Dear friends of Peace,
News Edition For Sunday of October 4, 2026
Lessons this week: Isaiah 5:1-7, Philippians 3:12-21, Matthew 21: 33-43
Songs this week: “If Then you Have Been Raised with Christ”,“Let us Go Rejoicing”, “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word”,“ I’m But a Stranger Here”
Sunday Service 11:00 am
The Beginning of the End- It’s time to
The cartoon character holds a sign saying, “The End Is Near.” For Christians, this is not a message of fear. Instead, it is a message of watchful hope. Scripture teaches that the End Times began with Christ’s first coming, especially his death and resurrection. Christ will come again on judgment day. Now we live in that in-between time, when salvation has been won, but full glory is still to come. It’s the beginning of the end.
Jesus himself makes clear that no one knows the day or hour of his return. This uncertainty is not meant to trouble us, but to keep us spiritually awake. Each day becomes an opportunity to live in repentance and faith, turning from sin and trusting fully in Christ’s finished work for us. Our preparation for the end is not about trying to predict signs or earn God’s favor. Instead, it is about remaining rooted in Jesus: hearing the Word, receiving the sacraments, and trusting the
promises of forgiveness. These are God’s ways of keeping us ready. “The Beginning of the End” reminds us that history is moving toward our own death and toward Christ’s return. For believers, that end is truly a beginning.
Speak Truth to Power
Sometimes people get braver when they realize they are nearing the end. They speak things they couldn’t or wouldn’t say before, even to the powerful, because they realize they have nothing to lose. The message of repentance and forgiveness of sins through Jesus’ death on the cross has many powerful enemies. Sometimes those enemies are religious people, rebellious spirits and heretics. Sometimes those enemies are people of this world who worship their own personal desires and glory in their shame.
It doesn’t matter how powerful the enemies are. God persists in speaking his truth and drawing our eyes to his Son, who will help us persevere to the end and speak truth to power.
A Monumental Milestone: Thank You to Our 75th Celebration Team!
What an incredible milestone! Looking back on our recent 75-year celebration, we are filled with immense gratitude. An event like this takes a village to pull off, and it truly would not have been possible without the dedicated hands and talents of everyone involved. Thank you for bringing so much energy, laughter, and personality to Peace. To everyone who planned, decorated, served, entertained, or helped clean up—thank you. Your hard work turned this historic milestone into an unforgettable memory that we will cherish for years to come.
Transition Meeting October 6th at 6:30 pm
All are welcome to attend the transition meeting being held here at Peace on Oct 6th at 6:30 pm. It will help us and congregations in our area consider if some sort of combined ministry or merger might enable them to better accomplish the mission of sharing Christ.
Portage Invitational Cross Country Meet
The Portage Invitational Cross Country Meet is being held Saturday, October 10th at West Middle School less than a mile from St James Lutheran Church. For many years, St. James has parked cars in their lot and on their grass for the meet and used the proceeds both for budgetary purposes in house and to support community projects.
Last year, St James was able to donate about $4,000 to Twelve Baskets Food Pantry in Portage. This year, St. James will be giving the proceeds to Peace to support our work of bringing the gospel to our community. Additional volunteers are welcome (though not required to receive their assistance) to help at St. James any portion that you might be able to help from 8 AM until around 3 PM. Lunch is also served for those who are there over the lunch hour.
Speak with Pastor Rau for more information.
Christian Neighbors
We here at Peace were able to donate a total of 49 items to Christian Neighbors during the month of September! Total donations for the year are 276 items. Thank you, these food items have blessed many families in our community, let's keep it going. For the month of October the need is Ramen Noodles!
A look ahead:
Oct 4- 11:00 am Sunday Service
Oct 6- 6:30 pm Transition Meeting at Peace
Oct 8th- 12:00 pm Senior Pot Luck & Bingo
Oct 10- 8:00 am-3:00 pm St. James's parking car for Cross Country Meet (want to help?)
Oct 11- 11:00 am Sunday Service
Oct 16th - 11:00 am Ladies Guild
Oct 16th- 6:30 pm Bunco
Oct 18th - 11:00 am Sunday Service
Oct 25th - 11:00 am Sunday Service
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
Have a suggestion or comment you’d like to share? Let us know!
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