NEWS BLOG

Lent 2023

Posted on 2023-02-20 in General, Newsletter |

Lent with Peace Lutheran Church –

Lent arrives February 22, with Ash Wednesday. Below are some of the ways we will journey through Lent this year. (Worship services will be available in person on campus and via livestream unless announced otherwise.)

Ash Wednesday Worship – February 22 at 7:00 pm
We gather to confess our sin, receive imposition of ashes, gather around the Lord’s Supper, and take up the spiritual practices of the season of Lent – fasting, prayer, and acts of love.

Sundays in Lent – February February 26 – March 26
10:00 am (Children’s Story Circle begins at 9:30 am)
We continue our Sunday morning worship pattern. The Godly Play circle gathers at 9:30, and other join for worship at 10:00. Gathered around water and word, bread and wine, music and fellowship…we come close to God, and God comes close to us in these holy days.

Wednesdays in Lent – March 1 to March 29 at 6:30 pm
We share in Holden Evening Prayer around dinner tables…learning different spiritual practices for connecting with sacred scripture. All are invited to bring food to share…but please come whether you can bring food or not…God will make sure we are fed, and your presence is always enough. If you are connecting from home, you are encouraged to bring your meal. Our table fellowship transcends distance! Note that because the liturgy and meal are intertwined, we begin worship at 6:30… a little earlier than in past years.

Palm & Garment Sunday – April 2 at 10:00 am
We spread our branches and offerings of garments before God. You are encouraged to bring clothing donations to worship, as we honor the beginning of Holy Week.

The Great Three Days – April 6-8 at 7:00 pm
We worship on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Great Vigil of Easter at 7:00 pm each evening.

Feb '23

Lord of Life

Posted on 2023-02-18 in General, Newsletter |

Feb '23

Joining with our Lord of Life Neighbors

As many of you know, Lord of Life Lutheran Church – our nearest ELCA neighbor – voted last spring to conclude their ministry together within the next year. They are now coming to the end of that time, and there are a few ways we can be with them in this transition and in looking to the future:

– On Ash Wednesday at 7 pm, we will worship together with Lord of Life members at Peace, as we did on Sunday, February 5.
– Sunday, March 5, at 3 pm, Lord of Life will celebrate its final worship service on the Lord of Life campus. Please plan to join if you can to honor their life, ministry, and legacy.
– Going forward, Lord of Life has journeyed through a time of holy discernment about the legacy they will leave as they conclude their ministry. Many ministries and organizations will be strengthened through their generosity…include the Peace Lutheran Housing Ministry. Lord of Life has voted to come alongside us in this work and offer a legacy gift of $500,000 to the housing ministry project. So, we can rejoice in gratitude at the news of that gift…and look forward to future partnership in that work.

Feb '23

Summer Camps

Posted on 2023-02-17 in General, Newsletter |

Feb '23

Summer Camps with Cross Trails Ministry

It’s that time of year…to start thinking about summer camp opportunities with Cross Trails Ministry! Based in the Hill Country of southwestern Texas, Cross Trails Ministry offers summer camp and retreats to thousands each year. Two sites are at the heart of this ministry, Lutheran Camp Chrysalis near Kerrville and Ebert Ranch Camp near Harper.

Registration for summer programs is open and starting to fill up! If you want to coordinate with other Peace campers, feel free to email office@peaceaustin.org and we’ll help folks connect with each other for carpooling and great shared experiences growing in faith together.

Information can be found at: https://crosstrails.org/

Feb '23

CROP Walk 2023

Posted on 2023-02-17 in General, Newsletter |

Feb '23

The Leander/Cedar Park CROP Hunger Walk will be on Sunday, April 16 at Twin Lakes Family YMCA Trailhead Pavilion. We’ll gather at 1:30pm for registration and send-off on our 5K walk shortly thereafter.

The Peace Team page is
https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/peace-lutheran-austin

We will once again be supporting the wonderful work Hill Country Community Ministries as our Local Agency.

ALSO- you may still walk Hybrid if you are unable to make it on April 16! You can connect with other walkers by posting to the local walk’s Facebook page, using Hashtag #CROPHungerWalk and #enough4all, and connecting with the mission by watching videos on our YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/churchworldservice!

THANK YOU for your dedication in serving our most vulnerable neighbors around the block and around the world!

Jan '23

Looking Ahead

Posted on 2023-01-27 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

Below are some dates to pencil in for exciting things coming up…though details are still being finalized.

Final Worship with Lord of Life Lutheran Church
As described in the article below, our neighbors at Lord of Life Lutheran Church have set their final worship service date for Sunday, March 5 at 3 pm. All are invited to join them in both celebration and grief as they reach the end of their ministry as a community.

Tailgate Tuesday & Food Pantry Partnership with LuMin
On March 21, Peace will be sponsoring the weekly community meal served by LuMin – the Lutheran Campus Ministry of UT-Ausin. They serve over 300 folks each week. If you would like to join the serving crew, please let us know. For those who can’t serve in person, an equally important form of support is offering financial contributions to cover the cost of the meal. Each week it costs at $1,200 to serve Tuesday’s dinner…and about $600 more to stock the food pantry that helps support hungry neighbors by providing groceries. We would love to be able to fully fund both of these ministries for the week. Thank you in advance for whatever ways you can offer your support!

Vacation Bible School!
With support from Lutherhill Camp Staff, we are excited for the return of in person VBS. Wether you have a child who may participate, want to invite others, or want to volunteer, please pencil in June 19-23!

Jan '23

HCCM Needs

Posted on 2023-01-27 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM ) served 91,000 neighbors in need for 2022. The pantry has a continuous need for hygiene products. Please prayerfully consider adding to your grocery cart : shampoo, lotion, tooth paste, bar of soap, or toilet paper and bring those to Peace. Another way of giving is through a monetary donation.

Thanks for your consideration to our neighbors in need.

Jan '23

Covid Risk Low

Posted on 2023-01-25 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

We are so grateful that COVID community levels returned to Low quickly after the holidays – most of all because we know it means that fewer of our neighbors are sick and that our health care workers are less burdened. It also means our on campus protocols are much more flexible, for which we also give thanks.

Masking remains optional for small groups and public gatherings at Low. We continue to invite everyone to consult health agencies and their doctors to do what is right for you to stay healthy and safe. And please, screen yourself for symptoms of illness, and stay home if you think you may be sick. We will be glad to connect with you online until you are better. If there is anything more we can do to support you, please feel free to be in touch.

Jan '23

Texas Legislature in Session

Posted on 2023-01-20 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

This week the 88th Texas Legislative session began. If you are interested in how faith and public life intersect and would like to learn more about interacting with the legislative process, there are multiple opportunities to do so this session in collaboration with Texas Impact.

First, is a legislative action event co-sponsored by the United Methodist Women, January 29-31 Participation is $180. Registration and schedule details can be found at: https://texasimpact.org/event/texas-united-women-in-faith-legislative-event-2023/

Second is Texas Impact’s Interfaith Advocacy Days, which will take place over Presidents’ Day Weekend – February 19-21. Registration details will be posted shortly.

If you are interested in joining other Peace members for one of these events, feel free to email office@peaceaustin.org, and we will help coordinate group participation.

Jan '23

Lutherans Restoring Creation

Posted on 2023-01-20 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

Lutherans Restoring Creation is a grassroots movement promoting care for creation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

There are opportunities to read / watch / listen and discuss ways that our congregations, synods and national church can serve God through creation-care. Online events including film screenings are available throughout each month.

Visit https://lutheransrestoringcreation.org/ to learn more.

Jan '23

Covid Level Medium

Posted on 2023-01-13 in General, Newsletter |

Jan '23

Current COVID Level Medium – Please Take Precautions

Austin Public Health and the CDC have moved Travis and Williamson Counties to the Medium Level of viral spread.

At Peace, our Regathering Task Force and Council have continually reviewed the changing landscape of community health and the healthcare interventions available to shape our protocols, in conversation with the values of our faith. Most recently, we have asked that, at Medium, everyone at public and larger gatherings at the church campus (like Sunday worship) wear a mask to be in solidarity with the most vulnerable and create extra layers of protection.

Dec '22

Christmas Worship 2022

Posted on 2022-12-01 in General, Newsletter |

Dec '22

Celebrating Holidays with Peace Lutheran Church

Welcome to the New Church Year! Here is a brief guide to our season’s worship opportunities:

Sundays in Advent
10:00 am November 27 – December 18

During the season of Advent, we reflect on the genealogy of Jesus and the whole people of God, from generation to generation. Our space will be set up a little differently, and we’ll be reflecting on our many gifts and God’s people in various ways.

Nov '22

Messiah Dec 4th

Posted on 2022-11-23 in General, Newsletter |

Nov '22

The Peace Lutheran Church choir will be collaborating with the St. Michael’s Episcopal choir, and several professional singers and instrumentalists to sing Part I of George Frederic Handel’s iconic oratorio The Messiah.

Everyone is invited to the performance on Sunday Dec. 4th at 5:00 pm. The location is St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 1500 N. Capital of TX Hwy. Austin, 78746

Please come out to hear this amazing piece of music, and to support your choir!

Oct '22

Rutter’s Requiem

Posted on 2022-10-24 in General, Newsletter |

Oct '22

The combined choirs from Peace Lutheran Church and St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will present John Rutter’s REQUIEM
Sunday November 6th
5:00 pm
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
1500 N. Capital of Texas Highway
Austin, TX 78746

Oct '22

All Saints Sunday

Posted on 2022-10-24 in General, Newsletter |

Oct '22

Honoring the Saints – Gathering of Names

All Saints Sunday is approaching. On November 6, we will be honoring the saints who have gone before us, particularly those who have died in this past year. You will find the Book of Remembrance by the baptismal font in these weeks preceding our All Saints observance, and you are invited to write the names of the saints you remember and honor this year…or send an email to office@peaceaustin.org if you would like us to write a name or names on your behalf.

Oct '22

Reformation Sunday

Posted on 2022-10-24 in General, Newsletter |

Oct '22

Reformation Worship – October 30!

On October 30 we celebrate the Reformation…and our worship will have many special moments.

We will have a Bible Blessing. If you wish to bring your Bible to church to be blessed, please do. If you or a new reader in your life needs a Bible, we would love to bless and gift you one. Please let us know, and we’ll have one ready.

Oct '22

Holiday Meal Drive

Posted on 2022-10-15 in General, Newsletter |

Oct '22

Hill Country Community Ministries( HCCM) Holiday Meal Drive

* Update: We exceeded our goal of 500 cans of green beans, sending 622 cans of beans, plus peaches, and $460 in cash to HCCM. Thanks for supporting our neighbors in need!

Hill Country Community Ministries (HCCM) has seen a 22% increase in clients in 2022. Sunday, October 1st kicks off the Holiday Meal Drive.

Sep '22

Book Club Update

Posted on 2022-09-17 in General, Newsletter |

Sep '22

In October the book club is reading The Daughter of a Daughter of a Queen. In November, the club is reading Last Dance on the Starlight Pier. Both historical novels are by local author, Sarah Bird. Sarah Bird is presenting and answering questions at our November meeting on Thursday, November 10th at 1:30 via Zoom.

Aug '22

Covid Prototols

Posted on 2022-08-20 in General, Newsletter |

Aug '22

Current COVID Protocols – Low Spread Means Masking Options Are Back!

In light of Low community transmission rates of COVID, we can return to the protocols previously approved by the Regathering Task Force and Council. Individuals may now choose whether to wear a mask or not at church events, including larger, public gatherings like Sunday worship. This also means that shared food and beverages can return to our indoor spaces.

Aug '22

Fall Program Kickoff

Posted on 2022-08-11 in General, Newsletter, Youth |

Aug '22

Kicking Off the Program Year!

Fall Sunday Schedule

As we live into the transitions of this season, here are some things you will notice at church:

– The circle of Godly Play & Big Church are coming closer to each other. Our space and stories for forming faith with children are coming into the embrace of our big church space for a time. This will allow folks of all generations to be formed by our stories and the presence of children.

– The Sunday schedule will have a rippling circle of gatherings. The Sunday schedule will be something like this:

Aug '22

Picture of backpack with text Backpack Blessings August 14

Rally Day & Backpack Blessing

Posted on 2022-08-04 in General, Newsletter, Youth |

Aug '22

As we prepare for a new program year, we invite everyone to a special worship service on August 14 giving thanks for the many ministry programs of Peace. Our worship service this Sunday will be familiar, but our space will be a bit different…as we sit “family style” and have table centerpieces celebrating our faith family’s many ways of sharing God’s love with the world. All are also invited to bring a bag or backpack for a special blessing…whether students, teachers, workers, crafters, or anything in between…

Aug '22

School Supply Drive 2022

Posted on 2022-08-04 in General, Newsletter, Youth |

Aug '22

Wow! This year has seen the largest financial donation ever to the school supply drive. Our congregation raised $1115 for the students and teachers of Anderson Mill Elementary. Anderson Mill Elementary is a Title 1 school meaning that more than half of the students qualify for free and reduced lunch. If you are able please consider staying after church this Sunday, August 7th for the blessing of the supplies and for their assembly into grade level bags. Any excess funds will go towards purchase of disinfectant wipes and tissue for teachers to use in their classrooms during the year. The supplies will be delivered to the school on the morning of August 9th.

Jul '22

Austin Pride Aug 20, 2022

Posted on 2022-07-23 in General, Newsletter |

Jul '22

The Austin area RIC congregations are planning on joining together again to celebrate Pride this year, after two years of cancellations. We’ll be at the festival from 11 am to 6 pm, and marching in the parade at 8 pm.

If you are interested in taking a shift at the festival booth or contributing to preparations, sign up here.

If you want details and to sign up for the parade, click here.

We’re so excited to be back at Pride, and excited to have you as part of it!

Jul '22

Welcome Our Summer Preachers

Posted on 2022-07-09 in General, Newsletter |

Jul '22

In July, we will have a number of guest preachers join us in worship. On July 17, Seminarian and Austinite Cecie Suknaic Saulnier will be with us, and we will have a Service of the Word. We will celebrate communion on July 24 & 31. July 24, we will be joined by Rev. Lea Walker-Clark, the pastor of the new multi-ethnic mission grounded in East Austin, Palabra de Vida. And on July 31, the Pastor of Technicolor Ministries, Rev. Katy Miles-Wallace, will be with us. Please come and enjoy the rich good news they will share and welcome them into our community!

Jul '22

Peace Member joins HCCM Board

Posted on 2022-07-04 in General, Newsletter |

Jul '22

We give thanks for the invaluable services and care offered to our neighbors through Hill Country Community Ministries, and we are blessed to be able to partner with them. We also give thanks that there will again be a Peace member on the HCCM Board. Jan Massa begins serving a two-year term as board member this summer. You are invited to offer Jan and HCCM your congratulations and prayers for the work ahead!

Jul '22

Book Club News

Posted on 2022-07-03 in General, Newsletter |

Jul '22

Peace’s book club, Peace’s Perpetual Page-Turners, always welcomes new members. If you are interested in joining or want further information email us. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. We continue to meet via Zoom, although we eventually will have some in-person gatherings. Our reading list for the remainder of the year:

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