Happy New Year! Words of Peace “We have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him.” JANUARY 2018 Newsletter of Peace Lutheran Church 2018 c c 0 u j 4 2018 January 1/1 Welcome 2018! 1/2 No reading 1/5 F&FF 1/6 Epiphany 1/9 SuperTuesday 1/11 Many Meals 1/26 Winterblast February 2/2 F&FF 2/4 Voters Meeting 2/10 LoveFest 2/13 SuperTuesday 2/14 Ash Wednesday 2/21 Soup Supper 2/28 Soup Supper March 3/3 F&FF 3/7 Soup Supper 3/13 SuperTuesday 3/14 Soup Supper 3/21 Soup Supper 3/29 Maundy Thurs. 3/30 Good Friday Here’s the church, here’s the steeple. …Open the doors and see all the people. More Than Sunday Well, some of the people anyway… It’s a simple nursery rhyme most of us learned as toddlers. But what did it teach us? More than just manual dexterity. The message was that the church is more than just a building. It’s people in community with God and in community with one another. It’s people willing to commit to making worship for that community and for visitors a powerful and compelling testimony that our faith in Christ is our life in Christ. Beyond our final Amen on Sunday morning. Community indicates people connected by something. In our case “community” doesn’t mean actually living together under the same roof. But it should mean coming together. As Lutheran Christians we subscribe to a common set of beliefs that govern our world view and our lives. We enjoy something
Transcript
Happy New Year!
Words of Peace“We have seen his star in the east,
and have come to worship him.”
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8Newsletter of Peace Lutheran Church
2018c c0uj4
2018January 1/1 Welcome 2018! 1/2 No reading 1/5 F&FF 1/6 Epiphany 1/9 SuperTuesday 1/11 Many Meals 1/26 Winterblast
March 3/3 F&FF 3/7 Soup Supper 3/13 SuperTuesday 3/14 Soup Supper 3/21 Soup Supper 3/29 Maundy Thurs. 3/30 Good Friday
Here’s the church, here’s the steeple.
…Open the doors and see all the people.
More Than Sunday
Well, some of the people anyway…
It’s a simple nursery rhyme most of us learned as toddlers. But what did it teach us? More than just manual dexterity. The message was that the church is more than just a building. It’s people in community with God and in community with one another. It’s people willing to commit to making worship for that community and for visitors a powerful and compelling testimony that our faith in Christ is our life in Christ. Beyond our final Amen on Sunday morning.
Community indicates people connected by something. In our case “community” doesn’t mean actually living together under the same roof. But it should mean coming together. As Lutheran Christians we subscribe to a common set of beliefs that govern our world view and our lives. We enjoy something
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that unites us far more than the color of our skin, the bottom line of our bank account, the zip code on our mail, or the letters after our name. We have Jesus. That’s what defines our community. And that goes beyond singing songs together or listening to a Sunday message together or even praying together once a week. The Christian faith at its very core is about relationships. It begins with a relationship with our loving God that was enabled by Jesus. That’s what Christmas and Easter is all about. But that relationship should be so powerful that it spills over beyond Sunday morning into Monday morning, noon and night. And Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday and Saturday. Worship is a huge part of what we do, but it’s only the beginning. Granted, in a medium size congregation like ours, worshipping three different times each Sunday morning makes it harder to know everyone else. But it’s worth the trouble to try. Peace people come from a variety of backgrounds, with a variety of life experiences. And I’ve found that we’re each pretty fascinating in a variety of ways you might be surprised to discover. Beyond Sunday morning, how often do you speak with your brothers and sisters at Peace during the week? How often do you see them? Do you know what’s going on in their lives? Do you even know their names? I am not chastising. I’m just saying that if you’re only coming to church on Sunday you’re missing a big part of what our Peace community offers. Bible study for one thing. I can’t go into the kind of depth in a 20 minute message on Sunday that we can in a one hour Bible study. And that’s one of the places where: 1) the text will come alive for you, 2) God’s Word will get personal for you, and 3) you’ll get a chance to build relationships with others outside of Sunday worship. The writer of Hebrews urged the early believers, Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meeting, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. (Hebrews 10:24-25 NCV) That’s a good thing to remember as we get launched into this new year. Church around here doesn’t just happen on Sunday morning. I read an article recently that talked about proven ways to stick to your New Year’s resolutions, but all I could think about as I read it was church. Here’s the short version of just a few, without all the scientific references and studies they included to back them up:
1. If you want to experience greater happiness, travel more. Research shows that when we spend our money on experiences and travel versus material things, we’re happier. Not that the article mentioned it, but taking that short trip to church each week will immerse you in a whole different world than the one you spend most of your time in. You can still spend your money and you’ll return home with spiritual blessing instead of those cheap touristy trinkets.
2. Want to quit smoking? Get some outside help. Counseling programs and/or cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective ways to quit. Coupling that with a nicotine substitute will up your success rate by as much as fifty percent. Add prayer and accountability to a Christian friend to that recipe and your odds of success will go way up.
3. Want to be more productive in the new year? Studies show that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to take more breaks. Overwork leads to exhaustion and an increase of stress hormones. What if there was a place you could spend an hour or two on Sunday morning where you were invited to leave all your cares at the door? Someplace where you could experience that special peace of God that will help recharge your batteries? Someplace like, I don’t know, like church.
4. One more that maybe should have been listed first. If you want to experience the new year feeling more fulfilled, volunteer. People who volunteer as little as two hours a week report greater happiness, sense of purpose, and increased health. In addition, volunteering is protective in older adults against cognitive and physical decline. Let’s see now. Where do I hear each week about opportunities to volunteer? I remember—in church! I feel more cognitive already.
One last thought. Josh Harris wrote a book called, Stop Dating The Church. His purpose was to get people to realize that God has so much good for us waiting here that we miss out on because we’re just sort of dating the church instead of really committing ourselves to her and, by extension, to him. Think about that as we each begin writing our 2018 history. Church—your church—isn’t just a building you attend on Sunday mornings. It’s a community you belong to, a place to get connected. A place where you belong, where you can love and be loved, celebrate and be celebrated, a safe place where we meet God and find ourselves and discover one another. A place where you can come to get happier, healthier, more productive and fulfilled. Sounds like a brand new you doesn’t it? Could be. How much would you be willing to pay for all that? That’s the best part. Someone already paid it for you. Science seems to have proven it. God’s Word has already promised it. A better future is already waiting. At, you know, church.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! All this is from God.
- 2 Cor. 5:17-18
God’s blessings in New Year.- Pastor Rob
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Pray for comfort & healing: Lili Baehr, Cindy Fox, Elias Fraser, Ken Haugrud, Nicole Hilde & children, Vicki Hutter, Mickey Kohut, Pat Lehman, Family of Helen Lopez, Doug Morrison, Bee Muenich, Greg Olewiler, Hedy Pein, Jim & Donna Pickler, Rawlin Radle, Josh Shelton, Joyce Snow, Matt Sullivan, Noreen Taylor, Carol Troglia’s neighbors Leo & Teresa, Caroline Wentlandt.
Pray for all military men and women: Jeremy Bronner, Jacob Chiles, Daniel Gross, Michael Hanson, Davis Kelly, Brian Miller, Kevin Palos, Stephen Volpei, Amy Waddell, Lucas Wentlandt and also remember their families in your prayers.
“What joy to know, when life is past, The Lord we love is first and last, The end and the beginning! He will one day, oh, glorious grace, Transport us to that happy place Beyond all tears and sinning! Amen! Amen!”
- O MORNING STAR, HOW FAIR AND BRIGHT
Happy Epiphany!
Celebrations in the New Year…Anna Pettit 1/6Edith Anderson 1/7Derek Olewiler 1/7Nicholas Pettit 1/10Jim Pedersen 1/10Livia Lourenco 1/11Eunice Harter 1/13Vivian Cheng 1/14Camille Farrell 1/16Bill Ullerick 1/19Al Fox 1/20Shane Muller (Rebensal) 1/23Matthew Ullerick 1/24Clint Harding 1/25Tim Force 1/30Jim DeVries 1/31Dale Sieber 1/31
Mike & Lori Schultze 1/10
Jim & Kerry DeVries 1/26
Stuart & Norma Regalia 1/27
HAPP Y BIRTHDA Y
Happy anniversary!
i
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As we face a new year of unknowns and uncertainties, there is one thing that is certain – The Lord’s presence with us. That’s what we celebrate every Christmas season – That God is now with us. And, we can be even more certain – by virtue of Christ’s dying and rising – that our God is now FOR US!
The unknown is almost always something most of us approach with apprehension. Most of us, if not all of us, are not fond of the unforeseen events on the horizon of life. Yet that is the very essence of the future. With the Hubble telescope we can see distant galaxies millions of light years away; but, the fact remains, we cannot see the future. It is the nature of God’s concealed will.
The New Year is relatively speaking still only a few hours old. As we set our sights on new plans and new schedules and new resolutions in 2018, we are still left with the question – What’s going to happen tomorrow? The good news is that the future is God’s business, not ours.
As you move forward into the New Year, as an individual and as the Church, let us resolve to seek God’s revealed will in His Word. Challenge yourself to read through the Bible this year. Challenge yourself to find a Bible study or small group to connect as Christ’s family. Challenge yourself to be in worship each Sunday.
By committing each day to the Lord, you are trusting Him to go before you and work things out – not in your favor – but His. It is amazing what the Lord will accomplish through you when you live trusting God a day at a time.
Have a Blessed New Year!!
- Your Peace Elders
“I will also make you a light to the nations that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
To Our Dear Friends in Christ: - Isaiah 49:6
December has been a busy month! We have wrapped up our visits with our former colleagues and congregations in our home circuit of southeastern Montana. We have accomplished much work on our house, preparing it for our coming departure, packing and storing our few remaining belongings. We now focus our remaining days spending time with our son, Richard, and his fiancé, Jessica...our daughter, Krista, and her boyfriend, Zach, and other close family and friends. We ask you to please keep them all in your prayers also.
One thing that stands out in the course of all our travels is the incredible faithfulness of God to us and you, His people, and the fruits of that faithfulness. Wherever our travels took us, we were eagerly received by pastors and people, served in ways that can only be described as godly, and supported through prayers, encouragement, and means that supports us in our task. We humbly thank you for your kind and faithful support and pray God’s blessing upon it… Again, we humbly covet your prayers and sincerely thank you for your gracious support.
- The Thompsons LCMS Missions West Africa
Editor’s note: This abridged version of the Thompsons’ mission update letter can be found in its entirety, along with a support link at: PeaceCamarillo.com/missions.
March 16-18th, 2018. New location. Full weekend at Irvine Ranch: OutdoorEducationCenter.org. $130 early registration by Feb 4th. $150 late deadline: Feb 24, 2018. PeaceCamarillo.com/junior-high.
Grade school friends are invited to come out to our Faith & Fun Friday, January 5 from 6-7:30pm. We will enjoy a “snowball” fight SoCal style.
Also, Peace kids and friends in grades 4-6 are encouraged to SAVE THE DATE for this year’s district Summit Saturday, April 14, 2018. This is a one-day event at Crean High School in Irvine. This year’s theme: “Unshaken.”
“'Come, let us reason.' says the Lord.
'Though your sins are like scarlet,They shall be
as white as snow.'” - Isaiah 1:18
REGISTER
Fil l out this form (and a new 2018 medical release) and turn in t o Deacon Mike ASAP!
Register early for our 2018 Winterblast Retreat & SAVE!!!
Full Rentals: $155 ⬜ Lift Only: $135 ⬜ Just Tubing: $110 ⬜
JANUARY 26-28, 2018
Price increase +$5 on Christmas Day, Dec. 25th
Price increase +$20 Jan 10th
Makes a GREAT Christmas present! All prices include transportation, lodging & meals at the YMCA Camp Big Bear Lodge. Meals in transit extra. We plan on leaving early F, 1/26/18 at 12:30pm, (so you might have to get out of school early - AWWWW! Bummer!). Visit peacecamarillo.com/winterblast.
STARTING SUN, 1/14 9:30AM
Confirmation students, please do not miss this important series, as Kevin Krumdiek goes thru the whole Bible in just several weeks!
2 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study (FH) 5:00 PM Reading (PCH) 7:00 PM Community Outreach Comm. (FH)
3 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 6:00 PM LifeLight Bible Study 6:00 PM Sr High Bible Study
4 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH) 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study 5:30 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Choir
5 6:00 PM Faith & Fun Friday
6 10:00 AM Praise Band Rehearsal 12:00 PM Cub Scout Pack Meeting
7 8:00 AM Traditional Service 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM Children's Sunday School 9:30 AM Jr. High Old Testament (PCH) 9:30 AM Praise Service (FH) 10:42 AM Young Adult (PCH) 11:00 AM Traditional Service 11:30 AM New Life Christian (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)
8 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)
9 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study (FH) 5:00 PM Reading (PCH) 7:00 PM Super Tuesday
10 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 6:00 PM LifeLight Bible Study 6:00 PM Sr High Bible Study
11 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH) 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study 5:00 PM Many Meals 5:30 PM Handbells 6:00 PM GSA Council Meeting 7:00 PM Choir
12 9:00 AM Covenant Players 6:00 PM Confirmation Class 6:30 PM Storytellers
13 9:00 AM Covenant Players 10:00 AM Praise Band Rehearsal
14 8:00 AM Traditional Service 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM Children's Sunday School 9:30 AM Jr. High Old Testament (PCH) 9:30 AM Praise Service (FH) 10:42 AM Young Adult (PCH) 11:00 AM Traditional Service 11:30 AM New Life Christian (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)
15 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)
16 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study (FH) 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (PCH) 7:00 PM Church Council Meeting
17 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 6:00 PM LifeLight Bible Study 6:00 PM Sr High Bible Study
18 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH) 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study 5:30 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Choir
19 6:00 PM Confirmation Class
20 10:00 AM Praise Band Rehearsal
21 10:30 AM One Service (FH) Guest Pastor Dave Horn 11:30 AM New Life Christian 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)
22 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)
23 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study (FH) 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (PCH)
24 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 6:00 PM LifeLight Bible Study 6:00 PM Sr High Bible Study
25 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (FH) 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study 5:30 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Choir
26 8:00 PM New LIfe Christian
3 PM Sr Hi Winterblast (depart)
27 10:00 AM Praise Band Rehearsal
Sr Hi Winterblast
28 8:00 AM Traditional Service 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM Children's Sunday School 9:30 AM Jr. High Old Testament (PCH) 9:30 AM Praise Service (FH) 11:00 AM Traditional Service 11:30 AM New Life Christian (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH) Sr Hi Winterblast (return)
29 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)
30 10:00 AM Women's Bible Study (FH) 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (PCH)
31 9:30 AM Adult Bible Study 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 6:00 PM LifeLight Bible Study 6:00 PM Sr High Bible Study
1 6:45 AM Men's Bible Study (Fellowship Hall) 9:30 AM PreK Chapel 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study 5:30 PM Handbells 7:00 PM Choir
2 6:00 PM Faith & Fun Friday
3 10:00 AM Praise Band Rehearsal
!
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January Servers
ACOLYTES: If you have any conflicts, please call Mike Schultze 302-0888 or the Elder in charge.
READERS: If you have any conflicts, please call Cheryl Sanders (805) 482-3313.
DATE ELDER USHERS ALTAR READERS GREETERS ACOLYTES
January 7 Communion Blaine Wanke
+++++++++ Bob Hutchison
Blaine Wanke* Gene O’Neal Keith Hedrick Todd Harter
+++++++++++ Mike McCracken* Tom LaJeunesse
Irene Hutchison
Blaine Wanke++++++++++
Linda LaJeunesse
Gary & Charleene Spencer
+++++++++++ Cindy Klittich
Ryan Tsai
++++++++++
Derek Olewiler
January 14 Blaine Wanke +++++++++
Bob Hutchison
Craig Frye* Karen Taylor Gary Taylor Bill Young
++++++++++ Rick Poore* Dave Miller Tom Taylor
Irene Hutchison
Linda Young ++++++++++ Dave Schmidt
Helmut & Susan Klein
++++++++++ Luci Pommers
William Frye +++++++++++++
Melissa Poore
January 21 Communion Blaine Wanke
+++++++++ Bob Hutchison
Jim DeVries Bob Lacy
Helmut Klein Dale Sieber
+++++++++++++ Dave Schmidt*
Roy Poehler Mike Hale
Irene Hutchison
Ellie Zorkocy
++++++++++ Lori Schultze
Bruce & Sharon Fraser
++++++++++ Mike & Ruth Hale
Carter Supple
+++++++++++++
Hayden Supple
January 28Blaine Wanke +++++++++
Bob Hutchison
Ken Anderson* Scott Ehlers Glenn Benitz Art Schmidt
++++++++++++ Scott Klittich* Matt Schultze P. Sandstrum Mike Elbert
Irene Hutchison
Craig Frye ++++++++++ Mike Elbert
Stepp family +++++++++++++
Mike & Linda Elbert
Anna Pettit
+++++++++++++
Marisa Denninger
February 4 Dave Schmidt +++++++++ Scott Klittich
Blaine Wanke* Gene O’Neal Keith Hedrick Todd Harter
+++++++++++ Mike McCracken* Tom LaJeunesse
Susan Klein &
Elisabeth Pohl
Peggy Frye +++++++++++ Linda Elbert
Jim & Kerry DeVries ++++++++
Kevin & Sharon Krumdieck
Carter Supple +++++++++++++ Hayden Supple
9:30 Service Elder Readers
1-7 Tom Waddell/ Bob Weaver Tom Waddell 1-14 Tom Waddell/ Bob Weaver Susan Weaver 1-21 Tom Waddell/ Bob Weaver Jane Capodice 1-28 Tom Waddell/ Bob Weaver John Capodice 2-4 Dave Hutter/Greg Olewiler Craig Frye
