From the Pastor

Dear Peace family,

Be on the look out for ways to be a blessing at Peace in November. Each one of us (young and old) has a strong desire to live out Jesus’ teaching, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matt. 5:16).

Our church family is blessed to be in the center of a lot of opportunities to serve in Philomath and beyond. On November 8, Peace is hosting the Backpack Ministry’s work party at 11:00 am. A way to participate is to serve one hour packing backpacks. Another way to serve would be to supply items for the packing event. See the list in this newsletter for what those items might be. Toward the end of November, we will be sharing more details about ways to participate in the Vina Moses Giving Tree and Holiday Cheer initiatives.

We are closely monitoring Philomath Community Services (PCS) and their growing need to serve those in challenging circumstances. According to PCS, cuts to federal programs have resulted in a loss of over 20% of the food supply from Linn Benton Food Share. In addition to this, many people in our area will be experiencing a cut in SNAP benefits. How can Peace help? Our Peace council has generously agreed to supply PCS with a gift of $500. This amount is in addition to the $4,800 we have provided throughout the year. We can do even more.

Our worship service on Sunday, November 23 will be dedicated to the theme of thanksgiving. Time in the service will be set aside to share our thanksgivings. We will also collect a special offering that will go to help the ongoing needs at the food bank. A leader of non profits in the area has called the challenge a “convergence of crisis that is placing stress on all services.”

In a time of challenge for so many, it is important that we state what we are for, rather than merely what we are against. A recent survey by Barna asked, “Thinking about your faith, how do you feel, personally, in society today?” While 88 percent of the population of US adults felt that they were a “force of good”, 98 percent of practicing Christians responded that they were a “force of good.” The survey concluded that Christians feel that they are greatly needed in their communities and that if they were no longer present, the community would not be the same.

I agree with those findings. I truly believe that if Peace Lutheran Church were not a part of the Philomath community, there would be a feeling of great loss—things would not feel the same. The purpose, of course, for doing this is important to keep in mind. Jesus says, “so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Thank you for having an open mind and heart to serve. You are a great blessing to me!

In thanks, Pastor J

Peace by the Numbers

Plan for Worship

November 2 – 10:00am Worship service with Communion. All Saints Sunday.

November 9 – 10:00am Worship service outside on the patio. Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost.

November 16 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion. Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost.

November 23 – 10:00am Worship Service. Last Sunday of the church year.

November 30 – 10:00am Worship Service. First Sunday in Advent.

Missionary Update

Our Missionary Partner to Cambodia, J.P. Cima, is busy sharing the Gospel! Enjoy an update from him on his family’s activities to share the love of Jesus….

Greetings in Jesus’ name, friends at Peace in Philomath, from Phnom Penh!

It is a joy to write this email in celebration of God’s global mission and in gratitude for your partnership in it. Because of the prayers and generosity of so many, including you, our family is in our 19th year in Southeast Asia. Who ever thought that would happen!!?? God did, and He is using YOU to keep us going!  THANK YOU for praying for our family and for sending your financial gifts. They are an incredible encouragement to us. Here’s some snippets on what’s been happening the last several months.

J.P. continues to focus much of his time on teaching and discipleship. The youth group of Christ Lutheran Church (Phnom Penh) is always a highlight of the week, and this past week we had our largest group in some time! Speaking of Christ Lutheran Church, J.P. also completed three seminars on the “solas” of the Reformation—grace alone, faith alone, and Scripture alone—for that community. J.P. also recently received an invitation to teach for a Christian company in Phnom Penh, one of whose staff is a dear friend and fellow church member. 

Often, teaching takes J.P. out of Phnom Penh and into rural communities. J.P. is nearing completion of a series of seminars, in multiple locations, on Luther’s Small Catechism. Most recently, he completed teaching the Catechism in Kampong Seila, and has now started in Tbong Khmum. Tbong Khmum will be the final location in an effort that has taken 2 years! Other times, teaching takes J.P. to other countries. J.P. was excited to teach one course and co-teach another at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Baggio City, Philippines. He also recently did some teaching in Bangkok, Thailand.

Meanwhile, Aimee continues in her new role as Coordinator of Care and Development for Asia missionaries. The whole job is geared towards providing holistic care for missionaries and their families so that they can do what God has called them to do as well as possible for as long as possible. She loves it. She’s been full on the past weeks solidifying plans for our regional workgroup meetings in Taiwan in early November, as well as a family retreat in Germany in June. But she still manages to stay active in Cambodia, too, most recently by coordinating a retreat for deaconesses.

Though it was hard to say goodbye, Celeste has adjusted well to life in Richmond, VA, living with J.P.’s mom while studying at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). We are thankful for strong community she has in Richmond—with family, with Redeemer Lutheran Church, and with VCU—that has made her transition so smooth.

You are a part of all this. THANK YOU for being our team that prays for, encourages, and sends us to do this critical work in such a remarkable part of the world. It is our joy and privilege, but we can’t do it without you. Please reach out anytime and/or stay connected using the info below. We LOVE hearing from you.

God bless and keep you!

In Christ, JP, Aimee, Celeste, Bella, Isaac

New Bible Study — Philippians

In November and December we are going to explore Paul’s letter to this congregation he started on one of his many mission trips. This is a short letter, just four chapters long, but it is a rich letter, and a joyous letter!  Often Paul wrote letters dealing with problems in various congregations that Paul established. Good examples of these types of letters can be found in his first letter to the Corinthians and his letter to the Galatians. Paul is writing a very different letter to the Church in Philippi. We are going to explore what makes this letter unique!  

Topics we will look at include:

  • the unique location of this church;
  • when Paul visited this church and his unique calling to go there;
  • a bit of Roman Empire history;
  • thoughts on where Paul was when wrote this letter;
  • coaching for the congregation;
  • and the joy that was in his heart from our Lord Jesus when he penned this letter! 

Together we will see how in the difficult challenges of the time in which we live, this letter can still be an important voice of the Holy Spirit for us. 

Peace Men’s Breakfast

It is time for the Men’s First Saturday Breakfast!

November 1st — mark your calendars!  A hardy breakfast will be prepared by Head Chef Mark Koeppe and crew. Topic Discussion will be a look at the upcoming Sunday Adult Bible study on Philippians.

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 October 30th if you plan to attend. gutbrodo@oregonstate.edu or call 541-231-3954.  Do plan to attend!

Backpack Ministry Update

We are excited to share some updates as we plan the upcoming Philomath Backpack Ministry work parties. We now have three dates confirmed:

  • Saturday, November 8, 2025 @11 a.m.
  • Thursday, January 1, 2026 @11 a.m.
  • Monday, February 16, 2026 @11 a.m.

All events will take place at Peace Lutheran Church in Philomath (2540 Applegate Street).

A special thank-you goes to Jessica Wilhelm, who created a Facebook page for us: Philomath Backpack Ministry. In addition to email updates, you’ll find all event details and related information posted there.

We also want to introduce a new idea for the backpacks. This year, we’d like to include clean, gently-used sweatshirts or hoodies to help folks stay warm in colder weather. If you have extras in your closet that aren’t being worn, please consider donating. We’re aiming for about 50 items, though more are always welcome. If you’d like to help or have questions, please contact Diane at (541) 609-0018 or Jolene at (541) 231-2634. (This idea was inspired by hoodieforhomeless.com.)

For planning purposes, packing parties usually last about 1 to 1.5 hours, including group photos and cleanup. If you would like to donate supplies the list below indicates items we will need. Also, if you would like to make a monetary donation you can send checks to Peace Lutheran Church (please indicate Philomath Backpack Ministry in the memo line).

BACKPACK DONATION ITEMS NEEDED

When considering items to donate, avoid foods that require can openers or utensils to consume.

  • Peanut Butter container (small)

•    Tuna snack kit

  • Jerky

•    Fruit Snack

•    Rice Krispie Treat

  • Beef Stick

•    Granola Bars

• Cookies

• Applesauce Pouch

• Crackers

•  Yogurt Pouch

• Gum/mints

• Water Bottles

Free Somatic Workshop

Vikki Fuhrman is hosting a free workshop to help with increasing freedom of movement…

Posture, Presence, and Purpose: Move beyond stress and pain to refresh your gait, restore your posture, and reclaim your confidence. FREE Somatic Workshop November 21st, at Peace Lutheran Community Church, 11:00AM-12:00PM

  • Struggling with pain, or injury recovery? Connect your physical form to walk with ease,     

release tension, and pain. 

  • Discover techniques to cultivate an unwavering inner presence that grounds you in any

situation. 

  • Move beyond basic mindfulness to a powerful, integrated way of being. Stand taller, and feel stronger!

This isn’t just another workshop on stretching. We’ll explore the deeper connection between how you hold yourself physically and who you are authentically, so you can move beyond tension, pain, and basic mindfulness to a powerful, integrated way of being stronger in your body.

Granny’s Attic Thank You

I want to take a moment to let you know how much you are appreciated for the Granny’ s Attic donations. The sale couldn’t happen without all who made an effort to bring items to sell. I feel blessed to have you as my church family and together, we are able to give back to the community. Thanks,

Jani Burton

Red Cross Blood Drive

Peace will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Friday December 19th 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, 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.

Bazaar Thank You

On behalf of our church community, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who devoted your time, energy, and talents to make this year’s church bazaar a wonderful success. Your willingness to serve, your cheerful spirits, and your dedication to every detail did not go unnoticed.

Whether you helped set up displays, prepared delicious food, made and/or sold cookies, sponsored a basket, handled decorations, created items to sell, or greeted our guests with a warm smile, your contributions made a meaningful impact. The joy and fellowship that filled our church were a testament to your hard work and commitment.

Thanks to your efforts, we were able to create a memorable event for our congregation and the wider community. The funds raised will go a long way in supporting our ongoing programs and outreach initiatives.

We are truly blessed to have such a devoted group of volunteers, and we could not have done it without you. Thank you once again for your generosity, your kindness, and your unwavering support. May you be richly blessed for all that you have done.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Kay Glathar and the Ladies Guild