PRINTS OF PEACE NEWSLETTER MARCH 2017

Published Monthly—Issue 201703

Peace Lutheran Church 240 West 9th Avenue, Oshkosh, WI 54902 (920) 231-4730 E-mail: office@PeaceOshkosh.org Website: www.peaceoshkosh.org

OFFICE HOURS 8:00 AM—1:00 PM Monday—Friday

WORSHIP SCHEDULE Sunday Traditional Worship at 8:00 a.m. Sunday Praise Worship at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Lenten Services at 6:30 p.m.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK Lent. The next

season of the church year

that greets us as we begin

the month of March. For

Lutherans, it is a season that

we are only beginning to

appreciate. Growing up as a

member of the Augustana

Synod, ( a small Swedish

part of the Lutheran Church)

we rarely spoke of Lent. For

us, Lent was a time that our

Roman Catholic sisters and

brothers practiced as a part

of their mysterious tradition. Indeed, we only knew it

was Lent when our friends talked about what they had

“given up” for 40 days before Easter or when we

noticed this black smudge on their foreheads on Ash

Wednesday. Thankfully we have come a long way.

Today, in the ELCA, Lent is a powerful part of our

spiritual formation. For us it is a season of reflection, of

discernment, and of taking steps to be closer to God.

Lent is a season where we focus not on “what we give

up” ( although some habits might be healthy to give

up), but instead on what new habits we can take on.

I invite you to join with Intern Pastor Dara and me

as we begin this 40 day journey on Ash Wednesday,

March 1st, at either the 11 am or 6:30 pm worship

services. We will explore the concept of moving closer

to God, commune together, and mark our foreheads

with ashes to remind ourselves that we are children of

God. Taking on something new would be a great way to

begin Lent. Come and see how Lent can be a spiritual

tool for you!

Peace to you and your loved ones,

Interim Pastor Dennis E Ellisen

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Along with the first day of March this year, we also usher in the first day of Lent: Ash Wednesday. As a kid, I always used to dread Lent. My memories of it included getting ashes on my forehead and then being embarrassed as I walked through the grocery store, because it NEVER failed that my parents would need to make a grocery stop on the way home from the Ash Wednesday service. My memories of Lent also included being terrified during the stripping of the altar table on Maundy Thursday, and what seemed like the never-ending hymns written in a melancholy minor key. Lent was never my favorite liturgical season, but I still do find it deeply meaningful.

Just like many other people of faith, I personally try to eliminate or add something to my life each year to help keep me centered during this time of reflection and prayer. But here’s the thing I’ve observed both in myself and in those around me: sometimes those Lenten devotional things start to look more self-centered than Christ-centered. To steal the words from one of my friends who’s an avid blogger: These aren’t New Year’s resolutions—this is Lent.

So many times I’ve tried to tell myself that if I just give up soda or pizza, THEN it will make me closer to God because of the “sacrifice” I’m making. Other times I’ve convinced myself that exercising every day will help get closer to God (which I wouldn’t even know because I never actually got to the point of exercising everyday anyways). My point is this: Lent is not about adding things that we should be doing in our lives all year long, nor is it about eliminating the things that are bad for us in the first place. A true Lenten practice is about getting closer to God.

What’s happening in your life that distracts you from hearing God’s voice? What things are you doing that prevent you from being present to God’s people? Can you eliminate those things for 40 days and see what happens? That’d be a Lenten practice.

If you can’t think of something to eliminate from your life, then how about adding something? Would taking 10 minutes each morning or before bed to read a Lenten devotional book be helpful in strengthening your faith? How about taking the time to gather prayer requests from your friends, then intentionally pray for them every single day? Or what about donating an hour or two of your time to a local non-profit organization that could use a couple extra hands?

In the end, perhaps what’s key to a solid Lenten practice is keeping it Christ-centered. To again steal the words of my blogger friend: don’t make Lent about you. It’s not about you. Lent is about Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made to make sure we humans can ALWAYS be in relationship with God. So this Lenten season, I encourage you to find a practice that keeps the focus on Christ and the relationship that you get to be in with him.

Peace be the journey,

Vicar Dara

THOUGHTS FROM THE VICAR

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Greetings, As I write this it is in the middle of February and I just want to touch on a few things that have taken place. On February 5th we had our Annual Meeting. At the meeting we voted on a ballot, and on the 2017 spending plan. Chris Rabe, the Call Team Chair, gave an update on the call process. Thanks to all in attendance. I think that there are still a few Annual Meeting Booklets left. If you would like one, please contact the church office. The Chili Cook-Off, Basket Raffle and Cribbage Tournament was held with a really nice number of people attending. There was a good variety of chili for all to try. This year we had three judges that tasted and voted on the best of the group. Erin Tedesco took first place, second place was Jessica Felker and third place was Cori Stromberg. Kim Blake-Jungwirth won the most popular award from the floor. The cribbage tournament had eight teams competing. There was a tie for first place between George and Kathy Sawall and E.R. and Pat Waskawic. All monies raised will go to renovate the nursery. Thanks for all that participated in this event—it sure was an enjoyable time.

Next time you are upstairs make sure to take a look at the kitchen as it was painted on the 18th. Jessica and Sam Felker, Jean and Jesse Andersen, Steve Elza and George Sawall took some time and painted the walls and cabinets. This is one step closer to finishing up the renovation of this room. There are just a couple of other things that need to be done and it will be complete. Thanks again to the anonymous donor that made this all possible and to those who helped in making it all come together. Just a reminder that beginning this month, on March 1st, the soup suppers will resume for the Lenten season. They will start at 5:30pm, followed by the Lenten Worship Service at 6:30pm. Please come and be a part of this as there is always great soup, a lot of good fellowship and a meaningful Worship Service. Hope to see you there! God has blessed us with many things. Let us give thanks for that! Prayers for peace and comfort to all those in need. Be a blessing where you can!

Peace,

Jean Andersen

2017 Peace Scholarship Announcement

The 2017 Peace Scholarship Forms will be ready and available in the church office as of March 6, 2017. There is one form for first time applicants and another form for repeat, or 2nd through 4th year applicants. The purpose of the Peace Scholarship Fund is to encourage students to pursue a college education, to better enable them to share Christ, and, to encourage students seeking a college or technical degree. Students applying for one of these education scholarships must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Be a person of Christian faith and practice, as an active member of the Lutheran Church, with members of Peace given primary consideration. 2. Be a high school graduate with a minimum grade point average of 2.5. 3. College students will have a grade point average of 3.0. 4. Be a 2017—2018 full-time student carrying a minimum of 12 credits. 5. Complete and submit an application; secure the requested recommendations; attach the most recent high school or college transcript to your Scholarship Application.

Scholarships will be awarded according to the following priority: 1. The first priority will be given to anyone preparing for a church vocation. 2. The second priority will be given to anyone attending a Lutheran College. 3. The third priority will be given to those attending colleges elsewhere. Dates to remember: April 20: Application Submission Deadline May 10: Scholarships will be notified by mail on or before this date June 4: Scholarship awards presented during the Worship Service

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Lent at Peace Make it a faith practice to join us at Peace this Lenten season.

We’ve got lots going on, and we’re looking forward to seeing you each Wednesday evening!

Soup Suppers @ 5:30pm March 1st- April 5th

Lenten Worship Opportunities 11:00am & 6:30pm Ash Wednesday

March 1st

6:30pm Joyous Light Evening Prayer services March 8th, 15th, 29th, April 5th

6:30pm Holden Evening Prayer service March 22nd

Ashes to Go Unable to make it to worship on Ash Wednesday

but still need that reminder of your mortality and receive the sign of repentance?

Drive up to the circle drive at Peace and get your ashes on! Vicar Dara will be outside offering the imposition of ashes

to anyone who drives up on Ash Wednesday. Stop on by and be sure to tell your friends!

Wednesday March 1st 9-11am & 1-3pm

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Cross+Generational Ministry Peace is having a Spring Book Fair!

Looking for that perfect Easter gift for your kids or grandkids? Stop by our Book Fair and shop award-winning Bibles, books, and videos for kids. Save up to 50% PLUS free shipping on all titles.

Stop by the main hallway outside of the church office on March 12-26 to get faith-filled books and videos for your kids. The display is unmanned so if you have questions, please let Andy Moscinski know.

Our church will earn 20% of the proceeds to go towards curriculum or other resources!

Our Book Fair, sponsored by Sparkhouse Family, is designed to help parents instill an open-hearted, transformational, lifelong Christian

faith in their children at every age and stage. Family Faith Night 5:45pm Dinner— The Living Room (Rm 105) 6:15pm Program— Social Center

March 24 Art Night April 28 Family Service Project Night May 19 Camp Night

Today, families find it difficult to intentionally grow in their faith. Because families are often pulled apart as they go about their separate activities (even in the church) we want to provide intentional time together for families. So every fourth Friday of the month (except in May) Peace will host Family Faith Night. More information on the web at peaceoshkosh.org. Vacation Bible School???? Do you want to see Peace continue to offer Vacation Bible “whatever we call it?” Attendance has been dwindling the past few summers with as little as a dozen or so students participating in the ministry and a low number of Peace volunteers. If you would like to see VBS continue and would like to serve on a team to bring VBS this summer please contact Andy Moscinski. Volunteer team will be required to move this forward.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (K-Grade 5)

Elementary School Spring Blast Retreat (Grades 3-5) March 31 April 2 @ Imago Dei Village. Join old friends, new friends, and camp staff at camp during these weekends full of fun, games, worship, good food, engaging Bible study, and seasonal outdoor & indoor camp activities! Register online at peaceoshkosh.org. Register by March 10.

First Communion Classes (Grades 3 and Up) Classes: 9:15 am—March 26, April 2, 9 Conference Room Milestone Celebration: 6:30pm—April 13 Sanctuary Children who are in third grade and older who have not experienced instruction in the sacrament may register to attend. Parents will attend the final session. Questions, please contact Andy Moscinski in the church office. MIDDLE SCHOOL projectFAITH (grades 6-8) During LENT we have FILM SCHOOL where we watch a movie as a class (parents welcome) and then talk about faith in the world based on the movie. Nights start at 6:30pm with worship and following worship we head to the Living Room for the movie, end by 8pm.

March 1 No session - Ash Wednesday March 8 7:05pm FILM SCHOOL March 15 7:05pm FILM SCHOOL March 22 7:05pm FILM SCHOOL March 29 No session

FILM SCHOOL FILM: Soul Surfer Rated PG Based on true-life events, SOUL SURFER chronicles the life of Bethany Hamilton (AnnaSophia Robb) in the weeks leading up to the shark attack that resulted in the loss of one of her arms -- and the months of healing that followed. Her parents

(Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt) struggle to keep her strong even as they learn how to process the overwhelming feelings. Bethany ultimately has two challenges to face: getting back on the board with confidence and joy and coming to peace within herself over the tragedy.

During FILM SCHOOL students do not need to bring class materials. Donations of food and drink are welcome.

Summer Camp registration and deposit are due March 8. Checks should be made out to Peace Lutheran Church.

FAITH FORMATION

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“Hoops against Hunger" NCAA Bracket Challenge Peace’s 3rd Annual Hoops against Hunger NCAA Bracket Challenge uses the power of the tournament pools to do good against hunger. Participants can enter for $5, pick their bracket and the overall winner gets to designate among viable hunger organizations for the pool pot to go to. Register / Make Selections: March 12-15 (Brackets will be available online so a valid email address must be submitted to play) Questions? Andy Moscinski.

Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month. Food donations can be put by the altar. Food donations can also be brought anytime the church is open. Those donations should be put in the cabinet next to the elevator at the 9th Street entry by the Circle Drive. Peace services two different panties; The Lutheran Food Pantry and The Little Free Pantry at Peace.

Peder Eide Concert Saturday, April 8 | 6pm at Peace Peace Lutheran Church is proud to present nationally known artist, Peder Eide, in concert on Saturday, April 8 at 6pm The concert will be held at Peace Lutheran Church and tickets are free and available at the church office or online. "I have one of the greatest jobs in the world!" says singer/songwriter/speaker Peder Eide (pronounced "I'd") For nearly 1/3 of his life he has led Christ-centered praise and worship for youth conferences, festivals, camps, churches and any other venues students and their families have gathered. His passion filled and creative approach to helping his audience "draw closer to God and closer together" through worship and experience been called "refreshing" and "heartfelt". It's more than just being a great musician or speaker. For Peder it's about being an effective communicator. Numerous ministry groups continue to welcome Peder as part of their events in addition to the wide variety of church denominations that he has ministered to through concerts and worship services. Over the past several years, Peder has received consistent airplay and support from over 200 radio stations across the country. He's had several songs chart on the National Inspirational Charts including his Top 10 single "Roll the Stone Away." Peder's music has connected with radio programmers and listeners alike because of his passion and heart for the Lord that is so well communicated through each song. As an active artist/spokesperson for Compassion International, Peder is humbled to have seen thousands of third world children sponsored through his ministry. He has also experienced the joy of his own family sponsoring many children. Peder will be live in concert on Saturday, April 8 starting at 6pm in the sanctuary of Peace Lutheran, 240 W 9th Ave. Tickets are free and participants are encouraged to bring donations for local food pantries. There will be a free-will offering but is not necessary.

FAITH FORMATION

PRAYER REQUESTS If you or someone you know (with their permission)

would like to be put on the prayer list, please contact

the church office either by phone (231-4730) or email

prayers@peaceoshkosh.org. A special email will go out

to all those who have given the church an email

address and the people receiving the notice will

include those names in their prayers. If you would like

to be a participant, please let the office know your

email address. The name submitted will start on that

day or soon after. After four weeks, the name will be

removed unless the church is notified and then it will

be renewed for another four weeks. Please remember

this list is open to all and categories are, but not

limited to: health recovery, military deployment,

milestones, church partnership, etc.

PLEASE PRAY FOR: Military Deployment: Andy Duwell, Ben Zimmerman,

Max Klein, Karee Cocking (Kristi Cocking’s sister)

Health/Healing: Leslie Burns, Tom Burns, Diane

DenHerder (Helen Wright’s niece), Herb Dieckmann,

June Janke (Andy Janke’s mom), Doris Luedtke, Bonnie

& Jerry Marshek, Nathan Wright (Helen Wright’s

grandson), Charlotte Yearwood, Alton & Margaret

Ziebell, Carol Klabunde’s niece, Carley

Hospitalized: Betty Lou Gibson, Lee Pesch, Bob Bruce,

Leo Lemiesz, Jr. Carol Kametler, Herb Pollnow

Encouragement: Bishops Elizabeth Eaton and Gerald

Mansholt of the ELCA Synod and their staffs, Interim

Pastor Dennis Ellisen, Pastor Ralph Hanusa, Vicar Dara

Clifford, PLC Staff, the Leadership Team of Peace, the

Peace Call Team, Ventersdorp Lutheran Church (our

Companion Church in South Africa)

OUR SYMPATHIES: To Dennis and Joyce Nikolaus on the death of

Dennis’ mother, Marie Nikolaus.

MEMORIALS Donna Wegener—General Fund

SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN Please notify the office of members of your family in

the armed forces along with their addresses. We want

them to know we care.

LUNCH BUNCH March 8, 2017, at 11:30am at the

Charcoal Pit. Call Sally at 385-0425 to

reserve your spot. Bring a friend!

HEAR-YE, HEAR YE…… Peace Lutheran is having a RUMMAGE SALE on SATURDAY, MARCH 25—8am to 3pm! We are calling it a “Nifty 50” Sale as most smaller

items will be sold for 50 cents. We are asking the

congregation to go through your home and discard your

“gently used” items that don’t bring you JOY. We are

accepting donations starting March 1. Please bag the

items, mark them “Rummage Sale” and place them in

the social center. We have a couple of trucks that can

be reserved for picking up larger items.

We ask that you come to the sale and purchase items

that do bring you JOY! All monies raised will go to a

fund to “raze & restore” our gym floor.

For checkout we can use newspapers/tissue paper for

wrapping items, paper bags and lots of volunteers are

needed to help sort, mark, set up, work the sale, and

clean up. Please contact Kim Blake-Jungwirth in the

office at 920-231-4730 for information.

FOOD PANTRY FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY IS THE FIRST SUNDAY OF

EACH MONTH. Food donations can be put

by the altar. Food donations can also be

brought anytime the church is open.

Those donations should be put in the

cabinet next to the elevator at the 9th

Street entry by the Circle Drive.

LITTLE FREE PANTRY The pantry is on the Eighth Avenue

side of the church, adjacent to the

main parking lot. Donations to the

Pantry: food, personal care items and

gift cards may be left in the Pantry at

any time. Cash donations should be

dropped off in the church office.

For more information about the Little Free Pantry,

contact Molly Smiltneek at 414-322-4691 or by email

at mollysmiltneek@gmail.com or visit

https://www.facebook.com/littlefreepantryatpeace/.

PEACE LUTHERAN CEMETERY Spring Clean Up—All winter decorations

must be removed by April 7. New

decorations may be placed after April 12.

Questions? Please contact the cemetery

sexton, Bob Reinke at (920) 379-8506.

WE STILL HAVE ‘LOTS OF LOTS’ FOR SALE!

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PRAYER

The value of persistent prayer

is not that he will hear us

but that we will finally hear him.

MEMBER INFORMATION

MONDAY EVENING WORSHIP Because of Ash Wednesday, there will be no Monday

evening service on February 27th. Please plan on

attending one of the Ash Wednesday worship services

at either 11:00 am and at 6:30 pm.

WORSHIP TIME CHANGE IS COMING MONDAY EVENING CASUAL WORSHIP WILL BE MOVED TO

WEDNESDAYS DURING LENT. All Monday worshippers are

encouraged to worship at our 6:30 pm Lenten worship

services, beginning on Ash Wednesday, March 1st.

After Easter, on a trial basis, we will continue to have a

midweek casual service on Wednesday evenings at

5:30 pm. We are hopeful that confirmation parents

and students will join us during these services if they

did not get an opportunity to worship on Sunday.

CHURCH EASTER DECORATING Decorating the church for Easter will be Saturday

morning, April 15, starting at 8:00 a.m. Come for an

hour or stay until we are done.

CALL TEAM Please continue to keep our call team in your prayers as they continue the process.

Alicia Alsberg Jesse Andersen Steve Berholtz Mary Davis Samantha Felker Christ Rabe Cori Stromberg

Check out the bulletin board across from the Conference Room to see which stage of the process we are in.

CONGREGATIONAL ELECTION RESULTS Leadership Team

Heather Miller is taking Kelly Sherman’s place.

Thank you, Kelly, for your past service on the team.

Nominating Committee

Nancy Lokken

Barb Molash

Mike Thomas

Delegates to the Synod Assembly

Gene and Heather Kangas

Delegates to Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh

Darlene Gehrke

Marie Beede

Donna Lord

Sally Wilde

Delegates to Crossways Camp

David and Nancy Lokken

Delegate for Carthage College

Connie Paulick

Delegates to Lutheran Campus Ministry

Heather Kangas

Steve Berholtz

Delegates to Oshkosh Confernece

Jean Andersen

Connie Paulick

Endowment Committee (2017)

Mark Klein (Chair)

Randy Hartman

Mike Thomas (Secretary)

Kenley Steinert

Eric Duwell

The ballot was accepted as printed, there were no

nominations from the floor.

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MEMBER INFORMATION

Easter flowers Order Form

Please complete this form if you would like to purchase Easter flowers to help decorate the sanctuary this year. You may take them home after Easter services. Please check if you will or will not be taking your flowers home. Thank you. (In memory of) OR (In honor of) (circle one) ______________________________________________________________________________ (please print clearly) Given by: ______________________________________________________________________________

Complete this order form and return it with $10.00 to the church office. OR place it in the offering plate by April 9.

Please make your check payable to Peace Lutheran Church.

I (will) (will not) be taking my flowers home. (circle one)

Where does the desire to read the Bible come from, and how can we cultivate it? The Bible is a complex book. Lots of authors wrote it, writing in many diverse genres. There’s history, poetry, prophesy, law, wisdom, romance, letters, and more. The different authors rarely knew each other, writing their works across hundreds of years. There are unique cultural contexts for each of the sixty-six books that make up the Bible. Understanding all this is not so simple.

Reading the Bible takes hard work If we want to mine the Bible for all its riches, it will take hard work. It won’t just happen. We need to develop the skills and build the resources to help us understand it. Without these skills and resources, we will become frustrated. This might cause us to give up on the Bible completely. Or it might make us try and over-simplify it. And when we struggle to understand the Bible, it’s easy to resort to verse bingo. We grab random isolated verses we do understand, and ignore the (many) parts we don’t. This leads to a distorted understanding of both God and the Bible. There are many resources available to help us understand the Bible, including books, classes, and a plethora of websites at the fingertips of our smartphones.

Reading the Bible takes time But if it requires this much work to enjoy all the Bible has to offer, why bother? This is why, it starts with DESIRE. And desire stems from what we VALUE. If we don’t see the value in something, we won’t make the time for it. We need to discover the value of the Bible if we’re going to make the time to engage with God through it. Many of us will no doubt think we do value it. But this is often a theoretical knowing we should value it. It’s not an on-the-ground, every-day, living, breathing, active appreciation of its rich value. If it was, we’d be reading and studying it more. We reflect our true values through what we do—not what we think. If you are

lacking in desire, PRAY for it. God will provide it. God wants to meet you there. God’s living Word is active, reading it will transform you. Even 15 minutes spent in the morning may affect your reaction to something that happens in your day. Take God with you, into your day.

Reading the Bible in community When I think about what, at different points in my life, has stirred my desire to read and study the Bible, lots of things come to mind. It’s clear to me, though, that whatever desire I have for the Bible has come through and with others. It is something that has developed in community, not in isolation. It started as a young adult, after a retreat I’d been to challenged me to engage in the Bible on a daily basis. To create time in each busy day as a mom with 3 children under 6 years, was a challenging pursuit. And it then grew further through some great friends and pastors I had the privilege of learning with. Being part of dynamic small groups played a key role most often. And then there are the books others have written; these too have informed and shaped me more.

In other words, there is no ONE thing. It is MANY things. But the common thread to all these aspects that have stirred my desire for the Bible is community. Reading and studying the Bible is not an individualistic activity. That’s not to say we don’t read it on our own. In truth, we’re likely to do most of our reading on our own. But if we are going to grow in our appreciation of and desire for the Scriptures, it’ll be because we recognize that we need the help of others to get everything out of its pages. We need the insights of scholars and friends alike. We need the reflections of both our pastors and our families. We need conversations over coffees (or beer), as well as insights from learned authors. We need each other.

I pray for your desire to seek God in the pages of the Bible. Peace, Donna Johnson, Spirit Team

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SPIRIT TEAM

Bible in Community Opportunity Every Sunday at 9:15am Read and Discuss the Sunday’s Scripture readings. It’s just that simple. We share our thoughts on the Word and learn from each other. Grab some coffee and drop in for conversation.

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Our Sunday Schoolers spent most of the season of Epiphany studying the beginning of Jesus’s ministry, starting with the Gospel accounts of His baptism and followed by His calling of the first disciples. Bible study was supported by crafts and learning activities. Students in our Middle School program began 2017 with a deeper look at the Gospel of Matthew. We examined verses dealing with the Magi, the flight to Egypt, John the Baptist, Jesus’s temptation in the wilderness, the calling of the first disciples, and finally, the Sermon on the Mount. In addition, the 678ers are working on several community service missions as well as a creative project that will carry important social messages. We also had our first Bible Bucks Sale of the year. Among the most popular items were LED light sabers, complete with realistic plasma energy sounds. Thanks to a generous member of the congregation, a wide assortment of stuffed plush toys also brought smiles to many young faces.

Please remember: we are ALWAYS looking for new or gently used toys and other items with high kid-appeal for our Bible Bucks Sales. IF you have gift-worthy items, we will welcome your generosity. Talk to any Sunday School teacher for more information. To mark St. Valentine’s Day, the Sunday Schoolers created special gift bags of traditional treats and goodies. Each bag carried a label that graphically integrated John 3:16 with the word VALENTINE — thus bringing together two great themes of love from God and love for people. These were distributed to the congregation as a “reverse offering” on the Sunday before Valentine’s Day. We’ll be studying more New Testament topics through the season of Lent as we prepare for the Easter season.

SUNDAY SCHOOL

Special Valentine Goodie Bags were given out by the Sunday Schoolers

at the 10:30am service of February 12.

Calling Disciples. Sharing Love. Sunday Schoolers get to the heart of Jesus’s message

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ADULT STUDY GROUP The Outstanding Gospel of John

In January, the Multi-Gender Adult Study Group looked at

explanations of why the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and

Luke are so similar (the so-called Synoptic Problem). But

inasmuch as those three books are so much the same,

the fourth Gospel is, in so many ways, very much different.

At our March meeting, we’ll look into the Gospel of John

more closely, and compare it to and contrast it with the

Synoptic Gospels. The Gospel of John presents Jesus in a

different light. It includes events not found in the

Synoptics such as the Wedding in Cana, the Woman

Caught in Adultery, and the Raising of Lazarus. At the

same time, John does not include stories and events

found in the other Gospels — further emphasizing how

John stands out from the Synoptics.

We’ll examine John at our next gathering on Sunday,

March 19. We plan to meet at the home of Janell and Eric

Duwell at 1895 Hickory Lane, Oshkosh. The program

starts at 7:00pm and is scheduled for 90 minutes.

No prior knowledge of the topic is required. You do not

have to be a scholar, an adult, or even a member of Peace

Lutheran to participate. The only requirements are a mind

open to learning and a willingness to ask questions.

If it sounds interesting, you’re warmly invited to attend. Come, learn, question, talk. It’s fun and easy! Questions? Call E.R. Waskawic at 920-685-5396 or send an email to erwaskawic@gmail.com.

LAUGH FOR TODAY How to Get Into Heaven

A man dies and meets St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. Peter says to the man, "Here's how it works. You need to have one hundred points to get into heaven. You tell me about all the good things you've done. They are all worth a certain number of points. If your total is one hundred or more, you can come in."

"Well," says the man. "I was happily married to the same woman for 52 years. I never looked at another woman. I was attentive and loved her dearly."

"That's great," says St. Peter. "That'll be two points."

"Hmmm," says the man. "This is going to be harder than I thought. Well, I attended church regularly, volunteered my time and tithed faithfully."

"Wonderful," says St. Peter, "That's worth another point."

"One point!" says the man. "Okay, okay. I was involved with a prison ministry for twenty-five years. I went into the prison, at least monthly, and shared Jesus with them."

"Wow!" says St. Peter. "That's another two points!"

"Only two points!" says the man. "At this rate, it'll be only by the grace of God that'll I'll ever get into this place."

"Bingo!" says St. Peter. "That's one hundred points! Come on in."

According to Revelation 4:7, God’s throne is surrounded by four living creatures:

a lion, an ox, a winged man, and an eagle.

These four symbols have long been associated with the four Gospels as show here.

These images date from about 400CE.

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The event was a huge success and the new addition of a cribbage tournament added fun as well. Nine entries competed for the judge’s approval to be named best overall chili. Cori Stromberg finished in third place, Jessica Felker finished in second place and the judge’s winner was Erin Tedesco. Erin won the “Hot Chili” trophy and bragging rights for the year. We thank our judges Rev. Dennis and Cathy Ellisen and Jenn Sattler from Growing Oshkosh. Great work folks! A People’s Choice winner added to the overall experience and the people chose Rock and Kim Blake-Jungwirth’s chili as their favorite. A dozen baskets were also donated by ministry teams and individuals as well as families to be raffled off. A good crowd of folks filled the social center and enjoyed chili and time together. Proceeds from the event are designated to start seed money to renovate the nursery which has water damage, damaged wall tiles, old carpet and furniture and adding items such as learning/play stations, multimedia, and fresh paint.

CHILI COOK-OFF, CRIBBAGE & BASKET RAFFLE 17—THE RECAP

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Greetings Family and Friends of Peace Christian Preschool, This crazy weather has stirred up our children’s unrest and is testing all of our immune systems. Being cooped up indoors for the chilly and sometimes wet weather has brought the onslaught of bad coughs, strep throat and various stomach viruses to our classrooms. Although we have had a good handful of children taking their turns being sick, our staff has done well to remain healthy and keep our program running strong. The rain, freezing rain, and snow have exposed a weak spot in the roof of the Peace Parish Center. This has brought on some unfortunate damage due to water leaking in--all the way down to the basement rooms. After spending a year of fundraising to put in new carpeting in Room 105 (formerly known as the Youth Room and now known as the Living Room), I was disheartened to find water pouring and pooling onto the industrial carpet we worked so hard to purchase. True to the word of my carpet sales rep, the carpet cleaned up well and there has not been a residual damp smell. This has been the one up side to the unfortunate leaking. The cosmetic improvements made to the room (fresh paint, new carpeting, coordinating furniture) have dramatically increased the use of The Living Room. There is a calendar hanging near the eastern most door of The Living Room which is used for various groups to mark off the time that they need to use the room. In the past the room would be used by a slim handful of groups in a month. Now it is

used by a healthy handful of groups in a single day. This increase in community use of the room truly speaks to the importance of simple updates. I am looking forward to seeing the difference that will be made when the nursery off of the social center is updated. The aforementioned water leakage from the roof of the Peace Parish Center has caused a buckle in the gymnasium floor which gives us all a new collaborative project. We are fortunate that our Church President is being diligent and looking into all of the possibilities for fixing the floor. Ideally it is something that we can have in place before the next school year. In closing, I’d like to remind our church families that we are currently open for enrollment for the next school year. I am very impressed with the number of children we have registered for the next school year; most of them being from returning preschool families. If you are interested in a spot in our 3K program, registration is open now. If you are interested in a spot for our 4K program, registration is opening soon through the Oshkosh Area School District--it fills up quickly. I’m leaving you all with photos of the children enjoying their special show of Rick the Magician. Again, we are very grateful for the private donor from our Church who supports these great and memorable events. Thank you! Wishing you all Love, Peace, and Happiness, Heather B. Miller

Center Director Peace Christian Preschool

PEACE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

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PEACE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

Rick the Magician

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PEACE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

These are photos of the 4K preschool

students bringing their food from the

“Warm Another's

Heart: Little Free Pantry” campaign we

ran this week. All of the students brought in

supplies, these four guys got to stock the

shelves.

T H O SE S ER VI NG U S I N M ARC H 2 0 17

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8:00 AM 10:30 AM Altar Guild—Joyce Nikolaus 233-2612 March 5 Samantha Hall Cori Stromberg March12 Signe Nelson David Nelson March 19 Joyce Nikolaus Jessica Felker March 26 Sally Buck Andy Janke Assisting Ministers March 5 Lucinda Porter Penny Angell March 12 Heather Kangas Donna Johnson March 19 Ryan Kangas Cori Stromberg March 26 Lucinda Porter Penny Angell Communion Assistants March 5 David & Nancy Lokken Dick Campbell, Kristi Cocking March 12 Heather Miller, Ruth Vorpahl Randy Hartman, Lucinda Porter March 19 Mary Davis, Bev Paffenroth Chris Rabe, Tammy Thomas March 26 Steve & Kathy Berholtz Nancy Schettl, Diane Schettl Lectors March 5 Ryan Kangas Dick Campbell March 12 Lauren Case Lucinda Porter March 19 Don Lewis Kristi Cocking March 26 Heather Miller Carol Klabunde Ushers March 5 Hall Family, Amy Lee, Carol Pick, Tom Moniz George & Kathi Sawall, Rory Alsberg, Larry Nigl March12 Hall Family, Amy Lee, Carol Pick, Tom Moniz Jesse & Jean Andersen, Penny Angell, Chris Rabe March 19 Hall Family, Amy Lee, Carol Pick, Tom Moniz George & Kathi Sawall, Kristi Cocking, Eric Smiltneek March 26 Hall Family, Amy Lee, Carol Pick, Tom Moniz Jesse & Jean Andersen, Rory Alsberg, Nancy Schettl Hospitality—Heather Miller 279-7277 March 5 TBD March 12 Janell Duwell, Laurie Kleveno March 19 Alicia & Rory Alsberg and girls March 26 Jenny Dehn, Heidi Nelson Visitors—Joy Himmler 231-7341 (Baker—Karrie Suess) March 5 Tom Sekeres March 12 Penny Angell March 19 Bev Paffenroth March 26 Tom Sekeres

RECEIVE WORSHIP SERVICES ON LINE SERMONS are available online at youtube.com. Search “Peace Lutheran Oshkosh”

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Leadership Team Members Here is your 2015 Leadership Team. They have provided contact

information so that you may reach them anytime you have a

suggestion, question, concern or positive feedback.

Jean Andersen, President 233-5325—unknowns_1999@yahoo.com

Chris Rabe, Vice President 460-5434—rabe.christopher@gmail.com

Mary Davis, Secretary 235-9378—maryd1017@gmail.com

Joe Friday, Member at Large 233-7203—jfriday@new.rr.com

Dave Nelson 410-0521—nelsoda38@gmail.com

Kathy Berholtz 233-5044—kberholtz@gmail.com

Gene Kangas 235-6979—geno.19@sbcglobal.net

Heather Miller 279-7277—peacepreschool@gmail.com

Kristi Cocking 608-387-5470—kristi.cocking@gmail.com

PEACE LUTHERAN WEBSITE ADDRESS: www.peaceoshkosh.org

OFFICE EMAIL: office@PeaceOshkosh.org

OFFICE PHONE: 920-231-4730

STAFF: PEACE LUTHERAN INTERIM PASTOR

REV. DENNIS E. ELLISEN 920-419-5581

Email: revcat09@att.net

VISITATION PASTOR

REV. RALPH HANUSA 920-235-7582

VICAR DARA Q. CLIFFORD, INTERN 920-427-4314

EMAIL: dara@peaceoshkosh.org.

DIRECTOR OF FAITH FORMATION

ANDREW ‘MO’ MOSCINSKI 920-268-8170

Email: andymo@peaceoshkosh.org

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Kim Blake-Jungwirth

Email: kim@peaceoshkosh.org

RECEPTIONIST/SECRETARY Signe Nelson

Email: signe@peaceoshkosh.org

MAINTENANCE George Sawall

JANITORIAL Tom Klabunde

CHOIR DIRECTOR/ORGANIST Larry Klausch

CONTEMPORARY MUSIC Erin Tedesco and

Darcy Showers

TREASURER Patty McClelland

TEAM LEADERS: LEADERSHIP Jean Andersen

CARE OF THE CONGREGATION Barb Molash

CREATIVE GREEN TEAM Nick Robarge

ENDOWMENT Mark Klein

MISSION TEAM Katelyn Molash

MUTUAL MINISTRY Patti Abraham

PROPERTY Jesse Andersen

PROMOTION E. R. Waskawic

SPIRIT TEAM Donna Johnson

STEWARDSHIP Stefanie Gabriel

TECH TEAM Michael Stromberg

WORSHIP Ruth Vorpahl

ORGANIZATIONS: PEACE LUTHERAN CEMETERY Mary Davis

PEACE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL Heather Miller

TEACHERS’ CLOSET Kay Kuenzl-Stenerson

VPS (VOLUNTEER PERSONS)

WOMEN OF FAITH Kelly Zeller

W.O.F. BIBLE STUDY Jenny Angell

This newsletter is edited by Joyce Nikolaus as a project of the Promotion Team. All articles are due on

the 15th of the month prior to publication. Please email items to both:

Joyce at jdnikolaus@gmail.com.

The church office at office@PeaceOshkosh.org.

Y O U R L EAD ER SH I P T EA M