From the Pastor
Dear Peace family,
The Holy Spirit is alive and well! Who is the Holy Spirit?
A person is doing well when they can both ask for help and be independent. Those two things sound like opposites. They are! I have the independent part down in life. When I take on a project at the house, I usually prefer to do it by myself. When I am driving, I like to rely on my own skills. I struggle sometimes simply asking for help.
If you doubt the importance of help, just ask the Beatles about their opinion on the subject. In two of their popular hits the lyrics go something like this:
- “I get by with a little help from my friends.”
- “I need somebody, help! Not just anybody, help!”
The Holy Spirit is our Help. Jesus said so. In John 14:16 Jesus said, “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another encourager to help you and be with you forever.” The word for encourager in this passage is parakletos in the Greek. Some translations don’t translate the word at all and simply say—“paraclete.” A parakletos is someone that encourages—we all need that!
Count on the Holy Spirit to help you by bringing calm. Imagine being in Svalbard, Norway. It is believed that the safest place on earth is Svalbard, Norway. This is the location of the Global Seed Vault. The vault has the capacity to house the seeds of every plant on earth. The seeds are held in underground bunkers. These bunkers have been built to withstand all sorts of catastrophe: floods, fires and nuclear attacks.
Pause and remember that the Holy Spirit is with you. You are in as good of a position spiritually as a seed is in Svalbard, Norway. It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to keep you safe! You may recall from Martin Luther’s explanation of the Third Article of the Creed, “…but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and keeps me in the true faith.”
How can you better pause to remember the Spirit’s placement in your life? I have a couple of suggestions. First, come to the Healing Service on the first Sunday of the month at 8:30 am. Each person is offered the anointing of oil. You don’t have to receive the oil and there isn’t anything in the oil itself that will heal, but it is a reminder of the Spirit’s presence. Second, consider touching the water in the baptismal font before or after the first Sunday of the month service. You don’t have to touch the water and there isn’t anything the water itself that is special, but touching the water is a reminder of the Spirit’s presence alive and well in you!
I look forward to seeing how the Spirit is going to work in our church family in June. The Spirit is alive and well indeed. We’ll count on the Spirit to go and guide Jackson as he graduates High School. We’ll see three youth say “yes” to the Holy Spirit’s work in their life on confirmation Sunday. We’ll also see the Spirit comfort families as we gather to celebrate the lives of Mal, Lorraine, Marion and Jan. We’ll take time on June 22 to see Pastor Jack and Joy again hearing how the Spirit has moved in the 75 years of Peace’s existence—come to see them during the Sunday School hour this day.
The Spirit’s encouragement is for you,
Pastor J
Peace by the Numbers
June 1 – 10:00am Worship service with Communion. Seventh Sunday of Easter.
June 8 – 10:00am Worship service. Pentecost Sunday
June 15 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion. Holy Trinity Sunday.
June 22 – 10:00am Worship Service. Second Sunday after Pentecost.
June 29 – 10:00am Worship Service. Third 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! We will begin our summer lessons next Sunday, June 8th. We are watching parts of the Chosen series. Each Sunday we watch a clip from the Chosen and then discuss how the episode plus God’s Word challenges us in our walk with the Lord.
Graduate and Confirmands
We have an opportunity to bless and give thanks for the lives of some youth in our congregation in June. On Sunday, June 1, we will be honoring Jackson Holroyd as he graduates from Philomath High School. Consider bringing a card, word of encouragement or gift for him. We give thanks for Jackson! Psalm 32:8 says, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” We are counting on God to guide Jackson!
On Sunday, June 8, we will be honoring three confirmands: Alyssa, Chandler and Kaia. Consider bringing a card, word of encouragement or gift for each of them. God has made a sure commitment to them. Confirmation is a moment in which our youth make their commitment to God. It will go well for all three of our confirmands this day and in the days ahead. How can we say such a thing? Romans 8:28 says, “In all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
Men’s Breakfast For June
It is time for the Men’s First Saturday Breakfast, June 7th, mark your calendar. Peace will be preparing breakfast this month. A hardy breakfast will be prepared by Head Chef Mark Koeppe and crew. Topic Discussion to be decided. 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, please let Oscar Gutbrod know by June 5th if you plan to attend. gutbrodo@oregonstate.edu or call 541-231-3954. Do plan to attend.
June Memorial Services
Mal Miner’s Celebration of Life Saturday, May 31 at 11:00 am (at Peace) with Lunch to follow
Lorraine Harris at Brookdale, Albany Saturday, June 7 at 1:30 pm (for family only) (Cards can be shared with husband, Bill. 1929Grand Prairie Rd SE, Apt. 115, Albany OR 97322)
Marion Baker in Junction City Saturday, June 14 at 11:30 am (for family only) (Cards can be shared with son, Bryan. 2812 Davidson St. SE, Albany, OR 97322)
Jan Lane’s Celebration of Life Saturday, June 28 at 11:00 am (at Peace on the patio) with lunch
New Member Class in June
Pastor Lucke will be offering a new member class in the month of June. Plan to attend if you would like to attend. RSVP to him to reserve a place. Information will be shared later in the month detailing the time and location of the new member class. This is an opportunity to discover what it means to be Lutheran, what values Peace holds dear, and how a person can find a place to belong and serve in the church family.
Northwest District LCMS Convention
The Northwest District is holding its triennial Convention this month, June 19-21, in Spokane, WA. George Abele is representing Peace as its Lay Delegate and Pastor Lucke is representing Peace as its Pastoral Delegate. Why does a District Convention matter? In the invitation letter from the District to local congregations these words were shared:
In a world filled with competing interests, intentions, and internal motivators which keep people moving in one direction or another – and so often farther apart – what is our direction as faithful followers of Jesus Christ? What is our aim? Praise God, he does not leave us to wonder about that. His word tells us clearly. That word of God is our convention theme: The Aim of Our Charge is Love.
It is true that unity and love are excellent targets to aim for when gathering as a community of believers. There are, however, some differences of opinion that can develop whenever passionate people gather. This year will be no different. Resources are challenged in the LCMS. Pastors are in short supply. Congregations are less able to afford church workers. The big question boils down to is this: “What should the routes of ministry look like to ensure that each congregation has a pastor?” If you have a thought or would like to know more, seek out George or Pastor.
Summer Picnic Kick-Off
Mark your calendars to attend church on Sunday, June 8, for our annual spring/summer picnic. We will be having our annual BBQ celebration with hamburgers, hot dogs, potato salad, chips, ice cream, and all the fixings, plus music, balloons, popcorn, and games for the kids. Everything is provided – no need to bring side dishes. And don’t forget to join in the fun at our cake walk! Also, to have a cake walk, we need cakelike items. Please consider bringing a cake, cupcakes, a pie, cookies etc. Cakes can be just one layer, homemade or store bought or whatever you wish. The same goes for pies, cookies, & cupcakes. Bring your family and invite your friends! Thank you.
Freezer Meal Ministry Update
The Freezer Meal Team got together earlier this month and restocked the freezer with some delicious offerings. It is such a joy for us to come together to cook and prepare these meals and our hope is that they are enjoyed by those who receive them.
This time around we included several “side” options of roasted potatoes, fruit, brownies, and cookies. The sides are packaged separately for convenience.
Please let Pastor Jeremy or Dan know if you need meals.
Thank you! The Freezer Meal Team
Dementia Warriors Update
The Dementia Warriors support group is thriving! After a very rough 2024 when we lost nine members, including our beloved founder Jerry, we are beginning to rebound. Founded by Jerry and Kathy Wylie in 2017 the group has grown over the years with approximately 90 registered members from all over the valley.
We are welcoming Alicia Graff as our new Activities Coordinator who will take the reins from Chuck Stueve. Kathy Hanna is stepping in as the Leadership team lead for Holly Bendixen. A team of dedicated volunteers help facilitate the meetings, lead walks and help where needed.
The main support group continues to meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2:30 pm at Peace. There are also weekly coffee chats, walks and special activities.
Please reach out to anyone who would benefit from this group, they are always welcome. Please direct any questions to Kathy Wylie.
Peace Lutheran Ladies Guild
The Ladies Guild will end the fiscal year with a no host restaurant meeting at Carino’s in Albany on Thursday, June 5 at 11:30 at Carino’s in Albany for a luncheon. Please contact Sally Stouder to reserve a seat if you plan on coming. We will be helping with Mal Miner’s memorial service on May 31 at Peace, and again at Jan Lane’s service on June 28. Ellen Holroyd is the meal coordinator and will be keeping everyone apprised as to the food needs as the occasions approach.
We will be honoring Jackson Holroyd, our one and only high school graduate, on June 1 with a cake. We encourage you to bring a card/gift to place in a gift bag for him.
Then, June 8, we will be recognizing 3 confirmands with a cake and again gift bags will be available for you to place your cards/gifts as you desire. The confirmands are Alyssa Stanley, Chandler Durling and Kaia Lucke.
Have a wonderful summer!
Peggy Krueger, Guild President
Rotary Club Meeting
Please come to the Philomath Rotary Club event on June 17th at noon in the fellowship hall of Peace Lutheran Church for Club Assembly.
The main presentation is “Lumina Hospice & Palliative Care” by Molly Gage, Social Services Clinical Manager. Lumina, formally known as Benton Hospice, has been serving the community for 45 years. Lumina is the only independent non-profit hospice in the area. In addition to their medical programs, Lumina offer caregiving, bereavement support, and community education.
We hope you can come and please remember lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to Lindy if you will be attending so we can plan the number of meals.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Peace will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday June 20th from 12 – 5 pm. There is a critical need for blood supplies and your donation will most definitely help save a life. Plenty of spots are available for sign-up, and each donor receives a $15 Amazon gift card via email. 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.
Peace’s 75th Anniversary
Did you hear the news? Peace is celebrating its 75th year in 2026. To build up the excitement for this, we need your help! Do you have any pictures to share of Peace’s past? Do you have stories or memories? We want them! We’ll take anything that you have! We are also thinking about Peace’s future as we pass 75 years. Do you have any dreams or desires for the future? We want to hear those too! See Pastor, Ellen, Molly, Holly or Janet if you have something to share!
Estate Planning Discussion
Getting To Know You
The new “Getting to know You” section of the newsletter will highlight 2 or 3 members of our congregation so you can get to know your neighbors better.
Ginny Tonelli & Patrick Kamins
Ginny and Patrick come to Peace from Massachusetts. They live here six months of the year and then return to their beloved state of Massachusetts. Ginny: Was born and raised in Massachusetts. She taught English and Ancient Civilizations to middle school students but also taught in the lower grade levels. Ginny loves to sing and has been an active member of “Sweet Adelines”. She loves singing in Peace’s choir. You will find Ginny with her precious German Shepherd, “Elke”. They are best friends. Ginny loves traveling to the scenic Oregon areas like the beach and Crater Lake. She loves crafting and especially knitting and crocheting. In Massachusetts she belonged to a group called the “Needlers”. Ginny wants everyone at Peace to know how very welcome everyone has made her feel. She is so grateful that God is in her life and Peace has been an enriching experience.
Patrick Kamins is Ginny’s partner. They “re-met” at their 50th class reunion and have become best friends ever since. They travel to and from Massachusetts each year and plan to continue this rotation. Patrick worked in higher education in Student Services and came to Oregon as an Administrative Assistant at the OSU Vet Medicine School in 1996.
He loves to travel, especially to Hawaii. One of his favorite memories to going to see Cirque du Soleil ‘s presentation to the Beatles in Las Vegas. Patrick loves music and running. He plays the guitar at church and especially enjoys participating in the “Praise Team” that meets during the summer. Patrick also gives guitar lessons at the Philomath library. Patrick has run 10 marathons, 21 triathlons and many 5K and 10K races. His love of track and field took him to Eugene to view the World Championships Track Meet, which he enjoyed immensely.
Be sure and say “Hi” to this delightful couple. They are a true joy to meet and an asset to our church.
Jackson Holroyd
Jackson is graduating from Philomath High School in June. He has big plans for his future. He has chosen to pursue a career in aviation. He is particularly interested in becoming a helicopter/commercial pilot and will be starting a 2-year course at Flight School at Bend, Oregon. Jackson likes to fish, fly airplanes, and “tinker” with old pickups and motorcycles. His favorite food is Mexican.
Be sure and tell him “Congratulations” and wish him well in his career endeavors.
Thank You From Our Mission Partners
What it Means to Be a Dad
As Father’s Day approaches, we can reflect on this poem written by one of our church family as a personal statement for what being a Dad is to him.
What a privilege
It is to be a “dad”
The best experience
Any man could have had
To be responsible
for spawning life
With the beautiful woman
Who stood as my wife
To be given the gift
Of feeling a child’s love
Is truly an honor
From heaven above
To share in that joy
Of watching them grow
A wonderful feeling
Some men never will know
Is it just that hunger
That most men feel
To nurture and care
For something that’s real
Or is it really
a selfish desire
to pass on our genes
by becoming a sire
of our parental action
nothing’s as fulfilling or rewards us
with as much satisfaction
even if adopted
with no biological connection
the love can still exist
to that peak of perfection
sometimes it’s not easy
there will be conflicts within roles
but all of the golden moments
can fill in the potholes
some experiences
can seem overcast and gray
but then when the sun shines
the clouds go away
so when I think of all
the things I have done
being a dad still ranks as my number one
whatever the reasons
