From the Pastor

Dear Peace family,

Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

What an amazing Lent, Holy Week and Easter Peace experienced! Thank you to everyone that served. Serving is so important. Why? When we serve, we tend to focus less on ourselves, and

we open ourselves up to God and others.

I referred in my Easter sermon to the number 38. The four Gospels have recorded 37 miracles of Jesus. Please look at these. Jesus turned water into wine. He walked on water. He gave sight to the blind. But don’t stop there! We’ll be stuck on 37 our whole lives. The resurrection of Jesus

makes it possible that more miracles are on the way. The Apostle Paul in a sense teaches this very idea when he says, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep (I Corinthians 15:20).” Someday, we will be the fruit that will rise again—what a miracle that will be. And in the meantime, God is at work through the Holy Spirit working miracles in our midst. Every day we can wake up and look for number 38 to happen in our lives.

Easter provides the opportunity to grow in our faith as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The first

Sunday after Easter (April 7) will mark the beginning of a new study during the Bible Study hour.

The focus for the next eight weeks will be Peter Scazzero’s course, Emotionally, Healthy Spirituality. We begin at 9 am. All are welcome! I know that this hour is attended by 15 to 30 adults and that not everyone will be there, but I share this in my April Newsletter article because this is material that everyone needs to consider.

Scazzero makes the claim that a fully mature Christian is both emotionally healthy and

spiritually engaged. One without the other misses the mark. What happens when someone is emotionally healthy, but not that spiritual? They are in touch with their emotions. They recognize and communicate how they are feeling. Words like genuine and authentic might be used to

describe them. However, someone who is emotionally healthy without spiritual engagement fails to connect with God. They are likely to miss the stability that comes from God’s promises and

presence.

What happens when someone is spiritually vibrant, but emotionally unhealthy? This person

understands Scripture and practices prayer. They look for what God is doing in their life.

However, someone who is spiritually vibrant without emotional health might bury what is

happening inside or not read their emotions well.

Scazzero points out some clear signs of emotional unhealthy spirituality. I’ll share five of the ten

symptoms here:

  • Ignoring the emotions of anger, sadness, and fear.
  • Denying the past’s impact on the present.
  • Dividing our lives into “secular” and “sacred” compartments.
  • Judging other people’s spiritual journey.
  • Doing for God instead of being with God.

I am looking forward to these next eight weeks of emotional and spiritual growth. Christ is risen!

In Easter Joy,

Pastor J

Peace by the Numbers

Plan for Worship

April 7 – 8:30am Hope for Healing Service

April 7 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion – Second Sunday of Easter

April 14 – 10:00am Worship Service – Third Sunday of Easter

April 21 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion – Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 28 – 10:00am Worship Service – Fifth Sunday of Easter

New Bible Study

We are beginning a new Adult Bible Study titled Emotionally, Healthy Spirituality this Sunday, April 7. The series will begins at 9 am each Sunday and will go through the month of May. What is this series about? It’s based on the idea that a fully mature Christian is both emotionally healthy and spiritually engaged. One without the other misses the mark. Emotional health comes from simply acknowledging the feelings we have. Being spiritually engaged means looking for God’s promises and presence in our lives. When we understand both of these concepts we become more available for God’s ability to deeply transform our lives. 

Ladies Guild Update

“Our mission: To build community and fellowship through spiritual, social and charitable activities in Corvallis and Philomath through missions o LWML.”

March was a very busy month for the Ladies Guild as we helped with the Holy Week celebrations.  We thank everyone who helped make these celebrations fun and inviting for our congregation.   We especially want to remember a special member and her birthday, Ruth Moser.  Ruth is active in the Ladies Guild and we enjoy her contributions very much.  Ruth is now 90 years old.

April :  We will be celebrating an adult baptism with the congregation.  Praise God for his redeeming grace.  We also will be helping with a special memorial service for Ginny Held on April 20.  If you would like to help with the food preparation and set up, please let Peggy Krueger know.

We welcome new members at any time.   Please come to our monthly meetings which are held the first Thursday of the month at 10:00 am in the fellowship hall.  We look forward to seeing you! 

Peggy Krueger, Guild President

Men’s Breakfast

MEN’S Breakfast:  It is time for the Men’s First Saturday Breakfast, April 6th, mark your calendar. Peace will be preparing breakfast this month. Pastor Lucke will be leading a discussion regarding – How does a Christian approach an election year?  A hardy breakfast of biscuits and gravy is planned. Coffee on at 8:00 am, breakfast served at 8:30 and topic discussion 9-10. Always good to know how many will be attending so enough food is prepared, please let Oscar Gutbrod know if you plan to attend.  [email protected] or call 541-231-3954.  Do plan to attend.

Easter Thank You

Thank you to all our volunteers who helped to make our Easter season such a blessing to each of us, our families, and friends. Many thanks to everyone who brought soup, bread, and cookies to our Soup/Suppers; we had a wonderful turnout. And thanks so very much to the many volunteers who helped with fellowship and the Easter egg hunt, those who helped with flowers, treats, and music, plus those who helped with the Seder meal and good Friday services and other numerous activities; we are so appreciative!  Words are not enough to express how grateful we are for all the help we received to make Easter the wonderful season it is, and your kindness and generosity are well noted.  May God bless you!

Book Swap & Author Talk

Mark your calendar:  Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 am- 12:30pm. This is a free event for the ladies of Peace as well as any friends/community members or interested parties.  What is this?  Bring 3 paperback books of any genre that you enjoyed but are willing to part with.  We will exchange these books for others that people bring.  ALSO: Christina Suzann Nelson, an award-winning author from here in Philomath will be speaking to us about her writing.  She has won the Christy Award, a national award for books focusing on faith in contemporary culture. She is a great speaker and has some special ties for some of the former teachers here at Peace.  We will also be having a salad potluck at this event. Please bring a salad to share, 3 used/read paperback books to swap (any genre).  Please mark your calendar for this exciting event. See Diane for additional information.

Philomath Food Bank

I would like to extend a big thank you to all who have been leaving donations for the food bank! The folks at the Philomath Food Bank are exceptionally grateful. During my visit a few days ago, I was surprised by how little they had on the shelves. The shelves were almost empty, with just a few exceptions. I inquired about the current needs and the following is a list of some items that they could desperately use:

  • Canned Chicken (12.5 oz cans)
  • Canned Fruit (except applesauce)
  • Canned Vegetables (except green beans)
  • Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise, etc.
  • Spices: Especially Salt & Pepper, but other are always welcome.
  • Pasta: Any variety is welcome
  • Ramen Noodles are always a needed item!  

Anything else that you might think of is helpful. I pick up items on Thursday mornings and deliver them to the food bank.

The following is a chart showing what we have given over the years up through March 2024.

 *We stated to record in May of 2014

** in 2017 June’s Kids Closet switched from Bags to Pounds

Thanks for all that you do to help!!!

Jim Holroyd

Church Cleanup Day

Church Cleanup Day. Saturday, April 27 will be the annual church cleanup day. The event will start at 9:00 and go until we are finished. We should be done by 11:00 or 12:00. We will be cleaning up both the inside and outside of the church. If you are available, we would enjoy having you help – many hands make light work.

Red Cross Blood Drive

A big thank you from the donors and staff at the February blood drive for the cookies they were very much appreciated. Our next blood drive is Friday, April 19th. Once again if you can donate blood, snacks, or prayers for this life saving cause. Please bring your cookies on the afternoon of the 18th or morning of the 19th. If you have any questions, please contact Cheryl Narver.

Ushering Guidance

We are working to make the communion rotation proceed more smoothly. Here is the new guidance on how we should move so everyone has a chance to easily and efficiently come to the rail to partake in communion. Please see Merv Munster if you have any questions.

In section A, communicants exit the pew to the right and line up. When the usher signals, the first in line goes to the left side of the rail. The remainder of the line follows and fills in the remaining area of the rail.

When the Pastor dismisses the communicants, they return to their pews by the side aisle, entering the pew on the left side.

In section B, the communicants exit the pew to the left. The fill in at the communion rail staring on the left side.

When dismissed, they proceed down the left side aisle, all the way across the back and up the right side aisle and enter their pew from the right side.

In section C, the communicants exit the pew to the left, and then fill in the communion rail starting on the right side.

When dismissed, they go back to their pew by reversing the line; the last one to the rail leads the others back to the pews.

Update from JP Cima

What to do if Someone is Chocking

RECENT CHOKING PREVENTION UPDATE

PROCEDURES from Mayo Clinic Letter, March 2024

When someone around you is choking and the person can cough forcefully, let them keep coughing. That might naturally remove the stuck object.

If the person is conscious but can’t cough, cry, or laugh forcefully, start first aid, then call for emergency medical help. The American Red Cross recommends the following steps for adults and children older than age 1: 

  • Give 5 back blows
  • Stand to the side and just behind the person.
  • Place your arm across the person’s chest and bend them at the waist to face the ground.
  • Strike five separate times between their shoulder blades with the heel of your hand.
  • Give 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
  • If back blows don’t remove the object, give five abdominal thrusts:
  • Stand behind the person placing one foot slightly in front of the other. For a child, kneel down behind. Wrap your arms around the person’s waist. Tip the person forward slightly.
    • Make a fist with one hand. Put it just above the person’s navel.
    • Grasp your fist with your other hand. Press into the stomach with a quick, upward thrust – as if trying to lift the person up – five times.
    • Alternate between five blows and five thrusts until the blockage is dislodged or until help arrives. If the person loses consciousness, begin CPR instead.

If you’re alone and choking:

  • Call for emergency help right away. Then, give yourself abdominal thrusts:
  • Place a fist slightly above your navel.
  • Grasp your fist with the other hand.
  • Bend over a hard surface. A countertop or chair will do.
  • Shove your fist inward and upward.

Submitted by Peggy Krueger, Health Educator

The Rich Family in Church

By Eddie Ogan

I’ll never forget Easter 1946. I was 14, my little sister Ocy was 12, and my older sister Darlene 16. We lived at home with our mother, and the four of us knew what it was to do without many things. My dad had died five years before, leaving Mom with seven school kids to raise and no money.

By 1946 my older sisters were married and my brothers had left home. A month before Easter the pastor of our church announced that a special Easter offering would be taken to help a poor family. He asked everyone to save and give sacrificially.

When we got home, we talked about what we could do. We decided to buy 50 pounds of potatoes and live on them for a month. This would allow us to save $20 of our grocery money for the offering. When we thought that if we kept our electric lights turned out as much as possible and didn’t listen to the radio, we’d save money on that month’s electric bill. Darlene got as many house and yard cleaning jobs as possible, and both of us babysat for everyone we could. For 15 cents we could buy enough cotton loops to make three potholders to sell for $1.

We made $20 on pot holders. That month was one of the best of our lives.

Every day we counted the money to see how much we had saved. At night we’d sit in the dark and talk about how the poor family was going to enjoy having the money the church would give them. We had about 80 people in church, so figured that whatever amount of money we had to give, the offering would surely be 20 times that much. After all, every Sunday the pastor had reminded everyone to save for the sacrificial offering.

The day before Easter, Ocy and I walked to the grocery store and got the manager to give us three crisp $20 bills and one $10 bill for all our change.

We ran all the way home to show Mom and Darlene. We had never had so much money before.

That night we were so excited we could hardly sleep. We didn’t care that we wouldn’t have new clothes for Easter; we had $70 for the sacrificial offering.

We could hardly wait to get to church! On Sunday morning, rain was pouring. We didn’t own an umbrella, and the church was over a mile from our home, but it didn’t seem to matter how wet we got. Darlene had cardboard in her shoes to fill the holes. The cardboard came apart, and her feet got wet.

But we sat in church proudly. I heard some teenagers talking about the Smith girls having on their old dresses. I looked at them in their new clothes, and I felt rich.

When the sacrificial offering was taken, we were sitting on the second row from the front. Mom put in the $10 bill, and each of us kids put in a $20.

As we walked home after church, we sang all the way. At lunch Mom had a surprise for us. She had bought a dozen eggs, and we had boiled Easter eggs with our fried potatoes! Late that afternoon the minister drove up in his car. Mom went to the door, talked with him for a moment, and then came back with an envelope in her hand. We asked what it was, but she didn’t say a word. She opened the envelope and out fell a bunch of money. There were three crisp $20 bills, one $10 and seventeen $1 bills.

Mom put the money back in the envelope. We didn’t talk, just sat and stared at the floor. We had gone from feeling like millionaires to feeling like poor white trash. We kids had such a happy life that we felt sorry for anyone who didn’t have our Mom and Dad for parents and a house full of brothers and sisters and other kids visiting constantly. We thought it was fun to share silverware and see whether we got the spoon or the fork that night.

We had two knifes that we passed around to whoever needed them. I knew we didn’t have a lot of things that other people had, but I’d never thought we were poor.

That Easter day I found out we were. The minister had brought us the money for the poor family, so we must be poor. I didn’t like being poor. I looked at my dress and worn-out shoes and felt so ashamed–I didn’t even want to go back to church. Everyone there probably already knew we were poor!

I thought about school. I was in the ninth grade and at the top of my class of over 100 students. I wondered if the kids at school knew that we were poor. I decided that I could quit school since I had finished the eighth grade. That was all the law required at that time. We sat in silence for a long time. Then it got dark, and we went to bed. All that week, we girls went to school and came home, and no one talked much. Finally on Saturday, Mom asked us what we wanted to do with the money. What did poor people do with money? We didn’t know. We’d never known we were poor. We didn’t want to go to church on Sunday, but Mom said we had to. Although it was a sunny day, we didn’t talk on the way.

Mom started to sing, but no one joined in and she only sang one verse. At church we had a missionary speaker. He talked about how churches in Africa made buildings out of sun dried bricks, but they needed money to buy roofs. He said $100 would put a roof on a church. The minister said, “Can’t we all sacrifice to help these poor people?” We looked at each other and smiled for the first time in a week.

Mom reached into her purse and pulled out the envelope. She passed it to Darlene. Darlene gave it to me, and I handed it to Ocy. Ocy put it in the offering.

When the offering was counted, the minister announced that it was a little over $100. The missionary was excited. He hadn’t expected such a large offering from our small church. He said, “You must have some rich people in this church.”

Suddenly it struck us! We had given $87 of that “little over $100.”

We were the rich family in the church! Hadn’t the missionary said so? From that day on I’ve never been poor again. I’ve always remembered how rich I am because I have Jesus!