PeaceTalk. From the Pastoral Staff. Body of Christ: Pastor Chris Matson. the Living, Active Body. Happy Easter!

Transcription

1 PeaceTalk Volume 28 - Number 4 April W. 41st St. - Sioux Falls, SD (605) Saved by God s grace, we are called to be instruments of God s peace. peacelutheran.com facebook.com/peacelutheransf instagram.com/peacelutheransf From the Pastoral Staff Body of Christ: the Living, Active Body E arlier this week, I got the news my step-dad went into cardiac arrest. After driving all night to get to him in Ohio, I was able to be with him when he breathed his last. Instead of being at Peace for Palm Sunday, I was in the church where I grew up. It was there where I learned about God s unfailing love for me. It was there where I learned to sing in the choir, and where I was given the opportunity to grow in faith. As I posted the news online, friends from as far back as I can remember reached out in love and prayer. When I asked about photos and music for visitation at the church, I learned my friend, Steve, runs that. Another friend made a feast of the best pizza I ve ever eaten for a small family gathering following the funeral. The church choir sang. The body of Christ did what it was designed to do; it came around the weak ones showing what it is to be part of the communion of saints. The body of Christ is a living, active body that does the work of Christ. Members of the body are each using the gifts they have been given. Some are using their time and skills to reach out. Others have given financial gifts to make sure the church is ready at a moment s notice to be a place we can gather. My step-dad s ashes will be placed in the columbarium at the church. As a pastor, I get to see this happen for people all the time. It is always different to be on the receiving end. It is a blessing to be overwhelmed with gratitude at the way others give of themselves to take care of my family. To know the body of Christ near and far are living lives of resurrection is beautiful. In this season of Easter we are given life, but it s not just eternal life. It is life here and now. It is community, love, and caring here and now. Thank you for being the body of Christ. Thank you for using your time, skills, and finances to spread the good news and to make sure we have a place to uphold each other for whatever is to come. In the name of Jesus, we go forth to love and serve the Lord. Happy Easter! Pastor Chris Matson

2 Peace Staff: Pastors: Paul Stjernholm Jonathan Vehar Chris Matson Renae Boehmer Staff: Jackie Hensley Receptionist Mary Lunde Receptionist Judy Kirkman Financial Secretary Dean Ebbinga Facilities Manager Jeff Panek Custodian Eric Smith Custodian Demetrius Washington Custodian Rebel Hurd Mission Developer/ Church on the Street Jackie Hensley Worship Volunteers Cara Hetland Communications DeAnna Dreesman Nursery Coordinator Kara Vehar Librarian Faith Through Frames: Directors: Pam Tetzlaff Children s Ministry Tamara Shaw Asst. Children s Ministry Holly Marty Confirmation/Adult Ministries Kelsey Lyndoe Youth Ministries Jackie Bailey Worship and Music Bob Levesque Asst. Worship and Music Dustin Pederson Communications Lisa Fowler Office Manager John Hilleson Business Manager Jim Ahrendt Seniors Ministry DeAnna Dreesman Preschool Tara Foley Peace Care and Kids World Sarah and Jason Andera Heartland Ephphatha Music Groups: Darya Levesque Children s Music Nancy Crum Adult Choir, Youth Bells, Hand Chime Choir Kyle Quanbeck Organist Maurine Pederson Adult Bell Choir Bob Levesque Peace Brass Pat Steele Saturday Service Pianist Wedding Coordinators: Erin Wescott Crystal Ehresmann From Back to Front (& Back Again) While learning, I want to give back and say God, this is for you, help me learn while I help others. - Page 3 Seniors Ministry Highlights 13 Confirmation 13 Youth Ministry Highlights 12 Children s Ministry Highlights 11 Small Groups & Adult Ministry 10 Worship & Music Highlights 9 God s Work. Our Hands. Highlights 7-8 Stephen Ministry 6 Congregational Announcements 4-5 Spotlight: Faith Through Frames 3

3 Faith Through Frames by Cara Hetland Steve Johnson calls himself just a hobby photographer. He started after college and, for about 20 years, he s been capturing images of nature. Two years ago, he checked the photography box on the church time and talent sheets. He s been helping with the pieces of peace videos. As he s been attending events and activities, he discovered how much he likes taking pictures of people. I enjoy a challenge, said Steve. It s new and different. I told my wife my dream job now is to get paid for doing photography. But being the humble servant he is, Steve knows he has more to learn first. He started buying equipment, some lights and back drops. He has also shadowed some other photographers. While learning, I want to give back and say God, this is for you, help me learn while I help others. Steve Johnson and his wife Becky have been members at Peace for about 19 years, and have two sons, Sam (in this photo) and Nolan. While on assignment taking pictures for Pieces of Peace, when Peace Lutheran served at The Banquet, he learned of the unique gift a portrait can be to a family. In many of our homes, family portraits and picture of kids/grandkids remind us of the ways we are connected in love. For families that struggle economically, having a family portrait may be too great a sacrifice, against all else that is needed to support the family. Peace Lutheran is pleased to come along beside and help families celebrate who they are and, in doing so, hopefully help remind them of the big family of God we all share. Steve Johnson wants to offer his services by taking portraits of families we serve at Necessities for Neighbors, Church on the Street, and the Banquet. He s talked with another photographer who did a similar project a few years ago. That photographer told Steve it was the best thing he ever did. Steve will offer a sign up at the April Necessities for Neighbors distribution for May 12 th from 8 to noon. Depending on interest, he ll schedule sessions as long as there are families with smiles. If there s a huge need, I ll keep showing up and doing it. He wants to return the picture already framed and presented as a gift. So, he s looking for donations of 8x10 frames and financial donations in order to print. Steve adds he could use a volunteer or two to help him with the sessions. After he takes portraits of our neighbors in need, he plans to offer similar sessions for families through Church on the Street and the Banquet. If you re interested in making donations, please talk with Pastor Jonathan.

4 NEW EMPLOYEES Judy Kirkman has filled the part time Financial Secretary position. Judy will be working primarily on Mondays and will be responsible for counting the weekly offerings and assisting with statement dissemination throughout the year. Judy lives in Sioux Falls and is an active member of Peace Lutheran Church. Demetrius Washington has accepted the evening part time Custodian position and will primarily be working on Sunday afternoons, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Demetrius resides in Sioux Falls and currently works for Costello Property Management where he manages apartments and townhomes. The librarian position has been filled by Kara Vehar. Kara comes to us with a certificate in Library Management and has worked previously as the Director of the Scotland Public Library. Kara works full time for Good Samaritan Society Prairie Creek as a Senior Living Sales Associate. Please join us in welcoming Judy, Demetrius, and Kara to their new positions. FORUM: Coffee & Conversation Sunday 9:00 AM Shalom Room April Schedule April 1 - No Forum: HAPPY EASTER! April Church Council, with Council President, Matt Dreke April 15 - By Heart: Daily Prayer and the Household Chart with Pastor Chris April 22 - Anxious for Nothing: Rejoice in the Lord Always: Max Lucado DVD Series April 29 - Anxious for Nothing: Let Your Gentleness Be Evident to All, Max Lucado DVD Series

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6 Fourteen months ago, I was at a point where I needed someone to talk to about the struggles in my life. My pastor recommended I consider meeting with a Stephen Minister another man, trained as a caregiver, who would walk with me during this difficult time. Trusting someone with personal information about my life was something I feared at first, but my pastor reassured me that everything was confidential, so I agreed to give it a try. I m so glad I did! Soon after meeting my Stephen Minister, I quickly sensed I could trust him. Part of that trust came from knowing he was trained to help people through their problems. He made me feel comfortable by not prying for information, but instead just letting me share what was on my mind. Any questions he did ask fit our conversation appropriately. Probably the best thing he did for me was not judging me for my past decisions; rather, he was there to help me move forward. I think another significant trust-building factor was being able to talk with someone who was not in my regular circle of friends. My friends certainly continued to have a very important place in my life, but I also needed someone who could see me objectively. That helped make it easier to share personal parts of my life. Also, knowing my Stephen Minister would be there for me next week (we usually met for an hour each week) gave me confidence. I see now how much I needed regular encouragement as I rode the roller coaster of emotions that came during this period of instability in my life. I really appreciated our times together. Our weekly visits were more than just meeting to talk. They also helped keep me accountable between times, to carry through with the changes I said I wanted to make. My Stephen Minister often went out of his way to help me in my struggle. My life experience during the 10 months I met with my Stephen Minister was not always one of progress. It took courage for me to honestly share when I had my failures and setbacks too. Even then my Stephen Minister was there for me. He encouraged me not to give up, but to pick up and keep going forward. That genuine acceptance spoke to me the most; not to accept failure, but to confess, turn, and receive forgiveness. Having someone assure me of that biblical truth was really encouraging and was exactly what I needed. My Stephen Minister walked with me through a really dark part of my life, pointing me to the truth and love that is in Christ. I thank the Lord for my Stephen Minister who did not try to solve all my problems but lovingly, as a Christian brother, walked along with me through this valley in my life. If you are dealing with some type of crisis or difficulty in life, I encourage you to meet with a Stephen Minister. You won t regret it!

7 God s Work. Our Hands. Contact Pastor Jonathan Vehar at PastorJonathan@peacelutheran.com Necessities for Neighbors Distribution Date: 4/8/2018 Location: Peace Fellowship Hall Time: 2:30 Set up Ages: All ages, Middle school and younger should come with an adult. Project: Peace gives away items that people cannot buy with food stamps the first Sunday of each month to households. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Donations of toilet paper is always needed, as well as financial contributions that covers diapers, detergent, and feminine hygiene products. Food to You at East Side Lutheran Date: 4/26/2018 Location: St. John s Lutheran Church Time: Truck unload 4:15PM, set up 5:15PM Ages: 6th Grade and up Project: Set up and distribute food to approximately 100 families. The mobile food pantry is jointly sponsored by the ELCA churches in Sioux Falls. We are also collecting cereal to give away. Faith Through Frames Date: 5/12/2018 Location: Shalom Room Time: Shifts start at 8AM Ages: 6th Grade and up A new ministry for Peace Lutheran, Faith Through Frames seeks to make a deeper connection to our neighbors who come to Necessities for Neighbors, the Banquet, and Church on the Street. The idea is simple, to offer a family portrait as a way of lifting up and celebrating families and the ways we are connected. Volunteers will meet on Saturday, May 12th for the first portrait day. We also are seeking donations of 8x10 picture frames - used is fine, but nothing broken. Financial donations are also appreciated to help cover printing costs. Donations can be made at the Welcome Center.

8 Free Coffee and Prayer Wednesday mornings starting in May Peace Parking Lot Last May and June, Peace Lutheran joined other Sioux Falls Lutheran churches to offer coffee and prayer to commuters from 7:30-8:30AM on Wednesday mornings. We are considering the same this year and are looking to see if there are some early rising volunteers who would like to help this year. Come and experience the power of praying with our neighbors. Synod Assembly Date: June 1 st and 2 nd Location: Our Savior s Lutheran Sioux Falls Ages: 18+ (limited to 10 voting members from Peace) The Synod Assembly is the gathering of the South Dakota Lutheran congregations. At the Synod Assembly we will worship, engage in Bible Study, hear reports, and celebrate God s Work that is done when our churches come together. The business of the Synod is also done, with resolutions and the approval of the Synod Mission Plan for the upcoming year. Talk with Pastor Jonathan for more information.

9 Worship and Music Highlights Contact Pastor Chris Matson at or Jackie Bailey at Re-framed! During the season of Easter we ll see how the reality of the resurrection reframes our lives. Easter isn t just one day, but an event that changes everything! Reframed: This Changes Everything March 31 & April 1 Mark16:1-8 Jesus is arisen! Come celebrate! This is the biggest Christian festival! Jesus resurrection changes everything! Reframed: Fearful to Peace-filled April 7 & 8 John 20:19 31 It s still Easter day and Jesus appears to the disciples in a locked room as they feared for their lives. Thomas gets a special opportunity to see the risen Lord. Reframed: Wondering to Witnessing April 14 & 15 Luke 24:26b 48 Jesus goes to the disciples again and brings them peace. He eats then sends them on a mission to let others know what has happened. Reframed: On your own to Being known April 22 & 23 John 10:11 18 Jesus identifies himself as the good shepherd from Psalm 23. We know his voice, and we are known to him. There is life and love in the shepherd s care. Reframed: Withering to Thriving April 28 & 29 John 15:1-8 Our Jubilation and Celebration Choirs will be providing music for the Gathering, Offering, and Communion on Saturday, April 21 st at our 5:30PM Worship service. Please come to worship and hear these talented youth lifting up God s name in song! The Youth Bell Choir and the Handchime Choir will be finishing up their current year on Sunday, April 22 nd by presenting special music at the 9AM and 10:10AM services. Be watching for information in August regarding signing up to play in one of these gifted groups! They re back...the High Plains Woodwinds are returning to Peace for a concert on Sunday, April 29 th at 2PM. Many of you heard them last Fall when they played here and if you missed it don t make that mistake! This is an extremely talented group of about 30 adult woodwind players from a 3-state region under the direction of Mr. Spencer Kruse. Free will donations will be taken. A big THANK YOU to all of our Holy Week musicians! We appreciate the extra effort and rehearsals it took to enhance our worship. The Peace Brass even managed to play at ALL FIVE Easter services something to toot your horns about!!

10 Small Groups & Adult Ministries Contact Pastor Renae at or Holly Marty at Peace offers many opportunities to connect with other adults, learn a bit about the God who names and claims us, and share your faith, including: Faith in Real Time is a discussion of current events (one topic per week) tied with scripture. Both are very relevant to each of our lives join us to talk about how to reconcile them in each of our lives. Wednesdays at 6:15PM in Pastor Renae s office. Power of Prayer Team: Learn about Prayer. Talk about Prayer. Share Prayer. Join us on Saturday, April 21st (and the third Saturday of EVERY month) at 9:00AM in the Shalom Room. All are Welcome! Women s Weekly Bible Study: Wednesday mornings at 6:30AM at the 41st Street Perkins (just west of I-29). We are starting a new series after Easter join us! Men s Weekly Bible Study: Tuesday mornings at 6:45AM at the Fryn Pan on 41st Street. Read the preaching text for the upcoming week and talk about how it relates to YOUR life! Men s Monthly Breakfast Join for some breakfast, devotion, and great conversation on Saturday, April 28th at 8AM in the Fellowship Hall. Jesus and bacon, doesn t get much better than that! - Pastor Paul Stjernholm. Contact PastorJonathan@peacelutheran.com with questions. Book Clubs: Mommy and Me: Moms with young children meet to play, talk, and connect two Monday mornings each month. Ask Pastor Renae to be added to the Facebook group to be informed of upcoming get-togethers. Peaceful Stampers: This card-making and paper-crafting group meets a Sunday afternoon each month to create beautiful ways to show our love and support for one another. Prayer Shawl Group: Gathering on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30PM, this team of knitters and crochet-ers create beautiful prayer shawls to be given to folks going through a challenging time in life. You are welcome to join regardless of your skill level we can teach you! Women s Circles: Monthly groups (meeting on Thursdays during the day) that study scripture using the Gather magazine while enjoying refreshments and one another s company. Peace Lutheran Quilters: Join this group of energetic ladies as they tie quilts one or two Thursday mornings each month to give to charities near and far. Walking Club: While we only join to walk on a weekly basis in the summer months, opportunities will soon be available to connect (and work to stay fit) all year. Peace has a couple of book clubs that meet regularly. Ask Pastor Renae for more information! Want to meet some like-minded people? Wish you could connect with the people you worship with on a more personal level? Contact Pastor Renae for help in getting a brand new group started.

11 Children s Ministry Contact Pam Tetzlaff at pam@peacelutheran.com. Shipwrecked Vacation Bible School Registration is OPEN! Be sure to sign up for VBS, which will be June 18th - 21st at Peace. As in past years, classes are available in the morning starting at 9AM and in the evening starting at 6PM for all age groups. Limited space is available at each session, so register early for your first choice. No paper registrations will be taken. Register now at peacelutheran.com/vbs! Please make sure you register for the correct age level session! Registration for volunteers is going on now! For questions, or to find out more about volunteer opportunities, contact pam@peacelutheran.com. 1st grade Ten Commandments Milestone Event April 6PM or April 3PM All families with first graders are invited to join us for games, activities, learning a creative and fun way to memorize the Ten Commandments, time with a pastor and fun! We promised to teach them to our children, so let s learn them all together! Register on mypeace by going to the calendar and searching for the date. Pizza & Family Fun Night Friday, May 25th 6:00PM NeSoDak Day Camp Turn in your registrations for Day Camp, July 9th-12th. Limited space available so turn in your registrations NOW! Mark Your Calendars: May 6 Preschool & K-3 grade Sunday School kids will be singing in worship Children & Youth Bake Sale Fundraiser for Camp May 13 Registration for Sunday/Wednesday School OPENS!! May 20/23 Sunday/Wednesday School ends May 25 Pizza & Bingo Family Fun Night 6:00PM June 3-7 Children s Music Camp June 10 VBS training for volunteers watch your for details June Shipwrecked VBS at Peace Lutheran June 24 VBS kids sing in worship 9AM July 9-12 NeSoDak Day Camp

12 Youth Ministries Contact Kelsey Lyndoe at High School Sunday Youth Group We ll continue to meet Sundays from 7:30PM to around 9PM. Doors open at 7PM. Friends are always welcome! April 1st HAPPY EASTER! No Youth Group April 8th Youth Gathering getting ready meeting (7:30-8:30PM) April 15th Game Night April 22nd it s Earth Day! Be prepared to go outside April 29th Service Project Night Bible Study Thursdays at 7:15AM - Scooter s Coffee across from Roosevelt High School April Taco Tuesdays! We ve got just one this month! April 24th will be a Nacho Bar full of delicious food for you and your friends! Wednesday Nights with AWAKEN 7:10PM in the Fellowship Hall AWAKEN happens every Wednesday night and we hope we ll see you there! If you re interested in helping lead music or be a part of planning AWAKEN, contact Kelsey! Ways to support ELCA Youth Gathering peacelutheran.com/youthgathering Marco s Pizza Tuesday, April 17th Grab your friends, your co-workers, or maybe even your mailman to join you for pizza on the 17th. We ll get 15% back on all those purchases if you mention Peace or click Peace under fundraisers when ordering online! Babysitting Night Friday, April 20th from 6:30-9:30PM Your kids (ages 3-years-old to 5th Grade) are invited to come spend some time playing while you have a night out! This is a free will offering event and dinner will be included. Contact Kelsey@peacelutheran.com with questions. Houston Raffle Starting the weekend of April 22nd, you'll be able to purchase raffle tickets for gift baskets and a brand new ipad to help raise funds for Houston. With the help of many, including the Endowment Team here at Peace, we're able to offer you some amazing things! We'll be selling tickets and chances to win through May 13 th.

13 Confirmation Contact Holly Marty at News to Note for March! 6 th -9 th Graders The Take 5 Celebration will be Wednesday, April 4 th, 6 th, and 7 th graders and their parents are invited to attend at 6:15-7PM. 8 th and 9 th graders and their parents are invited to attend from 8-8:45PM Regular schedules resume for all grade levels on Sunday, April 8 th and Wednesday, April 11 th 10 th Grade The final 10 th grader/mentor Gathering is Sunday, April 8th at 4:30PM in the Shalom Room. We ll have the last few challenges of the year and end our time with a meal! BBQ pork sandwiches will be provided. 10 th graders, please bring a salad, chips, or dessert to share and DON T FORGET to let Holly know by April 4 th if you and your mentor will be able to attend! Seniors Ministries Contact Jim Ahrendt at or jim@peacelutheran.com. - XYZ Potluck & Program: Monday, April 30th at 6PM Program: India Mission Trip by Pastor Chris Matson Guideline for food: A-H hot dish I-P salad Q-Z dessert Come for the program at 6:30PM if you do not wish to eat. All ages welcome! - Transportation: Call the Peace receptionist at by Thursday noon if you need a ride to the Sunday 10:10AM service or Friday Bible study at 10AM. Call Jim ( ) at least 10 days in advance if you need a ride to your first medical appointment by Project CAR Healthy Rides. You will contact Project CAR directly afterwards. - Game Day: 1-3PM on the 1 st and 3 rd Thursday each month in room CE. Join us for an afternoon of fun and games. Coffee and treats available - New Senior Living publication is on the XYZ center in the Gathering Area.

14 5509 West 41st Street Sioux Falls, South Dakota Weekly in April Sunday: 8, 9, 10:10 & 11:20 AM Worship 9:00 AM Forum 9:00 & 10:10 AM Sunday School 10:10 AM 6th & 7th Grade Confirmation 10:10 AM ASL Bible Study 6:00 PM 8th Grade Confirmation 7:30 PM High School Youth Group Monday: 6:00 PM ASL 1 6:30 PM Financial Peace University 7:00 PM ASL 3 Tuesday: 6:45 AM Men s Breakfast 6:00 PM ASL 2 6:30 PM Peace Brass 7:30 PM Lifeline Wednesday: 6:30 AM Women s Breakfast 5:00 PM Jubilation Choir & Youth Bells 5:30 PM Celebration Choir & Youth Chimes 6:00 PM Adult Bell Choir 6:15 PM Wednesday School 6:15 PM 7 th & 6 th Grade Confirmation 6:15 PM Adult Ed: Faith in Real Time 7:05 PM Worship 7:10 PM AWAKEN (High School Worship) 8:00 PM 8 th & 9 th Grade Confirmation 8:00 PM Adult Choir 8:00 PM Spirit of Peace Thursday: 7:00 AM High School Bible Study (Scooter s) 6:00 PM DivorceCare & DC4K Friday: 10:00 AM Bible Study Saturday: 5:30 PM - Worship Worship Schedule Saturday: 5:30PM Traditional Sunday: 8:00AM Traditional 9:00AM Contemporary 10:10AM Traditional 11:20AM Contemporary Wednesday: 7:05PM Contemporary 7:10PM AWAKEN (High School Worship) April 1 EASTER SUNDAY 7am, 8:30am, 10am, & 11:20am, Worship April 5 9am, Peace Quilters 1pm, Senior Ministry Game Day 6pm, Stephen Minister Supervision April 6 6pm, Senior Quilts April 7 8am, Senior Quilts 9am, Necessities for Neighbors Set Up 11am, Baptism Class April 8 12:30pm, Families Flourishing in Faith 3pm, Necessities for Neighbors 4:30pm, Confirmand Mentor Connection 6:30pm, Houston Adult Leader Meeting April 10 11:15am, High School Taco Tuesday 6pm, Book Club 6pm, 1 st Grade Ten Commandments Event April 12 9am, Peace Quilters 7pm, Church Council April 14 9:30am, Mother Daughter Sister Friend Event April 15 2:30pm, New Member Class 3pm, 1 st Grade Ten Commandments Event April 17 Marco s Pizza Fundraiser Day April 19 9:30am, Ruth Circle 1pm, Senior Ministry Game Day 2pm, Hannah Circle 6pm, Stephen Minister Supervision April 20 6:30pm, Babysitting Night April 21 9am, Power of Prayer 11am, Baptism Class April 22 12:30pm, Families Flourishing in Faith 1pm, Peaceful Stampers 2pm, Peace Meals Prep 5pm, New Member Dinner April 24 11:15am, High School Taco Tuesday April 26 6pm, Food to You at St. John s Lutheran April 27 10am, Library Meeting April 29 2pm, High Plains Woodwinds April 30 XYZ Potluck & Program