Lent is a time when we try to understand how our brokenness and sin pulls us away from God and when we look for ways to renew our faith through prayerful practices. A deeper commitment to spiritual disciplines can help us live out our faith.
Common spiritual disciplines practiced by many Christians include blessing a meal before eating, attending weekly worship in community, daily Bible and devotional reading, and saying morning or evening prayers. Extra giving or service opportunities are often part of a growing spiritual life in Lent, as is fasting from certain meals or foods. Intentionally nurturing our relationship with Christ is the key to a good Lent. (The Thoughtful Christian)
If you attended our Ash Wednesday service, you had an opportunity to consider your spiritual practices for Lent. If not, I hope you will be in worship on Sunday to begin Lent with us at Peace, as we seek to draw nearer to God, reading Psalm 25:1-10. On each Sunday of Lent, the youth of Peace will read scripture and will extinguish one of the seven purple candles, reminding us of Christ’s steady journey toward the death which saves us.
We are grateful for all who supported the youth at our Fat Tuesday Brinner; $850 was raised. The Voices of Peace will be thankful for any who are able to support them at the Harvest Choir Festival on Lorraine Road Saturday at 6:00. The Mission Team is appreciative of the growing stack of diapers, underwear, and checks/shares for rice and beans. Peace had a strong group of elders present at the presbytery meeting in Bradenton.
Pastor Tricia, Music Director Gia, and I are thankful for all of you and for the ministries you are leading or supporting. To God be the glory.
See you Sunday!
Elizabeth
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
This Week at Peace - - February 19, 2012
Friends,
I hope you are all planning to attend our fun Fat Tuesday Brinner (That’s short for Breakfast for Dinner, if you haven’t heard!). The youth will be decked in Mardi Gras beads ready to serve you sticky pancakes, bacon, and sausage any time from 5:30-7:30. Remember the Fat Tuesday tradition: You feast on all the bad stuff on the Eve of Ash Wednesday, because when Lent begins, you give all those unhealthy treats and re-committing to a life of discipline and sacrifice as followers of Christ.
If you did not sign up to bring food, you can still do so on Sunday, or you
can email Pastor Tricia right now. tdthomas@peacepcusa.com
These youth fundraisers make it possible for the youth to go to Montreat
Conference Center in NC each summer, where they have a great opportunity to grow in faith with 1000 other youth.
Our Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 will be brief, but a very meaningful time to reflect on your life, its frailty and its promise in Christ. If you’ve never attended an Ash Wednesday service, please make this your year to start. The Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Services are the book-ends of a faithful season of Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter.
The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer(justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them closer to God, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations. Our Mission Team encourages you to commit to providing for the most basic of needs during Lent: rice, beans, underwear and diapers.
This Sunday we will read the story of Elijah’s departure in the low-swinging chariots, as he passes his mantle to Elisha. 2 Kings 2:1-12. Our service will open with a dramatic reading of the Transfiguration of Christ, and some special music will inspire you.
While fasting from certain foods is a great discipline, so is fasting from
negative attitudes during Lent:
• Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
• Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.
• Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
• Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
• Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
• Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
• Fast from anger; feast on patience.
• Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
• Fast from worry; feast on the providence of God.
• Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
• Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
• Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
• Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
• Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
• Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
• Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
• Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.
• Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
• Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
• Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
• Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
• Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
• Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.
Finally, let me encourage you to feast on the PEACE of Christ that passes all
understanding.
Elizabeth
I hope you are all planning to attend our fun Fat Tuesday Brinner (That’s short for Breakfast for Dinner, if you haven’t heard!). The youth will be decked in Mardi Gras beads ready to serve you sticky pancakes, bacon, and sausage any time from 5:30-7:30. Remember the Fat Tuesday tradition: You feast on all the bad stuff on the Eve of Ash Wednesday, because when Lent begins, you give all those unhealthy treats and re-committing to a life of discipline and sacrifice as followers of Christ.
If you did not sign up to bring food, you can still do so on Sunday, or you
can email Pastor Tricia right now. tdthomas@peacepcusa.com
These youth fundraisers make it possible for the youth to go to Montreat
Conference Center in NC each summer, where they have a great opportunity to grow in faith with 1000 other youth.
Our Ash Wednesday Service at 7:00 will be brief, but a very meaningful time to reflect on your life, its frailty and its promise in Christ. If you’ve never attended an Ash Wednesday service, please make this your year to start. The Ash Wednesday and Good Friday Services are the book-ends of a faithful season of Lent, the 40 days prior to Easter.
The three traditional practices to be taken up with renewed vigor during Lent are prayer(justice towards God), fasting (justice towards self), and almsgiving (justice towards neighbor). Today, some people give up a vice of theirs, add something that will bring them closer to God, and often give the time or money spent doing that to charitable purposes or organizations. Our Mission Team encourages you to commit to providing for the most basic of needs during Lent: rice, beans, underwear and diapers.
This Sunday we will read the story of Elijah’s departure in the low-swinging chariots, as he passes his mantle to Elisha. 2 Kings 2:1-12. Our service will open with a dramatic reading of the Transfiguration of Christ, and some special music will inspire you.
While fasting from certain foods is a great discipline, so is fasting from
negative attitudes during Lent:
• Fast from judging others; feast on the Christ dwelling in them.
• Fast from emphasis on differences; feast on the unity of life.
• Fast from apparent darkness; feast on the reality of light.
• Fast from thoughts of illness; feast on the healing power of God.
• Fast from words that pollute; feast on phrases that purify.
• Fast from discontent; feast on gratitude.
• Fast from anger; feast on patience.
• Fast from pessimism; feast on optimism.
• Fast from worry; feast on the providence of God.
• Fast from complaining; feast on appreciation.
• Fast from negatives; feast on affirmatives.
• Fast from unrelenting pressures; feast on unceasing prayer.
• Fast from hostility; feast on non-resistance.
• Fast from bitterness; feast on forgiveness.
• Fast from self-concern; feast on compassion for others.
• Fast from personal anxiety; feast on eternal truth.
• Fast from discouragements; feast on hope.
• Fast from facts that depress; feast on truths that uplift.
• Fast from lethargy; feast on enthusiasm.
• Fast from thoughts that weaken; feast on promises that inspire.
• Fast from shadows of sorrow; feast on the sunlight of serenity.
• Fast from idle gossip; feast on purposeful silence.
• Fast from problems that overwhelm; feast on prayer that undergirds.
Finally, let me encourage you to feast on the PEACE of Christ that passes all
understanding.
Elizabeth
Friday, February 10, 2012
This Week at Peace - - February 12, 2012
You amaze me! Yes, Peace people, I continue to be amazed at your generosity of time,
talent, and treasure. In just one evening of team meetings, three rooms were
filled with six - nine people, reflecting on a Bible passage together for
fifteen minutes before diving into ministry planning and work. In just
one ordinary week at Peace, forty or more people come to rehearse music to
glorify God in worship. In just one simple Souper Bowl Offering,
you gave $880 dollars beyond regular offerings to feed hungry people at Mission
Beth-El. But that’s not all. You really care about people
– new people, hurting people, grieving people, struggling/doubting people.
I expressed a need for more people in the worship reflection class for dialogue
over the sermon and the class tripled last Sunday. Please keep
coming. This preacher wants your feedback – in writing is great, but even
better, in person. Sit and listen to others’ reflections, or speak
the truth as you see it. We all grow more when we learn together
and share our faith journeys – the mountains, the valleys, and the plains.
This week’s sermon calls us to proclaim the truth, with the Apostle Paul, who
said, “woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” We will consider
the difficulties of proclamation in our pluralistic, relativistic
world. Read 1 Corinthains 9:16-27 in preparation.
We give thanks to God for our newly leased weekday space (Conference A) and the
privilege of spreading out. Further, we dream of the day (we hope in
2014) when, God-willing, our ministry and mission will continue to thrive
on Lorraine Road in a facility built especially for God’s glory and purposes by
Peace, unencumbered by the uncertainties of renting.
With love, prayers, and deep gratitude,
Elizabeth
talent, and treasure. In just one evening of team meetings, three rooms were
filled with six - nine people, reflecting on a Bible passage together for
fifteen minutes before diving into ministry planning and work. In just
one ordinary week at Peace, forty or more people come to rehearse music to
glorify God in worship. In just one simple Souper Bowl Offering,
you gave $880 dollars beyond regular offerings to feed hungry people at Mission
Beth-El. But that’s not all. You really care about people
– new people, hurting people, grieving people, struggling/doubting people.
I expressed a need for more people in the worship reflection class for dialogue
over the sermon and the class tripled last Sunday. Please keep
coming. This preacher wants your feedback – in writing is great, but even
better, in person. Sit and listen to others’ reflections, or speak
the truth as you see it. We all grow more when we learn together
and share our faith journeys – the mountains, the valleys, and the plains.
This week’s sermon calls us to proclaim the truth, with the Apostle Paul, who
said, “woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” We will consider
the difficulties of proclamation in our pluralistic, relativistic
world. Read 1 Corinthains 9:16-27 in preparation.
We give thanks to God for our newly leased weekday space (Conference A) and the
privilege of spreading out. Further, we dream of the day (we hope in
2014) when, God-willing, our ministry and mission will continue to thrive
on Lorraine Road in a facility built especially for God’s glory and purposes by
Peace, unencumbered by the uncertainties of renting.
With love, prayers, and deep gratitude,
Elizabeth
Friday, February 3, 2012
This Week at Peace - - February 5, 2012
Dear Peacemakers,
If you missed our Annual Meeting last week, please pick up a navy blue folder, which has the report from ministry teams, 2012 budget, and a photo directory of the 200 current participants and members of Peace. Many are finding this helpful for remembering the names of new friends!
Having heard how the church is called to listen, obey, and follow Christ, we now move to a week of encouragement as we talk about trusting God in the hard times. The scripture is Isaiah 40:25-31.
Are you considering membership at Peace? Wanna know more about Peace and/or about the Presbyterian Church (USA)? You are invited to our “All About Peace” membership class this Sunday at 11:30.
The Peace Youth will be collecting the Souper Bowl Offering at the conclusion of worship. A simple prayer in 1990 by a seminary friend of the Deiberts: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" inspired a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world, generating a total of $81 million. Our youth will give all proceeds to Mission Beth-El . Think about this: Each 30-second ad during the Super Bowl will cost $3.5 million, so let us respond to that excess with some good-hearted generosity toward the needy.
Finally, I am attaching our presbytery's monthly newsletter, The Interpreter. Elders (not just on session but all ordained elders), please see the invitation to hear Dr. Joseph Small preach and give a keynote on ministry in the 21st century. That's right here in Bradenton at Palma Sola Presbyterian on Thursday, February 23. Great learning opportunity! Speak to me if you are free to attend this meeting.
Don't forget: Movie Night next Friday, the 10th, viewing The Namesake, on the big screen! Plus, remember that you can sign up for March Dinner Groups now with Judy Simpson. Only a one night commitment. Rather go out? There's a Peace fellowship dinner at Bangkok on March 3.
Peace to all of you!
Elizabeth
Attachments:
• The Intrepreter
If you missed our Annual Meeting last week, please pick up a navy blue folder, which has the report from ministry teams, 2012 budget, and a photo directory of the 200 current participants and members of Peace. Many are finding this helpful for remembering the names of new friends!
Having heard how the church is called to listen, obey, and follow Christ, we now move to a week of encouragement as we talk about trusting God in the hard times. The scripture is Isaiah 40:25-31.
Are you considering membership at Peace? Wanna know more about Peace and/or about the Presbyterian Church (USA)? You are invited to our “All About Peace” membership class this Sunday at 11:30.
The Peace Youth will be collecting the Souper Bowl Offering at the conclusion of worship. A simple prayer in 1990 by a seminary friend of the Deiberts: "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat" inspired a youth-led movement to help hungry and hurting people around the world, generating a total of $81 million. Our youth will give all proceeds to Mission Beth-El . Think about this: Each 30-second ad during the Super Bowl will cost $3.5 million, so let us respond to that excess with some good-hearted generosity toward the needy.
Finally, I am attaching our presbytery's monthly newsletter, The Interpreter. Elders (not just on session but all ordained elders), please see the invitation to hear Dr. Joseph Small preach and give a keynote on ministry in the 21st century. That's right here in Bradenton at Palma Sola Presbyterian on Thursday, February 23. Great learning opportunity! Speak to me if you are free to attend this meeting.
Don't forget: Movie Night next Friday, the 10th, viewing The Namesake, on the big screen! Plus, remember that you can sign up for March Dinner Groups now with Judy Simpson. Only a one night commitment. Rather go out? There's a Peace fellowship dinner at Bangkok on March 3.
Peace to all of you!
Elizabeth
Attachments:
• The Intrepreter
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