Weekly Announcements from Pastor Valerie Brown-Greenly, Senior Pastor
Dear Friends,
We had a wonderful Rally Day parking lot service last Sunday. This coming Sunday we will be back in the parking lot for worship to install our Sunday School teachers and leaders; our Youth Director; and our first graders will receive their Bibles, while the little ones will receive prayer books. Please plan on joining us for parking lot worship on Sunday, September 19, at 10:00am. Parking begins at 9:30am.
9th Grade Confirmation Students Picture and Practice will begin at Noon in the Sanctuary. Students should bring their robes (they will receive their robes this evening at class) and their stoles, and be ready to begin at Noon. Parents are expected to be present for this event, so everyone has all the information for Confirmation worship on Sunday, September 26, at 10:00am.
The Affirmation of Baptism Service (confirmation service) is Sunday, September 26 at 10:00am. This will be an in person, in the Sanctuary worship service. We are inviting the families and family friends of these confirmands to be in person for worship. We are asking the rest of the congregation to worship online on September 26. For confirmands, family and friends who attend this worship, masking is required. In addition, it is important we mask correctly for worship and continue to protect those families with children under 12 who cannot be vaccinated, along with others who cannot be vaccinated or have chosen not to be vaccinated. Until boosters are available, and until the infection rates have dropped significantly in Minnesota, we will continue masking correctly throughout the building. While this may be an irritation to some, it is necessary for the safety of others, including the staff.
There will be Sunday School on September 26, even though we have asked only friends and family of the confirmands attend the in person worship. Parents/families of Sunday School children should also attend if you wish. Please drop off your children with their teachers by the playground doors. You will be able to pick up children from their teachers near the playground following the worship service. (This is the same arrangement for parking lot or in person worship for the next few weeks.)
Our Interim Bookkeeper, Deb Bode, is working in the office on Wednesdays, from 1:00pm – 5:00pm. Please call the office and speak to Deb if you have questions, or are in the process of adding First Fruits or other automated giving options. We are pleased to have Deb with us during this interim period. Arlen Missling, Peace Lutheran member, has continued to work in the office on various mornings, and we thank him for his financial wisdom and ongoing work!
Our financial picture has been holding steady throughout the end of August, and into September. Logically, our expenses increase as our programs begin. Many members have opted to continue with us on live stream during these months, and I’m very thankful that live stream will continue to be a good option for many worshipping with us on Sundays. The number of individuals and families returning to the parking lot and then to the Sanctuary this fall will continue to increase. Even so, I want to encourage you to consider some form of automated giving. For our family, First Fruits has been a blessing as we plan our regular yearly giving. With busy lives, it’s been a relief for me to know I am supporting my church during every season of the year. If you have any questions about automated giving, please call our Interim Bookkeeper, Deb Bode, or you can contact me, and we can walk you through this simple process. Together, we continue to secure Peace Lutheran and all its ministries for the future of the Gospel and our Church.
Looking ahead: We will return to the parking lot on Sundays, October 3, 10 and 17. On Sunday, October 24, worship will be uploaded to the website. This gives a necessary break for staff. As the year progresses, you will notice a few of these ‘uploaded’ services. I hope you enjoy the variety of services and understand the need for everyone to have a weekend off from time to time. We appreciate your understanding. Please note: when worship is uploaded/pre-recorded, there is no in person worship and no Sunday School.
On Sunday, October 3, there will be a coffee/cake reception for Steve Gripp. Steve is relocating to Phoenix, AZ. If you can’t be with us for his farewell, you can send your cards and greetings to the Church Office and we will make sure he receives them. We will miss Steve, and we wish him all the best in his new venture!
Wednesday morning Bible Study will resume at 10:00am, and will continue on Zoom for the time being. If you would like to join us, please contact me with your email and I will send you the link.
Looking ahead: there will a New Member Gathering for those who are interested in joining Peace on Saturday, October 9, at 10:00am. This gathering will include those who have joined Peace in the last few months. Please contact the church office (763-757-4459) to register. We look forward to seeing you!
Office hours continue on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30am-Noon, and Wednesday evenings from 5:00pm-7:00pm.
See you Sunday!! Take care…Be safe…
Pastor Valerie
Cell: 612-280-6493 Email: [email protected]
Church: 763-757-4459 Email: vbrown-greenly@