A Message from Pastor Eric
Dear Siblings in Christ:
Last Sunday, clergy from across the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod gathered at Hope Lutheran Church in Clinton, MD for the installation of Reverend Eric Faret as Hope's new pastor. Pastor Faret is also a United Lutheran Seminary graduate, and some may remember him from his time as a pulpit supply at Peace. Hope holds a special place in my heart because it was my internship site, so I was delighted to be able to join them in their celebration.
Now for a self-serving plug: don't forget that my installation here at Peace is coming up on Saturday, October 15th, at 4:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome. Please RSVP below to assist the council and call committee in their planning of the reception. The Reverend Troy Jacobson, pastor of Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in Lexington Park and Dean of the Maryland Conference of the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod, will preside over the installation service. Reverend Alex Stall, pastor of Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington and another United Lutheran Seminary graduate, will be preaching.
Things have been busy for this pastor, and it's a good feeling! I've been making some great connections in our community and with other faith leaders to see how we can serve and collaborate as faithful followers of Jesus Christ. In addition, I was recently asked to lead worship services for the residents of Harmony at Waldorf twice a month, joining other local clergy in providing spiritual care. As I continue to build relationships within the community, I'll be keeping you all updated and sharing ways we can serve our neighbors.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Eric+
Stewardship
Nobody enjoys discussing money. It's one of those topics we are taught from a young age to avoid discussing in public, but in the life of the church's ministry, we need to do so frequently. Let's be honest: the pandemic has messed up a lot of things in many of our lives, and many are struggling, including churches. Peace Lutheran Church is not immune to the difficulties, and we must approach our situation with candor, grace, and commitment.
The church is currently approaching a $40,000 deficit for the year. Throughout the pandemic, Gail Bentz, your treasurer, and the council have been faithful stewards of Peace's assets, and they continue to look for ways to save money where possible. Together, we are also looking into other revenue streams, but the majority of a church's budget comes from the generosity of its members and friends.
Here's my commitment: I am pledging to give 10% of my income to Peace Lutheran Church. I understand that not everyone can give 10%, but I invite you to consider reviewing your personal finances and, if you are able to give a little more, please consider including it in your offering. If giving a little more is difficult for you right now, please know that we all understand and do not want you to put yourself in a financial bind. There is no guilt or shame in saying, "I just can't right now."
Giving of your time and talents is an option for everyone, and there are ministries that are in desperate need of volunteers (food pantry, handbells, choir, ushers, etc...), so please contact me, Jill Fronck or Gretta Williams to learn more.
Jill Fronck, your amazing and dedicated congregation president, gave the first of four temple talks scheduled to begin last Sunday to explain why Peace Lutheran Church's ministries are important to the faith life of congregation leadership and why they support Peace with their time, talent, and treasure. Lou D'Ambrosio, congregation vice president, will tell his story this Sunday.
I do believe God will provide, let us continue to be in prayer and be open to how the Holy Spirit is moving us as a faith community to respond to our needs and those of our neighborhood.
In Christ and with Christ's love,
Pastor Eric+
Saint Francis Statue Adds to Narthex
Saint Francis of Assisi (Giovanni di Pietro de Bernardone, 1226-1230) is a popular Christian saint who is known as the patron saint of animals as well as the founder of the Franciscan Order, of which there is a Lutheran Franciscan Order. Francis was a trailblazer in many ways because of his devout faith and dedication to serving the poor and sick. On October 8 we will celebrate Francis with a blessing of the animals during the 2nd annual yard sale and bake sale at Peace Lutheran Church.
Statues of Saint Francis are common additions to garden landscapes and come in a variety of shapes, styles, and sizes that reflect the popularity of this 13th century saint. We are delighted to announce the gift of a Saint Francis statue to the narthex in memory of Amy Bell, a beloved long-time Peace member who died on March 16, 2022, by her family. Amy will be among those remembered on All Saints Sunday, November 6, when the statue will be officially dedicated and blessed before worship.
All Saints Remembrances
On All Saints Sunday, we remember the dead, but the service also serves as a tribute and a reminder that death does not have the final say. As candles are lit and bells are tolled, the names of the faithful departed from the previous year will be read aloud.
If you want a friend or family member who died in the last year remembered on All Saints Sunday, November 6, 2022, please email Pastor Eric with their full name(s), birth and death dates, and a picture (optional).
Email Pastor Eric at pastor@myplc.org Please include "All Saints Sunday" on the subject line.
Please have names submitted by Monday, 31 October 2022
Servants at God's Altar: Worship & Music Seek Worship Assistants
Every month the Worship Assistant schedules are prepared by the Worship & Music Team. Our goal is to fill in as many openings as possible before the new month starts, so that all of us can plan effectively. There are some task areas where we need more help as we step up to support Pastor Eric:
1. Usher: We will need to have 2 people to cover this position as we resume collection of the Offering and distribution of Communion at the rail. Young members 14 and older might also enjoy this type of worship support.
The duty for communion assisting is called Communion Assistant. One person pours the wine into the small cups that the members bring with them to the rail. The second person follows the wine pourer with grape juice already poured in cups for those at the rail with no cup and who desire juice.
2. Children's Message: Of course, Pastor Eric does them, but there are some of you who have stepped up in the past. The scripture readings will always be shared with you in the week before you serve. There are also sources in Sundays & Seasons online. Pastor Eric will have guidance to help you with developing an idea. Children's messages are 3-5 minutes in duration, with the age of the younger children dictating how you can engage them.
3. Acolytes: From 8 years old and above. We like to have 2 each Sunday. Parents are encouraged to serve with their child, too. Training can be done expeditiously following any worship service. Just let Gretta Williams know.
4. Altar Care: This team also needs a bit more member support. On any Sunday following worship, we can show you what is involved in this meaningful pre-worship preparation.
5. Multimedia: This is a rewarding opportunity for any person who is comfortable with computers, digital presentation and who can follow the worship bulletin that shows on the monitor each Sunday. As with the other opportunities, we can arrange for a demonstration so that you know what is involved in this rewarding task. The members of the team would benefit greatly from the addition of even 1 more person.
We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can step into worship service support in some of these areas occasionally. Gretta and the Worship Team can help you learn what the tasks call for before you decide.
To Sign Up for October Sunday Services Click the Button Below!
Slots are open for all SAGA positions!
Peace
Gretta Williams
Peace Choir Returning Soon
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.
Will Derr, our Minister of Music, plans to relaunch the choir soon and is looking for both former choir members and new hearts and voices to join. We hope you will consider joining the choir. Music has always been an important part of Lutheran worship. Please take a moment to complete the below interest form to assist Will in his planning!
You can also email Will at music@myplc.org; if you play an instrument and would like to play accompaniment, please contact him as well!
My Sweet Baby Family Childcare Update and Other Property News
My Sweet Baby Family Childcare's owner and operator, Monique, experienced a house fire that completely destroyed the area of her home where the daycare was run out of. As a result, the daycare has been operating out of Peace Lutheran Church for the recent few weeks. Monique approached Peace about establishing a long-term contract to run the daycare out of Peace Lutheran Church, primarily using rooms 2 and 3. We are happy to report that council has agreed to enter into a provisional space use agreement with My Sweet Baby Family Childcare. Over the coming weeks, the council and Pastor Eric will be working to finalize the agreement. Opening our space in this way demonstrates our commitment to meeting community needs and seeking out new revenue sources. Pastor Eric and/or Jill Fronck would be happy to answer any questions you may have. As things develop, Council will keep the congregation informed.
Pastor Eric and Jill have also recently spoken with both new and returning groups (from the COVID hiatus) who are interested in using the Peace Lutheran Church facility. These inquiries include both classroom and kitchen spaces.
Yard Sale and Bake Sale is Quickly Approaching!
Put it on your calendars and spread the word! The Peace Lutheran Church's second annual yard sale and bake sale is coming up, and it's a great way to support the church's work. All proceeds from the sale will support the updating of our fire alarm system.
Saturday, October 8, 2022 | 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine!)
Yard Sale – please continue to gather your treasures to donate.* You can bring items to church starting Sunday, Oct. 2 after worship or Tuesday-Thursday from 9-11AM. If you need to arrange another time or if you have large items, please call or text Sharon Altman 301-266-0525 or email at altmasslp@gmail.com. Also please let Sharon know if you can help in any of the following ways:
Sorting items (we will begin Tuesday, October 4, 9-11AM and will plan to meet each morning at that time through Friday unless we finish before then)
Getting the word out on social media by sharing this link: https://thrivent.cotribute.co/events/676897/detail?src=crowd-fundraise-active-charity-mailto-185
Putting signs out Friday, Oct. 7
Directing traffic for parking and Blessing of the Animals (starting at 7:00 am Oct. 8)
Setting up starting at 7:00 am Sat., Oct. 8, either in parking lot or inside, depending on the weather
Being at the yard sale to help sell items, answer questions, etc. (any time between 8:00 am – 12 noon)
Helping with refreshments for volunteers (any time between 7 am and 1 pm)
Help with clean up (12-1 pm)
Retrieve signs (starting at noon)
Lend us fanny packs for the day of the sale
Taking left over items to donate to local thrift store(s)
Bake Sale – we will be offering some delicious treats for sale at our fundraiser. Contact Ginny Wolford at quilting.ginny@gmail.com or call her at 301-579-2593 to volunteer to bake items or if you have questions.
Baked goods donations can be dropped off at Peace on Friday, October 7 from 10am to 12 noon. You may also bring them to the bake sale on Saturday, October 8 after 7:00 am.
Donations should be labeled and packaged in plastic bags. Cookies should be packaged 6 cookies per bag, depending on size of cookies.
Tell anyone whom you think might be interested in participating too!
Give Online! - Don’t have things to donate or aren’t available to help or just wanting to give more? You will have the opportunity to donate through our Facebook page or go to this link. All money donated comes directly to Peace Lutheran. Thrivent Financial covers all of the processing costs! And be sure to share this opportunity with everyone you know on your social media or through email.
Pray for good weather on October 8 so we can be outside. But, this year we are having our event rain or shine! If it rains we will be inside.
Thank you so much for your support of the ministry of Peace Lutheran Church!
All items remaining at the end of the sale will be donated elsewhere.
*Please be kind to those organizing this event as well as those buying items and be sure what you donate is still in good, clean condition.
*Also, if you are donating furniture or other large item, please be advised that, if it doesn’t sell, you will be responsible for picking it up and disposing of it.
Blessing of the Animals
During the yard sale and bake sale, Pastor Eric will be on hand to bless your household pets and will even watch them while you shop!
Come Join the Quilters
Quilters meet Mondays from 6-8 pm, Thursdays from 9-11am.
1st, 3rd and 5th Mondays and Thursdays. To learn more about the quilters, contact Leah at quilters@myplc.org.
Peace Prays
Remembering our baptismal promises to support each person of Peace Lutheran Church, we pray for:
Judy R. and Jennifer T.
Recognizing that people throughout the world are subjected to discrimination, oppression or torture, we pray for the organizations working on our behalf to create safe places for all God's people:
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services and its local affiliates; Lutheran Social Services; ReconcilingWorks; National Religious Campaign Against Torture; Reconciling In Christ Congregations, Seminaries, and ministries;
and other faith based coalitions.
Remembering United States military personnel, we pray for the members of this church who now serve:
Kinsey P., Anthony B., and Nathan B.