Susan and I will be traveling to New Mexico in January with our camper, so you might not be receiving a weekly update article from me until February.  Pastor Len, Pastor Paul, and Deacon Deno will be leading worship while I am gone, and Deacon Deno will be available for Pastoral Care emergencies (616-894-0499).

I often think about writing an article about my pet peeves regarding other drivers.  There's quite a list, so it wouldn't be practical.  When one of  them occurs, I try to remember that I can't realistically expect that all drivers are going to be perfect.  Mistakes happen, perhaps a driver hasn't learned correct behavior, or perhaps a driver has a disability concerning driving.  When a driver does something aggressive intentionally, I try to remain calm, remembering that the other driver could be a dangerous person, who should be behind bars.  

Then there are also Jesus' teachings to love our enemies and even pray for them, and turn the other cheek.  That can be really hard to do, but when I am successful, I feel calmer, at peace, and willing to let the other driver be on their way without becoming upset.  The other benefit is that I stay safe against road rage, and perhaps I bear witness to other drivers.  

You might be doing some driving during the holidays, so for your own safety and on behalf of those who care about you (including me) please drive safely, and when you are wronged, intentionally or not,  please let it go and keep safe.  

Pastor Clay Bates

The 25 Holiday ham dinners were delivered to Woodside Elementary this morning. Dinner included ham, dinner rolls , yams , green beans and a bag of apples. The missions committee of Beth Hunt, Pat Bergeron, Julie Olson, Roy & Nancy Gonzalez would like to thank Peace Lutheran congregation for making this possible.

We also had 10 other families sign up for Christmas meals. At this time we have 4 (two turkey and two ham) that have not been picked up. Deadline for pick up was 5pm today. If you know of someone in need of a meal contact Beth Hunt 616-886-0463. 

Missions were able to pass out Meals to 60 households for Thanksgiving and another 35 for Christmas. Thank you for your contributions to make this possible!

Thank you also to all who are bringing in your food from your Advent Calendar you are helping fill the shelves in our Little Free Pantry.
Then one more big thank you to those that are donating to the Benevolences of the Month. This month has been Kids' Food Basket. We have truly put a nice little dent in helping the hungry this month. Unfortunately it is a continuous need in our community and around the world. Peace is a blessed congregation who cares for others. God Bless you all and all you do!
Have a wonderful Blessed Christmas.

December 
5
Hilde Cornelissen
Shirley Beck
6
Carl Laaksonen
22
Cindy Dahlgren
31
Linda Hutchison

389 Women's Social Gathering
January 9th Boatwerks
6:00pm

24	29
Christmas Eve	First Sunday of Christmas
Pastor Clay Bates	Pastor Clay Bates
John Eisenhauer	John Eisenhauer
Mark DeLand	Jim Oberstadt
Bob Hunt	Mark DeLand
Cathy & Jim Vourlitis	Merle & Carl Laaksonen
Tracy Barnett	Bob Hunt
Bob Hunt Pete Anderson	Jim Oberstadt John Eisenhauer
Monica Serrell White Carnations	Tracy Barnett White Carnations
Christmas Eve	Lili & Hope Ann Somero
	Suzy Aikens
Bob Hunt Pete Anderson PP: Dave Barnett	Bob Hunt Pete Anderson PP: Bob Hunt

President - Mark DeLand

Sarahelizabeth Baguhn - Faith Development
Dave Barnett - Outreach
Michelle Ayala – Gracious Hospitality
Diane Wollner – Passionate Worship
Vaughn Aikens
Bob Hunt
Cheri Endean

EMAIL PASTOR CLAY BATES