|
|
|
August 24, 2011
Weekly E-Newsletter |
|
|
|
Message from Pastor Pete
By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. (Genesis 2:2-3)
In six days God:
- created the heavens
- created the earth
- created plants
- created animals
- created people
On the seventh day God rested.
In six days I:
- write sermons
- plan church events
- organize church youth activities
- do a zillion behind the scenes church things
- oversee new ministries in the synod on behalf of Bishop Usgaard
- do projects at home
- cook
- clean
- do some laundry
- run my son from event to event
- garden
- take care of the yard
- etc...etc...etc...
On the seventh day, I have just a few one or two more things to take care of.
I think God is on to something!
We live in a culture that doesn't know when to stop, and I'm as guilty as anyone else. The list of things to do never ends. I wake up early to have some time to catch up. I often get to bed later than I'd like because I have 'just one last thing to do.' I measure the 'quality' of my day by how much I accomplished.
When my family goes away to our cabin for a few days, a new list appears: move some rock...push the cattails out of the way...repair the boat... Last Friday I thought I'd try something different. After a few 13 hour work days, my family and I headed north. For one day, I ignored the to-do list. I slept in...I fished...I grilled lunch...I read a book...I napped...I went jogging...I played cards. Imagine - a whole day without feeling any obligation to get stuff done...a day of rest! It was lovely!
I know that when I have some time to relax I'm happier, I'm more fun to be around, I'm a better parent, and I actually get more done. Why don't I do that more often? Why do I keep running the rat race? It makes no sense.
If God can rest after six days of work, why do I feel the need to keep charging ahead? My challenge for this fall, as my schedule fills up with new activities, is to find a time of rest. God created us to take time to unwind and enjoy God's world. God calls us to times of peace and reflection. God reaches out to us in worship and prayer.
I suspect I'm not the only one struggling here! There's no glory in having the busiest schedule. The list of things to do will still be there tomorrow...it doesn't need to be done now. Let us join God...in a weekly day of rest! God knows that we need it.
|
|
Livin' the Faith
Livin' the Faith is Peace's version of confirmation for those in 9th grade and above. It's a nine week time to reflect deeply on faith. Let Pastor Pete know who might be interested in being a part of it this year. |
Labor Day Weekend
On Sunday, September 4th Peace will join together with our friends at St. Paul UCC for worship in our new building, 903 Robert St. Please bring a lawn chair for worship! |
Kick-Off Picnic!
It's nearly time to get things rolling! On Wednesday, September 7th at 6:00 we'll gather at the new church property (across from the Eyota Market) for a weenie roast, some games, and conversation about the coming year of Sunday School and Youth Ministry. Everyone is invited to come and be a part of the fun (and planning)! |
Dedication!
Peace will dedicate our new building on Sunday, November 6th. Please plan to be a part of the party! If you would like to be on a team to help organize the festivities, please note it on the Welcome Card or talk to Pastor Pete. |
Rally Sunday
On Sunday, September 11th Peace will kick off the fall season of ministry! Sunday School (and some singing for the kids) will get underway. |
Middle School Youth Ministry
Our weekly gathering for those in 6th-8th grades will begin on Wednesday, September 14th. We'll continue to meet at Arbor Gardens from 6:00-8:00. The seniors are waiting to play games again! |
Bible Sunday
On Sunday, Sept. 18th Peace will be giving Bibles away!! Those in Kindergarten and 1st grade will receive a Bible Story Book. Those in 3rd-5th grades who do not yet have a NIrV will receive one (the 2nd graders will receive it in the spring). Those in 6th grade (and up) will get a TNIV Study Bible. Please, come and receive the Word of God! |
Growing in Faith
Pastor Pete is looking for some people who would be interested in taking time to get together and ponder the ways that God works in the world. This could look like a Bible Study...a small group conversation...a laid back time with beverages... If you'd be interested in any of the above, talk to Pastor Pete! |
Middle School Youth Group Leaders
When school starts, the Middle School youth will again meet on Wednesday nights for fun, food, and faith. Pastor Pete is looking for a few folks to join in the leadership, so talk to him if interested. |
Weekly Campfires
On Wednesday nights at 6:00 we invite you to the church lot for a weenie roast, potluck, scripture, and prayers. This is a great time to see how the building is progressing, get to know the Mission Builders, and enjoy some good company! Hot dogs and buns are provided. These will continue through the end of August. |
|
Tuesday - Saturday - Day Brightener
Daily devotion - 7:00 a.m. in the construction trailer - 10 minutes of song and prayer.
" I don't have time to serve a meal, am gone every weekend, don't bake, but would like to contribute to the effort, is that possible?" YES!! We can take monetary donations, please contact the Spaffords at 507 545-2954 or e-mail: suspaff@yahoo.com or donate during offering at church (please indicate that this is a Meal Fund donation).
Our Mission Builders: Bill & Becky Graves, Roger & Carol Berg, Rich & Lindsey Hofer, Dennis & Barb Smith, Tom & Katie Gillman |
Mission Builders Meals & Snacks
Would you be able to help out with a meal, or a snack?
If so, please call the Spaffords at 507 545-2954 or e-mail: suspaff@yahoo.com
Meals - Tuesday and Thursday nights - 6:00 pm.
Food can be brought to the work site and eaten with the Mission Builders, in your home or, if space is an issue you can use the church office basement (they all have a key). One family is planning on taking the Mission Builders to the Legion sometime in August for burger night. Please prepare enough food to serve 10 (hungry) people.
Saturdays - noon: Bring the food to the work site or drop it off ahead of time. Please prepare enough food to serve 10 (hungry) people. There are a couple members who do not do construction and will help with preparation of the food.
Aug 25th Meal: Curt Olson & Julie Nelson
Snacks
There is now a construction trailer with a refrigerator.
- The Mission Builders enjoy cheese, crackers, fruit (melons, carrots, celery, bananas), vegetables (stalks of celery, bags of carrots, head of broccoli/cauliflower), snack bars, ice cream, they also enjoy baked goods but realize that is not something they can make a steady diet out of.
- Food does not need to be prepared, bags of fruit and vegetables are fine - there are a couple members who do not do construction and will help with preparation of the food.
- If you are able to donate please let me know and I will schedule you for a date. You will receive a call three days ahead of time to let you know what it is they are in need of. Typically you need to think of bringing enough snack to serve 30 (hungry) people.
Aug. 24th Snack: Olson (Jamie/Christine)
Aug. 25 - 27 Snack:
Aug. 30 - 31 Snack: Nguyen |
God With Us
When we are feeling confused we can remember this: We are Christians because we believe that Jesus is our savior. The Bible says that anyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life. (John 3 v 36) Jesus is our only hope of a home in Heaven. |
|
Reading for August 28th
Gideon Acts
Judges 7:1-23 |
|
August Birthdays!
Bailey Wallace 8/2, Shannon Coppock 8/3, Henry Cluney 8/4, Wyatt Mickow 8/7, Chad Ohl 8/9, Mary Ann Peterson 8/14, Morgan Kyler Potter 8/15, Drew Turnquist 8/16, Alyssa Klein 8/25, Brad Wick 8/26, Steve Peterson 8/28 |
|
Worship Assistants - August 28th
Worship Assistant: Eric Porcher, Reader: Chuck Johnson, Communion Assistants: Jon & Diane Tangen, Hospitality: Porcher, Pristash, Rhone, Schreier, & Sorom, Set-up/Ushers: (Wild Mustangs Team) Kathy Olson, Julie Nelson, Lisa Finstuen, Amanda Gust, Carrie Rhone, Melanie Glynn, Melissa Keach, & Steph Field |
Worship Assistants - NEXT WEEK - September 4th
Worship Assistant: Tanya Reiman, Reader: Shannon Reuss, Communion Assistants: Jamie Olson & Chris Austin, Hospitality: Wallace, Welsh, Wendt, Brown, & Ziemer, Set-up/Ushers: (Outdoor Team) Chad Ohl, Chad Nelson, Curt Olson, Cliff Schreier, John Pristash, Jeff Finstuen, Pete Reuss, Todd Keach, Aaron Gust, Michael Woltman |
HERE ARE THE EVENTS COMING UP!
Sunday, August 28th: 9:15 am Worship
Wednesday, August 31st: 6:00 pm Wednesday Evening Bonfire, 7:00 pm Building Team
Sunday, September 4th: 9:15 am Joint service with St. Paul at our new buidling |
|
Click Here to access Peace Lutheran August Calendar
Click Here to access Message from SE Minnesota Synod, ELCA God's blessings on your day,
Pastor Pete |
|
|
|
|
|
|
