Holy Week & Easter Preparations
Do you have some free time Saturday morning? We're looking for a couple volunteers to help week around the exterior of the building in preparation for Holy Week and Easter. Stop by around 9:00am Saturday, April 1, and join Marcie Robinson and Jill Fronck.
Food Pantry Distribution Day
Elsie's Pantry will distribute food on Saturday, April 1, from 9:00-11:00am. Adult and youth volunteers are always needed to help distribute food to our neighbors.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
Worship will begin outdoors on the brick side walk for a blessing of palms and a triumphant entry into the sanctuary. If the weather does not cooperate, worship will begin in the fellowship hall.
Holy Tuesday | Chat and Chew with Pastor Eric
Retired? Have the day off on Tuesday, April 4? Join Pastor Eric for a "Chat and Chew" starting at 1:00pm in the fellowship hall. Light refreshments will be served and it's an opportunity to come and just chat with Pastor and others. We'll also spend some time filling eggs for the Easter Egg hunt on Sunday. All are welcome!
Maundy Thursday
On Maundy Thursday our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thursday evening we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
On April 6, 2023, at 6:30 p.m., we will gather in the fellowship hall for Maundy Thursday Dinner Church, which will include hand washing and holy communion. Soups, breads, and light salads will be on the menu for Thursday's dinner church. Everyone is welcome.
Good Friday
Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In Luke’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.
Good Friday Stations of the Cross | 12:00pm in the sanctuary.
Good Friday Veneration of the Cross | 1:30-3:00pm; sanctuary is open for quiet prayer and veneration of the cross.
Good Friday Evening Service | 7:00pm; joint worship service with Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and Saint Paul's Episcopal Church. The service will include special music performed by the combined choirs.
Easter Sunday
This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.
Join Peace Lutheran Church for a festive worship service to include brass accompaniment and special music. After worship, stop by the fellowship hall for an Easter fellowship and children's Easter Egg hunt.
Easter Flowers
The Altar Care Team is accepting memorial/honoree contributions for Easter flowers. If you would like to participate in this Peace Lutheran Church tradition, please complete the online order form or complete a paper form at church on Sunday. Orders will be accepted through April 3, 2023.
If you have any questions, please seeMarcie Robinson or Jill Fronck. Assorted Easter Lilies, Floral Mums,Hyacinths, Tulips, and Hydrangea plants (6-inch pots with 3-4+ blooms) $25.00each.
Easter flowers can be ordered by completing the online form or the forms available at the church. Payments can be made online using Breeze ("Flame & Flower") or placed in the offering plates. Please note "Flame & Flower (Easter 2023)" on your checks or envelopes.
Red Cross Blood Drive
Peace Lutheran Church will be hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Friday, March 31, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All donors receive a free health screening prior to donating (temperature check, blood pressure, pulse rate and hemoglobin (iron) levels). For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).
Peace Quilters - No experience needed
Whether it’s assembling quilts for Lutheran World Relief or making chemo hats for cancer patients, the Peace Quilters are always in need of extra hands!
If you would like to participate, the Quilters will be meeting on Monday nights, April 3 & 17 at 6 pm and Thursday mornings, April 6 & 20 at 9 am.
Contact Leah at quilters@myplc.org for more information.
We are looking forward to seeing you!!
Spring Clean-up at Peace Lutheran Church
On Earth Day, April 22, 2023, we'll hold a Spring Clean-up Day beginning around 10:00 a.m. There are projects for people of all ages and skills. We'll be firing up the grills for a community picnic around lunchtime. Everyone is encouraged to bring a side dish or dessert to share.
In addition to projects outdoors, we'll have some small items to attend to indoors too. Please invite your families to come along and share in the fellowship.
Revelation: A Letter to the Seven Churches Bible Study Continues
The Book of Revelation is one of the most complex and misinterpreted texts in the Christian canon, influencing films, books, and conspiracy theories alike.
Join Pastor Eric on a multi-week journey through the book as he examines the themes, context, and, most importantly, the message of hope contained in the Book of Revelation.
Study Schedule:
March 21 - Introduction to the Book of Revelation
March 28 - Chapters 1 - 7
April 4 - Chapters 8 - 14
April 11 - Chapters 15 - 22
What do I need to bring?
We’ll have copies of the NRSV available for those attending in-person, or you can bring your preferred translation. Pastor will be using different translations to showcase the nuances of interpretation.
Do I need to read in advance?
There will be no pre-reading for our first meeting on Tuesday, March 21. Pastor Eric urges everyone to read the chapters we'll be studying ahead of time and take notes on anything that jumps out to you or that you have questions/thoughts about.
What time does the study begin?
We’ll begin to gather around 6:30 p.m. both in-person and online. Feel free to have dinner while we gather. The study will begin at 7:00 p.m. and run between 45-60 minutes.
Can I invite others?
Absolutely! Feel free to share the study details with others who might be interested.
Where are we meeting?
The study is being offered both in-person and online via Zoom. For those attending in -person, we’ll meet in the conference room. To join on Zoom, use this link:
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 859 4168 9495
Do I need to attend every session?
No. You are free to attend as many sessions as you choose. Pastor will send out a brief explanation of his reflection of the Book of Revelation, as well as other resources, at the completion of the study.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Eric at eric@myplc.org.
What is PFLAG?
When Peace was exploring becoming an ELCA Reconciling In Christ congregation in 2019, we invited members of PFLAG to speak to the congregation to learn more about their organization and the LGBTQIA+ community. Pastor Eric has been building a relationship with PFLAG since his return to Peace and has since joined their Board of Directors. PFLAG Southern Maryland, formerly known as PFLAG Leonardtown, is hard at work addressing and responding to the many concerns of the LGBTQIA+ community in Charles, St. Mary's, and Culvert counties.
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. This vast grassroots network consists of nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters across America.
PFLAG Leonardtown was established in 2018, renamed PFLAG Southern Maryland in 2023, and continues to be run entirely by dedicated volunteers. We serve all of Southern Maryland, including St. Mary's, Charles, and Calvert counties. PFLAG Southern Maryland is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.
Our members, volunteers, and supporters are parents, grandparents, children, siblings, friends and allies. We are gay, lesbian, straight, bi, cisgender transgender, non-binary, and more. We are Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, agnostic, and non-religious. We are united by a commitment to make a safe place for people to come and talk about their experiences relating to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Each of us came for help, found support, and joined the organization to assist others on their journey to acceptance. We learned we are not alone. Neither are you. We are here to share the journey towards acceptance with you. You have a home at PFLAG Southern Maryland.
In April, PFLAG Southern Maryland will be holding its monthly youth and adult peer-to-peer groups at Peace. Stay tuned for other ways Peace Lutheran Church will be partnering with PFLAG Southern Maryland and further living into our call to be a Reconciling In Christ congregation.
Save the Date: Charles County Public Health PrEP for Pride
The HIV/PrEP Programs at the Charles County Department of Health are proud to announce that they will be hosting a LGBTQIA+ Pride Festival on Saturday, May 20th, 2023, from 12pm-7pm. All members of the LGBTQIA+ community, their loved ones, and their allies are invited to attend this family-friendly event that will celebrate our diverse and valued community. This festival will include entertainment, speakers, community resources, food trucks, vendors, and a special pride walk to kick-off the 1st EVER pride festival in Charles County!
Why are the HIV/PrEP programs hosting this event?
LGBTQIA+ communities continue to face HIV-related stigma and discrimination. By celebrating Pride together, we can engage with the community to share important messages to reduce stigma and promote HIV testing, prevention, and treatment.
What is the goal of "PrEP for Pride"?
Our goal is to expand and facilitate access to and use of quality HIV prevention, testing, medical, and support services by Marylanders. Particularly those affected by vulnerabilities created by inequities related to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender, and sexual orientation.
Peace Lutheran Church is looking to have a booth at the event. If you are interested in volunteering to help at the booth, please contact Pastor Eric.