This Week at Peace - - Christ's Mass 2012

Tomorrow (Friday) at 9:30 Peace will join countless others across the nation taking time out to toll the bell for all the people of Newtown, CT and Sandy Hook School.    You are welcome to join us for a brief prayer for peace and comfort.   Clay Thomas is organizing a group of clergy to discuss the problem of gun violence.   Kathy Flora has suggestions for any who would contact legislators about this issue.    In Lively learning last Sunday we also discussed the need to better support those with mental illness and their families.   Click this link to see resources from the PC(USA) on the problem of gun violence:  http://www.presbyterianmission.org/gunviolence/ I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to all! And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good-will to all!" Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to all." We do hope to see you this Sunday, the 23rd, when we will read the story of the shepherds and remember that the angel said, “Do not fear, for I bring you good news of great joy.”   And we sincerely hope you plan to join us for our very special Lessons and Carols, Communion and Candlelight on Christmas Eve at 6:00.     You might want to turn your radio on Christmas Eve a little before 10:00 EST to hear the original and most famous Lessons and Carols broadcast from Cambridge, England. Thanks so much for 56 angel tree gifts, 11 bicycles, and $100 in gift cards, plus $1741 in Alternative Gifts to help the needy this Christmas.  On Sunday, we collect the Christmas Joy Offering to support retired and struggling ministers and needy students at Presbyterian racial ethnic colleges.   You may also like to contribute at Peace to PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance) to support the Newtown community.   Make checks to Peace and mark them either Joy Offering or PDA Newtown.   All special offerings are opportunities -- never mandates. May you and all who struggle be surrounded by hope, peace, love, and joy! Elizabeth

Re: Sunday Dec 16 Third Sunday of Advent

Sunday Dec 16 Third Sunday of Advent  Louisville-- A voice was heard in Ramah wailing and loud lamentations. Rachel weeping for her children, she refused to be consoled because they are no more. Once again we face the horrors of mass gun violence in the United States as, just this morning, a gunman walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut and opened fire. Reports are that 27 people have been killed, among them 20 children. It was only three days ago that a gunman fired into crowds of unsuspecting Christmas shoppers in the crowded Clackamas Town Center in Portland, Oregon, killing two and wounding one. Today is a day of wailing and lamentation in our land. From coast to coast, Presbyterians weep with parents and grandparents, siblings and relatives, teachers and school workers, friends and neighbors. We cry out with mall workers and shoppers, security guards and crossing guards. There is no consolation for this tragic loss of life. There are no words. But in the days to come we must speak and act, as Presbyterians are called to do. We must engage in a conversation in this nation about this unbearably ongoing and despairingly repeatable tragedy. Too many innocent lives are being lost. Too many Rachel’s are weeping for loved ones gunned down in senseless and increasingly commonplace acts of violence in places like schools and malls. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), in both its policies and actions, is committed to addressing the plague of gun violence. Aware of the faith dimensions of this on-going tragedy and informed by our historic commitment to peace and non-violence, Presbyterians must do our part to responsibly end gun violence.      A letter from Gradye Parsons and Linda Valentine, with the following resources:      http://www.pcusa.org/resource/gun-violence-gospel-values-mobilizing-response-god/ http://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/trigger/ http://www.presbyterianmission.org/gunviolence/ —— To read the original message, make or view comments click here.

At Peace in Troubled Times -- Dec. 16, 2012

Dear Friends of Peace, There is no holly jolly when you learn that many elementary school children have been gunned down today in Connecticut.   So maybe we stop focusing so much on the holly jolly, and instead prayerfully seek the hope and joy of a Holy Jesus.   God came into this troubled and violent world to live among us and to show us the wonder of comforting, sacrificial love.   Join us this Sunday at 10:00 as we see God’s Love Magnified in the words of the God-bearer, Mother Mary.  Next Sunday at 10:00 we will hear the voices of angels as they speak to Joseph, Mary, and the shepherds.   And on Christmas Eve at 6:00, we will celebrate the birth of Christ with lessons and carols, communion and candlelight. Our mission is to make God known by growing as disciples of Jesus Christ  (we don't have all the answers, but are humble seekers growing together), building a community of peace (this world desperately needs more peace), and caring for the needs of others  (in generously serving others, we find joy).  Thanks, Peace participants for all your generous giving and for your vision to build a Christian community called Peace.  May God strengthen us for our mission. Angel tree gifts are due this Sunday, and it is your last opportunity to order Alternative Gifts International to help the needy near and far by giving meaningful gifts to your family and friends. Peace be with you all! Pastor Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - December 9th

This week we are blessed with the Advent theme of peace – a perfect fit.   Join us to hear the Benedictus (Latin for Blessing)  also known as the Song of Zechariah.   It is a song of peace and blessing sung by the father of John the Baptist, after he got his voice back.   We will light the second candle of Advent and  follow in the path of John the Baptist and Isaiah who said, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”  We will sing two favorite Christmas carols, but with the expectant message of Advent in the lyrics. Speaking of preparation, I want to prepare all of you for the possibility that we may have begun our final year with the Manatee Association of Realtors.   We have not been given the security we had hoped to gain by offering to extend our lease for three more years.   So with the Session’s encouragement, the BVT has gone back to the drawing board.   The Building Vision Team (BVT) is continuing negotiations regarding the foreclosed church, Faith Christian on Lorraine Road, as well as exploring all other possibilities.   When we have something substantial to report, you will hear from us.   In the meantime, thanks for your patience and trust. Jesus entered this life as an infant in danger and died as one rejected.   I suppose the faithful church of Jesus Christ must be prepared to live with some uncertainty and risk as well.   I am grateful for the way you have approached this risk of discipleship with courage, with generosity, and with steady commitment to the mission of Peace.   God will provide.   Look how far we have come in seven years! Speaking of commitment, if there are more who can make a commitment to give to Peace’s 2013 operating fund – at whatever level you can, it will make God happy, it will help this pastor breathe deeply, and it will greatly benefit those trying to sketch out Peace’s future with God’s help.  To all 55 families or individuals who have made pledges already (35 of you increasing from last year or pledging for the first time at Peace), we are immensely grateful!    These promises are not binding but are a sign of your generous intentions.   “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.”  (2 Cor. 9:11) Advent blessings to you and yours! Elizabeth

Advent Peace to You!

Dear Friends and Members of Peace, The Voices of Peace will usher in the season with a lively Advent Gospel  Carol.   We hope you will join us this Sunday (or any Sunday morning at 10:00) as we reflect on the “Life-giving Hope” we have in the promises of God, who became one of us on Christmas Day.   It is the most wonderful time of the year!   Only it’s NOT – not for everyone.   Not if there’s any empty chair at the table.    Not if your body is falling apart on you.    Not when depression is too much to bear.   Not when you’re having trouble paying the bills even before you think about Christmas shopping.   Not if you feel all alone. But it can still be a hope-filled time for you, when you anticipate the real gifts of the Christmas story:   Mary was alone and afraid, but God was with her and exalted her.   Joseph was disgraced, but through the son  Joseph raised, God had a plan to save the world.   The world was in darkness, but God sent the light of life to shine.   We often feel alone and sad, but in Jesus Christ, Immanuel, God is truly with us.   If Christmas is difficult for you, or if you want to be a support to those having a hard time, choose to do something to make a difference:   Come to our Service of Hope this Sunday afternoon, December 2 at 5:00. If you have children in K-5th grades and you need a day of peaceful shopping or peaceful anything, drop your kids off with us on December 15 from 2-6.   What a deal -- $5/kid!   Please call soon to let us know you’re coming.  753-7778 Eager to help to less fortunate?   We have a wonderful Alternative Gift Market  as well as Angel Tree Gifts to be distribute to needy families in the area. We have activities for young adults, youth, children, women, men.    There are many ways to discover  PEACE.  But the best way is to show up and find the most authentically caring people around.   And while we are full of invitations, we hope you know that we accept “no” as an answer.    No pressure – just opportunities.  On Christmas Eve, our service of carols, communion, and candlelight will be at 6:00. Advent Peace to you! Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - Reign of Christ 2012

This letter written on Tuesday -- thought I sent it that day before family members arrived. :  ) Dear Peace Family, Pastor Tricia, Director Gia, and I give thanks to God for each of you, and pray that your hearts will overflow with gratitude for all God’s daily gifts of grace.   On Dedication Sunday, we received 42 pledge cards from adults and 5 promises from kids.   Please bring yours this Sunday or mail it in, and our big thanks to all of you for your sacrificial generosity. There are many extra giving opportunities at Peace as the year ends.    Let me tell you about them, so you can think about your options.  For any who may have large estates, now is the time to give without incurring a gift tax.   Think of what you could do to glorify God between now and 2013, when the lifetime exemption is set to change.   These larger gifts could secure Peace’s future home.  Here are opportunities for one and all:  1.     Year-end giving to the Building or Operating Funds of Peace 2.     Presbyterian Disaster Assistance this week will be directed to Brick Presbyterian, where Nancy Bonnell’s daughter is engaged with helping victims of Superstorm Sandy. 3.     Alternative Gifts International – a great way of giving to family and friends that helps the poor 4.     Angel Tree Gifts for families at Beth-El Farmworker Ministries are always appreciated.  (Learn more on Dec. 2) 5.     PC(USA) Christmas Joy Offering to assist retired ministers as well as racial-ethnic Presbyterian colleges   (to be collected on Dec. 23)   Not happy that the holidays are here?  Plan to find strength and share some peace with others at our Service of Hope on December 2 at 5:00. This Sunday, Christ the King, is the last in the church year, as the new year begins with Advent.    We will explore the faith and fear of Pilate in his truth-seeking encounter with God incarnate from the end of John 18.   We will also explore our own faith and fear, as we hear an expanded version of the Lord’s Prayer and have our own truth-seeking encounter with God. Let love be genuine…and so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.   Read Romans 12:9-18 once more before Thanksgiving week-end is over. Thankful to be your pastor, Elizabeth

This Week of Gratitude at Peace!

Dear Peace Family, This week we dedicate our promises to God, promises which will keep Peace’s ministries and mission thriving for 2013.  Please prayerfully consider your blessings and how you might be a blessing to others through this growing church, which needs your faithful giving.  Bring your promise cards, committing to give as you are able, and deposit the cards at offering time in the beautiful blue boxes, decorating by the Peace kids.  Pastor Tricia will be preaching on Phil. 1:3-11, a prayer of gratitude for the church.   Bring a gratitude rock in your pocket or get one from the gratitude box, remembering that God is your rock and refuge, a stronghold to get you through all troubled times.  The choir will remind us, “Jesus is merciful.  We shall be thankful.” All new members at Peace and anyone who would like to learn more about what it means to be a Presbyterian, please consider staying this week for our All About Peace and the Presbyterians powerpoint presentation during Lively learning.   Just one hour to be a more informed church member. Not excited about cooking this week?   Share a Thanksgiving meal with Peace friends at a local Amish restaurant.   Sign up Sunday.   Not happy to see the holidays are here?  Plan to find and share some peace with others at our Service of Hope on December 2 at 5:00. It was such an amazing joy to see the contagious spirit of generosity well up among the children last week in worship.   May the same Spirit of Christ fill every one of us this week.   God is good!  Don’t forget that wonderful Romans 12:9-18 devotion we are sharing.   Meditate on it again:   Let love be genuine.   Hate what is evil.  Hold fast to what is good…..and so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.   Peace and love, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - November 11 - - Gratitude

Dear People of Peace, We will Feast on Gratitude Sunday as we welcome new members and share some of our favorite foods 11:30-12:30.  Bring any sort of food you would like and if it’s not too much trouble, bring some dishes from home.   We’ll express gratitude to God for our beautiful earth by using fewer disposable products.   Special activities for children, as well as for youth/adults during and after the meal will increase the feast on gratitude.   Don’t worry that you will be put on the spot about giving.   No, the activities we have planned will make you smile.  Our 10:00 worship will focus on the extravagant generosity of a poor widow.  (Mark 12:38-44)  You’ll see the list of 1000+ gifts that we’ve compiled.  “Count Your Blessings!” Be sure to get your pledge envelopes so you have time to consider in the coming week how much support you can give to Peace’s mission and ministry in 2013.   We’re counting on the blessing of everyone doing what they can, with a cheerful heart.   Commitment Sunday is November 18 and all promises are confidential - known only by pastor, stewardship elder, and treasurer.    Plus they can be changed if circumstances require.   We believe in giving, but we also believe in GRACE!   Thank you for putting God first. The Mission Team thanks you for excelling beyond all expectation in the Halloween Food Drive –nearly 3000 lbs!   What a generous church.   Special offerings for victims of Hurricane Sandy will be collected again this week.   (checks to Peace with PDA Sandy in memo line)   Also, we have learned that Mission Peniel (sister to Beth-El  in the southern part of presbytery) could really use donations of men’s clothing.   Is it time to clear out the drawers and closets, guys?   Bring to Peace and drop in the food barrel. Despite this “freezing cold” Florida weather, the Peace-ful Sunset group is gathering at Coquina tomorrow at 5:00 for some simple fellowship.  Great opportunity to enjoy hot chocolate on the beach with friends.  Call Dana if interested  (201-8802).   Kids Club is Sunday after the feast. New members in 2012 and others interested:  Stay tuned for a class called “About All Peace and the Presbyterians” coming your way soon.   Wanna connect with Peace on Facebook?   Or buy the PC(USA) daily devotional app for your smart phone for $3?   Keep growing as disciples, building a community of peace, and caring for the needs of others. With gratitude for each of you and for the wonder of God bringing us together into one church! Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - All Saints

“For all the saints who’ve shown your love, in how they live and where they move, for mindful women, caring men, accept our gratitude again.” Today is All Saints Day and Sunday we will remember those who have gone before us, especially remembering to name those who have died in the last year.  Make your list of saints, true gifts from God.   We will give thanks to God for those who have led the way by love and faith.   One such model of loyal love is relationship of Ruth with her mother-in-law Naomi.    We will hear her faith story and find connections with ours. We will also pray by word and song for all who are struggling in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.   Special offerings for the immense relief needed may be given at Peace for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.   Write your checks to Peace Church, with PDA Sandy in the memo line. I am grateful to see the hallway filling up with food from our Halloween Drive for the Manatee Food Bank.   Everyone bring food on Sunday to add to the pile. Tonight our Science and Christianity group meets here at 7:30.   Tomorrow night, Friday at 7:30, we will have our Gratitude book discussion of 1000 Gifts by Ann Voscamp.    If you want to “dare to live fully right where you are” come to the discussion, even if you have not read the book.   You will be filled with thanksgiving.   Eucharisteo! Youth and families, this is the final week of signing up for all the exciting retreats and conferences that Pastor Tricia has planned with your help.   You don’t have to pay all the money now, but let her know if you’re going. Did you know there's now an app $2.99 for Daily Prayer with the PC(USA).   I'm getting it.  Anything to help us pray more -- the essence of life. Our Gratitude Feast will be at 11:15 on November 11.   Bring dishes from home and some favorite food to share, and let’s sit at table and remember all the God has done for us -- blessings in abundance if we stop long enough to open our eyes.    If you are having trouble finding the joy of life (I was buried in stress myself recently), come discover in community what it means to be truly thankful for the little things.   I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 28, 2012

Dear Peace-makers, It is a challenge to be faithful Christians in a church named Peace.   As Romans 12, our scripture for Sunday puts it, “Love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor.  Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord.   Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer.  Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers…. So far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  We cannot accomplish this without the transforming power of the Spirit, but we too often lazily lean on God's grace, as if we have no role to play in the reformation of our character.  Come this Re-formation Sunday to hear more about the call to faithful discipleship.   We will open with a hymn attributed to John Calvin. Sing for Your Supper, our Italian Dinner fundraiser for new 2013 edition hymnals, is at 6:00 Saturday at the Realtors Building, where we worship.   We will set up tables at 5:00.    Thanks to Gia and her team (Troy, Jacquie and Jim) for the delicious main dishes.   We have plenty of salads and desserts, so if you haven’t signed up, just come and donate hymnals in memory or honor of someone special in your life.    If you cannot make the dinner, forms for hymnal donations will be available on Sunday. Speaking of special people, we will remember in prayer those who have died in the last year or two on November 4, the Sunday we celebrate All Saints Day.   On November 11, we fill have our Feasting on Gratitude Lunch.   You’ll hear more detail on Sunday. After worship on Sunday, we will elect elders for the next three years (one year for youth) and will hear a brief report from the Building Vision Team.   Those who want to hear more from the BVT can stay to ask questions during Lively Learning. The youth need sponsors and chaperones for their Cardboard Box Night on Nov. 10, supporting Family Promise of Sarasota, a ministry to homeless families.   Learn more from Pastor Tricia.   Don't forget Mission's Halloween Food Drive. Those of you on Facebook, thank Michelle MacQueen that you can now be friends with Peace Presbyterian Church.  Make connections.   Build up one another in love. And live peaceably with all, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 21, 2012

Dear Peace and Friends, Our Science and Religion discussion group is beginning a new study tonight at 7:30 The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions.   The group will meet twice each month on Thursday nights to discuss issues related to faith and evolution.   All are welcome. Peace in the Park is happening on Monday from 9:00-3:00 at Summerfield Community Park.   Parents of elementary kids:   Please remember that your K-5 students can participate with us for just $5.   We have 18 kids registered so far.   Thank you to our 12 youth and adult volunteers.  Others (with background checks) are welcome to pitch in. Please sign up on Sunday or write back now to let us know that you are coming to Sing for Your Supper on Saturday, October 27 at 6:00.  Italian chef, Gia’s already busy in her kitchen.   You will not be disappointed.    Plus the Deibert family’s friend, Dr. Nancy Graham will teach us about what’s coming with the new Presbyterian Hymnal –old hymns, new hymns, global, contemporary, or spiritual songs.   You may order hymnals in memory or honor of someone special.    We want enough for choir and all who enjoy seeing the notes. Our Gratitude Season is underway and books have arrived for those who would like to participate in our  November 2 discussion of 1000 Gifts:  Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are by Ann Voscamp.    Books are $10 (payable to Elizabeth to simplify the life of our treasurers).    This week’s scripture is a favorite portion of the Sermon on the Mount (not the Sermon on the Amount.)   Please read Matthew 6:19-34 and “Don’t Worry.  Be Happy!” There’s a Peace-ful Sunset gathering on Saturday night at Coquina Beach, starting at 6:00 and Kids Club for older elem kids on Sunday afternoon, as well as a full week-end for youth at the D-Now Retreat.   Women, come walk any Saturday 9:30-10:00 or show up just for prayers 10:00-10:30.   You'll be glad you did! Hope to see YOU soon! Peace to all, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 14, 2012

Dear Peace Family, We begin our Season of Gratitude this Sunday with the theme: 1000 Gifts.   We will start counting our blessings together, and praying that our hearts will be overflowing with Thanksgiving by the middle of November.    Our scripture this Sunday is a challenging one – the story of the rich man in Mark 10:17-31.   Please struggle with me over what it means for us today to have more with less. Speaking of gratitude, what a wonderful World Communion Sunday we shared.   Thanks to all of you who helped set up, who cooked and cleaned.   Pastor Kade embodied the prayerful, peaceful spirit that is a supreme witness to the grace of Jesus Christ. If you were moved by her talks on the problem of human trafficking and want to help a local family struggling to recover from it, go to the Mission Table and read the story.   Also read about an opportunity to provide housing for International Students over the Christmas holidays and help us decide whether we can participate as hosts. Our Halloween Food Collection flyers will be ready for you on Sunday, along with an explanation of how you can reach out to your neighbors to share about Peace’s life and help the hungry with one activity. We are sharing peacemaking skills with East County elementary students on October 22nd at our 6th Peace in the Park and on Saturday, October 27, you are all invited to our Sing for Your Supper Italian Dinner to help purchase the new Presbyterian Hymnal for our choir and other music readers in the congregation.  In this polarizing election season, let us at Peace be sure to show one another the deepest respect and love, for we may differ in politics and perspectives, but we are truly one in Jesus Christ, despite our diversity on many issues. With gratitude for each of you and the unique gifts you bring to our community, Elizabeth

This Week at Peace - - October 6, 2012

Dear People of Peace, Our guest peacemaker, Rev. Kade from Bali, Indonesia, arrives today.   Please honor her by learning something about her country and culture.    Here’s the link to Wiki’s article:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bali Attached is the schedule of events, which starts with Rev. Kade’s discussion of human trafficking on tomorrow -- Thursday night at 7:00.   Thanks to all who are providing tasty food for our international festival on Sunday, and to those who will show up to enjoy, as well as help move a few chairs and tables.   You can read here the article that was printed in the Herald Tribune on Saturday.   Thanks Thanks to the Outreach team for the good publicity.   . http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20120930/ARCHIVES/209301022?p=1&tc=pg&tc=ar It is going to be a wonderful celebration of world communion on Sunday.   You may contribute to the Peacemaking Offering on Thursday night or on Sunday.   Here is a PC(USA) video about human trafficking:    http://www.pcusa.org/resource/2012-peacemaking-offering-video/   Thank you for your compassion. Peace be with all who suffer, Elizabeth   Attachments: International Peacemaker.pdf