work Day

  • November 7th, 4 pm Youth Crew

  • November 12th, 12 pm Veteran’s Day Potluck

  • November 24th, 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Worship

 

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Would you like to donate to Peace? Please use the link for online giving

Children's Christmas Service

Children's Christmas Service

Children’s Christmas Service

December 19th

9:00 am


We like to offer our children an opportunity to declare and celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

Everyone – children, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors are invited to this service. The service will have many familiar service elements. But a significant portion of the service will be replaced with the children’s portion.

The children’s part of the service is posted below so that parents can practice.

Practice sessions

Practice will take place during the children’s lessons on Sundays at 9:00 am.

We’re trying to add a practice on December 18th.

On December 19th, students should arrive by 8:30 am for warm up.

Service plan

Children up to 5th grade should sit in the first 2 rows.

Advent Gathering (Invocation, Confession of Sins)

After the absolution and prayer, the children should come stand on the lower step.

The Miracle of the Child: Luke 2:1-7 (all children)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Away in a Manger (CW 68)

Children sing verses 1 & 2, congregation joins on verse 3

The Marvel of the Child: Luke 2:8-15 (2nd - 5th)

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”


Hark the Herald Angels Sing (CW 61)

Children sing verses 1, congregation joins on verses 2 & 3

Hit “play” and sing along to practice

The Mystery of the Child: Luke 2:16-20 (Caylen, Ellise, Ethan, Clara)

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Go Tell it On the Mountain (CW 57)

Children sing verses 1 & 2, congregation joins on verse 3

The Meaning of the Child

Isaiah 9:2-7

Ethan Wedge

The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.
4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.
5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.

1 John 4:9-16

Clara Timmermann

9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

Of the Father’s Love Begotten CW 35 verses 1-3

Congregational hymn

This Child is My Child

Galatians 4:3-7

Ellise Wedge

3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces[a] of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.[b] 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[c] Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

John 1:9-13

Zach Hayes

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Do You Hear What I Hear

Choir and children

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