Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO 64138

January Newsletter

Sunday Worship Services

Traditional 8:30 a.m. Adult and Children Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Contemporary 11:00 a.m.

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January 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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Grow in Peace Closed

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3 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 12:00 m Confirmation

Food for the Needy

4 7:00 pm Alpha Circle 7:00 pm Music & Ministry Mtg

5 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 11:30 am OWLS 6:30 pm GIP Board Mtg

6 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study 7:30 pm Church Council

7 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet

8 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor’s day with family

9 10:00 pm Esther Circle

10 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 1:00 pm Chili Dinner

11 9:30 am Sewing Bee

12 10:00 am Knit/Crochet

13 9:00 am GIP Chapel 9:30 am Mary/Martha 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

14 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet 6:00 pm Overview of the Lutheran Faith

15 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor’s day with family

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17 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary

Mite Box Sunday

18 9:30 am Sewing Bee

19 10:00 am Knit/Crochet

20 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

21 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet 6:00 pm Overview of the Lutheran Faith

22 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor’s day with family

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24 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary

9 9:30 am Sewing Bee

26 9:30 am Topic Leader 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 7:00 pm Elders Mtg

27 9:00 am GIP Chapel 930 am Book Club 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

28 9:30 am John Knox 5:30 pm Knit/Crochet

29 11:00 am Bible Journaling Pastor’s day with family

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31 8:30 am Traditional 9:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary

Note: Time change for the OWLS Meeting

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New Year’s Resolutions

For many of us a new year means a time for a fresh start. Some begin their weight loss programs and join the gym. Others try to quit addictive behaviors like smoking cigarettes or eating fatty foods. And some vow to reduce their debt and get their spending in order. I think it is a good practice to set goals and work towards achieving them. It helps to keep oneself accountable and falls in the line with Paul’s writing, “Keep watch on yourself.” (Galatians 6:1)

As we move into this New Year it is important to keep watch over yourself and setting up some resolutions in a great way to hold yourself accountable. One resolution I would encourage everyone to attain to is faithfully remaining in God’s Word. This means setting aside time to regularly read the Scriptures and maintain regular worship attendance. Coming together as one in the body of Christ in worship every week is a way for us to “stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 It is important not only for each of us individually to be in worship weekly, but for all the members of the Church. “if one member suffers, all suffer together.” (1 Corinthians 12:26). When someone is unable to attend regular worship and stops hearing the Word of God through which we live, the Church as a whole suffers. We may not think of our worship attendance affecting others, but they most certainly feel the impact of our presence or absence. I know that I am personally encouraged when I see more smiling faces during worship, but find myself downcast when I notice people missing. Your regular worship attendance is meant for you, but also for all those around you who need to see the display of your faith, through which they become strengthened. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) This is a New Year and a chance to start all over again. Let’s set some New Year’s resolutions that can not only impact our lives, but also the lives of others. As Paul writes, “Let each of you look not only to his own interest, but also to the interests of other.” (Philippians 2:4) And as we set those resolutions I would highly encourage you to ,”Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.(Colossians 3:16) May the year 2016 be a great one for you and for Peace Lutheran Church! In the service of Chreist Pastor Rolf

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Peace Luther Church Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO 64138 Phone: 816-353-3813 Pastor: Rev. David Rolf Pastor Emeritus: Rev. John B. Schmid Secretary: Debbie Baldwin Director of Grow in Peace Child Care Center: Carla Hamilton Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Bulletin and Newsletter Items: Send bulletin items by Wednesday to the Church Office at peacelutheranlcms@att.net

Send Newsletter items by the 15th of the preceding month to Sheila Dalen email sheiladalen6@gmail.com

Prayer Chain Requests: Sheila Dalen at Sheiladalen6@gmail.com or 816-585-7715 Church Office at peacelutheranlcms@att.net

A NEW YEAR’S PRAYER FOR 2016

Father, we pray for the members of Peace Lutheran Church who have

failed to come to worship during the past year. Help them know that

2016 is a new beginning for finding Your house again.

We ask you to seek them out with your Spirit and lead them back to

worship where they can once again hear Your words of comfort and

grace. Help us to seek out our brothers and sisters. Give us the strength

and courage to speak to them so they know that they are missed and

loved by us. In Your Son’s Precious Name we pray. Amen

Wednesday Evening Bible Study

Come join our Bible Study led by Pastor Rolf. We meet in the Fellowship

Hall every Wednesday evening from 6:30 until approximately 7:45. We

are studying the “Catechism”. This will be a very interesting and

enlightening study.

New Class on Lutheran Faith

Pastor will be hosting a new class designated for non-members interested

in learning more about the Lutheran faith. If you know someone that

might be interested in learning more about our Lutheran faith (like a

neighbor or friend) please let them know about this class and encourage

them to attend. This class will have three (3) sessions on Thursday

evenings from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The dates are January 7th, 14th, and

21st. For more information about this class please contact Pastor Rolf.

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The topic for January2016 Circle meetings is found in the Winter Quarterly on page 16 and is entitled “The Great o Antiphons” and “Veni Emmanuel”. O Come, O Come Emmanuel is one of the most familiar hymns we sing in Advent. This hymn is based on the century old O Antiphons. Each Antiphon is based on a Different name for Jesus taken from the Old Testament titles like Emmanuel, Kay of David, Dayspring, and Wisdom. This Hymn is based on

waiting and hoping for Jesus to come…

The Roll Call word is “Wait and Hope”.

Alpha Circle will meet Monday, January 4, 2016 at the home of Ruth Oexman with Jean Roberts as her co-hostess. Topic will be led by Cindy McCubbin. Denise Benavides will check the Acolyte Robes for laundering or mending needs. For more information, please call the President of Alpha Circle, Elaine Nolen at 816-358-1773.

Esther Circle will meet the second Saturday, January 9th, 2016 at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Hall with Norma Anderson hosting the meeting. Topic will be led by Kathleen Jarvis. For more information, please call the President of Esther Circle, Lois Gilham at 816-920-1477.

Mary/Martha Circle will meet the second Wednesday, January 13th at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall with Lisa Thornton hosting the meeting. Topic will be led by Nita Runge. For more information please call the President of Mary/Martha Circle, Peggy Noah at 816-358-0601.

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“Thank you, Thank you” – The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) of Peace congregation expresses its thanks for the support projects undertaken throughout the year.

We rejoice and give thanks to our gracious God for the love shown through the offerings given by the members and guests at the LWML “Christmas Tea”. The $560.00 collected will be divided between “LUMA” food pantry and “Concordia Scholarship Fund”. The total of $530.00 received from the Bake Sale was given to “Beautiful Savior Home”.

+++++ +++++ +++++ LWML Annual Chili/Soup Dinner The Annual Chili/Soup Dinner will be held Sunday, January 17th, 2016 starting at 1:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Our guest speaker will be Mr. Dan Barber, our former DCE. He is now working with Transitional Housing for the Homeless. They provide temporary residence for those who are experiencing homelessness with wrap around services to assist individuals develop stability in their lives.

Husbands and friends are most welcome to enjoy this afternoon with us as we learn of the work being done to help the homeless among us.

As we stand at the threshold of a New Year untouched and unmarred, unblemished and flawless, unscratched and unscarred, may we try to do better and accomplish much more, may we be kinder and wiser than the year gone before.

What will you do this year that is so new?

The choice is yours – God leaves that to you. (excerpts from Helen Steiner Rice)

We wish you and your families God’s love, Peace and joy in the New Year!! Ruth Oexman, LWML Publicity

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New Bible Journaling Group

This is a new group and everyone is invited. If you like to doodle, draw pictures, color with coloring pencils,

or just underline; then please join us for this new group of fellowship and doodling in our bibles. Journaling is a

great interactive Bible Study method. It helps you to interact with God’s word by recording your thoughts on

what you’re reading. Going back through your journal can help you reflect on what God has shown you in His

Word. And you have an heirloom that will be special to your family. This should be a lot of fun interacting with

others and learning more about God’s Word. For information contact Deb Baldwin or Carol Malone at

816-365-7397 or the church office at 816-353-3813. We will meet on Fridays starting on January 8, 2016 at

11:00 am.

The Lutheran Witness

It’s time to renew your subscription to “The Lutheran Witness”. If you do not care to renew, please call or

email the church office by no later than January 18. If you are not currently receiving “The Lutheran Witness”

and would like to start a new subscription, we’ll order one for you. The order will be placed on January 19th.

Make your check payable to Peace Lutheran Church for $9.72 and not that it is for “The Lutheran Witness”.

Mite Offerings Received

Amounts as of November 30, 2015

Mission Goal for 2015-2017 Biennium $2,000,000.00 Amount Received $544,453.85 Amount Needed $1,455,546.15

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Book Club

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is one of the best loved novels of the twentieth century. But for the last fifty years, the novel’s celebrated author, Harper Lee, has said almost nothing on the record. Journalists have trekked to her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama where Harper Lee, known to her friends as Nelle, has lived with her sister, Alice, for decades, trying and failing to get an interview with the author. But in 2001, the Lee sisters opened their door to Chicago Tribune journalist Marja Mills. It was the beginning of a long conversation—and a great friendship.

In 2004, with the Lees’ blessing, Mills moved into the house next door to the sisters. She spent the next eighteen months there, sharing coffee and McDonalds and trips to the Laundromat with Nelle, feeding the ducks and going out for catfish supper with the

sisters, and exploring all over lower Alabama with the Lees’ inner circle of friends.

Nelle shared her love of history, literature, and the Southern way of life with Mills, as well as her keen sense of how journalism should be practiced. As the sisters decided to let Mills tell their story, Nelle helped make sure she was getting the story—and the south—right. Alice, the keeper of the Lee family history, shared the stories of their family.

The Mockingbird Next Door is the story of Mills’s friendship with the Lee sisters. It is a testament to the great intelligence, sharp wit, and tremendous storytelling power of these two women, especially that of Nelle.

Mills was given a rare opportunity to know Nelle Harper Lee, to be part of the Lees’ life in Alabama, and to hear them reflect on their upbringing, their corner of the Deep South, how To Kill a Mockingbird affected their lives, and why Nelle Harper Lee chose to never write another novel. The Book Club meets the 4th Wednesday of every month in the Social Room at 9:30 am. We read a new book every month and enjoy an in-depth discussions about each book. Anyone that enjoys reading and having wonderful discussions is welcome to join us.

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Dan is Back!

The LWML will again have its annual chili/soup event in January during which a guest speaker speaks on a topic of interest to members of the congregation, and this means gentlemen, also. This year will be no different, with the exception that a familiar figure will be presenting facts, information and pictures to better increase our awareness of the community we live in. Dan Barber, our former Director of Christian Education, is now working at Community Linc, an organization working with homeless families in Kansas City. Community Linc has served 4,000 families including 8,000 children in KC. It’s amazing (as well as depressing) to know that in the past 5 years, 50% of the Kansas City homeless has been families. The good news is that during the last five years, 93% of the families who complete the program provided by Community Linc haven’t become homeless again. That is amazing! What is Linc doing to produce such success and better family life? Dan will be answering that question besides the many more you might have. Please invite others to share fellowship, food and facts on January 17th at 3:00. We’ll listen to Dan first and then break bread together. The AFC and NFC Championship game isn’t until January 24th, so come out the Sunday before and don’t worry about missing the game!

Sewing Bee

The ladies will resume making quilts on January 11th, weather permitting. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Bring a sack lunch and stay into the afternoon. An average of nine ladies come and we would welcome any other ladies who would like to join us on Mondays. During 2015 we made 150 quilts and 20 lap robes. The quilts were given to families who came to the Christmas Stores at LUMA and Metro Lutheran Ministry and some to the Ozanam Home. The lap robes were given to MLM and Beautiful Savior Home. Numerous eye glass cases and breast pads were also made and given to Truman Medical Center. Please continue saving your Best Choice UPC’s, “Box Tops for Education” and Labels for Education”. Also save cancelled postage stamps, especially commemorative, foreign and the larger Forever Stamps. Containers for all these are on the shelf in the Narthex.

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Peace Lutheran Church Sunday Worship schedule

January 2016

January 3 January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31

Second Sunday after Christmas

Baptism of our Lord

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Liturgy 8:30 LSB LSB LSB LSB LSB

11:00 Contemporary Contemporary Contemporary Contemporary Contemporary

Ushers Robert Brown, Stan Christopher, Homer Oexman, Howard Tieman

Elders 8:30 Jim Ewart, Ron Johnson, Reed McCubbin, Joe Rice

11:00 Dave Loesch, Mike Benavides

Greeters

8:30 Jim/Cara Ewart Nellie Fritz Dennis/Carol Head Cliff/Peggy Noah Reed/Cindy McCubbin

11:00 Punky McDaniel Jeff/Linda Gardner Homer/Ruth

Oexman Punky McDaniel Jeff/Linda Gardner

Altar Guild 8:30 Reed/Cindy McCubbin

11:00 Punky McDaniel/Benevides Family

Acolyte 8:30 Zoe Schroeter

11:00 Clara Hampton

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Grow in Peace Child Care Center

News

January, 2016 www.gipchildcare.com

director@gipchildcare.com 816-353-3910 main (353-7826)2nd line

**Please be sure and program our phone number into your

cell phone. Then you will know when GIP calls and you can

answer it.

Jesus, As we begin this New Year 2016 please bless

the families and staff of Grow in Peace. Keep them

safe and close to You as they go about their daily

routines. Remind them often of your grace and

mercy! AMEN!

Together we can accomplish much and with Christ

nothing is impossible!!

Upcoming Dates to Remember January 1st, 2016 – GIP is closed for New Year’s Day January 18, 2016 – Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Day

Future Dates

February 10 – Ash Wednesday February 12 – Party Day at GIP February 14 – Valentine’s Day February 15 – President’s Day March 13 – Daylight Savings time Begins (Spring Forward 1 hour) March 20 – Palm Sunday March 24 – Maundy Thursday March 25 – Good Friday March 27 – Easter

Coming Soon: 2016 Easter Services

at Peace Lutheran Church

GIP Philosophy Statement

Grow in Peace Child Care Center shall provide a safe Christian

environment with loving, experienced, and professional staff that

recognize parents have the primary responsibility in skill development

and Christian training for their children. As an outreach ministry of

Peace Lutheran Church, we strive to set an example of Christ's Love

through God's Word and assist in the spiritual, intellectual, emotional,

social and physical development of the children entrusted to our care.

“Helping children grow in wisdom and in grace.”

Open Invitation to Attend Church Services We extend to you a standing open invitation to come and

explore Peace Lutheran Church and the ministries it serves. Listed below are the times for services. If you would like more info, please ask Ms. Carla or call the Church office at 353-3813.

Welcome 2016

We are truly blessed by all the wonderful gifts,

goodies, and prayers given to us during this

Christmas Season.

Thank you Families for making us feel loved and

appreciated!

Opportunities for worship and Bible Study include:

Traditional Service at 8:30am on Sunday's

Contemporary Service at 11:00am on Sunday's

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 to 10:45am on Sunday’s

Midweek Bible Study 6:00 to 7:15pm on Wednesday’s

Look for the Church on the web at www.peacelutheranlcms.org

and on facebook at

http://www.facebook.com/#!/PeaceLutheranChurchKansasCity or

visit in person during one of the service times or Bible Study times.

Peace Lutheran exists to encourage and equip Christ followers to grow

their faith, live their faith and to share their faith.

GIP is asking for donations of items for classroom usage: Washable markers, washable glue, tissue paper, valentine decorations, and

Christian stickers.

***We would gladly accept monetary donations!

Grow in Peace can give you a tax exemption!

Donations are always welcomed and very much needed for Grow in

Peace Child Care Center!

New Children Joining Grow in Peace Avery McCreary – Infant

May God bless the education and care they will receive while

attending Grow in Peace.

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January Birthdays

1 Hannah Turos 3 Bruce Cooper 4 Ina Huth 5 Barbara Nave 7 Wanda Thurnau 8 Jean Roberts 10 Alaina Schroeter 10 Jason Jenkins 11 George Bollman 14 Jean Fanning 15 Hugo Morales 15 Homer Oexman 16 Shannon Cody 18 Heather Worthington 19 Joe Major 19 Yvonne Mills 19 Kent Scott 20 Jermaine Love 20 Bob Rieger 22 Karen Daugherty 22 Bonnie Haney 23 Drew Thurnau 24 Cleta Marks 24 Olivia Pittard 27 Betty Enke 27 Don Hankins 27 Jordan-Leigh Zearley 28 Jason Nutt 28 Shonta Shelby 31 Herbert Grasher

January Baptisms

1 Shannon Collins 1 Mary Turos

2 Matt Clemons 3 Laurence Bellach 3 Juli Seutter 5 Jake Gish 8 Dee Rice 10 Dean Huth 10 Dave Loesch 14 Daniel Seutter 15 Jenny Schultz 17 Kyli Christopher 17 Mae Walter 18 Steve Slater 19 Elisabeth Kluepfel 23 James Sutrey 24 Bruce Cooper 26 Tatyana Haislip 26 Deanna Staehling 27 Homer Oexman

January Anniversaries 1 Reed/Cynthia McCubbin 1967 1 Michael/Iva Pickler 1988 19 Richard/Connie Shepard 1990 24 Jay/Marla Copeland 1970

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What’s New on the Spinner?

Two new pamphlets are now available on the Lutheran Hour Ministries Spinner in the Entry Way. Please take

if you can use or share with anyone you know who might benefit from a little extra support and

encouragement.

#1 “Live the SIX: Learning to Live as an Everyday Missionary”: Though few Christians would say that Gospel

outreach and/or missionary efforts are reserved for those intrepid souls who serve in a foreign country, this

attitude often seems strangely reflective of many believers’ ways of thinking. In this Project Connect booklet

by Pastor Dion Garrett, he shares practical, down-to-earth strategies for taking the Gospel to the streets,

sharing it with all those exotic people we meet – like our neighbors, our friends, maybe even somebody at our

church.

Live the Six is a booklet that can change the way we look at our lives and the people around us. Garrett’s

approach to faithful, Christ-like living is to “go beyond one day.” In other words, keep doing those things that

serve others and make their lives better by the good you do. He writes, “to Live the Six is not about dramatic

changes in your life. It’s about inviting God into the life you’re already living and finding ways to serve Him by

meeting the needs of people around you.” It’s about establishing a rapport, and then building from there.

Garrett reminds us that living this way is not a have to kind of thing, it’s a get to kind of opportunity – our

special privilege from the God of the universe who is making us into His new creations, inviting us to share this

Good News with the world around us.

#2 “Stressed but Connected”: Unresolved issues. Financial trouble. Neglected health. Everyone feels stressed

out. Right?

Wrong! Everybody has stress, but not everyone is stressed out. If you’ve accepted stress as a way of life, this

booklet is for you. From setting healthy personal boundaries to eliminating procrastination, these sensible

strategies will help you manage stress before stress manages you.

Best of all, you’ll discover that you don’t need to handle the pressure alone – as you embrace God’s “best” for

your life!

LUMA Food Pantry Collection Change

A different method of collecting food for the LUMA Food Pantry has been instituted. Although all foods

brought to Peace will be utilized, LUMA is requesting that Peace furnish the following specific food items:

dry milk, canned milk and any type of canned soup

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of

mine, you did for me.’ Matt. 25:40

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