Moving and Shaking!

“All my bags are packed and I’m ready to go.”  Thanks to many energetic people, ably-led by the positive Property Management Team, the boxes and bags have gone to a warehouse.   Tomorrowwe move the furniture -- ours, not MAR’s.  We will continue to worship at MAR until December 1.  Young, strong backs will be most appreciated Saturday at 9:00.  On Sunday after worship, after lively learning, and after youth group’s outdoor scavenger hunt at 12:30, we will finish cleaning up the ministry wing, and we will say a prayer of thanksgiving for all the Christian nurture that has happened there in the last three years.

In Sunday’s worship we will read from Luke 18 a parable and a story which teach about the value of humility.  In the reading of these two together, we find new insight into why Jesus challenged the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and give money to the poor.  We’re in Gratitude Season at Peace, and our Feast on November 10^th is going to be a perfect moment to celebrate closing on the property! 

I am pleased to announce that the Peaceful News is being published again, thanks to the journalism of Diane Brinkmeyer in tandem with the graphic art skill of Peter Miller.   Find attached the Fall edition.   There will be paper copies at church for any who have trouble downloading it.

There are many activities at Peace during the month of November.   Please read your bulletin so you don’t miss out!   I am attaching the insert which has dates.

Peace is on the move!  Come along with us.  Be part of the family for real!  Stay Sunday at 11:30 to have a conversation about membership.

Peace,

Elizabeth

Attachments

• Peaceful News Fall 2013.pdf
• bulletin-2013-10-27 - insert 23rd Sunday after Pentecost.docx

 

Peacemaker Today Friday at 7:30 pm

Last Sunday you heard about the Halloween Food Drive and you may even have a flyer, but what we really intended was for you to take at least five or ten flyers to share with neighbors, so we can multiply the offering to the Food Bank, and share our church’s missional focus.   More flyers available this week.

It is getting very exciting over at the Aurora Property.  The carpet and tile were cleaned by professionals, and the nine bathrooms were scrubbed by dedicated Sherry while Jim and Denny carefully removed hornets’ nests. 

Tonight at the Session meeting, the Building Vision Team was authorized to spend up to $40,000 on necessary improvements, such as cleaning the A/C units, purchasing a used pulpit and communion table, moving forward with signage, separating the water meter from the missionary village, buying rolling fellowship carts, tables, and projector, and ordering major landscape work.  Other teams are involved in many of these decisions.  A few will be working Saturday to pressure-wash the building and remove some debris in the courtyard.  A major workday is planned forNovember 17, after we close. 

Thanks to all who have helped pack boxes.  We hope to have small item moving day on Wednesday at 9:00 and large items Saturday at 9:00.  We will confirm the Wednesday date, after we secure Aurora’s permission on Tuesday. 

We began our Gratitude Season a week early with the story of the ten lepers last week.  This Sunday we continue with the imperative in Deuteronomy 8 and Mark 8 not to forget what God has done and can do.  We see God’s goodness in the gift of this land through your generous giving.  Gratitude Feast is November 10.

This Sunday after worship or after lively learning (whichever suits you best) you are encouraged to enjoy a Pre-Siesta Fiesta.  Taco bar provided by the youth families, and lemonade provided by Kids Club.  Donate to support the kids, instead of the local restaurant this week.

Finally, please do come tomorrow night – Friday 7:30-8:30 to learn from Rev. Helavio Poget from Madagacar and Doug Tilton, PCUSA liaison for Southern Africa about what peacemaking means in their contexts.  They have come a long way to share so we can drive a short distance to listen.

Peace, love, and prayers,

Elizabeth
 

Planning Board Approval!!

The October 10th meeting at the Planning Commission of Manatee County was delightfully uneventful.   Our proposal to purchase and to build on the Aurora Property on Hwy 64 was approved unanimously and without comment or question.   Give God all the glory, but give the leaders of the Building Vision Team a pat on the back.

Sunday’s Gospel lesson is the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus.  Only one returns to give thanks.  Let us not forget the Author of all Blessings.  We have ten thousand reasons to sing God’s praise!  Count your many blessings, and give thanks with a grateful heart to the Holy One.

Speaking of gratitude, what a delicious and delightful World Communion and Peacemaking Festival we shared.  Thanks to all the adventuresome chefs from each ministry team and to the Fellowship Team for great organization!  Special thanks to all who authentically share their country and culture with us, like Anderson, helping us to learn and grow as disciples of Christ, who breaks down all walls that divide us.  Don’t forget that our International Peacemaker from Madagascar will be here next Friday night, the 18th at 7:30. 

As for this week-end, we have Faith & Film, viewing the viewing 42, the inspiring story of Jackie Robinson Friday at 7 and on Saturday morning, a carpool leaving from Peace at 8:50 to hear the stated clerk of the General  Assembly  (prominent leader in the PCUSA) Rev. Gradye Parsons.  All are invited.  Thanks to all who have signed up to give blood this Sunday after worship.  There are still some open spots.

The Pre-Siesta Fiesta will be our next church-wide meal on October 20^th.  Support the youth instead of the restaurants this week.  Taco bar and fresh lemonade at 11:30 or 12:30.

Moving days are coming – October 23 and 26.   We will clear out the ministry wing at MAR by Oct. 28and continue to worship there through November.   Stay tuned for work details at the new property.   You will not be busy between Thanksgiving and Christmas, will you?   :  )

Most of all, give thanks.  Be joyful.  Be flexible.  Do not fret about anything.   Wait patiently for God is good.

Peace,

Elizabeth

World Communion/Peacemaking/International Food!

Dear Peacemakers,

Sunday will be a joyful celebration of our unity in Christ (John 17 & Ephesians 4) as we explore the beautiful diversity of God’s  people.   Thanks to all who are bringing food to help us connect with Argentina, Cameroon, China, England, Jamaica, Haiti, Madagascar, Poland, and Spain.  Chefs, we hope you will bring your own serving utensils – to ensure that we have enough.  Come, one and all to enjoy worship and our international food-tasting festival afterwards. 

Feel free to wear international clothing, even just something made in another country (that should not be difficult).  Add your unique flavor to the day.  Make special offerings to promote peace and understanding around the world, as well as in our own community.  

The nominating committee presents to you the following names for your prayerful consideration for service as ruling elder, class of 2016:   Nancy Hogue, Linda Juillerat, David Mullen, and Chip Schaaff, and Emily Gartenberg (youth, class of 2014).   We will have a congregational meeting on October 13 to elect elders.   Elders who will complete their term of service at the end of this year and rotate off Session are Shirley Blair, Nancy Hughes, Drew Jordan, Jim Padula, and Liz Shirey (youth).  We are grateful for their service.

Welcome new members to Peace!  Attached is the latest list of members and participants.  Everyone, please check for accuracy.   We will not print until next Sunday – after you’ve let us know of any corrections.   It goes without saying that this list is for church and friendship purposes only.

Our Aurora property purchase and building plan goes before the planning board of Manatee County this Thursday at 9:00 and before the zoning commission on November 7^th.   We expect a positive outcome but appreciate your prayers.   Thanks to all who have begun the process of packing up rooms.

Praying for peace and unity in our hearts, homes, communities, churches, Congress, and world,

Pastor Elizabeth