Peacemakers,
I’m writing you early in the week because….
It would help to know if you’re coming to our BUILDING VISION Retreat this Saturday from 9:00-12:30. We’ll gather near our property at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Lorraine Road, north of Hwy 70 to "Imagine the Future of Peace." Please give a quick REPLY, as the planners have worked hard to make this a fruitful day! Childcare provided at the Deiberts. "It’s only half a day."
This Sunday in our Lenten Season of RE-NEWAL we move from RE-PENTting of sin to RE-SISTing temptation. The story of Jesus’ struggle in the wilderness from Luke 4:1-13 will be at the heart of our service.
Remember to complete your TIME AND TALENT Survey. Over half of you have already turned them in, and it is amazing to see how committed you are to the future of Peace – to praying and to working together. My heart is filled with gratitude for your devotion.
Week One – LENTEN CHALLENGE: Remember to save your food and household supply receipts for all of Lent. This week do a "matching meal" for the poor this week by buying extra food, a gift card, or writing a check on Sunday.
The highlights from our January Session meeting are available. The February meeting was a joint meeting of Session and Ministry Team Leaders. Highlights will be on the opportunity table on Sunday morning.
We Deiberts will have friends from N.C. at church this week. Their 13 year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy,is usually quite vocal during worship. She participates in an appropriate way for her cognitive development, so we hope you will not be too distracted.
Speaking of distractions, some of you have noted that departures during the service are much more noticeable now that we are using the door near the pulpit – to allow more room for our growing music program. Let’s all try to make our entrances and exits at the least distracting times. One day soon, we’ll design a building with rear exits!
Pray for one another. Be strong in Holy Spirit and in the strength of God’s mighty power.
Peace,
Elizabeth
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
This Week at Peace - February 19, 2010
Dear Friends of Peace,
You are invited to begin the journey of Lent 2010 with us this Sunday 9:30 at the State College of Florida, Lakewood Ranch (formerly MCC). In worship we will receive the sign of the cross in ashes, to mark our belonging to Christ in life and in death. The theme for the Lenten season is "RE-new Your Life."
The Mission Team will provide weekly opportunities to grow in awareness of hunger issues and to make a difference during this Lenten season of sacrifice. The Adult Education Team will provide a class for old, new, and prospective members called "All About Peace" and new class on "Centering Prayer" at 11:00. The Good Friday and Easter Choir begins rehearsing this week – the 24th – six weeks of joy on Wednesday nights!
There were many smiles last Sunday when the Fellowship Team surprised the congregation with Valentines, reminding us of the One who loves us best! In all your relationships remember the Lenten Path of Blessing. From now until Easter, re-commit yourself to…
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from criticism; feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity; feast on joy.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from jealousy; feast on love.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from selfishness; feast on service.
Fast from fear; feast on faith.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from discontentment; feast on gratitude.
Peace people will gather for a Building Vision Workshop on February 27 from 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Lorraine Road, next door to our five acres, just north of Hwy 70. At this mini-retreat we will imagine the future of Peace as we discuss how Peace’s mission might translate into physical space – yes, a permanent facility from which to engage Christ’s ministry! We will listen to the Spirit and one another, beginning a process toward building in the next couple of years. All interested in shaping Peace’s early-stage building vision are welcome!
For more information about Peace, go to our website, www.PEACEpcusa.com
Peace be with you,
You are invited to begin the journey of Lent 2010 with us this Sunday 9:30 at the State College of Florida, Lakewood Ranch (formerly MCC). In worship we will receive the sign of the cross in ashes, to mark our belonging to Christ in life and in death. The theme for the Lenten season is "RE-new Your Life."
The Mission Team will provide weekly opportunities to grow in awareness of hunger issues and to make a difference during this Lenten season of sacrifice. The Adult Education Team will provide a class for old, new, and prospective members called "All About Peace" and new class on "Centering Prayer" at 11:00. The Good Friday and Easter Choir begins rehearsing this week – the 24th – six weeks of joy on Wednesday nights!
There were many smiles last Sunday when the Fellowship Team surprised the congregation with Valentines, reminding us of the One who loves us best! In all your relationships remember the Lenten Path of Blessing. From now until Easter, re-commit yourself to…
Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
Fast from criticism; feast on praise.
Fast from self-pity; feast on joy.
Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
Fast from jealousy; feast on love.
Fast from discouragement; feast on hope.
Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
Fast from selfishness; feast on service.
Fast from fear; feast on faith.
Fast from anger; feast on patience.
Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
Fast from discontentment; feast on gratitude.
Peace people will gather for a Building Vision Workshop on February 27 from 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church on Lorraine Road, next door to our five acres, just north of Hwy 70. At this mini-retreat we will imagine the future of Peace as we discuss how Peace’s mission might translate into physical space – yes, a permanent facility from which to engage Christ’s ministry! We will listen to the Spirit and one another, beginning a process toward building in the next couple of years. All interested in shaping Peace’s early-stage building vision are welcome!
For more information about Peace, go to our website, www.PEACEpcusa.com
Peace be with you,
Sunday, February 14, 2010
This Week at Peace - February 14, 2009
Dear Peacemakers,
This week, the lectionary’s schedule of readings would have us focus on Jesus’ transfiguration, a wonderful story full of mystery. However, with Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday, I decided to preach about love, a subject best understood by looking at Jesus Christ, not at the culture’s pre-occupation with romance and personal satisfaction. So read 1 John 4:7-21 before Sunday.
For all responsible church members and those considering membership, who want to learn more about Peace and about Presbyterianism, there are two options in the immediate future:
1. Come to the Deiberts (6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle, 34202 – in Greenbrook Run 753-7778) from 10-12 am on Saturday, Feb. 13. OR
2. Come to Lively learning at the college from 11-12 this Sunday and next (Feb. 14 and 21)
Please take time this Sunday to complete the Time and Talent Survey, if you were among the large group of Peace people who were away last Sunday. Peace depends on the gifts and devotion of people like you! Speaking of gifts, we have new offering envelopes for your use in 2010.
And sign up to bring food (especially cooked sausage or bacon) to the Fat Tuesday Brinner, our youth fundraiser at Summerfield Park 5:30-7:30 Feb. 16. Lent begins on Wednesday, and we will sanctify a Holy Lent with ashes on the first Sunday of Lent.
Tom Knierim needs a partner (who is not attending Movie Night at the Deiberts) to serve as overnight host at Family Promise (ministry to homeless families) on Friday night, the 19th starting at 7:30. This is an easy job, if you sleep well. You’d have your own Sunday school bedroom with a cot. Or, if you prefer, come spend part of Saturday at Westminster when Eirinn Camphire is there to orchestrate Family Fun Day. Eirinn – 920-3876
Finally, mark your calendars for Our Building Vision Workshop on Saturday, February 27 from 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran on Lorraine Road. Be part of shaping the future of Peace, as we examine Peace’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and begin a conversation in small groups about the kind of space needed for our ministries.
Read about life in Pakistan in the attached letter.
Peace to you and to all whom you love and to all whom you find difficult to love,
Elizabeth
This week, the lectionary’s schedule of readings would have us focus on Jesus’ transfiguration, a wonderful story full of mystery. However, with Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday, I decided to preach about love, a subject best understood by looking at Jesus Christ, not at the culture’s pre-occupation with romance and personal satisfaction. So read 1 John 4:7-21 before Sunday.
For all responsible church members and those considering membership, who want to learn more about Peace and about Presbyterianism, there are two options in the immediate future:
1. Come to the Deiberts (6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle, 34202 – in Greenbrook Run 753-7778) from 10-12 am on Saturday, Feb. 13. OR
2. Come to Lively learning at the college from 11-12 this Sunday and next (Feb. 14 and 21)
Please take time this Sunday to complete the Time and Talent Survey, if you were among the large group of Peace people who were away last Sunday. Peace depends on the gifts and devotion of people like you! Speaking of gifts, we have new offering envelopes for your use in 2010.
And sign up to bring food (especially cooked sausage or bacon) to the Fat Tuesday Brinner, our youth fundraiser at Summerfield Park 5:30-7:30 Feb. 16. Lent begins on Wednesday, and we will sanctify a Holy Lent with ashes on the first Sunday of Lent.
Tom Knierim needs a partner (who is not attending Movie Night at the Deiberts) to serve as overnight host at Family Promise (ministry to homeless families) on Friday night, the 19th starting at 7:30. This is an easy job, if you sleep well. You’d have your own Sunday school bedroom with a cot. Or, if you prefer, come spend part of Saturday at Westminster when Eirinn Camphire is there to orchestrate Family Fun Day. Eirinn – 920-3876
Finally, mark your calendars for Our Building Vision Workshop on Saturday, February 27 from 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran on Lorraine Road. Be part of shaping the future of Peace, as we examine Peace’s Mission, Vision, and Goals and begin a conversation in small groups about the kind of space needed for our ministries.
Read about life in Pakistan in the attached letter.
Peace to you and to all whom you love and to all whom you find difficult to love,
Elizabeth
Thursday, February 4, 2010
This Week at Peace - February 4, 2010
You are a GENEROUS congregation. $5100 to Haiti and can openers too! Did you see the photo of Emma and Grace with 40 can openers on the front page of the East County Observer?
This Sunday we join the Youth in the annual SOUPER BOWL of CARING. www.souperbowl.org In the twenty years of this special offering, 62 million dollars has been collected, 100% of it given to the feed the hungry. The monetary goal for this year’s Souper Bowl is $600 and the food goal is 225 cans/boxes. Come prepared to "fill the pot"for our recipient, Mission Beth-El. Remember: in difficult economic times, the poor suffer most. All are invited to come work at Mission Beth-El this Saturday morning, leaving from Sweet Bay on Hwy 70 at 9:15. (See Pastor Tricia’s email for detail)
You are an INVOLVED congregation. Nearly all of you are involved in one of the ministries of Peace, some of you in multiple ministries. You are giving your TIME and TALENT to make Peace the strongest church we can possibly be. Commitments are for a season. Interests, availability, and energies shift, but the mission of Peace moves on. New people come and want to get more involved. This Sunday during the time of offering, we will prayerfully discern our 2010 call to serve. Peace would not be here, but for the dedication of YOU! Peace will not continue to thrive and grow, but for the dedication of you!
ALL ABOUT PEACE is a two-hour experience of learning more about our congregation Peace and our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). If you have not participated in any of the predecessors of this class, you should plan to be there or have your membership revoked (just kidding). Two options – Saturday, February 13 from 10-12 at the Deiberts’ or Sundays, February 14 and 21 at the college during Lively Learning.
Did someone mention pancakes in Summerfield Park? Yes, on Tuesday, February 16 from 5:30-7:30, the youth invite you to their FAT TUESDAY BR-INNER.
It is exciting to IMAGINE THE FUTURE OF PEACE. Come to our building vision retreat on February 27, 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran on Lorraine Road.
We are invited to the Peace River Presbytery’s Main Event.
You are a DEVOTED congregation. Keep offering God your worship – heart, mind, soul. Keep building authentic relationships. Keep nurturing all ages in discipleship. Keep reaching out with compassion and deep respect. Keep responding to God’s blessings with grateful and generous hearts.
And the peace of the Lord will be with you,
Elizabeth
This Sunday we join the Youth in the annual SOUPER BOWL of CARING. www.souperbowl.org In the twenty years of this special offering, 62 million dollars has been collected, 100% of it given to the feed the hungry. The monetary goal for this year’s Souper Bowl is $600 and the food goal is 225 cans/boxes. Come prepared to "fill the pot"for our recipient, Mission Beth-El. Remember: in difficult economic times, the poor suffer most. All are invited to come work at Mission Beth-El this Saturday morning, leaving from Sweet Bay on Hwy 70 at 9:15. (See Pastor Tricia’s email for detail)
You are an INVOLVED congregation. Nearly all of you are involved in one of the ministries of Peace, some of you in multiple ministries. You are giving your TIME and TALENT to make Peace the strongest church we can possibly be. Commitments are for a season. Interests, availability, and energies shift, but the mission of Peace moves on. New people come and want to get more involved. This Sunday during the time of offering, we will prayerfully discern our 2010 call to serve. Peace would not be here, but for the dedication of YOU! Peace will not continue to thrive and grow, but for the dedication of you!
ALL ABOUT PEACE is a two-hour experience of learning more about our congregation Peace and our denomination, the Presbyterian Church (USA). If you have not participated in any of the predecessors of this class, you should plan to be there or have your membership revoked (just kidding). Two options – Saturday, February 13 from 10-12 at the Deiberts’ or Sundays, February 14 and 21 at the college during Lively Learning.
Did someone mention pancakes in Summerfield Park? Yes, on Tuesday, February 16 from 5:30-7:30, the youth invite you to their FAT TUESDAY BR-INNER.
It is exciting to IMAGINE THE FUTURE OF PEACE. Come to our building vision retreat on February 27, 9:00-12:30 at Risen Savior Lutheran on Lorraine Road.
We are invited to the Peace River Presbytery’s Main Event.
You are a DEVOTED congregation. Keep offering God your worship – heart, mind, soul. Keep building authentic relationships. Keep nurturing all ages in discipleship. Keep reaching out with compassion and deep respect. Keep responding to God’s blessings with grateful and generous hearts.
And the peace of the Lord will be with you,
Elizabeth
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)