From the Pastor
Dear friends,
The thought for a long time was that the religion one chose determined the political outlook the person had. Makes sense! Study what Jesus says on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), then consider how to respond on a particular issue. Read the ten commandments (Exodus 20), then choose the person that you are going to support in an election.
According to research in the last decade, it is less likely that our religion is informing our politics. In fact, it is likely the other way around. More people are deciding their political worldview first, then deciding what church to attend or not attend. And unfortunately, more people identify as “nones.” These “nones” are not to be confused with religious nuns. “Nones” are people that often identify strongly with a political affiliation, but do not identify at all with any religious body.
It truly is best to look to God’s Word first for insight in how we view the leaders and people around us. Consider Galatians 5:22-25 as an excellent guide:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
How did I discover that I had an apple tree in my backyard? I observed that apples were growing on the branches! How can you tell if someone is living a life filled with the Holy Spirit? They display love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in their life.
Galatians 5:22-25 is also a good metric to judge whether we are making a difference in the world. Have we displayed love to the person in need, or did we disregard them? Have we been patient with our neighbor, or were we pushy in our opinion in our conversation? Were we gentle with our words, or forceful in our speech?
I like the way we operate at Peace. We are busy displaying the fruit of the Spirit!
Speaking of displaying fruit, Peace will be in the process soon of deciding which partners to support financially. This is our way to support those in need in our community. Our process is simple. Before the year begins, we decide which partners to support. Ten percent of all the general funds collected are then dispersed to our ministry partners throughout the year.
In 2025, Peace has given:
- Compassionate Ministries $1,286
- Philomath Youth Activities Club $863
- Camp Lutherwood $1,781
- We Care of Benton County $1,781
- Zion Lutheran School $1,781
- LCMS Northwest District $3,562
- Friends of the Family $1,781
- Corvallis for Refugees $863
- Cambodia Missionary $1,781
Let us (Pastor and Elders) know if you have any ideas of an organization worthy of partnership.
“Dear children, let us not love in word and speech, but in action and truth (I John 3:18).”
In thanks,
Pastor J
Peace by the Numbers
Plan for Worship
October 5 – 10:00am Worship service with Communion. Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost.
October 12 – 10:00am Worship service. Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost. LWML Sunday. Mite Box Sunday.
October 19 – 10:00am Worship Service with Communion. Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost.
October 26 – 10:00am Worship Service. Reformation Sunday.
Adult Bible Study
October 5 “Sent” — What does it mean that we are sent? What difference does it make? Knowing that we are loved motivates us to take action. Being sent means that God officially sends us and goes with us. We are a part of God’s mission—not just a personal project! To truly be prepared for discussion, consider reading Loved and Sent: Pages 27-28, 53-60, 119-122.
October 12 Visit from the Heins family — Pastor Heins served Peace Lutheran Church from 1960 to 1971. The Heins children will be visiting us for the Sunday School hour to share more about their time in Philomath growing up in the 1960’s. All are welcome to hear about God’s work done through his people as we celebrate Peace’s 75 years of existence!
October 19 “Sent to Love” — What does it mean to love our neighbor as ourselves? What are some specific ways that we can go with God’s love and share it with someone desperate for it? To truly be prepared for discussion, consider reading Loved and Sent: Pages 127-141.
October 26 “Sent to Go” — Sometimes we feel unqualified or afraid to be a part of God’s Commission. We are qualified and we can go. This week we will be encouraged to identity and contact one person who is need of God’s love. To truly be prepared for discussion, consider reading Loved and Sent: Pages 157-175.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Peace will host a Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday October 14th 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 $10 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.
Decorating the Church for Fall
We are looking for items to decorate the church for fall. Specifically, we need cornstalks, pumpkins, gourds, etc., to decorate outside and for the bazaar. If you could provide one or two items, that would be a great help. Please put your donated items in the kitchen on the counter or right inside the west door to the fellowship hall. Please talk to Sally S. for additional information.
Ladies Guild Update
Guild is in the midst of producing beautiful items for the annual Bazaar to be held Saturday, October 25, 8:30-2:30. Please note the opening and closing times as they are different from the past. Proceeds from the Bazaar go back to the communities of Philomath and Corvallis and to our Church. Please check out the beautiful quilt that is being raffled at $5.00/ticket; you can get a ticket from Maggie Baker or any Guild member. You may be the lucky winner this year! Our monthly meeting is Thursday, October 2 at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to come and be a part of this group. Guild will be collecting nonperishable donations to benefit Nancy’s Food Pantry and PCS Gleaners at each meeting this year. If you need a list of suggested items, see below.
Remember, MITE BOX SUNDAY is October 12. If you need a box to collect your loose change in, please seek Peggy Krueger out, or bring your change forward in a plastic snack bag. Another big celebration on October 12 is LWML Sunday. We celebrate our mother organization that allows us to participate in giving to organizations and people of the world through mites. Also, women of the church are encouraged to wear something purple, the color chosen by LWML to represent their joy in “Serving the Lord with Gladness.”
NANCY’S FOOD PANTRY AND PCS GLEANERS
Most wanted donation items:
- Canned meat (corned beef, hams, Spam, chicken, tuna, salmon, fish
- Condiments: mustard, ketchup, pickles, etc. Spices of all kinds
- Canned entrees: Rice-a-Roni, Hamburger Helper etc.
- Ready to Eat Soups, Pasta, Rice, Canned Vegetable, Canned Fruit, Peanut butter, Canned beans
- Dessert & Baking Mixes (cake, cornbread, biscuit, etc.)
- Jams, jellies, syrups
- Feminine Hygiene Products, Laundry Soap: Powdered or Pods
- Personal care items: toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, disposable razors Prefer small family-sized items rather than bulk-sized. Cannot distribute perishables.
Cookies Anyone?
Do you love baking? Please consider making cookies for “The Cookie Jar” where our guests can purchase an assortment of cookies by the dozen(s). This is an incredibly popular area of the bazaar. If you can believe it, last year we sold out of over 120+ DOZEN cookies! Yowza! You can bake now and freeze!
And of course, bazaars are the best place to find delicious Tasty Treats such as pies, cupcakes, muffins, holiday breads, cookie mixes, candy creations, snack mixes, and more. Most can be made ahead and frozen as well.
Ladies Guild Holiday Bazaar
Please note the updated time change for the Bazaar this year!!!
What is Granny’s Attic?
For those of you that don’t know, Granny’s Attic is an extension of our annual bizarre. We take in donations of gently used items. Proceeds from the sale of these items benefit organizations in and around Philomath. During the bazaar, Granny’s Attic will be set up in two of the classrooms off the Fellowship Hall. The bazaar is rapidly approaching. Meaning it’s time to think about how you can help. Donations will be accepted now through Sunday, October 20th (please NO clothes, shoes, or large items). So, think about cleaning out a drawer, closet, or garage, and please keep us in mind. For questions, pick up, or delivery contact Jani B. 541.740.4650
Pictures from Rally Day
Getting To Know You
The “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.
Sophia and Matthew Snyder
Sophia and Matthew Snyder are a delightful, interesting couple to get to know. I will tell you a little bit about them. Please introduce yourself to them and ask them more questions that you have.
Sophia: Sophia is actively serving God as she has progressively grown up in Him for the past 51 years. She has had theology training at Greater Works Outreach Bible School and is currently attending Warrior Notes School of ministry for further theology training. She has had a multitude of job experiences ranging from grocery and retail. medical care and chaplaincy of the elderly, to the corporate office in a gas company, and a student in disciplines of fashion, theatre, and ministry. She states that “she loves to learn and makes no apology about it.” She has a goal of starting a nonprofit. She believes everyone has a call and she is just going along with the flow with God while serving others. Sophia’s natural talents are art, loving to read, nature walks and visiting museums. Sophia was an immigrant from Germany and had the uniqueness of having a green card and English as her second language. She grew up in Pittsburg, PA and her father worked in the steel industry.
Matthew: Matthew has a career of over 50 years as an engineer and is still working. He completed his PhD in his 20’s while also serving the USA in Vietnam. Matthew loves skiing, bicycling, scuba diving and reading. He is also a ham radio enthusiast. Matthew grew up in West Virginia in a household where his father was an entrepreneur in lumber and construction.
Together for 31 years, Matthew and Sophia have been in Toastmasters and have tried new things that stretch them. They love to travel and meet people of different cultures like Hispanics, African Americans and American Indians. They support many causes of justice, human rights, and the unborn child. Together they say, “thank you for the opportunity to connect with the Peace Body of Christ.” And Peace lovingly welcomes this couple to our church.
Philomath Open Studios Tour
The annual Philomath Open Studio Tour is coming soon and this year we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary! “POST” is a free self-guided art event during the last two weekends in October from noon to 5 pm. This year the Tour will take place on October 18 & 19 and the next weekend, October 25 & 26.
And as a part of the Anniversary celebration, POST artists currently have an exhibit at the Giustina Gallery in the LaSells-Stewart Center on the OSU campus from until Oct. 20. There will also be an exhibit at the Benton County Historical Museum in Philomath from October 18 until January 10, 2026. Two more opportunities to see beautiful artwork by local artists.
This year’s Tour features 30+ artists (old and new) in 13 unique locations including Lumos Winery, the Philomath Scout Lodge, the new Philomath Art Building (on Main Street), and Imagine Coffee as well as 9 home studios. The wide variety of artwork varies from ceramics to printmaking, painting, drawing, metal work and sculpture as well as glasswork and bead work. There will be some new artists this year featuring some other new unique types of artwork.
Visit www.philomathopenstudios.com to find a map with studio locations and artist information. You can also find the brochure as well as information about all the artists involved in this year’s Tour. The website contains profiles of the participating artists, with statements and images of their works. And the map will help you plan your Tour.
Brochures are available at various locations in Philomath and Corvallis. (Pick up sites are listed on the website.) Plan your route and follow the bright yellow “Hand” directional signs to find the studios!
Classes offered by Love, Inc. This Fall
Thank You from Our Mission Partners
