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