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The
Broadcast News for God’s People at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church
February 2017
P e a c e W i t h C h r i s t L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
1412 West Swallow Road
Fort Collins, Colorado 80526
970-226-4721
[email protected] or [email protected]
www.pwchrist-fc.org
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Contents
Church Staff & Church Council Listing……………….... Page 3
From Pastor’s Desk……………………………………… Page 4
Marilyn’s Memo…………………………………………. Page 6
Youth Activities…….…………………………………… Page 7
Letter from Preschool…………………………………… Page 8
Article by Hannah Walters……..………………………. Page 9
LWML…………………………………………………… Page 10
Council Minutes “Minute”………………………………. Page 11
News & Announcements
Joy Circle……...………………………………………. Page 13
TAG.…………………………......…………………….. Page 13
Invitation……………..………….…………………….. Page 13
“Education and the Catechisms”………………………. Page 15
St. Valentine……………………..…………………….. Page 17
Anniversaries…………………….…………………..…. Page 18
Birthdays….……………………………………………. Page 19
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Pe a c e Wi t h Chr i s t S ta f f & L e a d er sh ip
Church Staff
David Magruder—Pastor
Renee Huismann—Preschool Director
Marilyn Lasich—Youth Coordinator
Hannah Walters—Administrator of Education & Music
Marcy Petago—Office Manager
Church Elders with telephone numbers
Ray Kaiser, 223-0987
Dan Krueckeberg—Worship Elder, 988-1168
Brian Lacey—Staff Elder, 213-9056
Wes Nierman—Head Elder, 226-5936
Aaron Peterson, 988-3656
Michael Rohlfs, 482-2663
Church Council
Paul Rubel—President
Dan Prevedel—Vice President
Karen Carlson—Secretary
Lisa Bernhardt—Treasurer
Amy Hoy—Early Childhood Preschool Chairperson
Kelley Pichel—Education Chairperson
Dan Prevedel—Endowment Fund Committee Chairperson
Rhonda Kaiser—Evangelism Chairperson
Pat Juchartz & Connie Jesser—Fellowship Chairperson
Betty Keeney—Hands in Harmony Chairperson
Open—Head Trustee
Teri Frerichs—Missions & Ministry Chairperson
Lori French—Youth Ministry Chairperson
Prayer Chain
Cheryl Harsen—Coordinator – Phone #229-1459
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From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Friends in Christ,
“All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to
himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in
Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting
their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message
of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19)
A number of years ago I spent four days at the Navy Construction
Battalion (SeaBees) Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, attending a
class entitled “Human Factors in Conflict Management.” The
course was sponsored by the Navy Chaplain Corps and intended to
equip chaplains with tools to help manage conflict. It was one of
the better non-theological continuing education courses I’ve
attended. I say “non-theological” because the tools for conflict
management provided by the instructors were not explicitly drawn
from the Christian tradition.
I learned some good techniques to help work through conflicts and
ways to assist others in working through various unpleasant
interpersonal relations. Yet it struck me that no matter how
successfully we might use these techniques to resolve conflict we
will only create a temporary peace. I kept coming back to the
thought that there is only one long-term answer to the conflicts that
too often strain our relationships with others.
The answer is Jesus. It sounds simplistic doesn’t it? Its not
simplistic but it is simple. True resolution to conflict and peace
come by the Prince of Peace, Jesus. Knowing His forgiveness
allows us to share that forgiveness with others.
The reason for conflict in this world, between nations, individuals
and in our congregation, is sin. It is the broken relationship
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between God and His creatures that is played out in our
interactions with others. Sinful people do sinful things. We
confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We honestly
admit that we are poor miserable sinners. We argue with our
spouse, we are disobedient to our parents, we slander our co-
workers or fellow church members with gossip – all of these
actions are symptoms of the fatal disease of sin.
No three-ring binder of materials or PowerPoint presentation can
fix sin. We can’t manage sin. Sin must be put to death… and it
was. Our sins and the sins of the whole world were put to death by
Christ’ death on the cross. When we confess our sins and receive
God’s forgiveness we are set free from the penalty of sin. Jesus’
death reconciled us to God.
The forgiveness that we receive from Jesus is the lasting answer to
conflicts brought about by our sin. The forgiveness we receive
from Jesus is the gift that moves us to seek peace with others. In
2nd Corinthians 5:20, St. Paul reminds us that we are ambassadors
for Christ. We give out to others what has first been given to us –
forgiveness from Jesus.
Many of the people with whom we have disagreements don’t know
the forgiveness of Christ. That sometimes makes the resolution of
conflict hard to achieve but we can share with them the message of
reconciliation that is found in Christ. We can love them as Christ
loved us and thereby point them to Jesus.
Your Servant for Jesus’ sake,
Pastor David B Magruder
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M a r i l yn ’ s Mem o
Treasuring our gifts from God and the fruits of the spirit!
Dear PWC Family,
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control;”
Galatians 5:22-23a
Gifts from God: Life, love, all good things, family, friends,
Jesus, salvation, grace, forgiveness and His Word!
You may be wondering what these two lists have in
common? For this article, it is the Youth members of PWC! If you
attended early service on Christmas Eve, you were able to see and
hear our young members sharing the Good News of Christ’s Birth
through songs, scripture and actions. We are blessed with many
talented youth members!
Did you know that within our Youth group there are
talented and budding artists, authors, actors/actresses, comedians,
musicians and vocalists? (Not to mention all our athletes and
scholars!). As this article is meant to entice you to attend the Youth
Valentine’s Dinner, I will focus on those talents showcased by it.
The Youth Valentine Dinner is a long standing annual event here
at Peace with Christ. While this is a fundraiser to help our youth
attend Higher Things and the LVR Catechism Retreat, it also
provides other benefits to the participants. This event has evolved
over the years and has a different theme each year. This year we
will be presenting the PWC Youth Groups own versions of classic
fairy tales! We haven’t quite come up with a title for the night so
please watch for your invitation in your mailbox!
As we work together to build scenery/sets, finalize
scripts/narratives, rehearse skits/songs I see the youth members
working and growing together in joy and love for each other
through this time of fellowship. We all learn to show more
patience, kindness, gentleness and self-control during the long
hours spent together. We grow in tolerance and forgiveness
because we will get on each other’s nerves!
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During these weeks as we are preparing a pleasant and
entertaining for our guests with the help of God the participants are
building friendships with each other. It is my hope this event will
encourage our young members to continue to grow in their faith
through Bible Study, worship and Youth activities with their
friends! It is my prayer every year that these friendships will be
able to help, strengthen and sustain our youth in their faith as they
face challenges in school and life.
Please plan to show your support of Youth and their many
gifts and talents by attending the Youth Valentine’s Dinner,
February 11 at 5:30 pm.
Have a wonderful month!
Marilyn
Y o u t h Ac t i v i t i e s
Valentine’s Dinner Work Day – February 4th, 10 – 4 pm! We
will need this time to finish all sets and rehearsals! I will send out a
schedule of what we are doing so you can plan to come when
needed!
Valentine’s Dinner Work Day, Wed., Feb. 8, 6 – 7 pm –
rehearsal for those able to attend. Vocalists and musicians will be
able to rehearse with Hannah.
Valentine’s Dinner Work Day, Feb. 10 – 3pm – 6 pm – setting
up room, decorating meal prep!
Valentine’s Dinner!! Feb. 11 – 10 am – noon – final rehearsals,
decorating and meal prep. Back at 3 or 4 pm until clean-up is
completed. Sign-ups are posted.
February 15 – Youth Fun Night – come for an evening of games,
food, movies and fun!! Sign-up.
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A Letter From Preschool
Dear PwC Friends,
Calling all Heroes and Heroines:
Seek justice, love, and mercy. Walk humbly with our God.”
Micah 6:8
February is always full of “lovely” things to do and learn. In our
Preschool we always focus on Jesus’ unconditional love. It’s HIS
love that brings us all together. It’s HIS love that brings sense into
our world.
This month our classroom will talk about Presidents---new and
those of the past. This year is especially exciting with electing a
new president and all the things that take place in that process. We
will also talk about shadows (Ground Hog Day) 100th day of
school and Valentines’ Day!
Preschool registration for the coming new school year began Feb.
1. Registration is open to returning families and members of PWC
first. After April 1, admission is open to all that apply. Tell others
about our Preschool. You are our best advertisers! God Bless Our
Preschool. A few changes to registration for the new school year:
we will offer 5 mornings a week for Preschool, and continue with
the 2 afternoons for KT class—if there is enough interest. There
must be at least 4 children who will be 5 yrs old by Dec. 15 to
qualify for KT.
Keep God’s Promises Preschool in your prayers.
Jesus is our Hero,
Mrs. H.
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Administrator of Education and Music Hannah Walters
Dear PWC,
I thought I’d take a moment to update you on some exciting
things that are happening here at Peace With Christ. After
returning from their winter break, ChristLife members finished
their study of Ecclesiastes. This particular chapter in the Bible is
difficult for those in the midst of their education to study as King
Solomon frequently states “All is vanity!”, “Toil is vanity”, and
“Wisdom is vanity” (Ecclesiastes 1 and 2). Only after powerful
and vivid images of old age and approaching death does Solomon
offer readers the comfort that the Lord our God has given us His
Word so that we might know Him, His Commandments, and His
promises. ChristLife will continue Tuesday night Bible studies as
we begin Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.
As the PWC Sunday School program progresses into its
winter lesson plans, students will be following the theme “Jesus
Shows He is True God”, examining accounts where Jesus
demonstrates His divine power through miracles and other
wonders. New memory verses and work will be posted on the
board near the kitchen. Please encourage your children to select
pieces to memorize and recite for their teachers.
It’s time to start thinking about Lent! If this comes as quite
a shock to you, I assure you, you’re not alone. The church is in a
constant state of planning and preparation. During the Epiphany
Season, we take time to focus on the revelation of “who” Jesus is:
both true God and man. During Lent, the Church's worship
assumes a more penitential character. The LSB contains truly
beautiful hymns and the choir will be singing some of them
throughout these next few months. If you enjoy singing in church
and would like the opportunity to sing more, consider joining the
Peace With Christ Choir! No musical experience is necessary. All
you need is free time on Thursday evenings at 7 p.m.
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One final note, I would be remiss if I again forgot to
include my sincere thanks for all of the encouraging words and
acts of kindness that came my way during the Christmas season as
well as my time here at PWC. The congregation of Peace with
Christ has clearly been blessed with many and different gifts. It is a
joy to serve here.
In Christ,
Hannah Walters
L u t he ra n Wom e n in
M i s s i on
Program: Monday, February 13th @6:30pm in the Fellowship
Hall Come for dessert and fellowship at 6:30pm. Then, at 7pm,
Christie will lead a manuscript study on Psalm 145. Kay Rubel has
devotions. Hostesses are Christie Peebles and Colleen Rohlfs.
Welcome all ladies of PWC!
• Mites are mighty! LWML's mite box for World Missions will be
in the Narthex on Sunday, February 5th. Your donations support
National and District grant recipients at home and around the
globe. Check out www.rmdlwml.org for more information.
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• We're looking for 2017 Bazaar Fund Recipients! If you know
a college student pursuing a Lutheran vocation, please submit
his/her name with a brief bio, their area of study and year/status in
school to Christie Peebles. Proposals will be accepted until March
15th.
• Attending a wedding or baby shower in the near future? See Kay
Rubel for the perfect handmade gifts, tea towels and baby
blankets! Proceeds support next year's Bazaar Fund recipients.
• LWML's Executive Board meets next on Monday, February
27th at 6:30pm in the home of Bev Russman. All ladies are
welcome to attend this business meeting.
Council Minutes “Minute”
The Council Minutes Minute gives you the opportunity to see
potentially important information several weeks before the
approval of the actual Minutes. Copies of the approved Minutes for
Council and Congregation Meetings will be available in the
Narthex. Approved Minutes are also posted on the PWC website.
These minutes reflect business conducted at the Council Retreat on
1/7/17 and the Council Meeting on 1/16/17.
Appointments: Approved appointments for the Endowment
Fund Committee: Howard Walters, Brian Lacey and Michael
Rohlfs.
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Initial revision of the By-laws is done and a Procedures Manual
is being developed that will provide capture some of the
information that were removed from the By-laws regarding
Council Positions, Committees, etc. The Bylaws will be
brought before the congregation once everything is complete.
After discussion about developing the 2017 Council
Goals/Focus, it was decided to ask PWC members “Keeping
the PWC Mission Statement in mind, what do you wish for
PWC for 2017”. Announcements will be made and copies of
the Mission Statement with a place for a written response given
to everyone to complete.
Council began reviewing and discussing the “Wishes for
PWC” that had been turned in. The Council appreciates
everyone who has given thought to and turned in their wishes
so far! The opportunity for members to turn in their wishes will
remain open through at least the end of January.
Council is working with the Long-Range Capital Improvement
Committee to develop a survey for PWC members to identify
priorities on potential improvements and / or changes to the
facility.
Respectfully Submitted,
Karen Carlson
Council Secretary
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News and Announcements
Joy Circle
We will meet on Thursday, February 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in the
Fellowship Hall. Hostesses are Bev Russman and Sharon Wiesner.
Devotions will be led by Pat Stegner and we will have a Bible
study. All ladies are invited to attend.
TAG
(Tuesday Afternoon Group)
On Tuesday, February 7th at noon. All are welcome to come and
enjoy fellowship and a potluck meal with everyone bringing a dish
to share. This will be followed by a Bible study led by Pastor
Magruder at 1:00 p.m.
Valentine’s Dinner Invitation
You are cordially invited to the Youth Valentine’s Dinner!
February 11, 5:30 pm – please join is for an evening of laugher,
music, fun, good food and fellowship! Sign-up is on the bulletin
board near the mailboxes. Questions – contact Marilyn Lasich.
Scrip Cards (Gift Cards)
Valentine’s Day is coming soon – check out the Youth scrip/gift
cards for all your gift and dinner needs! We have cards for
Applebee’s, Bonefish Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, Carrabba’s.
Chili’s, Cracker Barrel, I-Hop, Macaroni Grill, Old Chicago, Olive
Garden, On the Border, Outback, Panera, Qdoba, Red Lobster, Red
Robin, Rock Bottom Brewery, Texas Roadhouse on hand and
other gift cards from $10 - $100! Do your shopping with us and
painlessly support our Youth group!
Fat Sunday? Why Not!
We're trying something new this year prior to the start of Lent.
Instead of Shrove Tuesday, let's have a potluck and dessert
blowout on Sunday evening, February 26. Details forthcoming in
weekly bulletins and announcements.
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Bible Class Treats
For a little over a year now, members of Council have been taking
turns providing goodies for Adult Bible Class, and decided it was
time to extend the opportunity to all members. We ask that you
bring four dozen treats of your choice (donuts, sweet breads,
bagels, fruits, etc.), to be enjoyed during fellowship and class. You
have the option of being reimbursed or covering the cost yourself,
as an offering. If you haven't attended class in a while, you might
want to do so. We don't know if it's Pastor (wink,wink), or just the
treats, but the word is out, the Word is there and we're growing!
Folks signed up for February, are as follows:
2/5 - Rubel, 2/12 - Weisner, 2/19 - Siegfried,
2/26 - Deb Knapp
A Look Ahead….March 1st is Ash Wednesday and our Lenten
season begins and leads to the resurrection of our Lord on Easter
Sunday April 16th.
Book Club
Christ in the Classics Book Club will meet Friday, February 3rd at
6:30p.m. at Mari Peterson’s house, 11570 CR 78, Eaton. We will
continue examining John Bunyan’s “The Pilgrim’s Progress” and
Luther’s influence on his writings. Please join us in our fellowship.
We welcome everyone! Call 970-988-3656 with any questions.
Radio Broadcast
Please remember this wonderful outreach ministry. Sign up to
sponsor a Sunday for $90.00. You’ll find a sign-up sheet posted
across from the kitchen. The radio broadcast can also be heard in
southern Wyoming and southwest Nebraska. It is so wonderful for
those who are unable to attend church to listen every Sunday
morning.
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EDUCATION AND THE CATECHISMS
Luther being taken
to school
The Event
The Reformation was about education as much as it was
about reforming the church. Luther’s education, ultimately a
Doctor of Theology degree, began with his father’s determination
to see Martin succeed.
As a result of Luther’s insistence on “faith alone” and after
years of controversy, he observed the religious chaos in the
churches of Saxony, Germany, due to the lack of Christian
education. Luther: “The deplorable condition in which I found
religious affairs during a recent visitation of the congregations has
impelled me to publish this Catechism…the people have no
knowledge of…Christian doctrine, and many of the pastors are
ignorant and incompetent teachers.” The “deplorable conditions”,
motivated Luther to write the Large and Small Catechisms and
published them in 1529.
What Luther Says
Luther recognized the need for urgent educational
improvement and reform. There were no public school systems.
Teaching was often limited to the children of the wealthy. Luther
wrote that for Christian education to flourish, parents must nurture
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their offspring in the teachings of the Bible. Luther knew that, in
order to carry out this responsibility, suitable materials were
needed.
Luther wrote the Catechism because of (1) the absence of
any effective learning tools available to preachers and teachers and
(2) the absence of any readable texts available for the German
parents. In Luther’s view, education is crucial to the advancement
of the Gospel; and that Scripture is the basis of education for
believers saved only by God’s grace through faith. As he said: “I
am afraid that the schools will prove the very gates of hell, unless
they diligently labor in explaining the Holy Scriptures and
engraving them in the heart of the youth.”
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod’s Doctrinal Position
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod believes that
Christian education is crucial to the advancement of the Gospel;
that Scripture is the basis of Christian education for believers saved
only by God’s grace through faith. The LC-MS uses the Catechism
as its basic Christian educational text because Luther based the
Catechism on the foundation of Christ’s inspired Word, the Bible.
The Catechism is a summary of the truths of God’s Word and the
basis for the doctrine and the beliefs of the LC-MS. The LC-MS
believes that the Catechism should also be used as a prayer book
for individuals and families in their meditations each day.
The Catechism is used in confirmation instruction because
it has the six “wheels” (i.e., the 10 Commandments, Lord’s
Supper, Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, Holy Communion and the
Apostles Creed) that enable the doctrine of Lutheranism to be
moved into the hearts and minds of all people.
The LC-MS is a respected leader in the field of Christian
education. We place great emphasis on instruction in the Word.
We recognize this as one of the most effective ways of reaching
out boldly with the Gospel. The LC-MS and the Rocky Mountain
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District support many Lutheran educational institutions. As of
2013, there were 1285 Early Childhood Centers (not connected
with a school), 880 elementary schools, 90 junior/senior high
schools, nine universities and two seminaries. Within the RMD in
2015, there are 36 Early Childhood Centers, 26 Early Childhood
Elementary schools and 1 High School.
Next Month: Luther and the Bible
St. Valentine
On February 14th the Church remembers this holy martyr.
The story of St. Valentine is in large part unknown. Pope
Gelasius would write many centuries after Valentine’s death that
he is among many “whose names are justly reverenced among
men, but whose acts are known only to God.” It is known that
Valentine continued confessing Christ that until his death. Under
Emperor Claudius II around AD 270, Valentine died a martyr’s
death in Rome.
Without any kind of certainty, tradition has suggested that
Valentine was a doctor and a priest. He was a man known by his
kindness and tender care of others in body and in soul. Similar to
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our Lord Jesus Christ who healed the ailments of the body and
brought peace to the soul with His words of promise and hope.
The day Valentine was to face his martyrdom he wrote a
small note of encouragement to the daughter of his jailer. The
young girl had come to love this godly man and was grieved at the
thought of his death. Valentine knew that because of Christ’s death
and resurrection that death was a defeated enemy. So his note to
the young lady brought her comfort.
Valentine had lived and served, loved and died a witness to
the invincible love of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Celebrating the Saints” by William Weedon
Rick & Gail Lane February 14
Ken & Betty Keeney February 24
Steve & Anne Yeldell February 27
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Cassie Smith February 1
Christie Peebles February 2
Sierra Rohlfs February 2
Brittany Barker February 3
Kerri Fagan February 4
Cheryl Harsen February 4
Glenn Mulholland February 4
Tracie Roth February 6
Claire Hoy February 8
Becca Klyczek February 12
Amanda Nierman February 12
Shelley Nywall February 12
Ron Thaemert February 13
Vern Carlson February 14
Darcie Johnson February 14
Logan Mohr February 14
Julie Ward February 16
Harry Krueckeberg February 17
Ray Kaiser February 18
Lori French February 19
Colten Mohr February 19
Martha Pforr February 22
Chris Maiorka February 24
Brent Hoffner February 27
Beckie Neuhaus February 27
Roger Gunlikson February 28
Madelyn Smith February 28
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