Today Thursday 12/12/24 6:00pm 389 Woman's Social Gathering
Sunday 12/15/24 Pastor Clay Bates 10:00am- Sunday Communion/ Worship Following Service: Fellowship (please, join us in the fellowship hall for some light refreshments and fellowship) 2:00pm Caroling
Tuesday 12/17/24 9:30am-4:30pm Pastor Bates Office, afternoons by appointment 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth)
Wednesday 12/18/24 9:30am-4:30pm Pastor Bates Office, afternoons by appointment 9:30am WELCA/Bible Study/ All are welcome!
Thursday 12/19/24 9:30am-5:00pm Office Open (Beth)
Sunday 12/22/24 Pastor Clay Bates 10:00am- Sunday Communion/ Worship/Children's Program Following Service: Fellowship (please, join us in the fellowship hall for some light refreshments and fellowship)
FROM the COUNCIL PRESIDENT
Greeting in Christ to my sisters and brothers at Peace Lutheran Church, The winter solstice is nine days away, and I am writing to you on this cold, snowy day, which feels like winter is already here. Tuesday is the last council meeting of the year, and we will bid Jennifer and Paul a fond farewell. As we say goodbye to Paul and Jennifer, we welcome Cheri, Bob, and Vaughn to our council. One seat is still open if anyone is interested in joining. Although Paul is departing from the council, he will still be active on the ad hoch committee for organizing pulpit supply after Pastor Clay retires at the end of July. Yes, I am thinking about July with the cold and blowing snow! I am confident God will provide ordained minister(s) for us to preach and preside; someone will preach the Gospel and administer the sacraments. Right now, only God knows who. Please join me with prayers for the future of our congregation. Blessings, Mark
FROM PASTOR
Blessed Advent!
You might be wondering what a blessed Advent might look or feel like. Perhaps a subtle transition into a greater awareness of what the incarnation (God putting on humanity) means for you. Here are some possibilities:
God in Jesus gets you and your challenges. Jesus was tempted, grew angry, grieved the death of a loved one, rejoiced, experienced frustration and disappointment, hunger, suffered, experienced death, etc.
You are accompanied by One who understands you and loves you perfectly. God communicated this love by becoming one of us, except that Jesus was without sin.
A blessed Advent is accompanied by looking forward to Jesus' return when he calls an end to time itself and human history. At last his kingdom will come and justice and his will be done perfectly and completely.
It has been often said that "God always comes down". I think that means there is no ladder to climb in order to reach God; God's blessings and interactions with us are pure grace and unearned. We can't clench our teeth and grunt and work our way to God. That's incredibly good news. God could have made things so that we did have to earn God's blessing, but God always comes down.
The one thing we can do is prepare our hearts for Jesus' coming, and grow accustomed to his love and grace. Like a wealthy parent, God is always ready to give us just what we need to be at peace with ourselves, with others, and with God.
If you are desiring a measure of the Christmas spirit, come to Church this Advent. Your Christmas will mean that much more.
Blessed Advent!
Pastor Clay Bates
389 WOMAN'S SOCIAL GATHERING
TODAY TIME: 6:00PM WHERE: RESERVOIR, 2155 Ottawa Beach Road All women are welcome come enjoy great conversation and good food. Let Diane Wollner know you are planning on being there by texting or calling her @ 616-403-3048
CAROLING
THIS SUNDAY! Come enjoy the wonderful fellowship and fun time.
Meet at Peace @ 2:00 we will be carpooling to carol!
BENEVOLENCE of the MONTH
Good Food.
Good Health.
Good Future.
It all adds up.
At Kids’ Food Basket, we believe healthy food is a right, not a privilege, for every child.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
December 5 Hilde Cornelissen Shirley Beck 6 Carl Laaksonen 22 Cindy Dahlgren 31 Linda Hutchison
PRAYER REQUESTS
Please remember to pray for the following people: Health, Comfort:
Amy Foote, Ed, Jackie Arias, Marlene, Georgia Vourlitis, Jason, Shirley Beck, Diane Oberlin, Susan Bates, Joe Grunst, Linda Hutchison, Doreen, John, Connie Brissette, Carl Laaksonen, Ellen Idema, Gail Miller, Guy McKeon, Linda Lemire, Erica, family and friends of Hank Wymer
Blessing and Guidance:
Our Veterans and our benevolence of the month,Kids’ Food Basket
December 21st is National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day, the first day of winter and the longest night of the year. Across the country, communities will pause to remember those who died while experiencing homelessness in the last year. Community Action House will be hosting a memorial from 10:00-11:00am on December 21st at First United Methodist Church (57 W 10th Street). Community members are invited to honor the 4 unhoused neighbors, as well as others who may be unknown to their team, who passed away while experiencing homelessness in 2024. All are invited to join for candle lighting, prayer, and reflection. Those who cannot join in person are invited to join remotely, from wherever they are, for a moment of silence at 11:00am on December 21st.
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
Jim Oberstadt
Children
Usher
Merle & Carl Laaksonen
Children
Communion Assistant
Diane Wollner
Children
Counters
Tracy Barnett Pete Anderson
Karl Bly Bob Hunt
Flowers
Connie Shakley
Marsha Bly
Sunday School
Mollie Galioto Liz Somero
Christmas Program
Fellowship
Diane Wollner
Cathy Vourlitis
Tech Team
Dave Barnett Cheri Endean PP: Tim Endean
Pete Anderson Bob Hunt PP: Pete Anderson
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
