Sunday 5/26/24 Pastor Clay Bates 10:00am- Sunday Communion/ Worship Following Service: Fellowship (please, join us in the fellowship hall for some light refreshments and fellowship)
Tuesday 5/28/24 Office Closed
Wednesday 5/29/24 9:00am-4:30pm Pastor Bates Office, afternoons by appointment 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth) 9:30am WELCA/Bible Study/ All are welcome!
Thursday 5/30/24 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth)
FROM the COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Greetings in Christ to my church family at Peace Lutheran Church, Have you noticed how our sign looks lately? It looks good with two lines rather than the constant scrolling message. Please thank Vice President Paul for his dedicated work on our sign. Please be sure to take a look at it. Your church council convened on Tuesday, 21 May, for a significant 1 hour and 48 minutes. We had crucial matters to discuss and vote on, including an Endowment request of $2500 for the Range of Motion Project request. The council voted to approve this request, which will give a double amputee girl in Guatemala a lifetime of leg prosthetics. We do positively impact people’s lives. Do you notice that our church is kept clean? Jessica is the independent contractor who cleans our church building. We also discussed and voted on giving Jessica a weekly wage increase from $125 to $160. She has cleaned our church building for eight years at the same rate. Jim, our treasurer, reported that we are six percent below budget as of April. Giving is lower, and we didn’t have a worship service in January because of a blizzard. Because of the history of giving, we are confident we will end the year with a positive balance. Look for a new maple tree in front of the offices. With the council's approval, Bob is planting it in memory of Kevin, who passed away last year. Blessings, Mark
FROM PASTOR
You might recall that one of the objectives we agreed upon back in November of 2023 was to update our website. I have good news! The new site is published, thanks to Faith Barnett and Pete Anderson. Check it out at peaceelca.org. There are still some unfinished sections, but it is about 90% complete.
Another objective that we set together was to extend our outreach into our neighborhood, beyond what we have been doing. Your chance to participate is coming soon. During the last half of June we can walk our immediate neighborhood to introduce ourselves and also invite families to participate in our Vacation Bible School, which will be offered June 24-28, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
A few people have already offered to go walking; please let me know if you would like to be part of or make up a team of two or more. I would like to see us go into Aniline, Beech, Pinewood, Elm, Jacob, and Thomas, as far as Garfield and Julius. WIth just a few teams, each team could cover a square block. My experience is that the people of our neighborhood are very gracious, interested, and kind.
On Friday night we will celebrate what the children have learned, along with a Bounce House and a Food Truck (one free taco per person, plus people may purchase additional food). The entire congregation is invited to join us Friday to celebrate the children and what they have learned about God. Remember, some of our neighborhood children might not have even heard about God yet. Many, many thanks to Liz and Ann Somero who are leading this effort. Ages 3 through those who have completed 5th grade are invited. Invite your neighbor children, too!
My vision is for the people of our neighborhood to think of Peace as their neighborhood church, a sign of God's presence and blessings with them as they go about their lives. Together, and with the blessings of the Holy Spirit, we can accomplish that vision.
Pastor Clayton Bates www.peaceelca.org "Loving Jesus Through Serving People"
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
May 6 Callie Hector Sam Duckworth
18 Mark DeLand
21 Kylie Wood
24 Cathy Vourlitis
26 Jim Rohrer Naomi Olson
28 Connie Shakley
BENEVOLENCE of the MONTH
Peace, Silent Needs The Silent Needs fund is administered by the pastor. Funds are disbursed at the discretion of the pastor, who may keep the need being met confidential. Funds are distributed to but not limited to Peace members. Examples of needs being met include car repair, utility bills, emergency housing, etc. A typical distribution might consist of $300, but could be a little higher (or lower). Funds are always limited, so I turn away requests for rent assistance or expensive car repairs. Currently, the fund stands at less than $50. I am grateful to have this fund available so that I can say "yes" to legitimate requests for assistance. Pastor Clayton Bates "Loving Jesus Through Serving People"
PRAYER REQUESTS
PRAYER LIST Please remember to pray for the following people: Health, ComfortHank Wymer, Amy Foote, Sarah, Ed, Jackie Arias, Marlene, Guy Tibbles, Wes Miller, Georgia Vourlitis, Jason, Gilbert Gonzalez, Shirley Beck, Diane Oberlin, Susan Bates, Larry Schug, Joe Grunst, Jennifer Rohrer, Kim Schweibert, Linda Hutchison, Doreen & John
Blessing and Guidance:Austin Bergeron, our Veterans and our benevolence of the month,Silent Need
SUNDAY SERVANTS
Sunday Servants
This Sunday
Next Sunday
Presiding Minister
Pastor Clay Bates
Pastor Clay Bates
Organist
John Eisenhauer
John Eisenhauer
Assisting Minister
Tracy Barnett
Mark DeLand
Lector
Mark DeLand
Jim Rohrer
Usher
Merle & Carl Laaksonen
Cathy & Jim Vourlitis
Communion Assistant
Ann Somero
Diane Wollner
Counters
Pete Anderson Karl Bly
John Eisenhauer Jim Oberstadt
Flowers
Tracy Barnett
Hilde Cornelissen
Sunday School
Monica Serrell Liz Somero
Lori Haltenhoff Ann Somero
Fellowship
Diane Wollner
Liz/Ann Somero
Tech Team
Dave Barnett Pete Anderson Tim Endean
Tim Endean Cheri Endean
WEEDING @ PEACE
Yes the weeds just keep growing! Until there is a gardener found to help us with our weeds we need volunteers to get rid of the volunteers that are popping up all around our wonderful building. This is a job anyone can help with for minutes to as long as you want! Any day! Bring your family! Children love playing in the dirt or running in the side yard! There are tools in the shed (contact Jim Vourlitis or Bob Hunt for the combination) or bring your own! There are also trowels in the mailbox in the cutting garden. Feel free to clip yourself some flowers to enjoy from the cutting garden! Mulch will be ordered soon! Questions contact Cathy Vourlitis or Beth Hunt.
PEACE LUTHERAN COUNCIL 2024
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Mark DeLand Vice President – Paul Hector Jennifer Cooper – Secretary & International Generosity
AT LARGE Sarahelizabeth Baguhn - Faith Development Dave Barnett - Outreach Michelle Ayala – Gracious Hospitality Diane Wollner – Passionate Worship
Sunday Day of Pentecost 5/19/24 Pastor Clay Bates 10:00am- Sunday Communion/ Worship Following Service: Fellowship (please, join us in the fellowship hall for some light refreshments and fellowship)
Tuesday 5/21/24 9:00am-4:30pm Pastor Bates Office, afternoons by appointment 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth)
Wednesday 5/22/24 9:00am-4:30pm Pastor Bates Office, afternoons by appointment 9:30am WELCA/Bible Study/ All are welcome!
Thursday 5/23/24 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth)
FROM the COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Greetings to my sisters and brothers on this overcast day, As your congregational president, I consider it a privilege to participate actively in committee meetings. I attend the Worship & Music, Endowment, and Missions committee meetings. During the last Missions meeting on Tuesday, I was inspired by their energy and dedication. They plan to make a significant impact by distributing fresh produce in the Little Free Pantry. This will be made possible by providing a cooler and establishing a raised tomato garden. The Missions team is working with Woodside Elementary School on Thanksgiving meals and Christmas meals. Their goal is to provide these meals to 50 families. Woodside staff will select the families in need. Did you know Julie Olson has chaired the Missions Committee for twenty- two years? Through Missions, our congregation impacts many lives, and Julie has been a part of it for over two decades. Blessings, Mark
FROM PASTOR CLAY
The other day I was mowing our lawn, and I noticed that the temperature was just a little cool, a little below perfect. I continued mowing, and before long and without noticing it, I realized that the temperature had risen to the perfect temperature. It was great to be out mowing my lawn in my T-shirt with a perfect temperature.
I wonder if it will be like that when we pass on. A smooth, imperceptible change from our current perception of reality to a new body which is capable of experiencing the perfect joy of being in Jesus' presence.
Beyond that, the Bible is silent about what the afterlife will be like, except for the Book of Revelation, which offers a description of a new Jerusalem in terms of gold and precious jewels, and the tree of life.
The Bible also tells us that we will be held accountable for all of the bad things we have done and the good things we have left undone. Because of Jesus' death on the cross and his rising again on Easter, we know that while we will be held accountable, we will not enter into condemnation. Perhaps that accountability will be the full realization of the harm we have done to others, and the good that could have happened had we done the right thing.
At the end of that process, we will be free to experience God's heavenly kingdom in all its glory. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
May 6 Callie Hector Sam Duckworth
18 Mark DeLand
21 Kylie Wood
24 Cathy Vourlitis
26 Jim Rohrer Naomi Olson
28 Connie Shakley
Volunteers Needed
Once again it is that time of year. So much yard work at home and at church! Volunteers are needed this year to help pull weeds in the cutting garden and around the church building.
Beth is planning to work in the Peace-Full Cutting Garden Saturday May 18th beginning @ 9:00am. If it is not completed Saturday she will be weeding after church on the 19th. If you are available to help those days wonderful or you are welcome to come and pull weeds any time!
Thinning your plants at home? We are always looking for donations of flowers that can be used as cutting flowers for the Sunday alter flowers.
You are welcome to clip flowers for home also. This is a garden for all to enjoy! All we ask is if you pick flowers please pick a few weeds also.
BENEVOLENCE of the MONTH
Peace, Silent Needs The Silent Needs fund is administered by the pastor. Funds are disbursed at the discretion of the pastor, who may keep the need being met confidential. Funds are distributed to but not limited to Peace members. Examples of needs being met include car repair, utility bills, emergency housing, etc. A typical distribution might consist of $300, but could be a little higher (or lower). Funds are always limited, so I turn away requests for rent assistance or expensive car repairs. Currently, the fund stands at less than $50. I am grateful to have this fund available so that I can say "yes" to legitimate requests for assistance. Pastor Clayton Bates "Loving Jesus Through Serving People"
MISSIONS
The Mission Committee met Tuesday and discussed building a couple raised beds to plant vegetables back in the sunny area by the compost bin. We did have some vegetables planted in the Cutting Garden but the rabbits decided they were great for them to eat! Roy and Nancy looked into it and rather than building one they found a great deal and ordered two on line. (Their neighbors bought one and thought it looked prefect to meet our needs). This will be a great addition to our food purchased for the pantry. We are planning on planting tomatoes and a few other vegetables. Have any great ideas let us know!
Below is a picture of what we have ordered.
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please remember to pray for the following people:
Health, ComfortHank Wymer, Amy Foote, Sarah, Ed, Jackie Arias, Marlene, Guy Tibbles, Wes Miller, Georgia Vourlitis, Jason, Gilbert Gonzalez, Shirley Beck, Diane Oberlin, Susan Bates, Larry Schug, Joe Grunst, Jennifer Rohrer, Kim Schweibert, Linda Hutchison
Blessing and Guidance:Austin Bergeron, our Veterans and our benevolence of the month,Silent Need
SUNDAY SERVANTS
Sunday Servants
This Sunday
Next Sunday
Presiding Minister
Pastor Clay Bates
Pastor Clay Bates
Organist
John Eisenhauer
John Eisenhauer
Assisting Minister
Mark DeLand
Tracy Barnett
Lector
Pete Anderson
Mark DeLand
Usher
Dave Barnett Jim Oberstadt
Merle & Carl Laaksonen
Communion Assistant
Monica Serrell
Ann Somero
Counters
Jim Oberstadt Bob Hunt
Pete Anderson Karl Bly
Flowers
Connie Shakley
Tracy Barnett
Sunday School
Ann Somero Liz Somero
Monica Serrell Liz Somero
Fellowship
Lori Haltenhoff
Diane Wollner
Tech Team
Tim Endean Bob Hunt
Dave Barnett Cheri Endean
PEACE LUTHERAN COUNCIL 2024
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President - Mark DeLand Vice President – Paul Hector Jennifer Cooper – Secretary & International Generosity
AT LARGE Sarahelizabeth Baguhn - Faith Development Dave Barnett - Outreach Michelle Ayala – Gracious Hospitality Diane Wollner – Passionate Worship
EMAIL PASTOR CLAY BATES
Our mailing address is: Peace Lutheran Church 389 James Street, Holland MI 49424
