NEWS BLOG

The Mystery That’s Always in the Room

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

At the beginning of Lent, I went to a panel discussion of leaders who care for people at the end of life. One of them, a chaplain, spoke of how powerfully she is called to her work…how deep an honor it is…because she bears witness to the great mystery that is in the room when death comes. She went on to say…the mystery is always in the room, of course…

Apr '19

Stewardship Notes for April 2019

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

Apr '19

This month, our Stewardship emphasis is that we are Stewards of God’s Creation. From the beginning of the Book of Genesis, we learn that when God created humanity, He created us to have dominion over other animals (Genesis 1:26 & 28), which did not mean that humans were given unlimited power to exploit nature but, instead, humans were intended to serve as God’s representatives in the created order.

Apr '19

Reflections on Listening to the Congregation

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

Apr '19

The Listening Team has started the next phase of the Missional River process which is to listen to the community. We want to share our reflections on what were some of the key takeaways from listening to the congregation.

Apr '19

Staying Healthy During Lent

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

Apr '19

During Lent, many people give up foods or sweets that they enjoy. The practice of fasting or giving up something is to help us turn away from whatever has distracted or derailed us and to turn back to God; thus allowing us to focus on turning our hearts and minds back toward God.

Apr '19

Compare & Contrast – Mutual Ministry & Stephen Ministry

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

Apr '19

These ministries are an integral part of Peace Lutheran Church. How do I know? I’ve participated in both and been rewarded personally by serving in each of these ministries.

Stephen Ministry has been a part of Peace for approximately 25 years. During that time the Stephen Ministers have served unselfishly to be available to people in crisis. Some of those people were members of our congregation and others were members of the community at large. Some of those people felt blessed and were grateful enough that they also became Stephen Ministers to serve others.

Apr '19

News from our preschool…

Posted on 2019-04-02 in Newsletter |

Apr '19

Peace Preschool will be holding our annual spring fundraiser and silent auction Tuesday – Thursday, April 23-25. This spring we are taking a break from the carnival. Instead, we will have a “kick-off” breakfast April 23 at 9am, then our auction will conclude at 1pm on the 25^th. You’re welcome to drop by any time between 9am – 1pm those days to bid on items. We’ll have our usual gift certificates, including fun family activities in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Austin. We also have a night at the Fairmont Austin. If you would like to support the preschool via our silent auction, please contact director Mary Mayo for a list of silent auction items. We’ll be providing a “buy now” option and can also arrange to bid on your behalf if you’re a Peace member. Email or call the preschool at 512-401-6001 or preschool@peaceaustin.org.

Mar '19

5th Sunday Giving – Equipping Leaders of Tomorrow Today!

Posted on 2019-03-26 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

In 2018 an amazing journey to create the Tiemann Endowment Fund for Leadership Development was begun. This fund was successfully established to support the development of congregational lay leaders, pastors, and deacons serving under Letter of Call.

Mar '19

ADOPT A PLOT THIS SPRING

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

As Spring 2019 approaches, consider helping to care for our church grounds by adopting a garden area as part of Peace’s ADOPT A PLOT program:

Mar '19

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephen Ministry

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

Here are a few FAQ’s for those who are curious about Stephen Ministry.

Mar '19

Stewardship Notes for March 2019

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

In our monthly articles concerning Stewardship, we have been exploring various aspects of how we use the resources that God has entrusted to our care to love God and our neighbors. We acknowledge that God has called us to serve our neighbors. Last month, we considered some ways in which we can help neighbors that are far away through global communities. This month, we want to emphasize that we are Stewards of Local Community.

Mar '19

March is Colorectal Cancer Month

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

Facts: Colorectal Cancers are the 4th leading cause of deaths from Cancer.

What YOU Can Do: The good news is that colorectal-cancer-preventing habits are nearly identical to those that help your heart!

Mar '19

Upcoming Community Connections Sessions on Human Trafficking

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

Join us for a discussion forum (March 10) and a bible study (March 17) on the current issue of human trafficking. What is Human Trafficking? As defined by Webster’s dictionary, human trafficking is organized criminal activity in which human beings are treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited-as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor.

Mar '19

Lenten Potlucks

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

The season of Lent is upon us. This year we will continue our custom of having a potluck meal at 6:00 P.M. before each of our Wednesday Lenten Services. Tea, lemonade and decaf coffee will be provided. No time to cook? Fast food is fine!

Mar '19

Inter-generational Build Event

Posted on 2019-03-06 in Newsletter |

Mar '19

Upcoming Inter-generational build event with the Board of Spiritual Development. Won’t it be fun to share your story with others about the day you helped build furniture with fellow congregants of various ages? A memory that can last a lifetime for our young ones especially. Please plan to join us on March 30th to refresh our outdoor seating space. We will be building new furniture for seating under the trees. We will have a new area to place them after Jordan VanGulick’s Eagle Scout project is completed on March 16th. (March 30th will be a Thrivent Action Team event).

Feb '19

Stewardship Notes for February 2019

Posted on 2019-02-06 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

In our monthly articles concerning Stewardship, we have been exploring various aspects of how we use the resources that God has entrusted to our care to love God and our neighbors. We acknowledge that God has called us to serve our neighbors, including those that are near and also those that are far away. This month, we emphasize that we are Stewards of Global Community.

Feb '19

February is Heart Month

Posted on 2019-02-06 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

According to the Heart Association: Every minute in the United States, someone’s wife, mother, daughter, or sister dies from heart disease, stroke, or other forms of cardiovascular disease. Although heart disease death rates among men have declined steadily over the last 25 years, rates among women have fallen significantly less. What are the differences between men and women with heart disease?

Feb '19

Special Community Connections on Hospitality

Posted on 2019-02-04 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

February 17, 10 AM, Peace Sanctuary

What does the Bible say about hospitality? What should we be doing to ensure all people feel welcome at Peace? Everyone, please join us for a study and discussion on hospitality. After the discussion, we will spend a few minutes going over some simple, but important changes to the usher, greeter and welcome table roles. If you serve or would like to serve as an usher, greeter or welcome table person please plan to attend.

Feb '19

Calling all Peace Talent and Chili Chefs

Posted on 2019-02-04 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

The annual Peace Talent Show and Chili Cook-Off are at 6:30 pm on Saturday, February 16, 2019. Sign up your talent for the show and/or to enter the Chili contest, on Sundays after services on February 3 or 10, in the narthex. Our Peace choir is hosting the dinner and entertainment fundraising event. Reservations and ticket sales will be at the sign-up table on the next 2 Sunday’s.

We hope to see you there!

Feb '19

A Picture is Worth 1000 Names

Posted on 2019-02-04 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

Do you ever hear a name at church and wonder if you have seen that person? To make things easier, the Board of Outreach plans to add photos to Peace’s text directory. We need your help. We need a few minutes of your time, after Sunday worship. There will be a photo backdrop, with one of Peace’s own photographers, available after each service and during community connections February 10 – March 3 for family or individual photos. Please stop by and get your photo taken. The photos will be used for the directory and you can have your photos emailed to you if you would like.

Feb '19

Godly Play Training Opportunity!

Posted on 2019-02-04 in Newsletter |

Feb '19

Peace will be hosting one of three Saturday training sessions in February for those interested in learning more about the process or becoming a classroom guide. This is an official commuter CORE training of the Godly Play Foundation, run by a certified Godly Play trainer.

Jan '19

Stewardship Notes for January 2019

Posted on 2019-01-02 in Newsletter |

Jan '19

As we are beginning another year of Grace, we contemplate the work that God has called us to do, and the steps that must be undertaken, because we are Stewards of God’s Mission. God’s mission is the restoration and reconciliation of all people to unity with God and each other in Christ.

Dec '18

The Overwhelming Holidays

Posted on 2018-12-03 in Newsletter |

Dec '18

The opening phrase of one Christmas hymn reads, “Cold December flies away . . .” While here in Austin, Texas, December isn’t always cold, the days, following the Thanksgiving holiday, do seem to fly by.

Dec '18

Stewardship Notes for December 2018

Posted on 2018-12-03 in Newsletter |

Dec '18

We hope that these monthly articles have helped you to understand that a Stewardship Lifestyle includes our whole lives. Yes, being a good steward does involve our money, but it isn’t only about money This month, we want to briefly discuss two ideas with you: first, that we are Stewards of God’s Grace, and second, a few practical thoughts about end-of-year financial matters, as well as what will happen during the first part of 2019.

Dec '18

Coloring as Mindfulness

Posted on 2018-12-03 in Newsletter |

Dec '18

In recent years there has been a growth in coloring books for adults. We are finding that this activity, that many enjoyed as children, have added benefits for adults. Coloring by adults requires our focus on the task and away from ourselves. According to clinical psychologist Scott M. Bea, Psy.D. from the Cleveland Clinic, there are 3 benefits to coloring;

Oct '18

Stewardship Notes for October 2018

Posted on 2018-10-02 in Newsletter |

Oct '18

The Stewardship Committee is enjoying bringing you “food for thought” about what it means to be a good steward of God’s blessings and resources in this world. This month we will focus on an area in our lives that might be too easily overlooked: being Stewards of God’s Word. I must confess there are many times that I suddenly realize that it has been a while since I devoted some focused reading time in my Bible. I do have my favorite Bible verses, and I have committed a good number of them to memory. But I find when I take the time to really read the whole story in the chapter, and/or previous verses leading up to my favorite parts, I discover new things that I might not have noticed or understood before.