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Cleaning & Paint Party
Help fix up the church house at 1949 S. Ainsworth on Saturday, December 2, 9-3 pm. Contact Brendan Nelson.
Help fix up the church house at 1949 S. Ainsworth on Saturday, December 2, 9-3 pm. Contact Brendan Nelson.
Join the Gospel Choir for Christmas!
We rehearse Thursdays, December 7 and 14 at 6 pm. Questions? Ask Music Director Twylla Moore.
We rehearse Thursdays, December 7 and 14 at 6 pm. Questions? Ask Music Director Twylla Moore.
Give to Help Families for the Holidays
Want to help a family in need this season? Give a donation to Peace Lutheran Church noted “Holiday Help” or bring a gift card for Fred Meyer or Walmart to the office. Questions? Ask Pastor John.
Want to help a family in need this season? Give a donation to Peace Lutheran Church noted “Holiday Help” or bring a gift card for Fred Meyer or Walmart to the office. Questions? Ask Pastor John.
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial? Do you have Choice Dollars to direct to a charitable organization? Please consider directing your Choice Dollars to Peace Lutheran Church or Peace Community Center by logging into your account on the Thrivent website.
Are you a member of Thrivent Financial? Do you have Choice Dollars to direct to a charitable organization? Please consider directing your Choice Dollars to Peace Lutheran Church or Peace Community Center by logging into your account on the Thrivent website.
Peace Lutheran Church Events & Information
Sunday Schedule
- 8:30 am – In-Person Worship
- 9:30 am – Breakfast
- 9:45-10:45 am – In-Person Faith Opportunities
- 11 am – In-Person and Online Worship
Sunday Morning Faith Opportunities
- Godly Play for children ages 4–3rd grade
- Explorers for 4th-6th graders
- 7th-8th grade Feet to Faith confirmation class
- Adult education class
New Members Class
Interested in Learning More about Faith in God and Service through Peace Church? Want to Become a Member of Peace?
Join a Saturday class in the multipurpose room Dec. 2 from 10 – 2:30 pm called “Foundations of Faith and Peace” exploring marks of being a follower of Jesus and what it means to serve him in and through Peace Lutheran Church. Lunch provided. Interested? Talk to Pastor John. New members will be received in worship on Sunday, December 10.
Interested in Learning More about Faith in God and Service through Peace Church? Want to Become a Member of Peace?
Join a Saturday class in the multipurpose room Dec. 2 from 10 – 2:30 pm called “Foundations of Faith and Peace” exploring marks of being a follower of Jesus and what it means to serve him in and through Peace Lutheran Church. Lunch provided. Interested? Talk to Pastor John. New members will be received in worship on Sunday, December 10.
Adult Forum on the 2024 Ministry Plan (Budget)
Come to a forum on Sunday December 3 at 9:45 am in the multipurpose room to hear more about the 2024 budget and ask questions.
Come to a forum on Sunday December 3 at 9:45 am in the multipurpose room to hear more about the 2024 budget and ask questions.
Purchase Fair Trade Coffee
Sundays, December 3, 10, and 17 between services. Questions? Ask Teri Jelinek
Sundays, December 3, 10, and 17 between services. Questions? Ask Teri Jelinek
Women’s Ministry Advent Gathering
Women of Peace, the quiet and stillness of Advent is for you! Please gather with us for a time of connection, meditation and reflection on the first three Sundays of Advent (December 3rd, 10th and 17th) from 3-4 pm in the classroom across the alley as we lean into the silence and waiting of Advent. Please reach out to Lynn Longfield, Sally Perkins, or Kathy Hanawalt with questions or accommodation requests.
Women of Peace, the quiet and stillness of Advent is for you! Please gather with us for a time of connection, meditation and reflection on the first three Sundays of Advent (December 3rd, 10th and 17th) from 3-4 pm in the classroom across the alley as we lean into the silence and waiting of Advent. Please reach out to Lynn Longfield, Sally Perkins, or Kathy Hanawalt with questions or accommodation requests.
Intergenerational Christmas Brunch
Saturday, December 9 from 11 am–12:30 pm. Great for families with children! Christmas crafts, food, and the story of Jesus’ birth. Come decorate the sanctuary for Christmas starting at 12:30 pm.
Saturday, December 9 from 11 am–12:30 pm. Great for families with children! Christmas crafts, food, and the story of Jesus’ birth. Come decorate the sanctuary for Christmas starting at 12:30 pm.
Annual Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 10, 9:45 am (in person and online via Microsoft Teams)
Agenda:
Sunday, December 10, 9:45 am (in person and online via Microsoft Teams)
Agenda:
- Election of Council Officers & At-Large Council Members
- Adoption of the 2024 Ministry Plan (Budget)
- Introduction of New Community Center Board Members
Children’s Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17 during 11 am worship is the Children’s Christmas Program. There will be a special practice with children on Sunday, December 10 in Children’s Worship Time during 11 am worship.
Sunday, December 17 during 11 am worship is the Children’s Christmas Program. There will be a special practice with children on Sunday, December 10 in Children’s Worship Time during 11 am worship.
Sunday Breakfast and Refreshments
We offer breakfast for all at Peace at 9:30 am in the multipurpose room, between the 8:30 and 11 am services. We share refreshments and fellowship after 11 am worship every Sunday.
We offer breakfast for all at Peace at 9:30 am in the multipurpose room, between the 8:30 and 11 am services. We share refreshments and fellowship after 11 am worship every Sunday.
Sunday School (Godly Play) and Children’s Worship
We have Sunday School (Godly Play) for children ages 3 through 4th grade in the basement classroom. We are also offering Nursery for younger children at 9:45 a.m. Children’s Worship is offered in person during 11 a.m. worship. Children are invited to the basement classroom (with air purification) after the scripture readings for a special Godly Play Bible story and response time, and then they will return to the sanctuary to join their family for the time of Holy Communion.
We have Sunday School (Godly Play) for children ages 3 through 4th grade in the basement classroom. We are also offering Nursery for younger children at 9:45 a.m. Children’s Worship is offered in person during 11 a.m. worship. Children are invited to the basement classroom (with air purification) after the scripture readings for a special Godly Play Bible story and response time, and then they will return to the sanctuary to join their family for the time of Holy Communion.
Book Recommendations for Peace Devotional
The new Peace devotional book will have a section on “Books we love and think you may like to read.” Your suggested titles would be much appreciated. If you want to get titles from children you know, that would be great as well. Please send your ideas to Shari Shelton at 8ssheltonz8@gmail.com
The new Peace devotional book will have a section on “Books we love and think you may like to read.” Your suggested titles would be much appreciated. If you want to get titles from children you know, that would be great as well. Please send your ideas to Shari Shelton at 8ssheltonz8@gmail.com
COVID Precautions Update
Based on current community risk levels for COVID, flu, and RSV, the Reopening Task Force has decided that masks are welcome and encouraged but not required. We continue to require masks the first Sunday of each month for 8:30 am worship so that those who need to take additional precautions can participate. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home and worship online. Please be respectful of those who wish to limit physical contact (hugs/handshakes). We will continue to increase airflow in the sanctuary during worship to reduce risk.
Based on current community risk levels for COVID, flu, and RSV, the Reopening Task Force has decided that masks are welcome and encouraged but not required. We continue to require masks the first Sunday of each month for 8:30 am worship so that those who need to take additional precautions can participate. If you are experiencing symptoms of illness, please stay home and worship online. Please be respectful of those who wish to limit physical contact (hugs/handshakes). We will continue to increase airflow in the sanctuary during worship to reduce risk.
Clothing Bank and Community Meals
- Community Resources Meals are served Fridays, and Monday through Friday in April and October, from 5:30-6:30 pm.
- Clothing Closet hours are from 6-7 pm on Mondays and Fridays.
2023 Ministry Plan and Annual Report
If you haven’t seen a copy of these documents distributed at the Annual Congregational Meeting, check them out using the links above or find copies on the table outside the sanctuary. God is doing great things in and through Peace Lutheran Church! Thanks be to God!
If you haven’t seen a copy of these documents distributed at the Annual Congregational Meeting, check them out using the links above or find copies on the table outside the sanctuary. God is doing great things in and through Peace Lutheran Church! Thanks be to God!
Community Bible Study
Pastor John facilitates a Community Bible Study in the church Conference Room and on Zoom (your choice) Thursdays from 1-2 pm on the scripture readings for worship the following Sunday. We read scripture, share conversation, and pray as we listen for God to speak to us & through us. Email Pastor John for Zoom link.
Pastor John facilitates a Community Bible Study in the church Conference Room and on Zoom (your choice) Thursdays from 1-2 pm on the scripture readings for worship the following Sunday. We read scripture, share conversation, and pray as we listen for God to speak to us & through us. Email Pastor John for Zoom link.
Christians Concerned with Homelessness
Peace is partnering with Retreat Home and Trinity Presbyterian as Trinity hosts a monthly prayer gathering for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Join the monthly gathering at the Bryant Neighborhood Center at Trinity Presbyterian Church (1615 6th Ave.) on the first Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 pm, led by Sarah ButlerWills. This time brings into focus our prayers alongside our congregation’s action and work for housing.
Peace is partnering with Retreat Home and Trinity Presbyterian as Trinity hosts a monthly prayer gathering for our neighbors experiencing homelessness. Join the monthly gathering at the Bryant Neighborhood Center at Trinity Presbyterian Church (1615 6th Ave.) on the first Thursday of each month, 5:30-6:30 pm, led by Sarah ButlerWills. This time brings into focus our prayers alongside our congregation’s action and work for housing.
Interested in Baptism?
Interested in Baptism for yourself or a family member? Please speak with Pastor John.
Interested in Baptism for yourself or a family member? Please speak with Pastor John.
Future Directions of Peace Lutheran Church
During the pandemic we have been asking, as followers of Jesus, how is God calling us to do God’s work, to love God and love our neighbor, at this time and in this place? A foundational commitment to anti-racism and a group of recommendations have arisen from this Future Directions discernment process.Read them here
Please pray for our church as we begin to live out these Future Directions, and please consider how you will “get in where you fit in.”
During the pandemic we have been asking, as followers of Jesus, how is God calling us to do God’s work, to love God and love our neighbor, at this time and in this place? A foundational commitment to anti-racism and a group of recommendations have arisen from this Future Directions discernment process.
Church Directory
Would you like a copy of the updated church directory? Please pick one up at the Welcome Table on Sunday or email the office at plcadmin@peacetacoma.org and we will email one to you.
Would you like a copy of the updated church directory? Please pick one up at the Welcome Table on Sunday or email the office at plcadmin@peacetacoma.org and we will email one to you.
How Are You Holding Up?
During this pandemic, many folks are experiencing feelings of being anxious, overwhelmed, and/or disconnected. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please see a health professional and find support. Would you like to meet with someone from our church one on one to check in and connect face to face? Please contact Pastor John. Sometimes a socially distanced, masked one on one conversation can be a great lift, whether in person or via Zoom.
During this pandemic, many folks are experiencing feelings of being anxious, overwhelmed, and/or disconnected. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, please see a health professional and find support. Would you like to meet with someone from our church one on one to check in and connect face to face? Please contact Pastor John. Sometimes a socially distanced, masked one on one conversation can be a great lift, whether in person or via Zoom.
Middle and High School Youth
Middle and high school youth meet on Wednesday evenings 7-8 pm on Zoom for ChangeMakers, a service learning group. Questions? Contact Brendan Nelson or Jayna Detweiler.
Middle and high school youth meet on Wednesday evenings 7-8 pm on Zoom for ChangeMakers, a service learning group. Questions? Contact Brendan Nelson or Jayna Detweiler.
Peace Writing Group
The Peace Writing Group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month, from 6-8 pm. The writings and artistic works from the group will be a part of our second publication of our Peace Devotional book. We share our work so no worries, if you haven’t written lately. For more information, contact Shari Shelton.
The Peace Writing Group meets the 4th Tuesday of the month, from 6-8 pm. The writings and artistic works from the group will be a part of our second publication of our Peace Devotional book. We share our work so no worries, if you haven’t written lately. For more information, contact Shari Shelton.
Godly Play Videos for Children
Parents of children, have you checked out the Peace Lutheran Church YouTube channel? You will find Godly Play Bible story videos with wondering questions. Use these at home with your children! Questions? Contact Jayna Detweiler at jayna@peacetacoma.org
Parents of children, have you checked out the Peace Lutheran Church YouTube channel? You will find Godly Play Bible story videos with wondering questions. Use these at home with your children! Questions? Contact Jayna Detweiler at jayna@peacetacoma.org
Faith Resources for Children and Youth
We have posted links to other faith resources, including videos, on the church website (Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry pages) for parents, children, and youth to use. Jayna Detweiler is available to respond to any questions. jayna@peacetacoma.org
We have posted links to other faith resources, including videos, on the church website (Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry pages) for parents, children, and youth to use. Jayna Detweiler is available to respond to any questions. jayna@peacetacoma.org
Peace Community Center Events & Information
Support for Peace Community Center
The Board of Directors of Peace Community Center asks for our community’s continued care, service to students, prayers, and ongoing financial support as we engage the challenging, but necessary work, of building a more sustainable future for Peace Community Center.
Please read the most recent letter from Peace Community Center’s Board of Directors here.
Community Engagement
AIDNW Community Meeting
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest will have a Community Meeting on Wednesday December 13 from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Peace Lutheran Church. You are invited! See details here.
Advocates for Immigrants in Detention Northwest will have a Community Meeting on Wednesday December 13 from 11:30 am – 1 pm at Peace Lutheran Church. You are invited! See details here.
Christmas House
Free toys! Receive two new toys per family (while quantities last). Saturday December 16, 9 am – 1 pm. Allen AME Church, 1223 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
Free toys! Receive two new toys per family (while quantities last). Saturday December 16, 9 am – 1 pm. Allen AME Church, 1223 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.
Community Engagement & Outreach Highlights: A Word from Brendan Nelson
- Peace and St. Mark’s
- TPU- We received a grant for $50,000 from Tacoma Public Utilities to aid in installing solar panels on our 3 existing properties. The installation will begin on the 1951 Ainsworth home in early 2024.
- Shalom Project- St. Mark’s Lutheran by the Narrows, and Peace have teamed up together, to listen to our neighbors and to work together for justice and compassion. “Shalom” is the Hebrew word, not simply for “peace” but for a shared wholeness in all facets of life. Together we seek concrete ways to work for economic, social, and racial wholeness, with a special focus on climate justice.
- Trees for the Hilltop- A healthy tree cover is crucial for our climate wellbeing. Tacoma runs below the national average for tree cover, and the Tacoma map vividly shows how our neighborhoods’ differences in tree coverage align with economic, social, and racial disparity. Peace and St. Mark’s are partnering with the Tacoma Tree Foundation for a major tree-planting endeavor for the Hilltop neighborhood.
- Grants
- We have received a grant for $5,000 from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health to support our community resource ministry.
- Housing
- The tenant of our 1949 Ainsworth home has vacated as of September 30th. I am working with Alan Kies and an external company to get the house ready for a new family. We hope to have the home ready in the next few months.
FED (Food Equity Distribution)
FED (Food Equity Distribution) community food bank provides food and other necessities with no barriers to Hilltop community members. We are currently looking for donations of non-perishable goods like canned foods or dry goods (oats, rice, etc.), as well as snack items (granola bars, water bottles). Anything helps during this time of need.
The FED Food Bank is located at 1202 MLK Jr Way (entrance on Earnest Brazill Street in the Community Health Care Building) and will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 1-5pm.
If you are interested and donating any food items, please contact me by email at Sorahya.Hasan-Mathews@Hac-Tacoma.org. You can also learn more about the Hilltop Action Coalition and the work that we do in the community by visiting our website https://www.hilltopactioncoalition.org/.
FED (Food Equity Distribution) community food bank provides food and other necessities with no barriers to Hilltop community members. We are currently looking for donations of non-perishable goods like canned foods or dry goods (oats, rice, etc.), as well as snack items (granola bars, water bottles). Anything helps during this time of need.
The FED Food Bank is located at 1202 MLK Jr Way (entrance on Earnest Brazill Street in the Community Health Care Building) and will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 1-5pm.
If you are interested and donating any food items, please contact me by email at Sorahya.Hasan-Mathews@Hac-Tacoma.org. You can also learn more about the Hilltop Action Coalition and the work that we do in the community by visiting our website https://www.hilltopactioncoalition.org/.
VITA: Help lift hard-working families out of poverty!
- Volunteering with VITA is a great way to support your community and build skills in accounting, finance, customer service, and leadership.
- VITA volunteers undergo IRS training and certification, free of charge, to help with greeting taxpayers and conducting intakes*, preparing taxes, coordinating tax sites, reviewing tax returns for quality assurance, and interpreting for non-English speakers*. No prior experience is required! Volunteer by clicking here.
- Not interested in preparing taxes? Greeters and Interpreters play an important role in providing excellent customer service to our clients. For more information, contact Mary Hoffman, mary.h@AssociatedMinistries.org or call (253) 383-3056, ext. 127.
Hilltop Library Planning Committee
The Hilltop Needs a Library! The Hilltop Library Planning Committee is closer than ever to securing funds for a new library. Unfortunately, our committee chair will be moving out of the country soon and we need a new chair to help us stay organized and keep our momentum going. If you’re interested in volunteering, or just learning more about HLPC, please attend one of our Zoom meetings, held the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6pm. Details here: https://www.tacomahilltoplibrary.org/events/.
The Hilltop Needs a Library! The Hilltop Library Planning Committee is closer than ever to securing funds for a new library. Unfortunately, our committee chair will be moving out of the country soon and we need a new chair to help us stay organized and keep our momentum going. If you’re interested in volunteering, or just learning more about HLPC, please attend one of our Zoom meetings, held the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6pm. Details here: https://www.tacomahilltoplibrary.org/events/.
Rental Assistance
For those looking for help with rental assistance, the Pierce County Rental Assistance is back open! There is no way to tell when it will be closed again, so if you need this type of assistance, please take advantage of this opportunity as soon as you can! See this website.
For those looking for help with rental assistance, the Pierce County Rental Assistance is back open! There is no way to tell when it will be closed again, so if you need this type of assistance, please take advantage of this opportunity as soon as you can! See this website.
Graduate Tacoma
…has created a website (www.tacomalearns.org/programs) where you can search for different types of resources during COVID 19. It includes everything from where Tacoma Public Schools is passing out free meals to financial assistance information to educational resources, etc. You can search by zip code, types of assistance, etc. and find resources for more than just students.
…has created a website (www.tacomalearns.org/programs) where you can search for different types of resources during COVID 19. It includes everything from where Tacoma Public Schools is passing out free meals to financial assistance information to educational resources, etc. You can search by zip code, types of assistance, etc. and find resources for more than just students.
KEEP IN TOUCH
2106 South Cushman Ave.
Tacoma, WA 98405
Phone: (253) 383-1317
Fax: (253) 383-0702
Email: plcadmin@peacetacoma.org