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November 1, 2011
Weekly E-Newsletter |
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Message from Pastor Pete
On Monday I took part in an entirely irrational event.
 I sat in the front row of the balcony at Pete Stellpflug's funeral at a packed St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Rochester. We heard reflections on Pete's life and the legacy that he leaves behind. Those words were poignant and meaningful. I found it helpful to remember Pete's humor and willingness to serve his community That's when the irrationality began. While Pete's body lay in a casket in front of everybody, Father Kurt talked as if Pete still lived. He spoke of Pete celebrating with Jesus and all the saints. He talked of...eternal life.
When I stop and think about it for a bit, this all sounds like crazy talk. In my experience death seems final. Once people pass away we don't see them again. We must learn to live without their comfort and company. We put their bodies in the ground or scatter their ashes. I can go to the grave of my mom, Edee Reuss and know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that her remains lie in the casket beneath my feet. Death comes as the end of life. That's the way the world works. On my most cynical days, talk of eternal seems like something invented by people to take some of the pain out of death. "While they SEEM dead...they are not REALLY dead." Is this faith thing just a sham?
In the face of such harsh empirical data, Father Curt proclaimed the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It's the same hope that I mentioned last week.
Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 5 If we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. (Romans 6:3-5)
How can we believe something so irrational? On our own we can't. We need God's help! A Christians we proclaim a God who has not only come to conquer sin and death...we proclaim a God who works to give us the ability to believe it! We all have our days of doubt and struggling, but God does not leave us alone. God never gives up on us or leaves us alone. God directs us forward in faith...even on days when eternal life seems too irrational to believe.
Today (November 1st) is All Saints Day. On this day Christians boldly proclaim that all who have died in Christ still live...and that as forgiven children of God we will live with them. Nobody can prove that it's true, but this is the hope that I proclaim for my mom, Edee Reuss...for my grandparents (Jim Bantz, George Reuss, Dave & Esther Meier, Charles Dodd)...for Max Cliff and Marianne Morton...and for Pete Stellpflug. Jesus has come to be with God's people in life...and in death.
Father Curt's message rings true. Death seems final, but it's really the gate to life forever with Jesus. That's not just wishful thinking...that's the promise of God! May God work in your life (and mine) to help you believe it! |
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Last Minute Jobs
There is still work to do to prepare the new building for Dedication Sunday! We will assemble chairs at 6:30 on Wednesday night (the Middle School youth have their meal at 6:00 and will be ready to work by 6:30!). Feel free to swing by the building any evening...there will be work to do! |
Daylight Savings
Don't forget to change your clocks this Sunday! You get an extra hour of sleep before the dedication! |
Dedication!
On Sunday, November 6th, Peace will dedicate the building at 903 Robert St. to God's glory! The dedication service will be at 9:15, followed by a Thanksgiving Dinner! Please RSVP to office@peaceeyota.org if you can attend either of them! We will also have an Open House from 2:00-4:00. See you there! |
Christmas Shopping Day
On Saturday, December 3rd Peace will be doing some bell ringing for the Salvation Army. In years past we have also offered day-long day care for parents who would like some time to shop without kids in tow! This will happen if a few people are willing to lead it. Let Pastor Pete know if you'd like to help coordinate this event! |
Christmas Program
If you'd like your child to be a part of the Sunday School Christmas Program on December 18th, please contact Jessica Schreier (lonaschreier@hotmail.com). Practices for the Christmas Program will begin immediately following the Dedication Service on Nov. 6th. |
Pastor Pete...
will be at the synod's Theological Conference from Sunday night through Tuesday of next week. |
Opportunity to Pledge for 2012
Sunday, November 20th will provide an opportunity to make a financial pledge for the 2012 year. More information will be coming after the dedication. |
Thrivent Members
Jaime Olson would like to remind Thrivent members to bring their ballots to worship in the next couple weeks. |
Thank you!
If you've spent any time at the new building you have probably seen Brian Geer at work. He has spent countless hours (and vacation days) helping out. Thank you!! |
God With Us
What should our priority be today? Matthew 6 v 33 says "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." |
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Reading for November 6th
Solomon builds the temple
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October Birthdays!
Tara Schultz 11/2, Brandon Draper 11/2, Ryan Keach 11/4, Ryan Olson 11/8, Joanie Mix 11/16,
Jenna Grace Schleusner 11/16, Jenny Mentlick 11/16, Brianna Johnson 11/17, Michael Nelson 11/17, Ryan Ohl 11/18, Jacob Trom 11/18, Greg Shelquist 11/19, Breanna Ohl 11/21, Ben Sorom 11/21, Chris Wallace 11/21, Jeff Klein 11/27, Taylor Sass 11/27, Jessica Schreier 11/28, Christina Pristash 11/29, Ava Sutton 11/30, Claire Sutton 11/30 |
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Worship Assistants - November 6th
Worship Assistant: Steve Szuberski, Reader: Chuck Johnson, Communion Assistants: Amber Hardtke & Jenny Mentlick |
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Worship Assistants - NEXT WEEK - November 13th
Worship Assistant: Shannon Reuss, Reader: Myra Wick, Communion Assistants: Jan Begin and Julie & Callie Hanley, Hospitality Families: Mickow, Jamie & Christine Olson, Porhcer, Pristash, and Rhone, Set-up/Ushers (Out Door 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, November 6th: 9:15 am Dedication / Worship / Sunday School / Noisy Collection /
November 6th - 9th: Pastor Pete at Synoc Theological Conference
Wednesday, November 9th: 6:00 pm Youth Ministry Arbor Gardens
Sunday, November 13th: 9:15 am Worship / Sunday School |
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Click Here to access Peace Lutheran October Calendar
Click Here to access Message from SE Minnesota Synod, ELCA God's blessings on your day,
Pastor Pete |
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