NEWS BLOG

The Longest Night

Worship with Peace Lutheran Church on The Longest Night
Saturday, December 21 at 7:00 pm

As Christmas nears the nights lengthen, we remember how Christ is present in both light and darkness. For many of us the sparkle, cheer, and brightness of the season are not enough to hold our whole selves.

On this night of the solstice, the longest night of the year, tradition says that nature and all her creatures stop and hold their breath to see if the sun will turn back from its wanderings, if the days will lengthen and the earth will once again feel the sun’s warmth. We worship this night, bringing our honest yearnings, preparing for the return of the light, gathering to embrace dark, silence, and stillness as we wait for the presence of God.


Dec 2024 Events



Carol Singalong 2024

Peace Lutheran Church Invites you to sing together “The Loveliest Christmas Songs”

Finland is a country where typically the people are not very religious. However there is a much beloved Finnish holiday tradition, called  “The Loveliest Christmas Songs”. Each December the churches in Finland provide an opportunity for everyone to sing Christmas Carols together. This is not a religious service, there is no sermon or prayers or readings; it is simply singing favorite Christmas Carols with others. Singing together lifts the spirit and brings joy.  Peace Lutheran Church (10625 N FM 620) invites the community on Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 pm to sing “The Loveliest Christmas Songs” together.  Light refreshments will be available afterward. It is free to all. 


Holiday Meal Drive 2024

Thank You!
Due to your generosity, the peaches and pie shells have been delivered. Along with all the other partners who support Hill Country Community Ministry they will again be able to supply a hearty Holiday Meal to those in our community who would have not been able to celebrate
 

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Potlucks Oct – Nov

Upcoming Post-Worship Potlucks
 
We are excited for our next series of post-worship potlucks. Here are out topics for the coming weeks:
 
October 13 – Sermon Stammtisch – deeper conversation about the lectionary texts and Sunday sermon.
October 20 – Fall Festival Preparations – Feel free to bring food to share and help us get ready for the Fall Festival beginning at 1:30!
October 27 – Reformation Jeopardy! – You won’t want to miss this fun Reformation Trivia event…and perhaps some food reminiscent of 1600’s Germany…?
November 3 – All Saints Stammtisch – conversation on the sermon and All Saints Sunday. Feel free to bring a dish that honors the memory of a loved one (and a recipe card to share), if you wish.
November 10 – Inside Out 2 Movie Matinee – We’ll have some themed treats and discussion starters, and then a screening of Pixar’s most recent film, beginning at noon, with discussion to follow. Activities for all ages will be available. (Note, this session will extend a bit longer than the usual potluck, until about 2:30 pm.)
 
You are always invited to bring a dish to share or a brown bag lunch. See you there!


Fall Festival 10/20

Sunday, October 20, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM – Rain or Shine
 
Have fun with your family, friends and neighbors. There will be activities and games for all ages: ring toss — yard jenga — corn hole – pumpkin sweep – pumpkin relay — fall crafts — cookie walk — temporary tattoos — guessing the weight of the great pumpkin — food

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person reading a book

Bible Blessing Oct 27

person reading a book

Bible Blessing on Reformation Sunday October 27 at 10:00 am 

As we commemorate the Protestant Reformation, we remember Martin Luther, who translated the New Testament into the language of the people so we might all read God’s word for yourselves. If you would like a Bible, for yourself or a loved one, we will bless one in worship to send home with you! (Feel free to let us know ahead of time the ages of those we can gift Bibles so we have the most appropriate versions ready.) You may also bring your own devotional Bible to be blessed for the coming year of study and prayer.


All Saints Sunday Nov 3

All Saints Sunday Worship – November 3

On All Saints Sunday, we worship and remember the saints who have gone before us. You are invited to add names of those we can remember and honor to the Book of Life in the Sanctuary through October 27 (or you may email names to office@peaceaustin.org to be added).


Potluck Topic 10/6

Faith & Civic Life – Putting it into Practice

This Sunday for potluck, we will follow up on our previous series by holding a ballot research session where folks can look over their sample ballot and research down ballot candidates and other issues for the upcoming election. We will also go over the legislative priorities that have been released by Texas Impact for the upcoming Texas State Legislative Session beginning in January.

You are invited to bring a dish to share or a brown bag lunch. You may want to print your sample ballot ahead of time, if you can. See you there!


Civic Life & Faith

Civic Life & Faith Conversations at Post-Worship Potlucks & Online Sundays and Mondays in September

Join in the upcoming adult education series on Civic Life & Faith, very timely in this general election season. We will be reading through and discussing the new draft social statement from the ELCA (the national church body of which we are a member).

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Day of Service 9/8

God’s Work, Our Hands – ELCA Day of Service – Sunday September 8
Please join us after the service this Sunday to fill bags with hygiene products that will be taken on the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck for families in need. With your help this will go quickly and smoothly. Potluck lunch will follow for those who wish to participate.


Potlucks resume 9/1

Post-worship potlucks return this Sunday – September 1 at 11:30! This week we’ll be talking about how our denomination comes to positions on social issues to get ready for a more in depth study of the ELCA’s new draft statement about faith and civic life. (And we’ll be adding online sessions, too, for those who can’t connect in person on Sundays!)


Day of Service

God’s Work, Our Hands – ELCA Day of Service – Sunday September 8

The Congregational & Community Care Board will be sponsoring three (3) volunteer opportunities for Peace members and friends. In order to assess interest, we will have volunteer sign-up sheets at Rally Day on August 18. You can also indicate interest by email. You can volunteer for more than one activity!

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Rally Day 8/18

Kick Off The Program Year with Peace (and a very special guest) – August 18
 
On Sunday August 18, Peace will kick off the program year, and we hope you can be there!
In worship at 10 am, we’ll have a blessing for bags & backpacks for those returning to school (and those continuing to go to work).

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School Supply Donations

In preparation for the coming school year, Peace is collecting items for “The Locker” at Cedar Park High School.  The Locker gives access to hygiene items, clothes, and school supplies for students who need them. Donations may be brought to the altar this Sunday, August 18.

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Austin Pride 8/10

Save the Date: Sat. August 10 – Austin PRIDE
 
Austin Reconciling Lutheran (Peace and other local RIC organizations) are registered for both the Festival and the Parade. We will be needing more SWAG for both, so if you see any good deals please pick up some and bring it to the church. Look for upcoming details and sign-ups for both the Festival and Parade.


Welcome Bishop Briner

Welcome Bishop Sue Briner July 14
 
We are honored that Bishop Briner will join us to lead worship on Sunday, July 14. We hope you  can attend to offer your gratitude for her presence and hear from her about the ministry of the wider synod.


LuMin Support

Thank you for Supporting LuMin!
Peace Lutheran did a fantastic job of supporting the LuMin (Lutheran Campus Ministries at the University of Texas at Austin) campus last month.  A big thank you to the 12 folks who went down to UT to prep and serve the Tuesday Tailgate meal on April 23.  And equally big thank you to all who donated to pay for that meal.  Peace sent a check for $1,025 to LuMin. Feeding hungry folks is what Jesus did, and what we are called to do.  It is a wonderful way to share God’s love.


Potluck 5/12

May 12 Post-Worship Potluck – Synod Assembly Sharing Session
 
Join in after worship on Sunday to hear about synod assembly from those who went this year representing Peace: Pastor Carolyn, Vicar Brady, and Gene and Kathleen Holiman. They’ll talk about what synod assembly even is anyway…and what happened there in Corpus Christi this year. And then, you can feel free to ask questions!


Potluck 5/5

Israeli/Hamas/Palestinian conflict

Bring your favorite dish (or an easy dish, or something that you picked up at HEB that morning) and stay for Food, Fellowship. and Learning. Or just stay, there is always plenty.

Rev. Rodger Ericson has recently traveled to Amman Jordan Also Rodger has a grandson who he visited that works with humanitarian aid to Palestinians. Rodger will share what he has seen and lead a discussion.


VBS 2024

 
Vacation Bible School – June 10-14
This year with new hours – 8:00 am to 3:30 pm*

Staff from Cross Trails Ministry will be joining Peace volunteers to host this week of learning and fun together.

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Potluck 4/28

This past Monday we celebrated Earth Day, focusing on the care and mending of God’s creation. On Sunday we’ll be having a collaborative conversation on gardening in central Texas.

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Potluck 4/21

God is the cure-giver, and Stephen Ministers are the care-givers. At this week’s potluck after worship, come learn about Stephen Ministry–its history, how it works, who can benefit from a Stephen Ministry relationship, and much more! Come with any questions you have about it.


Potluck 4/6

LuMin Pastor Brad Fuerst will be leading Worship. He will be happy to answer question after the service about UT’s Lutheran Campus Ministry, including the Tuesday Tailgate Meals and the Daily Bread Food Pantry.

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Holy Week & Easter 2024

This Sunday, we enter Holy Week…

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