Dear Peacemakers,
This Sunday, the first Sunday of Lent, we will celebrate the bountiful blessings of God as we bring our pledges for the Peace building campaign. We read from Deuteronomy 26:1-11 the challenge to the Israelites to remember that it was God who brought them out of slavery into a land of promise. God is the giver of bountiful gifts and through the bounty we are given, we can be a blessing to others. That’s what we intend to do at 5215 Lorraine Road – be a blessing to many! We want Peace to be a safe place, a refuge, a sanctuary for ALL people.
Thanks so much to the forty-seven families or individuals who have turned in 3-year building pledges and one-time gifts. I have been amazed at your responsive stewardship. We have $220,000 in the bank now, and need another $280,000 in hand no later than March 10 to close. The current total of pledges assures us that we will meet our goal to cover the downpaymnet and mortgage and likely pay it off in just a few years! Every pledge or gift added now will enable us to renovate the building. Think of an improved sanctuary, a great digital organ, a beautiful memorial garden, renovated classrooms, a re-designed cross. Will you help us reach our goal of 100% participation? Whether you give $30/month for 3 years or $30,000 from investments, we hope you will join our campaign this Sunday to provide a permanent home for Peace’s ministry and mission.
We will be forming Building Vision work teams to tackle the various tasks of landscaping, décor, sanctuary design, kitchen, and classroom improvement. Please add your ideas and your interest in volunteering to the Building Vision basket.
Speaking of volunteering, the Peace Mission Team has many opportunities for you to consider during Lent. The Lenten Challenge is to try to live for one week on $31/person for food, and to contribute as much as you exceed that amount to the Food Bank through a gift to Peace. Learn more on Sunday.
We’d like to go back to the unharvested groves of Nokomis next Saturday morning (23rd) to pick citrus for the Food Bank. Please reply if interested.
Some of our Senior Highs are on a mystery trip (mission work included) this week-end. Thanks for your $425 support of the Peace youth at the Fat Tuesday Brinner, making such trips possible! I know you enjoyed hearing from the youth that night.
If you missed Ash Wednesday, you are encouraged to consider a good discipline to take on or bad habit to relinquish that you might draw closer to Christ, who sacrificed all for us. Embrace the disciplines of Benedictine spirituality these next several weeks in Lively Learning.
With deep gratitude for your Faith and Christ’s Peace,
Elizabeth
