Good news for Peace for October 10th

Marriage and Family in the United States today

What does family life look like in America around the year 2024?   

The US population is about 335 million (Decennial Census by Decades). For some perspective, that is more than double the 1950 US population (151 million, https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html) There are about 275 million people over the age of 15, the other 60 million are under 15. 

There are about 125 million households or family units. The average household size is about 2.6 people. U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: United States   

About 125 million or 1 in every 3 people are married; or about 1 in every 2 people over the age of 15. (see charts linked here National Spouses Day: January 26, 2021 (census.gov))    https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/demo/tables/families/time-series/households/hh1.xls 

Fewer than 1 out of every 2 households are married. https://www2.census.gov/programs-surveys/demo/tables/families/time-series/households/hh1.xls 

About 91 million people over the age of 15 have never been married. So if another person isn’t married, the odds are almost 50/50 that they have never been married. Record Share of Americans Have Never Married | Pew Research Center   

If a person is married, they are more than likely over the age of 30. https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/visualizations/time-series/demo/families-and-households/ms-2.pdf 

Another 47 million people over the age of 15 are either widowed or divorced.   

As a pastor, I keep these things in the back of my mind when I'm around town, meeting people, creating studies, and preparing messages. This is the American family. 2 in 5 Americans are married, more than 2 in 5 Americas (including children) have never been married, and fewer than 1 in 5 Americans have been but currently are not married.   

What does the gospel say to all these households and individuals? We believe that Jesus died and rose for individuals and for families. This is the good news we’re going to hear this weekend. Can’t wait to hear it with you!   

 See you Sunday at 9:30 am

Forum and Voters’ Meeting - Financial Update

As we shared over the last two weeks, we’re facing a serious financial situation looking into 2025 gospel ministry.

This gives us a good chance to remember what we are here for - we believe that we have been entrusted with the good news of Jesus and his victory for the world - and we will endure obstacles in our way. You can find information about the financial situation here. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1En5Wlkw_IYkFK3Wr2jYpQiRfuhh_eAHjkM0LOKjSpMY/edit#heading=h.aaf8dwuxjg0u

The council is offering three ways for us to work through this situation. You can hear about those and choose at

Congregational Forum - October 13th 10:45 am

Voters’ Meeting - November 3rd 10:45 am

Materials for these meetings can be found here. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/202410voters

These are great times to commit together to work of God among Peace. Please plan to join us.


The Reformation: October 31st

Are you getting ready to celebrate a great time of the Christian year? It’s a most wonderful time of the year!

Enjoy celebrating the Reformation.

There are a lot of good resources out there to get a sense of the impact of the Reformation. Here are just a couple:

Peace will have feast to celebrate the Reformation on October 27th. Bring something to the potluck! https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=GLYU6028&welcome=1

We’ll also have name tags available starting October 27th if you’d like.

Trail for Treaters

I’m looking for help to pass out goodies at the Trail for Treaters downtown Otsego October 31st from 4 - 6 pm. Please reach out to me 269-694-6104 and come meet a lot of people in our community!

Phone

The council has decided to move Peace’s phone to a business mobile phone. The landline in the office/workroom will be removed. Our phone number will remain 269-694-6104.



 
 


October 13th 10:45 am Congregational Forum

October 18th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

October 18th 6:30 pm Bunco

October 19th 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

October 27th 10:45 am Potluck https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=GLYU6028&welcome=1

October 31st 4:00 - 6:00 pm Trail for Treaters

November 2nd 9:30 am https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sVa7TvGVFE6gAGa3-tQrfi7GxPvT8PWljB-obKZ3Rvg/edit?usp=sharing

November 27th 6:30 pm Thanksgiving Service and Celebration

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

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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

Voters' meeting notes October 2024

 

Hello friends of Peace,

Our annual congregational forum will take place on October 13th at 10:45 am. Everyone is welcome to attend and participate.

Our annual voters’ meeting will take place on November 3rd at 10:45 am. All members are welcome to attend; voting members should attend.

Voting members will conduct the business.

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

This presentation overviews the meeting and orients you to the current situation. It is in the process of being updated. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1XqokyPQnYmEkmhxJ8Jwdnfay9h9dLdkJ3QQri06rQyM/edit?usp=sharing

Our main focus at these meetings is to set up our 2025 plan for ministry and its funding.

Beyond these two items, our business includes

You can participate in the meeting on-site or online https://meet.google.com/qrc-sems-rks

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 October 3rd

I have to admit that I would love to be rich someday. That sounds great to me. But I know I’ll never get it through work. That’s just not going to work out for me.

The only way I’ll ever get rich is if someone dies and leaves me everything. That’s the only way it will ever happen for me.

There is a great story in the Bible that says the same. Read Mark 10:17-31 for this week.

How do you and I know if we need to rework how we handle money? Here are some simple tests:

  • You can’t give large amounts of money away

  • You get scared if you might have less than you’re accustomed to having.

  • You see people who are doing better than you, even though you might have worked harder or might be a better person, and it gets under your skin.

And check out this sermon to rework your relationship with money! https://youtube.com/live/s4TUi3U-SQM

We’ll see you Sunday at 9:30!

Christian Theology #4

“Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

Let me put an encouragement out there: if you serve as a teacher of our kids, strongly think about coming to this class. This a great chance for continuing education.

Come to Christian Theology class #4 Saturday, October 19th 9:30 am and focus on eternal concerns.

Forum and Voters’ Meeting - Financial Update

As we work on ministry planning and finances for 2025, the council wants to update you on the difficult financial situation we are in. We shared this information at service on September 29th.

In short, we are experiencing a situation in which giving is slowly falling, costs are rapidly rising, and we are spending down unrestricted assets to the point where we cannot recommend a budget for 2025. A fuller explanation can be found …. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1En5Wlkw_IYkFK3Wr2jYpQiRfuhh_eAHjkM0LOKjSpMY/edit#heading=h.aaf8dwuxjg0u

The council is going to attempt to offer two of three options to finance ministry in 2025.

We'll see those first at ….

Congregational Forum - October 13th 10:45 am

Voters’ Meeting - November 3rd 10:45 am

These are great times to commit together to work of God among Peace. Please plan to join us.

Serving St John’s Sturgis - vacancy update

Pastor has begun serving the vacancy at St Johns. Things seem fine so far. Our service will still be at 9:30 am. Pastor and the rest of the Peace staff will remain available at our office contact - church@peaceotsego.org and 269-694-6104. Please reach out with prayer requests, questions, concerns, etc. We are glad to serve you and want to work with you to bring Otsego - Plainwell the gospel of Jesus!

Potluck

Everyone is invited to a Peace Potluck on Sunday October 27th starting at 11:00 (following the service). We’ll have some games to play and share food!

Please bring something to share. You can sign up here https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=GLYU6028&welcome=1 or on site. Love to see you!

The potluck will also launch some name tags we can use to help us get to know each other. The Ladies Guild wants to make lanyards with names available for everyone. They and pastor want to invite and encourage the people of Peace to wear them during and after services so that we can get to know everyone by name. We’ve been blessed with a number of new faces and hope we can make them feel comfortable. These name tags will stay at Peace in mailboxes.

Work Day

Our fall work day is scheduled for November 2nd, 9:30 a.m. Lots to do. I’d really appreciate your help with the clean up this fall! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sVa7TvGVFE6gAGa3-tQrfi7GxPvT8PWljB-obKZ3Rvg/edit?usp=sharing

October 6th 1:30 pm Christian Neighbors Path Walk https://christianneighbors.org/

October 10th 12:00 am Senior lunch

October 13th 10:45 am Congregational Forum

October 18th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

October 18th 6:30 pm Bunco

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

Potluck

Everyone is invited to a Peace Potluck on Sunday October 27th starting at 11:00 (following the service). We’ll have some games to play and share food!

Please bring something to share. You can sign up here https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=GLYU6028&welcome=1 or on site. Love to see you!

The potluck will also launch some name tags we can use to help us get to know each other. The Ladies Guild wants to make lanyards with names available for everyone. They and pastor want to invite and encourage the people of Peace to wear them during and after services so that we can get to know everyone by name. We’ve been blessed with a number of new faces and hope we can make them feel comfortable. These name tags will stay at Peace in mailboxes.

Good news for Peace for September 26th

LOVED

John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The mark of Christianity toward the world is love.

Friend, you are loved. That’s what makes us Peace. We love each other. For real. We know names and stories and events. We share experiences. We fight, lose, and win. We survive. We thrive in Christ. This is love! https://youtu.be/b1ppM84iRnU Thanks for signing cars to thank all our volunteers and to encourage them.

This week, we need to work a real issue. 157. That is the number of vacant congregations in the synod. There are another 30 empty pastoral positions in large congregations, schools, and mission fields. Pastors and congregations are in a crisis. Our congregations and pastors will change in serious ways. How can pastor and people relate in a beneficial way?

See you Sunday at 9:30!

P.S. Donut holes and name tags to connect this Sunday!

Weather looks great for a campfire tonight. Come out and share some s’mores with friends. We’ll have s’mores, a few hot dogs, chairs, and hot chocolate. Bring other drinks and your own chairs if you are picky :-)

Christian Theology #4

“Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

To know who Jesus is, is to focus on eternal concerns.

Come to Christian Theology class #4 Saturday September 28th 9:30 am and focus on eternal concerns.

Forum and Voters’ Meeting

Our annual ministry planning and budget meeting will take place over two days:

Forum - October 13th 10:45 am

Voters’ Meeting - November 3rd 10:5 am

These are great times to commit together to work of God among Peace. Please plan to join us.

Serving St John’s Sturgis - vacancy update

Pastor will begin serving the vacancy at St John’s in Sturgis on October 1st.

The councils in both locations have worked out a plan that we hope is acceptable to both congregations. Here are a couple of notes for the people of Peace.

  • Our service time will still be 9:30 am

  • Pastor will be gone once every 3 to 4 weeks for a service in Sturgis

  • An elder or guest pastor will fill in when pastor is gone; some weeks we will have video preaching

  • Pastor will be gone about one day a week for work in Sturgis

Pastor and the rest of the Peace staff will remain available at our office contact - church@peaceotsego.org and 269-694-6104. Please reach out with prayer requests, questions, concerns, etc. We are glad to serve you and want to work with you to bring Otsego - Plainwell the gospel of Jesus!

Potluck

Everyone is invited to a Peace Potluck on Sunday October 27th starting at 11:00 (following the service). We’ll have some games to play and share food!

Please bring something to share. You can sign up here https://www.perfectpotluck.com/meals.php?t=GLYU6028&welcome=1 or on site. Love to see you!

The potluck will also launch some name tags we can use to help us get to know each other. The Ladies Guild wants to make lanyards with names available for everyone. They and pastor want to invite and encourage the people of Peace to wear them during and after services so that we can get to know everyone by name. We’ve been blessed with a number of new faces and hope we can make them feel comfortable. These name tags will stay at Peace in mailboxes.

September 27th 7:00 Campfire (weather permitting) (note time moved forward to 7:00)

September 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

September 29th 8:15 am Early study

October 1st 10:00 am Craft time

October 10th 12:00 am Senior lunch

October 13th 10:45 am Congregational Forum

October 18th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

October 18th 6:30 pm Bunco

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 September 20th

LOVED

John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” The mark of Christianity toward the world is love.

Friend, you are loved. That’s what makes us Peace. We love each other. For real. We know names and stories and events. We share experiences. We fight, lose, and win. We survive. We thrive in Christ.

We had a great message this week. Enjoy. https://youtu.be/eFXcB7hhYxY

Be sure to make people feel loved this week at our volunteer celebration! We’ll have ice cream and cards to say “thanks”!

Who have you said thanks to? Check out the peace team and say thanks https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/team

Care Team

I got this note this week from our local public school:

“We currently have 20 students with food insecurities. We have 20 secondary students who are self-parenting. This means that their parents are not present at home to prepare meals. 80% of these families have parents who are working off-shifts and cannot provide meals on a regular basis. Although they are working, the family still struggles with food insecurities due to many competing factors. The other 20% are families of parents with documented disabilities in which food preparation is impaired and/or food is scarce. In addition, some of these families go periods of time without electricity and/or water.”

These are just some of the needs that come to our attention at Peace. There are many people for whom we could pray, share the gospel, and serve.

I’d like to do better to help them. Will you be part of a Care Team? Please get ahold of me.

Forum and Voters’ Meeting

Our annual ministry planning and budget meeting will take place over two days:

Forum - October 13th 10:45 am

Voters’ Meeting - November 3rd 10:5 am

These are great times to commit together to work of God among Peace. Please plan to join us.

September 22nd 8:15 am Early study

September 22nd 9:30 Regular classes for kids start!; Volunteer recognition and celebration

September 25th 6:30 pm Kzoo study group

September 26th 6:30 pm Christianity Explored (weekly)

September 27th 7:30 Campfire (weather permitting)

September 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

October 1st 10:00 am Craft time

October 10th 12:00 am Senior lunch

October 13th 10:45 am Congregational Forum

October 18th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

October 18th 6:30 pm Bunco

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

LOVED.

LOVED.

LOVED

Augustine, a great Christian man, thinker, and teacher from the 300s, tells a story about his mom. She was crying, sobbing, begging and pleading with God over her son. Augustine was not a “good” kid. He liked to have a good time, slept with anyone he could, and even though his mom raised him, made her life terrible. But she begged and cried to God anyway, and he came and answered her.

Augustine says she had a dream. In that dream, she saw herself standing on some kind of a narrow path - perhaps like a balance beam. A man approached her and asked her why she was crying. She said she was crying over her son’s life and his destructive habits. The man replied that she should pay attention and see that where she was, there her son would be. She looked up and saw her son, Augustine. She woke up comforted.

Augustine credits God with the dream saying, “how else did this dream come about, except that your ears were up against her heart, O Almighty Good, who care for each of us as if we were your only concern and for all of us just as you care for each of us? (Augustine. Confessions Book 3 chapter 11, paragraph 19)

Or as many people like to paraphrase, “how else did this happen, except that God loves each of us as if there were only one of us and loves all of us just as he loves one of us”.

What a thought. God doesn’t just love each one of us. He loves each of us as if we were the only one. I bet you have experienced that at times. I remember listening to a sermon one morning before service on God’s forgiveness and just sobbing. I watched the story of CS Lewis and was moved to imagine that God would pursue him (and my own kids) like that. He loves each one of us like he loves all of us.

That includes you.

God loves you and me more than you can imagine. That’s a love and a care each one of us needs - more than we know.

“We now know that love is, in actuality, the most compelling survival mechanism of the human species. Not because it induces us to mate and reproduce. We do manage to mate without love! But because love drives us to bond emotionally with a precious few others who offer us safe haven from the storms of life. Love is our bulwark, designed to provide emotional protection so we can cope with the ups and downs of existence. As Mozart noted, “Love guards the heart from the abyss.” We are relational beings. God created us for relationship with Himself and with others. We are created for connection.” (Sue Johnson, Created for Connection, pg 22)

Look, it isn’t weak, or silly, or foolish to talk about love. It is the most basic thing we need to have healthy, functioning, good lives. It’s what I want you and me to have this fall around Peace.

Let’s kick off our fall with godly love. See you Sunday September 15 @ 9:30 am. We’ll build up our congregation, start classes for students and adults, and have some fun.

September 15th 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home

September 19th 6:30 pm Kzoo study group starts

September 19th 12:00 pm Senior lunch

September 20th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

September 20th 6:30 pm Bunco

September 22nd 9:30 Regular classes for kids start!; Volunteer recognition and celebration

September 27th 7:30 Campfire

September 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

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 September 6th

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Last week I introduced the idea of the managerial status or the managerial life. I defined the managerial function as the class of people who push resources and paper around to equip other people. The managerial function has been pretty well documented in modern life. I pointed out a few examples in our congregations:

  • lengthy reports

  • tracking spending, purchases

  • emails, advertising

  • making budgets

  • planning projects

  • a reduction of almost 50% of the number of people we are able to serve

I could give other examples. These are a start. Pastors and ministry workers spend a growing amount of time “managing” congregational life.

Today I want to remind us that congregational life has not always been like this. Then I want to raise the question, are we doing what we want to do?

We don’t always realize how different ministry was in other times. Harold Senkbeil describes the work of ministry in this way. “We’ve inherited multiple competing models of what a minister supposedly is, each with its corresponding job description. Many seem diametrically opposed. Is a pastor a chaplain or a missionary? Is he to focus on tending people who are already Christians, or on winning more people to a living faith in the Lord Jesus? Is the pastor a coach or care giver? Is he a manager or CEO of an organization or a preacher of God’s word and steward of his sacred mysteries? These various models aren’t mutually exclusive.” He goes on to answer, “The challenge for pastors in every generation is to link the person and work of Jesus to every shifting era by means of his unchanging word—not to contextualize the message, but to textualize people into the text of Scripture, you could say. (Harold L. Senkbeil, The Care of Souls: Cultivating a Pastor’s Heart (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2019), 17) Notice how Senkbeil doesn’t reject or ignore the importance of paperwork and leadership, but he describes ministry as so much more - linking the person and work of Jesus to every era by means of his word. That is what congregational ministry is supposed to be.

John Braun gave a different but similar description of ministry work in the 1990s. He said, “The pastoral ministry is a ministry of the word of God. Those who occupy this form of ministry will be spokesmen of God who understand clearly and thoroughly the word of God and the doctrines it proclaims. Therefore, among other things, the pastor must know enough to handle the word of truth correctly, be apt to teach, and be an example to the church so that the message of God is not discredited. (Cf. 1 Timothy Titus, 1 Corinthians 3-4, 2 Corinthians 2-6). http://essays.wisluthsem.org:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/712/BraunMinistry_0.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

I’m sure you can find many other descriptions of a pastor’s job. My point is to share a few and allow you to consider them. You can compare them to a description like this one: “Quite simply, the job of a leader is to take people where they wouldn’t otherwise go.” (Carey Nieuwhof, https://careynieuwhof.com/thankful-pastor-behaves-like-ceo/)

I don’t have a huge problem with Mr Nieuwhof’s description of pastoring work. But it IS very different.

It also requires that we, as a group of Christians working together, figure out what we expect our pastors and key volunteers to do.

That’s my question to you today: are we doing what we want to be doing? Are we doing the right and good things?

Thanks, and I’ll see you Sunday at 9:30!

BLESS

We’re slowly filling the homes around us with prayer!

Who have you prayed for these days? Add a pin to the map and if it is a particular prayer, drop their name in the box.

Thanks for joining me as we pray for the gospel to fill the homes and lives around us.

“LOVED” Fall kick off

You are loved. Peace Lutheran Church is a place for people who want love, a place for people who need love, and a place for people who are committed to extending God’s love. We are all sinners who cannot fix ourselves or the world around us. We need God’s love.

Come be loved September 15th at 9:30 am. We’d like to see the whole congregation together as people loved by God.

We’ll have …

  • installation service

  • team building activities

  • snacks

  • congregational project

Let’s be people who are loved.

Calendar

September 7th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop - CANCELLED

September 12th 6:30 Christianity Explored

September 15th 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home

September 19th 6:30 pm Kzoo study group starts

September 19th 12:00 pm Senior lunch

September 20th 11:00 am Ladies Guild

September 20th 6:30 pm Bunco

September 22nd 9:30 Regular classes for kids start!; Volunteer recognition and celebration

September 27th 7:30 Campfire

September 28th 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

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 August 30th

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Outdoor service

Last outdoor service Sunday September 1st 9:30 am weather permitting! Can’t wait to see you.

Avoiding the managerial life at Peace

In 2000, Peace had 390 members and about 150 people in services each week, all served by one pastor.

In 2024, Peace has 177 members and about 85 people in services each week, all served by one pastor.

Our synod is a similar story. In 2000, WELS had about 1200 congregations and 325 members per congregation. In 2024, we have about the same number of congregations (about 1200) and only 265 members per congregation (see WELS Statistical Summary pg 12 https://welscongregationalservices.net/download/wels-statistical-report-2023/?ind=1716408846506&filename=CS-WELSStatisticalSummaryAndAnalysisFor2023-NEW-052024.pdf&wpdmdl=3471&refresh=66d22b66c141b1725049702)

I’m not focusing on the spirit or attitude we have about these numbers, but let me say a quick thing. Please keep in mind, the numbers are what they are. They aren’t inherently better or worse, although they bring certain strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I’m not excited about the numbers. I try to remind myself that we can do different things with different numbers of people. The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing - to carry out the mission of God’s church according to the teaching he has given us - and to do so with all the strength that he has given us.

Today what I want to focus on is the function we expect our pastors and other key workers to carry out.

My main thought or concern I want to address is the growth of the managerial function of our pastors and other church workers. Instead I want to encourage us to have pastors who do gospel ministry.

What do I mean when I say the growth of the managerial function of our pastors? Let me explain first by drawing your attention to the number of pastors carrying out gospel ministry in place of the congregation. At Peace, one pastor works for about 175 members; 24 years ago that was about one pastor for 390 members. Across the 1200 congregations of the WELS, each of the 1350 pastors serves about 245 members; 24 years ago each of the 1360 pastors served about 310 members. The trend is simple: 20 plus years later, each pastor serves fewer people.

Again, by itself this is neither good nor bad. Perhaps 390 people is too many for a pastor to care for. Perhaps 175 is too many members for one pastor to care for. However, pastors are serving fewer people.

As a pastor, I’ll tell you we are certainly still busy enough. But it is easy to be busy doing tons of small, non-ministerial things. We check the mail and don’t get or ready anything related to the Word of God and prayer but lots of ads. We file reports that get longer and longer with the facility team, the elders, the teachers, the council, the circuit pastor, and the voters. We track spending and categorize purchases. We make volunteer lists and get volunteers to sign up. We file and organize paperwork. We throw away paperwork. And the list goes on. All this is part of ministry today, but does it help the kingdom of God?

What I’m saying is that the growth of the managers has been fairly well documented, and it is part of the Christian church too. If you haven’t heard about the rise of the managers, you can learn about it in many places. Here are a few. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional%E2%80%93managerial_class https://www.aaronrenn.com/p/newsletter-63-understanding-the-managerial?s=r https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2017/02/james-burnhams-managerial-elite/ In short, the modern industrial age has created an entire class of people who simply push paper and resources around supposedly to empower other people.

I want us to question and challenge this trend. Yes, pastors are busy. But we should busy telling people about Jesus, confronting sin, teaching people God’s Word, praying, and studying God’s Word.

What do you think? Do you like what pastors do these days?

BLESS

We’re slowly and surely making progress praying for every home in our cities. Let’s pray that God’s good gospel would fill this place.

Who have you prayed for these days? Add a pin to the map and if it is a particular prayer, drop their name in the box.

Thanks for joining me as we pray for the gospel to fill the homes and lives around us.

“LOVED” Fall kick off

You are loved. Peace Lutheran Church is a place for people who want love, a place for people who need love, and a place for people who are committed to extending God’s love. We are all sinners who cannot fix ourselves or the world around us. We need God’s love.

Come be loved September 15th at 9:30 am. We’d like to see the whole congregation together as people loved by God.

We’ll have …

  • installation service

  • team building activities

  • snacks

  • congregational project

Let’s be people who are loved.

Ministry planning and budget

Pastor, the staff, and the council is preparing the ministry activities and arrangement for next year. Have suggestions, thoughts, questions, and ideas for ministry next year? Love to talk with you about how God can work among us and through us these days! Talk with pastor please!

Evangelism workshop

A huge shift takes place in life when we realize that we have been saved only by the gracious love of God whether we need it or not, no matter how good or bad we are.

It’s the difference between calling the gospel a doctor or a lightning bolt. If you get sick, you go to a doctor and ask for help. The doctor helps you; maybe even saves you from dieing. You’re so grateful that you go and tell anyone who is sick about the doctor. But what if you aren’t sick?

The gospel is just as much like a lightning bolt. It strikes us when we’re walking down the street and hits us out of the blue. Whether we want it or not, we have to figure out what to do with it. The lightning bolt of the gospel has irreversibly changed our life.

That’s the gospel!

Come to the evangelism workshop Saturday morning 9:30 and become the lightning bolt in someone’s life!

Calendar

September 3rd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

September 7th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

September 15th 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home

September 21st 9:30 am Christian Theology #4

September 22nd 9:30 Volunteer recognition and 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 August 16th

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

Can I do something for you? Is there something we’re missing?

I’ve got to admit that life is pretty crazy these days. I hustled to the hospital yesterday to see someone. The day before I get a hurried email from someone losing their home. Someone came for communion, someone else to file taxes, and someone else to do strategic planning. Tomorrow we've got a special class and Sunday we've got a baptism!

This is life. I know yours is hectic too and I'm here for you. If I'm missing something please let me know how I can pray and help.

BLESS

We’re slowly filling the homes around us with prayer!

Who have you prayed for these days? Add a pin to the map and if it is a particular prayer, drop their name in the box.

Thanks for joining me as we pray for the gospel to fill the homes and lives around us.

Kids Classroom Updates

Big thank you to the painting team in our kids classroom! It looks great :-)

Now they’re adding posters and pictures to enhance the students’ learning.

Send your Kindergarten to 5th grade students to class this fall! We love to bring them the gospel.

“LOVED” Fall kick off

You are loved. Peace Lutheran Church is a place for people who want love, a place for people who need love, and a place for people who are committed to extending God’s love. We are all sinners who cannot fix ourselves or the world around us. We need God’s love.

Come be loved September 15th at 9:30 am. We’d like to see the whole congregation together as people loved by God.

We’ll have …

  • installation service

  • team building activities

  • snacks

  • congregational project

Let’s be people who are loved.

Vacancies

One question the Sturgis vacancy has raised is the question of vacancies in the area. Many churches are experiencing vacancies or reduced services.

  • St Paul’s Hopkins, MI is vacant

  • Spirit of Life Caledonia, MI is vacant

  • St John’s Dowagiac, MI is vacant

  • Grace Eau Claire MI is vacant

  • St Paul’s Stevensville MI is vacant

  • Grace St Joseph MI is vacant

  • Hope Hartford, St John’s Allegan, Trinity Wayland, and St John’s Battle Creek are all served in reduced capacities

As you can see, this a problem many of our local congregations’ face. We’ll have to start attacking it in new ways!

Giving to bring the gospel

This past Sunday Mr Josh Gower, our vice-president, shared a financial update and chart with you. This information is going to be regularly shared at the end of each month. It reflects actual gifts compared to planned gifts (and thus planned expenses).

You'll be able to find the report at the bottom of the news the last weeks of most months.

If you have questions, please contact the office at 269-694-6104 or church@peaceotsego.org or Mr Josh Gower.

Ann Kling would like to thank you all for the kind calls, prayers, and cards to support her through her surgery.

Calendar

August 17th 9:30 am Christian Theology #3 - People

September 3rd 6:30 pm Team and Task Time

September 7th 9:30 am Evangelism workshop

September 15th 9:30 am Fall kick off/Welcome Home

September 22nd 9:30 Volunteer recognition and 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 August 3rd

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

BLESS

I’ve been living in prayer this last week. Every day, I’m praying for and sending prayers to someone in town. Slowly, I see them coming back alive.

I want to put a challenge before you: let’s pray for every house in the Otsego - Plainwell area this summer. Let’s pray that every house would be filled with the gospel of Jesus!

The intention is to pray for specific individuals and families: to pray that the Triune God would make himself known to them, that he would work in their lives by his Word, and that their homes would be filled with the gospel!

Here is how to do it:

  • Pray for a neighbor, acquaintance, coworker, friend, enemy, classmate, etc in the area

  • Note where they live

  • The next time you come on site, put a pin on the address

  • If you have a particular prayer request for that place, drop a note in the box!

Check out the map on site and help us make progress!

Vacancy at St John’s Lutheran Sturgis

Pastor Timmermann has been asked to serve the vacancy at St John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis, MI. https://www.sjlsturgis.com/

The council has okayed pastor helping with this vacancy, because we want to help out our fellow churches.

At this point, we are negotiating the particulars of the vacancy so that both churches can see if they can fill the obligations.

What particulars should pastor keep in mind?

Some people have said, “I don’t know how pastor could possibly do everything.” He can’t, for sure. Everyone is going to have to do with less for a while; people at Peace will have to help do some things.

“Vacancy” is a common term among our churches.

  • “Vacancy” refers to the time when there is no pastor serving a congregation. The office of the pastor is “vacant”. The church has a “vacancy” in the public ministry of the Word.

  • Vacancies are common when a pastor leaves a congregation to serve at another congregation. Congregations rarely go right from one pastor to another for various reasons. Churches are often vacant while they search for another pastor. Churches are often vacant for at least 3 months up to years.

  • Vacancies are usually served by a “vacancy pastor”. This pastor serves as an interim pastor while the congregation seeks another pastor. The vacancy pastor usually comes from one of three places: a pastor from a different local congregation; a retired pastor; or a professor at a school or synodical official.

  • Vacancy pastors DO NOT leave their current church or school. If pastor served this vacancy, Peace would still be his home congregation. He would serve the people in Sturgis in addition to Otsego - Plainwell.

  • Vacancy pastors are asked by the vacant congregation to serve through a formal “divine call” after the district president suggests an individual to serve as the vacancy pastor. Both groups of people involved (both the group that has already called the pastor and the group that is calling the pastor) provide input and guidance for the pastor, just as it would when the pastor is regularly called.

  • Vacancies are common right now in our area. Pastor Scheibe from Wayland serves the congregation in Hopkins; Pastor Rockhoff in Dorr serves the congregation in Caledonia. The pastor from Sturgis recently finished serving the congregation in Granger, IN.

  • Vacancy pastors are expected to provide a basic form of regular pastoral services: they plan services, preach, teach Bible studies, teach catechism, teach basic Christianity courses (BIC), visit the sick and dying, and meet with the groups of the congregation. They are usually less active in leading outreach activities, starting new congregational projects, or calling on the absent.

  • The congregation or school that the vacancy pastor comes from must recognize that their pastor will be a little less available. The congregation has to help out more with outreach activities, fellowship events, calling on the absent, and such.

  • This vacancy would start October 1 and would probably last at least a year, maybe more.

  • Peace experienced a vacancy for about 15 months from 2015 to February 2017. We were first served by a retired pastor and then served by Pastor Seelhoff from Hopkins.

  • Filling vacancies is part of congregations working together. We help other congregations when they are missing a pastor; in turn, we get to expect that someone will help us when we are missing a pastor. While it is hard all around, it is definitely better than not having anyone. It’s “being neighborly”.

I care about you, want you to know the love of God in Christ, and want to work with you to bring the people of Otsego-Plainwell the gospel. Also, Peace is my church and I’m primarily responsible to you.


P.S. If you have specific thoughts or suggestions, please reach out at ntimmermann@peaceotsego.org or text 269-694-6104.

Welcome Home/Fall kick off

Hey! I’m getting excited for our fall event to Welcome friends and family Home and kick off our fall ministry! It’s a great time to be God’s people. Our world might be falling apart, but God is building a far better one with us. Let’s get to it!

  • installation service

  • cook out and lunch

  • family games

Sunday September 15th at 9:30 am! Look forward to seeing you!

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 3rd 8:00 am! Only $25.

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

Directory update

Thanks for sharing your pictures and information. We’ve updated the next edition of the directory. You can access it either online (https://peace.breezechms.com - create an account and pastor will authorize you) or grab a paper copy at the table.

The Peace Team

Peace isn’t that big; still it can be hard to know who does what. Check out the list below and for a full list see https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/team

Council

President/Chairman………..… Charles Kling

Vice-president/Treasurer …… Josh Gower

Recording Secretary ………….. Michael Grimm

Elder ……………………………..... Terry Brower

Called/hired positions

Pastor ………………….. Nathaniel Timmermann

Musicians ……………. Cindy Commissaris, Nathaniel Timmermann, Helga Harris, Ellise Wedge

Pastoral assistants …… Tom Wright

Appointed positions

Financial Secretary …… Ralph Holewa

Maintenance coordinator ………. vacant

Bookkeeper …………….… Andy Winter

HR/Taxes ………………..… Jim Walkley

Calendar

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

August 6th 6:30 Team and Task Time

August 17th 9:30 am Christian Theology #3 - People

September 7th 9:30 Evangelism workshop

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home





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

The Peace team

Team

Each of us plays an important role in the gospel ministry of Peace Lutheran Church. We’d love to work with you to help you use the gifts and talents you have to serve people.

Positions marked “vacant” are positions required by the bylaws or policies. We should fill them. We also desire to move beyond the minimum required to do the ministry God has put before us.

Council

President/Chairman………..… Charles Kling

Vice-president/Treasurer …… Josh Gower

Recording Secretary ………….. Michael Grimm

Elder ……………………………..... Terry Brower

Called/hired positions

Pastor ………………….. Nathaniel Timmermann

Musicians ……………. Cindy Commissaris, Nathaniel Timmermann, Helga Harris, Ellise Wedge, Angela Grimm

Pastoral assistants …… Tom Wright

Appointed positions

Financial Secretary …… Ralph Holewa

Bookkeeper …………….… Andy Winter

HR/Taxes ………………..… Jim Walkley

Worship

Head usher ……….….... Ron Miller

Ushers ………………..…..managed by sign up

AV team ……………….… Charlie Kling, Clara Timmermann, Ellise Wedge, Nathaniel Timmermann

Cantor …………………….

Communion coordinator … Eda McNees, Carlene Ketner

Flowers coordinator ………

Missions and service

Christian Neighbors coordinator …….. Irv and Judy Bolenbaugh

Care Team ……………………… Debi Seales, Jo Markwart

Ramp It Up coordinator …………….……. Jon Ott

Prayer chain coordinator ……………..…

Trunk or Treat coordinator ……………….

Devotional booklets ……………………….

Giving Tree coordinator (2023) ………… Jane Holewa

Tree of Warmth coordinator (2023) ….. Stephen and Betsy Powell, Joan Retberg

Christmas decorating………….……….... Eda McNees

Education/Discipleship

Sunday School superintendent/Education coordinator…… Vacant

0-3/Cradle roll …………………………………….Jo Markwart

K – 5 Teachers ………………………………….. Tamara Hayes, Laurie Brower, Sarah Gower, Macayla Wright, Rachel Timmermann

131 Youth Crew (middle school/high school) …. vacant

Ladies Guild ………………………………..……. Jane Holewa (president), Cindy Hunt (treasurer), and Cindy Commissaris (secretary).

Finances

Counters ………. Ralph Holewa (head counter), Jane Holewa, Jim Winkel, Sharon Ward, Helga Harris

Maintenance and facility

Maintenance coordinator …….. None

Lawnmower coordinator ……...Joe Olivares

Maintenance team ………………Roger Commissaris, Paul Retberg, Pete Weyenberg, Jim Winkel, Joe Olivares

Mowing team ……………………..Managed by sign up

Cleaners ……………………….…… Managed by sign up

Heat/AC manager ……………..

Administration

Mail box items ……….

Fellowship/Fun

Senior luncheon/outing ………………….…. Jeanne Myers

Lunch bunch ………………………………………Jane Holewa

Ongoing ways to serve

These are not formal positions; you can do this work at any time by contacting the contact.

Outreach calls/contacts …..Nathaniel Timmermann

Spiritual growth/attendance contacts …. Nathaniel Timmermann

Education …………………Nathaniel Timmermann

Lawn mowing ……………Joe Olivares

Usher …………………………Ron Miller

Cleaning ……………………Jane Holewa

AV team (sound, lights, slides) …. Nathaniel Timmermann

Cleaners

The Szczembara family

Slides and AV

Clara Timmermann, Michael Grimm, Ellise Wedge

Other opportunities for service/ways for us to grow

Evangelism and outreach coordinator

AV coordinator

Tech coordinator

Attendance taker

Directory update

VBS coordinator

Historian

Children’s educators/teachers

Member storyteller

Sign changer

Social media manager,

AV team

Birthday and anniversary list distribution

Volunteer coordinator

Small group teachers

Sender/communicator

Plant and care for flowers ……… Pam Larson

Good News for Peace July 18

Hello friends of Jesus and Peace

BLESS

Three years ago, I met quietly with three or four people at Peace for a study. Some left, but we’ve moved to a friend’s home and grown. Now 7 or 8 or 9 people meet and study and eat and pray together.

Summer is a great time to live our Christian convictions and love others well.

I want to put a challenge before you: let’s pray for every house in the Otsego - Plainwell area this summer. Let’s pray that every house would be filled with the gospel of Jesus!

Check out the map on site and help us make progress!

You’ll bless them and be blessed this summer! We’ll join together to be blessed this summer; join me. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/bless

Vacancy at St John’s Lutheran Sturgis

Pastor Timmermann has been asked to serve the vacancy at St John’s Lutheran Church in Sturgis, MI. https://www.sjlsturgis.com/ Should he fill the vacancy? Let’s see what this means.

“Vacancy” is a common term among our churches.

  • “Vacancy” refers to the time when there is no pastor serving a congregation. The office of the pastor is “vacant”. The church has a “vacancy” in the public ministry of the Word.

  • Vacancies are common when a pastor leaves a congregation to serve at another congregation. Congregations rarely go right from one pastor to another for various reasons. Churches are often vacant while they search for another pastor. Churches are often vacant for at least 3 months up to years.

  • Vacancies are usually served by a “vacancy pastor”. This pastor serves as an interim pastor while the congregation seeks another pastor. The vacancy pastor usually comes from one of three places: a pastor from a different local congregation; a retired pastor; or a professor at a school or synodical official.

  • Vacancy pastors are asked by the vacant congregation to serve through a formal “divine call” after the district president suggests an individual to serve as the vacancy pastor. Both groups of people involved (both the group that has already called the pastor and the group that is calling the pastor) provide input and guidance for the pastor, just as it would when the pastor is regularly called.

  • Vacancies are common right now in our area. Pastor Scheibe from Wayland serves the congregation in Hopkins; Pastor Rockhoff in Dorr serves the congregation in Caledonia. The pastor from Sturgis recently finished serving the congregation in Granger, IN.

  • Vacancy pastors are expected to provide a basic form of regular pastoral services: they plan services, preach, teach Bible studies, teach catechism, teach basic Christianity courses (BIC), visit the sick and dying, and meet with the groups of the congregation. They are usually less active in leading outreach activities, starting new congregational projects, or calling on the absent.

  • The congregation or school that the vacancy pastor comes from must recognize that their pastor will be a little less available. The congregation has to help out more with outreach activities, fellowship events, calling on the absent, and such.

  • This vacancy would start October 1 and would probably last at least a year, maybe more.

  • Peace experienced a vacancy for about 15 months from 2015 to February 2017. We were first served by a retired pastor and then served by Pastor Seelhoff from Hopkins.

  • Filling vacancies is part of congregations working together. We help other congregations when they are missing a pastor; in turn, we get to expect that someone will help us when we are missing a pastor. While it is hard all around, it is definitely better than not having anyone.

I care about you, want you to know the love of God in Christ, and want to work with you to bring the people of Otsego-Plainwell the gospel. Also, Peace is my calling congregation and I’m primarily responsible to you.

Therefore, I’d like to know your input. Should I serve this vacancy? Give your yes/no below.

P.S. If you have specific thoughts or suggestions, please reach out at ntimmermann@peaceotsego.org or text 269-694-6104.



Outdoor services

Outdoor service this Sunday, July 21st. See you outdoors (weather permitting).

Parsonage deck

Suggestions to improve, remove, or repair? Contact office at 269-694-6104

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


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 3rd 8:00 am! Only $25.

https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Otsego/OtsegoReadyorNot5K

Calendar

July 20th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #2 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

July 27th 8:00 Otsego 5K practice

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

August 6th 6:30 Team and Task Time

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home





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 July 4

Hello friends of Jesus and 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”. 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 we have the Spirit. Connected to the Lord and filled with the Spirit, we are free. 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!

BLESS

Three years ago, I met quietly with three or four people at Peace for a study. Some left, but we’ve moved to a friend’s home and grown. Now 7 or 8 or 9 people meet and study and eat and pray together.

Summer is a great time to live our Christian convictions and love others well. Find some people to

1) pray for

2) listen to

3) eat with (if you can)

4) serve the world with them

5) and share the work of God in your life

You’ll bless them and be blessed this summer! We’ll join together to be blessed this summer; join me. https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/bless

Outdoor services

Outdoor services (in the pavilion) each first and third Sunday of the month. See you Sunday outside!

Parsonage deck

Suggestions to improve, remove, or repair? Contact office at 269-694-6104

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

Calendar

July 20th 9:30 am Christian Theology class #2 https://peaceotsego.org/peacenews/christiantheology

July 27th 8:00 Otsego 5K practice

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

August 6th 6:30 Team and Task Time

September 15th Fall kick off/Welcome Home




P.S. This is a special edition of the notes JUST for you from Peace Lutheran Church. Each week we connect with you and share information we hope is useful. If you don’t get our news almost each week, Be sure to sign up at https://peace.breezechms.com/form/news




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 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

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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!

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

Have a suggestion or comment you’d like to share? Let us know!

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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













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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