From the Pastor
Dear Peace family,
This is an exciting month for our youth. Peace will be sending six youth and three adult chaperones to New Orleans, July 19-23, for the LCMS National Youth Gathering. Our group will join 20,000 participants plus 1,300 volunteers to be built up in the Christian faith. The main gathering events will take place in the Caesars Superdome. The youth will be encouraged to serve in ways that bless the Orphan Grain Train, Lutheran Braille Workers as well as projects around the city. The average daily high temperature in New Orleans in July? The answer is 92 degrees! Yikes!
The theme for the gathering is “Endure” based on Hebrews 12:1-3. Christian endurance is a relevant topic. The material preparing the youth and chaperones states,
“No generation has been more affected by societal shifts than today’s children and teenagers. The statistics are dire: academic setbacks due to months or years of remote learning, screen time hours approaching the number of waking hours, time spent in person with friends plummeting, loneliness and anxiety on the rise. Christian youth looking to live faithful lives may feel the isolation particularly keen—a recent study from Pew Research found that only 45% of Generation Z identifies as Christian, compared, for example, with 72% of those ages 50-64.”
Even though there have been challenges, the youth at our church already exhibit endurance. We are highlighting the Confirmation youth’s faith statements in this newsletter for good reasons. Each of them has faced adversity and their faith is serving them well. It will be exciting to see how our youth are even more firmly established in their faith by this gathering.
All the members of Peace deserve a big thank you for allowing this trip to happen. The cost for the youth to attend this trip is close to covered—praise the Lord! There are clear ways that you can participate. First, pray for the youth and chaperones. Second, consider watching one or more of the mass events. These events will be livestreamed and available for you to watch. The link for the livestream will be shared as soon as it is created.
The hope is that we all are encouraged to endure! Romans 5:3-5, “We rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame…..”
The youth and chaperones will be commissioned in our worship service on Sunday, July 13. Great adventure lies ahead!
In His Grace,
Pastor J
Peace by the Numbers
Plan for Worship
July 6 – 10:00am Worship service with Communion. Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
July 13 – 10:00am Worship service. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.
July 20 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion. Sixth Sunday after Pentecost.
July 27 – 10:00am Worship Service outside on the patio. Seventh Sunday after Pentecost.
August 3 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion. Eighth Sunday after Pentecost.
August 10 – 10:00am Worship Service. Ninth Sunday after Pentecost.
August 17 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion outside on the patio. Tenth Sunday after Pentecost.
August 24 – 10:00am Worship Service. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost.
August 31 – 10:00am Worship Service. Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost.
Adult Bible Class for Summer
Yes, the adults (and really all ages!) are having Bible Class through the summer. All are welcome! Our summer studies take place at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall each Sunday. We are watching parts of the Chosen series. Each Sunday we watch a clip or two from the Chosen and then discuss how the episode plus God’s Word challenges us in our walk with the Lord.
Peace Night at the Knights
Summer with the Corvallis Knights has begun! Peace is planning to attend the home game on July 6 at 5:05 pm and has tickets to share with you. We will sit as a church family and enjoy all the happenings of a Knights’ game. On this particular evening, the them is Salute to Service—military and veteran appreciation. RSVP with Rachel H. if you would like to go!
Alyssa Stanley’s Faith Statement
When I think of faith, I think of trusting the process. I’m a big sports person, and sometimes my coaches tell me to do weird things. They want me to shoot awkward shots in basketball, hit weird angles in volleyball, and throw down hard spots in softball. Sometimes I don’t agree with them.
But usually, it works. Sometimes I do make those shots, hit those angles, and make the throw. But sometimes it still doesn’t work. Sometimes we still lose.
I used to think that losing meant you did bad, but that really isn’t the truth. I would always be scared and nervous when I played because I didn’t want to mess up. But the thing is, you still learn stuff from losses. That’s why I chose Joshua 1:9 which states, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Not only does it have to be losses in sports. It can be bad grades on tests, getting fired from your job, etcetera. You still learn things, whether it’s good or bad in your mind. At the end of the day, it was the right decision. It’s all a part of God’s plan. I do trust that God will be with me wherever I go, no matter what comes my way.
Chandler Durling’s Faith Statement
My name is Chandler, and I am a member here at Peace Lutheran. My grandparents are Rick and Kathy Durling. I have spent most of my life in or around Albany and just a few years ago started pretty regularly attending this church since my dad moved to Philomath 3 years ago.
I come from a Christian family with two backgrounds, Lutheran on one side and non-denominational on the other. This has given me a unique view of Christ, combining the Lutheran focus on grace and the sacraments and a more personal everyday relationship with Jesus. I’m grateful for both, because they have helped shape a unique perspective.
A verse that stands out to me is James 4:10, – “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up”. This verse is special to me because humbling ourselves before the Lord means recognizing or acknowledging our flaws and sinfulness and understanding we need God’s forgiveness. This is something I’ve come to understand more fully through our class.
This verse comes with a promise. God rewards humble faith. It teaches that faith is not about demanding from God but trusting him enough to humble yourself and trusting in his promise that he will handle the rest.
The circumstances that brought me to Peace Lutheran were difficult for me, but it brought me closer to this church. I have realized that God has helped me through rough times to ultimately build my relationship with him. This goes along with James 4:10 because God was there when I was going through a lot of change and it has helped me become the person I am today.
Kaia Lucke’s Faith Statement
I am Kaia Lucke. Faith is a gift given to me by God. This gift of faith is something I am going to count on in times anxiousness. In school, there are days when I am anxious, like when there is a big test, when I try out for a sports team or have a big competition. Or, even at school, with friendships and the drama that happens in middle school.
When these things happen, it is helpful to think of my confirmation verse from Matthew 6:28 which says, “And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field; how they grow; they neither toil nor spin.”
This passage helps me to stop looking at my worries and look to how God will provide. It is God’s gift of faith that I can count on to help me change my focus.
If God can take care of the flowers, I believe He will guide me through my tests, strengthen me in sports competitions, and encourage me when I am having challenging friendships. A goal I have in my faith development is to not predict how things will be, but to count on God to provide.
It would be great if I could start each day without worry. But I also know that having no worry is not possible. My confidence will come from knowing God’s gift of faith will be greater than any worry I have.
Furniture Share
Furniture Share, a partner of Peace Lutheran Church, opened their facility to us for a tour on May 28. Six members of the church attended the tour and we learned quite a bit! See Lindy, Pastor, Sharon, Anna, Joe and or Janette if you have any questions. Here is some information about how you can help:
The people Furniture Share serve are members of the community. Many are facing unimaginable challenges. Some are leaving hostile situations, recovering from illness, overcoming addiction, and most are struggling to get back on their feet after being homeless. Your support helps make a house a home for families, individuals and veterans in need and provides beds for kids in our communities.
Furniture Share needs new and gently used donated items that meet our health and safety guidelines of being free of rips, tears and stains. Items must be functioning and not need repair or service.
- Mattresses, box springs and frames—all sizes
- Sheets, pillows, blankets and towels
- Dressers and Nightstands
- Couches and Living Room Chairs
- Coffee Tables and End Tables
- Kitchen Tables and Chairs
- Kitchen utensils, dishes and Cookware
- Microwaves, Refrigerators, Washers and Dryers
- No Clothes or Toys
Please call 541-754-9511 to schedule pick up or stop by the warehouse and off your items at 4450 Marion St. SE, Suite C, Albany 97322. Office hours are 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.
Spring Picnic Thank You
Thank you to all our volunteers who helped to make our Spring Picnic such a wonderful time to worship & to gather with our families, friends, and each other. From the many volunteers who worked inside and outside to those who helped with fellowship, music, games, barbecuing, the cakewalk & numerous other activities, we are so appreciative; and we are so grateful to each one of you! God’s blessings.
Portals of Prayer
Are you in need of a devotional? The July-September Portals of Prayer are available for you. The devotionals are in the narthex. Take one for yourself and one for a friend—we have plenty and want them shared! We need to hear more about God’s attributes. The more we appreciate God’s attributes, the more likely we are to love God and care more about what God cares about. July’s focus is on learning more about God’s attributes—enjoy!
Red Cross Blood Drive
Peace will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday August 15th from 12 – 5 pm. There is a critical need for blood supplies and your donation will most definitely help save a life. There are still plenty of spots available for sign-up. Our blood drives have become famous within the Red Cross organization for wonderful volunteers and delicious treats. If you can help in either aspect, please let Cheryl Narver know.
Summer Concert Series at Cardwell Hill Cellars
Getting To Know You
The new “Getting to know You” section of the newsletter will highlight a member or two of our congregation so you can get to know your neighbors better.
Kathy Hanna
Kathy comes to Peace from Bozeman, Montana. She hails from Dearborn, Michigan, where she was raised. She graduated from high school and worked as a Secretary for Ford Motor Co. and General Motors. After a few years, she went back to college and studied in the school of Computer Science to become an Information Specialist, using her computer skills across the USA and Canada.
Kathy is a widow and has two daughters; one in Philomath and one in Montana. She tries to visit Montana regularly to keep in touch with her daughter and friends there. Kathy moved to Philomath because of her daughter being here and she likes the weather. It beats the long, cold Montana winters and shoveling snow. She loves Arts and Crafts and especially wants to learn how to quilt. She grew up with snow and enjoys winter sports, like skiing, and snowboarding. She is making friends and has joined a Mahjong group and tries to play weekly.
Kathy is putting her leadership skills to work and is now the Team Leader for Dementia Warriors here at Peace.
Her goals for the future include a trip to Hawaii with a group of women that she graduated high school with. They are all turning a new decade and want to celebrate the new age together.
We joyfully welcome Kathy to our congregation.
Mal Miner’s Obituary
† Malcolm Roy Miner †
December 11, 1932 to November 27, 2024
Malcolm Roy Miner — a devoted family man, veteran, world traveler, and lifelong learner — passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Beaverton, Oregon. He was 91, surrounded by his family.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on December 11, 1932, Malcolm was the eldest of four children of Lucile and Harold E. Miner. As the son of an Army officer, his early years were spent moving around the globe, including attending high school in Turkey. He graduated in civil engineering from Auburn University and, following in his father’s footsteps, served as an officer in the U.S. Army. After his service, he earned a master’s degree from the Technical University of Munich in Germany.
While skiing in the Austrian Alps, Malcolm met the love of his life, Sabine Plache (1939– 2016). Their life together was full of adventure, laughter, and deep companionship.
Malcolm’s career mirrored his intellectual curiosity and love of exploration. As a highway engineer, he worked on projects in Turkey, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, and Libya. At 33, he earned his pilot’s license, sparking a lifelong passion for aviation.
In the 1960s, he turned to airport design and development, first with working in Norway, taking the family with him. Next, he worked for the Federal Aviation Administration, and later for CH2M Hill in Corvallis. In 1977, he founded his own airport planning consultancy, often flying himself to remote job sites across the Northwest. Eventually, he became a certified real estate appraiser — a career that suited his love of people, stories, and lively conversation.
In 1975, he and his family settled on a 16-acre ranch in Philomath, Oregon, where he embraced rural life — raising cattle, tending bees, and working the land with joy and care. A lifelong athlete, Malcolm took up triathlons in his 50s and celebrated his 75th birthday by skydiving — proof of his fearless zest for life.
He was a devoted supporter of the Oregon State University women’s basketball team, rarely missing a game and meticulously tracking player stats. He was also a founding member of the Rotary Club of Philomath and an active member of Peace Lutheran Church.
Malcolm will be remembered for his warmth, sharp intellect, and quick wit. His humor lit up every room, and his generous spirit left a lasting mark. Even in his later years, he remained curious and deeply engaged with the world.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sabine; his son, Mark; and his brother, Gary. He is survived by his sons, Michael and Matthew; his daughter-in-law, Aileen; and his grandchildren: Kai, Sage, Kian, Larissa, and David. He also leaves behind his sisters, Beverly Murray and Diane Ota.
Malcolm’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of kindness, adventure, service, and laughter lives on in the many lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care.
Jan Lane’s Obituary
† Janet “Jan” Lane †
March 3, 1942 to March 12, 2025
On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Janet “Jan” Lane passed away peacefully at home in Blodgett, Oregon, at the age of 83.
Born in Corvallis and raised on the family farm in Blodgett, Jan attended Blodgett Elementary School and graduated from Philomath High School in 1959. While working as an administrative assistant in the Agricultural Economics department at Oregon State University, she met Chuck. They married on April 30, 1966, in Albany, Oregon.
Their adventures together took them first to Saskatchewan and then Alberta, Canada, where they adopted their three children: Christopher, Stephen, and Jennifer. Though offered Canadian citizenship, the family chose to return to the United States in 1972, settling in Orem, Utah.
Jan enriched her children’s lives in countless ways, both big and small. She took a job at the local movie theater, ensuring her kids could enjoy countless films together. At Orem Elementary School, she worked in the front office, keeping a watchful eye on her kids while staying closely connected to their daily world. As a Cub Scout den mother, she introduced her boys to hands-on experiences that nurtured a lifelong love of nature and adventure.
In the late 1970s through early 1980s she transitioned to the deeply meaningful work of helping Cambodian and Laotian refugee children integrate into American life-challenging work that she found profoundly rewarding.
When Chuck’s career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service brought them to Weaverville, California, Jan continued her dedication to education, working in both administration and bookkeeping for the Trinity School District. In 1997, they came full circle, building a home on the family farm in Blodgett to begin their retirement.
Jan’s retirement years were active and engaged. She served as president of the Blodgett-Summit Community Club for nearly two decades, working with the Benton Community Foundation to endow annual scholarships for local students. Together with Chuck, she spent over ten years collecting recycling at the Blodgett Country Store, where all proceeds went to these scholarships. She also worked as a lunch lady at Blodgett Elementary School for nearly a decade and became the bookkeeper for the family farm.
At Peace Lutheran Church in Philomath, Jan served as financial secretary, treasurer, and landscape chairwoman. She was an avid gardener who created and maintained beautiful spaces both at church and at home.
Jan’s passion for travel took her and Chuck to cherished destinations like Ireland and Japan, where they visited multiple times. In Japan, they maintained deep relationships with the families of two foreign exchange students who had lived with them in Utah and California. The extended Watanabe family-sisters Mariko and Eriko, brother Tomo, and five “grandchildren”- became valued members of Jan and Chuck’s family.
Jan valued maintaining relationships with friends and family, and her final years were filled with joy, contentment, and possibility. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in those that knew her kindness, generosity, humor, and love.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Eunice and Walter Hahn, and her husband, Charles “Chuck” Lane. She is survived by her brother Dale Hahn, three children Christopher (Erin), Stephen (Carter), and Jennifer (Michael), granddaughter Cassidy, sister-in-law Lori, cousin Muriel, and nieces Sabra and Erin and nephews Michael, Scott, and Kevin.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Jan’s memory to Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St., Philomath, OR 97370.
Jan leaves behind a legacy of service and dedication to her community and family.
Lorraine Harris’ Obituary
† Loraine Ida Harris †
July 10, 1929 to May 18, 2025
Lorraine I. Harris passed away on Sunday, May 18, 2025, after a brief illness, she was 95 years old.
Lorraine was born on July 10, 1929, in Havelock, North Dakota to Christian and Carolina (Oberlander) Christman. She was the youngest of 12 children. She shared her birthday with a sister who was 13 years old. Four of her brothers and one of her sons served in the armed forces. Lorraine attended school in Havelock, North Dakota, until her parents moved to Redmond, Oregon in 1941. She graduated from Redmond High in 1947.
She met her husband at a dance in Bend and were married on February 18, 1949. They recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary. They lived in several places until they finally settled in Corvallis in the early 50’s. Lorraine was a stay-at-home mom until her 3rd child was in grade school at which time she went to beauty school and became a beautician in the mid 60’s. She worked at several salons and eventually owned and operated her own shop.
In her retirement, Lorraine loved playing games with neighbors and relatives. She enjoyed Kings Corner, Scrabble, bingo, beanbag baseball, and many other games. She was also an avid reader and Word Search fan. She also loved her “shows” The Young and the Restless, and several other soap operas, but was really devastated when As the World Turns ended.
Lorraine is survived by her husband Bill, children Daniel (Peggy) Harris, Craig Harris, JoAnne (Rex) Sedlacek, Stephanie (Wes)Woodcook, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents and her 11 siblings.
