Newsletter: 04-2018 – Newsletter
Calendar: 2018-04 Cal
Or just read on……
Dear Peace family,
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluiah!
Easter is April 1st. In the month of April, we will look back and remember how great Easter was. We will have had our Easter baskets, ham dinners and special time with family. We will have had our special Holy Week services of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter behind us. We will have had time to deeply appreciate Jesus’ work on the cross for us.
Here is a critical question, “What do we do now?” Easter is a day that cannot leave us untouched or unmoved. Easter motivates us to consider, “What’s next?”
A child last year at the Easter egg hunt jumped up and down after collecting the last of many eggs crying out, “Why can’t we have Easter all the time at church?” Yes, why can’t we? The fact is, we can. Easter ends for only those who want it to end.
I like how the disciples answered the “What’s next?” question. Acts 2:42 gives us their answer,
And they (the disciples) devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
To keep Easter going “all the time” the disciples were dedicated in gathering together. They participated in a small group. They found connection with fellow believers. They reminded one another of what Jesus had done for them.
I suppose there is a clue here about how we too can keep Easter going “all the time.” We find a small group to talk about what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives! We pray and break bread together.
I am amazed at how many small group opportunities there are at Peace and in the community. I would encourage you to keep Easter going “all the time” by continuing to worship and by finding a small Christian group of some kind.
Speaking of small groups, a men’s Bible Study will be beginning on Wednesday, April 11th from 2:00 to 3:15 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Peace. The group will meet twice a month—on the second and fourth Wednesdays from 2:00 to 3:15 pm. We will be taking a look at the book of Revelation. I actually can think of no better way to follow up Easter than a study of Revelation. Revelation assures us that Easter will last forever. There will be a day in which there will be no more tears and sorrow from death (Revelation 21:4).
The child from last year got it completely correct. Children often do—it is adults who often get in the way! Lets follow the children’s lead by keeping Easter going “all the time.”
Easter blessings,
Pastor J
Peace by the Numbers
Attendance
February 11 122
February 18 97
February 25 112
March 4 110
March 11 119
Summer on the Patio!
We are in need of a team to plan for summer activities on the patio. Stargazing with s’mores? The fire going while a music group plays jazz? A movie night under the stars? We have been blessed with a very special space at the church and the possibilities of connecting with one another and the community are endless. If you would like to be on the team to begin to brainstorm, plan and implement summer activities, please contact Pastor Lucke. Summer is not that far off!
Connections Corner
with Joyce Long
Hello Peace Family!
April is starting with Easter this year. This is our time of the year when we can rejoice in having an opportunity to connect in an amazing way to our risen Savior Jesus Christ. Thank you, Lord for providing a way for us to have a relationship with You. As of April 1st, I am now retired. At least from my full-time job. As we navigate our adult lives, we have relationships with others at home and at work. I have worked at this job for 21 years and I have connections with many people there. I have learned and grown in my marital, parental and work relationships; good or bad. God can use all these things as He provides opportunities for our growth. Praise to our living Savior who desires to have a relationship with us. As we have been learning in Sunday School, we have a chance to form connections with those around us as we notice what God is doing in the lives of those we encounter.
Matthew 5:16 says this: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Thank you Lord, that you have provided us a way to connect to You!
…to be continued…Blessings Peace Family
Greeting Without Offending
Submitted by Gayle Taylor Church Nurse
When asked about her recommendations on how to greet someone who may be suffering, shy or uncertain, or just seems to be keeping themselves separate – this is what Gayle’s suggestion would be:
“Everyone wants to be recognized and acknowledged, even briefly. Making eye contact usually indicates the willingness, sometimes even eagerness, to respond to a greeting. Hopefully, I will say something positive and welcoming without being “tedious.” Brevity is important unless the person initiates or continues after the greeting. That said, after an initial contact, any subsequent conversation is highly dependent on a response (or lack thereof). I am thinking that this approach is appropriate for subsequent meetings of said person although perhaps a more personal comment or observation might be made. What I am attempting to say is that taking cues (verbal and non-verbal) from someone is highly important in establishing a relationship, even the most superficial relationship. In taking these cues hesitate in asking questions of them. Unless the person(s) seem relaxed and eager to share information, asking personal questions could seem invasive and (off-putting).
Omelet Dinner
Every First Friday of the month, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the College Methodist Church is the best kept secret in Philomath, an Omelet dinner made to your liking. Come and join many other Peace members as they enjoy an omelet dinner with special scones. Cost starts at $7. If you don’t like omeletts…stay for their scones and gravy!
Men’s Breakfast
By Oscar Gutbrod
April 7th is the time for the Peace men’s First Saturday Breakfast. The speaker this month will be Ray Hewitt sharing his experience on his recent visit to Israel, this adventure is one not to miss. Coffee is on at 8:00 AM, breakfast is served at 8:30 AM and presentation is from 9:00 AM -10:00 AM. Please let me know if your will be attending the breakfast a we want to make sure there is something for everyone. If you cannot make it to the coffee social, come to the presentation and discussion afterward. Questions, call Oscar Gutbrod 541-231-3954
Narthex Library
Have you noticed the new addition to the narthex? It is still a work in progress, but our mini-library is really shaping up. This is NOT a place to bring books you no longer want, but a place to take note of new literature that come through the door of the church.
IF you have an idea or would like to add something to the library please talk with Janet Skaar. She has taken this project in hand and is doing a wonderful job.
Keeping it clean
We are going to need everyone’s participation is helping us to keep our church clean. As we empty out the various rooms and organize the necessities we are asking that the areas we empty, remain empty. We have experienced an issue with individuals dropping off or simply placing items on an empty surface instead of putting it away. This will no longer be acceptable practice. Please ask for help right away if you need assistance putting something in the attic…or if you think something would be a nice addition to our necessities.
Salmon & Jazz
Join the Philomath Rotary Club at the 19th annual Salmon & Jazz Event. The event includes salmon or chicken dinner, silent auction, music, and dance. Proceeds of the evening benefits Philomath High School Jazz Band, Philomath Youth Activities Club, and Service Above Self Scholarships.
Online Ticket Sales Available NOW!
$25 Adult Dinner
$15 Children 12 & Under Dinner
$10 Music & Dance Only Entry
For more information, please check out our website… http://www.philomathrotaryclub.org/
June 1 through June 2 ~ Cost: $39.00 at
Life Community Church 4900 NW Hwy 99W
Corvallis, OR 97330
Phone: 541-758-1001
Website: http://www.lifecommunity.org/
