EAR Peace Friends,

As this is my last

“letter” to you, permit

me to quote a phrase from both

letters of Peter to his Christian

friends: “May grace and peace

be yours in abundance.”

(I Peter 1:2; II Peter 1:2)

It has been a great joy to

be part of this congregation

since 2004. I will always

remember meeting around a

conference table with the call

committee at Callaway’s in the

fall of 2003. Several hours

earlier I had a wonderful visit

with Pastor Paul and Pastor

Rolf at Peace. It might have

been Lon Stroshein or Chuck

Claussen who asked me during

the interview how long I would

be willing to serve if called.

Since it was no longer

acceptable to ask a candidate

their age, I smiled and

responded that I would commit

to “give you five good years.”

Well, how time flies when

you’re having fun! It is hard to

believe that eleven and a half

years have sped by.

Since I am nearing the

age of 73, I have decided it is

time to give my full attention to

my bride of nearly 49 years, as

well as to our children and

grandchildren with whom we

have been gifted.

Susanne and I have

enjoyed being a part of this

welcoming and dynamic

congregation. It is a

congregation where “we have

always done it this way” is a

foreign language. I have

appreciated working with my

colleagues and others on our

ministry team. It was fun to

bring some new ideas to Peace

from our congregation in

Anchorage, among which were

using Holden Evening Prayer

for worship and sewing quilts

for graduating high school

seniors.

It was exciting upon my

arrival to work with the newly

formed Faith and Family

Ministry Team. From this group

of visionary moms came lots of

wonderful ideas, including the

Giving Jar; which provides so

much joy not only to our

children but also to the entire

congregation besides supporting

children beyond our church

family. The team initiated the

Elizabeth Ministry to support

young women and new moms.

The team also introduced

concepts of developing

milestones in the faith

development of children and

young people including senior

quilts. When we added Pat

Eidsness to our leadership team,

she took over being a liaison

with this group.

It has been a blessing to

share so many of life’s sacred

moments with Peace’s members

and families.

Continued on page 4

D

PEACETALK Volume 25 - Number 5 – May 2015

5509 W. 41st St. - Sioux Falls, SD 57106

(605) 361-3683

Saved by God’s grace, we are

called to be instruments of

God’s peace.

peacelutheran.com

facebook.com/PeaceLutheran

twitter.com/PeaceLutheranSF

From the Pastor…

My Last Letter to the Congregation

PeaceTalk 2

PEACE STAFF: Pastors:

Paul Stjernholm

Rolf Svanoe

Obed Nelson

Betsy Hoium

Staff:

Lynn Bethke – Receptionist

Jackie Hensley – Receptionist

Mary Lunde – Receptionist

Anita Solberg – Financial Secretary

Dean Ebbinga – Facilities Manager

Joe Sheaffer – Custodian

Mike Johnson – Custodian

Carl Meyerhoff – Custodian

Fern Swearingen – Librarian

Jackie Hensley – Worship Volunteers

Pam Tetzlaff – Food Ministry

Directors:

Renae Boehmer – Children’s Ministry

Pam Tetzlaff – Assistant Children’s Ministry

Holly Marty – Confirmation/Adult Ministries

Kelsey Lyndoe – Youth Ministries

Jackie Bailey – Worship and Music

Bob Levesque – Asst. Worship/Music/Comm.

Colt Foutz – Communications

Cara Hetland – Communications

Kristi Leisinger – Administration

Jim Ahrendt – Seniors Ministry

Sue Olsen – Preschool

Tara Foley – Peace Care and Kids World

Maurine Pederson – Office Manager

Jay Heintz – Finance Manager

Sarah and Jason Andera – Heartland Ephphatha

Music Groups:

Darya Levesque – Children’s Music

Tammy Beintema – Youth Bells/Chimes

Nancy Lenander – Adult Choir

Kyle Quanbeck – Organist

Maurine Pederson – Adult Bell Choir

Rolf Svanoe – Peace Brass

Ann Okins – Saturday Service Pianist

Wedding Coordinators:

Vickie Appino

Erin Wescott

Crystal Ehresmann

From Back to Front

(& Back Again)…

Calendar – 18

Only Technology Has Changed – 17

Goodbye, Mrs. Sue – 16

Welcome, Dean! – 15

Graduating High School Seniors – 11

Faith and Families – 8

What’s Happening at Peace – 7

God’s Work Our Hands – 6

Worship Highlights – 5

Continued From the Pastor – 4

Fifty Years Creating Peace: 2000s – 3

Saying Hello and Goodbye…

Throughout this month’s newsletter we will

meet new staff and say goodbye to Pastor Obed,

Maurine Pederson and Sue Olsen. We also pay

tribute to our graduating high school seniors.

PeaceTalk 3

Part Five: Peace in this Century

Pastor Rolf Svanoe was called and installed in August of 2000. His love for creative worship brought polka and

jazz services and the brass choir and peace band.

In 2003, another construction and remodeling project began for new

office space and Sunday school space. A new choir room, library and

space for day care were also constructed. The Faith and Family

Ministry Team was organized in 2003 with goals to strengthen the

bond between home and church, provide families with resources to

nurture their faith, build a cross-generational faith community, and

form a Milestone Ministry program. We see their work in Lenten

devotion kits, presenting baptized members with faith chests and

wrapping graduating seniors in homemade quilts.

Pastor Ann Schlossnagle left to answer a call to western South Dakota.

Jason and Sara Andera were hired in 2004 as Heartland Ephphatha

directors. Pastor Obed Nelson was called as Pastor of Caring

Ministries.

By the end of 2004 there were 3,200 baptized members. With the expansion of the building came the expansion

of ministries and staff. A new digital Organ was installed in 2005 and also a projector system. Peace also joined

with Holy Cross Lutheran Church to help start a mission church. Pastor Tim Robertson joined the staff in May

of 2006 as a mission developer with Rejoice! Lutheran. The new congregation started worshiping in September

at the Family Wellness Center.

By 2007, Peace is one of only 40 ELCA congregations counting 1,000 people at worship each weekend. In

November, Peace called Pat Eidsness as an Associate in Ministry (AIM) to the pastoral staff. As Peace

continued to grow so does its compassion and caring for neighbors with the launch in 2009 of the Sioux Falls

Lutheran churches Food to You Mobile Food Pantry and Peace’s Necessities for Neighbors. Peace also

purchased four properties west of the church to expand the parking lot. Baptized membership of the

congregation surpassed 4,000 by the year 2010.

2011 saw the parking lot expanded, fellowship hall remodeled and hallways tiled. Global Mission began

sponsoring the village of Jamel, Haiti. In 2012, Pastor Ann accepted a call as a campus minister at Augustana

College and Pastor Betsy Hoium joined the staff.

The Church Council began examining how the church operates and recommended reducing the size of the

council and refocusing efforts on strategic vision. The congregation supported the change and authorized hiring

an administrator, allowing pastors to focus on spiritual growth. As Peace enters it’s 50th

year, it continues to

grow and change as we say goodbye to several staff members.

Next month: Come back for a preview of the next 50 years

PeaceTalk 4

FROM THE PASTOR (CONTINUED FROM 1)…

Much of my ministry has been with people who are experiencing grief, from divorce to illness and death. I

took a look at my funeral sermon file and discovered that I have had 100 funerals or memorial services since

coming to Peace. Sharing those intimate experiences has created bonds of trust that have been very precious. It

has been wonderful facilitating a number of grief groups. And the work of the Prayer Shawl Ministry team has

added an important tool in the support of people experiencing loss and grief.

Last December we had our 11th

annual Blue Christmas Service. And I look forward to commissioning a group

of members on May 17th who will start a Home Communion Ministry. It has been an honor to stand with you

folks at Peace through both sorrow and joy.

Another blessing that fell in my lap was to work with new members. I have been amazed by the gifts brought to

us from a rich diversity of faith expressions. These new members have been largely attracted by the positive

experience of grace-filled worship and the welcome they have felt.

The call to serve as a pastor of a congregation does not include a

spouse. But it did not take long for Susanne to become a part of

Peace by singing in the choir, playing trumpet with the brass

ensemble, going on global mission trips to Cameroun and Haiti,

doing pre-marriage counseling and sharing her love of poetry.

Largely through the support of individuals at Peace, she was able to

volunteer with the World Council of Churches as an observer living

among Palestinian people in Israel’s West Bank for three months in

2010. I joined her on another trip in 2013. I have been the grateful

beneficiary of the friendships developed and insights gained. We

continue to have an intense interest in helping people see beyond the limitations imposed by our media.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the opportunity to serve as a partner in this ministry. Our future

plans are still in the process of being formed. We know that a significant part of our time and energy will be

concentrated on family. Pastoral guidelines and common sense means that when pastoral ministry ends with a

congregation so does worship and involvement. So after July 1st you will see us around Sioux Falls but not at

Peace. But know that the family of Peace will always be in our thoughts and prayers. The friendships we have

established will continue but in a much different context.

May God’s Spirit continue to bless and guide you on your journey of faith, love and service.

Pastor Obed

PeaceTalk 5

WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS

Cracking Open the Faith: A Brief Trip Through Romans

The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Rome to explain his

views of the Gospel. Martin Luther said of Romans, “This epistle is really

the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel…. It is a

bright light, almost sufficient to illuminate the entire Holy Scriptures.” In

May we want that light to shine brightly in our worship.

May 2/3/6 – It’s All About Faith – Romans 1:1-17

The theme of Romans comes in our reading today, Romans 1:16-17;

the Good News is God’s power for salvation for all who believe. Preacher -

Pastor Betsy

May 9/10/13 – From Enemies to Friends – Romans 5:1-11

God shows great grace and love in coming to us first in Jesus, even when we were still enemies, and

pouring love into our hearts. Preacher – Pastor Rolf

May 16/17/20 – Joined to Christ – Romans 6:1-14

In baptism God joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection. That makes all the difference in how we live

our daily lives. Preacher – Pastor Obed

May 23/24 – All Things Work Together for Good – Romans 8:18-29; Acts 2:1-4

On this festival of Pentecost you are invited to wear something red to worship. We are reminded of the

Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, helping us to witness to God’s love in Christ. Preacher – Pastor Paul

May 30/31 – Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love – Romans 8:31-38

God’s love sustains throughout all of life, and especially when things are difficult. Even the worst

experiences in life cannot remove us from God’s love. Preacher – Rev. Dave Johnson, former Senior Pastor at

Peace from 1989-1999.

June 7 – 50th

Anniversary Celebration 10:30 at O’Gorman High School Auditorium

COMING IN JUNE – GLAD YOU ASKED

Is there a question you’ve always wondered about and would love to hear a sermon on? We are taking

questions from the congregation, which will be used for a series during June and part of July, called Glad You

Asked. If you have a question you can write it down and drop it off at the Welcome Center or email your

question to Pastor Rolf – pastorrolf@peacelutheran.com

50 YEARS CREATING PEACE – ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP: JUNE 7, 2015

On Sunday, June 7, Peace will celebrate 50 years of ministry sharing God’s love in Sioux Falls. We

invite you to join the festive celebration. In order to accommodate everyone at a single service our worship will

be held in the new auditorium at O’Gorman High School, which seats 1,000 people. Join the choirs, brass, bells

and organ for the festive worship. A special arrangement by Jeremy Hegg of the hymn Lift High The Cross has

been commissioned. Many former pastors will be in attendance. This is an historic service that you won’t want

to miss.

A brunch will be served before and after the worship service in the O’Gorman Rec Center, catered by

Tony’s Catering. Tickets are on sale during May- $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Volunteers are needed to help with set up on Saturday afternoon and also some clean up Sunday after worship.

Sign up to help at the Welcome Center.

LAST CALL FOR GREECE IN OCTOBER

Join a group from Peace traveling to Greece and the Greek Isles in October. We’ll explore the footsteps

of the Apostle Paul, visit many significant historical sites of the Greek and Roman empires, and enjoy the

beauty of the Greek Isles on a three day cruise. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.

PeaceTalk 6

GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS

Necessities for Neighbors Set Up – Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. It takes many

hands to get ready for our guests. Email Jackie@peacelutheran.com or sign up

at the Welcome Center to volunteer.

Necessities for Neighbors Distribution – Sunday, May 3 - 2:30-5 p.m. Help

us welcome 250-300 guests from countries as diverse as Nepal, Somalia, Iraq,

Russia, Tanzania and many other parts of the world. All ages are welcome.

Children and middle school youth should come with a parent or other adult.

Sign up at the Welcome Center or Email Jackie@peacelutheran.com

Global Mission Sponsors Cinnamon Rolls – Sunday, May 17! We had such a great response we are doing it

again! Join us in the Fellowship Hall from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for some yummy food! Freewill donations support

our partner congregations in Jumelle, Haiti. Want to help? Contact Dan at desodak@gmail.com.

Home Communion Ministry

Before Christmas we had several training sessions for people

interesting in becoming part of a new ministry of Home Communion. A

number of members volunteered. We are now getting close to initiating this

outreach ministry.

Volunteers are being asked to attend another training in May and

we will “commission” our ministry team during worship services the third

Sunday in May.

Training: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 4 and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 9 in the Shalom Room.

Commission: Worship Services May 16, 17

Please contact pastorobed@peacelutheran.com for more information or questions, including members

who would like to receive home communion once a month on an ongoing basis.

Looking Ahead: Start Your Summer Off with Serving

Celebrate our 50th

Anniversary by Serving! Our next Necessities for Neighbors distribution is on the

afternoon of Sunday, June 7, the day we celebrate Peace's 50th

Anniversary. What better way to celebrate than

by giving back to the community?

Food to You – Thursday, June 4. This year Peace will serve at Food to You five times and the next

opportunity is early June. We serve at East Side Lutheran at 10th

and Cliff. Shifts are 4:15-8 and 5:15-8 p.m.

We are collecting tuna and tuna helper. Sign up at the Welcome Center or email

pastorbetsy@peacelutheran.com.

"El Camino de Jesus" (Journey with Jesus) Bilingual Vacation Bible School June 23-26– We are

partnering with Pueblo de Dios, First Lutheran and First Congregational Churches to sponsor a Spanish-English

VBS, June 23-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Lutheran. Children ages 3 to 5th

grade are invited to participate

& the cost is $45, which includes lunch and snacks. No cost for volunteers 6th

grade through adult. Contact

pastorbetsy@peacelutheran.com.

PeaceTalk 7

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT PEACE ADULT BIBLE STUDY: We will begin a study on the Twelve

Disciples on Sunday, April 26th. This will begin with the lesser

known disciples and culminate with a study on Simon Peter. It

will seek to answer these questions: Who were these men? Why

did Jesus choose them? What type of men were they? How did

they contribute to Jesus' ministry? What happened to them after

Jesus resurrection? The study will go through May 17th. We will

not meet on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.

MUSIC CAMP – MAY 31- JUNE 4

Last chance to register for a spot in our Music Camp where we will be

learning and performing the musical “Jailhouse Rock”! Great dialogue,

singing, choreography, devotions, games and crafts will keep you busy this

week! Registration deadline is May 17th

but you will need to register early if

you are interested in trying out for a solo or speaking part. These will be held

on May 6th

and May 10th

. A suggested $10 fee will cover a CD, craft supplies

and Thursday lunch.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR POSITION OPEN

Tammy Beintema has directed our Youth Bells and our Handchime

choir for the past 5 years and done a fantastic job of building up this program.

She will be stepping down at the end of April and we are looking for someone

with bell experience to take over this Fall. This is a paid position that lasts from September through April.

Please contact jackie@peacelutheran.com for more details.

ATTENTION ADULT CHOIR AND ALUMNI

To help celebrate our 50th

Anniversary we are asking past choir members to consider joining the Peace

Adult Choir in singing a special piece at the June 7th

10:30 service at O’Gorman. There will be rehearsals on

Wednesday, May 27th

and June 3rd

at 7:00 in the Music Room. Please contact Nancy Lenander at

nc.lenander@gmail.com for more details.

50

th Anniversary Sanctuary Improvements

Our beautiful sanctuary is now sixteen years old and in need of improvements. When it was built there

were shortcuts made for cost reasons. Worship styles and technology demands have changed. It is time to

remodel and upgrade. Here is a list of nearly $250,000 in projects we would like to accomplish. Check our

progress on the display in the Gathering Area.

PeaceTalk 8

FAMILIES & FAITH

Children’s Ministries

Paul

Last month we talked about the Great Commission and how Jesus sent his disciples out into the world with both

the command to tell the entire world about him and his love and to baptize and teach AND the promise that he

would be with them always.

This month we will see Paul, an apostle who embodied this command and went all over the Roman

Empire to do exactly what Jesus asked. We will hear stories about Saul’s big conversion (and how God changes

our lives, too!) as well as Ananias’ fear (and how Jesus is with us when we are afraid).

Here are a few ways you can talk about Paul at home:

Turn to the back of a Bible to find a map of Paul’s journeys. Pick out a name of a city you have never

heard of and try to pronounce it. Include the people that live in that city in your family’s prayers this

week.

When Paul travelled, he had wonderful times when people were excited to hear about Jesus’ love. He

also had bad times when people were cruel to him. Share your own highs and lows as a family every

night at dinner for a week.

Paul was forever changed when a bright light shown on his path and Jesus transformed him. Get out a

flashlight and sit in a dark room together. Pass around the flashlight as people tell of their favorite story

from the Bible.

Everest Vacation Bible School -- June 15-18, 2015 at Peace Lutheran. As in

past years, classes are available in the morning (starting at 9:00 am) and in the

evening (starting at 6:00 pm) for all age groups.

Please note: The morning session is full for elementary age children.

Suggested donation is $15 per child or $35 for three or more kids. T-shirt is

included in the cost!

Registration closes on May 24 in order to provide time for groups to be created and volunteers to be trained.

Walk-ins will be accepted for the EVENING session on the first night of VBS. VOLUNTEER TRAINING is scheduled as follows:

Preschool volunteers:

Sunday, May 31 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, OR

Tuesday, June 9 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Elementary volunteers:

Sunday, May 31 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm, OR

Tuesday, June 9 from 7:30 – 8:30 pm

**Training is mandatory for all volunteers so we can hit the ground running on the first day.

For questions or to find out more about volunteer opportunities, contact Pam: pam@peacelutheran.com.

PeaceTalk 9

Summer Family Fun!

Beginning on April 26, pick up YOUR Flat Jesus in the

Gathering Place. Flat Jesus is a piece of cardstock with a

drawing of Jesus (Thanks to Kaylor Ragels for drawing

Jesus for us!). Here’s what to do:

1. Decorate your Flat Jesus as creatively or

simply as you would like. Use crayons, markers, fabric,

glue, buttons, burlap, or whatever else your heart desires.

2. Take Jesus with you on all your summer

adventures! (As we know, Jesus has promised to go with

us wherever we go anyway!) He definitely wants to go on

your vacations and trips – but would also like to join you

around town.

3. Take pictures of Jesus with you wherever you are.

4. Send the pictures to us so we can be part of your adventure. Either:

a. Like us on Facebook. Go to Peace Lutheran – Sioux Falls, SD on Facebook.

Scroll down to “write post” and attach your photo.

b. Email your pictures to pastorbetsy@peacelutheran.com and we will make sure

they get posted.

5. Enjoy your summer – and remember to thank God for his most incredible promise to

be with you always. Share your adventures with your family and friends, too!

Sunday, May 10th

– Registration opens for fall Sunday/Wednesday

School

Sunday, May 10th

– Last day of Sunday School

Wed., May 13th

– Last day of Wednesday School

Sunday, May 31 – Thurs. June 4th

– “Jailhouse Rock” music camp at

Peace

June 15-18 – Everest VBS at Peace Lutheran

Mon, July 6 – Thur, July 9 – NeSoDak Daycamp at Peace Lutheran

PeaceTalk 10

Middle School Youth Text plms to 59769

We’re excited about something new we’re going to try this summer with our current

6th

& 7th

graders. For six different Tuesday’s this summer we’re organizing a day of service and fun. We’ll

spend part of the day volunteering with a local organization and the other part of the day doing something fun

around town. We’ll be able to take up to 13 students each week. The day will be from 8 am – 5pm and for most

day’s we’ll have kids pack a lunch to bring along. We’re finalizing our schedule of places and activities so stay

tuned!

High School Youth Text plsh to 59769

May 3rd

– No HS Youth

May 10th

– 5pm Movie & Pizza Night in the Youth Room. Relax for an evening before your last week of

school!

Summer HS Schedule will be mailed out to High School Families.

Summer Camp! We want you to join us for camp this summer!! Peace is adding a second week that we’ll be organizing

transportation and sending a staff person along for the ride.

MIDDLE SCHOOL MANIA (6th

-8th

)

July 5th

- 10th

@ Joy Ranch

HORSES WITH A HEART (9th

-12th

)

July 5th

-10th

@ Joy Ranch

Contact kelsey@peacelutheran.com for more information

Seniors Ministries: Contact Jim Ahrendt, Director, at 361-8637 or jim@peacelutheran.com

XYZ Potluck & Program: NO XYZ in May due to holiday, graduations, etc.

Transportation: Call the Peace receptionist at 361-3683 by Thursday noon if you need a ride to the Sunday

10:10 traditional service. Check the church bulletin for the Holy Week shuttle bus schedule. Call the church

office at least 10 days in advance if you need a ride to your first medical appointment by Project CAR. You

will contact Project Car directly afterwards.

Game Day: The 1st and 3rd Thursday each month in room CE.

Future Events: XYZ Potluck & Program: June - picnic at Sertoma Park.

The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant “Little Town on the Prairie” on Saturday, July 11.

Day trips to local and area churches, museums, and other points of interests.

XYZ Potluck & Program: July - Human Trafficking Education & Awareness

Joy Ranch retreat September 3-4.

Outlaw Ranch retreat and buffalo round-up on September 21-26. Brochure on the XYZ board.

PeaceTalk 11

Congratulations to our 2015 graduating high school seniors! Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for

welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

We asked these 20 seniors about their future plans, their favorite

memories and any message to the congregation. We share some of their answers here.

Jonathan Clark Roosevelt High School

Attending Midland University in Fremont, NE playing soccer for them.

Rebecca Hupke Roosevelt High School

Attending USD and majoring in

Accounting

Rebecca’s favorite memory is the 8th

grade retreat at

Inspiration Hills and her favorite

tradition is helping

with Vacation Bible School and

decorating.

Phillip Eugene Jonselins Tri-Valley High School

Plans to work after graduation at HyVee

Favorite Tradition at Peace is All Saints Day

and his favorite Bible story is the creation

story because without it we wouldn’t be here.

Kendall Glissendorf

Roosevelt High School

Attending Northern State University

majoring in Psychology

Favorite Memory: ELCA Youth Gathering

Favorite Tradition: Candle lighting at the

Christmas Eve Service

PeaceTalk 12

Jordan Mogck

Roosevelt High School

Transition Program

Favorite Memory is being an Angel in the Nativity for

the Christmas program – two times!

Christmas Eve Service is favorite tradition and Lighting

the candles and singing Silent Night

“I like Super Heroes – including our Pastors!”

Ashley Zimmer Roosevelt High School

Attending USD – double major in art

and psychology to pursue a career in

art therapy.

“My trip to New Orleans was an

amazing experience and is definitely

my favorite memory. I thoroughly

enjoyed seeing God's work shine

through the people, the music, and the

overall culture in the city.”

Abbey Houchin Sioux Falls Christian High

School

Attending Augustana College

“My Favorite Tradition at Peace

is the lighting of the candles at

Christmas because the

Christmas Story is my favorite

story in the Bible. It’s also my

favorite religious holiday.”

“Thanks for supporting youth!”

Noah Temple Roosevelt High School Vocal Performance Major at USD

New Orleans trip is his favorite memory

and the Christmas service is his favorite

tradition

Matt Laughery John Marshall High

School (Rochester

Minnesota)

Possibly electrician

Matt's favorite memory at

Peace is making

applesauce at Peace Pre-

School

PeaceTalk 13

Lukas Nelson Roosevelt High School

Attending college

Favorite Memory is the

Confirmation camaraderie

and his favorite tradition at

Peace is singing Silent Night

to the light of candles at

Christmas.

Favorite Bible Story: The

feeding of the 5000 because

Jesus didn’t turn away the

people who were hungry but

instead preformed a miracle

and fed them all.

Hannah May Gunderson

Lincoln High School

Attending Concordia College in

Moorhead, MN majoring in

Chemistry/Spanish

Favorite Memory: The dessert

breadsticks from Valentino’s at

various church meetings!

Favorite Tradition: I love

attending the Maundy Thursday

service every year. The foot

washing is a reminder for me to

go out in the world and do as

Jesus would do.

Dan Larson

Attending Dakota Sate

University in Madison

Favorite Memory at

Peace: Confirmation small

group

Favorite Bible story:

Daniel and the lions den

because he overcame a big

obstacle

Hailee Domagalski Roosevelt High School

Attending Creighton University

for Theatre Performance.

“One of my favorite memories is

getting my Bible in second grade,

my great grandma came along to

the training and she kind of stole

the show with her knowledge of

every question Cindy asked. :)” Taryn Christion Roosevelt High School

Attending SDSU next year

majoring in Pre-med and

playing football for the

Jackrabbits.

PeaceTalk 14

Maisie Hurd Bridgewater-Emery High School

Attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City,

Iowa

I will study Occupational Therapy and art to one

day perform art therapy with the elderly

population. I have also signed to play golf for

Briar Cliff.

My favorite thing about Peace is that it supplies

me with opportunities to help others through

Necessities for Neighbors and Food to you.

My favorite memory is making my First

Communion wafers with my Nana at the church

and having my whole family come and share in

my First Communion meal.

Thank you congregation for being so welcoming.

And for the cookies

Rachel Dickerson Roosevelt High School

I'm heading to the University of Nebraska-

Lincoln next year to study Anthropology and

Pre-Law.

My favorite Peace memory is hunting for Easter

eggs at Good Friday Day Camp.

My favorite Peace tradition is the polka service,

for sure.

“I would just like to thank the congregation for

being my mentors as I grew up, and providing

me with a church I feel I can always call home.”

Anna Mahowald Roosevelt High School

Augustana College for

Nursing

Favorite Bible Story: Every

Christmas, our whole family

gathers

and one of the older kids

reads the story of Jesus'

birth from the

Gospel of Luke. This past

Christmas it was my turn. I

cherish

the family tradition of

sharing such a beautiful part

of the

New Testament with each

other.

Kyle Boehmer Roosevelt High School Attending SD School of Mines and Technology for Computer Engineering

He says no comment on the rest. His mother says he doesn't mind ushering

too much and that he would like to thank the congregation for the many

ways they have provided him a springboard for his faith and constant

reminders of the God who knows and loves him. (Not sure if you care what

his mother thinks or not!)

PeaceTalk 15

WELCOME, DEAN!

Dean Ebbinga is the new Facilities Manager at Peace his duties include Administrative and

Maintenance needs of the facility and property. We asked him to tell us a little about himself:

“I have been married for almost 22 years to my wife Brenda (who is a CPA), and we

have 3 children, each of which is a story of their own. Julia, our oldest came to us via

adoption. She participates in soccer, track and basketball, along with several other school

activities. Kiara, our middle child, enjoys playing her saxophone in both Jazz and Concert

band and occasionally special music for church services. Then there is Lucas, also adopted,

who is into most sports, but his favorites are football, wrestling, and baseball. Julia, Kiara and

Lucas also participate in 4H, so we also keep a small flock of sheep. We attend West Wall

Lake Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hartford, SD.

I am a two time graduate from SDSU with two separate Majors. I earned my first

degree in 1992, then the second in 2012, both of which pertain to agriculture. The years

between being a college student, were filled up with dairy farming and then Mechanical Construction (HVAC). Following

the latest collegiate degree in 2012, I had a short tenure with a Coop as an Agronomist. Upon acquiring a position as a

maintenance / handyman in Hartford for the newly remodeled Coffee Cup, I utilized my skills learned from being a farm

raised boy and former commercial HVAC construction installer and fabricator. Along with other skills learned along the

way such as plumber, mechanic, public relations, job site and work place safety. I am an enthusiastic person who likes to

work hard and see his accomplishments.

I want to thank all of you for this opportunity to work for and with you.”

Kylie Schmidt

O'Gorman High School Attending St. Catherine University in St. Paul

Favorite Peace Memory: Getting ice cream with the best

confirmation group ever :) Favorite Tradition: The Senior Quilts! They are beautiful, unique,

and meaningful. Favorite Bible story: The story of Cain and Abel. It shows that God

has mercy for us no matter what we do. He protects Cain even after

he is banished from Eden, just as he will also protect and guide us.

Congregation: Thank you for being a wonderful Church home!

Katlyn DiPasquale

Roosevelt High School Attending the University of Minnesota - majoring in

Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish.

“My favorite memory at Peace would have to be attending

the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. It was a

week filled with fellowship, faith, and fun. The week

opened my heart to God and allowed me to realize how

blessed I truly am with all I have.

PeaceTalk 16

Goodbye, Mrs. Sue

Sue Olsen started as a preschool teaching assistant in January of 1985. Mrs. Sue as she’s known by the now

thousands of three and four year olds who had her as a teacher taught full-time until she took over as director in

2003. Janet Steinwand started Peace Lutheran Preschool 30 years ago as an outreach for the community.

That’s still a mission Mrs. Sue takes very seriously.

“We still have children come to us who don’t actively attend church, and because we’re church based they get

to hear the bible stories. It’s a great ministry for families,” said Sue.

Preschool is a place for kids to interact and learn how to get along. “Social

interaction doesn’t change with the times,” said Sue. “It’s important even

more today to have that place to use imagination and play to teach.”

Mrs. Sue has taught sixth grade, Title II resource and spent 11 years as a

stay at home mom with her three children and volunteering in the

community. She said she likes the younger kids best because they’re

excited about discovering new things. “And everything is new. They get

that twinkle in their eye and they love learning and they love their

teachers,” she said.

Sue sheepishly admits that she now has children of former students in

preschool. “One dad came to make a boat with his daughter. He still has

his boat and they race them during tub time,” she said.

The most memorable moments for Mrs. Sue include the activities that

provide the wow experience like obstacle courses; having caterpillars in

the classroom and watching them turn into butterflies

and also the Christmas Programs. “I also love

watching these kids grow up and do great things.”

As far as retirement goes, Sue said her husband Greg

has plans for them. They’ll help their daughter and

family move, spend time in Montana with their son,

and they’re going to attend the annual Custer State

Park Buffalo Roundup. “It’s time Greg and I do

things together,” she said.

PeaceTalk 17

Only Tools, Technology and Times Have Changed A Tribute to Maurine Pederson

As Maurine Pederson reflects about her 30 years in the church office, she

focuses on how tools, technology and times have changed. When she started on

May 15, 1985, she worked six hours a day at $5/hour. There were 1442 baptized

members and she was responsible for the bulletins, the newsletter, the permanent

records, the finances and the list goes on and on. “I had to do it all,” she said.

She felt lucky to have had an electric memory typewriter, but most of all she

said it’s not all about the equipment but instead she feels blessed to have worked

with so many wonderful people. The people being wonderful hasn’t changed

but technology sure has.

“I remember sending out the newsletters, we used a mimeograph machine using stencils

to make copies,” said Maurine. When it came time to address them she drove to First

Lutheran to use an addressograph machine. Each family had a metal plate with their

name and address,” she said. “I would put the plate in the machine to stamp the address.

It was still faster than hand addressing each one,” she laughed. “Things have changed.”

The first computerized data system was a big step for Peace. Maurine went to

Minneapolis for several days of training. It’s a system we’re still using today.

One thing hasn’t changed, the many volunteers who see what’s needed and get it done. “I don’t really even have

to ask, they are so appreciated as the church wouldn’t function without them,” said Maurine.

Maurine is the office manager now and she supervises four people. The congregation has grown by three

thousand additional members. While technology makes it easier, “there’s just more to do.” Maurine has been

the fixture in the office greeting young couples planning a wedding, grieving families planning a funeral, and

the scores of others who are in need of pastoral care, and even greeting her future boss. Pastor Paul Stjernholm

remembers Maurine was the first person he met when he arrived for his interview. “I have a pretty clear

memory of her behind her desk in the old office, with a beaming and welcoming smile. Twenty-two years later,

I am still greeted with that same smile every morning. Maurine is one of the reasons that Peace has been such a

great place for all of us to come to work every day,” said Pastor Paul.

Maurine has her own ministry said Pastor Paul. “Her graciousness and kindness are the embodiment of

hospitality. Through her ministry people have come to know Peace Lutheran Church as a place where they are

welcome.”

Maurine has worked for all three senior pastors and it’s a job she enjoys. Each day brings something

unexpected and the pastors are witty and make the office a fun place to work. But come May 15, 2015, thirty

years to her first day on the job, Maurine will leave her high-powered computer and giant copy machine with no

regrets, only happy memories.

PeaceTalk 18

Each Week in May

Tuesday: 6:45 AM – Men’s Breakfast

7:00 AM – High School Breakfast

6:30 PM – Peace Brass 7:30 PM – Lifeline Rehearsal

7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug

Wednesday:

6:30 AM – Women’s Bible Study

4:15 PM – 6th & 7th after school

5:00 PM – Wednesday Meal 5:15 PM – Wednesday School

5:15 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation 5:45 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation

6:00 PM – Adult Study

6:00 PM – Adult Bell Choir 6:15 PM – Wednesday School

6:15 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation

7:05 PM – Worship 8:00 PM – Adult Choir

8:00 PM – 8th & 9th Confirmation

8:00 PM – Spirit of Peace

Friday:

10:30 AM – Crossways Bible Study

Sunday:

9:00 AM – Adult Study

10:15 AM – ASL Bible Study

5:00 PM – High School Youth Group

LAST DAY OF CONFIRMATION IS MAY 6

MANY WEEKLY PROGRAMS END MAY

17 FOR THE SUMMER

Weekly Worship Schedule

Saturday:

5:30 p.m. – Traditional Worship+

Sunday:

8 a.m. – Traditional Worship

9 a.m. – Contemporary*

10:10 a.m. – Traditional Worship 11:20 a.m. – Contemporary+

Wednesday:

7:05 p.m. – Contemporary Worship

Communion Served First and Third Sunday and

following Wednesday. + Communion Weekly

* Interpreted Worship for the Deaf

Sunday School: 9, 10:10, 11:20 a.m.

BEGINNING MAY 24 SUMMER

SUNDAY SCHEDULE: 8:30, 9:45 AND

11:00

Other Events In May

May 2 – 11:-00 AM – Baptism Class

May 3 – 3:00 PM – Necessities for

Neighbors

6:00 PM – Senior Reception

May 4 – 7:00 PM – Home Communion

Training

May 6 – 9:00 AM – Mommy and Me

May 7 – 9:30 AM – Women’s Quilting

1:00 PM – Seniors Game Day

May 9 – 11:00 AM – Home Communion

Training

May 12 – 7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug

May 14 – 7:00 PM – Church Council

May 16 – 11:00 AM – Baptism Class

May 20 – 9:00 AM – Mommy and Me

May 21 – 9:30 AM – Ruth Circle

1:00 PM – Seniors Ministry Games

2:00 PM – Hannah Circle

May 24 – Memorial Day – Offices Closed

May 26 – 7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug

May 30 – 9:00 AM – Mom’s Coffee

May 31 – 4:00 PM – Preschool VBS

Volunteer Training

4:40 PM – Elementary VBS

Volunteer Training

6:30 PM – Music Camp