Announcements for Sunday, 1 January 2023
A Note from Pastor Eric
Beloveds,
I can't believe it's just been four months since I began my call here at Peace Lutheran Church. The blessing of 2022 was unquestionably being called back to journey in faith and mission beside you. Even in the year's setbacks, I was able to find moments of grace that demonstrated the immense possibilities we have in our God through Jesus Christ. I am very grateful to each of you for your encouragement and support over the last few months. When I come into the office during the week and on Sundays to conduct worship, I'm still thrilled and energized. I'm also overwhelmed by the new connections that are forming with neighboring churches and organizations that will expand our mission together in the coming year and beyond. So, my personal view is that 2022 has not been an annus horribilis (horrible year), even though we have all faced challenges in these "covid-years" that we want to move beyond. I join you in praying that 2023 will be the annus mirabilis (wonderful year) we long for––a year of recovery and moving beyond the “covid years,” and a year of refreshment that comes through God’s bountiful grace and blessing. Happy New Year!
In Christ,
Pastor Eric+
Welcoming New Members
Peace Lutheran Church will welcome and receive several new members by public affirmation of faith during in-person worship on Sunday, January 8, 2023. Following that, there will be a special celebration in the fellowship hall, and everyone is welcome to bring an appetizer or sweet treat to share.
Notice of Congregational Meeting
The annual congregational meeting will be held in the fellowship hall following church on Sunday, January 22, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. The annual meeting's purpose is to conduct the year's official business, which will include voting on the proposed 2023 budget and the nomination of congregation council members. All members are encouraged to attend.
2023 Proposed Budget Town Hall Meeting
A special town hall meeting will be held in the fellowship hall following church on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at 11:15 a.m. The purpose of the town hall meeting is to present the proposed 2023 budget and provide an open forum to discuss the state of the congregation's finances.
Peace Quilters
Happy New Year!!! Quilting dates during January are - 1/2, 1/5, 1/16, 1/19 & 1/30.
We meet in Rms. 4&5 from 9-11 AM and will be making fleece chemo hats and quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Join our group when you can. If you are interested, contact Leah at quilters@myplc.org.
Worship Assistants for January
Lectors, Acolytes, Communion Assistants, and Ushers are needed throughout January. Please contact Gretta Williams at gretta@myplc.org if you are interested in serving in one of these openings. Dates and slots available:
New Church Management Program Coming Soon
Peace Lutheran Church has been using the ICON system to manage parish data and giving for several years. However, considering the variety of modern church management systems on the market and their capabilities, it's evident that ICON is becoming obsolete and difficult to use. Peace Lutheran Church will begin converting to a new program called BREEZE in January to manage our parish records, giving, attendance, activities, and more. The advantages of switching to BREEZE include an easy-to-use system for backend users such as tellers, financial secretaries, and treasurers. Frontend users (contributors and members) will be able to keep their information up to date and handle regular and recurring giving more easily thanks to a centralized website or the BREZZE smartphone app. The system will also allow for scheduling worship assistants (lectors, acolytes, cantors, etc.).
Peace leadership is committed to not rushing the implementation of the new system. In the coming weeks, the finance committee will work on an official roll-out timeline, with complete implementation anticipated for the end of March 2023. This method will enable leadership to clean up parochial records while also allowing members and other contributors to change their records and online giving preferences. More information to come!
Support Peace Lutheran Church and Help the Environment
We are continually on the lookout for new ways to raise money and improve our environmental practices. TruEarth detergent and other products come highly recommended. Anything you order will be sent directly to you. An envelope made of cardboard transports the detergent. After more than a year of use, I can say that I am loyal to the products now. They're convenient because they're not messy to use and eco-friendly because they save me from buying plastic storage containers and filling the landfill.
Visit https://fundraising.tru.earth/myplc and 20% of your purchase will be donated to Peace Lutheran Church! Please forward this link to your friends and family via social media, email, or text message.
Please note that the company's headquarters are in Canada, therefore if you use a credit card to make a purchase, you may get a notification stating the transaction occurred outside of the United States.
If there are any further inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Sharon Altman
Offering Envelopes for 2023
For anyone who wants offering envelopes for 2023: Please call or email Bonnie or Glen Simpers if you want 2023 offering envelopes (301-843-2896; glenbon@myplc.org). Please include the best way to contact you! We will use the 2022 envelopes and assign you a new id number to minimize costs. Please understand that the dates on the envelopes will be incorrect. Thanks!