A publication of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church THE HERALD January 8, 2019 Volume 60 Issue 1 Gathered and sent to Share the Peace and Serve the Lord since 1960 BUDGET FORUM Sunday, January 20, between services. There will be an opportunity to receive information on the 2019 budget proposal and to ask questions of members of the Council between services on Sunday, January 20. The Budget Forum will begin at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING Sunday, January 27, at 11:40 (following the 10:30 service) The Annual Congregation Meeting will be held at 11:40 a.m. (following the 10:30 service) on January 27. The agenda of the meeting will be printed in the Annual Report. Please bring your Annual Report booklet for reference. The reports will be mailed to your home the week prior to the Budget Forum. Extra copies will also be available at the church. NEW MEMBERS On Sunday, January 13, we will welcome some new members into the congregation of Prince of Peace Church. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to greet them and introduce yourselves with a warm welcome. Scott Mattison 1510 Field Cir. #1, Freeport, 563-580-6377, sdm60@yahoo.com. Scott is a teacher and has lived in the area for about three months. Originally he is from Dubuque, IA and Chippewa Falls, WI. Scott enjoys bowling, softball, theater, golf and chorus. He has four children. Ruth Stoll 1939 W. Mesa Dr., Freeport, 815-978-4563, gunky8@gmail.com. Ruth is a retired Historian and has lived in northwest Illinois all of her life, except for 2015-2018. She is originally from Savanna. She and her husband, Kelly, moved back to Freeport in 2018. Brian Thompson 1510 Field Cir. #1, Freeport, 937-763-3435, thompsb7@gmail.com. Brian works as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. He enjoys bowling, softball, theater, board games and chorus. His favorite teams are Packers, Reds, Brewers and Badgers. Brian is originally from Greenfield, Ohio.
Second Sundays @6 Second Sundays began in January of 2016 with the objective of diving deeper into the Lectionary (the scripture readings we hear each Sunday). The Lectionary we follow is on a 3-year cycle and as of our December gathering, we have completed the cycle. (All of us are in utter disbelief that three years have gone by.) The plan for Second Sundays in 2019 is to dive deep into the book of Luke. (Luke s gospel account will be heard often throughout 2019 in worship.) Luke s gospel has 24 chapters, so each month we will read and study 2 chapters. As a participant you will... be encouraged to write in/highlight/mark up your Bible learn new ways/techniques to study the Bible gain a deeper understanding about the context, audience, message, etc. of the texts It won t be a requirement, but I highly recommend that each participant use (purchase if needed) a study Bible so that you can grow in your Biblical literacy and learn more about the texts as you do your reading. The Second Sunday gatherings will continue as they have over the past 3 years with me (Julie Lee) facilitating our discussions but the goal is to have you learn as you self-study as well. If you need guidance regarding purchasing a study Bible please let me know. There s absolutely no shame in not having a study Bible I just purchased my first study Bible last year and love the additional information it provides. FAIR TRADE EQUAL EXCHANGE COFFEE, TEA, CHOCOLATE Coming Sale date: Sundays, January 13 & February 10 What is fair trade? Fair or alternative trade holds that the economy can be a way of meeting basic human needs without harming the Earth and exploiting people. Fair trade takes many forms, but all have common values and beliefs. Three of the most important are: --The workers who make or grow the product should be treated with dignity and fairness. --The businesses who bring us the products we buy must put people s needs ahead of their profits, and be accountable for their practices to people beyond their shareholders. --The consumer or buyer, should become aware of the conditions under which the product is made and put people s needs and dignity ahead of low prices. Sales on the second Sunday of each month between services. If you cannot be there on the sale day, contact the church office 815-232-4911 or Jim Werkheiser 815-369-4162. January s 2nd Sunday Study will be January 13 @6 pm. We will discuss the first 2 chapters of Luke. Signing up is not required, but is helpful. ALL are welcome.
COMPASSION HOUR IS EVERY HOUR Compassion Hour is a time set aside (usually the 4th Wednesday of the month) from 12-1 pm to be intentionally focused on sharing compassion through the writing (and sending) of cards. We also have a variety of FREE CARDS available to anyone, any time to encourage you to spread compassion when the Spirit prompts you. The cards are located in the card carousel in the narthex (by the water fountains in the main entrance). Kind words are like honey-sweet to the soul & healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24 Join us for the next Compassion Hour on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 12-1 pm (come any time over the noon hour). Come with a list or we can recommend some folks who could use some encouragement. Invite a friend. Until then, continue to be intentional about spreading Christ's love. PRINCE OF PEACE BOOK CLUB SUNDAY, JAN. 20 The Book Club is open to anyone! We get together to discuss a book, chosen for the month, and enjoy light refreshments and fellowship. At the January 20, 2019 meeting we will discuss Destiny of the Republic by Candice Millard. We will meet at the home of Sue Bronn, 2019 Cimarron Dr., Freeport at 3:30. The full list of books is on available on the bulletin board at church. For more information contact Jan Martin at 815-233-8874. BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS - SUNDAY, JAN. 20 (3rd Sunday of each month) Sundays @ 4:30 p.m. Blood Pressure Screening Sunday Jan. 20 9:15-10:15 The Healthcare Ministry Team will be conducting blood pressure screenings on Sunday, Jan. 20 in between services (9:15-10:15) in the Fellowship Hall for anyone who is interested. We encourage everyone to participate as we practice good stewardship of our bodies. For more information please contact Diane Bardell, BSN, RN-BC, Health Ministry Team Leader at 815-291-4793.
Thank you for your support of the ELCA Good Gifts emphasis during the 2018 Advent season. The ELCA Good Gifts is an emphasis we chose during the Advent season to raise awareness of the needs of the world, the ways in which your church (the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) supports those in need, and that brings our resources together so that we can do more than an individual could ever do alone: grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives. Your gifts consisted of: ELCA GOOD GIFTS G o d s W o r k, O u r H a n d s. 7 Honey Bees 3 Water Filters 24 Chicks 1 Bibles 5 School fees & Uniform 4 Goats 3 School Supplies 3 Mosquito Nets 3 Vaccinations for a Child 6 Pigs $20 General Donatons The total collected was $1,260 for ELCA Good Gifts. Your gifts are appreciated by others from around the globe and help provide much needed gifts for families in need. OUT TO LUNCH - JANUARY 14 The January Out to Lunch event at noon on Monday, Jan. 14, will be at Benchwarmers, 2143 W. Galena, Freeport. This sign-up sheet is posted so that we can have some idea of how many to expect; however, walk-ins are welcome. Everyone who enjoys eating out is invited! For more information, please contact Dianne Schrader at 815-233-1810. WELCA Seekers Next meeting Wednesday, February 13 at 9:45 a.m. in the Conference room at church. Come and join us for Bible Study from the Women of the ELCA magazine, Gather, and for refreshments and fellowship. Jean Zimmerman is the hostess and will lead the lesson for February s meeting. WELCA After Hours Next meeting Tuesday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Mary-Ellen Baxter, 1849 W. Laurel St., Freeport. Mary-Ellen also has the lesson for that evening. All women are welcome to attend any of the WELCA meetings and events. For more information about WELCA meetings contact the church office.
MEN S BREAKFAST FIRST FRIDAY EACH MONTH February 1 7:30 at the Big Apple Restaurant (on Galena Ave.) WOMEN S BREAKFAST SECOND FRIDAY EACH MONTH February 8 7:30 at Country Junction Restaurant (near South & West Sts.) No need to sign up. Just come and enjoy starting your day with fellowship and breakfast. Fellowship Meal Friday, January 25, 2019 11:00 a.m. All are welcome for a time of fellowship beginning at 11 a.m. with the meal being served at 11:45. Menu: Chicken Noodle Soup, Cornbread and Dessert. If you need a ride, we will gladly pick you up. To arrange for transportation, please call Joy at 815-232-3933. Signing up is not required, but it is helpful for planning. The signup sheet is posted on a bulletin board in the narthex. FACC FOOD PANTRY Each month Prince of Peace Church is assigned a specific item (or items) to collect for the Freeport Area Church Cooperative Food Pantry. Items may be brought to the church and placed in the shopping cart that can be found in the narthex. The need is great, please consider picking up some extra items for the pantry next time you are shopping. Thank you. Collecting in January: Personal Items (Shampoo, soap, laundry detergent, deodorant, toothbrushes & paste, toilet paper, dish soap, etc.) Delivered to the Food Pantry on Dec. 19, 2018: 15 Tubes Toothpaste 12 Toothbrushes 2 Bars Soap 3 Deodorant 3 Shampoo 1 Dental Floss 1 Can Baby Formula 4 Bottles Laundry Detergent 2 Bottles Hair Conditioner Various Hotel sized Toiletries 1 Bottle Furniture Polish 1 Box Tea Bags 7 Boxes Snack Crackers 1 Can Spaghetti-O s 1 Jar Peanut Butter 1 Bag Stove Top Stuffing 30 Cans Tuna 1 Box Hamburger Helper 2 Cans Corned Beef Hash 1 Can Sloppy Joe Mix 3 Cans Soup 5 Cans Corn 4 Cans Green Beans 1 Can Mixed Vegetables 1 Box Cereal 2 Boxes Macaroni & Cheese 1 Jar Applesauce 6 Bottles Sugar 1 Bottle BBQ Sauce 1 Bottle Chocolate Syrup 1 Can White Beans 1 Can Chicken Broth
NEW SERIES begins JAN. 31 The Gospel of John The Thursday Noon Bible Study group (a.k.a. Brown Bag) will be using a Book of Faith study on the Gospel Account of John. When reading the Gospel of John, we are immediately struck by the poetic quality and the prevalence of imagery and metaphor that is absent from the other Gospels. In this study, participants will explore how the Gospel of John shows us the depth of Jesus' relationship to God. Brown Bag Bible Studies are facilitated by Julie Lee and are open to all. We meet Thursdays at noon at the church and try our hardest to be done by 1. (You are welcome to bring your lunch and leave before we re done if you must return to work/get on with your day.) Each participant will need to purchase a book. The final cost will depend on the number of participants (likely around $13). Payment is not needed until materials are distributed. Sign up deadline is January 20. Congregation Council Highlights of December 17, 2018 Meeting Council agreed to meet with the pastoral candidate that was presented by the Call Committee. Minutes from the November 19, 2018 meeting were reviewed and approved. Financial Report from November 2018 was reviewed, and accepted. Statistical Report was reviewed. Membership Roll Actions: Accepted the transfer out of Danita Peterson to Lutheran Church of the Good Shephard in Des Moines, IA. Accepted the transfer in of Scott Mattison from St. Peter Lutheran ELCA, Dubuque IA. Accepted the transfer in of Brian Thompson from St. Peter Lutheran ELCA, Dubuque IA. Accepted into membership Ruth Stoll by Affirmation of Faith. Pastor Stees gave the Pastor Report. Julie Lee gave the Director of Congregational Ministries Report. (Julie s full report is posted on the bulletin board in the hall by the offices. Nominating Committee Report: The following individuals have agreed to be on the ballot, for Congregation Council: Carol Johnson (3 yr. term), Amy Tolu-Honary (3 yr. term), and Dean Taylor (1 yr. term). For Enduring Gift Fund, Dean Sperle (5 yr. term). Old Business: Stewardship campaign as of this date - 66 pledges Mission and Support, 54 pledges Building, and 29 pledges for Capital Appeal. Worship team update: Communion Ministers have been trained and will begin visits in January. New Business: Approved the 2019 proposed budget with amendments. Next Council Meeting: TBD (determined after annual meeting)
Please feel free to contact any of the Congregation Council members with information, questions or comments you wish to share. CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEMBERS Phone EMail Chris Cronau 275-2817 c.cronau@comcast.net Susie Dvorak, Secretary 291-0523 susie.dvorak@highland.edu Paul Everding 541-7823 wartburg94@gmail.com Amy Hesselbacher, V. Pres. 291-1112 hessmunda@hotmail.com Steve Kroeger 275-7896 skroeger@unionsb.com Keith Riebock 275-1844 ko.riebock64@gmail.com Dean Taylor 235-3435 detaylor56@comcast.net Sandra Welling, President 291-3735 sandrawelg4@gmail.com CARD CLUB FIRST WEDNESDAYS The next CARD CLUB will meet on Wednesday, February 6, from 10 a.m.- noon. Nothing too serious, we just get together to have good time. Come enjoy the group either occasionally or regularly for this social time at Prince of Peace. Event coordinator: Dianne Schrader, 815-233-1810. QUILTS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF NEXT QUILT/SEWING DAY - Saturday, February 9 The Quilt/Sewing group meets to prepare quilts for Lutheran World Relief (LWR). All ages are welcome to join in the process (cutting, ironing, sewing, tying...) FLOWER SIGN-UP AND PAYMENTS The sign up folder for Altar Flowers is located on a wall shelf in the narthex (near the nursery). Pages have recently been added with dates into next year. When signing up for flowers, please make a note to pay for them close to the date that they are given. Then make payment of $16 to Prince of Peace when the time comes. It is helpful if payment is made in a timely manner since the church is billed monthly for the flowers. The need is great! Join the work day/fun on Saturday, February 8 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. You are welcome to come any time between 9 & 3 and stay as long as you like. Bring your lunch, leave for lunch or bring food to share. It s up to you. With many hands our work turns into fellowship and fellowship turns in to service, producing much needed quilts for LWR. If you would like to support the quilt project in another way, we can always use JoAnn Fabric gift cards. We will need to purchase batting. If we get enough donations, we can purchase batting in bulk and save on the cost. For more information contact Kelly Everding (815-541-7817) or Julie Lee at the church office.
THANK YOU! Thanks to all that sent cards and prayers to me. May God bless you all! Mary Ellen Kaiser Thank you for the cards, visits and prayers while I was confined. I am now home recovering from my broken hip. Your continued prayers for healing are appreciated. Betty Bell PRAYERS OF SYMPATHY Our sympathies to Joyce Nienhuis. Joyce s sister, Alta, lost her husband, Arnold (Arnie), on Dec. 16. CHRIST IN OUR HOME DAILY DEVOTIONAL The January March 2019 issue is now available. You will find them on tables in the narthex area. Help yourself to a copy of this daily, inspiring devotional. Label Here Pastor Art Stees, Interim Pastor Sue Riebock, Parish Secretary; popfrprt@aeroinc.net, Office Hours: 8 a.m. noon; 12:30-4 p.m. Julie Lee, Director of Congregational Ministries; julie.lee.pop@gmail.com POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Herald of Peace, 2700 West Stephenson St., Freeport, IL. 61032-7114 Prince of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church 2700 West Stephenson Street Road Freeport, Illinois 61032-7114 www.princeofpeacefreeport.com Office (815) 232-4911 The Herald of Peace newsletter is published twice a month and mailed free of charge to all parishioners by 2018 GIVING STATEMENTS The 2018 year end giving statements are available on a table near the church office. If you have any questions regarding the statement, please contact the church office. USPS 018565 Freeport, IL 61032 Postage Paid Periodicals