Good news for Peace February 9th

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Dear friends,

Tension. Balance. Harmony.  

Tension exists in life and that is good. Gravity pulls you down. Your muscles push you up. When gravity stops, you float. When your muscles stop, you are crushed to the ground.  

Balance is helpful. The water flows down the Kalamazoo River, but it never empties. Lake Michigan never overflows. The water completes its cycle and maintains a balance.  

Harmony enriches and deepens life. Musical notes combine to form more beautiful sounds – harmonizations. The new sound is more than both sounds individually played.  

Tension. Balance. Harmony. We experience them regularly. Each has its place.  

God points out many areas of tension, balance, and harmony in our lives. We reject them to our detriment; we embrace them to our benefit.  

For example, Paul writes, “creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay”. That must mean creation is decaying right now. We could even say the world is falling apart. At the same time, Isaiah says, “I am making all things new”. These points aren’t in conflict. They reveal tension to us.  

James tells us “confess our sins”. The Psalm writer says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous.” We are filled with sin and yet we never overflow, because God the Holy Spirit also makes us righteous.  

And for harmony, God says we are saved by faith and we should not give up meeting together.

Can I offer you a little tip? Don’t run from tension, balance and harmony. There is something more to be found where ever there is a little tension, balance, or harmony.

(P.S. Missed our recent sermons? Check ‘em out!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOWUKAz9EOI&list=PLJqdAdeyrHjfK0hw3jLZFFC5hsQjJntLE

B.L.E.S.S

Who would you like God to B.L.E.S.S?

My neighbor lost his job lately. I took him out to coffee. I’ve texted with him a few times. I connected him to some job opportunities and helped him network.

I’ve done all this because I care for him and his family. I want God to bless him.

Who would you like God to bless in your life?

I want to invite you to join me in our BLESS initiative.

Join in

Either get paper materials on-site or grab your own copy of the electronic materials

Steps

  1. Grab a prayer bookmark and fill it out

  2. Get a neighborhood map and fill it out

  3. Start listening.

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, you are the Lord of heaven and earth. You work in all things with justice and mercy. You lift up those who have been brought low and you tear down those who have lifted themselves up. We pray that you would work through our work and bless these people in our lives who need your help. In Jesus name, Amen.

Let’s BLESS the people around us https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/bless

Every hand, every home … a hymnal

As you may be aware, the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) has come out with new hymnals that includes liturgy, psalms and hymns - all kinds of wonderful resources (see https://www.christianworship.com/).

Hymnals for worship

We are going to purchase these books for our seats in the near future. We intend to have them in our building by March 1.

Yes, this is a big change for us all, but we have been through this before with our previous hymnals. Remember how you felt about the red book? And now look how familiar it is!

Our musicians, including our cantors, will help you become familiar with the hymns/liturgy. We should all remember how well we did with the new liturgy for Lent that we've used the past 3 years. I (Cindy Commissaris) don't think it was too painful and I think a lot of us came to like it.

We will still use hymns/liturgy from the previous hymnals in our services, but we will concentrate more on the large blue hymnals.

Peace is covering the cost for hymn books in the building. These will belong to the congregation and will stay on site.

Hymnals for home

I (again, Cindy Commissaris), as well as pastor, encourage you to order your own hymnal. Add it to your home devotional life. Sing a hymn. Pray a prayer. Put it right under your Bible on your table and use it to help you grow each day. At the same time, it will help you become familiar with the music.

The cost for an at-home hymnal will be $25.00 each. Peace is helping out with shipping, etc. If you would like your own you can order these ways:

1. Sign up on the sheet in the entry area on the next steps table

2. Sign up on our website at https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/hymnal2023

3. Notify Cindy Commissaris at 269-370-7313

Please get order requests in by February 19th. Thank you!

If you have any questions, Pastor or Cindy Commissaris would be glad to answer them.

Lent 2023

Our journey had advanced;
Our feet were almost come
To that odd fork in Being’s road,
Eternity by term …

(Emily Dickinson)

“It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game.”

“It’s not the destination, it’s the journey.”

“To travel is to live.”

“Begin with the end in mind”.

Even Jesus walked the journey of life, and even Jesus’ journey drew to an end. The choices he made during his last days and the last steps he took speak volumes about the man he was.

This Lent, join him for his final steps and you might just find that he will change your steps.

We’ll gather for services weekly of prayer, meditation, and hearing God’s Word.

All services take place on Wednesday evenings at 6:30 pm, except for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Service start February 22nd.

  • February 22 John 11 “Final steps led to a tomb”

  • March 1 Matthew 21:12-17 “Final steps to his father’s house”

  • March 8 Luke 20:9-19 “Final steps led to his enemies”

  • March 15 John 12:1-11 “Final steps led to a dinner celebration”

  • March 22 John 12:20-33 “Final steps led to some Greeks”

  • March 29 Mark 11:12ff “Final steps led to a fig tree”

  • April 6 Mark 14:12-17 “Final steps led to the upper room”

  • April 7 Luke 23:26-33 “Final steps led to the place of the skull”

 

Sisters in Christ Retreat (Women’s Retreat)

God often uses the weak or small things of this world to show us his power and emphasize his grace: a thorn in Paul’s flesh, “so that the power of Christ” may rest on him; a baby in a manger, born to be the Savior of the world; the foolishness of the cross, used by God to redeem the world from sin.

Join us as we spend a weekend together, gathered around God’s Word. We will be diving into God’s word, refreshing our souls, and edifying each other. We will learn how God’s grace is sufficient, and how he uses weakness in our lives to show us his perfect love and power.
April 14-16, 2023

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Michigan State University

219 S. Harrison Rd.

East Lansing, MI 48824

www.SistersInChristRetreat.org

He Lives! Easter 2023

It seems like a long ways away, but we want to see you all there. Save the date for Easter 2023!

April 9th 8:00 and 9:30 am!

Easter Team - I know it’s early, but it’s time to get ready for sharing the good news that Jesus is alive. Pastor is putting together a team. Here are some things to help with: prayer team, invites, meal, decorating, service, egg hunt. We’d love to have your help with any and all of this. Get ahold of pastor and I can get you on the team!

For more on Easter, visit https://peaceotsego.org/events/2023/1/27/he-lives-easter-2023

 

Gwen Miller and Darin, Miller family - wedding

Shirley Price

Richard Ueck

The Wright family - passing

Olivia and the McNees family

Christian Neighbors items for February are pasta and pasta sauce

Ushers for February are Bill Harris and Dan Doran.

Easter Team - I know it’s early, but it’s time to get ready for sharing the good news that Jesus is alive. Pastor is putting together a team. Here are some things to help with:

  • prayer team

  • invites

  • meal

  • decorating

  • service

  • egg hunt

    We’d love to have your help with any and all of this. Get ahold of pastor and I can get you on the team!

Voters’ meeting - Notes and results from the January 2023 voters’ meeting are available here https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2023/01/30

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • February 10th 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

  • February 17th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

  • February 17th 6:30 pm Bunco

  • February 22nd 6:30 pm Ash Wednesday (and 5 following Wednesdays)

  • March 7th 10:00 am Craft time

  • March 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

  • March 10th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon

  • March 11 11:00 am 131 Youth Crew service project

  • April 9th Easter services 8:00 and 9:30 am

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

Voters' meeting notes January 2023

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Our annual voters’ meeting will take place on January 29th at 10:45 am. All members are welcome to attend; voting members should attend.

Voting members will conduct the business.

Voting members are those who have signed the constitution prior to the meeting. Please speak with Pastor if you need to do so.

At the meeting, we’ll

You can participate in the meeting on-site or online https://v.ringcentral.com/join/273136645.

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

Every hand, every home ... a hymnal

Every hand, every home ... a hymnal

Hello friends of Peace!

As you may be aware the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) has come out with new hymnals that includes liturgy, psalms and hymns - all kinds of wonderful resources (see https://www.christianworship.com/).

Hymnals for worship

We are going to purchase these books for our seats in the near future. We intend to have them in our building by March 1.

Yes, this is a big change for us all, but we have been through this before with our previous hymnals. Remember how you felt about the red book? And now look how familiar it is!

Our musicians, including our cantors, will help you become familiar with the new hymns/liturgy. We should all remember how well we did with the new liturgy for Lent that we've used the past 3 years. I (Cindy Commissaris) don't think it was too painful and I think a lot of us came to like it.

We will still use hymns/liturgy from the previous hymnals in our services, but we will concentrate more on the new hymnals.

Peace is covering the cost for hymn books in the building. These will belong to the congregation and will stay on site.

 

Hymnals for home

I (again, Cindy Commissaris), as well as pastor, encourage you to order your own hymnal. Add it to your home devotional life. Sing a hymn. Pray a new prayer. Put it right under your Bible on your table and use it to help you grow each day. At the same time, it will help you become familiar with the music.

The cost for an at-home hymnal will be $25.00 each. Peace is helping out with shipping, etc. If you would like your own you can order these ways:

1. Sign up on the sheet in the entry area on the next steps table

2. Sign up on our website at https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/hymnal2023

3. Notify Cindy Commissaris at 269-370-7313

Please get order requests in by February 19th. Thank you!

If you have any questions, Pastor or Cindy Commissaris would be glad to answer them.

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 26

 

Hello friends of Peace,

2022 Year in Review

Dear friends, remember this? God built his church among us and we came together as the pieces - each represented by a lego. We are Bold Builders (if you want to check out those sermons again, https://peaceotsego.org/sermons?tag=Bold+Builders).

Here are a couple of ways God built us up in 2022:

  • we baptized 2 and witnessed 4 profess faith in Jesus

  • as part of our effort to raise up musicians, we added 2 new musicians to the team https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/weworship

  • we added a 4th study and life group, bringing people into regular contact with God’s Word and each other

God is doing work among us. I see the fruits his Word and Sacrament make and for that I am eternally grateful.

I’d love to enjoy more of God’s good work on Sunday at our voters’ meeting. Please join me/us.

Evangelism Workshop

The gospel is the best news in the world, and it is the hardest to share. In a world filled with noise and chaos, the gospel struggles to stand out.

We’ve got an evangelism workshop scheduled for Saturday January 28th. It’s a chance to be filled with the gospel and share that gospel.

See you at 9:00 am! One hour. With donuts!

 
 

Calendar Fun Raiser

Ladies Guild is having a calendar fun(d) raiser. If you would like to participate, please do so. The calendar is on the next steps table in the entry area.

Thanks!

Sisters in Christ Retreat (Women’s Retreat)

God often uses the weak or small things of this world to show us his power and emphasize his grace: a thorn in Paul’s flesh, “so that the power of Christ” may rest on him; a baby in a manger, born to be the Savior of the world; the foolishness of the cross, used by God to redeem the world from sin.

Join us as we spend a weekend together, gathered around God’s Word. We will be diving into God’s word, refreshing our souls, and edifying each other. We will learn how God’s grace is sufficient, and how he uses weakness in our lives to show us his perfect love and power.
April 14-16, 2023

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Michigan State University

219 S. Harrison Rd.

East Lansing, MI 48824

www.SistersInChristRetreat.org

Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society

We have participated in in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society for a number of years. The Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society (LWMS) is a national organization of women committed to the mission of the gospel. They do special mission projects and support missionaries around the world.

https://www.lwms.org/

We’re considering ending our participation in the society. We have not found it helpful. if you would like to stay in LWMS, or you have any thoughts, please reach out to pastor 269-694-6104.

Voters’ meeting

Our annual voters’ meeting will take place on January 29th at 10:45 am. All members are welcome to attend; voting members should attend.

Voting members will conduct the business.

Voting members are those who have signed the constitution prior to the meeting. Please speak with Pastor if you need to do so.

At the meeting, we’ll

You can participate in the meeting on-site or online https://v.ringcentral.com/join/273136645.

He Lives! Easter 2023

It seems like a long ways away, but we want to see you all there. Save the date for Easter 2023!

April 9th 8:00 and 9:30 am!

Easter Team - I know it’s early, but it’s time to get ready for sharing the good news that Jesus is alive. Pastor is putting together a team. Here are some things to help with: prayer team, invites, meal, decorating, service, egg hunt. We’d love to have your help with any and all of this. Get ahold of pastor and I can get you on the team!

 

BLESS

I’m excited to join with you in an effort to bless our friends, neighbors, coworkers, and acquaintances with the gospel of Jesus. This is an initiative we’ll be developing over the next few months.

For now, join me in asking this question:

Who do I know who I would like God to bless?

Come up with 5 names, including a few new names. Try to pick people other than your family.

Grab a bookmark at church to begin blessing them!

Let’s pray!

Dear Lord, you are the Lord of heaven and earth. You work in all things with justice and mercy. You lift up those who have been brought low and you tear down those who have lifted themselves up. We pray that you would work through our work and bless these people in our lives who need your help. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Jo Markwart and family challenges

The gospel ministry of Peace

Christian Neighbors items for January are canned soups and ramen noodles

Christian Neighbors items for February are pasta and pasta sauce

Ushers for February are Bill Harris and Dan Doran.

Easter Team - I know it’s early, but it’s time to get ready for sharing the good news that Jesus is alive. Pastor is putting together a team. Here are some things to help with: prayer team, invites, meal, decorating, service, egg hunt. We’d love to have your help with any and all of this. Get ahold of pastor and I can get you on the team!

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 28th 9:00 am Evangelism workshop

  • January 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

  • February 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time (6:00 pm dinner)

  • February 22nd Ash Wednesday

  • March 11 11:00 am 131 Youth Crew service project

  • April 9th Easter services 8:00 and 9:30 am

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 12

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Thank you so much for all your generous gifts to Peace in 2022. Two months before Christmas, the 131 Youth Crew had a lock at Holy Trinity in Wyoming. A young lady came. Not a part of our churches, a friend. She was concerned about her dating relationship. Was it good? We sat in the kitchen and talked for more than a hour, just her, another pastor, myself, and another guy. Mostly, we listened and tried to ask questions. We told her about the real love of God. We pointed her to the hope for unending love with Jesus.

The next day the other pastor got a message, hey, I enjoyed the Youth Crew. Can I come again? The next day, she signed up for the 131 Youth Crew news.

Friends, this is what we do - together. We bring people the good news of Jesus and watch the Spirit work.

Can you believe how much God did among us this year? Here are a couple of other highlights from our gospel work together last year.

We’ve reported those gifts to Peace in your 2022 giving statements. You can find these statements in your box. Please pick them up and as you have the time, reflect on them. Do they reflect the amazing love Jesus has shown you? Are they the first gifts you have to give to God?

Friends, I’m so thankful to work with you to bring people the wonderful, life-giving news of Jesus. Our generosity makes that happen.

In the coming weeks, we’ll look at all God has asked us to do in 2023. May God be with us for his work!

 

Christmas undecorating

Thank you to the many hands that made Christmas undecorating go quickly. We had a great time. If you miss our Team and Task Times, plan to be part of the next one on February 7th at 6:30 pm (dinner at 6:00 pm, bring some food to share).

Forward in Christ


Our next chance to explore Christianity and the gospel begins this week January 19th. Invite your friends and family today!

Please let Pastor T know if you’ll attend.

Pregnancy Care Center news

Our affiliated Pregnancy Care Center would like to thank you for your support and provide the following encouragement.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vmPFb33_SeCUAwXqFlJvjF6LLffnVB3Q/view?usp=share_link

 

Sisters in Christ Retreat (Women’s Retreat)

God often uses the weak or small things of this world to show us his power and emphasize his grace: a thorn in Paul’s flesh, “so that the power of Christ” may rest on him; a baby in a manger, born to be the Savior of the world; the foolishness of the cross, used by God to redeem the world from sin.

Join us as we spend a weekend together, gathered around God’s Word. We will be diving into God’s word, refreshing our souls, and edifying each other. We will learn how God’s grace is sufficient, and how he uses weakness in our lives to show us his perfect love and power.
April 14-16, 2023

Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center

Michigan State University

219 S. Harrison Rd.

East Lansing, MI 48824

www.SistersInChristRetreat.org

Christian Neighbors

A few weeks before Christmas, I received a call looking for housing assistance. The person thought they would get evicted. My first call when I got off was Christian Neighbors.

Christian Neighbors provides professional, thoughtful, appropriate assistance for people of Otsego - Plainwell. Unlike most assistance organizations, Christian Neighbors is supported through donations. When it comes to food, they primarily rely on local congregations.

Thank you for your donations. They make a huge difference.

Total donations for 2022 were 583 items.

Bathroom painting

The bathrooms are going to be repainted starting January 23rd. If you are in the building around that time, please be aware of the paint and consider trying to use other bathrooms.

Giving Statements

As said above, we have produced statements of offerings from 2022. Those statements are available in your box. Please pick them up and help us out.

Godpliments (131 Youth Crew January)

What God says, he means. Whenever he says a Godpliment, you can take them to heart.

Nothing does better for your faith than those Godpliments.

We’ll have dinner, games, study, and prayer all together on Saturday January 21st! Look forward to seeing you!

https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2023/01/21/youthcrewjanuary

Voters’ meeting

Our annual voters’ meeting will take place on January 29th at 10:45 am. All members are welcome to attend; voting members should attend.

Voting members will conduct the business.

Voting members are those who have signed the constitution prior to the meeting. Please speak with Pastor if you need to do so.

At the meeting, we’ll

You can participate in the meeting on-site or online https://v.ringcentral.com/join/273136645.

 

Tree of Warmth

We got to distribute the hats, gloves, scarves, coats, socks, and all the other warm items you donated this week. We took items to Dix Street Elementary School, Washington Street Elementary School, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and Sylvia’s Place. They all appreciated it. I showed up at the Gospel Mission at 6 pm. I stopped by the front desk and said, “hey, I’m sorry I’m so late. I’m on my way to an appointment and probably need to come back during business hours. I’ve just got some donations.” And they said, “Oh no, anytime, we’ll absolutely take them. Thank you!” It was good to help.

Thanks for your donations!

Thanks to the Powells and Joan Retberg for making it happen.

 

Lonnie Hart and his family

Thanksgiving with Dolores for great-granddaughter Audrey

Carlene White on the passing of her mother https://www.winkelfuneralhome.com/shirley-brainard/

Christian Neighbors items for January are canned soups and ramen noodles

Ushers for January are Bill Harris and Dan Doran.

Ushers for February are Bill Harris and Dan Doran.

Easter Team - I know it’s early, but it’s time to get ready for sharing the good news that Jesus is alive. Pastor is putting together a team. Here are some things to help with: prayer team, invites, meal, decorating, service, egg hunt. We’d love to have your help with any and all of this. Get ahold of pastor and I can get you on the team!

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • January 19th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

  • January 20th 6:30 pm Bunco

  • January 21st 5:00 pm Youth Crew at Peace

  • January 28th 9:00 am Evangelism workshop

  • January 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

  • February 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time (6:00 pm dinner)

  • February 22nd Ash Wednesday

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

131 Youth Crew January

131 Youth Crew January

Dear 131 Youth Crew, 

We had a crazy good time at our lock in in November. Thanks Holy Trinity for hosting!

Our next gathering is January 21st at 5:00 pm at Peace in Otsego.

Our theme this year is “Hold on to Your Faith”. This time we’re listening to “Godpliments”. What’s a godpliment? Let me tell you this story. The other day my kid came into the kitchen and asked for a glass of milk. I was busy doing a couple of other things but stopped to get the glass of milk. As I handed my kid the milk, I said, “Thanks dad, you’re the best dad.” My kid said back to me, “Thanks dad, you’re the best dad.” I made my kid compliment me.

It wasn’t a real compliment. It didn’t even really make me feel good, because I know it wasn’t real. Sadly, I feel that way about most compliments. They just don’t feel real.

God doesn’t talk to you and I like that. What he says, he means. Whenever he says a Godpliment, you can take them to heart.

Nothing does better for your faith than those Godpliments.

Nerf Battle! Spaghetti Dinner!

We’ll have dinner, games, study, and prayer all together on Saturday January 21st! Look forward to seeing you!

For more information, please contact your local leaders.

For all the Youth Crew gatherings for 2022-2023 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2022/8/2/131-youth-crew-2022-2023

Follow us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/131youthcrew

Want to invite a friend or neighbor to participate? Pass on this link so they can sign up for updates! https://peace.breezechms.com/form/0e38d3

Can't wait to see how God grows our faith together this year!

In Jesus,
The 131 Youth Crew team - Pastor Dave Rockhoff, Principal Luke Schershel, Pastor Al Kirschbaum, the Wedge family, Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann

Good news for Peace December 21

 

Hello friends of Peace,

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

God sees sickness, death, loneliness, inflation, conflict, job loss, violence, theft, pain and all the other hurts of our lives and he still wants us anyway. He sees exactly who we are and he came for us. Love came down.

We’d like to be part of that love with you at our ….

Candlelight Christmas Eve service December 24th @ 4:30 AND 6:30 pm

 All events on-site and online at https://peaceotsego.org/worship

Friends, family and neighbors are welcome. Invite them all! https://www.facebook.com/events/1116911462339789/

Christmas Day service December 25th 9:30 am

Christmas decorations

As you decorate for Christmas and clean up after, if you discover decent unused Christmas decorations, please consider donating them to church. We would be glad to try to use them some more.

End of year donations

Thank you for all your gifts in support of Peace’s ministry in 2022. Please make final end of year donations by December 25th. Donations may be given on-site (cash or check) or online.

Our next chance to explore Christianity and the gospel will begin January 19th. Start inviting friends and neighbors today!

 

All who are sick

Those affected by the storm

Christian Neighbors items for December are mac and cheese and canned pasta.

Usher for January

2023 offering envelopes are not available due to manufacturing delays.

No news next week.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Love Came Down (Christmas) — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

  • December 25th 9:30 am Christmas Day service

  • December 26th - January 6th Office closed for winter break. Please take care of any business you might have in advance.

  • January 8th Study and life groups restart

  • January 10th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time, including Christmas decoration takedown

  • January 19th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

  • January 20th 6:30 pm Bunco

  • January 21st 5:00 pm Youth Crew at Peace

  • January 28th 9:00 am Evangelism workshop

  • January 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 15

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Come and help!

I’ve appreciated the chance to talk with you as I’ve considered where to serve the Lord’s kingdom. People are excited about the friends who have joined our congregation lately. We’re happy about the progress on the musician initiative - so happy to have Helga, glad for the partnership Ellise offers, and the 15 people we’re praying for. There seems to be a small core group or team reforming, which is encouraging.

At the same time, there are certain concerns and realities. Some people are unsettled about all the change we’ve experienced, especially because of COVID. We wonder what the congregation will be like in 5 years. We’re needing hope for the future of Peace.

I’m hopeful for Peace and for God’s work among us. I see our love for God, our love for people, and a commitment to bring people the only message that helps us love - the gospel of Jesus.

We're facing a significant challenge. We’re facing our own unique challenges and they’ll require your unique service.

I’m here with you. I’m returning the call to Reedsville, WI and staying at Peace. Thank you for your love and gospel partnership.

Friends, I'm sure that in five, ten, twenty years, there will be a vibrant and faithful group of people filled with the gospel and filling others with the same gospel.

Let’s be part of that.

We get to do that Sunday as we encourage the kids and let them share the Christmas message with us.

Children’s Christmas service

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 18th at 9:30 am.

Special practice December 17th 10:00 am.

Kids, please arrive Sunday at 9 for a final practice.

Can’t wait to hear them!

Children's Christmas Service 2022 — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

God sees sickness, death, loneliness, inflation, conflict, job loss, violence, theft, pain and all the other hurts of our lives and he still wants us anyway. He sees exactly who we are and he came for us. Love came down.

Candlelight Christmas Eve service @ 4:30 AND 6:30 P.M.

 All events on-site and online at https://peaceotsego.org/worship

Friends, family and neighbors are welcome. Invite them all! https://www.facebook.com/events/1116911462339789/

Christmas gift for Pastor

We collect donations for a Christmas gift for pastor. Gifts may be put in the offering marked “Staff gift” or online at https://peaceotsego.org/give marked “Staff gift”. The last day to make gifts is December 19th. Thank you for your love and encouragement of Pastor Timmermann.

Giving Tree gifts due by December 19th - Thank you.

Streaming

A few people have asked again about streaming our services.

We are NOT currently streaming on Facebook, Youtube, etc. If you would like to stream our services,

1) please go directly to our website https://peaceotsego.org

2) click on “worship”

3) click on “worship with us live @ 9:30”.

4) click “watch in your browser”

Once you’re on, be sure to say “hello” and text with your fellow viewers.

Christmas decorations

As you decorate for Christmas and clean up after, if you discover decent unused Christmas decorations, please consider donating them to church. We would be glad to try to use them some more.

End of year donations

Thank you for all your gifts in support of Peace’s ministry in 2022. Please make final end of year donations by December 25th. Donations may be given on-site (cash or check) or online.

Our next chance to explore Christianity and the gospel will begin January 19th. Start inviting friends and neighbors today!

 

Bill McNees - The Lord has blessed Bill with renewed health. Please continue to pray for him.

Don Hutchinson - health improves, still faces challenges

Christian Neighbors items for December are mac and cheese and canned pasta.

Usher for December is Roger Commissaris. He could use 2 people to help out. Can you help? Please let pastor know.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 18th 9:30 am Children’s Christmas Service

  • December 21st Last day of fall studies, groups break for winter

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Love Came Down (Christmas) — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

  • December 25th 9:30 am Christmas Day service

  • December 26th - January 6th Office closed for winter break. Please take care of any business you might have in advance.

  • January 10th 6:30 pm Christmas decorating takedown

  • January 21st 5:00 pm Youth Crew at Peace

  • January 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 8

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Come and help!

“I can’t wait for _______ (fill in the blank).”

How do you fill in the blank? What can’t you wait for?

There are many things I have spent time waiting for, and some things I should’ve waited for that I didn’t wait for at all. One thing I’m waiting for now is to talk to a few more people and then make a decision about the call to serve at St John St James in Reedsville, WI. I’ve had a good chance to consider our ministry at Peace and how you feel about it. I appreciate hearing about the hope you have for us right now (or the lack of it), what you see God doing among us, and where you think he is directing our ministry.

Are we waiting for things that really matter? I hope so.

Can’t wait to see you this Sunday so we can learn to wait well.

Otsego Hometown Christmas

Thanks for all the help at Otsego’s Hometown Christmas event. It was great to make new friends with you all day. I have to share a little story with you.

A couple of days after the event, church received a call from a local insurance agency. Every year this agency finds a few local singles or families that they can give gifts to. They called us because they know we are connected to people in the community.

I thought this was a special honor for us. We’re known in town such that people call us to find out about other people.

Praise God for his indescribable, unearned love for us that caused him to come down!

Christmas decorations

As you decorate for Christmas and clean up after, if you discover decent unused Christmas decorations, please consider donating them to church. We would be glad to try to use them some more.

Children’s Christmas service

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 18th at 9:30 am.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service! Special practice December 17th 10:00 am.

Can’t wait to hear them!

Children's Christmas Service 2022 — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

Officer elections and appointments

At the end of the year, we typically look for nominations for officers in the coming year.

By God’s grace, Peace has faithful men ready to serve in 2023. For 2023, the council will be….

  • President = Charles Kling

  • Vice - president = Roger Commissaris

  • Elder = Tom Wright

  • Recording Secretary = Micah Rimpel

  • Pastor = Nathaniel Timmermann

We thank these men for their service. During 2023, we’ll work with individuals in the congregation to develop future leaders as 2024 will bring a number of vacancies.

Thank you!

Our next chance to explore Christianity and the gospel will begin January 19th. Start inviting friends and neighbors today!

 

Bill McNees - The Lord has blessed Bill with renewed health. Please continue to pray for him.

Don Hutchinson - health improves, still faces challenges

Jim Walkley Jr - hospitalized with an infection

The Timmermann family - deliberating a call

Gwen Miller - recovery after knee surgery

Christian Neighbors items for December are mac and cheese and canned pasta.

Usher for December is Roger Commissaris. He could use 2 people to help out. Can you help? Please let pastor know.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 13th 10:00 am Pastor Circuit at Peace

  • December 16th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

  • December 18th 9:30 am Children’s Christmas Service

  • December 21st Last day of fall studies, groups break for winter

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Love Came Down (Christmas) — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

  • December 25th 9:30 am Christmas Day service

  • December 26th - January 6th Office closed for winter break. Please take care of any business you might have in advance.

  • January 21st 5:00 pm Youth Crew at Peace

  • January 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 2

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Come and help!

This week I was putting up our Christmas tree. We have an unusual, pretty lopsided Christmas tree. I had it upright, but it was waving all over the place and started to fall on me. You can guess what I shouted. “Help! Come and help!” People came running and caught the falling tree.

Christians learn to cry “come and help”. They have a Lord who is so much greater and higher than every other ruler. They have every reason to expect that God to help. That’s what we heard in our sermon last week. (Miss our sermon last week? Check it out here. Be sure to hit that “subscribe” button.)

What do we need help with? Time of Grace took this question on a few years ago, or Prince gave us a cultural answer. This week our sermon will take on this question as we try to answer it for ourselves.

Let’s not be afraid to ask for help. We can absolutely ask.

Decorating

You are welcome to join us Sunday after services to decorate our facility. The beauty of our building declares the beauty of God. Come declare God’s beauty!

Sunday 11:00 am. A light lunch will be available.

Children’s Christmas service

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 18th at 9:30 am.

The kids will practice together weekly on Sundays until the service! Special practice December 17th 10:00 am.

Can’t wait to hear them!

Children's Christmas Service 2022 — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

Otsego Hometown Christmas

Otsego’s “Hometown Christmas” today!

We have 2 chances to participate:

  • hot cocoa - need 2 more people to serve hot cocoa

  • parade security team - need 5 more people to help keep kids safe at the Christmas parade. The link for the sign up is here! https://signup.com/go/OXBCLja

Mailing address update

Maxine Sandahl has moved and invites you to mail her at:

1390 N Drake Rd Apt 2103

Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Print directories are available upon request; you can also request access to the digital directory at https://peaceotsego.org and click “directory” at the bottom of the page.

Special Christmastime giving

I know that you receive many invitations for special gifts at Christmas. All of us at Peace would love to support your generosity to specific individuals in need. Here is the list of Peace opportunities:

  • Tree of Warmth - we collect hats, gloves, socks, scarves, blankets, and slippers to distribute at local schools and shelters

  • Giving Tree - we give gifts to a family from Sylvia’s Place, the local shelter for women who are victims of domestic abuse

  • Children’s Christmas bags - we’re collecting items for about 40 small gift bags to give to our kids this Christmas

  • End of year gifts - Peace would love to have your end of year support

  • Gift for our pastor - the congregation will give a gift to our pastor. The last day to donate to that gift is December 18th.

https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2022specialgiving

January 2023 Voters’ Meeting

The voters of Peace will have their next business meeting January 29th 2023 at 10:45. There will not be a congregational forum. The council reviewed the amount of business to do and realized that we didn’t need the extra meeting.

Thank you for your partnership! We love doing God’s work together with you.

 

Buskirk family

Gwen Miller - knee surgery and recovery

Jim Walkley Jr

Be sure to thank Sharon Ward. She helps us sing God’s praise almost every week. She counts donations. She plays a huge role in supporting pastor and our congregation. God be with you Sharon.

Christian Neighbors items for December are mac and cheese and canned pasta.

Usher for December is Roger Commissaris. He could use 2 people to help out. Can you help? Please let pastor know.

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • December 3rd 4:00 pm Hometown Christmas

  • December 4th 10:45 am Christmas decorating

  • December 6th 10:00 am Craft time

  • December 6th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

  • December 18th 9:30 am Children’s Christmas Service

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Love Came Down (Christmas) — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

  • December 25th 9:30 am Christmas Day service

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

Special Christmastime opportunities for giving

 

“we believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” ~ Peter

Special Christmastime Opportunities

We are so thankful for the Lord, his generosity to us, and your generosity to one another. I was talking with one of you who very suddenly had to stop attending and participating in God’s Word and mission. She mentioned a couple of people had called her, asked about her situation, and encouraged her. Thank you for doing that. I’m honored to be part of this loving group of people.

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 likes this.

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, socks, slippers, and blankets to keep people warm. Slippers and blankets are new this year based on a request from Sylvia’s Place.

  • Donations will go to prepared packages for you to pass out, Dix Street elementary, Washington Street elementary school, Sylvia’s Place, and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Prepared packages are new this year so that we can give them out to people we notice.

  • Please return donations by Sunday January 8th. We’ll distribute

The Giving Tree

  • We’re glad to help a family of a mother and a 4 year old daughter connected to Sylvia’s Place get some Christmas cheer!

  • We’ve placed tags on a tree in the lobby that include their Christmas wishes.

  • Take as many tags as you would like but please remember to attach the tag to the gift(s) you are returning and don't wrap them.

  • Please try to return the unwrapped gift under the tree by December 15th with the card

  • God bless your generosity!

Christmas Bags for Kids

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

  • We suggest small oranges (cuties), Christmas cards, coloring books, crayons, activity books, and individually wrapped candy.

  • We plan to give away 40 bags.

  • Drop off items in office by December 17th (we’re packing bags the 17th)

  • 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 25th to be counted as 2022 gifts. Gifts received after that date will be considered 2023 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!

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email “Unsubscribe” to church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

Special Christmastime opportunities for giving (Copy)

 

“we believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” ~ Peter

Special Christmastime Opportunities

We are so thankful for the Lord, his generosity to us, and your generosity to one another. I was talking with one of you who very suddenly had to stop attending and participating in God’s Word and mission. She mentioned a couple of people had called her, asked about her situation, and encouraged her. Thank you for doing that. I’m honored to be part of this loving group of people.

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 likes this.

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, socks, slippers, and blankets to keep people warm. Slippers and blankets are new this year based on a request from Sylvia’s Place.

  • Donations will go to prepared packages for you to pass out, Dix Street elementary, Washington Street elementary school, Sylvia’s Place, and the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission. Prepared packages are new this year so that we can give them out to people we notice.

  • Please return donations by Sunday January 8th. We’ll distribute

The Giving Tree

  • We’re glad to help a family of a mother and a 4 year old daughter connected to Sylvia’s Place get some Christmas cheer!

  • We’ve placed tags on a tree in the lobby that include their Christmas wishes.

  • Take as many tags as you would like but please remember to attach the tag to the gift(s) you are returning and don't wrap them.

  • Please try to return the unwrapped gift under the tree by December 15th with the card

  • God bless your generosity!

Christmas Bags for Kids

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

  • We suggest small oranges (cuties), Christmas cards, coloring books, crayons, activity books, and individually wrapped candy.

  • We plan to give away 40 bags.

  • Drop off items in office by December 17th (we’re packing bags the 17th)

  • 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 25th to be counted as 2022 gifts. Gifts received after that date will be considered 2023 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!

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email “Unsubscribe” to church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 November 17

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Thanksgiving and Kingdom Thanksgivings

We’ll give thanks to God together November 23rd 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.

  • 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 it to the wall

Children’s Christmas service

The Children’s Christmas service will be on December 18th at 9:30 am.

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

Can’t wait to hear them!

Children's Christmas Service 2022 — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

Otsego Hometown Christmas

Otsego’s “Hometown Christmas” event will take place December 3rd.

We have 2 chances to participate:

  • hot cocoa - need 12 people to serve cocoa to attendees, we have 4

  • parade security team - need 20 people to help keep kids safe at the Christmas parade. The link for the sign up is here! https://signup.com/go/OXBCLja

Security survey

This is the last chance to share thoughts and questions related to an armed security team. We’ll let you know what the results are!

You can fill out the form https://peace.breezechms.com/form/d4cb43 or pick up a paper copy on site.

 

Don Hutchinson and family

Bill McNees and family

I’d like to thank the Hayes family - Jason, Tamara, Zach, Kloey, and Kassidy. Jason makes great chili each year. Tamara teaches once or twice each month. Zach reads lessons. They all help out often. I’m grateful to them and hope you’ll stop to thank them.

Christian Neighbors items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Ushers for November are Jim Winkel

Upcoming events (full calendar)

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

Children's Christmas Service 2022

Children's Christmas Service 2022

Children’s Christmas Service

December 18th

9:30

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

  • Sundays during their lessons at 9:30 am

  • Saturday December 17th 10:00 am

  • December 18th 8:45 am before service

Service plan

Children up to 5th grade should sit in the first 3 rows.

Advent Gathering (Invocation, Confession of Sins)

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

We need joy! 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

A reason for joy: 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

Sharing the joy: Luke 2:16-20 (2nd - 5th grade)

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.

Joy Has Dawned

(we’ll sing a simplified version of this song, same lyrics)

I’m filled with joy

Psalm 98 (Clara Timmermann)

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

2 The Lord has made his salvation known and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;

5 make music to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing,

6 with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn— shout for joy before the Lord, the King.

7 Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy;

9 let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity.


Isaiah 52:7-10 (Lillianne Larson)

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” 8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the Lord returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the Lord has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. 10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.


Go Tell it On the Mountain (CW 57)

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

STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT READING CAN RETURN TO THEIR SEATS IN THE FRONT ROWS

You too be filled with Joy

John 15:9-17 (Kloey Hayes and Zach Hayes)

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other


Philippians 2:5-18 (Pastor T

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

12 Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. 17 But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 18 So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Joy to the World (CW 62)

Congregational hymn


Fall 2022-2023 Children's Ministry

Schedule

CrossExplorations Old Testament Series 2

Date
Lesson
Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
9/11/2022
Lesson
Lesson 1
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Rachel
Date
9/18/2022
Lesson
Lesson 2
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Tamara and Laurie
Date
9/25/2022
Lesson
Lesson 3
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Date
10/02/2022
Lesson
Lesson 4
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Macayla
Date
10/09/2022
Lesson
Lesson 5
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Sarah G
Date
10/16/2022
Lesson
No class - worship with family
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Date
10/23/2022
Lesson
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Rachel
Date
10/30/2022
Lesson
Lesson 6
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Tamara and Laurie
Date
11/06/2022
Lesson
Lesson 7 - Moses and the Plagues
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Macayla
Date
11/13/2022
Lesson
Lesson 8 - The Passover
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Tamara H, Laurie B fill in
Date
11/20/2022
Lesson
No class - worship with family
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
11/27/2022
Lesson
Lesson 9 - Crossing the Red Sea
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Rachel T
Date
12/04/2022
Lesson
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Sarah G
Date
12/11/2022
Lesson
Lesson 10 - God provides manna, water, and quail
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Macayla W
Date
12/18/2022
Lesson
No class - Children's Christmas Service
Date
12/25/2022
Lesson
No class - Christmas service
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
1/1/2023
Lesson
No class - Christmas break
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
1/8/2023
Lesson
Lesson 11 - The Ten Commandments
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Sarah G
Date
1/15/2023
Lesson
Lesson 12 - Worship in the Tabernacle
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
????
Teacher
Zach and Laurie
Date
1/22/2023
Lesson
No class - worship with family
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
Teacher
Date
1/29/2023
Lesson
Lesson 13 - The Bronze Serpent
Project, Craft, Project, Craft, Special activity
???
Teacher
Rachel T

Good news for Peace November 10

 

Hello friends of Peace,

We Worship - Musicians

The names are coming in! 2 months ago we invited the whole congregation to collect names of people who could possibly, some day, help us glorify God with music. We’d like to collect those names now so we can all pray for these people, and begin to talk to them about joining us.

This is our first step in developing the future of worship and music at Peace. We’ve got a lot more to come and can’t wait to see what God does among us.

We Worship! Worship and music at Peace — Peace Lutheran Church (peaceotsego.org)

We’ve got a basket on the next steps table. Drop your cards filled with names there - or message church.

Kingdom Thanksgivings

We’ll give thanks to God together November 23rd 6:30 pm at our Thanksgiving Service.

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 it to the wall

Come and Help! (Advent 2022)

Starting November 27th, Peace will spend time expecting Jesus’ coming. We call this time “Advent”.

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

This Advent as we meditate on God’s Word, we will learn to ask God to come and help, just as his people did long ago.

A traditional Advent decoration is an Advent wreath. 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

Children’s Christmas service

Our kids are getting to 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 18th at 9:30 am.

If you’d like to have your kids participate in this year’s Christmas service for kids, please let pastor or our teachers know.

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

Can’t wait to hear them!

Love Came Down: Christmas 2022

We’ll celebrate the greatest gift of love December 24th at 4:30 or 6:30 pm, and December 25th at 9:30. Save the date and please join us for Christmas!

 

Don Hutchinson and family

Bill McNees and family

Daniel Bosch (Squeeks)

Helga Harris

I’d like to thank Pete and Donna Weyenberg. They have jumped into Peace’s work wholeheartedly. Pete comes to our site many weeks to work on our facility and keep it in good shape. Donna recently organized our Trunk or Treat and is a committed part of our Wednesday night study group. I’m so thankful for them and be sure to thank them yourself!

Christian Neighbors items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Ushers for November are Kart Wedge and Jim Winkel

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • November 11th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon

  • November 11th 6:30 pm Bunco

  • November 11th 8:00 pm Youth Crew lock in (leave at 7:00 pm)

  • November 18th 11:00 pm Ladies Guild

  • November 23rd 6:30 pm Thanksgiving

  • December 3rd 4:00 pm Hometown Christmas

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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 November 3

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Telling our gospel story: Welcome Home

First, thank you for enjoying and praising God for our gospel-bringing story. Welcome Home was a wonderful time - welcoming new people, celebrating our history, and looking to our future.

Please welcome our new faces, congratulate the chili makers, and keep praying about musicians!

Trunk or Treat

Thanks to the great Trunk or Treat Team! We had a wonderful time welcoming all the kids and families to our campus. Thank you!

Christmas Banner

Thanks for the banner input. Blue won! We appreciate the input. Peace - Otsego | Facebook

Fall Work Day!

Fall Work Day Saturday November 5th 9:00 - 12:00. This is an important time to get our facility ready for the winter. We’ll be doing lots of tasks, including:

  • final leaf clean up

  • prep parking lot for plowing with stakes and clean up

  • shovels, salt out

  • clean up the barn

I know we all have homes (and some even second homes) that need work before the winter. Our facility does too. I appreciate all you do so we can keep using it for ministry!

Michigan Lutheran Seminary (high school - MLS)

Michigan Lutheran Seminary, an affiliated Christian high school, is now accepting applications for the 2023-24 school year. Families can submit an application by visiting mlsem.org/apply. The online application should only take about ten minutes to complete and there is no fee. Families that apply before December 31 will be entered in a raffle for a $500 tuition credit. Those who apply before January 31 will be entered to win a $250 tuition credit. We’re already excited to welcome a new class of Cardinals to campus next fall!

We Worship - Musicians

2 months ago we invited the whole congregation to collect names of people who could possibly, some day, help us glorify God with music. We’d like to collect those names now so we can all pray for these people, and begin to talk to them, if possible, about joining us.

We’ve got a basket on the next steps table. Drop your cards filled with names there!

Other notes

 

Don Hutchinson and family

Bill McNees and family

Daniel Bosch (Squeeks)

Veterans

Hunters and hunting season

Please welcome and thank Bill and Helga. They have joined us and jumped right in. We’re glad to have them as part of the team. Please stop and thank them when you can.

Christian Neighbors items for November are pancake mix and syrup.

Ushers for November are Kart Wedge and Jim Winkel

Upcoming events (full calendar)

  • November 5th 9:00 am Fall Work Day

  • November 11th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon

  • November 11th 6:30 pm Bunco

  • November 11th 8:00 pm Youth Crew lock in (leave at 7:00 pm)

  • November 18th 11:00 pm Ladies Guild

  • December 3rd 4:00 pm Hometown Christmas

  • December 24th 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm Christmas Eve

 

Got this from a friend? Sign up here!

Unsubscribe? Email church@peaceotsego.org

Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting.

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

131 Youth Crew November - Lock in

131 Youth Crew November - Lock in

Dear 131 Youth Crew, 

So good to enjoy the gathering with you all on October 22nd!

Our next event is bowling and a lock in with Holy Trinity (Wyoming) on November 11th, 8:00.

After bowling, we’ll go back to Holy Trinity for board games, gym games, pizza, activities, and some sleeping (if we have to, in separate rooms).

Schedule

  • 7:30 meet at Holy Trinity to drop off stuff (optional)

  • 8:00 bowling @ Park Center Lanes in Wyoming

  • 10 pm approximately back to Holy Trinity for games, food, sleep

  • 7:00 am Saturday pick up

Cost is $20. Please bring it with to cover bowling, food, etc.

We’ve got a great team of chaperones. Can’t wait to see you!

Questions? Please contact your local leader.

For all the Youth Crew gatherings for 2022-2023 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2022/8/2/131-youth-crew-2022-2023

https://www.facebook.com/131youthcrew

Want to invite a friend or neighbor to participate? Pass on this link so they can sign up for updates! https://peace.breezechms.com/form/0e38d3

Can't wait to see how God grows our faith together this year!

In Jesus,
The 131 Youth Crew team - Pastor Dave Rockhoff, Principal Luke Scherschel, Pastor Al Kirschbaum, the Wedge family, Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann