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 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9:00 am Sunday School 10:00 am Blended Service

2 7:00 pm Alpha Circle

Church office and GIP Closed

3 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 10:30 am OWLS

4 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study 6:30 pm GIP Board NOTE: Change of day 7:30 pm Church Council

5 9:30 am John Knox 6:30 pm Choir Practice

6 Pastors day with family

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8 8:30 am Traditional 9:30 am Voters Meeting 11:00 am Contemporary 12:00 pm Confirmation Class

9 9:30 Sewing Bee

10 10:00 am Knit/Crochet

11 9:00 am GIP Chapel 1:30 pm Lydia Circle 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

12 9:30 am John Knox 1:00 pm Bible Journaling 6:30 pm Choir Practice

13 Pastors day with family

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15 8:30 am Traditional 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary

Food for Needy

16 9:30 Sewing Bee

17 10:00 am Knit/Crochet

18 9:00 am GIP Chapel 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

19 9:30 am Pastors’ Conference 6:30 pm Choir Practice

20 Pastors day with family

21 1:30 pm LWML Meeting

22 8:30 am Traditional 8:45 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary 12:00 pm Confirmation Class

23 Sewing Bee

24 10:00 am Knit/Crochet 7:00 Elders Mtg.

25 9:00 am GIP Chapel 9:30 am Book Club 6:30 pm Adult Bible Study

26 9:30 John Knox 6:30 pm Choir Practice

27 Pastors day with family

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29 8:30 am Traditional 9:30 am Sunday School 11:00 am Contemporary

6:30 Men’s Club

Mite Box

30 9:30 Sewing Bee

31 9:30 am Topic Leader 10:00 am Knit/Crochet

The Church Office and Grow in Peace will be closed January 2nd

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Meals for Neighbors in 2017

2016 was a great year for Peace Lutheran Church. We experienced many highs throughout the year as we tried some new things. As great as 2016 was, I think we can do even better in 2017 as discussed during the Elder meetings in September. It will take everyone working together to see some real differences in how we spread the Gospel message to our community, and how we come closer together as the people of God.

It’s finally time to step up to the challenge I laid before the congregation during the September Elder meetings (Meals for Neighbors). I am challenging each member of the congregation to invite four different neighbors over to your home for a meal at some point during the 2017 calendar year. This means all you have to do is have a neighbor over for dinner one night every quarter. That’s just one meal every three months! If you aren’t spending time with your neighbors and building them up, then you aren’t following the Scriptures. “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” (Romans 15:2) A meal is a great way to learn about your neighbors and begin building them up. I understand that not everyone has the gift of speech, to speak the Gospel eloquently. But each of us has the ability to share a meal. And as Peter says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Peter 4:10) You have an opportunity to serve your neighbor as commanded by God’s Word simply by sharing a meal. And in so doing, you will begin to forge new relationships and possibly gain some great new friends. You don’t have to “sell” them on being a Christian, just love them as Christ loved you and model the faith. Your actions speak louder than words ever could, and sharing a meal with your neighbor is an action of love that they will recognize and appreciate. I look forward to hearing about how these meals are going throughout the year, so please let me know. 2017 will be a great year as we continue to praise God, receive His Word and Sacraments in regular worship, and meet new and interesting neighbors. As we grow in grace and truth, I pray God’s blessings upon you for a wonderful and prosperous New Year. May the Lord continue to bless His Church, and especially Peace Lutheran Church this year! In the service of Christ, Pastor Rolf

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There will be a Voters Meeting between services on January 9th. This will be an important meeting. Please plan to attend. Please remember to fill out the “Record of Fellowship” sheet located by the center isle of every pew. These help the office keep an accurate record of attendance each Sunday and on every special service. Thank you!

Man, Woman, Teenager!

You have an opportunity to serve the Lord and others during the month of January. If you are looking for a simple way to do something new in 2017, consider signing up to help with Chapel Duty at Beautiful Savior Home in Belton. There are residents there who need a smile and a gentle pat - along with encouragement to attend the Saturday Chapel Service. Call Punky McDaniel or Peggy Noah for further information – or just show up at 10:00. You are needed!

Peace Lutheran Church 8240 Blue Ridge Kansas City, MO 64138 peacelutheranlcms.org Phone: 816-353-3813 Pastor: Rev. David Rolf Music Director Luke Nicolay 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 You can also contact the Church office at: peacelutheranlcms@att.net

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LWML (Lutheran Women Mission League)

The topic for the January 2017 Circle Meetings is in the Winter Quarterly on page 16 and is entitled “Encourage One Another”. We will be looking in God’s word how we are to encourage one another. The dictionary says that we are to “Give Hope, Confidence, Cheer and Help”.

The Roll Call Word is “Hope”. Alpha Circle will meet Monday, January 9, 2017 at the home of Ruth Oexman with Jean Roberts as her Co-Hostess. Topic will be led by Ruth Brackman. Denise Benavides will check the Acolyte Robes for laundering or mending needs. For more information, please call the President of Alpha Circle, Wanda Thurnau at 816-524-8099. Lydia Circle will meet the second Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 1:30 pm in the Church Fellowship Hall. Nita Runge will host the meeting. Topic will be led by Lois Gilham. For more information please call the President of Lydia Circle, Kathleen Jarvis at 816-763-2894. Don’t forget the first league meeting of the year, January 21st at 1:30 in the Fellowship Hall. Lydia Circle will be serving. Let’s take this opportunity to meet and greet in the new year! Bring your suggestions for how you see Peace LWML serving in 2017. Think about your role in Kingdom work. Collectively, can we do more, can we redirect our efforts, can we energize each other, is all we do in service to the Lord? These are questions to ponder.

++++ ++++ A New Year – As we start a new year untouched and unmarred, may we try to do better than the year just past. May we be more caring, be wiser and kinder, more understanding, more giving and more loving. How will we use the days of this year? How will we use the time God places in our hands? Let us seek the Lord in prayer and place our future plans in God’s care.

++++++ Thank You and Thank You – The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League of Peace Congregation wishes to express their thanks for the support the congregation has given to accomplish the many projects undertaken by the league throughout the past year. We are Truly Grateful!!! We wish you and your families God’s love, peace and joy in the New Year!!! Ruth Oexman Communications Chairperson

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Book Club The Secret Cord

By Geraldine Brooks

With more than two million copies of her novels sold, New York Times bestselling author Geraldine Brooks has achieved both popular and critical acclaim. Now, Brooks takes on one of literature’s richest and most enigmatic figures: a man who shimmers between history and legend. Peeling away the myth to bring David to life in Second Iron Age Israel, Brooks traces the arc of his journey from obscurity to fame, from shepherd to soldier, from hero to traitor, from beloved king to murderous despot and into his remorseful and diminished dotage. The Secret Chord provides new context for some of the best-known episodes of David’s life while also focusing on others, even more remarkable and emotionally intense that have been neglected. We see David through the eyes of those who love him or fear him—from the

prophet Natan, voice of his conscience, to his wives Mikal, Avigail, and Batsheva, and finally to Solomon, the late-born son who redeems his Lear-like old age. Brooks has an uncanny ability to hear and transform characters from history, and this beautifully written, unvarnished saga of faith, desire, family, ambition, betrayal, and power will enthrall her many fans. 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 in-depth discussions about each book. Anyone that enjoys reading and having wonderful discussions is welcome to join us.

Altar Flowers

A big THANK YOU to those members who donated the beautiful poinsettias in celebration of the birth of Jesus. If you will be picking up your poinsettia, please make arrangements to do so after the second service on January 8th or on Monday, January 9th.

The 2017 calendar is posted on the wall. Please sign up for your special Sunday(s) to recognize birthdays, anniversaries, or remembrances.

Contact Cheryl Enke @ 478-0009 (hm), 299-5752 (cell) or cenke1053@comcast.net.

Religious Display

Thank you to everyone who purchased Christmas Cards this holiday season. Greeting cards for most occasions are available by the box or by individual card. Boxed cards are $5.00 and individual cards are $0.50. Each purchase helps support the LWML.

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Sewing Bee

During 2016 we made 140 quilts. These were given to the Metro Lutheran Ministry Christmas Store, to LUMA, to Our Redeemer and to the Ozanam Home. Three (3) childrens quilts were given to Our Redeemer, (10) ten baby quilts were given to Mother’s Refuge and (7) seven lap robes were given to Beautiful Savior Home. Numerous eye glass cases and breast pads were made and given to Truman Medical Center.

The ladies will resume makingquilts on January 9th, weather permitting. We meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 am. Bring a sack lunch and stay into the afternoon. An average of (7) seven ladies come and we would welcome any other ladies who would like to join us on Mondays. Please continue saving your Best Choice UPCs and “Box Tops for Education”. The Labels for Education from Campbell products are no longer being saved. Save your cancelled postage stamps, especially commemorative, foreign and the larger Forever stamps. Containers for these are on the shelf in the Narthex. You may also turn in your wrapped bars of soap that you get from motels.

What Did You Get For Christmas? It seems the older we get, the more creative our children become in getting us the perfect gift for “just what we need”! This year I unwrapped an “ancestry DNA” kit. Now I can truly find out “where I came from”! Or should I just pick up a new Lutheran Hour pamphlet on the spinner entitled: “The Mystery of You – Clues to Your True Identity”?

Using the popular board game CLUE as a template, author Melanie Wilson guides readers to a deeper understanding of their real selves. It’s when an individual considers where he’s been (rooms); what he’s done (weapons); and who people (witnesses) say he is – that a fuller grasp of identity can be acquired.

We all have backgrounds filled with an assortment of experiences and people. Throughout our lives it’s easy to build our perception of self – good or bad – on these variables. We do this at our peril however, for we are flawed by sin from the beginning, unable on our own to fully discern our true identities. But there is One who knows us best, understands us fully, and loves us anyway. Whether our self-image is inflated by pride or beaten down by self-accusation, our identity – our fullest identity – is found in Jesus. He alone has paid the price for our sins and redeemed us to be new creations in Him. Gee, I bet ancestory.com can’t tell me everything about where I come from, but my Heavenly Father certainly does. It is wonderful to hear His word at Peace each Sunday – something I’m looking forward to in 2017!

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Peace Lutheran Church Sunday Worship schedule

January 2017

January 1 January 8 January 15 January 22 January 29

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 10:00 am Combined

Service

Divine Service Two Page 167

Divine Service Three Page 184

with Communion

Divine Service Four Page 203

Matins Page 219

11:00 Contemporary Contemporary

with Communion

Contemporary Contemporary

Ushers Jim Clay, Mark Harms, Gary Thurnau, Michael Pickler

Elders 8:30 Dave Loesch, Ron Johnson, Joe Rice Ed Seutter

11:00 Homer Oexman, Mike Benavides

Greeters 8:30 10:00 am

Gary/Wanda Thurnau

Jim/Cara Ewart Dennis/Carol Head

Bert/Rita Runge Kathy Boehm

11:00 Jeff/Linda Gardner Homer/Ruth Oexman

Punky McDaniel Lois/Bob Gilham

Altar Guild 8:30 Reed/Cindy McCubbin

11:00 Punky McDaniel/Benavides Family

Alter Care Cindy McCubbin

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1 Hannah Turos 3 Bruce Cooper 4 Ina Huth 5 Barbara Nave 7 Wanda Thurnau 8 Jean Roberts 10 Brian Jenkins 10 Alaina Schroeter 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 22 Bonnie Haney 23 Drew Thurnau 24 Cleta Marks 24 Olivia Pittard 27 Betty Enke 27 Don Hankins 28 Shanta Shelby 31 Herbert Grasher

1 Shannon Collins 1 Mary Turos 2 Matt Clemons 3 Laurence Bellach 3 Juli Seutter 5 Ryan Gaulding 8 Dee Rice 10 Dean Huth 10 Dave Loesch 11 Christine Grace 14 Daniel Seutter 15 Jenny Schultz 17 Kyli Christopher 17 Mae Walter 18 Jake Gish 18 Steve Slater 19 Elisabeth Kluepfel 23 James Autrey 24 Bruce Cooper 26 Taityana Haislip 26 Deanna Staehling 27 Homer Oexman 31 Taylor Goodman

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

January

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Grow in Peace Child

Care Center News

LUTHERAN CHURCH MISSOURI SYNOD www.gipchildcare.com

director@gipchildcare.com

King Jesus, As we begin this new year help us keep you first

place in our daily lives. We thank you for loving us enough to come into this world in the flesh and then save us from our sins. We especially look

forward to the day we will meet you in Heaven! AMEN!

Welcome to Grow in Peace – New Enrollments Eliana Nickens – Infant Sloan Jackson – Infant Brielle Golden – Toddler

McKinley Keith-Hardiman – Preschool Zoey Jones – Preschool

Hector Loredo, Jr. - Preschool

May God bless the early learning you will

receive while with us!

Upcoming Dates to Remember January 1, 2017 – New Year’s Day

GIP to be closed on Monday, January 2nd for the Holiday

January 16 – Martin Luther King, Jr Day

Future Dates February 2 – Ground Hog’s Day February 14 – Valentine’s Day (Class Parties) February 20 – President’s Day March 1 – Ash Wednesday (Lenten Season begins) March 12 – Daylight savings – Spring Forward 1 hour March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day

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

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

Pastor David Rolf.

January, 2017

816-353-3910 main (353-7826)2nd line

GIP is asking for donations of items for classroom usage: Red, pink, white tissue paper, valentines stickers, pipe cleaners, and paper doilies. We are good right now on plastic bags and toilet tissue

rolls. Thank you.

***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!

Note: New sleeping cots coming soon to GIP! Thanks to many generous donations and fundraisers.

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.”

Thank you families for making 2016 an awesome year! We look forward to 2017

being even better.

Blessed New Year 2017

From GIP

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.