Good news for Peace for July 17th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

What do you want to do with your life?

I love how when Paul tells Timothy to “fight the battle well, 19 holding on to faith and a good conscience (1 Timothy 1:18-19), he goes on to tell different groups of people how to live: worshippers, elders, widows, wives, and slaves. Christian faith looks like different things in different lives.

I’m inviting you this summer to “fight the battle” and “pursue righteousness, goodness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness” no matter what your life looks like now - husband or wife, single man, single woman, son, daughter, widow, student, employee, manager, or owner. Each week we’ll take a new step in living in faith, no matter where God has placed us.

We’ll be walking through 1 Timothy and Michael Berg’s book, “Vocation: The Setting for Human Flourishing”. I encourage you to read 1 Timothy to prepare, and if you have a chance, check out Berg’s book. https://online.nph.net/vocation-the-setting-for-human-flourishing.html

  • Are we called to do or be? 1 Timothy 1:12-20

See you Sunday at 9:30 outside (weather permitting)!

Encouragement regarding Sexuality

The council of Peace knows that we have many questions about sexuality. For that reason, we have prepared a brief encouragement statement on sexuality. It is our intention to provide guidance to God’s people connected to Peace on this topic.

We’d like to discuss this statement with you before we ratify it and release it. Please pick up a copy from the next steps table or contact the church office. What could be improved? What is good? What needs works? Please let us know.

Questions and suggestions can be directed to pastor, who will bring them to the council.

Thank you!

Friendship Sunday Carnival

Let's be friends.

People of Otsego, Plainwell and beyond are invited to a chill community carnival on Sunday August 3rd from 10:30 - 12:30 (all are welcome to the service at 9:30 too!)

We'll have food, a cruise-in, games, bingo, andd a bounce house!

No cost, come make some friends!

Jesus says, I no longer call you servants but friends

Share with your friends! https://www.facebook.com/share/1CEWd7U4qZ/

Run!

The Otsego Ready or Not 5K kicks off the fall running season. If we put together a team, we can enter the fastest church competition!

August 2nd 8:00 am! Only $30. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

Calendar

July 19th 9:30 am Christian Theology

July 20th 9:30 service and catechism

July 25th 6:30 Family Game Night

August 2nd 8:00 am Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday and Carnival (10:30)

September 21st 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home





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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 for July 3rd

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Happy Independence Day!

Christians know freedom is good and we love it.

God says, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17) A spirit cannot be stopped by boundaries and limitations. It is free in the sense that it can go where it wants and do what it wants. God is free like that, since he is spirit.

Christians have this true freedom “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free” (Romans 8:2). Jesus has fulfilled the law for us and given us the Holy Spirit. In the same way the Holy Spirit is free to conform to his own essence, so are we. We aren't dependent on a nation or state or country or political figure or speaker or therapist or anyone else. We aren’t constrained by arbitrary rules and boundaries.

We are still physical creatures and live in certain countries. We are limited by the laws of time, space, and country. Nevertheless, in our spirit, with the Spirit, we are free like no one else.

Friends, this 4th, use your freedom to set others free. Give them the Spirit so they can be free. Share the Word. Give the gospel. Live with grace. Let us be free.

And use your freedom with the rest of us to set people free. Be an active part of Peace. Serve your fellow Christians and the people who live around us. Our freedom should be a blessing.

Don't abuse your freedom. Don't use it to avoid God and his Word. Read his Word daily. Pay careful attention to what he says.

This weekend, practice your freedom in real ways. I'll see you Sunday to celebrate with you.

Have a happy 4th of July! How will you celebrate this great day? Let me know! (outdoor service weather permitting this Sunday).

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

The congregation held a special voters’ meeting this past Sunday. We conducted a number of small business matters but chiefly focused on facility sharing.

After discussion, the congregation voted to pursue facility sharing.

What this means is that we are beginning to actively consider other organizations who might like to use our facility alongside the congregation. We are not looking for another church. We had an initial long list of nonprofits, white collar businesses, daycares, preschools, and more.

We’ll share more in the coming weeks and if you have a question please ask! For more information see the notes linked in the agenda. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTfqV4lJPSP_N9sdOTUivv5-iBJnttFX_3veO7Q5L1k/edit?tab=t.0

All members of Peace may sign up to receive regular notices regarding our gospel work at https://peace.breezechms.com/form/62dd85

Native Prairie

As we look at the future of this site and facility, we’re considering what to do with the field. For a few reasons, we are not looking to sell it (although we can reconsider that often) and are testing out a more “native prairie” style of habitat.

There is plenty of information available about native prairies. Western Michigan University has tested one. https://wmich.edu/asylumlake/ecology/restore We are not committed to one, but are exploring it.

We are interested in what is in the “seed bank”. For this reason, we are currently not mowing the field. Later this fall, we’ll see what has grown and what could develop. We hope to have something of a site and facility plan this fall.

Would you please help pastor and the council on a site plan focused on the landscape? Please reach out to pastor and the council. Thanks! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JO-N5PPcvyOz8JiWcnpncqZsfvuGB149z2y3e0h7TlQ/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.6wd8oorhx0td




Ramp installed

Thanks to the ramp crew for the recent ramp installation!

Would you like us to help out someone with a ramp? Help them get to church and family life? We’d be happy to help.

Please reach out to the office.

Friendship Sunday Carnival

Let's be friends.

People of Otsego, Plainwell and beyond are invited to a chill community carnival on Sunday August 3rd from 10:30 - 12:30 (all are welcome to the service at 9:30 too!)

We'll have food, a cruise-in, games, bingo, andd a bounce house!

No cost, come make some friends!

Jesus says, I no longer call you servants but friends

Share with your friends! https://www.facebook.com/share/1CEWd7U4qZ/

Run!

The Otsego Ready or Not 5K kicks off the fall running season. If we put together a team, we can enter the fastest church competition!

August 2nd 8:00 am! Only $30. https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

Calendar

July 6th 9:30 am Service

July 19th 9:30 am Christian Theology

July 20th 9:30 service and catechism

July 25th 6:30 Family Game Night

August 2nd 8:00 am Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday and Carnival (10:30)

September 21st 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home





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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 for June 26th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

The Apostle Paul wrote, “I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses”.

Fredrich Nietzsche wrote, “What is good?—All that increases the feeling of power, will to power, power itself, in man. What is happiness?—The feeling that power increases—that a resistance is overcome.”

Can 2 sentiments be any more different? Weakness, or strong will? Which will you choose? Power or suffering?

When we follow Jesus, we know that we will experience weakness and suffering. How can we do weakness well?

Join me Sunday at 9:30 (indoors) as we enjoy God’s power in our weakness.

PS Big thanks to Tom Wright for his help last week. Appreciate you Tom and the work of God in you :-)

Dietriech Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) was a Christian Lutheran pastor in Germany.

He was spiritually renewed through the Christian life with the people of Bethel. After that, he returned to the Berlin area and started an underground seminary that resisted the Nazi regime. He was compassionate to the poor, the widow, the disabled, and the outcast. He was moved by the Spirit. He had a profound inner life shaped by meditation and lived humbly in community. He is said to have helped the resistance plans in significant ways.

Join my family for a movie night June 28th 4:30 pm.

Pizza and snacks over the dinner hour :-)

We just wrapped up an awesome Easter series answering some really hard questions. If any of these can help you, please feel free to use and share.

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: Who are you preparing to answer? What questions are they asking?

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

The congregation will hold a voters’ meeting on June 29th to review our current situation and to decide on facility sharing. Please join us after service at 10:45 in the family center for this key business meeting. Our voters will conduct the business.

All the documents for the meeting, including the facility sharing info, are linked in the agenda: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTfqV4lJPSP_N9sdOTUivv5-iBJnttFX_3veO7Q5L1k/edit?tab=t.0

All members of Peace may sign up to receive regular notices regarding our gospel work at https://peace.breezechms.com/form/62dd85

Team and Task Time

Team and Task Time is a chance for all the people connected to Peace to work together.

We meet at 6:30 pm and update on the people, then assign work and divvy up tasks.

We’re working on all kinds of things right now - our prayer initiative and friendship Sunday

I would be glad to have your help Tuesday July 1st at 6:30!

Calendar

June 28th 4:30 pm Bonhoeffer movie

June 29th 9:30 am Service

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

July 1st 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

July 6th 9:30 am Service

July 19th 9:30 am Christian Theology

July 20th 9:30 service and catechism

July 25th 6:30 Family Game Night

August 2nd 8:00 am Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday





Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 on June 29th 2025

 

Hello friends of Peace,

A special voters’ meeting will take place on June 29th at 10:45 am. All members are welcome to attend; voting members should attend. A forum will take place on June 8th to prepare.

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.

Our main focus at these meetings is to assess our 2025 ministry progress and to decide regarding facility sharing.

Everything needed for the meeting, including the documents on facility sharing, are linked in the agenda.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTfqV4lJPSP_N9sdOTUivv5-iBJnttFX_3veO7Q5L1k/edit?tab=t.0

All members of Peace may sign up to receive regular notices regarding our gospel work at https://peace.breezechms.com/form/62dd85

 

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 for June 6th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

The resurrection of Jesus gives us a good reason to trust God. In the weeks after Easter, we’ve been practicing explaining and defending our faith with the resurrection.

We need to answer a number of questions:

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: Who are you preparing to answer? What questions are they asking?

PS Send us a photo of your graduating student so we can pray for them.

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

The congregation will hold a forum on June 8th and a voters’ meeting on June 29th to review our current situation and decide on facility sharing.

As documents are available for the meeting, they will be posted here. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/202506voters

The key document most of you will be interested in is the “Facility Sharing and Memorandum of Understanding” document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TF_ig0aUbT1lknwh3htX6AB9l5GVBd4pVi3G-M9FsBk/edit?usp=drive_link

Prayer Walking

Want to get out in our neighborhood and slowly start to meet people without knocking on doors? Come prayer walk with me on Saturday June 14th at 10:00 am.

Prayer walk is an easy way to serve and support the people of Otsego - Plainwell. It goes like this:

  • Meet at church just before 10

  • Pray together, get instruction for walking, and pick a route

  • Walk the route, pray for homes and ask for God to lead us to particular people


Calendar

June 8th 9:30 am Service

June 8th 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

June 8th 2:00 pm St Peter’s Dorr 125th Anniversary Service

June 11th 1:00 pm Ladies Lunch Out at Lynx

June 11th 1:00 pm Mens Lunch Out at 4 Roses

June 12th 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

June 12th 6:00 pm Class for those Interested in Peace

June 14th 10:00 am Prayer Walk

June 15th 10:45 am Service and catechism

June 22nd 10:45 NO catechism

June 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology

June 28th 4:30 pm Bonhoeffer movie

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

July 25th 6:30 Family Game Night

August 2nd 8:00 am Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday





Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for May 29th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Outdoor service this Sunday weather permitting! :-)

The resurrection of Jesus gives us a good reason to trust God. In the weeks after Easter, we’ve been practicing explaining and defending our faith with the resurrection.

We need to answer a number of questions:

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: Who are you preparing to answer? What questions are they asking?
PS: St Peter’s Dorr is celebrating 125 years on June 8th. Stop by the counter and sign a card for them.

Graduating Students

Students are graduating all over the place - preschool, middle school, high school, and college. Are you or your kid graduating? Send pastor a photo so we can recognize and pray for them over the coming weeks.

God be with and watch over our graduates. May he lead them to godly fruitful lives!

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

The congregation will hold a forum on June 8th and a voters’ meeting on June 29th to review our current situation and decide on facility sharing.

As documents are available for the meeting, they will be posted here. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/202506voters

Bonhoeffer Movie Night

Dietriech Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) was a Christian Lutheran pastor in Germany. He was spiritually renewed through the Christian life with the people of Bethel. After that, he returned to the Berlin area and started an underground seminary that resisted the Nazi regime. He was compassionate to the poor, the widow, the disabled, and the outcast. He was moved by the Spirit. He had a profound inner life shaped by meditation and lived humbly in community. He is said to have helped the resistance plans in significant ways.

Join my family for a movie night June 28th 4:30 pm.

Pizza and snacks over the dinner hour :-)

Native Prairie - Calling Gardeners

We are working to develop the field into a native prairie. We are trying to cultivate native plants in it and destroy pests.

In order to see what the field could become, we’ve created a test wildlife area between the barn and the pavilion. This small area includes various natural plants that might fill the field one day.

Here is more info developing. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JO-N5PPcvyOz8JiWcnpncqZsfvuGB149z2y3e0h7TlQ/edit?tab=t.0

Enjoy! Please don’t mow or run them over :-)

Calendar

May 31st 2:00 pm Ethan Wedge Graduation gathering at. the Wedge house

June 3rd 5:00 pm Team and Task Time

June 5th 6:00 pm Class for those Interested in Peace

June 8th 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

June 8th 2:00 pm St Peter’s Dorr 125th Anniversary Service

June 11th 1:00 pm Ladies Lunch Out at Lynx

June 11th 1:00 pm Mens Lunch Out at 4 Roses

June 12th 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

June 14th 10:00 am Prayer Walk

June 15th 10:45 am Summer Catechism begins

June 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology

June 28th 4:30 pm Bonhoeffer movie

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

July 25th 6:30 Family Game Night

August 2nd 8:00 am Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday





Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for May 24

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Students, you did a great job learning God's Word this year.

How many Bible stories do you think you learned? Keep up the good work!

Thank you to those of you who showed up and encouraged the students. Appreciate you!

We’ve got a couple of little things going on: -

PS: Easter take down this Sunday after service. Could you please stay for a few minutes and help clean up?

PPS: Ascension service on May 29th at 6:30 pm https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/ascension2025

PPSS: St Peter’s Dorr is celebrating 125 years on June 8th. Stop by the counter and sign a card for them.

PPPSS: Friendship Sunday August 3rd - how are your friendships? https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/friendship2025

The resurrection of Jesus gives us a good reason to trust God. In the weeks after Easter, we’ve been practicing explaining and defending our faith with the resurrection.

We need to answer a number of questions:

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: Who are you preparing to answer? What questions are they asking?


Facility Sharing

Thank you to those who have taken a little time to ask questions and discuss the idea of facility sharing. This is helping me and the rest of the council work through the issue

Please remember right now that we are focused on the big question, “Should We Share This Facility”. We won’t go forward seeking any other users without congregational input.

We’ll keep working on this question and share information as it develops. The council will meet this Tuesday May 27th to attempt to formalize a first draft of a sharing agreement.

Memorial Day

This week we honor those who gave their life to serve us. We would also like to thank our service members listed below for the sacrifices they made for us.

Even if you won’t be able to be with us this weekend, please pray for those who have served:

Heavenly Father, as our nation pauses today to remember thosechurchandstate in the military who have given their lives for freedoms we enjoy, we pray you would have us all look to you for strength, comfort and guidance. Be with all who serve in our Armed Forces. Bless them and their families. Grant your loving protection. Let peace prevail among all the nations, O God. Especially let your mercy rest upon our land, even as we acknowledge with thanksgiving your past goodness on this country. If it is your will, preserve the lives of the men and women in uniform as they defend our citizenry. Most of all, we pray that you would turn the hearts of all – military and civilian – to your holy Word where we find the true peace for our sinful souls that surpasses all understanding. Keep us repentant of sin. Move us to know, take hold and treasure your saving grace. In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Your beloved Son, who alone gives this peace and hope for eternity, we pray. Amen. (https://els.org/prayer-for-memorial-day/)

Irwin Bolenbaugh Ralph Holewa Paul Myers

Gary Coombs Richard Ueck

Shawn Gavan Don Hutchinson

John Gazley Jim Walkley

David Grimm Daton Wright

Gretchen Handley Allen Keller

Charles Handley Thomas Klein

Tom Handley Ron Miller



Graduating Students

Students are graduating all over the place - preschool, middle school, high school, and college. Are you or your kid graduating? Send pastor a photo so we can recognize and pray for them over the coming weeks.

God be with and watch over our graduates. May he lead them to godly fruitful lives!

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

The congregation will hold a forum on June 8th and a voters’ meeting on June 29th to review our current situation and decide on facility sharing.

As documents are available for the meeting, they will be posted here. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/202506voters

Ladies Lunch Outing

All ladies are welcome to a summer lunch on June 11th at 1:00 at the Lynx (outside Otsego).

All ladies will receive an invite in the coming weeks.

Question: Will you please join us? Please RSVP to Jane Holewa (269-680-9060).

Mens Lunch

All men are invited to a summer lunch on June 11th at 1:00 pm at the 4 Roses.

Questions or to arrange rides, please contact Paul Retberg (269-382-6677)

Bonhoeffer Movie Night

Tough times make hard men.

Dietriech Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) lived through some of the toughest times of the last 100 years. He was resilient in the face of Nazi oppression. But he wasn’t tough like many others. He was compassionate to the poor, the widow, the disabled, and the outcast. He was moved by the Spirit. He had a profound inner life shaped by meditation and lived humbly in community.

Want to know more about this fascinating figure?

Join my family for a movie night June 28th 4:30 pm.

Pizza and snacks over the dinner hour :-)

Calling all Gardeners

We are not planning to mow the field this summer. We’d like to save the time and gas. We’d like to see what the field might become.

We know we can’t just let the field go wild. Unproductive and destructive plants will likely grow right alongside good and productive plants.

In order to see what the field could become, we’re creating a test wildlife area between the barn and the pavilion. This small area will include various natural plants that might fill the field one day.

  • First, please don’t mow or run them over :-)

  • Second, we could use a few gardeners to help get it going. Would you help with some planting? Please get ahold of pastor/the office.

Calendar

May 25th 9:30 service, bake sale

May 29th 6:30 pm Ascension service

June 3rd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

June 8th 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

June 11th 1:00 pm Ladies Lunch Out at Lynx

June 11th 1:00 pm Mens Lunch Out at 4 Roses

June 12th 12:00 pm Senior Luncheon

June 13th 10:00 am Prayer Walk

June 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology

June 28th 4:30 pm Bonhoeffer movie

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday





Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for May 15

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Are you okay? The storm was pretty bad in some places last night. As best I know, our people are okay. I praise God that he protected us.

Thanks mom for your service. God be with you in your work.

PS: Ascension service on May 29th at 6:30 pm https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/ascension2025

PPS: Friendship Sunday August 3rd - how are your friendships? https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/friendship2025

Student Recognition this week!

Our PreK to 5th grade students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes on Sunday May 18th. They’ll take a break for the summer and have a kids lesson with pastor each week.

On May 18th, we’ll have a recognition during service and a lunch/celebration to follow.

  • Peace will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and root beer floats.

  • Someone is bringing veggies to share.

  • For fun we are …

    • Flying kites!

    • Roasting peeps!

    • And playing kickball if we want

Please encourage the students this Sunday. Hope to see you!

The resurrection of Jesus gives us a good reason to trust God. In the weeks after Easter, we’ve been practicing explaining and defending our faith with the resurrection.

We need to answer a number of questions:

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: Who are you preparing to answer? What questions are they asking?

Christian Theology

Jesus is the most divisive character in history. Christians have been very careful to explain who he is and what he has done.

Join me May 17th at 9:30 for our next talk in our Christian Theology series.

What do you think about Jesus?

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

Two key events coming up:

June 8th 10:45 there will be a congregational forum.

  • All are welcome to attend

  • Pastor and council will share an update on the “Three Paths Forward” in 2025

  • Update on the financial status

  • Discussion on facility sharing

June 29th 10:45 there will be a voters’ meeting (Business meeting)


  • Vote on facility sharing

As you can see, the big question we want to discuss is facility sharing.

We mentioned back on April 11th that some people at Peace have suggested we consider sharing the facility with another group or organization. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/20250411

The council considered this idea and weighed some options. As we did so, we ran into another local organization that was looking to share a facility - a church.

Facility sharing is different from facility use. Currently, people and organizations use Peace’s facility for lots of activities outside of Peace’s gospel ministry. A piano recital. A baby shower. A family reunion. These are occasional events connected to an individual or organization to use the facility. Facility sharing is regular use by an organization. It brings with it a whole host of questions - who will use it? When? What will the legal arrangement be? How much money is involved? Insurance? Facility maintenance? And lots more.

One organization that WELS congregations have relied on in the past is “SpaceTogether”. They equip congregations to share space. You might find some of their information useful. https://www.spacetogether.com/. If you’d like to learn more about the concept of facility sharing, you could listen to this podcast. https://churchanswers.com/podcasts/rainer-on-leadership/should-churches-share-their-campuses-with-other-non-profits/

We are looking to have the congregation address the general question: Should we share our facility with another organization?

  • We plan to publicize a statement on facility sharing for approval or rejection

  • We will release a facility sharing agreement for approval or rejection

What do you think about facility sharing? Do you think Peace could share our space with another organization?

Ladies Lunch Outing

All ladies are welcome to a summer lunch on June 11th at 1:00 at the Lynx (outside Otsego).

All ladies will receive an invite in the coming weeks.

Question: Will you please join us? Please RSVP to Jane Holewa (269-680-9060).

Calling all Gardeners

We are not planning to mow the field this summer. We’d like to save the time and gas. We’d like to see what the field might become.

We know we can’t just let the field go wild. Unproductive and destructive plants will likely grow right alongside good and productive plants.

In order to see what the field could become, we’re creating a test wildlife area between the barn and the pavilion. This small area will include various natural plants that might fill the field one day.

  • First, please don’t mow or run them over :-)

  • Second, we could use a few gardeners to help get it going. Would you help with some planting? Please get ahold of pastor/the office.

Privacy and Security at Peace - Security Cameras

At Peace, we don’t feel the need to watch and video tape what people do on campus. We want to protect your privacy.

Nevertheless, we’ve got a couple of places we’d like to watch at times. We’d like to see packages and visitors at the front doors during off hours (since we don’t staff the office) and pastor would like to be able to check on the parsonage.

The council is looking into a few security cameras.

What do you think of security cameras?

Calendar

May 16th 6:30 pm Bunco

May 17th 9:30 am Christian Theology (Jesus the Messiah)

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year Student Recognition service

May 29th 6:30 pm Ascension service

June 8th 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

June 11th 1:00 pm Ladies Lunch Out at Lynx

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday





Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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

Friendship Sunday 2025

Friendship Sunday

We’re planning to connect with friends on Sunday August 3rd. We’ll have a little party together to build better relationships.

Question: How are your friendships? Time to start working on them!

Grab a neighborhood map and start praying for the people around you - both physical and relational.


Visit https://peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for May 8

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Rejoice! Christ lives!

The resurrection of Jesus gives us a good reason to trust God. over the next few weeks, I want us to practice explaining and defending our faith with the resurrection.

We need to answer a number of questions:

  • Is Christianity legitimate or valid? Should we let Christianity stay around? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ilpWCx7wk

  • Is Christianity good?

  • This week: Why does God allow so much suffering, especially if Jesus has risen fom the dead?

  • Does Christianity take all the fun out of life?

Let’s gather Sunday at 9:30 to answer these questions!

Question for you: What do you think is the biggest challenge to Christianity these days? What questions do you have a tough time answering?

PS Want some great music from kids? Enjoy the piano recital at Peace next Saturday May 10th 2:00 pm

PPS Summer outdoor services will begin June 1st. For more, see last week’s news: https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/20250501

What’s a mother to do?

Sadly, since we live in a sinful world, the mother/child relationship is tainted with sin. Children from little on throw tantrums, disobey mom, and are sometimes even disrespectful. Children lie, steal, hate, and the list goes on. Much has been written about motherhood, but you can’t buy one self­-help book that offers a solution to every problem mothers face in life. “Surely I was sinful at birth, in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5) So what’s a mother to do?

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5

Here, in Paul’s second letter to Timothy, we see what one believing mother and grandmother did. We do not know much about Timothy’s mother or grandmother, other than what we are told here. Eunice and Lois were faithful believing women. They knew they were sinners, and that young Timothy also had inherited that sinful nature. They also knew the good news of Jesus, their Savior from sin. There was no reason to despair or wonder what to do. Their problem of sin had been removed through the blood of Jesus, which had taken away their sins and Timothy’s too. Timothy, Eunice, and Lois were God’s forgiven children. This mother and grandmother shared Jesus’ forgiving love, which prompted Timothy want to share it also.

We hear in his letter to Timothy that Paul wants to take Timothy with him on a missionary journey. Paul mentions Eunice, Timothy’s mother, and Lois, Timothy’s grandmother as having an influence on Timothy. And now Timothy wants to share the good news of Jesus’ love with others. We are told he got that foundation from a faithful believing mother and grandmother.

It is the privilege and joy of every Christian mother to instruct her children in the love of Jesus. Remember your Christian mother, if you were blessed with one. If you are a mother, give your children that godly foundation and pray that God will make that something great for his kingdom.

Question: Children, can we help you thank God for your mother this Sunday? Send a picture of your family so we can join you in prayer. Email church@peaceotsego.org or text 269-694-6104.

(Content taken from https://wels.net/dev-women/what-mother-do/)

Formal Wear for “Senior” Prom

Thanks for the donations so far!

Plainwell LifeCare Center is hosting a prom for its residents. They are looking for nicer attire that will fit senior adults.

They intend to clean the clothes and send them back; please be aware that there is always a risk.

If you have clothes you can lend, please consider doing so. I work with these adults regularly with Bible study, prayer, and worship. I would love to see them have a happy celebration.

Do we still have clothes we can share?

Student Recognition

Our PreK to 5th grade students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes on Sunday May 18th. They’ll take a break for the summer and have a kids lesson with pastor each week.

On May 18th, we’ll have a recognition during service and a lunch/celebration to follow.

  • Peace will provide hot dogs, hamburgers, and chips

  • Someone is bringing veggies to share.

  • Someone else is bringing root beer floats

  • Let’s play some kickball!

Will you play kickball? Good times!


Ascension

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9

Jesus of Nazareth has ascended to rule and reign for his Father over all things for the good of his people. We may no longer see him, but he is still with us - just like we carry our spouses in us all the time.

Question: Will you join me to proclaim the Ascension of Jesus on May 29th at 6:30 pm.

Ladies Lunch Outing

All ladies are welcome to a summer lunch on June 11th at 1:00 at the Lynx (outside Otsego).

All ladies will receive an invite in the coming weeks.

Question: Will you please join us? Please RSVP to Jane Holewa (269-680-9060).

Congregational Forum and Voters’ Meeting

Two key events coming up:

June 8th 10:45 there will be a congregational forum.

  • All are welcome to attend

  • Pastor and council will share an update on the “Three Paths Forward” in 2025

  • Update on the financial status

  • Discussion on facility sharing

June 29th 10:45 there will be a voters’ meeting (Business meeting)

  • Vote on facility sharing

As you can see, the big question we want to discuss is facility sharing.

We mentioned back on April 11th that some people at Peace have suggested we consider sharing the facility with another group or organization. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/20250411

The council considered this idea and weighed some options. As we did so, we ran into another local organization that was looking to share a facility - a church.

Facility sharing is different from facility use. Currently, people and organizations use Peace’s facility for lots of activities outside of Peace’s gospel ministry. A piano recital. A baby shower. A family reunion. These are occasional events connected to an individual or organization to use the facility. Facility sharing is regular use by an organization. It brings with it a whole host of questions - who will use it? When? What will the legal arrangement be? How much money is involved? Insurance? Facility maintenance? And lots more.

One organization that WELS congregations have relied on in the past is “SpaceTogether”. They equip congregations to share space. You might find some of their information useful. https://www.spacetogether.com/. If you’d like to learn more about the concept of facility sharing, you could listen to this podcast. https://churchanswers.com/podcasts/rainer-on-leadership/should-churches-share-their-campuses-with-other-non-profits/

We are looking to have the congregation address the general question: Should we share our facility with another organization?

  • We plan to publicize a statement on facility sharing for approval or rejection

  • We will release a facility sharing agreement for approval or rejection

What do you think about facility sharing? Do you think Peace could share our space with another organization?

Friendship Sunday

We’re planning to connect with friends on Sunday August 3rd. We’ll have a little party together to build better relationships.

Question: How are your friendships? Time to start working on them!

Grab a neighborhood map and start praying for the people around you - both physical and relational.

Calendar

May 10th 2:00 pm Piano Recital (Noah Szczembara)

May 11th 9:30 am Service (Mother’s Day) and catechism

May 15th 6:00 pm Class for those interested in Peace

May 17th 9:30 am Christian Theology (Jesus the Messiah)

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year Student Recognition service

May 29th 6:30 pm Ascension service

June 8th 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

June 29th 10:45 am Voters’ meeting

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday




Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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

He rules - Ascension 2025

He rules - Ascension 2025

He Rules - Ascension 2025

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” Philippians 2:9

Jesus of Nazareth has ascended to rule and reign for his Father over all things for the good of his people. We may no longer see him, but he is still with us - just like we carry our spouses in us all the time.

Question: Will you join me to proclaim the Ascension of Jesus on May 29th at 6:30 pm.


Visit https://peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for May 1

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

I remain thankful for Easter and our elebration of Christ’s victory over death.

That victory lasts.

Over the next few weeks, I want to practice explaining and defending the resurrection with you. We need to answer a number of questions:

  • Is Christianity legitimate or valid? Should we let Christianity stay around? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07ilpWCx7wk

  • Is Christianity good?

  • Why does God allow so much suffering, especially if Jesus has risen fom the dead?

  • Does Christianity take all the fun out of life?

Please come enjoy God’s Word and worship him with me Sundays at 9:30 am!

PS Want some great music from kids? Enjoy the piano recital at Peace next Sunday May 10th 2:00 pm

Work Day

Spring Work Day is Saturday May 3rd at Peace 9:30 - 12:00. Work day is a day for us all to show up and make the property ready for use.

Spring Work Day is different from the regular maintenance work. The maintenance work is a small group of guys who focus on technical tasks to keep the property running.

Work Day is a day for everyone to get the tasks done that take lots of time and energy.

Here are a few things we plan to do:

  • Deep cleaning - vacuum - lots of vacuuming! Please bring your vacuums.

  • Rake, pick up sticks, trim, trim trees, mow

Full list at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1agUMh-R0CRjbUj0WczAdkWVzoQtbKUn9K3uoYjBo8II/edit?tab=t.0

Plan to join us!

We’ll have donuts and coffee to keep everyone going!


Formal Wear for “Senior” Prom

Plainwell LifeCare Center is hosting a prom for its residents. They are looking for nicer attire that will fit senior adults.

They intend to clean the clothes and send them back; please be aware that there is always a risk.

If you have clothes you can lend, please consider doing so. I work with these adults regularly with Bible study, prayer, and worship. I would love to see them have a happy celebration.

Thank you!

Outdoor Services

Peace will offer and enjoy services in the great outdoors this summer.

Outdoor services will be at least the first and third Sundays of the month: June 1, June 15, July 6, July 20, August 4, August 18, and September 7.

Outdoor services will be weather dependent - if it is too hot, too cold, buggy, wet, etc, we’ll move inside!

Invite your friends to enjoy these wonderful services!

Friendship Sunday

We’re planning to connect with friends on Sunday August 3rd. We’ll have a little party together to build better relationships.

How are your friendships? Time to start working on them!

Grab a neighborhood map and start praying for the people around you - both physical and relational.

Calendar

May 3rd 9:30 am Spring Work Day

May 4th 9:30 am service and catechism

May 6th 10:00 Coffee and Craft Time!

May 6th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

May 8th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon and bingo

May 8th 6:00 pm Class for those interested in Peace

May 10th 2:00 pm Piano Recital (Noah Szczembara)

May 11th 9:30 am Service (Mother’s Day) and catechism

May 17th 9:30 am Christian Theology (Jesus the Messiah)

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year Student Recognition

May 29th 6:30 pm Ascension service

June 1st 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

August 3rd 9:30 Friendship Sunday




Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for April 24th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Thanks for Easter! It was a wonderful day.

From the animals, to the egg hunt, to the photo spot, the lunch, the community meal baskets, and the wonderful service, I couldn’t have asked for a better day with our Savior and you.

Jesus died for injustice and evil, he rose for vindication and good. A real Easter.

Watch the Easter sermon https://youtu.be/jiDNwseUdAM

Take an Easter quiz https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeF9-Hf7fvw0R_YKqqa98A8BIMbXOw8tVVfeAdu7osHeQkV_Q/viewform?usp=header

Watch out for those “empty tomb” stories!

EMPTY! Easter Escape Room

EMPTY! - Easter Escape Room
Peter & John have raced to see for themselves, the tomb is empty. But how? Where is Jesus' body, is this a robbery or a miracle?
Come join the adventure! Bring the family and experience the Real Easter.
Sunday, April 27th at 10:45 am Peace Lutheran.
805 S. Wilmott St
Otsego, MI


Work Day

Spring Work Day is Saturday May 3rd at Peace 9:30 - 12:00. Work day is a day for us all to show up and make the property ready for use.

Spring Work Day is different from the regular maintenance work. The maintenance work is a small group of guys who focus on technical tasks to keep the property running.

Work Day is a day for everyone to get the tasks done that take lots of time and energy.

Here are a few things we plan to do:

  • Deep cleaning

  • Trim trees

  • Rake as needed

Full list at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1agUMh-R0CRjbUj0WczAdkWVzoQtbKUn9K3uoYjBo8II/edit?tab=t.0

Plan to join us!

We’ll have donuts and coffee to keep everyone going!

Basic Faith for Middle School Students: Catechism

How do learn faith? How do we gain hearts that believe what is a good and true, and lives that live what is good and true?

Our answer is catechism - a special class designed for middle school students.

After our children receive education from preschool to 5th grade, middle school students (grades 6-8) receive the next level of instruction in catechism class. Catechism class systematically instructs students in the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Catechism doesn’t teach Bible stories; it teaches doctrine so we can gain the mind of Christ. 

If you’re a 6-8th grade student now or in the fall of 2025, I hope you’ll join me for this class. I love spending time with you and helping you learn to follow Jesus. 

If you are a parent of a 5th grader, please contact me so that I can get your student registered for the class. Call or text 269-694-6104.

Our 2025 group will start June 8th at 10:45 am!

Calendar

April 27th 9:30 am service and catechism

April 27th 10:45 EMPTY! Easter Escape Room

May 1st 6:00 pm Class for those interested in Peace

May 3rd 9:30 am Spring Work Day

May 4th 9:30 am service and catechism

May 6th 10:00 Coffee and Craft Time!

May 6th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

May 8th 12:00 pm Senior luncheon and bingo

May 11th 9:30 am Mother’s Day

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year Student Recognition

May 29th 6:30 pm Ascension

June 1st 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum


Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for April 18th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

It’s Holy Week - and Easter!

Good Friday service on April 18th at 6:30 pm

Real Easter

Peeps. Crème filled eggs. Chocolate.


Bunnies. Chicks. Lambs.


Lilies. Tulips. Daffodils.


They’re all fun things that are part of spring. But they actually take us back to the real Easter.


While the religions of the East speak of dissolving into the ocean of being, and while Islam and the Christian cults portray an otherworldly future, the Bible promises resurrection. This is different. It’s this life laid hold of and turned around. Resurrection is Jesus taking us through the valley of the shadow and out into a happily ever after, complete with best wedding ever. Without Jesus, life ends with a funeral. With him, there is a never-ending feast.


Celebrate Jesus’ victory with us on April 20th at 9:30 am. Pictures, lunch and egg hunt to follow up.


Visit https://peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

P.S. Can you help us get ready? Prep on Saturday April 19th at 10:00 am.

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for April 11th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Is killing okay?

If there is one thing we almost all agree on, its that killing is wrong. Why? Even if we don’t know why, we know its wrong. Want to talk about God? Ask people if killing is wrong.

Life issues abound. Capital punishment. Suicide. Abortion. Eugenics. Assisted suicide and aid-in-dying. Self-defense. We’ll hear why this Sunday.

See you Sunday at 9:30.

We’re on the 5th Commandment “You shall not murder.”

This week

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T

Couple of other things:

 

Real Easter

Peeps. Crème filled eggs. Chocolate.


Bunnies. Chicks. Lambs.


Lilies. Tulips. Daffodils.


They’re all fun things that are part of spring. But they actually take us back to the real Easter.


While the religions of the East speak of dissolving into the ocean of being, and while Islam and the Christian cults portray an otherworldly future, the Bible promises resurrection. This is different. It’s this life laid hold of and turned around. Resurrection is Jesus taking us through the valley of the shadow and out into a happily ever after, complete with best wedding ever. Without Jesus, life ends with a funeral. With him, there is a never-ending feast.


Celebrate Jesus’ victory with us on April 20th at 9:30 am. Lunch and egg hunt to follow up.


Visit https://peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

Spring Work Day

Spring Work Day is Saturday May 3rd at Peace 9:30 - 12:00. Work day is a day for us all to show up and make the property ready for use.

Spring Work Day is different from the regular maintenance work. The maintenance work is a small group of guys who focus on technical tasks to keep the property running. Work Day is a day for everyone to get the tasks done that take lots of time and energy - rake leaves as needed, stick pick up, trim trees, planting, cleaning out the building, and other large tasks.

Plan to join us!

We’ll have donuts and coffee to keep everyone going!

Facility Sharing

Some people at Peace have suggested we consider sharing the facility with another group or organization.

The council is currently considering this idea and exploring options.

Facility sharing brings with it a whole host of questions - who will use it? When? What will the legal arrangement be? How much money is involved? Insurance? Facility maintenance? And lots more.

One organization that WELS congregations have relied on in the past is “SpaceTogether”. They equip congregations to share space. You might find some of their information useful. https://www.spacetogether.com/

 

Calendar

April 13th 9:30 am Palm Sunday service with processional (no catechism)

April 17th 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday service

April 18th 6:30 pm Good Friday service

April 19th 10:00 am Easter set up

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service and lunch

May 3rd 9:30 am Spring Work Day

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year celebration

June 1st 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for April 4th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

What’s the truth?

I think if there is one comment I hear more than most, it’s this: “I don’t know what to believe anymore. I try to listen to all the sides. I’m not sure what is true.”

Already in 2004, Ralph Keyes declared that we live in a post-truth world. By 2016, it was the word of the year. I’d love to think that things have gotten better since, but I don’t think elections and a global pandemic have helped much.

How do we speak in a post-truth world? Is winning most important so that we get to tell the story? Is surviving most important? Do we tell the story no matter what happens? And what story? Whose story? Which facts matter depends on which story we tell.

The pursuit of truth was one of the most signficant efforts of Jesus’ life. Only the man who caused Pilate to say, “what is truth”, could possibly claim “I am the way, the truth, and the life”.

Let’s see what he has to say.

See you Sunday at 9:30.

We’re on the 8th Commandment “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor”.

This week

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T

PS Please consider moving forward in the service. The back has been quite full the last few weeks. Thanks!

Couple of other things:

 

Door hanging

Let’s connect with the people of Otsego - Plainwell on Saturday April 5th at 9:30 am. Join the Growth and Renewal to hang some door hangers!

Real Easter

Peeps. Crème filled eggs. Chocolate.
Bunnies. Chicks. Lambs.
Lilies. Tulips. Daffodils.
They’re all fun things that are part of spring. But they actually take us back to the real Easter.
While the religions of the East speak of dissolving into the ocean of being, and while Islam and the Christian cults portray an otherworldly future, the Bible promises resurrection. This is different. It’s this life laid hold of and turned around. Resurrection is Jesus taking us through the valley of the shadow and out into a happily ever after, complete with best wedding ever. Without Jesus, life ends with a funeral. With him, there is a never-ending feast.
Celebrate Jesus’ victory with us on April 20th at 9:30 am. Lunch and egg hunt to follow up.
Visit https://peaceotsego.org or call 269-694-6104

Spring Work Day

Spring Work Day is Saturday May 3rd at Peace 9:30 - 12:00. Work day is a day for us all to show up and make the property ready for use.

Spring Work Day is different from the regular maintenance work. The maintenance work is a small group of guys who focus on technical tasks to keep the property running. Work Day is a day for everyone to get the tasks done that take lots of time and energy - rake leaves as needed, stick pick up, trim trees, planting, cleaning out the building, and other large tasks.

Plan to join us!

We’ll have donuts and coffee to keep everyone going!

Basic Faith for Middle School Students: Catechism

How do learn faith? How do we gain hearts that believe what is a good and true, and lives that live what is good and true?

Our answer is catechism - a special class designed for middle school students.

After our children receive education from preschool to 5th grade, middle school students (grades 6-8) receive the next level of instruction in catechism class. Catechism class systematically instructs students in the basic teachings of the Christian faith. Catechism doesn’t teach Bible stories; it teaches doctrine so we can gain the mind of Christ. 

If you’re a 6-8th grade student now or in the fall of 2025, I hope you’ll join me for this class. I love spending time with you and helping you learn to follow Jesus. 

If you are a parent of a 5th grader, please contact me so that I can get your student registered for the class. Call or text 269-694-6104.

Our 2025 group will start June 8th at 10:45 am!

 

Calendar

April 5th 9:30 am Door hanging

April 6th 9:30 am Service

April 6th 10:45 Catechism

April 9th 6:30 pm Lent service: Reflections on Repentance

April 10th 12:00 am Senior lunch

April 10th 6:00 pm Inquirer’s Class for those interested in Peace and it’s beliefs, practices

April 11th 10:00 am Egg packing, Ladies Guild

April 13th 9:30 am Palm Sunday service with processional

April 17th 6:30 pm Maundy Thursday service

April 18th 6:30 pm Good Friday service

April 19th 10:00 am Easter set up

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service and lunch

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year celebration

June 1st 10:45 am Congregational Update/Forum

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for March 27th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Money, possessions, and theft.

Do you think it is a problem today? Where do you see most theft take place?

How can we stop it, or at the very least, reduce it? Can we stop being part of it ourselves?

That’s what we’ve got to ask this week. We’re on the 7th Commandment “You shall not steal”.

This week

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T




Couple of other things:

  • Easter planning https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/easter2025planning

  • Easter candy - we’re collecting individually wrapped Easter candies from now to April 11th. Please place in the office.

  • Easter choir practices for the first time this Sunday, March 30th. Also April 6th and 13th.

Evangelism Workshop

How do you start spiritual conversations? Who are you trying to share the good news of Jesus with these days for the sake of their soul? I’d love your help as I try to share the gospel with the people of Otsego-Plainwell.

Join me for our evangelism workshop on Saturday, March 29th at 9:30 am.

WELS 175th Anniversary Concert

The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the denomination we are affiliated with, is celebrating 175 years of working together to bring Christ to the ends of the earth.

As part of the celebration, our schools put on a concert.

Enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/live/Ua92EoFlmSk?feature=shared

There are a number of other events happening to celebrate 175 years. For more, check out https://welshistoricalinstitute.org/175th/

Lent By Candlelight

Lent by Candlelight takes place on Saturday, March 29 at 5:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bangor. Lent by Candlelight serves as a quiet time of reflection and meditation during the busy season of Lent. During this event, we will focus on the “Quiet Voices of Lent.” These are the minor characters of Lent who appear in the Passion History and have a lot to share with us. All Ladies are invited to this event. Finger sandwiches and other light snacks will be served. We look forward to your attending. Bring a friend! If you have questions, please contact Katrina Reis at (269) 993-5448 or reis.katrina@gmail.com. Trinity is located at 115 E. Monroe St. Bangor, MI.

 

Door hanging

Let’s connect with the people of Otsego - Plainwell on Saturday April 5th. Join the Growth and Renewal to hang some door hangers!

 

Calendar

March 29th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

March 30th 9:30 am Service

March 30th 10:45 Catechism

April 1st 10:00 am Craft time

April 1st 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

April 2nd 6:30 pm Lent service: Reflections on Repentance

April 3rd 6:00 pm Inquirer’s Class for those interested in Peace and it’s beliefs, practices

April 5th 9:30 am Door hanging

April 6th 9:30 am Service

April 6th 10:45 Catechism

April 10th 12:00 am Senior lunch

April 11th 10:00 am Egg packing, Ladies Guild

April 13th 9:30 am Palm Sunday service with processional

April 18th 6:30 pm Good Friday service

April 19th 10:00 am Easter set up

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year celebration

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for March 20th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

“Human sexuality is something sacred to be stewarded”.

Opportunities to give grace are everywhere. The unhappy marriage, the emotional affair, pornography, no dates, ghosting to end relationships - every one of these situations is an opportunity for grace.

I’m not saying it will be easy.

But we have something broken hearts need. Grace. Good news. Release from obligations. Forgiveness. Removal of guilt. Approval in Jesus Christ.

Lord, give us strength to steward the sexuality of our friends and neighbors.

We enjoyed teaching on the 6th Commandment this past Sunday.

Some pastors and others in the WELS have been preparing some resources on sexuality in this age. Check out “MadeKnown” if you’re looking for help. https://madeknown.net/

If you’re like me, that will lead you to repentance. https://youtu.be/4x1Z7R4J56o

This week we’re finishing up the 6th Commandment. Let me encourage you to spend some time preparing

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T



Couple of other things:

  • Lawnmower coordinator - Thanks for looking to serve God’s people. Josh Gower and I are going to organize lawnmowing this summer.

  • Easter planning https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/easter2025planning

  • Easter candy - we’re collecting individually wrapped Easter candies from now to Apirl 11th

WELS 175th Anniversary Celebration

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Easter choir

You are welcome to join the Easter choir. We’ll practice March 30th, April 6th, and April 13th in order to sing on Sunday April 20th.

Budget review

The council is taking on a detailed, line by line review for the next step of good stewardship at Peace. We’re confident that there isn’t any misuse of funds, but we want to see if there are opportunities to better use our funds.

If you have any questions or suggestions as we go about this work, please pass them on. You can find the budget here.

 

Calendar

March 21st 11:00 am Ladies Guild

March 21st 6:30 pm Bunco

March 2rd 9:30 am Service

March 23rd 10:45 Catechism

March 27th 6:30 pm Class for adults interested in making a public profession of faith with the people of God at Peace

March 29th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

March 30th 9:30 am Service

March 30th 10:45 Catechism

April 1st 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

April 5th 9:30 am Door hanging

April 13th 9:30 am Palm Sunday service with processional

April 18th 6:30 pm Good Friday service

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service

May 18th 9:30 am End of Year celebration

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for March 13th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

There is a limit to perfection, but God’s commands are boundless. (Psalm 119:96)

Amazing thought. God’s commands are even better than perfection.

We’re discovering that right now at Peace. Last week we studied the 4th Commandment. If you missed it,

If you’re like me, that will lead you to repentance. https://youtu.be/4x1Z7R4J56o

This week we’re studying the 6th Commandment. Let me encourage you to spend some time preparing

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T



Couple of other things:

Holy Week

Let’s gather for Holy Week 2025 to walk with our Savior as he walks to the cross.

Palm Sunday April 13th 9:30 am entrance with palm processional

Maundy Thursday April 17th 6:30 pm with Lord’s Supper

Good Friday April 18th 6:30 pm Service of 7 Words and Darkness

Easter Sunday April 20th 9:30 am

 

Calendar

March 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology: Jesus

March 16th 9:30 am Service

March 16th 10:45 Catechism

March 19th 6:30 pm Lent service

March 20th 6:30 pm Class for adults interested in making a public profession of faith with the people of God at Peace

March 21st 11:00 am Ladies Guild

March 23rd 9:30 am Service

March 23rd 10:45 Catechism

March 29th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

April 5th 9:30 am Door hanging

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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 for March 6th

Dear friends of Jesus connected through Peace,

Repentance.

A total change of beliefs and behavior.

This Lent we are considering repentance from two angles.

  • on Sundays we are looking at the 10 Commandments. Do we live according to God’s instruction? If not, let’s repent.

  • On Wednesdays, we are reflecting on the practice of repentance.

We had our first midweek Lenten service this past Wednesday night at 6:30 pm.

This Sunday we take our first look at the 10 Commandments. Let me encourage you to spend some time preparing

Friends, it will be good to get into this helpful study with you. May God work among us to lead us into new life.

Sincerely,

Pastor T


Couple of other things:


Printers

We are working on replacing our printer.

We’re getting rid of the large printer/copier and downsizing to a small business printer/copier.

Please use the smaller Brother business printer/copier as much as you can. If you need help using it or installing drivers, please ask pastor.

We’ll have a few weeks of transition. During that time, we’ll have the big Ricoh printer/copier around in case we have problems.

Thanks for your help! Please speak with pastor if you have problems.

Ushers will be able to pick up service outlines on the pnew printer/copier tray.

Easter candy

We’re collecting donated Easter candy from now until April 6th for our Easter egg hunt. We’d like to collect about 400 pieces for our egg hunt!

If you would like to donate candy, please donate individually wrapped candies. Candy may be left in the box in the office.

We’ll stuff the eggs on April 11th!

 

Door Hanging - Save the date

We want to reconnect with the people physically around - the people of Otsego - Plainwell.

One way the Growth and Renewal Team would like to do this is by hanging door hangers and inviting people to Easter services as well as to reach out to us.

No talking necessary - hang and go :-)

Plan to be part on April 5th starting at 9:30!

We’d love to see 20% of our group of Christians participate.

 

Calendar

March 9th 9:30 am Service

March 9th 10:45 Catechism

March 12th 6:30 pm Lent service

March 13th 12:00 pm Senior lunch

March 13th 6:30 pm Class for adults interested in making a public profession of faith with the people of God at Peace

March 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology: Jesus

March 16th 9:30 am Service

March 16th 10:45 Catechism

March 29th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

April 5th 9:30 am Door hanging

April 20th 9:30 am “Real Easter” service

Got this from a friend? Sign up here: https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news

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