By Faith

1Now faith is confidence

in what we hope for and

assurance about what we

do not see. 2 This is what

the ancients were

commended for. 3 By faith we understand

that the universe was

formed at God’s

command, so that what is

seen was not made out of

what was visible.

Hebrews 11:1-3

A Word From Pastor Marc

Somebody asked a minister “What is the best Bible for me to get.”

The minister said “The one that you will read.”

Generally speaking, I agree with that. There are essentially literal Bible translations like the English Standard Version, the New American Standard version, and the New King James Version. There are dynamic equivalent translations that are literal for the most part, but they also translate dynamically so that it reads better in English, like the New International Version (Which I like), The New Living Translation (which Jeanne is reading now), and the Southern Baptist Christian Standard Bible, and the Mainline Protestant New Revised Standard Version Bible, the Common English Bible and the Contemporary English Version.

There are also dynamic paraphrases of the Bible like the Message and the Living Bible.

Continued on page 2

Newsletter of Peace Church / April 2020

It is not a bad idea to have a Bible from each of these three categories. But I would go online to Bible Gateway.com and try one out.

We read the Bible because it is the best way to get to know God and what he is like. It introduces us to Jesus Christ (John 1:17). It teaches us so that we may know the difference between the wrong way to live and the right way to live. It gives us wisdom to make wise choices. God uses his Word to change and transform us into the image of Christ.

Pick a Bible and read it and give God the praise and the glory as he begins to change your life. Jesus loves you, this I know, for the Bible tells me so.

Pastor Marc

Article Continued . . .

Our Current Classes & Study Groups are offered online.

Monday’s – Matthew @ 10:30 a.m.

This study is held on Facebook Live and led by Pastor Marc. You may join in by going to his page. https://www.facebook.com/potterpastor

Matthew Bible study questions link: https://peaceinpotter.org/matthew__bible_study_questions

Thursday’s – 2 Samuel @ 7:00 p.m.

This study is led by Pastor Marc Axelrod and conducted online in a group site. For a link to join this study; contact the church office phone, email or Facebook messenger. You may also contact Marc Axelrod through Facebook messenger.

2 Samuel Bible study questions link: https://peaceinpotter.org/2_samuel__bible_study_questions

Friday’s – Ephesians @ 3:30 p.m.

This study is led by Pastor Marc Axelrod and conducted online in a group site. For a link to join this study; contact the church office phone, email or Facebook messenger. You may also contact Marc Axelrod through Facebook messenger.

Ephesians Bible study questions link: https://www.peaceinpotter.org/ephesians__bible_study_questions

Should circumstances and conditions improve, we will resume the studies

held in the church building.

Monday's with Marc at 1:00 p.m.

Join Pastor Marc on Monday afternoons for an informative chat about current issues and their relevance in our daily lives.

Sermon Readings

May 3 - John 12:1-11

May 10 - Romans 10:1-21

May 17 - Romans 11:1-36

May 24 - Romans 12:1-8

May 31 - Romans 12:9-21

16th Annual Gospel Fest

August 21 & 22, 2020 The Gospel Fest committee planning

meeting has been tentatively rescheduled to May 18th at 7:00 p.m. This meeting was scheduled prior to the newest stay at home order and may be pushed to a later date or possibly held online. We will let everyone know of any updates or changes.

The Bud and Carolyn McAtee continue to stay in contact with the groups who are scheduled to perform. They are waiting to print flyers and programs.

We are hopeful that the current health crisis conditions will subside so that the Gospel Fest can go on as scheduled.

Quiet Time With God

By: David C. McCasland He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters. Psalm 23:2

Scripture: Psalm 23

The word connected captures our contemporary experience of life. Many people rarely go anywhere without a cell phone, iPod, laptop, or pager. We have become accessible 24 hours a day. Some psychologists see this craving to stay connected as an addiction. Yet a growing number of people are deliberately limiting their use of technology. Being a “tech-no” is their way of preserving times of quiet, while limiting the flow of information into their lives.

Many followers of Christ find that a daily time of Bible reading and prayer is essential in their walk of faith. This “quiet time” is a disconnection from external distractions in order to connect with God. The “green pastures” and “still waters” of Psalm 23:2 are more than an idyllic country scene. They speak of our communion with God whereby He restores our souls and leads us in His paths (v.3).

All of us can make time to meet with God, but do we? In Robert Foster’s booklet “7 Minutes With God,” he suggests a way to begin: Start with a brief prayer for guidance, then read the Bible for a few minutes, and close with a short time of prayer that includes adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication for others. It’s vital to take time today to connect with the Lord, who is our life.

Adapted from Our Daily Bread Rhonda Vanden Boogaard

Vacation Bible School July 13 thru 17, 2020

We are still hoping to have VBS this summer at Camp Forest in Forest Junction. Save the dates and spread the word to friends and family.

Registration forms are available on our website at:

https://www.peaceinpotter.org/vbs__vacation_bible_school

We will need the help of adult and youth volunteers to make this event a success. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rhonda in the church office or Pastor Marc.

Spiritual Song George Bloemers

There are songs that do relate to our new creation in Christ Jesus, also songs of praise and worship. This song was one of my favorites relating to the above comments.

His Praise Fills This Temple

His praise fills this temple, His Spirit fills my heart, His love and His glory, That wondrously do impart. The blest name of Jesus, Bring forth freedom from sin, For His praise fills this temple And His spirit lives within.

Ephesians 1:13 – And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

Like unto most of Paul’s letters, he starts out with praise. We too, should start the day, every day, with a paean of praise, because of who He is and what He is to us.

The temple is of course this earthly tabernacle where Christs spirit resides, given unto us a new heart. I call it a spiritual compartment of the new nature.

His love and glory should also radiate from us to a dark un-loveable world. Of course, that name above every name is the result of that radiating love & glory. We have freedom of knowing and acknowledging this fact. That our secured standing of salvation in is that blessed name.

We can sing unto the Lord His praise fills this temple and His spirit live within. Ephesians 3:16-17 – 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,

Mother’s Day Blessings

Just as God gives to each rose A gentle touch of dew

And gives unto each evening sky The lovely sunset’s hue

So, may he give to you From his enduring love

Great happiness and hearts’ content

And blessing from above.

Resurrection Evidence George Feldmann

From the very beginning men have tried to discredit the resurrection of Jesus Christ. But His resurrection from the dead abounds with irrefutable evidence.

Let’s consider some facts: 1. The Witnesses. The women who came to

the tomb on the resurrection morning were met by the angel of the Lord who had rolled back the stone that closed the entry-way to tomb. His message to them was, “Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:5-6).

2. The Physical Evidence. What did the women and the other disciples see when they entered the tomb? After the crucifixion Joseph of Arimathea received the body from Pilate, and Nicodemus furnished a mixture of myrrh and aloes for embalming. The body was bound in linen wrappings. After three days, the linen impregnated with the resinous ointments solidified into a mummy-like shell. Even though the head wrapping was found in a place by itself, it retained a turban-like shape. The disciples saw the empty grave-clothes, and it was this sight which convinced John. He “saw and believed” (John 20:8). Therefore, the Lord had literally passed out or through the graveclothes! He needed not as Lazarus, to have the wrappings loosed (John 11:44).

3. The Post-Resurrection Appearances. The Lord made at least ten appearances to His disciples at different times and places. An on one occasion He appeared to more than five hundred people before He ascended into Heaven. He lives forevermore! Because He lives, the believer shall live forevermore!

Article Submitted by George Bloemers

Special Music for Services A message from Jeanne Axelrod.

Sheri (Giese) Walber performed special music via video on Easter Sunday.

During this time of quarantine, we invite you to contribute a musical offering (aka special music) via a video. It would also be thrilling to have some children sing.

Please consider singing for us. Let me know if you would like to try this.

Crisis Response Team

The CRT meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, June 1, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.

If you would like to join this group or are interested in additional information you are welcome to attend the meeting. You may also contact Jeff Krueger at (920) 851-7318.

The Crisis Response Team Board members are Jeff Krueger, Bud Wieting, Dave Johnson and Chad Lerche.

May Anniversaries

Brad & Laura Kees 05/01

Wyatt & Dianna Hansen 05/02

Mike & Amy Brown 05/06

Dale & Judy Hernke 05/14

Harlan & Mary Hartz 05/16

Glenroy & Karen Boehnlein 05/17

Scott & Kim Balliew 05/19

Kevin & Jean Rach 05/20

Caleb & Stephanie Westbrook 05/26

Steve & Barb Keltesch 05/27

Allen & Laurie Anhalt 05/28

May Birthdays

Brennan Balliew

Brigg Boesch

Mike Brown

Kelsie Dallmann

Megan Dix

Emily Duchow

Katelynn Fuhrmann

Lori Gast

Bo Geiger

Maverick Gieschen

Brandon Gillig

Judy Goeser

Brittney Gruett

Sherry Hernke

Ethel Hillmann

Rachel Hillmann

Jeremy Hintz

Kim Hintz

Chris Juckem

John Kees

Jordan Loose

Karen Neal

Lois Pruitt-Fluhr

Sarah Puls

Peyton Raddatz

Nancy Schwalbe

Dennis Schwalbe

Wilmer Schulz

Brian Stecker

Leeza Stecker

Mary Stecker

Spenser Thiel

Alissa Van Eperen

Rhonda Vanden Boogaard

Nina Waech

Madison Wiese

Matthew Wieting

Nick Ziegler

Church Online Resources

Our Church Website https://www.peaceinpotter.org/

Have you checked out our website? It contains a lot of information about our church; events, newsletters, Links to view services, Bible studies with lessons, Hymn lyrics, photos, and more.

The website is updated with new information and announcements on a regular basis.

Please take a few moments to check out our church website. I look forward to seeing everyone soon here at church. Stay safe and healthy.

~~~~~~~~~

Our Church Facebook Page At www.Facebook.com Peace Evangelical and Reformed Church

The church page is also updated on a regular basis. If you follow the page, you will be notified when information and events are added.

Recently I have started posting the music for the hymns we are singing for upcoming services.

~~~~~~~~~

YouTube Page for Services https://www.youtube.com/user/imabeliever85/videos

You can view our services by following the above link.

Support Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church

1. Mail your offering to the church at: Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church P.O. Box 37 Potter, Wisconsin 54160-0037

2. Give online at: peaceinpotter.org/give

3. Text ‘GIVE” to 920-280-7733

Online Sunday School by Lifeway

Lifeway Christian Resources, is offering a free, in-home children’s Bible study program available to churches of all kinds that have postponed their services due to the coronavirus outbreak.

https://www.christianpost.com/news/lifeway-creates-online-sunday-school-alternative-as-churches-respond-to-coronavirus-235713/

In order to access the new at-home kids’ program, families will need to go to Lifeway’s website and register through redemption code “VZMD4SSQ38”.

Operation Christmas Child A project of Samaritans Purse®

Last year we put together 251 shoeboxes with your generous donations. We hope to have as many or more for this year.

Due to current health concerns, many of us are not venturing out at these days. Our hope is that when things improve you will pick up items needed to support this project.

Items we are collecting include:

New Clothes - Boys or Girls ages 2 to 14

Socks

Flip Flops

Combs / Brushes

Bar Soap

Wash Cloths

9” Dolls

Bouncy Balls

Pens / Pencils

Markers

Erasers

Flashlights / Batteries

Sunglasses

Puzzles

Playdough

Stickers

Scissors

Colored Pencils

Pencil Sharpeners

Crayons

Notepads

Please continue to save empty shoeboxes as well.

If you would like additional information you may contact Brenda Van Daalwyk at: (920) 858-4942 or email questions to brendavandaalwyk@gmail.com

Information is also available at: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/

“To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world.”

Office Notes:

If you have any photos of the church or church events, please contact me. It would be wonderful to add them to our archives and website.

Articles for the June VOP newsletter should be submitted by Tuesday, May 26. They can be sent by email or regular mail.

I look forward to seeing everyone again soon. Stay safe and healthy, God bless.

Rhonda Vanden Boogaard, Secretary

Missions & Ministry Projects

Even though we are not able to come together at church, we are continuing to support our

missions, missionary’s and ministry projects.

Voices of Peace Southern Gospel Music Ministry

All is quiet on the home front except we are "chomping at the bit" to get back on the road again. All our bookings have been cancelled through the end of May. Now we have our cookbook and new CD and nowhere to distribute and sell them. Please keep these items in mind as gifts for birthdays, Mother's Day or any special occasion. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. You can email us at bud.mcatee@gmail.com or check our website: www.voicesofpeace.net for updates and how to order a cookbook or CD. We love our church family and for all the support you have given us.

We are watching and researching the COVID-19 status and closures in Alaska on a daily basis. As of now, we are still anticipating the possibility of travel by the end of June. However, there are many factors involved in this decision that are out of our control. Please keep us in your prayers for God's protection and wisdom in these matters in this uncertain future.

As for the Voices of Peace Gospel Fest, plans are still in the making. We are praying for the Lord’s will in all our decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Voices of Peace

Bud and Carolyn McAtee, Ruth Franz, Mike Brown, Don and Elaine Olson

May 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 Bible Study

3:30 pm

2

3 Communion

4 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

5

6 7 Bible Study

7 pm

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

8 Bible Study

3:30 pm

9

10 MOTHER’S

DAY

11 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

12

13 14 Bible Study

7 pm

15 Bible Study

3:30 pm

16

17 18 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

19

20

21 Bible Study

7 pm

22 Bible Study

3:30 pm

23

24

31

25 MEMORIAL

DAY

26

Articles due for June

newsletter

27 28 Bible Study

7 pm

29 Bible Study

3:30 pm

30

June 2020 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2

3

4 5 Bible Study

3:30 pm

6

7 Communion

8 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

9

10 11 Bible Study

7 pm

12 Bible Study

3:30 pm

13

14 FLAG DAY

15 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

16

17 18 Bible Study

7 pm

19 Bible Study

3:30 pm

20

21 FATHER’S

DAY

22 Bible Study 10:30 am

____

Monday’s with Marc

1:00 pm

23

Articles due for July

newsletter

24

25 Bible Study

7 pm

26 Bible Study

3:30 pm

27

28 29

30