These last few weeks, I’ve been busy gearing up for another year of ministry. This will all begin with God’s work. Our hands. Sunday on September 12 where we will worship, serve, and eat together. From there, Confirmation, Sunday School, & Adult Education will begin. We will enter a new year of Bible readings and worship routines. Just as a new school year begins, we start anew in the church as well.

This Sunday, I will be talking about communion during my sermon. One of the questions I will ask is, “why does it matter to you?” I think this is a question we can ask about all that we do as a worshiping community. Why do we do what we do? And why does it matter to you? The “why” is so important in our faith. I believe it is what keeps us engaged. It’s what pushes us to grow. It’s what matters most.

And so, for this Sunday as you worship with us or tune in at home, consider: why does church matter to you? Perhaps you will share this with a neighbor or friend. You never know, you might remind them of something they have been missing in their life.

God’s peace be with you,

Pastor Dawn

For my August Newsletter article, I talked about getting re-engaged at Peace. Well, we have got some great opportunities for you over the next week that I hope you’ll consider. 

They include:

• Women’s Retreat
• Sunday Worship
• All Ministry Night
• Women’s Bible Study
• Women, Wine & the Word 

Check out all the information about these activities below.

In the meanwhile, consider a few ways you can meaningfully re-engage in what is happening at Peace. Now this is not to add more to your calendar, but to bring more meaning to your faith. Whether it’s service, worship, fellowship, or education, we all engage our faith in different ways. What will be your avenue for engagement in the coming year?  How might you be involved in making that happen?

I hope to see you this next week!

Pastor Dawn

I have to be honest. I’m nervous about the new school year. Delia is still not able to be vaccinated and with no mask mandate, I can’t imagine many children will be wearing masks at school. And yet the variants of COVID-19 seem to be rising throughout our country. I’m fearful we might be back to where we were a year ago if we’re not careful.

When I watch the news, I hear how doctors and hospital staff are exhausted and so very frustrated. Many of them are pleading with the public saying this could have been avoided. Get vaccinated!

And so here is my plea: please consider getting vaccinated if you have not already done so. Our country is not moving in the right direction right now with the coronavirus, and I don’t believe anyone wants to spend the next year like we have spent the last year. The science shows the vaccines to be both safe and effective. And this is the best way to combat COVID-19.

Over and over, Jesus invites us to love our neighbors. If not for your own sake, I hope you will get vaccinated for your neighbor’s sake. This is a way we can all be a part of making a difference.

Be well,

Pastor Dawn

Just 2 years ago we could not even imagine what the future would hold.  I think we all can agree it has been a long year and a half! In many ways, things feel like they are getting back to normal. Schools are making plans to head into Fall with a somewhat more normal year. Community gatherings have been in full swing all summer. And even church activities are starting to look closer and closer to what we desire.

But after a year and a half, apathy can start to set in. I get it! It’s so much easier to curl up in my pajamas and watch worship rather than get ready and head out the door. It’s easier to let someone else bring the bars, read the lesson, or mow the lawn. And yet, we all know how important this community is and this community doesn’t work without you.

And so, it’s time to re-engage! Check out what’s coming up and consider how you might be a part of it. Come to All Ministry Night on August 16 at 6:30 pm and help us make plans for the Fall. Come to worship in person or online (however you feel safest). Comment and “like” our Facebook posts so they reach a wider audience. Remember to give your offering (we’re over $10,000 behind where we were last year at this time). Whatever it is, find ways to engage in what’s happening at Peace because we need you to continue the ministry we do together!

These are challenging words, but I hope you’ll take me up on them! 

God’s peace and blessings,

Pastor Dawn