If you would like to make a donation to support this ministry of the Living Stones Prison Congregation in Shelton under the leadership of Rev. Eric Wangen-Hoch, please write a check to Peace Lutheran Church earmarked “Living Stones.”

Beginning Feb 29 and running the next 4 Wednesdays in Lent, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, you are invited to share in a soup supper at Peace at 6:00 p.m. and an intergenerational activity at 6:30 p.m., and stay for faith enrichment for children (K@PoW--Kids at Peace on Wednesday), youth (PoW), and adults (Lenten worship in the sanctuary using Holden Evening Prayer) from 7-7:30 p.m.  The overall theme is “The Journey of Faith,” and we will we’ll unpack the spiritual backpacks we carry to discover how God supports and leads us on the journey.  Come, share a meal, grow in faith in intergenerational community, and be filled and sent out to serve God!

For 5 Sundays in Lent adult and youth (Real Talk) education at 9:45 am will combine for a cross-generational conversation around our core values, led by Malcolm Carroll and Pastor John.  We’ll reflect on scripture and share stories of living these core values in the community and world.

·         Sunday Feb. 26:  Core Values Overview: Women’s Boldness Sharing  We’ll look at the four core values courage, diversity, community, justice and hear stories from women and girls about being bold in faith.

·         Sunday Mar. 4:  Core Value of Courage

·         Sunday Mar. 11:  Core Value of Diversity

·         Sunday Mar. 18:  Core Value of Community

·         Sunday Mar. 25:  Core Value of Justice

The clothing closet for the upcoming Community Meals in April will begin accepting donations of gently used clothes and shoes on the second week of March. Call the church office if you have questions.

As part of the Urban Lecture Series, Christian writer Anne Lamott will speak in Tacoma!!

·   Fri, Feb 24 at 7:30 pm at Urban Grace Church (902 Market St)

·   Sat, Feb 25 at 7:30 pm at St. Leo Parish (710 S. 13^th St)

It’s free admission but tickets are required.  Go to www.urbangracetacoma.org for e-tickets.

We are looking for mentors who are willing to invest themselves in the lives of local youth while they attend college.  Most scholars are first generation college students and would benefit from a caring mentor in their life - one who has gone to college and can give appropriate guidance and support.  If interested, contact Tiffany at Palmer Scholars. 253-572-9008

Please refer to our bulletin board for the nearest and most convenient location for your family.

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.  If you have an item to donate, please speak with Pastor John.

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.

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. 

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 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!

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.

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.

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