This Week & Next at Peace - - Jan 1, 2012

Dear Friends,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I know I speak for Gia and Tricia, as well as for the Deibert family, in saying how grateful we all are for the cards and gifts we received from you. Thank you very much for your kindness. We are also extremely grateful for your meaningful participation in our Advent and Christmas services.

We Deiberts are loading the car to travel to NC and will likely pass Tricia, Clay, and kids along I95 tomorrow as they return from SC.

Sunday’s New Years Day service will be a New Covenant Service at 10:00, in the Wesleyan/Methodist tradition, led by Pastor Tricia. Next Sunday is Baptism of the Lord Sunday, so for two weeks, we will be thinking about the covenant we have in Christ, and how we can more fully commit ourselves to a life of faithfulness in Baptism.

In 2012, we will have new opportunities to learn and grow. I hope one of your resolutions might be to participate in our second hour at Peace, or to become more involved during the week at Peace. It is in the work, prayer, and laughter of ministry teams, classes, choirs, and other small groups that relationships are forged and faith really grows.

You are all invited to stop by the Deiberts at 6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle (Greenbrook Run) for Epiphany, January 6, which this year is Friday. This is the day after the 12^th day of Christmas. This will be a very relaxed gathering. Bring finger foods and/or drinks, only if you have some leftover from the holidays. No pressure to come, or to RSVP, or to bring anything. The gift will be togetherness , especially for the sake of newer friends at Peace.

May the last half of your Christmas season be filled with the faith, hope, and love of a newborn Prince of Peace!

Elizabeth

Christmas Peace to All!

Come to Peace Presbyterian Church to hear the story that has brought the gifts of HOPE, JOY, PEACE, and LOVE to countless people for more than two thousand years.

Christmas Eve at 6:00 Find joy in the familiar Lessons and Carols, Communion and Candlelight, led by children, youth, and adults.

Christmas Day at 10:00 Be at peace to hear about God’s greatest gift, the Word made flesh, the light that shines in the darkness.

New Years Day at 10:00 In God’s love we can all begin again

Our address is 10902 Technology Terrace, near Central Park on Lakewood Ranch Blvd

Listen to the original Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (started in 1918) live from Kings College Chapel, Cambridge, England. As the Peace Men’s Quartet would say, “Turn your radio on” (prior to 10:00 am on WSMR 89.1 on Christmas Eve) .

See below Our Gratitude for Peace’s Advent Generosity:
Thank you for over $500 in Angel Tree Gifts to our dear friends in Vero Beach, who are so grateful for your love.

Thank you for supporting Beth-El. Pastor Ramiro Ros of the Beth-El Presbyterian congregation was very appreciative of the gifts for 3 unemployed families in Wimauma who are in extreme need this season. There were a total of 10 people with 4 angels for each person fulfilled carefully by donors ( 2 clothing items, shoes and one special wish) A total of 8 bicycles and helmets were donated. In addition, twenty gift cards worth $20 each were purchased with donated cash. These will be used throughout the year as people come in for help.

Thank you for over $1600 given to Alternative Gifts International: Our top recipients were “Helping Hungry & Homeless Americans” with groceries; “Empowering Tibetan Girls” through education; providing “Hens for Health” to children in Bolivia, to alleviate hunger and poverty through hands-on education; providing “Wholesome Meals for Haiti’s Children”; sending high quality formula to facilitate “Health & Hope for Orphaned Infants” in China.

Thank you for special end of year gifts of $5600 and $10,000 and $50,000 to Peace’s operating and building fund needs for 2012, and for all the regular giving which flows in weekly to supply our ministries and mission. Thanks for over $800 in donations for the Christmas wreaths designed by the youth.

Pledges for 2012 are 28% higher than in 2011, and your actual giving is exceeding pledges this year by about the same percentage – that’s $70,000 more received in offerings from the congregation than was promised.

Finally, thank you for the spirit of hope, joy, peace, and love that fills the room whenever we are together, people of Peace. Glory to God in the highest and peace to God’s people on earth!

Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - December 18, 2011

Friends of the Prince of Peace,

As we come to the end of Advent and enter Christmas, let us remember those for whom this is a difficult season. For those in our congregation who miss someone or anticipate a death or long recovery, for people in the Philippines, and for many others rebuilding their lives, let us come together to care for the needs of others Sunday afternoon at 5:00. Light a candle of hope and remembrance in a brief and inspiring Blue Christmas prayer service at 5:00.

Our morning worship at 10:00 will be joyful, as we read the Christmas story and reflect on the amazement of the shepherds and all who heard their news. Having held ourselves back from a full array of Christmas carols, tomorrow we will “pull out all the stops” to celebrate the way God made himself known in the Incarnation, the birth of Jesus Christ, the newborn King.

I am pleased to announce that it appears that MAR will allow us to use Conference A (choir section) of the Event Center 24/7 beginning in 2012 on a monthly basis, as needed. I am sure you will rejoice with me that a special gift was given this week to make that extra lease possible, that our growth as disciples of Jesus Christ will not be hindered by space.

It warms my heart to see Peace people being so generous. Thank you for all the angel tree gifts, all the gifts for the PC(USA) Joy Offering to assist ministers and racial ethnic colleges, all who helped the youth program with wreath donations, and special end of year gifts to the building and operating funds of Peace. It takes all of us doing what we can, working together, to build this community of Peace. See the attached newsletter to read more about our friends at Beth-El.

The session (board of elders and pastors) is committed to keeping Peace generous with a 10% benevolence. That is, the church will tithe 10% of budget (through budget items and special offerings) to missions beyond the church. Thank you for being serious about compassionate outreach to those in great need.

Keep your focus this week. Here’s a 10 minute youtube video from a pastor friend of the Kopels that might help you --http://youtu.be/xjgREu_yctQ It is easy to slip into frenetic activity and forget the reason for the season. Be at Peace to remember what matters:

Tomorrow at 10:00 and at 5:00 (Blue Christmas)
Christmas Eve at 6:00 and Christmas Day at 10:00 (no lively learning)
New Years Day at 10:00

With joy, hope, peace, and love,

Elizabeth
Attachments:

• B_E_11 Dec News[2].pdf

This Week at Peace - - 11 December 2011

Dear Peace Family,

Our Advent season at Peace has been especially meaningful, thanks to the dedication of Jane Taylor, Drew Jordan, Peter Miller, and Chris Camphire, our outstanding Advent Players Group.

We will continue our gradual crescendo from Advent waiting to Christmas joy, adding a few more familiar carols each week. This week we read the story of the Visitation of Mary with Elizabeth, followed by the Mary’s Song, the Magnificat. Come ponder with us why Mary is called “blessed” by all generations and hear the beloved "Ave Maria."

Remember to bring your Angel tree gifts this week-end, if possible. You may still order Alternative Gifts International, and, you may donate to the Joy Offering of the PC(USA), which supports retired ministers, ministers with special needs, and racial ethnic colleges.

We are grateful for the generosity of Peace people, who put the needs of others before their own wants. Thanks to all who may have given or are considering special year-end gifts to Peace’s ministry and missions. If you cannot give extra money this time of year, consider giving your time or even your blood! The bloodmobile will be in the parking lot this Sunday between 11:00-1:30. All who wish to go caroling with the youth this Sunday, meet at church at 2:00.

The Outreach Team has prepared special invitations to our Christmas services for you to share with friends, family, and neighbors, so please pick up as many as you can use on Sunday. Envelopes will be available for those who wish to mail them.

December 18^th at 5:00 Blue Christmas Service of HOPE
When the holidays are hard, light a candle of hope and remembrance.
Christmas Eve at 6:00 Service of JOY
Find joy in the Lessons, Carols, Communion, and Candlelight, led by children, youth, and adults
Christmas Day at 10:00 Service of PEACE
Hear the story of Christmas peace, along with the stories behind the Christmas Carols
New Year’s Day at 10:00 Service of LOVE
In God’s love, we can all begin again!

May the hope, joy, peace, and love of Advent be yours!

Elizabeth

Christmas Peace to You!

We hope you will be at PEACE this Advent and Christmas! Join us for our special services during the holiday season:

December 4, 11, and 18 at 10:00 “Comforted,” “Blessed,” and “Enlightened”

December 18 at 5:00 Blue Christmas Service
This is an informal service of prayer and candle-lighting to remember those we miss in the holidays.

Christmas Eve at 6:00 Lessons & Carols Candlelight Service
Hear all the carols and stories of Christmas. This service will be led by children and youth, with a little help from pastors, music director, and choirs. Communion will be served.

Christmas Day at 10:00 A Celebration of Christ’s Birth

New Years Day at 10:00 God Makes All Things New

If you come this Sunday, the 4th, you can still take part in our Alternative Gifts International, which allows you to give meaningful gifts to family, which benefit those in foreign lands, whose need is great.

You can also be part of our Angel Tree Giving to local families in need. You can still purchase a handmade fresh Christmas wreath from the youth at Peace.

Come to Movie Night on Friday, the 9^th and view an inspiring film about an unforgettable Christmas during WW2. Joyeux Noel

Did you know that the Peace congregation has expanded by more than 20% in the last year? Our pledged giving is up 25% in a down-sized economy. If you haven’t been with us in a while, we’d love to see you again.

Come and see what’s happening with Peace at 10902 Technology Terrace. That’s in the Realtors Event and Conference Center along Lakewood Ranch Boulevard, across from Central Park.

May Christ fill you with all comfort and joy!

With love,

Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - November 20 - 27

Oops, I accidently clicked "hide this message from non-leaders of this email group, so I'm the only one who received This Week At Peace last week.

Let me wish you all a "Happy Thanksgiving" and welcome you to the Season of Advent, which begins Sunday with a focus on "Being Prepared" (Mark 13:24-27). I think you'll love the opening of the service, thoughtfully prepared by our dramatic readers, Peter, Drew, and Chris, led by Jane Taylor, not to mention the dynamic choir piece at offering. We Deiberts are traveling mid-week, but will be back for church Sunday. Hope to see you then.

Special giving opportunities in December: Alternative Gifts International, the Angel Tree (for Beth-El Farmworker Families) & the Joy Offering (for retired Presbyterian ministers & racial ethnic colleges.

May you be given grace to love those with whom you spend Thanksgiving, as well as to be thankful for those whom you miss.

Last week's note below.

Dear Peace Family,

It brings me great joy to announce that we have almost reached our big, holy, audacious goal this year. Last January, we prayed for a great year in membership in our new location. We said “Let’s hope for twenty new family units this year.” We are at the end of November with seventeen new family units (singles, couples, families), and there are at least ten more who are considering. Those of you who are new members in 2011, thank you for the joy you bring us!

As we challenged ourselves to choose gratitude and generosity, even in harder economic times, we knew that we would need to surpass last year’s giving by nearly 50K to move confidently into 2012. I am encouraged to report that we are $40K above last year’s giving of $209,000, and with a few more promises, we will be strong. Thank you for catching the vision of Peace and stretching yourselves in faithful giving.

Pray for Elders Elect (Kathy Flora, Jenny Sheffield, Don Simpson, Mark Winters, and Andrew Deibert—youth) who are training for ordination, and give thanks for Elders whose term on session is ending in January. (Chuck McClurg, Robin Miller, Rod Scott, and Barbara Staton).

We come to the final Sunday of the church year, Christ the King. Our scripture is the story of the sheep and the goats from Matthew 25, a passage which always challenges us to examine our compassion for the “least of these.” Remember that you can make a difference for the needy by participating in our Alternative Giving International program.

Kickball & Hotdogs in LWR Adventure Park (Greenbrook Blvd) has become a relaxing and enjoyable intergenerational experience for the Peace family. Hope you can join us tomorrow at 3 and bring a friend. There was a great article about Peace’s Faith & Film Night in today’s paper! Don't forget to sign up for December Dinner Groups tomorrow.

We are praying for all who find the holidays difficult, especially those who are grieving. We remember Karen Lowder, who is having a memorial service for husband Barry Sunday afternoon, and Diane Engster and Bill Yolton, who lost both Bill’s daughter and Diane’s father in a two week period.

With gratitude for each of you,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace -- November 13, 2011

We come to Peace’s final week of Gratitude Season, realizing that we are only beginning to appreciate our debt to God for our abundant comforts, challenges, and blessings. We will read the story of the Ten Lepers that Jesus healed, and will hear his disappointment that only one returned to say thanks. I pray Christ will not be disappointed with us, but that he will see by our level of giving how truly grateful we are for the healing work he does in our lives -- body, mind, and soul.

If you cannot be with us in person this Sunday to give thanks to God with your promise to support the ministries of Peace, please mail in your pledge card before Thanksgiving. We are eager to have 100% participation as a sign of our mutual commitment to the vision for Peace Presbyterian. Because of your growing generosity in response to Christ’s amazing grace, Peace’s has future filled with hope. The more generous you are, the more your faith will flourish and the more we can accomplish for God’s glory. Pledge cards, as well as offerings, will be brought forward in worship, as the choir sings a rousing Gospel piece, “We Shall Be Thankful.”

On this Veteran’s Day 11-11-11, let us give thanks for all who have sacrificed for us, and let us plan to make sacrifices of a financial nature ourselves. Let us pray for peace to prevail around the world, even as we pray for Peace to grow and flourish here in this community, that we might be a be blessing to many, just as we have been so richly blessed. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He also said, “Do not store up treasures on earth, but store up treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is, there will be your heart also.”

With gratitude for a vibrant, committed congregation of friends whom we dearly love,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace -- November 6, 2011

Dear Peaceful Friends, I hope as we move through November, you are choosing gratitude over grumbling, worship over whining, service over selfishness, compassion over contention, thanksgiving over thumb-sucking, generosity over greed, Christianity over culture. This Sunday we read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 and consider the connection between gratitude and generosity. Paul challenges the church in Corinth to remember that they will reap what they sow. Early on Sunday, November 6, you have the gift of an extra hour. Why not come early and help us set up the place for worship? Learn how it is done from the devoted early crowd, led by Jim and Sherry Robinson. If you’re busy cooking for our Gratitude Brunch, we’ll appreciate that just as much. Remember there also will be setting and re-setting to be accomplished after worship and after lunch. So don't miss an chance to help out. We will FEAST on gratitude this Sunday, no matter what kind of food you might enjoy at our brunch. We will talk about being truly thankful. Speaking of thanksgiving, I am grateful for new members joining and new participants getting connected. I am grateful for the gifts for the Manatee Food Bank already lining the halls of our ministry center. I am thankful to serve, with devoted colleagues, a church that is so generous with time, talent, and treasure. Watch for your letter from the Gratitude (Stewardship) Team. Stephen Ministers begin training for a life of Christian caregiving this week-end. Pray for Stephen Leaders (Nancy Hughes, Barbara Staton, Betty Clough, Elizabeth Deibert, and Gretchen Frueh-- in absentia) and for Stephen Ministers (Emily Miller, Bob Cutler, Dana Scott, Nancy Hogue, Gertie Rineer, and Barbara Noto). With gratitude for YOU! Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 30, 2011

Peaceful Friends,

My heart is full of gratitude for you. Thanks be to the Spirit of Christ, your faith is growing and our church community is thriving, as you get increasingly involved in the ministries and mission of Peace with your time, your talent, and your treasure. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing you step up your commitment to the Christian faith – by joining the church, attending a ministry team meeting, staying for lively learning, making a financial pledge, or taking on leadership responsibility in the church. If it makes me joyful, then Christ must be ecstatic when we commit ourselves to grow as his disciples.

The session will share brief life/faith stories with those considering membership this Sunday at 11:30. If you have been thinking about it, now’s a good time to consider making a commitment to Christ at Peace. Covenant with us to build this community! We will not twist your arms, but it really boosts our spirit when you say, “I’m in. I’m with you.”

This week we will be challenged by Jesus’ parable of the rich fool, who built bigger barns so he could keep all his stuff. (Luke 12:13-26) You can help your neighbors unload some of their food stuff by participation in Peace’s Halloween Offering.

This Sunday, which is close to All Saints and Reformation Day, we will remember with thanksgiving those who have gone before us – those family members and friends, whom we love and miss, as well as those saints and reformers who are our forebears in the faith.

Please don’t miss our Feasting on Gratitude Brunch next Sunday, November 6^th. This will be a great time of fellowship on a day when you have the gift of an extra hour. Spend it with us at Peace. Sign up to bring food or help this Sunday.

With gratitude for every one of you,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 23, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

We continue our Gratitude Season this Sunday with a focus on Ephesians 2:1-10 and the connection between guilt, grace, and gratitude. I hope you are planning to be part of our fun Feasting on Gratitude Brunch on November 6 after worship. No classes that day but lots of thankful sharing over the meal, plus some gratitude-building activities for the kids.

It is time to deliver the Halloween “Trick hunger-Treat the hungry” flyers to your neighbors so they will be prepared to offer you real food (not just candy) on October 31. Pick up your flyers and instructions on this mission outreach event Sunday.

The Session (leadership board of elders and pastors) made two monumental decisions this past week. First, we decided to hire an architect (The Lawson Group, very experienced in church building) to lead us through a three month process to design a Master Plan for our property on Lorraine Road. This will lead to capital fundraising efforts beginning sometime in 2012. Secondly, Session decided to negotiate with MAR (Realtors) the 24/7 lease of a third of the Event Center (the choir side of sanctuary) to accommodate our larger weekday activities. Most significantly, this lease, if signed, will provide for the security of our temporary home (including Sunday worship) for the next three years. We know that all of you agree that securing our current location is crucial for Peace’s development, so please continue to be generous in your gifts to the operating fund. We are excited about our future here and on Lorraine Road and hope that these plans, coupled with your giving and the continued growth of Peace, will land us in a building by the end of 2014 or early 2015.

The Nominating Committee (Eirinn Camphire, Peter Miller, Don McIlwain, Dana Scott, and Sara Rea Jensen) are bringing before you on Sunday the following nominees for election to serve as elders for the next three years: Kathy Flora, Jenny Sheffield, Don Simpson, and Mark Winters. They also recommend that Andrew Deibert, high school senior, serve as youth elder for a one year term. There will be more information about the nominees in the bulletin Sunday and the congregational meeting will take place at the end of service. Any questions, write me back.

We could use your help, if you are able-bodied. Peace has some chairs currently stored at Pine Shores Presbyterian Church in Sarasota. They need to be moved from an office to a storage room. Show your gratitude for the generosity of our friends at Pine Shores by coming to help move the chairs. Meet at Peace at 8:00 this Saturday morning, the 22^nd or come to Pine Shores on your own (6135 Beechwood Ave – NW of Clark and Hwy 41).

You are always encouraged to be at Peace!

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 16, 2011

Dear Friends of Peace,

We are not waiting until November to be thankful. No Gratitude Season begins right now at Peace! In the next weeks at Peace, we will find countless ways to be grateful to God, despite all the uncertainties of life. Hope you will join us at 10:00 on Sundays and that you will be our guest at a Feasting on Gratitude Brunch on November 6 after worship.

Since we moved into our new location in the Event and Conference Center one year ago, we have sixty-five NEW Peace participants, some of whom have joined and others coming regularly. What a blessing!

Here's the latest at Peace: We sent a dozen away on a youth retreat at Cedarkirk this week-end (no regular youth program on Sunday evening). We expect to see about twenty adults at Monthly Movie Night tonight. Sunday afternoon, Peace people are going to an Open House at Beth-El Farmworker Ministries in Wimauma, a Presbyterian mission where Peace has 8-10 volunteers every week.

It's time to start "tricking hunger and treating the hungry" with our Halloween Food Drive. You may also support the Food Bank by attending Empty Bowls Lunch in LWR with Peace Friends on Friday, October 21. The Sisters of Peace Craft Luncheon is next Sunday, the 23rd. The Adventure Park Kickball Picnic is going to be a blast on November 20th with players from 7 to 70.

Every week the men of Peace gather for breakfast and authentic man-share time at 7 on Tuesdays at Crisper's, while the women are multi-tasking with a Prayer Walk on Saturdays at 10 in the lovely lakeside streets near the church ministry center.

Choirs are rehearsing again and a drama group will soon start to meet. Stephen Ministers are being trained to provide care for those in difficult seasons of life, and the Peace Care Team continues to pray for each Peace participant by name every day and particularly for those who have requested the prayers of Peace.

There's more to tell, but I'll stop and simply say to you: Be at Peace with us!

With gratitude,

Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 9, 2011

This week in worship we examine the two Biblical references to the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew and Luke, and consider the three versions of the prayer in English and ponder the petition: “Forgive us our debts, trespasses, sins AS we forgive… " Many of you have asked over the last five years, why we use the ecumenical version of the prayer, and recently the Session agreed with the Worship Team and me that it would benefit all of us, especially the children, to develop a level of comfort with all three versions of the prayer. Hope you can come Sunday and please consider staying for the worship discussion afterwards. Express yourself, learn from others, and grow faith with friends at Peace.

Thank you for your concerns and prayers for Peace’s home security. We are feeling more encouraged about the possibility of negotiating a new lease with the Realtors, but it could require some extra giving next year. The Session of Elders will soon meet to discuss this matter in detail.

The Adventure Park Hot Dog and Kickball Event has been postponed to Sunday, November 20^th when we hope EVERYbody can participate in the fun. See the Fellowship Board for the MANY activities coming soon, and make your reservations for ticketed activities, like the Christmas Story in Sarasota.

Come to the Open House at Mission Beth-El NEXT Sunday afternoon (16^th) and learn about the Presbyterian ministry to farmworkers in Wimauma, 30 minutes north on 301. Carpools will leave from Peace at 2:30 and 3:00.

Remember that Ministry Team meetings are a good way to connect, pray, and serve. Meetings are listed on the back of the bulletin. Pray for the Nominating Committee, who will soon present a slate of elders for election, possibly as soon as next Sunday, the 16^th.

Finally, let me say what a joy it is to welcome new members and to see so many new faces at Peace. Do ask questions, get to know one another, and celebrate God’s goodness all around!

With gratitude for the love of Christ which binds us,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - September 29, 2011

Sojourners called Peace,

God provided water from a rock in the wilderness, so I’m confident that God will provide a new home for Peace, when the Manatee Association of Realtors sells their buildings. But I’m going to join the Israelites of Exodus 17 and grumble.

If you saw the East County Observer today, you may have surmised that the Realtors Board did not sign an addendum to our lease contract, which would have secured us as tenants utilizing the Event Center. They apparently needed more selling flexibility than they were willing to admit. We suggested that we could lease more space from them, but that was not enough. Zoning restrictions do not currently allow a church to purchase the buildings, and we have learned that a change in the zoning was unlikely.

So, as much as we have enjoyed our 2010-2011 home, and as fruitful as the Event Center has been for Peace Church, we could be on the road again with our growing church family. We will keep you informed. Our Building Vision Team is working diligently to recommend to session an architect to design a master plan for our land on Lorraine Road, but these things take time and money. So bear with us. And pray with us.

This Sunday we look at the 10 Commandments as God’s gift to wandering, grumbling people. We will collect the Peacemaking Offering as it is World Communion Sunday. Think of those in warn-torn countries, dangerous communities, or desperate homes, where there is no peace. Remember all the places where there is hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, and sadness. Then give generously to sow love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy, as the St Francis prayer says. The choir will sing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” as we exercise trust that “in giving of ourselves that we receive, and in dying, we are born to eternal life.”

Grateful to journey with you,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace -- September 25, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

It brings me great joy to see so many new faces in the Peace family. As the song goes, “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other, gold.”

Time is running short for those who want to sign up for Stephen Ministry Training. Please email back immediately if you want to reserve a spot. Autumn training will include two week-ends (Friday night-Saturday – to be determined) and then January-March, one night/week.

Pray for the nominating committee and for persons who may be wondering “Am I really called to serve as an elder?” It is a high calling, but not a heavy burden at Peace because we have such a talented group of Ministry Team Leaders, who carry a large part of the work load.

Peace Sisters – ideas luncheon this Sunday at 12:30 and prayer walk every Saturday at 10. Peace Brothers – 6:45 Prayer Breakfast. Any guys interested in a monthly evening meeting?

Youth Fellowship has a full schedule of activities. Kudos to Pastor Tricia and advisors.

Autumn Activities at Peace:

Choirs Potluck tomorrow (Sat) night and rehearsals begin in October

Oct 2 World Communion Sunday – Peacemaking Offering collected (25% kept for our local efforts)

Oct-Nov Neighborhood Dinners: Get to know your closest Peace neighbors. Sign up Sunday. Maybe you’re willing to host one?

Oct 16 Adventure Park Hot Dogs and Kick Ball -- 3:00PM to 7:00PM Sign up to bring a dish to share.

Oct 16 Beth-El Farmworkers Mission Open House -- Meet at Peace at 3:00 to carpool with friends

Oct 21 Empty Bowls Benefit Luncheon LWR -- Support Manatee Food Bank $20; meet at Peace at 11:30 to carpool

Nov 6 Gratitude Brunch after worship here at Peace – celebrating God’s goodness with table talk

Thanksgiving Day at Troyer’s Dutch Heritage -- 30 spots reserved for Peace people at 11:00

Dec 4 – The Christmas Story in Sarasota

As we grow, it is not always easy to keep a finger on every pulse, so please do not hesitate to call if you need support. Your pastors, music director, elders, and your congregational care team are praying for you.

God's grace and peace to all,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - September 16, 2011

Dear Friends,

We hope you will be worshiping with us this Sunday, as we explore the generous hospitality of Jesus in the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard (Matt 20:1-16) and his teaching on whom we might help or invite to dinner. (Luke 14:1-6; 12-14) This is our final week in the Foundations of the Presbyterian Church and our question is "Who is going with us?" We are called to be open to all whom Jesus calls into our midst and open to the reforming power of the Holy Spirit in our common life.

It's a great time to join Peace! Come to an 11:30 gathering this Sunday to learn more about being part of the Peace family. Then you'll be ready on World Communion/Peacemaking Sunday to stand with others in worship who are declaring their trust in Jesus Christ, renouncing evil and affirming their reliance on the grace of God, and intending to be active and responsible in the worship, ministry, and mission of the church. There are many different ways to be a faithful member. Think about it and let me know if you're ready. It would make my day!

Peace to all,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - September 9, 2011

As a Christian and an American, on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks I commit myself to work for building peace in my community and the world, and to love my neighbors by standing against hate and fear.” I hope you will join us in affirming this commitment to peacemaking on Sunday in worship, after we toll the bell in remembrance of those who died on and after that horrific day.

We will pray in song,
God, give us faith and wisdom to be your healing hands;
Give open minds that listen to truth from all your lands.
Give strength to work for justice; Grant love that casts out fear.
Then peace and not destruction will be the victor here.

There’s an Interfaith Service for Peace and Understanding at our sister church, First Presbyterian in Sarasota at 5:00 Sunday evening.

Our series on the Foundations of Presbyterianism continues, this week with a sermon on Colossians 1:3-14, an encouragement to meet the goal by leading lives worthy of Jesus Christ: being fruitful, wise, strong, thankful and patient.

Peace’s goals are inspiring worship, authentic relationships, nurturing discipleship, compassionate outreach, and responsive stewardship. For one hundred years, the goals of the Presbyterians have been
The proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind
The shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God
The maintenance of divine worship
The preservation of the truth
The promotion of social righteousness, and
The exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

These goals tell us where we are going. Sometimes when life is too busy or when really bad things happen, we need to be reminded of who we are and what really matters. A couple of weeks ago at a Peace, we heard a quote from C.S. Lewis, "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.

Come, do something infinitely important with us Sunday morning. Our mission is to make God known, by growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, building a community of peace, and caring for the needs of others.

New people, new classes, same great God!

Peace be with you all,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - September 2, 2011

Peaceful Friends,

Members of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and their supporters are cycling from Immokalee to Lakeland, hoping to speak to Ed Crenshaw of Publix. If you would like to support their efforts to secure a penny more per pound for tomato pickers, then please meet at Rivers Edge Publix Hwy 64 at 1:30 today. We are loyal Publix shoppers and people who peacefully seek justice for the poor in Jesus’ name. For other events related to this peaceful act of justice, see this link: http://www.interfaithact.org/pilgrimage

This Sunday morning, Peace will have a Festival of Singing (and you thought we already sing a lot at Peace?) This is our third week in the series on the Foundations of the Church. We will examine what makes us who we are by focusing on the church as body of Christ – people of faith, hope, love and witness, and by reflecting on the marks of the church, according to the Nicene Creed – one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic (connected/sent). Our meditation on each of the four parts – one, holy catholic, and apostolic – will be concluded with a related hymn or song.

After worship and fellowship, please consider staying to learn more about Stephen Ministry, a program of Christian caregiving. If you decide to train this year as a Stephen Minister, you will develop so many helpful relational tools – listening, speak the truth in love, praying for others, etc. So come, learn more about how to become a Stephen Minister this Sunday at 11:30.

Next Friday, our Faith and Film Night feature is Invictus, a great film about rugby and race relations! Come watch and discuss the movie, led by our own David Thomas, retired professor of film studies and rhetoric.

Finally, remember our Belonging to God questions from last Sunday – to be known this week – Who are you? I am a child of God. What does it mean to be a child of God? That I belong to God who loves me. Weave these into your soul for the reassurance they bring.

Peace to all,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - August 26, 2011

You are invited to Peace’s “Back to Church” Sunday celebration this week. After worship, we will have a relaxed “lite bites” lunch and will hear about some of the learning opportunities at Peace for the coming year. Bring a salad or something to share -- maybe even a new friend! Kids, come ready to bounce through an obstacle course outside. Youth, come ready to wash cars and adults, your donations are very much appreciated!

In addition to the fun we have planned, we will have a brief congregational meeting to elect a nominating committee who will guide us to the election of four elders for class of 2014. The nominees for the nom com are: Eirinn Camphire, Peter Miller, Don McIlwain, Dana Scott, and Sara Rea Jensen.

I rejoice in announcing that Rob Tuite is being weaned off the respirator, and is having some success with sitting up in a chair for a brief period. Thanks be to God for this miracle! Thanks to you, friends, for your prayers and your generous donations to defray medical expenses for the Tuite family.

Pray for those who may be affected by Hurricane Irene, including Nancy Bonnell in NJ.

We continue this week with our reflection on the new Presbyterian Foundations, which are rooted in the ancient Church. Colossians 1:15-20 and Philippians 2:5-11 are among the oldest pieces of Christian liturgy. Both are thought to have been sung by the early church. “Who’s in Charge?” is our question as we look at the supremacy of Christ as Head of the Church.

I am very pleased to announce that Mike and Debbie Clay, Mary Ann and Dan Grantham and kids (Matthew, Nathan, and Clare), Jenny Sheffield, and Bob Cutler will be re-affirming their faith, after having met with the Session to join Peace! Welcome to these newest members of the family.

Don’t miss the attachment:

1. a new Peace directory is available at church. Let us know if you find errors.

2. a letter from Peace’s Stephen Leaders, inviting you to consider training to be a Stephen Minister. Learn more about this valuable ministry of Christian caregiving next Sunday 11:30-12:30. Even in a congregation of 175 people, there are many issues of grief and depression, there are healthcare struggles and life transitions, where Stephen Ministers can ease the way, providing a listening ear, not taking the place of the pastor, but adding a new dimension of Christian compassion.

Peace be with you all,

Elizabeth

• Stephen Min letter 8-24-11.pdf

This Week at Peace - - August 19, 2011

Dear Peace Family, Kim and all the Tuites are grateful for your prayers for Rob, who survived his first surgery with complications, and is facing another one tomorrow – Saturday. Because of the expensive drain on family resources during months of critical care, we will collect a special offering for the Tuites this Sunday. Look for the basket in the fellowship area. We had a meaningful service of prayer last Sunday at 11:30, thanks to the faithful leadership of Pastor Tricia, and the involved participation of nearly fifty of you, including Director Gia, still recovering. This Sunday we begin a new series on The Foundations of the Church. About every generation, the Presbyterian Church (USA) does a major revision of our Book of Church Order and produces a new hymnal. The new “Foundations” and “Polity/Government” were approved in July of this year, and the new hymnal is due by 2014. Sunday’s sermon is on The Mission of the Church, or “What are we doing?” We will read the first sermon of Jesus, and the first sermon of Peter for guidance. The men’s ensemble will bless us with lovely music. The session will be prepared to meet with anyone who would like to join Peace at 11:30. Next Sunday, the 28th is Back to Church Sunday at Peace. It’s a great time to invite your friends and neighbors. We will share a “Lite Bites” lunch of salads and such, and there will be a bounce house for kids of all ages. We will hear of new opportunities to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ through our 2011-12 Lively Learning Hour. Thanks to all who are stepping up to lead, assist or participate in classes this year. Never stop growing and learning. On that same day we will have a brief congregational meeting to elect a nominating committee. Thus far the slate of nominees includes Eirinn Camphire, Peter Miller, Don McIlwain, and Dana Scott. Other names may be added to this slate. Once elected, this committee will seek your input and will bring a slate of nominees for election as elder in early October. Please read the attached "Parish Paper" on why people connect with Christ and a congregation -- very helpful. Peace to all of you, Elizabeth Attachments: Parish Paper September 2011.pdf

This Week at Peace - August 5, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

Thanks to all of you who are wearing multiple hats at Peace during the summer months, covering for folks who are out of town.

Thanks to all of you who are hanging in there with involvement, even with occasional critique, because you did not do it the way another thought it should be done. Let’s all remember to “wag more, bark less.” Everyone needs a good pat on the back for helping.

Thanks to all of you who step up and care for your Peace family, even if you don’t know exactly what to do. By doing something and by praying, you show how much you care. As 1 John 3 says in so many different ways, “Love one another and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

This Sunday we read the story of Jesus going away to pray, then walking across water to calm the fears of the disciples in the rough seas. If you’re in a rough patch, try not to miss worship. (Matthew 14:22-33.)

The new PEACE plastic name tags are available for order at the Fellowship Board. Cost is $8.25 for your choice of a magnet/pin/clip. Checks payable to Suzi Regulski Shirey (or cash) needed at time of order.

You will soon see a “for sale” sign on the Manatee Association of Realtors property. Peace is not leaving; our lease is being secured. In fact, the Realtors are probably not leaving either, rather they will lease back from a new owner. The Session and Building Vision Team are prayerfully and deliberately considering all our options , including the purchase of one or both buildings, as well the protection of our lease interests. Pray with us for the Spirit’s guidance as we consider our future. Speak to Tom Ciechanowski (Clerk of Session) or Bob Donaldson (Building Vision Team Chair), if you have questions.

Peace to you, your neighbors and to the world.

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - July 22, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

Dear Peacemakers, As I sit here, trying to finish the sermon, I am reeling from today’s news of the sudden death of 26 year old Zachary Day, a young man, whose family members were charter members of Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL. I’m reading about the famine in Somalia and the acts of terror in Norway. And the scripture I’m preaching on says, “All things work together for good for those who love God.” It teaches that the Spirit groans with us with “sighs too deep for words.” It says that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” I encourage you to study the scripture (see attachment) prior to Sunday’s worship, as it is a rich resource for our faith. Pray for our youth, who are completing conferences and returning home Sunday night. Pick up school supplies or backpacks for the children of Beth-El Farmworker Ministries. Remember that we will have the opportunity to give blood on Sunday after worship and until 1:30. See the attached invitation to our first VBS and third Musical, Lightshine. Let us continue to prepare for our Wills Emphasis Sunday. I challenge you to view this video online, whether you are able to attend our Wills Emphasis Seminar at 11:30 or not. You can make a difference for Peace for years beyond your own life. However, you can be certain -- no one will pressure you to make any decisions. This seminar is purely informational. http://www.presbyterianfoundation.org/WillsEmphasis.aspx Peace be with all of you, Elizabeth Attachments: bulletin-2011-07-24 - scripture insert.pdf VBS Promo.pdf

This Week at Peace - - July 15, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

Let’s remember our scriptural journey in July worship. We were challenged by the Apostle Paul to set our minds on the things of the Spirit (Romans 7-8) to live in the freedom of Christ, and then exhorted by Jesus (Gospel of Matthew, chapter 13) to sow, till, and weed God’s garden so that seeds of Gospel might grow in our souls and our community. This week we read Psalm 139 and consider how intimately God knows us and how well God loves us. Please take your bulletins home each week, so you can read the texts for the coming week, not to mention pondering the scripture and affirmation of faith from each Sunday’s worship.

Peace is having our first Vacation Bible (& Music) School this summer. Lightshine will happen August 8-12 for ages 4-5^thgrade with youth assisting, 9-12 each day. Then on Sunday the 14^that 11:30, our youth will take lead roles in the musical, as directed by Gia, while all the kids sing songs about light of God which guides our steps. A fellowship lunch will follow. Will you help nurture the faith of young ones? Speak to Elizabeth or email back if you are willing assist or be on call in case our numbers grow. Families of Peace, please let us know if your kids are coming.

Next Sunday, the 24^th, the Suncoast Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot from 11:00-1:00 for any who would like to give blood.
The following Sunday, the 31^st, Mark Shoemaker of the Presbyterian Foundation will lead an adult discussion at 11:30 on planning giving. Do you have a will? Have you ever considered tithing 10% of your estate to the church when you die? Would you like to hear about investment opportunities which benefit both you and the Presbyterian Church?

Our middle and high school youth leave for Montreat and Presbyterian College tomorrow with Pastor Tricia and Chip Schaaff and friends from First Presbyterian, Sarasota. Pray for their spiritual growth.

Peace to all,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - July 8, 2011

Peacemakers, When I got home from three weeks away in June, my surprise anniversary gift from Richard was a beautifully-tended garden. He had planted new trees and flowers, trimmed hedges, added bark and stone edging. It was lovely. For most of our marriage, I have been the gardener, but lately Richard has a new appreciation of how flowers, trees, and even weeds teach us about our life with God. This Sunday’s text is the Parable of the Sower from Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23, which teaches us that we all are gardeners with God. We are called to germinate the good news of Christ’s love. “Our mission is to make God known -- by growing as disciples of Jesus Christ, building a community of peace, and caring for the needs of others.” (Peace Mission Statement) We will send off our youth and their chaperones Sunday with a prayer, as they get ready for their conferences in Montreat and at Presbyterian College. They depart next Saturday. Thanks to all of you who made this trip possible with your participation in the Italian Dinner and Talent Show! We will begin collecting school supplies for the children of Beth-El Farmworker Ministries (see the email from the Mission Team earlier this week). Mark your calendars for a great opportunity provided by our Stewardship Team to think about financial planning, your will, and how you can effectively plan for the future with gratitude and generosity for all God’s goodness (July 31). Be fruitful and prayerful! Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - July 1, 2011

In the last three weeks, I attended 16 worship services, not one of which did I lead. I cannot begin to describe how refreshing it is to be the hearer of a sermon, the receiver of communion and liturgy, after months and years of preaching them week-by-week. This experience, along with the perspective gained from being in the company of other pastors reflecting on their ministries, has renewed me. Thank you.

At the Credo conference, I learned some valuable lessons and established some goals related to “speaking the truth in love,” rather than avoiding conflict, about “equipping the saints for ministry” because that multiplies the ministry God can do through us, and about remembering that “Christ is our peace,” and on him we depend and together grow into “a dwelling place for God.” (Eph. 2 & 4) It is easy for a pastor to feel like the church’s progress rests entirely on his or her shoulders, but that is not healthy, as we all know. So I return and find that Peace is doing quite well without me – great news!

This Sunday, we read Romans 7:18-8:6, where the Apostle Paul describes the struggle to be faithful, to live according to the Spirit. My sermon title is “Land of the Free?” Four Men of Peace will be singing in their worship debut. Hope you will be with us, but if you’re traveling, we’ll hope to see you soon.

Grace and peace,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace, June 26th

Greetings, Peace family,

Not so long ago I was preparing the confirmands for their examination, and we reviewed the three most important books for Presbyterian Christians. Do you know what they are? In descending order of importance, they are the Bible, the Book of Confessions, and the Book of Order.

While it is not official until the Office of the General Assembly receives notification from presbyteries that have voted, as of June 7, 2011, the proposed new Form of Government (FOG) has been approved by a majority of our 173 presbyteries, and will replace the current version within the Book of Order of the church’s Constitution. New FOG is a better organized and more compact version of the current Form of Government. If you would like to read more on this, please visit:
http://www.pcusa.org/news/2011/6/7/churchwide-letter-concerning-new-form-government/

The Deibert family is away this Sunday in Montgomery, AL as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, the other new church development Elizabeth and Richard co-pastored. Elizabeth will be back in the office Tuesday. Rev. Bill Kemp will be leading us in worship and preaching on Genesis 2, where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Issac, whose birth was so long waited. May we also put our trust in the LORD.

Please keep the Burkholder family in your prayers as Jim is at Sarasota Memorial Hospital having surgery today.

Peace and many blessings,
Tricia

This Week at Peace, June 19th

As it was my rotation to write for the Faith and Values column in the Bradenton Tribune this week, I was able to reflect upon my personal observation of Father’s Day. I’m fortunate to have a spouse whose fathering improves my mothering, whose children find him both hilarious and nurturing. I also feel blessed to have been raised in a home where because my own father was absent, members of my family, neighborhood, and church community acted like surrogate fathers to me. So I wish a Happy Father’s Day to those of you who are fathers, have been fathers, who struggle to be father’s, and who are like fathers to children not your own.

This secular holiday lends itself for an interesting reflection on this Trinity Sunday. How amazing is our God, who like a father, runs to the prodigal.

The Deibert family is away this Sunday for the Worship and Music conference in Montreat, NC. Rev. Grant Lowe will be leading us in worship and preaching on the creation story. Father’s Day is one place to start when we ask where we came from, what kinds of genes we inherited, and what we may be like. A larger answer, however, is in Genesis 1 where God is the creator, and we are created in God's likeness.

There is still time to sign up and pay Suzi Regulski Shirey this Sunday for the upcoming baseball game on June 26. In order to get the group price, we need 10 people. Tickets must be purchased in advance. See Suzi or the fellowship table for more information.

Peace and many blessings,
Tricia

This Week at Peace - - June 9, 2011

Dear Peacemakers, I am taking a moment away from a wonderful conference called CREDO in rolling hills of upstate NY, to write this email to you. Thirty-two Presbyterian ministers between ages 40-55, following a pattern started by the Episcopalians, are taking an eight-day break from ministry for guided reflection on our spiritual, vocational, financial, and emotional health. It has been a very meaningful time of study, worship, refreshment, and discernment. There are six of these conferences per year, significantly funded by the Presbyterian Board of Pensions. Sunday is Pentecost, and Pastor Tricia will be preaching. She will be assisted by our friend, retired minister and presbytery executive, Rev. Grant Lowe. Director Gia will begin rehearsal for the summer musical at 11:30, and all who have nurtured the faith of children, youth, or adults will be thanked for their teaching with a fire-red “Pentecost” plant. Don’t forget to wear red for Pentecost, as we celebrate the fire of the Spirit! I am seeing your email nearly every day, though I do not have time to respond. Know that you are in my prayers while I am away, and that I am grateful for the ministry we share. So many of my new friends have been pleased and inspired to hear about you and the progress of Peace Presbyterian Church! Some of you may have heard that the new Form of Government of the PC(USA) has been passed by a majority of the presbyteries, and will go into effect in July. Most of you will notice little or no difference in the way Peace is run. Proponents of the six-chapter nFOG (Your pastors are among them) say it is designed to be flexible and recognizes the changing nature of the church. The current 18-chapter Form of Government was adopted in 1983 and has been amended hundreds of times. The major difference between the proposed nFOG and the current Form of Government is not in what governing bodies are expected to do, but in how and who does it, said the Rev. Dan Williams, co-moderator of the nFOG task force. If you want to read more, see this website link: http://oga.pcusa.org/formofgovernment/ Peace, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - June 3, 2011

Dear Peacemakers, I am so excited about all the new people at Peace this spring -- new adults, new young adults, new youth and children! You are a blessing to us, and we look forward to getting to know you better, even as we struggle to say good-bye to friends who are moving on! Young adults -- 19-35 -- you are invited over to the Deiberts for a last-minute, informal meal tomorrow -- Saturday night at 7:00. 6421 Blue Grosbeak Circle 34202 756-8153 Yesterday was the 40thDay after Easter, Ascension Day. This Sunday we will celebrate the power Jesus gave us to be his witnesses, even as we revel in the promised presence of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost – celebrated next week . Trinity Sunday follows on Father’s Day this year, and then we’re into the long season of ordinary time. The Mission Team invites all adults to a special one-time Lively Learning session on Disaster Preparedness and Relief this Sunday. We also encourage you to bring a special offering for Pentecost, to Family Promise of Manatee County, the ministry to homeless families with which we are involved. Part of the offering will go to other PC(USA) projects for children & youth at risk. The Fellowship Team invites you to two casual and fun events to build relationships: Stories and Sweets on June 15 – bring a cool summer dessert and hear and/or share a story (3-5 min long) which is inspiring, funny, or otherwise interesting to hear. Mark your calendars for the Fireworks Night at the Bradenton Marauders Baseball Game at McKechnie Field on July 3. More info later. Our musical rehearsals start on June 12th. The youth of Peace will be featured in Light Shine, but there will be parts for children too. So children and youth will spend part of the Lively Learning hour with Director Gia and the other part with various other teachers all through summer. August 8-12 we will have Vacation Bible School in the mornings and will culminate with the musical production on Sunday, the 14th at 11:30. An exciting new class for adults, called Seasons of the Spirit, will begin on Pentecost! Summer shalom to you all, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace

Peace-makers,

What a wonderful time we had together last week-end! Great Movie Night on Friday, Delicious Dinner and Talent Show on Saturday, and meaningful Confirmation Day on Sunday!

This week our focus is on the Church – what it means to be the household of God, living stones, built into a spiritual house, with Christ as our cornerstone. Put a rock in your pocket (something we’ve been doing at Peace as a reminder to be grateful for God’s gifts) and remember that you are a living stone – part of God’s house.

Please remember to bring non-perishable food for the hungry people of Manatee County, and/or easier, write a check this Sunday to Peace with Food Bank in memo. Think of the sacrifices that others have made for your freedom, your protection, your dignity, and make the effort to care for those who do not have enough food on their tables.

Coming events in June:

It’s Hurricane Season and you’ve seen what havoc can be made by tornadoes. Learn about disaster preparedness and relief efforts from Peace’s friend Kathy Broyard on June 5 at 11:30.

Pentecost Offering to help Youth & Children. The Mission Team has decided that our portion will go to Family Promise of Manatee , the wonderful ministry of hospitality to homeless families in our area.

Stories and Sweets on June 15th at 7:22. Summer is a great time for building relationships. If you have a short story (3-5 minutes) to tell (funny, serious, inspirational) or if you just want to spend time relaxing with Peace friends. Bring desserts of all kinds to share.

Finally, I encourage to read the Session Highlights from May to hear exciting news about the work of the Building Vision Team and to see that nametag options will be available for you soon, thanks to the Fellowship Team.

No matter what kind of nametag you wear, just remember that the purpose of nametags is to build relationships, ones that enrich life. Our goals at Peace: Inspiring Worship, Authentic Relationships, Nurturing Discipleship, Compassionate Outreach, and Responsive Stewardship.

Peace to all of you,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - May 18, 2011

Dear Peace-full Family,

We Deiberts had a wonderful time at daughter Emily’s graduation from Davidson College in N. Carolina. I hear you had a great Sunday with Morgan’s sermon, and Tricia’s and Gia’s usual strength, Memorial Day food drive info, and all the fellowship, worship, service, and learning that make Peace a such a meaningful church.

This is a wonderful week-end at Peace:

Movie Night at church on Friday. Come at 7ish and the highly recommended film for all ages “Millions” will start at 7:30.

Italian Dinner and Talent Show at First Presbyterian, Sarasota on Oak Street at 5:00 Saturday night. Door prizes will be part of the fun offered by Fellowship Team. If you have a prize to contribute, just bring it. (call Peggy D for more info 907-3924) And don’t forget your checkbooks!

Sunday morning we will confirm the baptism of four of our teens – Amanda Aungst, Rebecca Deibert, Liz Shirey, and Tim Tuite. Pray for them, and come be part of this big moment in their lives, as they promise to be disciples of Jesus Christ. The choirs have some beautiful music planned. Thanks to Pastor Tricia and the confirmands' mentors and parents for their commitment to working with the teens toward this day!

Peace to all of you!

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - May 11, 2011

Dear Peacemakers,

Don’t miss hearing Rev. Dr. Morgan Roberts preach this Sunday! We Deiberts will be in NC attending daughter Emily’s graduation from Davidson College. Pastor Tricia will be leading a confirmation retreat most of the week-end, preparing our confirmands to share their faith with the session over lunch on Sunday.

Don’t miss the Peace Italian Dinner and Talent Show – this year on Saturday, May 21st, at First Presbyterian, Sarasota because we outgrew Northminster’s fellowship hall. If you are planning to share your talent, speak to Gia Sunday after worship, or better, email her now. diapason08@verizon.net We need a head count for the dinner, so please sign up on Sunday, or email Peggy at Pdonald2@hotmail.com and tell her what you’d like to bring (salads with dressing, bread, and desserts) and whether you can help with set up or clean up or both. The evening begins at 5:00.

The Mission Team will share with you Sunday about their Memorial Day Food Drive and their educational opportunity on June 6 to learn about disaster preparedness.

You may hear in the news that a majority of presbyteries in the PC(USA) have voted in favor of the changed language for ordination standards, amendment 10-A. This is joyful, long-awaited news for some of us, and grievous, worrisome news for others of us. I pray that we Presbyterian Christians will hold together in our common ground in the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Peace and love to all,

Elizabeth

"Faith Column" in Bradenton/LWR Herald

Below is the first offering from Peace for the faith column in Bradenton/LWR Herald. Tricia and I are in the rota now.



Like many, we have experienced mixed emotions as the details of bin Laden’s death emerge. We are relieved that the person who master-minded 9/11 and other mass murders is no longer available to direct acts of terror. Yet when we see Americans cheering on the streets outside the White House, and when we hear interviewees gushing, “I hope to God he rots in hell!” we are disturbed that so many Americans are allowing bin Laden’s hatred to justify their own hate.

All major world faiths place singular value on the dignity of human life, even when that dignity becomes distorted by evil. Our Christian faith tells us clearly that every human being is created in the image of God, no matter how grave their sins. While we believe that all vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12), we do not think that it was unethical for our government, not bound by the theological ethics of Christianity, to decide that the safety of humanity required the death of this human being. The lesser evil of bin Laden’s assassination was justified when compared with the greater evil of his continuance as a living symbol for terrorism.

Our grave concern is that we, the American people, cease gloating in his death. Be relieved, yes. Be glad for justice, yes. But do not celebrate the tragedy of a necessary assassination. To do so is not only wrong, according the beliefs of all major faith groups, but profoundly unwise. If we truly want terrorism to decline, then we need to concern ourselves with the humanity of all people, even our enemies. We need to rise above the demonizing behavior of playground children, who behave according to a simplistic view of good and evil – “us” and “them.” We need to exercise self-control (Galatians 5) and work tirelessly on developing the spirit of mercy and peacemaking, especially with those whose distorted image of God seeks to solve injustice with acts of hatred. Yes, it is the tragedy of the human condition that protecting the world from modern terrorism will sometimes mean shooting an unarmed human being in front of his teen daughter. But let us remember the humanity of that girl and let us weep over the horrifically diminished humanity of her father.

We close with the reflection of a Presbyterian friend, not too far from Abbottabad, Pakistan, who recalls the words of Martin Luther King, Jr: “‘I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.’ It is not the funeral of Osama Bin Laden, which will solve the world’s troubles or bring ultimate peace. It is the funeral that we remembered on Good Friday of Jesus Christ that gives us hope for the world. He willingly died for each of us because of His great love for us!”

Rev. Elizabeth M. Deibert, Pastor of Peace Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Richard I Deibert, physician and theologian

This Week at Peace - - May 5, 2011

This Saturday, Peace is offering two exciting fellowship activities: Peace will gather at Lido Beach at 5:00. Bring some food and drink and enjoy watching the amazing Florida sunset while building authentic relationships with your church family. (Peggy at 907-3924) Or for Cedarkirk fans, there’s a great 7:00 concert celebrating Cedarkirk’s 40 years of ministry. Tickets to hear Denver & the Mile-High Orchestra at Newsome High School are $15. (Suzi at 355-5928)

On Sunday we will journey with Jesus’ Mother Mary, giving thanks for her faithfulness, a model for all of us, male and female. The Sisters of Peace have invited you to wear a hat in celebration of Mother’s Day, but I am confident they will understand if you don’t have one, or if yours is ugly. (This is not a replay of the Royal Wedding, so girlfriends, you do not need to go shopping unless you want.)

It’s time to get excited about the May 21st Italian Dinner (delicious food prepared by our resident Italian Musician) and Talent Show. The food and the fun get better every year! And the venue will be much more spacious at First Presbyterian, Sarasota on Oak Street, even if we have to drive further. We will begin at 5:00 according to Pastor Tricia, so get your acts of all kinds together (speak to Gia ASAP because the talent slots are filling) and save your dollars, so we can raise big bucks for our teens to travel to Montreat for the best youth conference around.

Pray for our 8thand 9thgrader confirmands who are preparing to confirm their baptisms and commit to a life of discipleship on May 22nd. This is the beginning of their journey and not the end. Support them, be good models of faith for them. Encourage one another and be grateful for the gifts of every single person at Peace. “They’ll know we are Christians by our love … Love is patient and kind ... not envious, boastful, arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way…”

The Ministry Team Leaders and Session have a new challenge for all at Peace – that we dedicate the 15 minutes prior to worship and the 15 minutes after worship to doing two things exclusively:
1. rejoicing in the goodness of God and expressing gratitude and affection for our church family
2. welcoming our guests at Peace with great warmth and interest

Gotta tall metal filing cabinet you don't want? Peace music department in need.

With gratitude for each of you,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - April 29, 2011

What a joy to see 170 faces on Easter morning! If you were not there, we missed you! Christ is risen. He is risen indeed! This Second Sunday of Easter, we get to ease off our Easter exuberance to think about doubt and faith and the peace that Christ brings into the room. Hope you will be back for this wonderful reading from the second half of John 20. Hear the Peace quartet sing a wonderful arrangement of the Lord’s Prayer.

To those of you who are snowbirds, who have left already and are soon leaving, we will miss you terribly over the summer. Think of us while you watch spring blossoms unfold.

We will be giving thanks this Sunday for ALL the people who assist with worship – all our choirs, our communion servers and liturgists, our children serving as acolytes, our sound system princes and set up crew champions. Our new/old friends, the Waldrops (Martha is a master gardener) have delivered to Peace a lovely weeping bottle brush tree to be planted Sunday as a regular reminder of the gifts of these dedicated souls who prepare well and arrive early.

Say a prayer of gratitude that God spared the lives of our friends, the Simpsons, who happened to be with friends in Tuscaloosa, AL, when the tornado came through and demolished everything in sight, including the Simpson’s car. I know you are praying for those who have experienced tremendous losses.

Pray also for our confirmands – Amanda, Tim (Harry), Liz Shirey, and Rebecca -- preparing to reaffirm their baptism on May 22nd.

Consider what you’re missing if you don’t stay for Lively Learning opportunities. Peace has many great offerings, made all the better by engaged participants. New class led by Chip Schaaff, beginning in a week on the challenging issue of life management – building the peace of Christ into our daily lives.

While sipping coffee, take time to complete that Time and Talent form “Gratitude Leads to Service”, which many of you promised to Robin two weeks ago.

Find out Sunday during fellowship about the Cedarkirk gathering and the beach gathering on May 7th. Great ways to build your Peace friendships!

Peace be with you,

Elizabeth

Good Friday & Easter at Peace

Come and walk the lonesome valley of “Jesus’ Last Day” with us. Gathering around tables, we will begin with the Last Supper he shared with his disciples. Then we will journey with him through his betrayal, arrest, judgment, trial, suffering and death. Meaningful music, prayers, and visual arts will guide our deep reflection on God’s wondrous love.

Be at Peace at 7:00 Friday night. (We're in the Manatee Association of Realtors Event & Conference Center, corner of Technology Terrace and Lakewood Ranch Blvd., near Central Park.)

On Sunday morning at 10:00 we will ring in Easter with bells and trumpets and voices, in a grand celebration of new life in worship. This will be followed by joyful, warm fellowship for adults and a fun egg hunt for children, guided by youth and some devoted adults.

This Sunday’s resurrection story from the Gospel of John invites us to "Look Again!" Don’t be content with the first look, because you might have missed something. If you see only frustration, emptiness, and death, look again! God has some surprises for you.

Spring of 2006 when Peace first began worship, we were a fledgling group of forty. But now in 2011, look again! We have 160 people! One year ago we were significantly stalled in our momentum at SCF (formerly MCC) tucked away in the Corporate Park off University. We rose from that tomb of gloom, and entered this wonderful new home, where we are blessed with many new Peace friends!

Come look again at Peace. Come, look again into the tomb of all despair threatens you and find new life in Christ!

Peace be with you,

Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - April 15, 2011

Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. Holy Week. There is no more special time of year. I wish it had a set date like Christmas. It slips by us sometimes, with little notice, but I bet you know what today, April 15th, is. I hear it every year – “Oh yeah, which Sunday is Easter?” So are you ready for Easter? Get ready by being in worship on Palm Sunday April 17 and Good Friday, April 22. Get ready by making sure this coming week is reflective, sacrificial, and prayerful.

Come to church tomorrow (Sat) at 1:00 and help us decorate the large wooden cross with palm branches. Come on Holy Saturday (next week – same time) to re-decorate with lilies and fresh palms for Easter. BYOF - Bring a lily or white flowering plant to celebrate resurrection on Easter.

Set aside extra offering money for our One Great Hour of Sharing, so you can make a difference in the lives of those who are hungry or suffering from disasters. It is so easy to forget the people of Japan are still struggling. Live more simply this week so someone else can simply live.

This Sunday, please take home some Holy Week postcard invitations to tuck into the doors of 10-20 neighbors or to mail to friends. Many people who are not ordinarily in church will consider going on Easter. So invite them!

We celebrate this Sunday Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem with palm branches and song. We reflect on the last week of his life. We share a special brunch together, even as we consider how grateful we are for all eleven of Peace’s ministry teams, run by six or eight good people like you.

Children and youth will have classes right after the brunch this Sunday. They and their teachers should gather at the front of the buffet line. Thanks to all who are assisting the Fellowship Team with the meal. Adults will not have classes on Palm Sunday or Easter. On Easter the youth will assist with the children’s egg hunt at 11:30. The youth will have their own egg decorating party at the Lowe's house the day before, from 2-5.

Our 7:00 pm Good Friday service will reflect on the last day of Jesus’ life, beginning with the Last Supper he shared with his disciples. This service of communion, with readings, prayers, music , and increasing darkness will help you appreciate the meaning of death. Where is the power of resurrection without death? Don’t miss it.

May this be a Holy Week in your life. No, make this be a Holy Week in your life by the way you live and pray through it.

God be with you.Grace and peace,

Elizabeth

Easter is Coming!

Friends of Peace,

This Sunday we anticipate the good news of Easter with the death to life story of Lazarus! Come, experience new life with the people of Peace. Make lasting friendships. Build peace all around.

"The Last Week" Palm Sunday at 10:00 with tasty brunch to follow
"The Last Day" Good Friday at 7:00 pm with quiet reflection to follow
"The New Day" Easter at 10:00 with lively egg hunt to follow

Postcard copies an invitation will be distributed on Sunday, so you can invite your friends and neighbors. It is exciting to be filling up our new worship space, and even more exciting that one third of you (all ages) are involved in leading worship through various forms of music!

Coming April Activites at Peace:

April 15 Movie Night at 7:00, viewing Gosford Park (R)
April 27 Sisters of Peace Sunset Kayaking and Yoga at Lido

Grace and peace to you,

Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - April 1, 2011

Gia, Tricia, and I will not be able to make it this to worship this Sunday, but I'm sure everybody will pitch in and all will go well. Note the date of this email and you will understand what I mean.

How’s your eyesight? Mine’s terrible without glasses. And even with my glasses, sometimes I don’t see what I need to see. I ignore the person who needed me to listen. I speak too quickly what I think I know. Vision has more to do with the Spirit in us, than with our eyes. Hope to “see” you Sunday.

For the next three weeks during Fellowship we will open our eyes to all that God has done (gratitude) and how God may want us to respond (stewardship of our time and talent). Listen for God’s call to service through Peace’s ministry teams, each of which is a nurturing group committed to orchestrating one part of Peace’s life. You could be blind at the moment to some form of service and some group of people in which you would really thrive. Give it prayerful thought and action.

New Members and Prospective Members – please join us at 11:30 for the next two Sundays. Hear more about Peace and the Presbyterians. Connect with people and see how your story intersects with ours.

Fellowship Activities coming: Passion Play in Wauchula on April 9. (Email Nancy Hughes nanskodi@gmail.com) Movie Night on April 15 at Peace.

Worship Services not to be missed: Palm Sunday 10:00 with brunch to follow, Good Friday, April 22 at 7:00, and Easter Morning 10:00 with egg hunt to follow.

Peace’s week to help Family Promise is April 10-16. Please email Eirinn Camphire, if you’d like to be added to her support team so you might assist sometime (e.eirinn@gmail.com)

Finally, I'm hoping you might be using the prayers I sent last week. Yes, there are more! Find the evening prayers from the Book of Common Worship. They work any time after 12:00 noon and before midnight.

Grace and peace,

Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - March 25, 2011

Your Peace staff and volunteers have added a brief prayer service to our work day. We are using the daily morning prayers from the Book of Common Worship, which I will attach, in case you’d like to join us in praying each day at noon. You can use this wherever you are. Stop for five minutes and remember who is in charge of this world.

This week’s scripture, Romans 5:1-5 invites us to move from suffering to endurance to character to hope. College daughter Emily says this is her favorite scripture, and it is truly a gem!

A few dates to remember: Discover Your Gifts begins Sunday 5-6 for 8 weeks! Couples at Peace will enrich your relationship – three weeks Wednesdays at 6:15. Sisters of Peace, let Suzi Regulski Shirey know if you’re coming to the 2:00 Tea Party (not the political group) on April 2. Nancy Hughes needs checks asap for those going to the Passion Play in Wauchula on April 9.

New and prospective members – learn more about Peace and about the Presbyterian Church by attending a class April 3 and 10 from 11:30-12:30. Everyone, mark your calendars now for our Good Friday Service on April 22ndat 7:00.

On Sunday we will celebrate the new membership of Martha and Bob Waldrop and of Kristina Pino, joining with her children, Ethan and Grace! The Mission Team will encourage you to keep the Lenten discipline of sharing by making small yet significant sacrifices for the sake of others.

Pastor Tricia requests your prayers as she, along with a couple of other adults, will supervise Peace’s first ever “lock-in” with nearly a dozen youth tonight! Thank God for our ministry center, because no sane adult would invite such a large group of teens into their home for the night.

Finally, a special request from our friend Glenn Kiplinger (wheel-chair bound) who lost his beloved wife, Martha, one month ago: Please consider providing a home for Martha’s Jack Russell Terrier, Parker, who is too difficult for Glenn to manage in his new assisted living facility.

Peace to all,

Elizabeth


Attachments:

Morning Prayers from the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship.docx