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