WEEKLY EMAIL FOR REFORMATION SUNDAY

OCTOBER 25, 2009



For a list of upcoming activities go to http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1K5L6N8L6I3N8

Be sure to check out our website http://welcometopeace.com

If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can still make an offering using our online service at Contribute Online. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and ministry.



We invite you to become a friend of Peace on the Peace Facebook webpage. Facebook is an online social networking site that helps communities of friends stay connected on an on-going basis. The cost is free. Facebook is a lot fun and you will enjoy the connections. You will need a Facebook account to join. Go to http://facebook.com for more information and search Facebook for Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena Texas. We look forward to you joining.



This Sunday's Events:

We will be celebrating the courage that Martin Luther had in 1517 when he nailed his 95 statements to the church door and launched a movement that called the Church back to the Gospel. We remember this day for the church is always in need of staying true to the Gospel of justification by grace through faith. As Lutherans we have three core beliefs. 1) Christ alone 2) Faith Alone 3) Grace Alone. We also respond to these beliefs in love and service of neighbor. We also believe in the priesthood of all believers and that no church or no person can ever stand between you and God.



We invite everyone to wear red this Sunday as way to celebrate the fire of the Holy Spirit that continues to guide into these truths.



Kathryn and I will be away celebrating our son, James wedding. Pastor Gary Morgan-Gohlke will be preaching and presiding. We are very fortunate to have him and his wife Carol as members of Peace. Pastor Sjoberg will be handling any pastoral care.



Tuesday Evening Manna

I continue to encourage you to check this out on Tuesday evening from you computer. I am broadcasting a live chat about the upcoming Sunday texts. You can find the station either through the "Peace Connection" on our website or at DrDTart on blogtv.com.



Open Forum on Human Sexuality Statement and Ministry Policies

We had our open forum this past Tuesday and I sense it went very well. We had a lot of good questions and honest comments. I think we also cleared up a lot of misinformation. I can not speak for the group, but only myself.



Some of the information I think needs to be clearly said is that the ELCA is not endorsing any position on homosexuality or the calling of pastors in these relationships. The ELCA is allowing ambiguity on these issues in the church. We have people on both sides of the issue that are not comfortable with the ambiguity, but we have many, including myself, who are.

We also clarified that the ELCA has a top down decision making system. The national churchwide assembly votes on these "teaching statements" and not the local congregations. However, and this is important, these statements are not binding on our members. No one is forced to accept them. You can be the "loyal opposition" to the statement.



The other comments that I continued to hear is love of neighbor. I did not hear anyone wanting to condemn people and everyone wanted to practice mercy. This "love and service to neighbor" wins the day in the disagreements.



Finally, the group seemed to be committed to staying together. In our families we have disagreements, but we still give Christmas presents. We still come together for dinner. Hence, we need to practice this same kind of respect and, most importantly, inclusion and value of everyone at Peace. If you have any questions or comments about this matter, please contact Judy and make an appointment with me.



Youth Minister Transition Workshop

We had our first meeting and divided into two groups, the "Do Team" that will make sure that we continue to "do" youth ministry in the interim time and "Search Team" that will search for the new youth minister. You can keep informed and even become involved by joining the Youth Minister Transition Team on our website. Go to Peace Groups and click on the link.



Playground Update

We have finalized a bid and plan to present it at postponed council meeting on Oct 28.



All Saints Sunday, Nov 1

On November 1 will be giving thanks to God for those who since last All Saints have entered into the great glory of heaven. We mourn their loss, but rejoice in our hope in the great victory of Jesus. On November 1 we will be recognizing the following: William Rigdon, Amy Simon, Lois Jolibois, Martha Ludwig, Penny Esquivel, and Shirley Carpenter. We will also be offering everyone the opportunity to light a candle in memory of all who have gone before us. We invite you to wear white on this Sunday as we celebrate our sainthood in Christ.

Joint Methodist-Lutheran Thanksgiving Communion Service

In August our national church assembly voted to have full communion with our Methodist brothers and sisters. What this means is that we found enough common agreement in our beliefs about communion to allow Methodist pastors to preside at Lutheran communions and Lutheran pastors to preside at Methodist communions. This full communion is a great achievement in church unity. It does not mean that either gives up anything, but we have enough agreement to find common ground.



So on Wednesday, November 18, the Methodist churches in Pasadena and Peace Lutheran are having a communion service at Peace at 6:30 pm. Afterward we are having a pot-luck in the fellowship hall for conversation. Please bring a dish to share. The evening looks to be a lot of fun.



The spirit of the meeting will be Thanksgiving and this will serve as our Thanksgiving service. For more information, contact Pastor Tart.



Opportunity for Generosity

As our church heads into the final months of 2009 you will be receiving a letter explaining our financial situation. The bottom line is that giving needs to improve. We ask for you to give according to your faith and we respect everyone in their faith journey. Just remember our church depends on the generosity of our members. The bottom line is this: we are giving far below our potential. Our challenge is creating a climate of generosity that gives out of faith and joy, not out of guilt and duty.



We have a lot of growing to do in this area. I would like to invite you to email me and let me hear what the barriers are to your giving. Or if you want your identity hidden, I have also created a blog where you can comment without being identified. We need to hear the barriers that we need to overcome to grow our church where it needs to be. Please be honest.



Go to http://givinghangups.blogspot.com/



Pastoral Care Notes

Frieda Hediger, Hospice Care

Jason Elliott continues to his treatment for cancer.

Vickie Hildebrandt continues treatment



Pastor Tart



The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood will have their November meeting at the Golden Corral Buffet on Spencer Highway in Pasadena on Saturday, November 7th, at 7:30 am. Gentlemen, be sure to bring your “better half”! Any questions, please call Weldon Wilkerson.



Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Bring your family, a dish to share and join us for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 22nd. Our first seating will be at 11:00 am and the second will follow the 11:00 service. Sign up sheets for items can be found on the table in the narthex.



2010 All-Church Calendar

A set of 2010 calendars is posted on the wall by the kitchen. We ask that a representative of all groups look over these calendars and fill in the information for your events for next year. If you would like more information or have any questions, please contact Judy in the church office. This will be the last week that these lists will be up, so please be sure that your information is listed.



Girls’ Night Out October 30, 6:30-8:30 Pm

The moon is full, the wind is chill… Halloween Bunco will be quite a thrill! A howling time awaits you, but beware – the dice may want to bite! Join us for a frightfully good time as we celebrate Halloween Bunco. Names A-L bring main or side dishes and last names M-Z bring desserts. Cost is $5.00. A sign-up sheet is located on the table in the narthex.



PCM Food Drive Sunday

On Sunday we will hold our monthly food drive for Pasadena Community Ministries. You can place your non-perishable donations by the cabinet outside of the fellowship hall. Of course, monetary gifts are also accepted. Please make your check payable to Peace Lutheran Church and write “PCM” in the memo section.



Lutheran Men In Mission "Huddle" Planned For October 31, 2009!

Mr. Doug Haugen, National Director for ELCA's Lutheran Men in Mission is calling a "men's huddle" for Reformation Day /OCT 31, 2009 at New Life Lutheran Church in Pearland. The meeting is scheduled from 9:00 am - Noon and includes breakfast. Also present at this meeting will be Mr. Carlos Pena, VP of the ELCA and member of First LC, Galveston. This gathering is an attempt to foster relationships and boost the work of men's ministry in each congregation in our synod. Please call (281) 485-1818 to RSVP by WED October 28 or e-mail brian@newlifelutheran.com. Pastors and men ages 16 and older are invited.



Sandwich Generation Support Group

Are you helping in the care of your parents or elderly relatives and children or grandchildren? Then you are in the Sandwich Generation. It can become overwhelming when you face it alone, but when you share your experience you may find humor and relief for all that you do. We have! The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 29th at 7:00 p.m. in the first floor conference room. There is a listening ear that is here and understands.



Senior Citizen’s Day Date Change

The next Senior Citizen’s Day will be held on Thursday, October 29th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. If you like to play cards, Mexican Train dominoes and “42” or Skip-Bo, bring a dish to share and a friend and join us for lunch! If you would like more information about this group, call Ruth Petty at 281-487-1472.



Diane Jorgenson’s Golden Award Project

“My vision is to help the families and patients at the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Many families are seeking medical treatments for cancer and burns, and at the RMH they can receive that much needed help. Families come from all over to get these much needed treatments, and most of the time they come empty handed. The house provides shelter, clothing, food and any other necessary items needed for the families. I would like to help make it possible for the RMH to continue helping those in need. By doing so the current and new families/patients that come to the house can feel more at home in their new surroundings.



Here is a great opportunity to help those in need. There is a box in the narthex in which you can make your contributions for the Ronald McDonald House.



Items needed:

Travel size soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tooth paste and tooth brushes, coloring books, crayons, UNO cards, regular card decks, Spanish books for kids and paper towels.

Thank you for your help.

Diane Jorgenson”