Words from the Pastor
Dear Peace family,
“How are things going at Peace?” Due to the challenges and complexities of the times we are living, it has been difficult to come up with an answer. I’d like to dedicate this brief newsletter article to answering the “How are things going at Peace?” question that so many of you are wondering.
Celebration
No matter what season of life, God gives much to celebrate. We can give thanks to God and give Him the glory for these specific items:
- Giving. Giving is slightly up for the first three months of the year (2021) compared to the first three months of last year (2020). Expenses are lower than a year ago. Praise the Lord! Thank you for your contributions to keep our ministry and mission going!
- Worship. Peace is now offering in-person worship. We are connecting with between 60 and 70 people, while keeping social distancing and wearing masks. This is about as many people that we can have in the building at the same time with the current restrictions. Praise the Lord for all those who assist in preparing, planning and attending our services!
- Livestream Worship. Who would have thought that we’d be offering worship the way that we are at Peace? We didn’t have any of the necessary equipment to offer online worship one year ago. And we really didn’t have a team in place to do this either. We now have all of the equipment and a team of people to help. Praise the Lord! And yes, we could use one or two more volunteers to help if you are willing and able.
Challenges
We have challenges too in life. It is always important to name them, make a plan and place those challenges into the Lord’s hands.
- Losses. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost close ones. We know as Christians that we can hold onto hope while grieving (I Thessalonians 4:13-14), but it certainly helps to have family, friends and loved ones with us. There have been too many losses at Peace this year without the ability to mourn together.
- Community Connection. Peace has thrived in the past when it meaningfully connected to the community. Bridges into the community include community meetings (like Rotary and the Chamber), the Ladies Bazaar and concerts on the patio. Unfortunately, many of those meetings and gatherings have been put on hold.
Moving Forward
God has a plan for Peace. Although we might not know the specifics of the plan, God desires to strengthen our relationships in three areas: UP, IN and OUT.
UP—This refers to our relationship with God. How is God pursuing us? How are we pursuing Him?
IN—This refers to our relationships with fellow believers at Peace and other churches. Are those relationships being deepened?
OUT—This refers to our relationships with non-Christians. Are we able to share our faith? Are we able to genuinely listen to their joys, concerns and doubts?
It is a great blessing to be on this journey with you. I am very confident about the time ahead at Peace. I believe that God is going to strengthen us in our UP, IN, and OUT relationships. This is what will give us better balance and joy.
In His Joy,
Pastor J
Cardwell Hill Cellars Wins Award!
Cardwell Hill Cellars of Philomath has been named Winery of the Year 2021 by the Wine Press Northwest.
From the Gazette Times (April 19, 2021): “This publication covers the wine industry in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, Idaho and British Columbia, Canada. Three Cardwell Hill Pinot Noir wines captured platinum medals in recent competitions.
The winery and vineyard are family-owned and -operated. Dan Chapel and his wife Nancy purchased their property at 24241 Cardwell Hill Drive in 2000 and have since added 50,000 plants to the existing vineyard. They produce pinot noir, chardonnay, pinot gris and rose from pinot noir. The vineyards are certified sustainable by both LIVE and Salmon Safe.”
The tasting room is open 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily.
A New Directory!
There is a new church directory in the works. If you have an update, addition, correction, or a new picture to add just contact Jim and Ellen Holroyd at [email protected] or you can call them on their home phone. It will be exciting to have an all new directory including our new friends and members!
Notes from our Friends
In Person Sunday School
We are beginning a new Adult Sunday School class at 10 am this Sunday in the sanctuary. We’ll be looking at six miracles in John’s Gospel over six weeks and discovering God’s unique way of being present with us no matter where we are. This class will also be offered online through Zoom too (be looking for a Zoom invite in the next few days). Here is the plan:
April 25 – Week 3: God Is with You in the Storm, John 6:18-20
May 2 – Week 4: God Is with You in the Dark, John 9:17, 24-25
May 9 – Week 5: God Is with You in the Valley, John 11:25-26
May 16 – Week 6: God Is with You When You Need Grace, John 21:15
Easter Thank You!
The Easter Cross turned out absolutely beautiful! Carole Gutbrod sends out a thank you to each person who dropped off flowers. She says there was a great selection!
Happy Easter!
Easter isn’t Over!
In the Church, we are currently in the Easter Season! We may have celebrated the victorious and risen Lord on “Easter Sunday” but saying Happy Easter can go on until Pentecost, which is May 23! So, for the next few weeks we will continue to wish you – Happy Easter!
Volunteering when you are NEW!
Written by Sharon Starr
We are total newbies when it comes to ushering or helping out at church otherwise. The good thing about ushering is that it isn’t rocket science (or science of any kind for that matter). All it takes is a willingness to serve.
We were a little hesitant maybe, about helping with ushering, but decided that our desire to serve was greater than our fear of making mistakes. We have found that we enjoy it. The one benefit is that we are getting to know and reconnect with members of our church family after a year of being distanced. It really is pretty easy. The training was well led and was encouraging. We are not expected to be perfect. If you are not sure of the process, there is always someone to ask. It seems that people are glad to see us and have us there. What we receive is greater than what we give. If there is anyone interested in serving, we would recommend giving it a try. It’s fun and rewarding! Craig and Sharon
Community Bible Study
Do you feel like a prisoner to your own fears? Are you controlling your emotions or are they controlling you? Do you wonder why you do things you know are bad for you? If you answer yes to any of these questions you are experiencing Spiritual bondage.
MEN AND WOMEN please join us for an 11 week bible study by Beth Moore, “Breaking Free” a bible study for freedom from spiritual bondage.
Fridays @ 7:00 PM
May 7 to July 16
At
New Life Fellowship
1412 Applegate St.
Philomath, OR 97370
Contact Jody Heath at 541-740-6857 for information and to register. Register before April 29 to allow book arrival. Cost for book is $17. Financial aid and childcare are provided.
