Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO February Newsletter. Sunday Worship Services. Adult and Children Sunday School

Transcription

1 Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO February Newsletter Sunday Worship Services Traditional Adult and Children Sunday School Contemporary 8:30 a.m. 9:45 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

2 February 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 7:00 pm Alpha Circle 2 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 10:30 am OWLS 6:30 pm GIP Board mtg. 3 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study 7:30 pm Church Council 4 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet 5 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor s day with family 6 10:00 am Board of Caring and Fellowship meeting 11:00 am Spring Event Planning meeting 7 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 12:00 Confirmation Class 14 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 8 9:30 am Sewing Bee 15 9:30 am Sewing Bee 9 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 16 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 10 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study Ash Wednesday 17 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study 11 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet 18 9:30 am Pastors Conference 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet 12 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor s day with family 19 11:00 am Bible Journaling 13 10:00 am Esther Circle and Mary/Martha Circle jointly. 20 Food for Needy 21 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 12:00 Confirmation Class 28 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 22 9:30 am Sewing Bee 29 9:30 am Sewing Bee 23 9:30 am Topic Leaders 10:00 am Knit/Crochet February 14, :00 am GIP Chapel 9:30 am Book Club 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study 25 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet Pastor s day with family 26 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor s day with family Note: The Easter Circle and Mary/Martha Circle will meet jointly on February 13 th at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. There will be no Mary/Martha meeting on February 10 th. 29 Mite Box Sunday 2

3 The Month of Love When I was doing a little research I ran across some information that touted February as the month of love. Since Valentine s Day falls in the middle of the month I guess it only seems natural to think of February as the month when we think about, consider, and talk about love. The only problem is, what exactly does love mean? If you look up the word love in the dictionary it has many meanings, not only from using the word as a noun, but it also has many different meanings when using it as a verb. These many and various meanings have made the word ambiguous and it usually requires a context for us to understand exactly how the word is being used. While we may have many different meanings and understandings for the word love, Scripture has only one. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:8) Our God is love! To be clear, when the word love is used in Scripture, it is used as a verb. The word love denotes action, much like the name of our God, Yahweh is a verb and denotes action. So when the above passage is used, it denotes that our God is a God of action. In actionable love, our God comes to us and becomes one of us. He lives among us and suffers with us, because He loves us. And greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13) Our God who is love took the actions necessary to save us, by giving up His life and dying on a cross. And in the very next verse Jesus tells us, You are my friends if you do what I command you. (John 15:14). What Jesus commands is this, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-38). Our God has called us to love Him and love our neighbor. Our neighbor is our spouse, our children, our families, and all those that we come into contact with. Since we know that love denotes action, just saying to our spouse, children, or others that we love them isn t enough. God commands the action of love. This means we need to show them. Saying I love you is a great place to start, but let s not forget to show others through our actions how much we really do love them. For, if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us. (1 John 4:12) In the service of Christ, Pastor Rolf 3

4 Peace Luther Church Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO Wednesday Evening Bible Study Phone: Pastor: Rev. David Rolf Pastor Emeritus: Rev. John B. Schmid Secretary: Debbie Baldwin Director of Grow in Peace Child Care Center: Carla Hamilton Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 am 3:00 pm Bulletin and Newsletter Items: Send bulletin items by Wednesday to the Church Office at peacelutheranlcms@att.net Send Newsletter items by the 15 th of the preceding month to Sheila Dalen sheiladalen6@gmail.com Prayer Chain Requests: Sheila Dalen at: sheiladalen6@gmail.com or You can also contact the Church office at: peacelutheranlcms@att.net Come join our Bible Study led by Pastor Rolf. We meet in the Fellowship Hall every Wednesday evening from 6:30 until approximately 7:45. We are studying the Catechism. This will be a very interesting and enlightening study. New Bible Journaling Group This is a new group and everyone is invited. If you like to doodle, draw pictures, color with coloring pencils, or just underline; then please join us for this new group of fellowship and doodling in our bibles. Journaling is a great interactive Bible Study method. It helps you to interact with God s word by recording your thoughts on what you re reading. Going back through your journal can help you reflect on what God has shown you in His Word. And you have an heirloom that will be special to your family. This should be a lot of fun interacting with others and learning more about God s Word. For information contact Deb Baldwin or Carol Malone at or the church office at We will meet on Fridays at 11:00 am. Congregational Christmas Cards Thanks to all who signed the large card in the entryway and made a donation. The $100 that was contributed was given to Beautiful Savior Lutheran Home in Belton. 4

5 LWML (Lutheran Women Mission League) The topic for January 2016 Circle meetings is found in the Winter Quarterly on page 18 and is entitled How Great Thou Art! by Shari Miller. During this Bible study, we will look at the timeless truth that our Lord Father, Son and Holy Spirit is truly great. We will rejoice in our loving God s greatness and praise Him for the great things He has done for us. Alpha Circle will meet Monday, February 1, 2016 at the home of Martha Clemons with Darsa Clay as her cohostess. Topic will be led by Wanda Thurnau. Norma Whitaker will check the Acolyte Robes for laundering or mending needs. For more information, please call the President of Alpha Circle, Elaine Nolen at Esther Circle and Mary/Martha Circle will meet the second Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall. This is a joint meeting between the two Circles and the Hostess and/or Topic Leaders will be determined later. For more information, please call the President of Esther Circle, Lois Gilham at or the President of Mary/Martha Circle, Peggy Noah at Convention Convention Really!!?! June 3-5 is the date Cape Girardeau is the place. Start planning, start saving for the travel. This year, as in the past, the LWML ers are invited to participate in another Mission Craft Fair at the convention. All that is needed are the crafters full of ideas and creativity. Anything handmade is welcome crocheted or knitted items, doll clothes, ornaments, toys, jewelry, greeting cards, woodcrafts, jellies, jams, preserves, gift jar mixes will be allowed this year. Ladies use your imagination!! If you can create it, someone surely will purchase it!!! LET + US + GET + C+R+A+F+T+Y Prayer Service 2016 LWML Prayer Service Wanted: workers in God s Harvest Fields by Rev. John Heckmann, past LWML Pastoral Counselor. Expanding on the theme Sew-Nourish-Reap from the Des Moines Convention, this service offers a time of worship revolved around the various tools needed to bring about a bountiful harvest. Included are opportunities for singing, confession and absolution, group discussions and prayer. Women in Mission As Lutheran women in mission, we are being encouraged by our, President Patti Ross, to engage every women in personal opportunities in her daily life and in her congregation, to be nurtured in faith in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, as she discovers her unique gifts and value in God s family. We are to equip women to make meaningful difference in the lives of hurting, helpless and unbelieving people at home and throughout the world and to grow in faith and relationship as Sisters in Christ. Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the people. Psalm 96:3 Ruth Oexman, LWML Publicity 5

6 Sewing Bee The ladies have gone to work making quilts again on January 11 th and plan to meet every Monday in February, weather permitting. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Bring a sack lunch and stay into the afternoon. The LWML Special Mission Fund received $90.00 for sending in 2000 Best Choice UPC s. This fund is used to buy supplies for making quilts. We sent in 1000 UPC s so that Peace Child Care could receive $60. Please continue saving Best Choice UPC s they are on many products sold at Price Chopper, Apple Market and Hen House. Also Box Tops for Education and Labels for Education and cancelled postage stamps, especially foreign and larger Forever and Commemorative stamps. Containers for all these are on the shelf in the Narthex. Please note: The Sundays during the Lenten Season have been marked off. If your special occasion is during this time, you may want to sign up for one of the Easter lilies or spring plants that will be purchased for Easter. Your special occasion or remembrance will be listed in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. The flower fund is 100% donations. Without you, there are no flowers. Contact Cheryl Enke at , or cenke1053@comcast.net. Religious Display Case The Religious Display case is full of boxed cards for many occasions. The cost is $5.00 per box. Individual cards are available for $0.50 each. Valentine s Day cards are now available. Each purchase supports the LWML. Easter Baskets The Beautiful Savior Nursing Home auxiliary need small, medium and large Easter baskets. Please see Peggy Noah by February 28 th. 6

7 Altar flowers Altar flowers are a great way to recognize that special occasion such as birthdays, anniversaries, baptisms, and remembrances. The calendar for 2016 is on the bulletin board with many Sundays available. Thank you to everyone who purchased the Christmas flowers for this past Advent season. Book Club From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the beautiful, stunningly ambitious instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II. Marie-Laure lives with her father in Paris near the Museum of Natural History, where he works as the master of its thousands of locks. When she is six, Marie-Laure goes blind and her father builds a perfect miniature of their neighborhood so she can memorize it by touch and navigate her way home. When she is twelve, the Nazis occupy Paris and father and daughter flee to the walled citadel of Saint-Malo, where Marie-Laure s reclusive great-uncle lives in a tall house by the sea. With them they carry what might be the museum s most valuable and dangerous jewel. In a mining town in Germany, the orphan Werner grows up with his younger sister, enchanted by a crude radio they find. Werner becomes an expert at building and fixing these crucial new instruments, a talent that wins him a place at a brutal academy for Hitler Youth, then a special assignment to track the resistance. More and more aware of the human cost of his intelligence, Werner travels through the heart of the war and, finally, into Saint-Malo, where his story and Marie-Laure s converge. Doerr s Stunning sense of physical detail and gorgeous metaphors (San Francisco Chronicle) are dazzling. Deftly interweaving the lives of Marie-Laure and Werner, he illuminates the ways, against all odds, people try to be good to one another. Ten years in the writing, a National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See is a magnificent, deeply moving novel from a writer whose sentences never fail to thrill (Los Angeles Times). The Book Club meets the 4 th Wednesday of every month (February 24 th ) in the Social Room at 9:30 am. We read a new book every month and enjoy an in-depth discussions about each book. Anyone that enjoys reading and having wonderful discussions is welcome to join us. 7

8 What s New on the Spinner? Spin Till You Find It! Need consolation Need advice Need encouragement It s hoped that you know where the Lutheran Hour Ministries Spinner is in the entryway. It is filled with booklets that are there for you to take and share. Here is synopsis of two new ones: So You Prayed for a Miracle Do modern-day miracles really happen? Have you seen them in other s lives, but never felt they occurred in yours? The marvelous healing done by Jesus was widely described while He was on the earth. But what about today? What constitutes a healing miracle now? Why would some people experience an amazing healing and others would not? In this booklet you ll discover why Jesus performed miracles of healing. Today, many people wonder why miracles don t happen when, seemingly, they have taken all the appropriate steps to ask for healing. While the healing done by Jesus was visible in His day, the most important act He performed was securing eternal life for all who believe! Raising Your Children with Respect Raising a family is hard work, especially in today s world. Many external forces reach into our homes and influence our families, but studies still show that children look to their parents for guidance in the major areas of their lives. This booklet offers helpful tips for building a rewarding relationship with your children. You ll find suggestion for opening up communications, stimulating creativity, setting the right example, and raising your children with respect. Why are some people standing on the last verse of a hymn? Well that is a little startling, isn t it! One can be singing the sermon hymn or another hymn during the service, and all of a sudden, a few people are standing. Look closely at the verse you re singing in the hymnbook. It has a small triangle at the beginning of that particular verse alerting the congregation a line naming each person of the Trinity is being sung. Traditionally, many hymns ended with this type of verse. To show honor and praise to the Godhead, the congregation stood. Many church members still do. Do you know an easy way to find the Apostles Creed and the Nicene Creed? Turn to the inside back cover of the hymnbook. Presto! The creeds are easily at your fingertips! 8

9 Excerpts from the January Lutheran Witness Many years ago I began to note that the elderly saints whose funerals I was conducting had confirmation verses that remarkably reflected their lives. It was uncanny. I used to think that those old pastors really had profound insight into the lives of these dear saints when they were young. I still think that s so, but there s more. I think that the Word of God in a confirmation verse actually has the power to shape a life and so often does. Such is the power of God s Word, especially the words of the very Gospel. p. 1 Pastor Matthew C. Harrison, Synod President {What s your confirmation verse? Do you agree with President Harrison?} It flies, it marches on, it is fleeting, and in some circumstances it seems to stand still. It is time. However we speak of it, time regulates our lives in this world. We cannot control time; we can only measure it and mark its passing while knowing that time is running out. Time is precious because it is limited. We will all experience a final moment in which time will cease for us. So we count time in ways that are meaningful to us and that help us make the best use of it The Church Year moves our focus off what we must do by certain dates or what we have done (good or bad) on certain anniversaries to what Christ has done and continues to do for us. p. 7 The Rev. Mark Wood. The world promises transformation of our bodies and lives, but it cannot deliver the hope we need. God delivers our true hope through the forgiveness of our sins poured out upon us, richly through His Word. On the last day, our hope is fully realized as we fully receive Christ s victory over sin, death and the devil. In the end, we are all tombs some of us newly whitewashed, others looking much worse, all in need of true hope. p. 9 The Rev. Jeremy Swem 5 Resolutions Every Lutheran Should Keep 1. Remember your Baptism 2. Go to church regularly and receive Christ s body and blood 3. Support your pastor and the work of your congregation 4. Encourage the families of your church 5. Make a bold confession p.p. 14&15 The Rev. Michael Meyer 9

10 Liturgy Ushers Elders Greeters Altar Guild Acolyte Peace Lutheran Church Sunday Worship schedule February 2016 February 7 February 10 February 14 February 21 February 28 Transfiguration First Sunday Second Sunday Third Sunday Ash Wednesday of Our Lord in Lent in Lent in Lent 8:30 LSB LSB LSB LSB 11:00 Contemporary Contemporary Contemporary Contemporary John Brackman, Mark Harms, Kent Pritzel, Elijah Truelove 8:30 Home Oexman, Dave Loesch, Joe Rice, Ed Seutter 11:00 Keith Kirchhoff, Jeff Gardner 8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00 Gary/Wanda Thurnau Homer/Ruth Oexman Dayle/Sandy Olson Bert/Nita Runge Jeff/Cara Ewart Punky McDaniel Jeff/Linda Gardner Homer/Ruth Oexman 10

11 Grow in Peace Child Care Center News February, main ( )2 nd line **Please be sure and program our phone number into your cell phone. Then you will know when GIP calls and you can answer it. Jesus, Thank You for Your loving grace and merciful blessings. Teach us to Love others as You have loved us. We pray for everyone everywhere that Your LOVE comes into their hearts and flows out to others. AMEN! Together we can accomplish much and with Christ nothing is impossible!! Welcome to Grow in Peace New Enrollments Jacqueline Amboka Infants Leonnah Gray School-age May God bless the early learning you will receive from us! Upcoming Dates to Remember February 10 Ash Wednesday February 12 Party Day at GIP February 14 Valentine s Day February 15 President s Day Future Dates March 13 Daylight Savings time Begins (Spring Forward 1 hour) March 20 Palm Sunday March 21 & 22 Spring Pictures with Lil Angels March 24 Maundy Thursday March 25 Good Friday March 27 Easter Services TBA Coming Soon: 2016 Easter Services at Peace Lutheran Church Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent 40 Days (6 Sundays) Purple is the Color used on the Altar to represent somberness, solemnity, penitence, and prayer. More info on colors used in the Church Lenten Services will be held on Wednesdays GIP Philosophy Statement Grow in Peace Child Care Center shall provide a safe Christian environment with loving, experienced, and professional staff that recognize parents have the primary responsibility in skill development and Christian training for their children. As an outreach ministry of Peace Lutheran Church, we strive to set an example of Christ's Love through God's Word and assist in the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social and physical development of the children entrusted to our care. Helping children grow in wisdom and in grace. Open Invitation to Attend Church Services We extend to you a standing open invitation to come and explore Peace Lutheran Church and the ministries it serves. Listed below are the times for services. If you would like more info, please ask Ms. Carla or call the Church office at Jesus is our ultimate VALENTINE! Opportunities for worship and Bible Study include: Traditional Service at 8:30am on Sunday's Contemporary Service at 11:00am on Sunday's Sunday Bible Study 9:45 to 10:45am on Sunday s Midweek Bible Study 6:00 to 7:15pm on Wednesday s Look for the Church on the web at and on facebook at or visit in person during one of the service times or Bible Study times. Peace Lutheran exists to encourage and equip Christ followers to grow their faith, live their faith and to share their faith. GIP is asking for donations of items for classroom usage: Colored Pencils, washable markers, paper plates, baby wipes unscented and non-latex bandaids. ***We would gladly accept monetary donations! Grow in Peace can give you a tax exemption! Donations are always welcomed and very much needed for Grow in Peace Child Care Center! 11

12 February Birthdays 2 Dayle Olson 2 Sandy Olson 2 Dave Kuhn 3 Kathleen Boehm 3 Nellie Fritz 4 Iesha Shelby 5 Johnna Coleman 6 Kyrah Schroeter 7 Ethel Schmid 9 Steve Justice 12 Alex Hamilton 12 Whitney Barr 12 Zak Hufferd 12 Eileen Krinke 12 Shaneisha Shelby 13 Michael Bellach 13 Joseph Gilham 13 Michael Scrivener 14 Ben Brackman 14 Jean Tieman 15 Mitchell Routh 16 Myonna Shelby 17 Ron McCubbin 18 Cara Ewart 19 Jan Rinne 19 Tyler Schultz, J. 20 Dennis Head 21 Ryan Shropshire 25 Maxine Cook 27 Brenda Routh 28 Jasmine Love February Baptisms 1 Betty Enke 1 Yvonne Mills 5 Brian Jenkins 6 Macy Routh 8 Helen Benson 11 Heather Worthington 12 Kathleen Boehm 13 Bonnie Haney 13 Daniel Worthington 15 Ty Terrell 16 Jana Harms 18 Jack Phillips 22 Jean Roberts 23 Caroline Edmonds 24 Cindy Eskina 26 Shanon Cody 27 Drew Thurnau 28 Michael Scrivener 29 Ethel Schmid February Anniversaries 2 Williams/Viola Okpewho Tim/Cindy Thurnau Mike/Denise Benavides

13 Mite Offerings Mite Goal Update as of December 31, 2015 Mission Goal for Biennium: $2,000,000 Amount Received (all sources): $661, Amount Needed: 1,338, GRANTS Grant Recipient Disbursed Balance 1 Clean Water and Evangelism Ministry MOST Ministries $ 50,000 2 Disaster Response Trailers LCMS Disaster Response $ 80,000 3 Cancer Care Packages Phil s Friends $ 50,000 4 Renovation of JEM Seminary Buildings Nigeria $120,000 5 Redeeming Life Maternity Home Sanford, Florida $100,000 6 Hope and Healing to the Navajo People Rocky Mountain District $ 75,000 7 Outreach in Refugee Camps Lebanon $ 72,000 8 Healthy Families Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska $ 60,000 9 LCMS Global Seminary Initiative International Student Scholarships $100, Training Teachers and Leaders Concordia Seminary, St. Louis $50,000 $50, Opportunities in Uganda Women of the Pearl and Seminary Completion $70,000 $30,000 In Their Hands and Upon Their Hearts Lutheran Bible Translators, Angola, Botswana, 12 Ethiopia, Naibia We Are God s Workmanship - International Student scholarship at St. Paul High School, 13 Concordia, Missouri $ 50,000 $ 32, Bringing the Gospel to the Lost Sheep of Israel Apple of His Eye Mission Society Israel $100, Helping Hands Initiative LCMS National Housing Support Corporation $100, Deaconess Training LCMS support for International Partner Churches $40,000 $ 50, Lutheran Youth Corps Scholarships Lutheran Mercy Youth Corps $ 25, Providing Hope for Detroit Acts 2 Enterprise $100, Rosa Young Academies (Partial) Rosa Young Projects Initiative $14, $374,064 $ 1,044,500 13