November 2022

Voice of Peace

Peace Lutheran Church's

Monthly Newsletter


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A PRINTED VERSION OF THIS MONTH'S VOICE OF PEACE IS AVAILABLE IN THE GATHERING SPACE

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Please call (354-2774) or email (connect@peacenewlondon.com )

Jeremiah 29:4-5, 11 Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat what they produce. For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

There is a line from a famous movie, “Build it and they will come.” We have been so incredibly blessed with a ministry on an important corner in our community and so blessed with a building that can serve not only this congregation, but this community and beyond.

 

We have built a wonderful, welcoming place for God’s people to gather. We strive to care well for the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of all who come here. But as in all things that God has entrusted to our care, we must also care well for this physical structure.

 

We have been blessed with this building for fifty years, we “have a future with hope” that for another fifty years we may able to minister from this place. But to do so, we must invest of our time, talent and possessions to care well for this building, to make necessary repairs and to provide care well into the future.

 

Please join our family, Michael and I, and our Peace family as we invest in this special place. Join us in making a commitment to be here well into the future.

 

We are “Peacing Together”

 

Pastor Linda

A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN for Peace Lutheran Church

Sunday, November 20 - Commitment Sunday

Our Peacing Together capital campaign is off to an exciting start! Our children helped commission our Campaign Team, a campaign kick-off included an appearance from the staff "village people" and Hard Hat Tours were given highlighting many of the building maintenance needs.


Please watch your mailboxes for a packet of information that will include:

If you do not receive this packet in the mail, please contact the office!

Each document listed is also available now by simply clicking the listed item above.

After receiving & reviewing your mailing, please mail or bring your pledge card to worship on or before November 20.


Each Sunday, updates will be given on the campaign progress, but please mark your calendars for November 20th as we celebrate with bluegrass worship and special food during fellowship hour!

Interested in learning more about Peace? Considering membership with our great community of believers? Let us know!! 

A few recent snapshots

FALL FESTIVAL

HAYRIDE & POTLUCK: 

YOUTH SERVICE NIGHTS:

WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

SUNDAYS:

9:00 a.m. Worship at Peace

This Service will be available live-streamed


10:00 a.m. Faith Formation Hour


(most) WEDNESDAYS:

6:00 p.m. Camp-Style Worship at Peace

*No Wednesday Worship November 16th


6:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service

November 23


During the Season of Advent:

6:30 p.m. Advent Wednesday Vespers

begins November 30

NURSERY


We will have the nursery staffed Sunday mornings from 8:45 - 11:15 a.m. This is best suited for children up to 4 years old. Children must be signed-in each Sunday.

We Are Peace

Currently seeking volunteers

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

SCRIPTURE READERS

DISHWASHERS


Check out our new and easy way to sign up to help! This will help office staff save valuable time recruiting volunteers! Click the link below to see where the needs are, and sign up online (You do not need to set up an account) or call the office and we'll be sure to plug you in! 


See the Needs & Sign Up for open slots here!

FAITH FORMATION:

YOUTH:

It's not too late to Register for these great Sunday and Wednesday youth programming opportunities!

SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS:

(3 y/o - 3rd Grade)

All students and teachers meet in the Theater after Worship.

10:10 - 11:00 am

Pick up in the Classrooms

KIDS SING at Worship November 13!

SUNDAY SWEETS:

(Grades 4 & up)

Every Sunday following worship - 11am  

Meet upstairs in the Youth Room!

WEDNESDAY KIDS CLUB:

(Kindergarten - 3rd Grade) 

Afterschool - 5 p.m. 

$40/child. 

See Kids Club Schedule by clicking Here

WEDNESDAY NIGHT YOUTH:

INCLUDING CONFIRMATION

(Grades 4 - 9) 

6:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. 

See Wednesday Night Youth Schedule by clicking here

Food For Kidz food packing service project at Norway Lake Parish on Wednesday NOVEMBER 16: SIGN UP NOW!!


This is a required service project for our Grades 4 - 9 students. This is often a favorite service project and welcome families to participate together. There will be no Worship or Wednesday Night Education Programming at Peace. (There IS afterschool Kids' Club.)


Shifts are 4-5:30p or 5:30-7p. A suggested donation of $5 per participant will help cover the food and packing costs of the event. A meal will be also be available for $4. This Food For Kidz event will be at the NORWAY LAKE PARISH 6338 County Road 40 NW, New London.  


Click here to sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4baaad23a3f8c70-food

Are you interested in nurturing the faith of our youth? Consider 1, 2 or 3 of these following opportunities!

Now Seeking to Fill the Following INTERIM Positions:


POSITION 1:

Interim Position for Kid’s Club

5-10 hours weekly

To prepare for and implement weekly Kid’s Club after school program.


Requires:


Time spent planning weekly program.

Planning, collecting, and purchasing materials needed for program, including snacks.

4-5 hours hands-on leading of program on Wednesdays:

  • Involves busing students to Peace. Preparation of snacks.
  • Leading program in prayer, music, games, devotions, etc.

Teaching songs to be sung in worship.

Assisting with Christmas and Easter programs.

*Other related tasks as necessary.

 

POSITION 2:

Interim Position for Wednesday Education Program

5-10 hours weekly

To prepare for and implement weekly Confirmation program for 4th-6th grade.

Requires:

  • Time spent planning weekly program.
  • Planning, collecting, and purchasing materials needed for program, including recruiting volunteers to assist with classes.
  • Assisting with other Confirmation programs.
  • *Other related tasks as necessary.

 

POSITION 3:

Interim Position for Sunday School Coordinator

 5-10 hours weekly

To prepare for and implement Sunday School Program for grades preschool to 3rd grade.

Requires:

  • Time spent planning weekly program.
  •  Planning, collecting, and purchasing materials needed for program, including recruiting volunteers to assist with classes.
  • Lead gathering time with music and devotion.
  • Teaching songs to be sung in worship.
  • Assisting with Christmas and Easter programs.
  • *Other related tasks as necessary.

 

 

*Other related tasks for all positions may include:

Working with pastoral staff on Milestone ministry events, Holy Communion retreat, Vacation Bible school among other things.


Anyone interested should contact Pastor Todd. todd.mattson@peacenewlondon.com


IMPORTANT DATES:


NOVEMBER:


13th - Kids Sing at Worship!

13th - 1pm New Wine Colorado Tour Sign-up/Auditions (Grades 9 - 12)

16th - Food for Kidz packing at Norway Lake Parish

20th - 4pm New Wine Colorado Tour Sign-up/Auditions (Grades 9 - 12)

23rd - NO WEDNESDAY ACTIVITIES

23rd - 6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Service


L.Y.F. "Live Your Faith":

(9th - 12th Grade) 

Our LYF High School Group meets most Wednesday evenings at 7:39 p.m., alternating between Faith & Peace. If you are interested in more information about our meetings, Contact Quentin!

320-293-0568

youth@peacenewlondon.com 

NOT JUST FOR PEACE, LUTHERAN, OR EVEN NL-S KIDS..... SPREAD THE WORD, THIS OPPORTUNITY IS FOR ALL . . 

Join Quentin for a fun night of casual board games in the Fellowship Hall at Peace. We will have a few board games and plenty of snacks to share. Students are welcome and encouraged to bring a game to share. On this night, only the Fellowship Hall will be available. Spaces like the Youth Room and the Gym will not be available for students. Questions? Email Quentin at youth@peacenewlondon.com.

FAITH FORMATION:

ADULT:

Table Talks are held at 10:15am Sundays

You are welcome to grab your cup of coffee and cookie from the Fellowship Hall and join us in the Chapel.

Peace Book Club:

Book Club Selection for

NOVEMBER:




American Dirt

by Jeanine Cummins


Discussion:


Thursday,

November 30th 10:00 a.m.

Fireside Room

All are welcome!

Please contact Becky (354-5373) to request a copy of this month's book or for further information!

Mission Committee:

The Food for Kidz event will take place on Nov. 16 at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Food for Kidz is an international food relief program that provides nutritional meals to hungry children around the world – and here in Minnesota! Join with Peace members and friends from the Norway Lake Parish in this food packaging project!


There will be two shifts: 4:00 – 5:30 pm and 5:30 – 7:00 pm. A light meal will be available and plates of bars will be for sale. Many volunteers are needed for packaging, loading boxes, kitchen help, cleanup and more. A sign up chart will be in the gathering space on Sundays, Nov. 6 and 13. Let us know what job you’d like to do, which shift works for you, and if you plan to eat at the event. See you there!

It’s time to start thinking about Operation Christmas Child. You are invited to participate again this year by packing a shoe box filled with items to delight a child somewhere in the world! Send the Gospel to the ends of the earth without leaving home!


Shoe boxes are available in the gathering space. You may also use an average-size shoe box you have at home (you can wrap this if you choose; wrap top and bottom separately). You can also include a note to the child who will receive the box (forms are available with the boxes).


Some items to include :

a “wow” item – doll, stuffed animal, soccer ball with pump

toys – jump rope, yo-yo, toy cars

personal care items – toothbrushes, washcloths, combs, hairbrushes

school supplies – pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, notebooks, solar calculators

accessories – socks, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries.


Please include $10 (cash or check made to Samaritan’s Purse) to help cover shipping costs. Filled boxes are due back at Peace by Sunday, Nov. 20.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Missionary for A Day

Dates Sponsored

OCTOBER

1st - In Memory of Jackie Jeffords

6th - In Celebration of Tallan Olson's Birthday (Lagergrens)

28th - In Celebration of Grandson Trig's Birthday (Roveruds)


NOVEMBER

4th - 12th - In Memory of Russ Voge (Jared & Addison)

11th - In Honor of All Vetrans (Roveruds)

16th - In Honor of Amanda Hopp's Birthday (Nelsons)


SPONSOR OUR MISSIONARY FOR A DAY!!

JUST $7 EACH DAY SPONSORED! FORMS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR IN THE OFFICE. (OR JUST TALK TO SOMEONE IN THE OFFICE AND WE CAN HELP!)

UPCOMING HAPPENINGS:

THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE | NOVEMBER 23 at 6:30 p.m.



Join us for a Thanksgiving Eve Service. Bring a non-perishable, non-expired donation for The Link's food pantry. Offering taken will go to ELCA Hunger Appeal.


Stay following the service for Pie & Fellowship.

If you are willing to bring a pie for the fellowship time, please let the office know!

Join us through the season of Advent with a peaceful, reflective Wednesday night Vespers Service. We with gather at 6:30pm. Soup will be served for a free will offering at 5:30pm.

Blue Christmas Worship Service

Sunday November 20 at 6:30pm

at FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Peace's

Christian Service Day of Quilting

Meets the first Thursday of each month at 9am in the Fellowship Hall.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17th at 1:00 p.m.

(Meets the 3rd Wednesday of every month)

In the Fireside Room

OCTOBER COUNCIL REPORT 2022

Here is my October Council Report to the you the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.


CAPITAL CAMPAIGN: The council heard a report on the progress of the Capital Campaign from Al Balay.


FINANCES: A look at our September financial report shows that giving has fallen short of our expenses once again. We’ll need to see the October financial report to determine if our summer slump has ended. Specifically, since January 1 thru the end of September we are down $3,100. Having to replace our electrical panel, as required by our insurance carrier, has hurt being it was a non-budgeted expense. Hopefully, the financials will turn around and we’ll be back in the black in October. Give what you can to Peace Lutheran and a big thank you for your continued financial support.


CHURCH START TIME: As reported in September there has been a request by some members of the congregation to start church later than the present 9:00 am. We have had two lengthy discussion on this topic with several thoughts emerging. It is still an ongoing discussion with several ideas on the table. We’ll pass along information when we decide something definite.


MORTGAGE: Lake Region bank has allowed us to lock in a 5.75% rate on our mortgage with them for the next five years. Remember this is a commercial loan and not your typical homeowners loan.


DAYCARE: There is noting new to report on the pending daycare project with Vinge Lutheran Church other than to say that things are slowly crawling forward.


FAITH FORMATION DIRECTOR: The Personnel Committee has put forward four possible scenarios for filling our vacant Faith Formation Director position. A final decision as to what scenario we will use has not been made at this time.


BILL MILLER SCHOLARSHIP: Over the last year money has been given for a scholarship in Bill Miller’s name. The scholarship will be given to a seminary student for whom the ministry is a second career. Peace Lutheran will manage the money given under our tax exempt number, but this scholarship is NOT a Peace Lutheran mission project.


THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE: It is possible that our Thanksgiving Eve service will be a joint service with Faith Lutheran in Spicer. The joint service will be held at Peace Lutheran. Also possible is a Blue Christmas service with Faith and conducted at Faith Lutheran.


I’ll conclude my October report with a personal comment . Much of our October meeting was devoted too lengthy and lively discussions on the various topics. A lot of ideas and opinions were expressed by council members. Continued discussion of these topics will continue at future meetings.


Cliff Gesellchen, Council President

2022 Church Council                                                                                     
Cliff Gesellchen, President - gesellchenc@gmail.com
Kevin Acquard - kacquard@chartermi.net
Jon Austvold - jona@rambow.com
David Feist - dave.feist@tpihospitality.com
Margaret Knisley - jmlknisley@yahoo.com
Melanie Netland - mcnetland@hotmail.com
Gail Olson - gmolson@tds.net
Carol Roverud - carolroverud@gmail.com
Mary Semmler - msemmler@gmail.com
Jennifer Stone - jjstones365@gmail.com
Melissa Straus - cmsstraus@gmail.com
Raelin Van Meter - rae.vm98@gmail.com

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST:

We would like to thank the confirmation boys and girls for coming over and picking apples. What wonderful boys and girls! Also a thank you to Pastor Linda for organizing such a group. God Bless all of you!


Ann & Jim Turnquist

Click on the links below for the Birthdays and Anniversaries for this month!
Anniversaries
Birthdays

OFFICE HOURS:

Tuesday - Thursday 9am - 2:30pm

Friday 9am - 12pm


Please note: the Peace Staff Meetings will be on

Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.


Other Important Dates Coming Up!


  • 1st - 4:30pm Personnel Team Meeting (Fireside)
  • 2nd - 7:30pm Divine Drama - Act 1
  • 3rd - 9:00am Peace Quilters' Christian Day of Service (Fellowship Hall)
  • 4th - 12pm Divine Drama - Act 3
  • 6th - ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
  • 8th - 4:30pm Capital Campaign Core Group Meeting (Fireside)
  • 8th - 6:00pm Capital Campaign Team Meeting (Fireside)
  • 9th - 7:30pm Divine Drama - Act 1
  • 10th - 6:00pm New Member Class (Fireside)
  • 11th - 12pm Divine Drama - Act 3
  • 13th - 1:00pm New Wine Sign-up/Auditions
  • 15th - 5:30pm Church Council at Gesellchen's
  • 16th - 1:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Meeting (Fireside)
  • 16th - FOOD FOR KIDZ packing at Norway Lake Parish

(No Pizza, Worship or Wednesday Night Youth Grades 4 - 9)

  • 16th - 7:30pm Divine Drama - Act 1
  • 17th - 5:30pm Faith Formation Team meeting (Fireside)
  • 18th - 12pm Divine Drama - Act 3
  • 20th - CELEBRATION & COMMITMENT SUNDAY
  • 20th - 4:00pm New Wine Sign-up/Auditions
  • 20th - 6:00pm Blue Christmas Service at Faith Luthearn
  • 22nd - 6:00pm Capital Campaign Team Meeting (Fireside)
  • 23rd - NO WEDNESDAY YOUTH ACTIVITES
  • 23rd - 5:30pm Peace Choir Rehearsal
  • 23rd - 6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Service with Pie Fellowship following
  • 30th - 10am Book Club Discussion (Fireside)
  • 30th - 6:30pm Advent Vespers Service

Staff Email addresses:


Pastor Todd:

todd.mattson@peacenewlondon.com


Pastor Linda:

linda.lagergren@peacenewlondon.com



Quentin Markfort

youth@peacenewlondon.com


Lindsay Freeland

lindsay.freeland@peacenewlondon.com


Gail Olson

gail.olson@peacenewlondon.com


Mike Lagergren

facility@peacenewlondon.com

Contact Us:
100 Fourth Avenue SW, P.O. Box 286
New London, MN 56273
Phone: (320) 354-2774
Email: connect@peacenewlondon.com