Dear friends of Peace,
News Edition For Sunday of August 23, 2026
Lessons this week: Exodus 34:5-9, Romans 10: 5-13, Matthew 16: 13-20
Songs this week: “There Is a Redeemer”, “Your Praises, God, I’m Bringing”, “In Christ Alone”, “Onward Christine Soldiers”
Service Sunday 11:30 am
Unexpected Truths
The opening lines of the United States Declaration of Independence boldly assert that certain truths are “self-evident”—truths accessible to human reason and widely recognized by observation of the world. Among these are that all people are created equal and possess unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The founders appealed to principles they believed reasonable people could recognize simply by reflecting on human nature and justice. These truths were meant to be obvious, clear to the mind, and persuasive in the public square.
Lutherans, however, note that the most important truths revealed in the Bible are not self-evident at all. In fact, they frequently appear surprising or even contrary to human expectations. Scripture teaches that humanity is not naturally good but deeply sinful. It declares that salvation cannot be achieved through human effort but comes entirely by God’s grace. Most unexpected of all is the message that God brings forgiveness and eternal life through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.Biblical truth is revealed by God rather than discovered by reason alone. While some truths may seem obvious to human judgment, the truths of the Bible are often unexpected.
The Son of Man is God
Jesus asked, “Who do you say I am?” It’s the most important question in the world, and it is a question every human being must answer. The expected answer may be dead wrong. Some in Jesus’ day thought he was John the Baptist. Some thought he was the prophet Elijah who had come back from the dead. Today plenty of people believe that Jesus existed. They think that Jesus was a wise teacher or a role model for love. Both answers are expected. Both miss the main point. Jesus is a real human being, the Son of Man. He is also Lord and Savior, the Son of the living God. This unexpected truth is the core of saving faith.
*Service Times Survey Results:
The results from the service time survey are in.
The new Sunday Service will be 11:00 am starting September 13th.
Fall Kick Off:
On September 13th, we will have cake and ice cream after service, pick up a printed backpack with a student's name on it; take it home, hang it on your door, your refrigerator or somewhere you will remember to pray for that student going back to school and throughout the school year as we encourage them grow in the word of God.
75 Years of Peace Celebration: Sept 27th
Will be held September 27th after service pot luck style with cake and ice cream. Working on getting some pictures from the past if anyone has pictures or stories you would like to share please let me know.
“Community is much more than belonging to something, it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter!” Unknown
Connecting with People of Peace and the Community :
Christian Neighbors:
Food Pantry needs for July is Ramen Noodles
Thank you again for continuing to show God’s love to others.
“Community is much more than belonging to something, it's about doing something together that makes belonging matter!” Unknown
Volunteers sign ups:
There is now a sign up sheet for mowing and string trimming, we do need a few volunteers for the rest of August through September. Thank you
A look ahead:
Aug 30th 11:30 am Sunday Service
September:
Sept 6th 11:30 am Sunday Service
Sept 10th 12:00 pm Senior Pot Luck (Lunch & Bingo)
Sept 13th 11:00 am*Sunday Service & Fall Kick Off Note service time change
Sept 20th 11:00 am* Sunday Service Note service time change
Sept 18th 11:00 am Ladies Guild Bunco
Sept 18th 6:30 pm Bunco
Sept 27th 11:00 am *Sunday Service Note service time change
Sept 27th 12:15 pm 75 Years of Peace Celebration Pot Luck bring a dish to pass
May God be at work among the people of Peace and our gospel ministry as we listen to him and follow him! Assistant Administrator at Peace Lutheran Church, Shelly Wedge
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Want to visit with pastor? Schedule a visit/meeting reach out to our interim Pastor David Rau (ST.James Portage) at pastor@stjamesportage.org or 262-325-9355
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Would you like to donate to Peace? Please use the link for online giving
Peace Lutheran Church 805 S Wilmott St Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-6104 https://peaceotsego.org