From the Pastor
Dear friends,
Making a vow seems out of style these days. Even when people make them, the vows made are often spoken in mild jest. Consider some of these examples from real weddings:
“I vow to always let you have the last blueberry pancake.”
“I want us to grow old and crusty together, to shake our collective fists at teenagers and to talk endlessly about the days when things were better, cheaper and generally more wholesome.”
“I vow to get professional help even though I really want to try to do it myself first.”
“I promise to not watch the next episode without you.”
Have you realized the different kinds of vows that have been spoken at the church and in church related functions lately? Vows were made from two of our Confirmands (see Jackson’s statement of faith in this newsletter). In the Rite of Confirmation these words were asked of our Confirmands, “Do you intend to continue in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it?” And thankfully both of our Confirmands answered, “I do.” Vows were made at a recent baptism that happened at Peace. Parents and sponsors committed themselves to praying and supporting the infant “in their ongoing instruction and nurture in the Christian faith.”
I have been blessed recently to officiate weddings in which vows were made. Perhaps you remember your own vows, “For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part.”
Making vows is not a mere formality. Although wanting to be discerning about the promises that we make, making vows is a helpful process that develops character. When public vows are made before family and friends, an opportunity for molding takes place. The vows shared give direction to a goal that can be done with the Holy Spirit’s help.
What vows have you made? Are there any that you’ve spoken, but you have forgotten about? I’d encourage each one of us to reconnect to those promises that we’ve made. If all we’ve accomplished in life is to make promises and keep those promises, we will have accomplished much.
God has made vows to you. This is a comfort! God always follows through on what He has promised. What has God promised?
- To always be with you—Joshua 1:9
- To be kind and compassionate—Isaiah 54:10
- To love you deeply no matter what—Romans 8:38-39
- To strengthen and help you—Isaiah 41:10
As we keep track of the vows we’ve made, let us also study and remember the vows God has given us. They remind us that we are in good hands. They remind us that someone does care for our well-being. They remind us that there is someone who will follow through!
Banking on His promises,
Pastor J
Peace by the Numbers
Plan for Worship
July 3 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary with communion. Celebrating 4th of July.
July 10 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary followed by fellowship.
July 17 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary with communion.
July 24 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary followed by fellowship.
July 31 – 9:30 am Worship Service on the patio.
August 7 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary with communion.
August 14 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary followed by fellowship.
August 21 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary with communion.
August 28 – 9:30 am Worship Service in the sanctuary followed by fellowship.
Combined July & August Newsletter
This newsletter contains information for both July and August. We hope you have a wonderful, safe, and blessed summer no matter where your travels may take you – either across town or across the globe.
Summer Bible Study
All are welcome for Peace’s Summer Bible Study on Acts. Our sessions begin each Sunday morning at 8:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. We are going to be reminded of the early struggle and excitement that existed in the early church. We will also discover what God would want us to hear from Him for daily living. Each session will begin with prayer and with the invitation for God to speak to us today. Here is the plan for each week in July & August:
- July 3 – Tried and Tested (Acts 5:17-33)
- July 10 – Getting Along with Others (Acts 6:1-15)
- July 17 – Looking at Jesus (Acts 7:51-60)
- July 24 – The Holy Spirit Leading (Acts 8:26-40)
- July 31 – God’s Saving Power (Acts 9:1-20)
- August 7 – Unity Among Believers (Acts 10:24-35)
- August 14 – God’s Grace (Acts 15:1-11)
- August 21 – Presenting the Gospel (Acts 17:16-31)
- August 28 – Facing Problems & Pain (Acts 20:15-31)
Mark Your Calendars – Events this Summer
- Tuesday, July 26 at 6:35 pm at Goss Stadium…………………. Peace Lutheran Church night at the Corvallis Knights. Come and enjoy a night with your friends at Peace at the ballpark. If you’d like to attend, speak with Pastor.
- Thursday, August 4 at 7:00 pm…………………….. John Cowens’ Presentation and Stargazing. All are invited as we hear from our friend, John Cowens, about what is going on in the night sky. We’ll have some prizes and treats to share.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Red Cross blood drive on June 24th. It was a great success with 38 units of blood donated. A big thank you also to everyone who volunteered to help with the drive and provided the goodies for the donors. Our next blood drive will be August 19th from 12:30-5:00. Please consider donating blood or helping support this life saving event.
Volunteer Reminder Phone Calls
Have you signed up to volunteer at Peace? With busy schedules this time of year, it’s easy to forget signing up to serve at Peace. To help us all remember, Margaret Philpott has offered to call folks to remind them of the dates they signed up. So, if you receive a phone call from Margaret, its just a simple reminder of upcoming commitments.
Cooking Classes
Faith Statement by Jackson Holroyd
This Faith Statement was shared at Jackson’s Confirmation on Saturday, June 25
John 7:38 “Whoever believes in me as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”
The reason that I chose this verse is that I interpreted it as an assurance that the Holy Spirit is thriving inside all of us.
This verse means that if you believe and pray you will prosper.
I want to be confirmed because I feel like it will start my journey to heaven with Jesus by my side. Being confirmed to me is an assurance that Jesus will be with me no matter where I go or what I do.
Financial Information: What is RMD?
Understanding Required Minimum Distributions
A required minimum distribution (RMD) is the amount of money that must be withdrawn from an employer-sponsored retirement plan, traditional IRA, SEP, or SIMPLE individual retirement account (IRA) by owners and qualified retirement plan participants of retirement age.
In 2020, the age for withdrawing from retirement accounts changed from 70½ to 72 years old. You must therefore begin withdrawing from a retirement account by April 1 following the year account holders reach age 72. The retiree must then withdraw the RMD amount each subsequent year based on the current RMD calculation.
A required minimum distribution (RMD) acts as a safeguard against people using a retirement account to avoid paying taxes. Required minimum distributions are determined by dividing the retirement account’s prior year-end fair market value (FMV) by the applicable distribution period or life expectancy. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a worksheet to help taxpayers calculate the amount they must withdraw. Generally, your account custodian or plan administrator will calculate these amounts and report them to the IRS.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The fair market value is the price an asset would sell for on the open market when certain conditions are met.
- The conditions are: the parties involved are aware of all the facts, are acting in their own interest, are free of any pressure to buy or sell, and have ample time to make the decision.
- Fair market value is different than market value and appraised value.
- Tax settings and the real estate market are two areas that commonly use fair market value.
- Insurance companies use fair market value in determining certain claim payouts.
