This week, I’ve been spending the bulk of my time taking part in the Festival of Homiletics (aka preaching). It’s an amazing conference where preachers from all denominations around the world come together to hear some of the latest and greatest preachers of our times. But instead of traveling to Atlanta, Denver or Minneapolis (I wish!), this year we get to enjoy this in the comforts of our homes via the internet.

When I shared what I was doing with Andrew, he asked, “So you just sit and listen to preachers all day? I can’t even listen to one sermon.” Yes, we sit and listen to sermons all day and it’s great!

What is exciting in the preaching world is coming to the end of this pandemic (hopefully!) and asking the question, “what’s next?” The church has changed in the past year in ways we never expected. And so now we’re challenged not to wonder about how we get back to where we were, but where the Spirit is leading us next. And so that’s the challenge we take on as a congregation. What’s next for Peace Lutheran Church in Tomah, WI?

This Sunday, our church council will be gathering for a retreat to consider just that. We will dream and listen for what God might have in store next for Peace. It’s an exciting time to be the church. One thing is certain, the church will not be business as usual. The Spirit will make sure of that!

Come, Holy Spirit, Come!

Pastor Dawn 

This Sunday we lift up our graduates and celebrate with them this important milestone in their lives. As I think back to my own graduation, I don’t remember a whole lot. What I do remember is being thrilled to start a new chapter in my life. The possibilities seemed endless, and the future was before me.

Let us gather this Sunday and celebrate the endless possibilities that are before Mia, Ciera, Ella, Amelia, and Shani. Let us celebrate the gifts God has blessed them with that will bring love and compassion and hope to this world. And let us remind them that even when life is hard (and it will be!), there is a community here that is ready to welcome them.

Congratulations Mia, Ciera, Ella, Amelia, and Shani! We are proud of the people you are becoming, and we cannot wait to see what the future holds.

May you always know God’s love and grace for you,

Pastor Dawn

First off, a big shout out to everyone who has been making our outdoor worships at Peace possible! 

There have been several of you who have been showing up early on Sundays to make sure everything is ready. I could not do it without you. You know who you are! THANK YOU!!! 

There is no doubt it takes a lot more work to move everything out and back into the church for these services, but it also provides us with a safe opportunity to worship together. In my opinion, I think it’s worth it! But instead of relying on the same 5 people, I’m hoping a few of you might sign up to help out for some of our upcoming outdoor worships. We continue to need readers, flower providers and musicians. But we’re also looking for set up and tear down crew, ushers, and on occasion, someone to live stream the service. Please consider helping out and sign up below if you (or your family) are able to help with any of the upcoming worship services. 

With thanks,

Pastor Dawn

Click here to Volunteer for May/June Worship Services

As I make plans for May, it’s hard to believe how quickly (and at times, how slowly) this past year has gone. Our teachers, staff and students have made it through a full school year of COVID-19 restrictions. And they’re counting down the days to summer break…believe me! Our high school Seniors are making plans to say goodbye to a chapter in their life. And parents are left wondering, where has the time gone? 

For many, May becomes a month of finishing up and planning for the future. Whether it is dealing with end of year schedules or making plans for summer getaways, getting out the lawnmower or weeding the flower beds, I think we all feel a sense of busyness that comes with the change in weather.  

There will be a fullness to our month at Peace, as well. We hope you will join in the ways we serve, worship and celebrate this month. Check out the worship notes below and join us for God’s work. Our hands. Sunday. Come and bless our seniors and celebrate Pentecost with us. Even in the busyness of life, we hope that our time together in worship can be a time to take a deep breath and be reminded of the One who brings order to the chaos, the One who finds blessing in busyness, the One who shares love, hope and grace in the messiness of life.  

We hope you will come and be blessed at Peace this month!

Pastor Dawn