Christ is Risen. He is risen, indeed. Alleluia!
Our Resurrection Sunday worship service was not only well-attended, but it was also a magnificent celebration enhanced by music and brass and timpani accompaniment. I'm sure everyone joins me in praising Will and Tara, our handbell choir, and the talented musicians who joined us last Sunday in celebrating the resurrection of our Lord.
As a first-call solo pastor, I admit that I was more than a little nervous presiding over my first Easter worship service. But all the nerves were unnecessary because the festival was spectacular, culminating with the many happy voices and screams of children canvassing the grounds in search of Easter eggs. Jill Fronck, Sharon Altman, Becky Sutay, Carole Crawford, MaryAnn Henderson, Paulette Clay, Jennifer Tallman, Su Washburn, Mary Davis, Holly Carr, Gretta Williams, and countless others who helped get the church ready for Holy Week and Resurrection Sunday are among those I'm so grateful to.
In addition, I feel compelled to mention the evening worship service held on Good Friday this year. As one worshipper put it, "the most beautiful and spiritually uplifting Good Friday service I've ever attended" took place during the combined services of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church. From the unified chorus to the eloquent readings to the solemn moment of adoration at the cross's end, it was everything that and more. Thank you to everyone who contributed their talents and time to making Good Friday a special experience for so many people, myself included.
If you missed Good Friday's worship service, you can watch it here.
There are so many things to celebrate at Peace Lutheran Church, and while some changes may cause discomfort, I hope you may find peace in knowing that the Holy Spirit is at work inside and around this community of faith. In order to take God's love beyond the confines of our church walls, we are working together to (re)establish strong ecumenical links and community collaborations. This spring and summer will bring more chances to help others and further our ministry; if you have ideas on how we may better serve the local community, please share them with me.
In Christ and with Christ's love,
Pastor Eric+
This Sunday at Peace Lutheran Church!
Worship this Sunday will include a rite of healing where the assembly will be invited forward to receive the laying on of hands, anointing, and prayers for healing and wholeness.
Earth Day: Building & Grounds Clean-up & Community Cookout on April 22!
Members and friends of Peace Lutheran Church are cordially invited to join us for a building and grounds clean-up day on Saturday, April 22. The Cub Scouts and daycare families will join us to clean up and beautify the grounds. In addition, we'll be erecting a new fence surrounding the playground!
We all take tremendous pride in the church building and are grateful for the numerous ways it serves the community through outreach, childcare, and private events. On April 22, people of all ages and abilities are needed. Around lunchtime, we'll fire up the grill for a community cookout, and attendees are invited to bring a side dish to share.
Field Trips with Pastor Eric Coming Soon!
Pastor Eric will announce dates for group field trips to area religious sites later this month. The National Cathedral, the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America, and the Islamic Center of Washington, D.C. will be among the venues. The field trips will involve site tours as well as fellowship over lunch. When trip information are known, carpooling will be organized.
Save the date for a FUNdraiser May 6, 2023
We are planning a FUNd Raiser! Details are still being finalized but we’ll have some items to auction off, fun with Bible trivia, and, of course, food.
Ways you can help:
- Share your talents by donating items for the auction. This can include items you make (think sewing, crocheting, woodworking, painting, baking, etc.) or items you get donated (think local merchants, restaurants).
- Join the planning team.
- Help with food for the event.
- Set up and/or clean up.
- Most importantly, plan on being with us to have some fun, fellowship and raise some funds for our mission plan.
Watch for more details soon. Please contact Sharon Altman with any questions.
PFLAG April Peer-to-Peer Meeting
April 19, at 6:00pm:
Come for support, come to socialize, just come as you are! Peer-to-peers are open to all, whether you are LGBTQ+, parent, family member, or an ally!
Revelation Bible Study
The last session for the Revelation Bible study will be Monday, April 17, at 7:00 p.m. in-person and online.
Fellowship Hall Repair Work and Other Facility Updates
The fellowship hall has been receiving repairs over the last week to address cracks in its ceiling and walls. The much-needed cosmetic renovation will make the space more desirable to people looking to use it for special gatherings.
We are especially appreciative to Stephen Foster, who is deep cleaning and polishing the tile flooring in the narthex, lobby, and adjacent corridor.
The sanctuary will also undergo a "face lift" in the coming month as we prepare to unveil and bless a new cross that will be installed on the brick wall behind the altar. Will Derr and David Constantine are working together to create the new 5.5' cross. We believe that the new cross's dimensions and design will be enhanced by its placement against the brick. The new cross is made possible through the legacy gift of Carl Wennberg. The tapestry behind the altar has been removed in preparation for the new cross, and upon inspection, it has not only accumulated a lot of dust over the years, but it has also faded. However, we'll inspect further and consider ways to repurpose it.
Repurposing the Old
Many may recall the metal cross that originally hung on the building's outside and then, for a time, behind the altar. The cross has been given new meaning by serving as a focal point for the memorial wall.
The cross was previously accompanied with a metal "Peace" sign, which disappeared for some time. However, it was recently rediscovered and will make its home in the conference room, which will also be updated with a painted focal wall in the coming months. The conference room will also be home to some other Peace memorabilia.
