Good News for Peace June 27

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

I’m honored these days, because a young man asked to make a profession of faith. We’ve spent years together, reading, talking, studying the Bible, and discussing what it is to be a follower of Jesus these days. I’m happy to see his love for God grow as he sees his sin and sees his even greater sin.

He’s a good reminder for me. To be part of a church can be challenging. We get annoyed at others. We get bogged down by the failures we face. We get frustrated with pastor or with fellow members. We think we might disagree about Christian teaching. We don’t like the “style”.

None of that should stop us.

The apostle Paul writes, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). He doesn’t write, we’re the members of the body of Christ when we behave like it. He doesn’t say we’re members of the body of Christ if we’re happy. He says we are a part of the body of Christ.

We get the privilege and responsibility to live that way.

Some of us feel like others don’t pray enough. Some think people are too political. Some think people aren’t political enough. Some think others don’t serve enough. Som are tired of serving.

We all fall short of each other’s hopes and expectations.

But we have a chance to stand up today and be a congregation. Won’t you do that with me?

Christianity Theology #2

5 men and women committed to studying who God is and what he does in our first Christian Theology session. It was great! We honored and loved him together.

Next: humans! “God became man so that man might become God”. That’s what Athanasius said. What an amazing thing! First, that God would fold himself into a human being. He could have become anything - a powerful gorilla, speedy cheetah, or the king of animals, the lion. But he became a man. He could have even become more than a man!

What must he think of you if he becomes your brother and sister?

See what he thinks on July 22nd at 9:30.

Thanks

Team and Task Time

Team and Task Time is a chance for us together to do the ministry of God’s people. We’ve got all kinds of things to work on this time: some visits to make, BLESS, a website update, a movie?, some events, and work in a room.

I would be glad to have your help Tuesday July 2nd at 6:30!

Parsonage deck

Due to its age and deterioration, we’re looking into options to repair or replace the parsonage deck. One suggestion is to remove it and replace it with a concrete patio. Have some input? Reach out to pastor 269-694-6104

Speaking Up newsletter

Our affiliated pregnancy support organization, Pregnancy Care Center, has released its newsletter for your reading. Enjoy! Click here for newsletter

Modular removal https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/modular

Calendar

June 30th 1:00 pm Pastor Don Seelhoff retirement service and lunch (not 3:00 pm as previously mentioned)

July 2nd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

July 20th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #2

July 27th 8:00 Otsego 5K practice

August 3rd Otsego Ready or Not 5K https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home

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

Modular for sale

Modular for sale

Peace is looking to get rid of its modular. It's about 23'x35'. It has a new roof. It is no longer being used for gospel ministry. It is falling into disrepair.

We’d like others to have a chance to use it if they could.

Maybe a hunting cabin? Or rural cabin? Come check it out.

If you or someone you know would like the modular, please reach out to the church office. 269-694-6104.

Best offer!

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 June 14

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Fathers, we thank you for your work, love, and compassion. I look forward to praying for you Sunday.

Outdoor service at 9:30!

Convention recap

The Michigan District Convention of the WELS was held June 3-5th in Saginaw at Michigan Lutheran Seminary.  Pastor and I (Bill Harris) attended along with approximately two hundred other pastors, teachers and lay delegates.

The main task of the delegates was to respond to the work of the synod summarized in the Report to the Twelve Districts (RTTD), which is a document prepared for the district convention (and also to be used at the Synod wide convention next year). The RTTD details the current status and future plans of many different areas of work in the Synod.  If you’d like to read what our churches are up to, you can see the RTTD here https://welsconvention.net/rttd/.

Delegates were assigned to floor committees which looked at specific parts of the Report to the Twelve Districts and after meeting in committee, returned to the convention floor to make recommendations or take note of certain items.  I (Bill Harris) served on the floor committee which looked at the Board for Ministerial Education report regarding Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and Martin Luther College. Pastor Timmermann was excused since he is the district treasurer.

The district president, second vice-president, third vice-president and secretary were also elected (or re-elected), along with circuit pastors and other officers.  

A main takeaway from the convention is the problem of the severe shortage of ministers and teachers in the WELS.  This year, after graduating teachers were assigned, there is still a shortage of 158 positions needing  to be filled.  The pastor shortage is currently 160 positions.  One out of ten churches have a pastoral vacancy.

Synod is working to study this problem and developing steps in an attempt to reduce the shortages. What can we do as members of the WELS?  

1. First, we can pray regularly.  

2. As members of our church, as parents,  as grandparents, or as teachers of our children we can identify who we think might have the potential to be a pastor or a teacher and encourage them to think about becoming one.  I'm sure that this type of encouragement can make a real difference.

This being my first convention, I came away impressed that the workings of the WELS are very well organized, and that our pastors, teachers and lay delegates are putting their hearts into what they do, through the Holy Spirit, to keep the gospel message going out far and wide to the best of their abilities.

Bill Harris (and Pastor Timmermann) 

Help Maxine Sandahl celebrate 95 years of grace

Family and friends please join Bill, Laura, John and Sharon Sakal and our families in celebration of mom's 95th birthday on June 26.

Please send a card to her at:

1390 N Drake Rd, Apt 2103

Kalamazoo, MI 49006

Please check the address carefully as her old address will no longer be forwarded.

Thanks for joining the celebration.

Modular removal

You may have heard or seen that we are looking to get rid of the modular. It is no longer being used for gospel ministry. It is falling into disrepair. We’d like others to have a chance to use it if they could.

If you or someone you know would like the modular, please reach out to the church office. 269-694-6104.

Calendar

June 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #1 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

June 20th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

June 30th 3:00 pm Pastor Seelhoff retirement service

July 2nd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

July 20th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #2

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

August 3rd Otsego Ready or Not 5K

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home

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 May 31

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Outdoor services

Our summer outdoor services start this week, Sunday, June 2nd at 9:30 am. Love to see you!

All outdoor services will be weather dependent - if it is wet, too cold, too buggy, too hot, etc, we’ll move the service inside. Watch the people the morning of!

Because all services are weather dependent, we’ll plan outdoor services on June 2, June 16, July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18 - both first and third Sundays.

End of year student recognition and celebration

Our students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes June 2nd. We’ll have a recognition, lunch, and celebration. Church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Plan to bring something to share! https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083 Can’t wait to see you!

Convention Delegate

Every other year the congregations we are affiliated with in the greater Michigan area gather for a district convention. The convention conducts the business of the congregations. For example, we make recommendations to the synod. We provide counseling and care to called workers. We collaborate on new mission starts in our area. We plan youth events. And much more.

Bill Harris is serving as our delegate. If you have any suggestions or questions, please talk to pastor or Bill before we go.

Thanks for serving Bill!

Let’s run! Otsego Ready or Not 5K

Start training today for the Otsego 5K today. It’s August 3rd!

Calendar

June 1st 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

June 2nd 9:30 am End of year celebration and outdoor service https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083

June 9th 10:45 Summer catechism begins

June 12th 1:30 Ladies Afternoon Out (Night Out)

June 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #1 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

June 30th 3:00 pm Pastor Seelhoff retirement service

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home

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

Please pray for the family of Marilyn Koenig

Marilyn Jean Koenig

Dear friends and family of Marilyn,

On Tuesday, May 21st, Marilyn Jean Koenig achieved the final goal of her life on earth: a good death in faith. Marilyn enjoyed her family all through her last months and was well loved by them until the end. She has now joined the eternal family of God.

I rejoice with all of God’s people because of all Jesus did for Marilyn. He defeated death, undid evil, and gave the world to God. In him, Marilyn too has all of God’s gifts and an eternal inheritance. I pray that you are comforted as well and filled with joy:

“they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ 

“‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” (Revelation 7)

We were blessed by Marilyn’s love and organization. Marilyn never failed to nurture other souls.

Obituary: Marilyn’s obituary is available https://michigancremation.com/obituaries/marilyn-koenig

Funeral: Marilyn will receive a Christian funeral on Wednesday, May 29th at Peace Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m.

The service is open to the public.

The service will be available via livestream for those who are unable to attend in person. Please see our site https://peaceotsego.org/worship or visit our YouTube page Peace Lutheran Church - YouTube. The service will be available a little bit before 11:00 a.m. and be archived afterwards.

Visitation: Visitation will take place on May 29th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church.

Interment: Marilyn will be interred later at Alamo Cemetery

Light meal: Everyone is welcome to enjoy a light meal immediately following the service at Peace.

Memorials: To give a memorial to Peace in honor of Marilyn, please go to https://peaceotsego.org/give and select “Memorial” or attend the funeral.

I invite you to gather with all of us to mourn and celebrate the victory Jesus gave to Marilyn. May Jesus give us eternal peace.

Serving the living Savior

Pastor Nathaniel Timmermann

Please pray for Marilyn’s family: 

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

Good News for Peace May 9

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

A joyous Ascension to you all!

Christians celebrate the Ascension of Jesus 40 days after Easter. Luke tells us in the writing we call Acts:

3 After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

The ascension of Jesus tells us that Jesus has bodily left the region of Israel and his twelve disciples, but he has ascended to the right hand of the Father so that he can be with all of his people, everywhere. He can rule and reign for all of us.

Enjoy this wonderful Ascension day and meditate on the truths of the day. https://forwardinchrist.net/ascension-paradoxes/ You can enjoy a good Ascension service below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F64Vcczm8dQ

Mother’s Day

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.

Look forward to honoring women with you this Sunday. We’ll have flowers for all the ladies!

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

United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Church, the second largest denomination in the United States, finished its national conference the past week. This was a particularly difficult gathering. Religion News reported that the denomination removed its bans on same-sex marriage and gay clergy. https://religionnews.com/2024/05/06/a-milestone-reached-in-mainline-protestant-churches-decades-old-disputes-over-lgbtq-inclusion/. There is a lot to consider here and something that affects many people we know. If you have any questions or thoughts, please reach out to pastor. In the meantime, keep praying for our brothers and sisters in Christ.

For a slightly longer summary of the recent developments, you can check this out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=HPf0m2lG6DrIxn_V&v=nbwIxBM1-0Q&feature=youtu.be

Convention Delegate

Every other year the congregations we are affiliated with in the greater Michigan area gather for a district convention. The convention conducts the business of the congregations. For example, we make recommendations to the synod. We provide counseling and care to called workers. We collaborate on new mission starts in our area. We plan youth events. And much more.

Each congregation sends a pastor and a voting member to the convention.

This year’s convention will be June 3rd to 5th. We can head out either the night of June 2nd or the morning of June 3rd. We’ll return June 5th, usually in the afternoon. The church covers the costs of the convention.

Pastor and the council are looking for a voting member to attend with pastor. Think about helping out!

Spring Work Day

Thanks to all those who helped clean up our site for gospel ministry this summer. Big thanks to Jo Markwart, Bill Harris, Les Gregerson, Ron and Ellen Miller, Roger Commissaris, Dan and Julie Doran, Kart Wedge, and the Timmermanns for their work.

End of year student recognition and celebration

Our students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes June 2nd. We’ll have a recognition, lunch, and celebration. Church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Plan to bring something to share! https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083 Can’t wait to see you!

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 learn the narrative of the Bible through Old and New Testament stories (PreK4 - 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 2023

• you’ve attended our Sunday School classes to learn the basic stories (or learned them another way)

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 2023 group will start June 9th at 10:45 am!

Calendar

May 11th 2:00 pm Noah Szczembara and students piano recital

May 17th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

May 17th 6:30 pm Bunco

June 1st 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

June 2nd 9:30 am End of year celebration and outdoor service https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083

June 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #1 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

June 15th WELS Taste of Missions https://tasteofmissions.com/

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

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 May 2

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Sexuality

Otsego Public Schools recently held a forum to introduce some changes to the sex ed curriculum. The details aren’t all public. They are adding some terms like cisgender, transgender, and non-binary to the curriculum. Some parents and neighbors went; you might be able to get details by asking around.

Christians have great opportunities to honor God and love others even with their bodies. Jesus did not just redeem our souls; he redeemed our bodies too. He fills us - all of us - with his Spirit.

I’m glad to talk with you or anyone you know who needs guidance, encouragement, and wisdom in the matter of sexuality. The Bible, Christian history, science influenced by Christian convictions, and Christian teaching have more than enough to help us. I’m glad to walk this journey with you.

The WELS statement on sexuality is a helpful start on this tricky topic. The council has been reading it. You might find it helpful too. https://synodadmin.welsrc.net/download-synodadmin/en-cristo/?wpdmdl=3422&ind=1574366466395

Spring Work Day

Spring Work Day is Saturday May 4th 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.

Right now, we’ve got a pretty reasonable list:

• rake leaves as needed

• pick up trash along street

• pick up sticks

• clean up rocks in south lawn and put out dirt, seed

• mow and trim

• kill weeds in cracks

• vacuum out light fixtures

• paint kids classroom

• Full list of tasks https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f3XjLUQ_WrwlqDg7K9BX4xW371Q7-tK1CERvBavqipk/edit?usp=sharing

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

End of year student recognition and celebration

Our students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes June 2nd. We’ll have a recognition, lunch, and celebration. Church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Sign up here to bring something to share! https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083

Calendar

May 4th 9:30 am Spring Work Day https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f3XjLUQ_WrwlqDg7K9BX4xW371Q7-tK1CERvBavqipk/edit?usp=sharing

May 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

May 9th 6:30 Christianity Explored

May 11th 2:00 pm Noah Szczembara and students piano recital

May 17th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

May 17th 6:30 pm Bunco

June 1st 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

June 2nd 9:30 am End of year celebration

June 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #1 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

June 15th WELS Taste of Missions https://tasteofmissions.com/

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

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

Christian Theology (Doctrine)

Christian Theology (Doctrine)

But seriously,…

Christians have a rich history of amazing teaching from Jesus and the apostles that help us think about better about life. This summer, I’m going to offer three quick classes to take your understand of Christian theology or doctrine to the next level.

These summer classes are planned for busy young adults and adults who know the basics of the Christian faith and want to take their understanding to the next level. Please be sure to go through a basic instruction course such as catechism first.

You should obtain either Grace Abounds https://online.nph.net/grace-abounds.html by Daniel Deutschlander or God So Loved the World https://online.nph.net/god-so-loved-the-world.html by Lyle Lange before the class begins. If you need help with that, please contact Pastor.

Childcare can be available; please notify the office/pastor in advance (269-694-6104).

Talk 1: God (June 15th, 2024 9:30 am)

Talk 2: Humans, humanity, man (i.e. anthropology) (July 20th, 2024 9:30 am)

Talk 3: Jesus Christ (i.e. Christology) (August 17th, 2024 9:30 am)

Talk 4: Salvation, the order of salvation (September 21st, 2024 9:30 am)

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 April 25

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

A little bit of Friday shenanigans…. don’t take it too seriously :-)

Christian Theology (Doctrine)

But seriously,…

Christians have a rich history of amazing teaching from Jesus and the apostles that help us think about better about life. This summer, I’m going to offer three quick classes to take your understand of Christian theology or doctrine to the next level.

These summer classes are planned for busy young adults and adults who know the basics of the Christian faith and want to take their understanding to the next level. Please be sure to go through a basic instruction course such as catechism first.

Class dates are June 15, July 20, and August 17. Class will run from 9:30 to 12:00. Childcare can be available.

You should obtain either Grace Abounds https://online.nph.net/grace-abounds.html by Daniel Deutschlander or God So Loved the World https://online.nph.net/god-so-loved-the-world.html by Lyle Lange before the class begins. If you need help with that, please contact Pastor.

Look forward to studying with you!

End of year student recognition and celebration

Our students will wrap up their Sunday morning classes May 26th. We’ll have a recognition, lunch, and celebration. Church will provide hot dogs and hamburgers. Sign up here to bring something to share! https://www.PerfectPotluck.com/DOKN3083

Thanks for coming to movie night

Thanks to all the friends who joined us for movie night. We had a nice time with you!

Youth Rally offering

If you didn’t get a chance to participate in the door offering last week, it will be available again this week. You are not being asked to give again.

June 25-28 students from all over the United States will gather in Colorado for worship, Bible study, discipleship, prayer, encouragement, and fun. More than 2,000 high school students are expected to come and celebrate God’s amazing mountaintop messages together.

Peace has a few students who would like to go, and we’d like to encourage and support them. The council has decided to gather a door offering so that people can support them as they’d like.

Piano recital

Noah Szczembara and fellow students are offering a piano recital May 11th @ 2:00 p.m. You are all welcome to attend.

Facility Use

Need space for your party this summer? Peace’s facility is available for graduations, baby showers, family reunions, parties, and a host of other gatherings. Contact church@peaceotsego.org or 269-694-6104

Calendar

May 2nd 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

May 4th 9:30 am Spring Work Day https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f3XjLUQ_WrwlqDg7K9BX4xW371Q7-tK1CERvBavqipk/edit?usp=sharing

May 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

June 1st 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

June 2nd 9:30 am End of year celebration

June 15th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #1

June 15th WELS Taste of Missions https://tasteofmissions.com/

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

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 April 20

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Confirmation this week

I'm excited for our Sunday gathering this week. Lillianne Larson plans to publicly profess faith in Jesus as her Savior and Lord. We the people of Peace will get to confirm that she has heard God's Word and that she has received the gift of faith and the Holy Spirit. I'm excited to publicly welcome Lillianne! After the service, we'll gather for cake!

I invite you to bring Lillianne a card or another token of encouragement to remember this day.

See you Sunday at 9:30!

Read through God’s Word before you come, Acts 20:28-32, 1 John 4:1-6, and John 10:11-18.

Lawnmower coordinator

Joe Olivares is serving as lawnmower coordinator this year. Have questions or want to sign up for a week? Reach out to him please at (269) 365-1160.

Road to Emmaus

We are having Movie Night on April 26th at 6:30pm! Come for a great movie, “The Road to Emmaus”, with pizza and popcorn. Then we will travel on that road with a cake walk game. Win wonderful goodies and see the promises of our Lord. Invite your friends! Jesus has commissioned each of us to spread His word. Looking forward to getting together with you and those you invite to join us. We will be needing donations of cakes, cookies, and candies, etc. for the game. Please bring them on Friday the 26th.

https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/roadtoemmaus

Christian Theology (Doctrine)

1. The idea that there is one God is called ___________.

2. Agree or disagree: Humans are thoroughly corrupt; on our own, we cannot do anything that is truly good and right.

3. True or False: Faith saves.

4. Explain what will happen at the end of the world.

How did you do on our little quiz?

Christians have a rich history of amazing teaching from Jesus and the apostles that help us think about better about life. This summer, I’m going to offer three quick classes to take your understand of Christian theology or doctrine to the next level.

These summer classes are planned for busy young adults and adults who know the basics of the Christian faith and want to take their understanding to the next level. Please be sure to go through a basic instruction course such as catechism first.

Class dates are June 15, July 20, and August 17. Class will run from 9:30 to 12:00. Childcare can be available.

You should obtain either Grace Abounds https://online.nph.net/grace-abounds.html by Daniel Deutschlander or God So Loved the World https://online.nph.net/god-so-loved-the-world.html by Lyle Lange before the class begins. If you need help with that, please contact Pastor.

Look forward to studying with you!
Outdoor services

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

Outdoor services will be at least the first Sunday of the month: June 2, July 7, August 4, and September 1. We’re looking to add more services on the third Sunday of the month.

Invite your friends to enjoy these wonderful services!

Youth Rally offering

June 25-28 students from all over the United States will gather in CO for worship, Bible study, discipleship, prayer, encouragement, and fun. More than 2,000 high school students are expected to come and celebrate God’s amazing mountaintop messages together.

Peace has a few students who would like to go, and we’d like to encourage and support them. The council has decided to take a door offering for them. You’re invited to give an offering so they can travel. The entire trip costs almost $1000 per students.

May God bless these students with true faith and love for him and others.

WELS Worship Conference: “Sing to the Lord a New Song”

Save the date for the 2024 National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts, held July 30-August 2, 2024, at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis. The worship conference offers something for everyone. It’s not only for pastors and musicians but also for lay people who love worship and want to encourage worship enrichment in their congregations.

The theme of the conference is Sing a New Song to the Lord. While the song of the gospel is always new, this conference will make extensive use of new songs from the 2021 WELS hymnal and beyond.

Online registration runs through July 21. Early-bird rates are until April 30. Regular conference rate is May 1-July 21. Learn more at https://welsworshipconference.net

Calendar

April 26th 6:30 pm “Road to Emmaus” movie and cakewalk at Peace https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/roadtoemmaus

April 27th 9:00 am Lutheran Women's Missionary Society Spring Rally @ Peace Lutheran Church in Granger, Indiana

May 4th 9:30 am Spring Work Day https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f3XjLUQ_WrwlqDg7K9BX4xW371Q7-tK1CERvBavqipk/edit?usp=sharing

May 7th 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

July 30th WELS Worship Conference https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/welsworshipconference

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

WELS Worship Conference: Sing to the Lord a New Song

“Sing to the Lord a New Song”

Save the date for the 2024 National Conference on Worship, Music, and the Arts, held July 30-August 2, 2024, at Carthage College, Kenosha, Wis. The worship conference offers something for everyone. It’s not only for pastors and musicians but also for lay people who love worship and want to encourage worship enrichment in their congregations.

The theme of the conference is Sing a New Song to the Lord. While the song of the gospel is always new, this conference will make extensive use of new songs from the 2021 WELS hymnal and beyond.

Online registration runs through July 21. Early-bird rates are until April 30. Regular conference rate is May 1-July 21. Learn more at https://welsworshipconference.net

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

"Road to Emmaus" movie night

“Road to Emmaus”

We are having movie night on April 26th at 6:30pm!

Come for a great movie, “The Road to Emmaus”, with pizza and popcorn. Then we will travel on that road with a cake walk game. Win wonderful goodies, and see the promises of our Lord. Invite your friends! Jesus has commissioned each of us to spread His word.

Looking forward to getting together with you and those you invite to join us. We will be needing donations of cakes, cookies, and candies, etc. for the game. Please bring them on Friday the 26th.

Location: Peace Lutheran Church, 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI

Time: April 26th 6:30 pm

Cost: Free. No tickets or sign up required. Just show up! Donations welcome at the door.

Contact: For more info, contact church@peaceotsego.org or 269-694-6104

To see more on the movie, visit https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews

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 April 12

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Easter

I'm glad that we got to celebrate Easter together. More than 120 of us came together to stand in humble awe of the man who rose from the dead, to bask in the light of his glory, and to revere him as the highest King and Lord of everything. Thanks to Ellise for bringing her lamb and playing; to Helga for her music; to Eric Szczembara and Tom Wright for ushering; to all the lectors on Good Friday; to Cindy Hunt, Cindy Commissaris, Frieda Walkley, Joan Retberg, and many others for food; to the choir; to Clara Timmermann for running the slides; Eda McNees; Jeanne Myers for flowers and set up; the Wedge family; and to all of you for making the celebration wonderful.

We’re basking in Resurrection REALity for the next few weeks. We have many ways to become more alive. We didn’t gather in any new people over Easter. That’s something to do. We didn’t reconnect with people who attend only once or twice a year. We need to catch them. We let a few people do a lot of the work. Let’s become alive in the one who is really alive.

Christianity Explored

Did Easter raise some questions for you? Christianity Explored now runs every Thursday night to explore Jesus and his life with you. Bring a friend to discuss the most important questions of life! 6:30 pm.

Directory

We’re updating pictures and information in our directory. Willing to share a picture? Send it to church@peaceotsego.org? Want to check your information? Visit https://peace.breezechms.com and create your own account.

Lawnmower coordinator

We’re looking for someone to help coordinate the lawn mowing around the church this summer. See here for a job description. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/2024lawnmowercoordinator. This is volunteer work and we hope it is clear enough that someone can succeed.

Road to Emmaus

We are having Movie Night on April 26th at 6:30pm! Come for a great movie, “The Road to Emmaus”, with pizza and popcorn. Then we will travel on that road with a cake walk game. Win wonderful goodies, and see the promises of our Lord. Invite your friends! Jesus has commissioned each of us to spread His word. Looking forward to getting together with you and those you invite to join us. We will be needing donations of cakes, cookies, and candies, etc. for the game. Please bring them on Friday the 26th.

Taste of Missions

Taste of Missions is back! Every year our affiliated seminary, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI. takes us on a tour of our worldwide missions. Join on-site in Mequon, WI OR online on Sat., June 15, 2024, to get a "taste of missions" no matter where you might be around the world. We're looking forward to a fun day of commissioning new missionaries in worship, trying ethnic bites, and family-friendly fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Find all the details at tasteofmissions.com.

Calendar

April 18th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

April 19th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

April 19th 6:39 pm Bunco

April 26th 6:30 pm “Road to Emmaus” movie and cakewalk at Peace

April 27th 9:00 am Lutheran Women's Missionary Society Spring Rally @ Peace Lutheran Church in Granger, Indiana

May 4th 9:30 am Spring Work Day

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

Lawn mower coordinator

Overview

We’re looking for someone to take the lead in coordinating lawn mowers. A good person for this job will love Jesus, be committed to bringing people the gospel, want a good looking site to use as a base for ministry, and understand a little about mowing large sites.

Position

• Volunteer lawn mower coordinator

• Reports to pastor (no maintenance coordinator currently)

• Flexible schedule, requires an hour on average per week for the summer

Position requirements

• Make sure the grass gets mowed and cared for (trimmed, watered?, fertilized?) in a timely manner.

• Able to organize people and schedule

• Able to communicate with people about tasks and duties

Duties

• Schedule individuals to mow the lawn as needed - phone calls, emails, texts, can use church’s volunteer scheduling software if desired

• Train individuals to mow

• manage schedule changes and adjustments

Good News for Peace March 23rd

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

“Following The Footsteps”

We’ve got a chance to walk the steps of Jesus on March 24th at 3:00 pm. “Following the Footsteps” is a documentary following Jesus to the places where he walked.

The movie will play at 3:00 pm at M89 Cinema. It’s free and open to the public.

Everyone is welcome! https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/followingthefootsteps

Holy Week 2024

Palm Sunday March 24th 9:30 am entrance with palm processional

Maundy Thursday March 28th 6:30 pm with Lord’s Supper

Good Friday March 29th 6:30 pm Service of 7 Words and Darkness

Easter Sunday March 31st 9:30 am

Keeping us safe - fire extinguishers

It’s a little thing. You might have noticed new fire extinguishers around our place. We’re doing our best to keep us safe with new models and new locations.

Big thanks to Jim Winkel for taking care of this project for us!

Lawnmower coordinator

We’re looking for someone to help coordinate the lawn mowing around the church this summer.

OVERVIEW

We’re looking for someone to take the lead in coordinating lawn mowers. A good person for this job will love Jesus, be committed to bringing people the gospel, want a good looking site to use as a base for ministry, and understand a little about mowing large sites.

POSITION

Volunteer lawn mower coordinator

Reports to pastor (no maintenance coordinator currently)

Flexible schedule, requires an hour on average per week for the summer

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Make sure the grass gets mowed and cared for (trimmed, watered?) in a timely manner

Able to organize people and schedule

Able to communicate with people about tasks and duties

DUTIES

Schedule individuals to mow the lawn as needed

Train individuals to mow

manage schedule changes and adjustments

Easter set up

We are setting up for Easter on March 30th at 10 am. Set up tables and chairs, prep food, change decorations (cross, tomb), put up photo spot, prep gifts, light cleaning, etc. If you can lend a hand, please come and help out.

Calendar

March 24 9:30 Palm Sunday service with palm processional

March 24 3:00 pm “Following His Footsteps” movie at M89 Cinema (no cost) https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/followingthefootsteps

March 28 6:30 Maundy Thursday

March 29 6:30 Good Friday

March 30th 10:00 am Easter set up

March 31 9:30 Easter sunday service

April 9th 7:00 pm Women’s Self-Defense class begins https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/defense

Good News for Peace March 13th

Dear friends of Jesus at Peace,

“Following The Footsteps”

We’ve got a chance to walk the steps of Jesus on March 24th at 3:00 pm. Everyone is welcome! https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/followingthefootsteps

Holy Week 2024

Palm Sunday March 24th 9:30 am entrance with palm processional

Maundy Thursday March 28th 6:30 pm with Lord’s Supper

Good Friday March 29th 6:30 pm Service of 7 Words and Darkness

Easter Sunday March 31st 9:30 am “Resurrection Reality”

Service outline change

Service attendees will notice a small change to the service outline. We’ve added space for a connection spot. Individuals can leave a name and phone number. Pastor will follow up.

This section serves a couple of purposes:

• first time attendees and other newer individuals can connect in an unobtrusive way. Please invite newer people around to share their information.

• All attendees can share prayer requests and indicate that they’d like to talk to pastor.

Women’s Self-Defense Class

Peace will host a 4 week Women’s Self-Defense class beginning April 9th 7:00 pm

• Tuesday nights

• 7:00 - 8:15 pm

• April 9th, April 16th, April 23rd, April 30th

• $30

Find more and register here https://peaceotsego.org/defense

Calendar

March 14 12:00 pm Senior lunch

March 15 11:00 am Ladies Guild

March 15 6:30 pm Bunco

March 17 10:45 am Call discussion with pastor

March 24 9:30 Palm Sunday service with palm processional

March 24 3:00 pm “Following His Footsteps” movie at M89 Cinema (no cost) https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/followingthefootsteps

March 28 6:30 Maundy Thursday

March 29 6:30 Good Friday

March 31 9:30 Easter sunday!

April 9th 7:00 pm Women’s Self-Defense class begins https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/defense

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

"Following The Footsteps"

“Following the Footsteps”

FOLLOWING the FOOTSTEPS is a non-profit, feature-length documentary film capturing the unique experience of visiting the historical sites that illuminate the life of Jesus. Join us on a journey that will change the way you see Jesus and show you how to let him shape your life.

Location: M89 Cinema, 392 Oaks Xing, Plainwell, MI 49080

Time: March 24th 3:00 pm - 4:45

Cost: Free. No tickets or sign up required. Just show up! Donations welcome at the door. Concessions will be available.

Contact: For more info, contact church@peaceotsego.org or 269-694-6104

To see more on the movie, visit https://www.followingthefootsteps.org/

Easter 2024 - Resurrection Reality!

Resurrection Reality!

Fake news. Media bias. AI. Virtual reality. 

What’s real? Can we trust anyone or anything? 

There is a different way to know reality. More than facts, narrative, or history. A person. 

“The resurrection of Jesus is undeniably a miracle. But it’s not a miracle that adds to the absurdity of your world. The resurrection explains what would otherwise be even more absurd. It says, “There’s expansion because there was an explosion” - the explosion of Christ bursting the bonds of death and inviting the world into his triumph. To embrace the miracle is not to embrace nonsense. In fact, it’s a way to make sense of life.

“Resurrection explains why the Jesus movement did not die when he did. Resurrection explains why the Jesus movement continued its unlikely growth through many deadly trials. Resurrection explains why the Victim has come to be Victor. Resurrection explains why, far from being a tragedy, the cross has represented healing and hope. Resurrection explains why the pattern of all great stories - and the pattern of the meaningful life - is triumph through sacrifice. Most of all, resurrection explains Jesus. It explains why the one famous for his death have been encountered by billions as the one most fully alive.

“Everyone is confronted with an absurdly improbable event: Christianity rose to life to have dominion over the world. Christians say, "We have an explanation: Christianity rose to life because Christ rose to life. And if you start leaning towards the Jesus explanation, then you can embrace the most wonderful truths:

- that the world is loved, and loved to death;

- that such love is the very essence of who God is;

- that behind the history you witness is a History Maker who can be trusted;

- that above the values you prize is a person who embodies them;

- that beneath the values you violate is the mercy to forgive you; and …

- that beyond the death you must die is the life he has pioneered: resurrection.” (Glen Scrivener, The Air We Breathe, 218-219)

Come discover a resurrection reality this Easter. Start with us before March 31st onsite or online @ https//peaceotsego.org or call to talk to a real person today 269-694-6104. 

See you for Easter service March 31st 9:30 am 

Calendar

March 29 6:30 pm Good Friday

March 31 9:30 am Resurrection Reality - Easter Sunday! 10:45 Brunch and fun

April 2 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

April 3 Studies restart

April 9th 7:00 pm Women’s Self-Defense class begins https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/defense

April 11th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored

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 March 4th

Soul Work: System

What system do you have for your soul? Check out this past Sunday’s sermon, share it with friends, and build the system of your soul. https://youtu.be/5kEXzMFzoWk

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel!

Team and Task Time

Tonight, March 5th Tuesday 6:30 pm. We’re prepping for Easter. Come help!

Easter 2024 - “Resurrection Reality”

Fake news. Media bias. AI. Virtual reality. 

What’s real? Can we trust anyone or anything? 

There is a different way to know reality. More than facts, narrative, or history. A person. 

Come discover a resurrection reality this Easter. Start with us before March 31st onsite or online @ https//peaceotsego.org or call to talk to a real person today 269-694-6104. 

See you for Easter service March 31st 9:30 am 

https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/easter2024

Call and discussion

Pastor has a call to serve at New Life Lutheran Church, Rockford, IL. He will meet with you in the family center on March 17th after the service to discuss his call to Peace, answer any questions you might have, and share information.

Women’s Self-Defense Class

Peace will host a 4 week Women’s Self-Defense class beginning April 9th 7:00 pm

• Tuesday nights

• 7:00 - 8:15 pm

• April 9th, April 16th, April 23rd, April 30th

• $30

Find more and register here https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/womensselfdefense

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

Women's Self-Defense

Peace will host a 4 week Women’s Self-Defense class beginning April 9th 7:00 pm

• Tuesday nights

• 7:00 - 8:15 pm

• April 9th, April 16th, April 23rd, April 30th

• $30

Register below or at https://peace.breezechms.com/form/b49f0b