Christmas time is upon us again! Is there anyone who sees it as a restful time? With the holiday program at our child’s school, the company Christmas party, the decorating and cooking, and of course, the shopping for the perfect gift, our pace is hectic. By the time Christmas Day arrives we are breathless. That’s ironic, since Christmas is the way to rest, perfect rest, as God purposed it.

A long time ago God sent a special messenger to remind the people of Israel that Christmas is the way to perfect rest. The messenger’s name was John the Baptist. He lived in the Judean desert, dined on odd holiday fare (locusts and wild honey), and spent his time preaching about Christmas rest. The Bible describes him, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.’”

Considering that we run ourselves breathless, going this way and that, and making little headway in this wilderness, John’s preaching is timely. He preached about the way that brings rest, which he called “a highway for our God.” He said that this way would be revealed for all mankind to see, and it was this: God’s

eternal Son was born into the world from the Virgin Mary as the sinless man Jesus Christ. Jesus had come to save all people from their sins. Jesus had come to save all people from their sins, and by doing so, provide the way of perfect rest. John also preached that to catch one’s breath on the “Jesus highway” one needed to prepare.

But don’t worry! This preparation is not another task to be crammed into an already hectic schedule. He was talking about the inner preparation of the heart. John preached about confessing our sinfulness to God (repent) and trusting in Jesus. He also

preached how this happens, and it is not through our personal willpower to reprioritize. Rather he said that God gives these gifts to our heart through Scripture and baptism for salvation.

Since God promises to work in our heart through these means, it reminds us of something essential. Before we begin each new week’s rat race, we need to pull off at God’s rest stop, the church. We will hear during Christmas and throughout the year that Jesus is the highway to heaven, and that this is not a hectic expressway of personal achievements, but a way of perfect

(Continued on page 2)

Newsletter December 2017

Peace Lutheran Church 2090 Commerce Drive North Mankato MN 56003

The Peace Messenger

Worship Schedule Sundays 8:30 & 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class at 9:45am

Serving Peace Pastor Tim Hartwig Cell – 507-382-6826 pastorhartwig@gmail.com

Pastor Matt Moldstad Cell – 507-382-0045 pastormoldstad@gmail.com

Office - Karen Wold Phone – 507-385-1386 karen@peacemankato.com

Church Council President: Brad Wosmek Vice President: Nick Hauman Secretary: Greg Miller Spiritual Leadership: Paul Fries Christian Education: Bob Paulsen Property Management: Matt Bindert Stewardship: Jason Westman Gospel Outreach: Greg Vandermause

Jesus’ Lambs Preschool Joslyn Moldstad – 507-385-7752 joslynmoldstad@gmail.com

Crossed - Youth Group www.peacemankato.org/crossed crossedyouth@gmail.com

Special Interest Dates 5th Board of Education Mtg 6:00p Spiritual Leadership Mtg 7:00p 12th Chris Driesbach Concert 7:00p 15th Preschool Christmas Program 6:30p 17th Worship Service 8:30a SS Christmas Program 10:45a 18th Construction Comm. Mtg 6:30p 24th One morning service 9:00a Christmas Eve Service 6:30p 25th Christmas Day Service 9:00a 31st One morning service 9:00a New Year’s Eve Service 6:30p

Jesus is the Highway of Rest “A voice of one calling: ‘In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make

straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it.’”

Isaiah 40: 3, 5

rest. He came into the world to do for us what we could not do for ourselves: he lived a life of perfect devotion to his heavenly Father and then at 33 years old, he gave his holy life over to hell and death at the cross to forgive all sin. This forgiveness is God’s perfect rest for our conscience that is disturbed about

all the times we rushed right past him. Best of all, it promises at the finish of our earthly race the eternal rest stop called heaven.

- Board for Home Outreach

The purpose of our congregation is to worship God, who gives life through Word and Sacrament; to serve one another in love and fellowship; and to proclaim forgiveness and salvation to all through Jesus Christ alone.

➢ Opening Prayer by Pastor Hartwig

➢ PowerPoint presentation by president Brad Wosmek:

➢ State of the 2017-2018 Budget • State of the Budget: Need ~$44,000/mo. in general offerings. Have been receiving ~$35,000/mo. in

general offerings. There have been many other forms of giving. ~$140,000 in offerings so far. Budgeted giving through 10/30/17 is $173,744. Total budgeted for contributions for fiscal year is $521,234. Therefore, unless there is a change there will be a significant shortfall this year. (See graph presented in church newsletter.)

• Potential shortfall solutions: Increase general fund giving, reduce spending or increase the debt. Total construction costs appear to be ~$100,000 under what was projected. Estimated monthly payment for current construction estimate would be $7237/mo. We could add a sum to the construction loan to cover the projected general fund shortfall. It would cost an additional $52/mo. for each additional $10,000 borrowed.

• Budgeted spending general categories: Salaries and Benefits $262,382.98 (41%) Mt. Olive tuition assistance 139,983.96 (22%) Construction 65,000.00 (10%) Debt Service 59,499.63 (9%) Synod/MVL 56,198.75 (9%) Utilities/Maintenance/Services 41,509.00 (6%) Supplies/Equipment 22,260.00 (4%) Total: $647,834.32 (100%)

➢ Potential Additions to the Construction Project • Enhanced Parking Lot Lighting

With the new building entrance, the darkness on the west end of the parking lot is more pronounced. Property management has been hoping to add lighting since the parking lot addition. There were a range of estimates given previously ranging from $5000 up to $20,000.

A motion was made to: approve a parking lot lighting up to $20,000. The motion was amended to $25,000 and seconded and passed by voice vote.

• New Electronic Sign to Replace Existing Sign Advantages: could be updated more frequently, could display more information and would get more attention. Cost estimates previously were ~$30,000 to $40,000.

A motion was made and seconded to approve a sign up to $40,000. This was defeated by a written ballot (18 voting no and 15 voting yes.)

• After a thoughtful discussion of the projected budget shortfall and concerns expressed it was decided to table this issue. If giving does not increase to meet our budgeted expenses, there will be another voters’ meeting called. It is projected the construction loan will be finalized toward the end of February when construction is expected to be complete.

Respectfully submitted, Greg Miller

Special Voters’ Meeting Minutes – November 5, 2017

Our Mission

The Mission & Ministry Coordination Council (MMCC) meeting of Peace Lutheran Church was held on November 14, 2017. Council members present were: Pastor Hartwig, Pastor Moldstad, Brad Wosmek –President, Nick Hauman –Vice President, Paul Fries – Spiritual Leadership, Bob Paulsen – Christian Education, Matt Bindert – Property Management, Greg Vandermause – Gospel Outreach, Greg Miller – Secretary. Absent and excused: Jason Westman – Stewardship.

➢ Devotion: Pastor Moldstad on Philippians 3, beginning at verse 18.

➢ Announcements – None.

➢ Agenda – Approved

➢ Minutes of Previous Meeting – Approved

➢ Pastor’s Report (Pastor Hartwig) • Since moving into the new temporary worship space our Sunday attendance has been down by close to

100. However, November attendance is starting strong. • Five people in adult instruction class. Two more are committed to start. • Has been meeting more Sudanese people through Choul and Mary. Also working on contacts through

Ravi and his wife, Bayo. • Video devotions have been proceeding. How could it be measured if they are worth the time spent?

They can be found on PeaceDevotions.com website. • Membership changes presented and will be acted on later in meeting under Spiritual Leadership.

➢ Pastor’s Report (Pastor Moldstad) • Looking at starting a new adult bible study in early AM or evening for working people to be able to

attend. • Three Sudanese students are now coming to catechism class. • Finished 104 out of a potential 194 member visits which is considered a good percentage. • Matt Wiechmann will begin Financial Peace University in January 2018. • Will lead chapel at Pathstone senior living center the first Fri. of each month. • Sergio Salgado has agreed to be the new Group System leader and will also serve on the Stewardship

Board.

➢ Spiritual Leadership (Coordinator ~ Paul Fries) • Will be in sanctuary later than Thanksgiving. • There have been no comments on the use of the new bible translation. • There will be an usher training. • It was approved to have Missy Vandermause to search for new art work and to submit it to the board

for approval. • Need volunteers before the end of the year to serve on synod boards and committees. There are once

a quarter meetings on average. • Denise Woller will take photos this winter and someone else will put together a new church directory.

Mmsp to approve the following membership changes: Subtractions: Transfer out of Julio & Britleigh Garcia; Release of Orrin & Leslie Ausen, Drew & Lisa Newmann (Jacob, Malia, Samuel, Julia) and Robert Ring; Inactive are Lyle & Debra Hoverson and Angela Jahr. Additions: Child Baptism of Amelia Ringen. Transfer in of Jason, Rachel, Abby, Allison, Adam Lowrey (Annika, Abel). Profession of faith by Colin Anderson.

➢ Gospel Outreach (Coordinator ~ Greg Vandermause) • No meeting has been held since last Council meeting.

➢ Christian Education (Coordinator ~ Bob Paulsen) • Met on November 7, 2017. Devotion by Pastor Hartwig. Present: Pastor Hartwig, Matt Lukasek and

Bob Paulsen.

Council Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2017

• Preschool report: Enrollment holding at 53 students. Six lockers ordered so that 2 students/locker. Parent/Teacher consultations are on Nov. 9th and 10th. A solution is needed to enable the choirs to utilize the preschool room for rehearsals with the accompaniment of the piano.

• Sunday School: Pastors and teachers temporarily covering for Mike Madson while he is having hip surgery.

• Mt. Olive School: The building project is going back to the architect to create a less costly plan. Education Board will publish a summary of their minutes in the school Herald. They are gathering figures to publish the total cost of education per student. There will be a parent, teacher and board meeting to determine the distribution of proceed from the Charger Challenge.

• Youth Group: Cross averaging 8-15 attendance. Starting in January they are going to start a Sunday morning Bible class during Sunday School. Once a month will have an afternoon or evening activity.

• Next meeting December 5th.

➢ Stewardship (Coordinator ~ Jason Westman) – presented by Pastor Moldstad • Met Oct. 24th with Pastor Moldstad, Keith Wiederhoeft, Phil Novak and Jason Westman. • Discussed budget information for Nov. 5th Voters’ Meeting. • Planning a short training for the Online Directory on Nov. 26th. • Determined Jan. 11th start date for Financial Peace University. • Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss and Budget vs. Actuals presented.

➢ Property Management (Coordinator ~ Matt Bindert) • Voters approved additional parking lot lights to be installed. Plan is to have electrical hopefully trenched

before freeze-up. More details at next meeting. • Faulty probe in kitchen oven repaired by DeGrood’s. • Relocated shelves from basement to closet in preschool room • Brought to attention of board that the basement dehumidifier is shot. Will research for replacement by

spring.

➢ MMSP to approve all reports.

➢ Old Business • Nick Hauman will submit grant to Antioch (Kwik Trip) in the amount of $30,018.69 for new technology

for the church. Will hear results by January 1st. • Coordination of Group System by Sergio Salgado. • Retrospective of Voters’ Meeting. • Still need another MVL delegate. Next meeting is Feb. 11th.

➢ New Business • Discussion of need for Synod Nominations. • Dedication discussion.

➢ Next council meeting – Tuesday, December 12, 2017 @ 6:30 pm.

➢ Motion made to adjourn with the Lord’s Prayer. MMSP.

Respectfully Submitted,

Greg Miller

CENTENNIAL TOUR TO NORWAY – You are invited to join an ELS Heritage tour to Norway during the synod’s centennial year. Hear the stories that shaped our synod. Places to be visited include Oslo, Bergen and a journey to the mountains and fjords. A special highlight of this twelve day trip will be joining the ELS sister congregation for a Sunday service! This May 28-June 8, 2018 tour will be led by Adie Harstad and Craig Ferkenstad.

There is still room, but this tour is limited to forty registrations. The $4,370 price is all-inclusive. No extra tips or fees. Contact elsynod@blc.edu for further information. Registrations are needed by February 1.

’Tis Better to Receive Than to Give?

When I was a kid, I loved getting presents. I scoured the toy magazines, paid careful attention to the commercials on TV, and was meticulous with my list so that Mom would get me exactly what I wanted. I was so excited that it seemed as if the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas were an eternity. When that day finally arrived, I was giddy with joy and tore open my gifts.

As an adult I think I’ve lost some of that excitement. There isn’t such an anticipation for gifts at Christmas, because I know I have my own money and am able to buy what I want, when I want it. I can’t tell you how many times someone has asked me what I want for Christmas and I draw a blank. For many of us, because God has blessed us in so many ways throughout the year, we perhaps find more joy at Christmas in giving than receiving.

But Christmas is truly all about receiving. Now I know it seems bad to say, because we’ve all been taught, “‘Tis better to give than to receive.” But Christmas is all about receiving, the joy of receiving. Receiving what though? In the second half of Romans 6:23 it says, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Christmas is all about God’s gift to you.

This gift was his very best, his prized possession, his holy and perfect Son, Jesus Christ, sent to earth to give us something we could never buy on our own. The entire passage reads, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God sent us an incredible gift in Jesus. This child comes to free us from the bonds of sin and to give us the gift of eternal life. And there are no strings attached. Rather it is a free gift, which God gives to you, to all. This gift to you is the very focal point of all of Christmas.

But this gift does move us doesn’t it? It moves us to respond to God’s unconditional love, to be filled with joy and gratitude, to be inspired to reflect God’s love to one another as we contribute to charities and buy our gifts this Christmas season. This Christmas I encourage you to be filled with joy and excitement like a little child in what you receive, in God’s gift to you through his Son. Amen.

The Lord has blessed Peace in tremendous growth over the past few years. This growth has necessitated an expansion of our facility and our staff. Last spring we approved an ambitious budget for this fiscal year, with a 32% increase ($127,000) over last year’s budget.

Communion Preparation

If anyone is interested in helping prepare for communion Sundays, please contact Karen Wold in the

church office at 385-1386 or her cell at 514-0639. She will be putting the 2018 schedule together soon

and would love to have more people willing to help serve our church in this way.

“Hmm…I might be interested. What does it entail?”

Thank you for asking! It really isn’t much time, and there are very detailed directions that can be sent

to you. It might be 4-5 times per year and you never have to do a Sunday all alone. If you are gone

during the summer months, or are a snowbird and gone during the winter months - no problem - you

won’t be scheduled during any time you let Karen know you aren’t available.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE!! We are very thankful that the Lord has blessed the work of the contractors and volunteers on the sanctuary this past month. We are hoping it will be ready in time for our services on Sunday, December 3rd. A workday is planned for

Saturday, December 2nd to clean the sanctuary and move pews back in for the services. The multipurpose area will then be available for Sunday School, Advent meals and other activities. New pews to accommodate the additional sanctuary seating capacity are expected to arrive on Thursday, December 9th.

Work will continue on the new narthex area and we expect the remodel to be completed in January. Due to wet weather late in the summer and subsequent colder fall temperatures the last of the landscape edging on the North side of the church and sealing all edging will be completed in the spring.

A few more items that we will need help with are as follows: Empty the Storage Unit Move in New Pews around 12/9 Installation of Window Treatments in the Sanctuary and Narthex in mid December

Furnishings Update Purchased Items to Date include: Pews Fridge/Freezer Picnic Tables Playground Equipment/Fencing Tables

Chairs/Chair Racks Office Furniture Window Treatments Cork Board Dry Erase Board Trash Cans

Shelving for Cleaning Supplies A/V Equipment Phone System Bathroom Towel Dispensers Bathroom Receptacles

Selection of Furnishings continues with a Construction subcommittee. Remaining Items include: Office Furniture Hymnals Seating for narthex area

High Top Tables for narthex area Artwork/Decorative Painting Signage

Hose Reel Carpet Mats

The Building Funds Raised are on track with $6,108 left to reach our goal of $200,000 by the end of the year. With about $17,700 remaining in Peace Card Commitments for the year we are projected to be over that goal by about $11,592.

Project Expenses Incurred to Date through 11/20/17:

Expenses-Architect $ 36,150.00 Expenses-BFC/Vol/Misc $ 9,151.92 Expenses-Construction $796,216.78 Expenses-Furnishings $ 29,612.64 Total $871,131.34

Paid from Operating Budget $ 5,500.00 Paid from Building Fund $120,235.10 Paid with Synod Grant $ 15,000.00 Financed $730,396.24 Total $871,131.34

A glimpse of the progress…

“UNLESS THE LORD BUILDS THE

HOUSE, ITS BUILDERS LABOR

IN VAIN.”

PSALM 127:1.

Moms On a Mission Homemade Pie Bake Sale!

THANK YOU for your generous donations at our M.O.M.s bible study bake sale on Sunday, November 19. We raised $368.10 to put towards our childcare costs for our Spring 2018 Session of Moms On a Mission. This amount, combined with the donations from our pie sale at Mt. Olive, will keep us funded for almost an entire year. Thank you for your donations! To God be the Glory!

New 2 You Family Thrift Store is a blessing to all of us at Peace. Every quarter, 100% of the profits are donated to MVL and to all five of the member congregations (of which we are one). In addition to supporting the store with our donations and "shopping", we are also asked to provide

volunteers on the Saturdays when there is a 5th Saturday in the month. We only need 4 volunteers on these days, 2 for each shift, (9:45 am-12:30 pm and 12:30 pm-3:00 pm.) It is a FUN and busy few hours on an occasional Saturday. We are looking for people who are interested in being on a "list" of potential volunteers. You will receive an email 4-6 weeks before our Saturday seeking volunteers from Lori Pipal. Lori is our board representative from Peace, she can answer any questions and would LOVE to hear from you! Lori typically attends second service or you can reach her at loripipal@gmail or 507-382-2825. Of course, volunteer opportunities are available every day of the week and New 2 You is always looking for more help! Our next Saturday is Dec 30th, can you help?

Give Using Your Phone - Our congregation recently registered for a few different ways to give to Peace using your phone.

1. Text and Give - Text a dollar amount to 507-607-7665. The first time you text it will link you to a secure website to register your debit/credit card information. Afterward, whenever you text a dollar amount to that number, it will ask you to confirm your donation and the transfer will be complete.

2. Giving App - Another way to use your cell phone to give is through an giving app called, “GIVE CHURCH”. Download that app, type in our zip code 56003, select “Peace” and either set up an account or select give now. If you register, your information will be kept securely and make it simple to give again using the app in the future.

Calling All Writers! – Critique writings, share resources, overcome writer's block, have fun, and commiserate with your fellow writers here at Peace. And what Lutheran gathering would be complete without food? All genres welcome, fiction and nonfiction. If you are interested in joining this new writers' group, please contact Jessie Fries at jfries@blc.edu.

Serving the month of December:

Altar/Communion preparation 10th Joni Wiederhoeft & Amanda Madson

24th Mike Madson & Emily Peters

Communion Assistants 8:30am 10:45am

10th Pastor Pastor 24th Pastor

Ushers

8:30am 10:45am

3rd Travis Townsend Keith Wiederhoeft

Ron Lorensberg Derick Lyngholm

6th 6:30pm Richie Kammer Kory Meyers

10th Jason Westman Isaiah Allen

Phil Wels John Moldstad

13th 6:30pm Paul Bunkowske Brian DeVos

17th Brandon Evers Matt Lukasek

Rob Pipal Matt Riehl

20th 6:30pm Sergio Salgado Jonathan Stadler

24th 9:00am Mark Flygare Corey Olsen

24th 6:30pm Eric Woller Mark Zenk

25th 9:00am Mike Oliver Bob Paulsen

31st 9:00am Rob Paulsen Tim Paulsen

31st 6:30pm Al Clennon Terry Field

Counters 1st Sunday: Norman Madson & Todd Olsen

2nd Sunday: Jon Stadler & Brad Wosmek 3rd Sunday: Brian Koch & Chris Harstad 4th Sunday: Amanda Hauman & Brian Koch

5th Sunday: Ernie Geistfeld & Karen Wold

Brecken Smith 12/02 8 years old Carly Smith 12/02 8 years old Mason Hartung 12/06 5 years old Chase Simmons 12/09 18 years old Caroline Chopp 12/10 2 years old Caleb Moldstad 12/14 10 years old Jordan Donahue 12/17 13 years old Maria Harstad 12/20 5 years old Cora Jones 12/21 8 years old Whitney Michaletz 12/31 3 years old

Also – Joel Brude, Sarah Henry, Sarah Jones, Alison Wierschke, Todd Olsen,

Erik Hermanson, Joanna Bindert, Josh Moldstad, Abbie Smith, Bill Hough,

Kristen Lukasek, Jami DeVos, Nick Hauman, Caleb Heartbird, Julie Kjeer, Derek Harstad,

Laura Harstad, Rob Pipal, Karen Loe, Chris Merritt, Hannah Fries, Bob Geving

May the Lord bless you, today and always.

Happy Birthday!

Anniversaries: Ted & Cristen Manthe 12/01/02 15 years Craig & Jessica Smith 12/07/13 4 years Nick & Hillary Chopp 12/13/08 9 years Matt & Joni Moldstad 12/17/04 13 years Eric & Denice Woller 12/19/98 19 years Larry & Stephanie Wentzlaff 12/20/75 42 years Jon & Madeline Kammerer 12/23/16 1 year John & Hannah Spivey 12/28/13 4 years Aaron & Carrie Urke 12/29/84 33 years Jeff & Tina Kotulski 12/30/86 31 years

Congratulations! May the Lord continue to bless you

and may your Christian marriage serve as an inspiration to others.

Are you unable to care for your feet? Your church home is offering a service to help you care for your feet and toenails. By appointment, a registered nurse, using sanitary equipment, will soak and wash your feet, trim toenails, and finish with a lotion foot massage. If the nurse feels further medical attention is needed, she may suggest an appointment with your health care provider. This service is free; however, donations will be accepted to go to a church cause. For more information, or to set up an appointment, please call Amy Jo Reiner at 507-340-2061.

Jesus’ Lambs at Peace Preschoolers are thankful for their two new classrooms! They have been enjoying extra room to learn, play and create. They are expressing with their words how thankful they are. We have also talked about thanking God for His gifts and praying for others as well. The other day during class, Julian Alvarez said we should pray for the hurricane victims. Even though the hurricanes of early fall may seem long ago, the people suffering from them, continue to struggle to get their lives in order. As I bowed my head to pray for the hurricane victims, Julian immediately began saying the prayer for the entire class! Composing prayers to God can come from the very young!

Jesus’ Lambs at Peace Preschoolers have been also busy talking about healthy bodies. Our preschoolers and many families joined us for a day of exercise at K & G Gymnastics. The children practiced walking the balance beam, swinging, jumping and moving their bodies in so many ways. The energy coming from these little ones was amazing!

Stone Soup was on the Snack Menu right before our Thanksgiving break. Besides learning about the Thankful Pilgrims and friendly American Indians, we read the classic Stone Soup. Children shared vegetables and we ate a very hearty snack. . . but WITHOUT THE STONES! This was perfect as we will begin the Bible story of God’s Gift of Manna to the Israelites during Word of God class when we return from break!

Membership Directory is Now in the Cloud - Recently the church updated its records management software enabling us to utilize the cloud. Included in this new upgrade are advanced features permitting members to update their family information and view our church directory via the cloud. An email was sent to our members entitled: “Peace Lutheran Church Member Portal Access”. You can enroll through the link provided in the email. If you did not receive an email and would like to have

access, please email our secretary at karen@peacemankato.com. The member portal can be accessed at: https://servantkeeper.com/member-portal/plcnm/ Our online church directory is available at: https://servantkeeper.com/directory/plcnm/

Tacky Sweater Party

All women of the congregation are invited to a Tacky Sweater Christmas Party on Saturday, December 16th, from 6-8pm. This will be a wonderful time for the women of our congregation to enjoy fellowship, a short devotion by Pastor Moldstad, and fun! So put on your tackiest Christmas sweater (there will be a prize for the best), bring a friend, and an

appetizer to share. We would love to know how many to plan for, so please sign up in the narthex. If you have any questions, contact Kristie Harding at (507)323-0752 or Joni Moldstad at (507)382-8227.

Any children who would like to play pre-service music for the Sunday School Children’s Christmas Program on December 17th, need to contact either Amanda Madson at 345-5912 or Katie Hartwig at 382-7566 no later than December 12th.

The following was taken from ‘Martin Luther’s Little Instruction Book’:

THE FOOLS WHO ARE WISE

“It is characteristic of a Christian to have the

greatest strength in the greatest weakness and

the greatest wisdom in the greatest

foolishness.”

† † †

“For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:10

Just a reminder of the option you have of using “electronic giving” for making your regular church offerings or special fund offerings. Contributions can be debited automatically from your checking or savings account or processed using your credit card (Peace is charged a percentage of your donation) or debit card. The electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much needed donation consistency for our congregation.

If you are currently giving on a weekly basis, you will no longer need to write out 52 checks a year or prepare 52 envelopes. And, when travel, illness or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue in an uninterrupted basis.

It is now possible for you to set it up yourself by going to our website, www.peacemankato.com, clicking on the “Give now” box and putting in your information. You can choose how often you donate (weekly, monthly, certain date(s), etc.).

To watch our services live, go to: www.peacemankato.com/livestreaming or our Facebook page. The service will start automatically when it is live (8:30AM).

For recorded services, go to www.vimeo.com/peacemankato and you can choose which service you wish to watch. We are currently only streaming and recording during the 8:30 service.

Upcoming events:

Midweek Advent Vespers – Wednesdays, 6:30PM

“The Three Offices of Jesus”

12/6 5:15-6:15PM Advent Supper – served by Group 4

6:30PM Divine Service – “Prophet”

12/13 5:15-6:15PM Advent Supper – served by Group 5

6:30PM Divine Service – “Priest”

12/20 5:15-6:15PM Advent Supper – served by Group 6

6:30PM Divine Service – “King”

The Preschool Christmas Program will be held on FRIDAY evening, December 15th, at 6:30 PM.

The Sunday School Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 17th, at the 10:45 service. There will be NO Saturday rehearsal.

Sunday, December 24th, Christmas Eve morning, there will be one Divine Worship Service at 9:00AM only.

Christmas Eve Divine Service with candlelight will be Sunday, December 24th, at 6:30PM.

Christmas Day Divine Service will be Monday, December 25th, at 9:00AM.

Sunday, December 31st, New Year’s Eve morning, there will be one Divine Worship Service at 9:00AM only.

New Year’s Eve Divine Service with Individual Absolution and Holy Communion will be Sunday, December 31st, at 6:30PM.

Group Schedules for 2018

These are tentative dates only for cleaning

Refreshments Greeters Funerals January Group 3 Group 1 Group 5

February Group 4 Group 2 Group 6 March Group 5 Group 3 Group 1 April Group 6 Group 4 Group 2 May Group 1 Group 5 Group 3 June Group 2 Group 6 Group 4 July Group 3 Group 1 Group 5

August Group 4 Group 2 Group 6 September Group 5 Group 3 Group 1

October Group 6 Group 4 Group 2 November Group 1 Group 5 Group 3 December Group 2 Group 6 Group 4

Lenten Meals Date Group

February 14 1 February 21 2 February 28 3

March 7 4 March 14 5 March 21 6

Advent Meals

Date Group

December 5 1

December 12 2

December 19 3

Seasonal Church Cleaning Date Groups

March 24 3 & 6 June 2 2 & 5

November 17 1 & 4

Dear Fellow Workers in Christ's Kingdom:

Christmas is the most peaceful time of the year! ... Or, is it? Of course, it should be. So many activities on the calendar, so many preparations, so many rehearsals for services and programs can be anything but calming. Yet, the real rest of Christmas is not a sleepy snooze in front of a chestnut-roasting fireplace. It is a deep rest and peace emanating from that little sleeping Child in the manger who is the Son of God come into our world to bring us the peace of God that transcends all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). No greater rest comes for any one of us than knowing with absolute assurance that our sins -- though they are many and are as scarlet -- have been whited out by the entrance of God into our sin-laden world. He came to take our place in order to earn for us the forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life! The bustle of getting ready for gatherings may sap our energy. But the joy and excitement we have over the greatest gift from God ever given to you and me and the entire world penetrates our souls through Spirit-worked faith and carries us day by day closer to a sinless and timeless bliss with our dear Savior! Have a meaningful celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace!

Blessings in the holy Christ-child,

John A. Moldstad

Veterans Day Parade

Members of Divine Mercy Lutheran in Hudson Oaks, Texas, participated in a November 11 parade honoring men and women who serve in our military. Pastor James Kassera is the new pastor of this mission congregation. Our prayers go with Divine Mercy in all of its gospel outreach efforts.

Reformation Celebrations Held Throughout the World

A special Reformation celebration was held October 27-28 by our mission in Peru. The celebration included a pastors' conference, sporting events between the Martín Lutero and Jesús Redentor schools, choral ensembles, artistic presentations, and a festival service with communion.

Pastor Antonio Vilcez Garcia conducted the liturgy, and Pastor Segundo Gutierrez preached the sermon for the festival service in Lima.

The three ELS pastors of northwest Ohio hosted a joint ELS Reformation Service in Bowling Green. Each pastor preached a sermonette on one of the three "Solas" of the Reformation. Pictured (at right) are Pastors Paul Lange, Peter Heyn, and Richard Tragasz.

On October 29, 2017, at Bethany Lutheran in Ames, Iowa, your synod president had opportunity to preach a Reformation Day sermon and to present on the work of our synod. Pastor Marty Hoesch (wife Catherine) serves the Bethany congregation. On that previous Saturday, the congregation joined other ELS and WELS people in the Des Moines area for a joint Reformation festival at Beautiful Savior Lutheran (WELS) in West Des Moines, Iowa. That congregation is now served by former ELS pastor, the Rev. Greg Sahlstrom.

Quilt for Seminarian's Family

On November 19, the women from Immanuel Lutheran Church at Audubon, Minnesota, presented second-year Bethany Lutheran Theological Seminary student Karim Yaghleji with a specially-made quilt. The quilt was intended for his daughter, Amira, and it depicts the story of Noah's Ark. Karim is originally from Syria and was at the congregations of Immanuel Lutheran in Audubon and Calvary Lutheran in Ulen for a presentation on Gospel outreach.

Parade in Indianola, Iowa

One of the outreach activities for members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Indianola, Iowa, was participating in a local parade this fall. The congregation currently is served by Vicar Christian Walz. The congregation was established in 1999 and joined the ELS in June 2000.

Synod Centennial

As a Christmas gift this year, consider giving the ELS history book, Proclaim His Wonders: A pictorial history of the ELS (view sample). If you already know the synod's history, the 400 photographs will illustrate the stories that you know so well. If you do not know the synod's history, this book will introduce you to our ELS family. Order from the Bethany Lutheran College Bookstore for $20 plus $5 shipping (700 Luther Drive, Mankato MN 56001 or 800-944-1722).

Another possible Christmas gift is the three-inch anniversary ornament (pewter finish) of the ELS anniversary logo. We thank the ELS Historical Society for producing this ornament. Order from the ELS Ottesen Museum for $15 (or $10 dollars for members of the ELS Historical Society) plus $2.50 shipping (6 Browns Court, Mankato MN 56001).

Heritage Hymns

For the ELS anniversary year in 2018, our synod's Worship Committee has produced an "ELS Heritage Hymns" resource. Hymns of Scandinavian origin were selected for congregational use throughout the year, and summaries are provided for each hymn. This resource along with a file of the hymns can be downloaded from the ELS 100th Anniversary page: http://els.org/els-100/.

Anniversary Offering Update

Black Friday is upon us. Merchants give huge discounts hoping to draw us into their stores and onto their websites to make those holiday purchases. But we know the true Holy Day is when our Savior was born as the Savior of the world. No greater gift can anyone give than Christ, the one and only Savior from sin and death. His coming to be one of us is an act of pure love for you and for me.

Will you help us this Holy Season to spread the one all-sufficient joy found only in the Gospel? Please consider the generosity of our Lord and give a gift to the Anniversary Offering in support of the missions of our synod. Visit us at els.org/offering to learn more or to give online. Feel free to call 507-469-9656 if you need assistance.

Our prayer is that we can, at the very least, reach the $500,000 mark in cash gifts and promised gifts by New Years Day! As you plan your giving, prayerfully consider that we would like to reach the $1,000,000 mark by the end of next year, 2018.

Here is the latest update on our giving to date for the offering:

Upcoming Events els.org/about/calendar/ November 28-30 - Informal meetings with LCMS December 4-5 - Doctrine Committee December 4 - Doctrine Committee meets with Doctrinal Commission of the WELS Conference of Presidents December 12 - Synod administrative staff meeting January 16 - Planning & Coordinating Committee January 21 - President preaching and presenting at Hartland and Manchester, Minnesota January 25-26 - Board for Home Outreach