This year’s MLK Celebration led by Peace youth is next Sunday Feb. 12 from 4 - 7pm. Please bring a dessert to share. Peace will provide dinner and drinks. It’s at Urban Grace (902 Market St. Tacoma, WA.) If you’re unable to come, you are invited to bring a dessert by Urban Grace earlier on that day. Thank you for supporting this celebration! Questions? Contact Malcolm.

We’re offering soup suppers at Peace on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm beginning February 15 and running through March 28 (7 Wednesdays).  If you’re able to bring a pot of soup, please sign up on the sheet or call Carmen Lampman at 627-5020.  Thanks for your generosity!

Folks in the Peace community are in need of 2 computers, a futon, and a sofa bed.  If you have an item to donate, please speak with Pastor John.

Next Sunday, Feb. 12, we invite you to invite a friend to Sunday morning worship!  We’ll recognize visitors in worship and celebrate together!

The vision of Peace is of a Spirit-filled community.  To help us live into this vision, Pastor John and Small Groups Coordinator Pat Ferguson urge you to join a small group for the season of Lent.  Beginning the week of February 26, adults in the congregation will meet once a week in small groups for 5 weeks for about 1 1/2 each time to study scripture, reflect on how it applies to your life, and receive spiritual exercises to try during the week. We’re all on a faith journey.  Let’s journey together!  Sign up today on the sign-up sheet.  Questions?  Ask Pat or Pastor John.

Come Feb. 22 to the Ash Wednesday meal (6 pm) and worship (6:30 pm) to begin the 40-day Lenten journey to the cross and through the cross to Jesus’ resurrection.  Ashes on our foreheads remind us of our mortality; yet, in the midst of death, there is new life in Christ—that’s the Easter message!

We’re inviting people from the four participating congregations (Allen AME, Trinity Presbyterians, Church of the Indian Fellowship, and Peace) to visit each other’s churches for worship on designated Sundays.  We host the Worship Exchange Sunday, Feb. 26 at 11am with refreshments and fellowship afterward.

Beckmann will speak on “Exodus from Hunger” on Sunday Feb. 26 from 6:30 – 8pm at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church by the Narrows, 6730 N. 17^th St., Tacoma.  It’s free!

More than Bread Alone:  Come to a workshop on Mon. Feb. 27 from 9:30 – 1:30 pm exploring community-driven solutions to poverty at St. Mark’s.  Beckmann speaks at a noon luncheon.  $30 before Feb. 21, $40 after.  To register, call 383-3056 ext. 107. 

Taneisha starts today during the 11am worship.  Welcome, Taneisha!  Adults and one youth each week will be invited to volunteer in the Nursery on a rotating basis.  Children ages 0-4 are invited to be in the Nursery during worship.  Older children are invited to start worship in the sanctuary, then go with Marcella Lee to Children’s Worship Time in the basement classroom following the scripture readings.  In addition to Taneisha, Lisa Manley will soon begin to serve as Nursery Assistant, an internship for the remainder of this year.  Thanks, Lisa!

The vision of Peace is of a Spirit-filled community.  To help us live into this vision, Pastor John and Small Groups Coordinator Pat Ferguson urge you to join a small group for the season of Lent.  Beginning the week of February 26, adults in the congregation will meet once a week in small groups for 5 weeks for about 1 1/2 each time to study scripture, reflect on how it applies to your life, and receive spiritual exercises to try during the week. We’re all on a faith journey.  Let’s journey together!  Sign up today on the sign-up sheet.  Questions?  Ask Pat or Pastor John.

Come on Wednesday evening February 15 for a meal, movie, and discussion at Peace, 6 pm.  The movie is 1 1/4 hours, and it’s called Pray the Devil Back to Hell, an inspiring story chronicling the courageous Liberian women who came together to end a bloody civil war and bring peace to their shattered country.  Leymah Gbowee, leader of the women’s movement, is a Lutheran sister!  We’ll eat first, watch the movie, and talk, hoping to conclude at about 8:15 pm or so.

Special thanks to Ms. Rose who steps down as Peace Nursery Attendant on Sunday mornings.  She has served faithfully for many years!  Thanks to God and to Doris for her care and commitment to Peace children!

Training for new and current Assistant Ministers, Readers, AND Ushers will be on Sunday, February 19 after the 11:00 service. This is a mandatory training, looking forward to seeing you all there. Contact Lynn Shelledy for more information at 720-1894 or nana2times2007@aol.com.

Come and experience different ways to praise and worship the Lord! This is an opportunity to witness how neighboring congregations celebrate the Gospel in their unique ways! (All dates are Sundays.)

February 26 at 11 am           Peace Lutheran Church

March 11 at 10 am               Trinity Presbyterian Church

April 15 at 11 am                 Church of the Indian Fellowship

Check the bulletin board for more information and for the address of the listed churches. We hope to see you!

Engage in faithful action for to the common good on Tuesday, February 14, 8:30 – 4:30 pm at the State Capitol in Olympia. Meet your legislators and voice your concerns for justice for all people. For more info, call 206-625-9790.  Want to go?  Contact Pastor John.

At the end of the year, consider giving to provide emergency food, water, and shelter for those suffering from famine in the Horn of Africa.  Ways to give:  Send a check to ELCA Disaster Response, 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9300 earmarked "Horn of Africa Drought," or use a credit card by phone 800-638-3522 or online through www.elca.org/Our-Faith-In-Action/Responding-to-the-World/Disaster-Response/Ongoing-Responses/Horn-of-Africa-Drought_July-2011.aspx.

Do you have a space heater you’re willing to donate to a family in need without heat in their home?  Contact Pastor John.

We’re looking for a volunteer to take over the duties of one of our current members. You would be responsible for communion preparation once a month (including picking up the bread from Great Harvest) and readying the altar area for Sunday. Contact Barbara Hartness if you’re interested, 272-2780.

Fair Trade is a system of exchange that honors producers, communities, consumers, and the environment, rooted in justice and sustainability.  We drink Fair Trade coffee at Peace. Purchase some after worship—it makes a great Christmas gift for the coffee drinker you love!

Each Wednesday evening, you’re invited to a time of growing in faith for children, youth and families.  POW for youth and K@POW for children happens Wednesdays 6:00pm – 7:30pm.  The Community Bible Study for adults is 6:15-7:30pm.  Questions?  Contact Malcolm at malcolm@peacetacoma.org or 383-1317.

Please note:  Wednesday evening faith activities are on pause for Christmas and will start again on Wednesday, January 4.

Join a small group for young adults! They meet every 4th Thursday, 7pm at The Greener Bean in Fircrest.  For more info, call Gretchen Duggan (359-7797) or Greg Albert (906-7602).

Interested in being part of the Peace Softball Team? Games start in April. Contact Charissa Carroll (253) 267-9510 if you are interested in signing up. We’re looking for 15-20 people. Ages 16 and up can play. This is a co-ed team.

We are having a Women’s Retreat Friday – Sunday, February 17-19, 2012 (President’s Day weekend) at Black Lake Bible Camp. Lodging and meal costs $115 per person. Questions? Call Charissa Carroll at (253) 267-9510.

Need legal advice? Lawyer Eric Trujillo will be available at Peace the THIRD Tuesday of each month from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. Call Abi in the church office to schedule at 30 minute FREE appointment.  Legal topics may include divorce, domestic violence, immigration, wills, landlord tenant issues, juvenile cases, personal injury, and more.

Attend Sunday morning Bible study at 9:45 am and/or a small group Bible study, such as the Wednesday evening Community Bible Study at the church at 6:15 pm.

•Read and study Mark’s Gospel, used for worship this year.

•Set aside a place at home to read the Bible (maybe with a table, chair, candle, notebook for writing your thoughts) and encourage your family to spend time with God in scripture and prayer.                                                                                    

•Set aside a time each day for family devotions.  As a family, share highs and lows for the day, read scripture, discuss, and say a prayer.  Mealtimes and bedtimes are good possibilities.

•On the table outside the sanctuary, pick up the “5 x 5 x 5 Bible Reading Plan” to read through the New Testament in a year OR the “Read the Bible in One Year” plan to read the whole Bible in a year OR find an appropriate Bible reading plan in your study Bible.  Commit yourself to it.

•On the table pick up a “Christ in Our Home” daily devotional.

•Use the 4 methods of Bible study and accompanying questions from the Book of Faith initiative.  See sheet on the table.

•Go to the Book of Faith website:  www.bookoffaith.org.

•Talk with Ami Schroeder, Pastor John, or Malcolm for ideas.

Thank you for your generous giving to Peace Lutheran Church and Peace Community Center. As you contemplate donations this holiday season, please keep the church and center in mind. Your contributions are needed for everything from special programs to basic operating expenses - all are deserving of your support. For your convenience, we offer electronic giving. Contact the church office for more info.  Thank you for your commitment to God’s work through Peace!!!

·         Angel Choir: Marcella Lee: 732-3201

   1st & 3rd Fridays, 4:30-5:30, at church

·         Artisans of Peace: Teryl Dirks: 572-2319

·         Bread for the World: Craig Cogger: 627-1630

·         College Care Package Team: Pat Ferguson: 627-1349

·         Community Bible Study: Pastor John: 383-1317

   Wednesdays, 6:15-7:30 pm

·         Cooking Small Group: Pat Ferguson: 627-1349;

   Nancy Heavey: 752-8450

·         Families of the Incarcerated Support Group:

   Teresa Jackson: 212-1040

·         Gospel Choir: Fred Triplett: 985-3263

   Thursdays, 7-9 pm at church

·         Men’s Breakfast Fellowship: Joseph Anderson: 573-0522 4th Saturdays, 8-9:45 am

·         Women's Bible Study: Ami Schroeder: 223-7864

    2nd & 4th Mondays at 9:30 am at Keri Anderson’s house

·         Women’s Bible Study: Vihollie Rice: 759-1433

    2nd Thursdays, 10 am, at church

·         Writing Group: Shari Shelton: 627-5955

    2nd Thursdays, 6-8 pm, at church

·         Young Adult: Gretchen Duggan: 359-7797 & Greg Albert 906-7602 every 4th Thursdays, 7pm