F r o m P a s t o r K a r e n

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1 W h e r e t h e W o r d o f G o d i s p r e a c h e d a n d p e o p l e c o m e t o k n o w t h e L o r d FEBRUARY 2017 Special Points of Interest: Pastor Karen s Article Upcoming Dates I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e : Upcoming Dates Ministry Stewards Committee News Heart Health Month Fausnaught Celebration Birthday/ Anniversary Celebrations! Calendar 8 T H E T I D I N G S O F P E A C E P e a c e L u t h e r a n C h u r c h A s h l a n d, O h i o F r o m P a s t o r K a r e n Brothers and Sisters in Christ, VOLUME 17 ISSUE 2 They say the two things you are never supposed to talk about at the dinner table are religion and politics. Well, we are not at the dinner table. I know that many are weary of politics and do not wish to hear it discussed. I share in this weariness. However, we, as followers of Christ, are called to preach the Gospel in all that we say and do. We never get a break from the Gospel. So when Gospel issues become political issues, we don t get a break from those either. This is why Jesus never promised following him would be easy. It will be hard, at times, even dangerous. To quote theologian Walter Brueggemann, The Gospel is a very dangerous idea. We have to see how much of that dangerous idea we can perform in our own lives. There is nothing innocuous or safe about the Gospel. Jesus did not get crucified because he was a nice man. So I would like to share with you our Presiding Bishop s statement on the current refugee crisis. We are the church, and we need to continue to follow our call to live out the Gospel, even when it s hard. January 30, 2017 Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Yesterday, we heard these words in the Gospel reading from Matthew 5:1-12, the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. In the Beatitudes, Jesus lays out a vision for life in God's realm, characterized by seeing those who are often most disregarded, including the meek, the mourning and the peacemaker, as bearers of God's blessing. Over the coming weeks, we will continue to hear this Gospel, including Jesus' call for his disciples to be carriers of God's light and hope and reconciliation to a world deeply in need of them. In this spirit, earlier last week I communicated with the Trump administration asking that it not stop the U.S. refugee admissions program or stop resettlement from any country for any period of time. The Bible calls us to welcome the stranger and treat the sojourner as we would our own citizens. I agree with the importance of keeping our country secure as the administration stated in its executive order last Friday, but I am convinced that temporarily banning vulnerable refugees will not enhance our safety nor does it reflect our values as Christians. Instead, it will cause immediate harm by separating families, disrupting lives, and denying safety and hope to brothers and sisters who are already suffering.

2 Page 2 Refugees being resettled in the United States have fled persecution because of their race, religion, nationality, political views and/or associations. They wait for years for the chance to go home. But sometimes, there is no home for them to go back to. We know from our partners at Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) that only 1 percent of all refugees are chosen for resettlement. People of faith helped start and still sustain the refugee resettlement program in the United States following World War II. As Lutherans, many of our ancestors faced the pain of having to flee their homes and the joy of being welcomed in new communities across the United States. As we have done throughout history, millions of Lutherans across the country honor our shared biblical values as well as the best of our nation's traditions by offering refuge to those most in need. We are committed to continuing ministries of welcome that support and build communities around the country and stand firmly against any policies that result in scaling back the refugee resettlement program. We must offer safety to people fleeing religious persecution regardless of their faith tradition. Christians and other religious minorities suffer persecution and rightly deserve protection, but including additional criteria based on religion could have discriminatory effects that would go against our nation's fundamental values related to freedom of religion. I invite ELCA congregations into learning, prayer and action on behalf of those who seek refuge on our shores. The ELCA "Social Message on Immigration," AMMPARO strategy and LIRS resources are good places to start. You can also make a donation to Lutheran Disaster Response. Those who have been part of resettling refugees or have their own immigration experience have important stories to share with their communities and testimony to make. I also encourage you to consider adding your voice by calling your members of Congress to share your support for refugees and using online advocacy opportunities through current alerts at ELCA Advocacy and LIRS. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus said, "I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Our Lord not only commanded us to welcome the stranger, Jesus made it clear that when we welcome the stranger into our homes and our hearts we welcome him. God's peace, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop And so may the peace of Christ, which passes all understanding, continue to guide your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Even when it s hard. In Christ, Pastor Karen

3 U P C O M I N G D AT E S February 28th LENTEN SEASON Fausnaught At 6pm Potluck & Entertainment March 1st Ash Wednesday, Service at 7pm March 8, 15, 22, 29 & April 5th Holy Week April 9th April 13th April 14th April 16th Soup & Bread at 6:00pm Lenten Service at 7pm Palm Sunday, Service at 10am Maundy Thursday, Service at 7pm Good Friday, Service at 7pm Easter, Easter Service at 10am ***Sign up sheet for soup for the Soup Supper on the table on the Narthex. ***Easter flower order forms will be available soon. Look for them in the March Tidings and on the table in the Narthex. SAVE THE DATE/ FOOD FOR THOUGHT Looking for an efficient way to access, organize and share information, events and organizations that support the well-being of children, youth and families in your community? Red- Treehouse.org can help. The site empowers users by connecting them to resources meeting their specific needs, preparing them to navigate complex systems, overcome challenges and build critical networks. Join us to explore the customizable website and learn to leverage this rich Ohio resource for yourself, your organization, or the families you serve. Then please join us here at the Ashland Salvation Army Kroc Center on February 9, 2017 from 12-1 pm to meet Jeanine Carroll and learn more about this awesome program.

4 Page 4 F E B R U A R Y A N D M A R C H M I N I S T R Y S T E WA R D S USHERS February Ron Twining, Larry Oberholtzer. Dick Armstrong, Joe Sparr March Dan Long, Chris Swanson, Bob Fulmer, Dan Williams ALTAR CARE COMMUNION PREPARER February Connie Armstrong & Cindy Armstrong LECTORS 02/05 John Byron 02/12 Cindi Twining 02/19 Larry Oberholtzer 02/26 Linda Swanson 03/01 Doris Wanamaker 03/05 03/12 Karen Kaufman 03/19 Freda Cook 03/26 Marcy Myers ACOLYTES 02/05 Kaylin 02/12 Darby 02/19 Elizabeth 02/26 Luke 03/01 Paige 03/05 Mikayla 03/12 Kylie 03/19 Bethanee 03/26 Will March Amy Long Roseanne Griffith COMMUNION ASSISTANT February Dennis Krucinski Lillian White March Cathy King Freda Cook 02/05 02/12 CHANCEL FLOWERS 02/19 Oberholtzer 02/26 03/05 Lent, No Flowers 03/12 Lent, No Flowers 03/19 Lent, No Flowers 03/26 Lent, No Flowers The 2017 Altar Flower Chart is now up. Please sign up. GREETERS 02/05 Shirley Beck & Karla Pagano 02/12 Larry Oberholtzer & Chris Swanson 02/19 Skip & Jill Hamler 02/26 Jean Boreman & Sandi Carpenter 03/05 Lucille Vaas & Jean Boreman 03/12 Shirley Beck & Barb Dreher 03/19 Mona Morrison & Sharon Johnson 03/26 Nevanka Fulk & Betty Harper FLOWER ARRANGER February Kathy Wharton March No Flowers FLOWER DELIVERER February Kathy Wharton March No Flowers

5 PEACE MAKERS Meet on the 3rd Saturday of the month February 9am. Anyone who is interested in wood working please contact: Dick Armstrong. M E N S M I N I S T R Y MEN S BREAKFAST 1st Saturday of every month! Men of ALL ages are invited to the monthly fellowship breakfast. February 4th@ 7am at Buehler s Page 5 Come and enjoy good food, good conversation, and share the Good News for our lives. We are on our way for our busy lives by 8:00am FAITH CIRCLE Faith Circle will not meet in February. Prayers for Refugees: W O M E N S C I R C L E S DORCAS CIRCLE Dorcas Circle meets the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month in The Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m. Our next meetings will be Feb 8 & 22nd. Please join us as we knot quilt layers together for blankets to be used by displaced hurting people around the world. Our members sew colorful squares together to make these attractive covering. Almighty and Righteous God, We walk together with you, our God, on our journey through life. We do not make this trip alone for you promised us a helper, your Spirit. Now help us to see your Spirit in those you send to journey with us: In the refugee family, seeking safety from violence in our midst, let us see your Spirit- In the migrant work, bringing food to our tables, let us see your Sprit- In the asylum-seeker, seeking justice for a family, let us see your Spirit- In the unaccompanied child, traveling in a dangerous world, let us see your Spirit. Teach us to recognize that as we walk with each other, your presence shines on us. Teach us to welcome the strangers in our midst and recognize the gifts they bring to our community. Give us your peace and comfort as we are together on this journey, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

6 Page 6 H E A R T H E A L T H M O N T H February is Heart Health month. It s a great time to make a pledge to yourself to keep your heart healthy and start good habits that will last throughout the year. Here are some tips on how you can lower your risk of heart disease: Heart disease kills and estimated 630,000 Americans each year. It is the leading cause of death for both men and Women. Since 1963, February has been celebrated as American Heart Month to urge Americans to join the battle against heart disease. Since 2004, February also has been the signature month for the American Heart Help Prevent Heart Disease with Life s Simple 7 Get Active Control Cholesterol Eat Better Manage Blood Pressure Lose Weight Reduce Blood Sugar Stop Smoking Detailed information can be found at FAUSNAUGHT CELEBRATION Join us February 28th at 6pm For food, fellowship and entertainment Bratwurst, Sauerkraut and Hot Dogs provided Look for the poster board to sign up for side dishes and entertainment.

7 F O O D B A N K Welcome to February! What a year 2016 was for Associated Charities. What a blessing it has been to work out of our new building. It is everything that we had hoped it would be and more. When we put our faith and trust in the Lord, it is amazing what he will provide! God is good, INDEED! Thank you for partnering with us to help those in need in our community! May God continue to bless us all in this Year! Needs Potatoes Hot chocolate Cream of Mushroom/ chicken soup Cans of Fruit-Any needed Spaghetti and Sauce Canned Tuna or Chicken Crackers and or cookies Egg Noodles Spaghetti-o s and Ravioli Fresh or boxed potatoes Pancake Mix and Syrup Ketchup, Mustard and Mayo Vegetable Oil and Sugar FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 02/04 Larry & Bonnie Oberholtzer 02/10 Bob & Susan Fulmer 02/14 Skip & Jill Hamler 02/17 Robert & Barbara McCrea Anniversary Highlight: 02/04 - Larry & Bonnie Oberholtzer 56th! 707 Avalon Drive Ashland FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS Birthdays: 02/01 Don Stiner Jackson Carpenter 02/02 Taylor Long 02/06 Bonnie Wuthrich 02/08 Dave Kowalka 02/10 Lois Benner 02/11--Bob Fulmer 02/14 Sandy Mutchler 02/16 Sandra McCracken Javier Felipe Garcia-Wasnich 02/18 Carolyn Cook 02/28 Deb Akers 02/29 Ty Bolen BIRTHDAY HIGHLIGHT: 02/01 Don Stiner 85 yrs! 1132 Fox Run Dr. Ashland Feb 16 Sandra McCracken 333 Esley Lane Mansfield 44905

8 5 10-Worship Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Worship/Comm. 11:30-1 Confirmation Worship Worship/Comm. Youth Group following Worship February am Bible Study 6pm Beer and Bible Study pm Dorcas Circle 9 11am Bible Study 6pm Beer and Bible Study am Bible Study pm Dorcas Circle Fausnaught 6pm Beer and Bible Study 23 11am Bible Study 6pm Beer and Bible Study 3 Pastor Karen s Day Off 10 Pastor Karen s Day Off 17 Pastor Karen s Day Off 24 Pastor Karen s Day Off 4 7am Men s Buehler s 11 Blood Bank 9-2pm 18 9 am Peace Makers (woodworkers) 25

9 Page 9 From the Christmas Adopt a family: How do I thank your family for the big smiles you brought my family Christmas morning? Your family brought many blessings into my family s life. Never in our lives have we ever smiled and laughed so much. To see the happiness in their eyes brought tears to mine. Than you for everything. God Bless you and your family for all the wonderful things you have done for families like mine. Once again, than you and God Bless. I N O U R P R AY E R S Shut ins: Pat Daniels, Jim Daniels, Nova Skidmore, Miriam Cunningham, Bonnie Wuthrich, Nick Pagano, Mona Kratzer, JoAnne Offhaus Linda Pittinger, Bev Stiner, David Winger, Jamie, William Morrison, Herb Heyl, Bill Hamler, Tom LaFrance, Karen Derby, Sandy Moherman, Ted Brightbill, Pete Oberholtzer, Lyn Sorensen. The family and friends of Rachel Olin (mother of Jane Jacques) as they mourn her passing. The family and friends of Robert Winters as they mourn his passing. S t a ff P h o n e N u m b e r s Pastor Karen Liddy (Cell) Dennis Krucinski, Council President Ron Blackley, Director of Music Cell Tabatha Wagner, Office Manager (church phone) Skip Hamler, Custodian Cell Larry Oberholtzer, Property/Grounds

10 Peace Lutheran Church 1360 Smith Road Ashland, Ohio Office Website: Where the Word of God is preached and people come to know the Lord