Dear Peace Members and Friends,
Last Sunday in the Adult Education Hour, we previewed Sunday’s annual meeting and then met in small groups to talk about ministry at Peace. I was reminded once again of how faithful and talented our congregation is, and how joyful it is when God’s people gather together!
So it’s all the more reason to look forward to the annual meeting of our congregation on Sunday at 10:45am in the sanctuary. This meeting is an opportunity to review 2024 ministry, consider a proposed church budget for 2025, hear committee and pastor reports, elect new Council members, and to thank God for our life together. I encourage all Peace members to attend!
Prior to the annual meeting, we’ll assemble for worship (9:30am). In worship, we’ll share in the Lord’s Supper, be blessed by the Sunday School Singers, and hear one of the most familiar and beloved passages in the Bible; St. Paul’s words to the Corinthian church, “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or rude…..” and so on.
It’s a beautiful passage! And yet there are misunderstandings about it. One is that it’s intended for weddings. True, weddings are often where we hear these wonderful words but it was originally written to a congregation fighting like mad! The second misunderstanding? Paul’s description of love is qualities muster on our own. How do we love in the ways Paul describes; patiently, kindly, etc.? I don’t know about you but that sounds almost impossible day in and day out. I’ll say more in a message, “Love Is Not All You Need.”
Two reminders. The funeral service for Margaret Rees Schorsch, the mother of Joanne Vance and Holly Long will be tomorrow at 10:00am and the funeral service for long-time Peace member Bill Neher will be a week from tomorrow, February 8th at 12 noon. Our condolences go with all their families and friends.
Last of all, the Service and Mission Committee will be collecting children and adult winter coats on Sunday, February 9th. The donated coats (preferably clean and without stains) will be delivered to an organization called, Reach & Restore in Hopkins. They, in turn, will distribute those coats free to any and all who need them. My thanks ahead of time!
See you Sunday,
Mark