Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Pe a c e E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
Page
March 2017
PeacefullyYours
Pastor’s Message
Pastor Paul Spira
Relationships
It’s been over a quarter-century since Caryl and I have had a newborn living in our
house, and one tends to forget how that little addition changes everything. Our
daughter Lizzy & husband Ted welcomed their second child, Eleanor Ruth, on Friday,
January 27 and we’re thankful that everything went well. Even brother Auggie is
getting used to having a sibling. With their house undergoing a bathroom remodel,
they had been staying at our house before and after the baby came. It’s been a great
blessing to be together during this time, but again it’s also amazing how your priorities change instantly. This precious little life depends on her parents for everything; a
perfect picture of our relationship to God. Jesus said in Mt. 18:3 that unless our faith
is like a child (literally, an infant) we will not see the kingdom of heaven. Little Ellie
reminds me of that every day.
But do I think and act each day as if my very existence depended on God and Him
alone? No I don’t, and that self-reliance is called sin.
~continued on page 11
Lenten Sermon Series
Places of the Passion
The scenes of Lent are familiar. The Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the halls
of Pontius Pilate, and the hill of Golgotha—these are the places we remember when
we meditate on our Lord’s Passion. Yet when Jesus enters a place, He never leaves it as
He found it. The most troubling places in our lives become the most amazing places of
God’s grace when Jesus visits them.
Don’t forget to change your
clocks before you go to bed
on March 11 or you’ll be
late for church on
March 12!
For this reason, in our midweek Lenten series, we will read and contemplate Luke’s
account of our Lord’s Passion. Each week, we will read a different section of the story;
and each week, Luke will take us to a different place, the places of the Passion.
Our focus, however, will not be on these physical places. Instead, we will gaze in wonder on the spiritual work that our Lord does there. Jesus will share His strength in our
times of weakness. He will fill us with His praise in the midst of our sorrow. Week after
week, we will enter the places of the Passion only to discover our Lord . . . waiting for
us . . . willing to share with us a love that was set in place before the foundations of the
world.
Plan to come to our Lenten services this year. Prepare to enter into these places of devotion, for there, your Lord will meet you, sharing with you His wondrous love that
saves a fallen world.
~See page 11 for Lenten Series Sermon Titles & Texts
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 2
President’s Letter
By Mike Nowling
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so
as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with
the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus
Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11
The Board of Directors has two big issues to report to the congregation. The issues involve our school, LSUS, and our need of volunteers to serve on boards. We have many
faithful servants at Peace and need to continue to grow in faith and fellowship.
Peace Evangelical
Lutheran Church
Rev. Paul Spira, Pastor,
744-3062
Rose Murphy, Youth & Café
Ministry, 744-3869
Daniel Harrison (1st yr) and
Theodore Hoham (2nd yr),
Seminary Fieldworkers
Krista Nagy, Principal,
Lutheran South Unity School,
744-0459
Barb Bradtmueller,
Preschool Director,
456-6605
Krista Koch, Organist
Gary Gerke, Music Director
Noel Hoff, Accompanist
Caryl Spira, Newsletter
Editor
Becky Rutkowski,
Church Secretary (M-W-F)
Nancy Herber,
LSUS is one of our most important missions. All of the students at the school are “our
students”, even though they might not be members at Peace. Our mission is to reach
out to the lost and share the peace of Christ with those that are unchurched. Many
students need our prayers and our financial support. More information about the
needs of the school will be coming in the next few weeks.
As Pastor mentioned in his PY message this month, we need more volunteers to serve
in specific areas within our church boards. Participants are needed for us to function
and operate successfully. As we all experience different phases in our lives, perhaps
there are ways we can serve now, that we weren’t able to before. Maybe you’re now
an empty nester or newly retired. Everyone has talents and experience to share, and
the more passionate you are about your interest, the easier it is to share through volunteering. Here are the areas we are seeking help from adult members:
Board of Trustees: Are you handy? Do you enjoy home ownership tasks like landscaping, painting, or cleaning? Do you take pride in well maintained buildings and grounds?
Then the Board of Trustees would love to have you share your skill sets to help maintain our facilities.
Board of Outreach and Evangelism: Are you outgoing? Do you like to make phone
calls? Are you passionate about our mission to pre-school families? Do you appreciate
the friendships you have with Peace members? The Board of Outreach works to welcome and engage souls outside the membership of the congregation and we need
more members who are interested in making this happen.
Board of Social Care and Inreach: This board works to engage souls within the congregation by providing care and showing love to fellow members. We’re looking for people who enjoy helping out with special dinners (anniversaries, welcome/farewell, Lenten, advent) and congregational social events for example.
Interparish School Board (LSUS): Christine Michael has served faithfully for two terms
and her position will need to be filled starting July 2017. This board is responsible for
the general administration of Lutheran South Unity School for a two year term. Members should have a variety of talents to facilitate fulfillment of the various responsibilities of the Board which include budget; school-specific contracts, school meetings, long
range planning, etc.
If you have any interest to participate and serve Peace Church, please contact Stewardship Chairman Marty Blessing, Pastor Spira, President Mike Nowling, or the Church
Office.
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 3
Sharing Peace Café
By Rose Murphy, Youth & Café Ministry
Sharing Peace Café Hours: Mon - Fri 7 am-7:30 pm / Sat & Sun 9 am-Noon

Special: Shamrock Smoothies? Sure…why not? Try a delightfully mint
flavored smoothie the week of March 13th.

NEW SERVICE ADDED! Coffee 2 Go - Are you in charge of providing the
coffee or baked goods for your group, club or meeting? Pick up an order form from
the café or contact the café at 744-3869 for more information.
Cards in the Café - March 13 & 27
It’s a great day in the Café to play cards from 1-3pm on March 13th & 27th (2nd and
4th Mondays every month). Euchre has been the game of choice, but there are also
UNO & SKIPBO cards here too! Bring your friends. It’s a lot of fun and a great chance
to get out and spend time with some delightful people and enjoy some tasty snacks!


Beads and Coffee in the Café - Friday, March 17, Noon-7pm
Are you into beads and jewelry making? You’ll find Faith’s (our bookkeeper) selection of bead and jewelry supplies a great find for all your needs!

Shakespeare Reads…Sponsored by Shakespeare from the Heart - March 19
Come to the Café on Sunday, March 19 at 2 pm for an informal reading of the
Shakespeare play, “The Tempest.” We will read and discuss the play, or just listen if
you like. Bring a copy of the play with you (free online). There will be a reading on
April 23 (King Lear) also. Drinks are available in the café. Bring a snack if you would
like to. Shakespeare from the Heart is a local theatre group dedicated to making
Shakespeare accessible to fans of all ages.
Sharing Peace Café at Taste of Waynedale - March 21
There will be over 20 food vendors, including Sharing Peace Café, at Kingston’s 9th
Annual Taste of Waynedale on Tuesday, March 21 from 4:30-7:00 pm at Mt. Calvary’s Family Life Center. Ticket prices: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, which can be
purchased at Kingston Residence (7515 Winchester Rd. Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm – cash or
check), Hair Affair on Bluffton Rd. or purchase online at kingstonstow.eventbrite.com ($2 fee). Proceeds will benefit Honor Flight Northeast Indiana and the Waynedale Corridor Project.
Grandparents Raising Grandkids - Every Wednesday
Are you raising your grandchildren or children of other family or friends? Know
you’re not alone. There is a group that meets on Wednesdays, 10:00-11:30 am in
the café to support and encourage one another. If you need a little extra support,
feel free to come to the meeting. Contact Rose Murphy at 744-3869 if you have
questions or need childcare.
Schedule the Café or Conference Room - In need of a place to have a special
meeting, book club, or other group gathering? Complete an Event Form, located in
the café or in the church office. Contact Rose Murphy for any questions.
Card Making Class – Thursday, March 30 at 6:30pm
Cost: $8 for 5 Cards (2 Easter, 2 Birthday, 1 Thinking of You)
RSVP Required before March 20: 744-3869 or [email protected]





COMING UP: FOOD TRUCK THURSDAYS, beginning April 6 from 5-8 pm!
Just for Kids
Chess Club: Gr 3 & up
Saturdays 10-11:30 am
March 11 & 25
Learn and play Chess
with Brady & Peter. No
prior experienced
needed; all skill levels
welcome.
Homework Help: K-8
Get extra help during
the school year from
teacher Peter Meyer
on Thursdays from
4:30-6 pm
Wellness Schedule
~Walk-in Classes
~All skill levels welcome
~Just $5 per session
Zumba
Mondays 6-7pm
Fridays 9-10am
Yoga
Tuesdays 6:30-7:30pm
Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm
Bring a mat if you have
one. A limited quantity are
available for your use.
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 4
Peace Lutheran Preschool
By Kris Tinsley, Teacher
National Lutheran
School Accredited
Valentine's Day is an exciting time for
preschoolers. They look forward to giving
and receiving their valentines in the classroom. During the month of February
both classes concentrated on showing
love and kindness. The teachers used the
Bible story of the Good Samaritan to help
the children understand the importance
of showing love and kindness to others.
Although the groundhog saw his shadow
and predicted six more weeks of winter,
the preschool classes are looking forward
to spring. March will bring many weather
related activities as the children explore
the old adage, "March comes in like a lion
and goes out like a lamb". As the church
enters the Lenten season the children will
learn about God's great love for them,
and for all of us, through Jesus sacrifice
on the cross.
Ready to Ride!
As part of our community outreach, we’re
planning on offering a bicycle event to get
your bike and child ready for bike riding
season.
Ready to Ride!
Saturday, April 8
10 am-2 pm
Sharing Peace Café
Events being planned include:

Bike safety by Bicycle Officers from
the Fort Wayne Police Department


Professional helmet fitting by
Parkview Health
Bikes inspections for safe riding

Food Trucks
Would you like to donate a helmet?
Parkview will provide helmets for sale at
$10 each. If you would like to donate a
helmet or two, please make your checks
payable to Peace Lutheran Church and
write Helmet Donation on the memo line.
Place your donation in an envelope and
give to the church office or to a Sharista in
the Sharing Peace Cafe.
Volunteers will be needed in various ways
during the event. Please let Rose Murphy
know if you are willing to help. 744-3869
or [email protected].
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 5
New Members
On Sunday, February 5th, we welcomed
Kalie (pronounced Kay-lee) Keller and
Lance Selking into membership at Peace.
Kalie was baptized at Peace last fall and
was received into membership by adult
confirmation. Lance is a lifelong member
of St. John (Bingen) Lutheran Church in
Decatur and is received by transfer. Kalie
works for Napa Auto Parts and Lance is
an Auto Technician for Yeoman's Service
Center. Lance and Kalie will be married
here on June 17th. Welcome to Peace!
Watch for info coming!
New Church Pictorial
Directory for 2017
Lenten Dinners
Please join us for our Lenten meals before the midweek worship services from 5:306:30 p.m. on March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, April 5. Many thanks to our volunteers who prepare and coordinate the dinners. Please join us for dinner and wonderful fellowship.
There is no charge, but freewill donations are encouraged to support the various
groups.
Menu
March 01 - Italian chicken and noodles, fresh veggies/dip, fruit, homemade
bread, variety of cakes - Ann & Ken White
March 08 - Pulled pork, baked beans, applesauce, chips - Elders
March 15 - Chili, corn muffins, veggies and brownies - Parish Nursing
March 22 - Baked pasta, salad or veggies, fruit, dessert - Choir
March 29 - Chicken salad croissants, broccoli cheese soup, salad, dessert - Outreach
April 05 - Chicken soup, hot dogs, fruit, cookies - WinGS
Men at Peace - Rediscover Jesus Lenten Study
Come grab a cup of coffee in the Sharing Peace Cafe' and enjoy a book study.
Men at Peace is reading Matthew Kelly's "Rediscover Jesus" for Lent beginning
Wednesday March 1 at 7 am weekdays thru Friday April 7. We'll read together, have a
brief discussion and conclude by 7:30 am. Books are complementary with your registration. Please email Dave Nelson at [email protected] or come by
The Sharing Peace Cafe' to register.
The Wednesday night Bible study small group at The Keck’s is also studying this series
if you can’t make the early mornings.
It’s been five+ years
since our last church
photo directory was
done so it’s time!
More information will
be available once the
photography dates are
finalized.
All members who have
their pictures taken for
the directory will receive a free 8”x10”. If
your family includes an
adult over 18 who is a
member, they can have
their photo done individually and with their
family.
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 6
WinGS - Women in God’s Service
By Shirley Lehman
March 24-25
Mark Your Calendar--- WinGS (Women in
God’s Service) will be having their Spring
Rummage & Bake Sale – Friday, March 24
and Saturday March 25. Clean out your
closet and bring all those treasures you
have been saving & bring to our sale for
others to enjoy. We are accepting men’s,
women’s and children’s good clean
clothes. Also, small household appliances,
books, bedding, linens, jewelry, pictures,
frames. No computers or televisions,
please.
Dates to Remember
Comfort Knotters
9:00 a.m. – noon
1 & 3 Monday of each month
st
rd
WinGS Hosting April 5th Lenten Supper
Come for good food and great fellowship.
Dinner menu includes:
Chicken soup, hot dogs, fruit, cookies
Youth News
By Rose Murphy, Family and Youth Ministry
Cross Talk – Sr. High: Tuesdays from 6-8pm
All high school youth are invited to gather each Tuesday from 6-8pm for time in Scripture and time with friends. There have been new youth attending youth group the last
few months. What a blessing these youth have all become to one another! Invite any
Sr. High youth you know to come join us. NOTE: There will not be Cross Talk on March
21, but youth are encouraged and welcome to come to spend time with each other in
the café.
Confirmation Retreat – Weekend of March 10-12
Please hold up our Confirmation Class in your prayers as we attend a Confirmation Retreat at Camp Lutherhaven where they will build their personal relationship with Jesus
Christ and grow in their faith journey.
Winter Jam Concert – Thursday, March 23, 6:00pm
Sign-up to attend the Winter Jam Concert at the Memorial Coliseum on Thursday,
March 23. The cost is $10 (cash) where the pre-concert begins at 6pm with the concert
at 7pm. The seats are first come-first served and always sell out, so it is a good idea if
you can meet the group by 5pm. It’s a long time standing and waiting, or sitting on the
floor. So, be prepared to play some group games while we’re waiting in line. The Christian bands playing are truly worth the wait! Please RSVP on the form in youth area of
the café by March 19. Contact Rose at 402-1679 or [email protected] if you
have questions.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
We're excited to share that in 2016 over 335,000 Thrivent members chose to direct
Choice Dollars® to more than 32,000 churches, schools and other nonprofits, including
Peace Lutheran Church, through Thrivent Choice®. Based on member directing, Peace
Lutheran Church received $2,618 in charitable outreach funding in 2016. If you haven’t directed your choice dollars yet, 2016 CHOICE DOLLARS EXPIRE March 31st.
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 7
Parish Health and Wellness
By Cheryl Erickson, RN, FNP -BC
Excerpts of this article were written by: Marcia Schnorr, Ed.D., RN-BC, Certified Lay
Minister-Parish Nurse, LCMS Health Ministry
Wellness Can Be ‘Contagious’
Wellness is not just the absence of disease or dis-ease. Wellness is a state of wellbeing
that includes every dimension of the person. Wellness is consistent with the holistic
concept of health that was taught by the Rev. Dr. Granger Westberg, the founder of
contemporary parish nursing. Parish nurses are familiar with the importance of physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual wellness. Some also add environmental
and occupational wellness to the mix.
Health care workers are familiar with the “germ theory” that explains the cause of
most illnesses. When exposed to a specific virus or bacteria, an individual gets the illness. The same concept applies to the wellness model. It is difficult to remain well
when surrounded by people who experience disease and/or dis-ease. Wellness, or lack
of wellness, has a ripple effect much like what happens when you toss a pebble in a
pond. To keep the entire system well, it is important to begin with a core that is well.
Business and industry sectors have begun to embrace wellness as a model because
they realize that keeping the administrators and employees well makes for a more productive workplace. In the Church, we do not covet wellness or embrace it as an idol.
We seek wellness as an expression of the stewardship of the life and health that are
gifts from God. A system that is well will value the people who are part of it as well as
those they seek to serve. So what does this have to do with parish nursing? It means
that parish nurses intentionally seek to maintain health by taking advantage of primary
and secondary health care. This may include participating in health fairs, fitness centers, blood pressure checks or other offerings. It can also include setting intentional
goals for the whole person, such as:
Emotional wellness: Encourage the honest and appropriate expression of feelings, utilize stress management skills; maintain self-esteem.
Parish Nurse
March Office Hours
Fridays
March 3, 10, 24, 31
10-11:30 am
For immediate assistance
with health-related
questions, call Cheryl at
341-8215.
Parish Nurse Email is
Parishnurse@
peacelutheranfw.org
Blood Pressure
Screenings
2nd Wednesday and 3rd
Sunday each month
~
30 Minutes
Before and After the
Worship Service
(In the Church Lounge)
Intellectual wellness: Encourage creativity, provide opportunities to learn something
new, share your hobby with others.
Physical wellness: Encourage walking breaks, healthy snacks and participation in health
screenings.
Social wellness: Encourage “break time” and opportunities for networking with colleagues.
Spiritual wellness: Encourage group devotions, Bible study and prayer.
Disease and dis-ease follow a ripple effect. If we cannot do big things, then let’s do
little things in a big way. Let us be well and share wellness with others.
Peace Exercise Schedule $5/class
Monday 6 pm Zumba
Tuesday 6:30 pm Yoga
Thursday 5:30 pm Yoga
Friday 9 am Zumba
PEACE exercise schedule:
Monday Zumba 6 pm
Tuesday Yoga 6:30 pm
Thursday Yoga 5:30 pm
Friday Zumba 9am
$5 per class
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 8
Lutheran Community News
Cross Connections Suppor t Groups
Grief Support Group:
Beginning Thursday March 16th, this support group is for people going through any
type grief such as loss of loved ones, divorce, job loss, relocation, etc. If interested,
please contact Cross Connections at 260.373.0213 to register for this group. You will be
provided with materials and the cost when registering is $20 per person.
LGBTQ+ Support Group for Parents:
Cross Connections is beginning a support group for Christian parents of adult children
identifying as LGBTQ. Parents are invited to come together in a confidential and safe
atmosphere for hope and encouragement. Resources provided for parents to develop
relationships with their sons and daughters. The meetings will take place 6:30-7:30pm
the 4th Tuesday of each month, at Cross Connections, 4618 East State Blvd., Suite 300
(East State Professional Park). Those interested may contact Lisa Lessing at 260-4231369, ext. 321 to register for this group.
Lutheran Social Services
The Gear-Up for Safety Program helps meet a need in the community for families with
small children who were going without needed safety equipment, mostly because of
lack of funds. Gear-Up is a LSSI program where you can make a direct referral. You
can also make a direct impact with a gift to LSSI in support of Gear-Up. A gift of $120
will cover the cost of one home visit and a new car seat. For $200 you can ensure a
family receives two home visits and provide them with 3 smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector. With a $300 contribution, the immediate safety needs for a
family are met and parent education is delivered. Your dollars matter and will make a
direct and immediate impact! To donate, call Lutheran Social Services 260-426-3347.
Worship for Shut-Ins – March 2017
Worship for Shut-Ins Sunday morning program on Fort Wayne's NBC channel 21.2 at
7:00 AM. (Verizon FiOS channel 4, Comcast ch 13, Mediacom ch 8) Worship for ShutIns can still be viewed each week in FW: 8am on MyTV (Channel 21.3), 11:30am on
WINM-TCT (Channel 38), 4pm Sunday and 10am Monday on Public Access.
March 5, 2017 “You Rule!” - Sermon Text: Romans 5:17
by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN
March 12, 2017 “Forward in Faith” - Sermon Text: Genesis12:1-4a; Hebrews 11:8
by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary ~ Fort Wayne, IN
March 19, 2017 “Come Away…to the Well” - Sermon Text: John 4:13-14
by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church ~ Stroh, IN
March 26, 2017 “Wash the Mud!” - Sermon Text: John 9:1-7, 13-17. 34-39
by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church ~ Fort Wayne, IN
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 9
Lutheran School News
Concordia Lutheran High School
Annie Jr.
Join us for our middle school
musical, Annie Jr., at Concordia
Elementary School on March 17 and 18.
Based on the popular comic strip and
adapted from the Tony award-winning
musical, Annie Jr. follows the charming
tale of a little, redheaded orphan as she
moves from her next-to-nothing home
and into the heart of billionaire Oliver
Warbucks.
Join us for our spring auction
Mark your calendars to be at our 34th annual Cadets in Cadence event on April 22,
2017! This event is for parents, grandparents, alumni, and all those who proudly
support Concordia Lutheran High School.
The annual auction has been part of our
schools tradition since 1983, each year
with a different theme, but always with
the same purpose, to raise money for our
students and school to continue its mission of Christ-Centered education. This
year's theme is celebrating the great old
American past-time, baseball. We're taking our guests out to the ballgame and
we hope you'll be a part of the fun!
For information visit
www.events.org/CadetsInCadence2017.
Our committee is working on gathering
items, gift certificates and baskets that
we can use in our silent auction. If you
would like to donate an item or basket
that we can auction off, please bring it to
the high school by April 1!
Lutheran South Unity School
Congratulations
Box Tops for Education
Congratulations to the boy’s varsity basketball team for winning the EIBT
(Lombard) Tournament! Also to the
Cheerleaders who placed 2nd in their
competition.
Please continue to save
and turn in Box Tops
for Education, “School
Spirit” labels from Aunt
Millies/Sunbeam breads, and A+ coupons
from Tyson Chicken products.
I-Steps Testing
Grades 3-8
February 27-March 10
April 17-May 5
Phoenix Fun Fest
Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 13
for our annual Phoenix Fun Fest. We are
looking for silent auction items.
If you have an item or service that you
would like to donate for this, please contact Julie at 260-744-0459.
Spring Break
Spring break is April 3-7, 2017
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 10
For the Record
If your birthday, anniversary or change
of address is not listed, kindly contact
the church office with your information.
Did you Re-Enroll for 2017?
You can support
Peace when you
shop at Kroger if
your Plus Card is enrolled
in the Kroger Community
Rewards program and
scanned when you checkout. Enrollment lasts one
calendar year, so it’s time
to re-enroll Peace as your
organization to support.
Re-enroll or sign up
through your Kroger online
account or visit
www.krogercommunityrew
ards.com and enter "Peace
Lutheran Church” or our
organization #30500. If you
don’t have an email address, call 800-KROGERS
(800-576-4377), hit option
#3 and they will register
your card over the phone.
Once enrolled, your receipts should say Supporting Peace Lutheran
Church on the bottom.
Bir thdays
Giving & Attendance
Treva Strasen ..................................... 3/4
Patty Easterday ............................... 3/10
Renee Springer ................................ 3/12
Gene Koch ...................................... 3/14
Spencer Strasen ............................... 3/15
Connor Gastineau ........................... 3/16
Rev. Bob Hedtke …………………. ........ .3/17
Maxine Peck ................................... 3/18
Adam Koch ...................................... 3/19
David Michael .................................. 3/21
Jerry Branstrator ............................. 3/23
Sally Brandon ................................... 3/24
Bill Moore ........................................ 3/24
Ron Daseler ..................................... 3/25
Ryan Zellers ..................................... 3/25
Kyle Strasen ..................................... 3/26
Vicki Beeks ....................................... 3/27
Chuck Miller..................................... 3/27
Chris Till ........................................... 3/29
Jan. 26 through Feb. 19, 2017 contributions and attendance were as follows:
Memorials
Given in memory of Rose Breeden by
Members
Joe & Elaine King
Ruth Ann Schimmel
Non- Members
Madeline Adair
Tom Ahr, Janet Ahr and
Mark & Steph Linehan
Rev. George Black
Dick & Vera Doner
June Keiser and family
Karl Kostoff
Mrs. Vasilca Lovely
Rose Noll
Dorothy Stavret
Jan. 26/29
$ 4,406.00
18/92
Feb. 2/5
$ 6,620.00
25/94
Feb. 9/12
$ 3,526.55
13/88
Feb. 16/19
$ 4,798.38
17/92
Budget
Yearly 2016-2017:
$ 306,000.00
Weekly 2016-2017:
$
5,885.00
Soul Accounting
New Members
Kalie Keller
by Adult Confirmation
Lance Selking
Transfer from
St. John Bingen, Decatur
February 5, 2017
Baptism
Eleanor Ruth Hoham
Born: January 27, 2017
Baptized: February 19, 2017
Parents: Theodore & Elizabeth Hoham
Deaths
Rose Breeden
Age 86
Died January 27, 2017
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 11
Pastor’s Letter
(Continued from page 1)
Perhaps if my adult life were more like an
infant’s I would have no choice but to
accept my submissive role in this relationship. But God in his loving wisdom has
given mankind the ability to go his own
way if he so chooses. Just as any parent
must gradually let go of a child, our Father allows us to make choices that lead
us away from Him. Thankfully, He also
sends his Holy Spirit who works faith, and
Jesus Christ who redeems us from sin. We
are so blessed to have such a loving and
gracious God!
Following up on some items from last
month, by the time this is printed, Caryl
and I will have attended the Best Practices in Ministry conference in Phoenix and
brought home ideas and resources to
consider. In particular we were looking at
church governance and structure models,
and for outreach ideas that have been
successful for other churches like us. It’s
always good to learn from what others
have done and to avoid the pitfalls they
experienced!
I mentioned last month that we had submitted a new grant proposal to the Lutheran Foundation for help with a yearlong plan for neighborhood outreach,
predominantly through the café. Our
‘Concept Paper’ was approved, and we’re
now submitting a full proposal that will
be reviewed and decided in the next
couple months. We will continue to do
some form of outreach regardless of
the outcome of our application, but
having the additional financial support
will make things much more effective.
Stay tuned.
I had also wrote last month how the
leadership of Peace is looking much
more intently at stewardship and, in
particular, getting more of our members actively involved in the work of the
church. So many people today are busy
with many other things, and frankly it’s
easy to say ‘no’ when asked to take on
some task at church. However I encourage everyone to think about their own
priorities in life and consider how we
allocate the 24 hours a day each of us is
given. If we take an objective look at
our time, would it show that Christ is
truly the center of our lives? For most
of us, we’d have to confess our answer
as ‘no’.
So I encourage everyone to give this
prayerful consideration and, when
called upon to serve our congregation,
find a way to fit it into your schedule. I
promise you, the benefits are worth it!
God’s blessings always! ~Pastor
Lenten Series Sermon Titles & Texts
March 1 - Ash Wednesday “A Place at the Table for You” Luke 22:1–13
March 8 - Midweek of Lent 1
“The Upper Room: A Place of Service”
Luke 22:14–38
April 5 - Midweek of Lent 5
“The Trial: A Place of God’s Will”
Luke 22:63–23:25
March 15 - Midweek of Lent 2
“Gethsemane: A Place of Strength”
Luke 22:39–46
April 13 - Holy Thursday
“The Last Supper: A Place of Forgiveness”
Luke 22:7–23
March 22 - Midweek of Lent 3
“The Betrayal: A Place of Eternal Love”
Luke 22:47–53
April 14 - Good Friday
“Golgotha: A Place of Simple Love”
Luke 23:44–49
March 29 - Midweek of Lent 4
“The Courtyard: A Place of Renewal”
Luke 22:54–62
April 16 - Easter Sunday
“The Empty Tomb: A Place of Remembering”
Luke 24:1–11
4900 Fairfield Ave.
Fort Wayne, IN 46807
Phone: 260-744-3869
www.PeaceLutheranFW.org
Return Service Requested
Mission
Peace Evangelical Lutheran
Church exists to reach the
lost and to provide for
spiritual growth and nurture
of our family of believers
through education and
ministry of Word and
Sacraments.
Mid-Week Worship Services
change to Wednesdays during Lent
March 1 - Ash Wednesday
Lenten Dinners 5:30-6:30 pm
March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and April 5
Worship at 7 pm
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 13
MARCH VOLUNTEERS
Date
Greeters
Readers
Acolytes
Communion
Assistants / Elders
Nursery
Ushers
Counters
Contact Person
LaDonna
Keck
456-1526
LaDonna
Keck
456-1526
Rose
Murphy
402-1679
Jerry
Branstrator
747-2098
Karen
Bercot
456-2243
Mart
Erickson
747-1976
Dick
Rutkowski
436-2112
Gene Koch*
and Team #4
Herb Acker
Dick Burkholder
Mike Nowling
Payton
Sells
Grant Acker
Ron Daseler
5*
Sunday
John & Karen
Bercot
Mark & Diana
Gotsch
Gene Koch
Kendrick
Marcum
Mart Erickson
Ron Gehring
8*
Wednesday
Chuck &
Jeri Miller
Kristine Bercot
Maddie
Strasen
Grant Acker
Ron Daseler
12*
Sunday
Nancy Lohr
Mike Murphy
Fred Rahe
Bob Michael
Sarah
Brandon
Mart Erickson
Jay Lahrman
Nancy Thieme Joe King*
and Team #2
15
Wednesday
Bertie Hormann
Carmen Seemann
Judy Stoppenhagen
Cheryl Erickson
Cody
Fairchild
Mart Erickson
Joe King*
and Team #2
19
Sunday
Marty & Michele
Blessing
Margaret Doell
Shirley Lehman
John Bercot
Kendrick
Marcum
Jerry Branstrator
22*
Wednesday
Ron & Cheryl
Daseler
Diana Gotsch
Aniyah
Wilson
Grant Acker
Ron Daseler
26*
Sunday
Amy Bredemeyer
Ken Heingartner
Ruth Ann Schimmel
Ben Strasen
Mart Erickson
Maddie
Strasen
Mart Erickson
Ron Gehring
29*
Wednesday
Grant &
Lora Acker
Val Nowling
Payton Sells Jerry Branstrator
1*
Ash
Wednesday
7:00 pm
Karen Bercot
Mike Strasen*
and Team #1
John Bercot
Kevin Knoch
Marty Blessing
Mike Strasen*
and Team #1
7:00 pm
7:00 pm
Becky
Rutkowski
Dick Rutkowski*
and Team #3
Joe & Elaine King
Don & Judy
Parker
Nancy Thieme
Dick & Becky
Rutkowski
Dick Rutkowski*
and Team #3
7:00 pm
Jay Lahrman
Karen Bercot
Gene Koch*
and Team #4
Tom Fuelling
Ken Heingartner
Ken White
Gene Koch*
and Team #4
7:00 pm
* = Communion Service
SPECIAL MONTHLY
VOLUNTEERS
Altar Servers: Stacey Jackson and Jeri Miller
Cards to Shut-in Members: Barbara Grote and Nancy Herber
Pew Supplies: Caryl Spira*, Lucille Wilson, Sandy Henry and Linda Mahrt
Peacefully Yours—March 2017
Page 14
Sun
Mon
Tue
Weekdays
March 1- April 7
7:00-7:30 am
Rediscover Jesus
Book Study
Café p.3
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1*
2
3
4
Ash Wednesday
Bulletin Items Due
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga
9:00 am Zumba
10-11:30 am
GRGK in Cafe
5:30-6:30 pm
Lenten Dinner
7:30 pm Parish
Choir Practice
10:00—11:30 am
Parish Nurse is in
6:30 pm Worship
with Communion
5*
6
7
8*
9
10
11
9:00 am Worship
with Communion
9:00 am
Comfort Knotters
6:00-8:00 pm SH
Cross Talk
Bulletin Items Due
4:30-6 pm
Homework Help
9:00 am Zumba
10:30 am Adult &
Youth Bible Study,
Confirmation &
Cross Trainers
6:00 pm Zumba
6:30 pm Board of
Administration
10:00—11:30 am
Parish Nurse is in
10-11:30 am
Chess Club Café
p. 3
6:30-7:30 pm Yoga
10:30 am Youth
Confirmation Class
10-11:30 am
GRGK in Cafe
5:30-6:30 pm
Lenten Dinner
6:30 pm Worship
with Communion
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga
7:30 pm Parish
Choir Practice
BP Screening
12*
13
14
15
16
17
18
9:00 am Worship
with Communion
1:00 pm Cards in
the Café
6:00-8:00 pm SH
Cross Talk
4:30-6 pm
Homework Help
9:00 am Zumba
10:30 am Adult &
Youth Bible Study,
Confirmation &
Cross Trainers
6:30 pm—Board of 6:30-7:30 pm Yoga
Elders
6:30 pm Board of
Directors
Bulletin Items Due
Peacefully Yours
Items Due
10-11:30 am
GRGK-in Cafe
5:30-6:30 pm
Lenten Dinner
6:30 pm Worship
Service
9:00 am
Men at
Peace
Daylight Savings
Time Begins
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga
Noon-7 pm
Beadrageous Show
In Café p. 3
7:30 pm Parish
Choir Practice
19
20
21
22*
23
24
25
9:00 am Worship
Service
9:00 am
Comfort Knotters
4:30-7 pm Taste of
Waynedale p3
Bulletin Items Due
4:30-6 pm
Homework Help
9:00 am Zumba
BP Screening
6:00 pm Zumba
2pm Shakespeare
Reading , Café p.3
7:00 pm Board of
Christian Ed
6:00-8:00 pm SH
Cross Talk
8:00 amNoon
WinGS
Rummage
and Bake Sale
10-11:30 am
Chess Club Café
6:30 Board of
Worship
10-11:30 am
GRGK-in Cafe
5:30-6:30 pm
Lenten Dinner
6:30-7:30 pm Yoga
6:30 pm Worship
with Communion
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga
7:30 pm Parish
Choir Practice
9 am - 5 pm
WinGS Rummage
and Bake Sale
10:00—11:30 am
Parish Nurse is in
26*
27
28
29*
30
31
9:00 am Worship
with Communion
1:00 pm Cards in
the Café
6:00-8:00 pm SH
Cross Talk
Bulletin Items Due
4:30-6 pm
Homework Help
9:00 am Zumba
6:00 pm Zumba
6:30-7:30 pm Yoga
10-11:30 am
GRGK-in Cafe
5:30-6:30 pm
Lenten Dinner
6:30 pm Worship
with Communion
* = Communion Service SH = Sr. High JH = Jr. High
5:30 - 6:30 pm
Yoga
6:30 pm Card
Making Class p. 3
7:30 pm Parish
Choir Practice
10:00—11:30 am
Parish Nurse is in