​Dear Friends in Christ
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia! Join us this Sunday for more Easter celebration. The Church celebrates Easter for seven Sundays. This Sunday we hear about another resurrection appearance by Jesus. He tells his why he had to die and rise again. He uses the Scriptures (what we would call the Old Testament) to explain the cross and resurrection (I wish this had been recorded somewhere!)  Come and hear God’s Word and be fed by Jesus in breads and wine.  Adult Forum:  This Sunday we will continue the video series on the Lord’s Prayer. Discussion will be led by Pastor Mark. Meet in the sanctuary approximately 9:15 a.m.  Reading for this Sunday: Please read 1 John (not the Gospel of John) chapter 3 plus the sidebar notes for this chapter in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) This chapter is an exhortation (encouragement) to live righteous lives because we have been named children of God – to love one another and believe in Jesus. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.
 
Worship Schedule: Our worship schedule is the service of Holy Communion at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
 
Reading for Next Week:  Please read John chapter 10 plus the sidebar notes for this chapter in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) In this chapter Jesus speaks metaphorically of himself as the Good Shepherd who gives himself up for the sheep. Study the “I AM” chart on page 1773. Jesus uses “I AM” code-sayings to indicate that God is in him, and he in God. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.


Attendance: On April 8, 2018, 105 attended worship.  On April 11, 2018, 13 attended the  service at Lexington.
 
Youth
                                                                                                                                      
Youth Director’s Days Off & Office Hours: Our Youth Director is Tracy Katschke and her days off are Friday and Saturday. She does not check church voice mail or emails on those days. Tracy is engaged at Peace half-time, and her office hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30am-3:30pm. She can be reached on her cell for urgent matters. Her cell phone can be accessed by calling church.


Confirmation: Confirmation classes are on Wednesdays, at 7pm. We will be meeting at St. Peter UCC (47 Church St. Lake Zurich) for all of our spring sessions.


Mission Trip Final Deposit Due: Our July mission trip to Madison, WI is quickly approaching! The second deposit of $150 is due by May 10th! All checks need to be made out to "Peace Lutheran Church" with "HS Mission Trip" in the memo. Deposits can be placed into Tracy's mailbox in the church office.


Flapjack Frenzy Pancake Breakfast: Our second mission trip fund raiser, Flapjack Frenzy Pancake Breakfast, will be held on Saturday, May 5th from 9am-12pm at Christ Lutheran Church (41 S. Rohlwing Rd. Palatine). We are in need of food donations as well as volunteers! If you are able to help in any way, please sign up in the narthex!


Events
 
Pot Luck: Pot lucks again now that winter/holiday season has come to a close. The first potluck of the year will be April 21st at 4:30pm. Beer and Wine have been approved for this event. The theme will be pasta of any kind. Make any type of noodle dish you please. Look forward to seeing you there! If any questions, please contact Kelly Ratajczak at kmsalaza@gmail.com.
 
AED/CPR training: will be 4/14 from 8:30-12:30 here at PLC. Please see sign-up sheets in narthex. Email Bridget Heroff with questions: abheroff13@gmail.com
 
An Evening of Guitar Music: Saturday, April 28th 7:00 PM  ... Save the Date! Mark your calendars now for an evening of musical fun! A folk rock concert featuring local acoustic guitarists and singers, including our own John Trumbull will be  in the church sanctuary.  Music from the 70's and 80's will be performed and include songs from artists like James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Dylan and more. Free will donations will be collected and the proceeds will benefit this year's Adult Mission Trip to Gatlinburg, TN. The proceeds will go towards the gas and van rentals required for transportation of this year's group of approximately 32 volunteers from the congregations of Peace Lutheran and Living Lord. Last year's event was a big success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Please be sure to invite your family and friends!! Any questions, please contact Lia Brilando.
.                                                                         
Ongoing Opportunities
 
Simply Giving: Many of our members and friends give by Simply Giving automated debit. This program is very important for our congregation. It keeps income steady during the summer months when giving drops because of people being out of town. Please consider it! If you do participate in Simply Giving, when you worship please grab a Giving Acknowledgment Card from an usher in order to physically fulfill the act of giving during the offertory. There are forms on the table in the narthex.  If you participate in the Simply Giving program or if you do not have an offering on a particular Sunday you can still participate in the act of giving during the service.  Ask an usher for a small laminated Giving Acknowledgment Card before you enter the sanctuary.  You can then place the card in the offering plate to acknowledge your support of our ministries at Peace.


Prayer Requests: We pray for those who need healing and wholeness: for Mike Wilms, Wes Willard, Amy Falco, Justin Morgenthaler; Kathy Zak, Kristen Jorgensen, Robbie Purcell, Jeanelle Holmes, Tod Kunschke, and Brian Bounds. Our practice is we will pray for an individual for at least 4 Sundays or until the end of the following month. After that time, we ask that you contact the office or Pastor Mark to keep your loved one on the prayer list. If your loved one inadvertently falls off the prayer list, please request to put this person back on the list. Thank you.) We need pray-ers! If you would like to be a participant in the Circle of Prayer, please contact Terry Koncel at peaceprays@mail.com.
 
Adult Forum: Join us for Adult Forum this week as we continue a meaningful video series on prayer.  Pastor Mark will lead the discussion.
 
Inspirational Messages: Pastor Mark would like to reach out to the congregation with a brief message a couple times per week. If you want to receive these, please fill out the form in the red attendance folders. Messages will be sent via a text, Facebook account, and Twitter. Any questions, contact Beth Papke at (847) 438-5294 or papkeb@wwdb.org.
 
Altar Flowers: If you have a special date you would like to remember, please consider bringing flowers for our Sunday services. The calendar is on the bulletin board outside of the office. Vases are available for use in the kitchen cabinet behind the door. Flowers should be set out before the Sunday service and can be picked up any time after the Sunday service. Enter your first name on the calendar, as we have several families with the same last name. Any questions, please call Kari Mrazek at (847) 726-2716.
 

Caring Tree: This outreach ministry provides services to those in the congregation with special need, i.e., dinners for new moms, meals for those following a hospitalization, or short term help with lawn cutting or snow removal. Please contact Jean Foltin or Pastor Mark with requests for assistance. Jean may be reached by email (jfoltin5@comcast.net) or by phone/text (847-738-8599).


Mom/Toddler Group:  Are you a new Mom or have little ones 5 years or younger?  Do you want to connect with other local Mom's?  Then PLEASE join our Mom's group where kids are welcome to play, while Mom's get some adult conversation!  Peace Lutheran Church has graciously offered to open their doors to the community to give Mom's a place to gather.  This is not a religious group, just a community Mom group.   We will meet every Friday at 10 AM.  If you have any question please contact Cathy Malloy


Wednesday Morning Bible Study: This year we will meet at Panera Bread in Deer Park at 9:00am. We will be looking at different devotionals to understand what the Bible tells us about life. Hope you can join us.


Choir: Adult choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at Peace. We usually sing on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from September through mid-May and take a break over the summer.  Bring your voice and come join us!


Hand Bell Choir: Hand Bell Choir practices on Tuesday evenings 6:45 to 7:45pm at Peace. We play 1 Sunday a month.  No experience needed. Come have some musical fun!
 
Worship and Music: The Worship and Music team is searching for people that are interested in assisting before, during, and after worship time on Sundays.  Please contact Andy Heroff (aheroff@gmail.com) if you would like to help assist in these roles or any others.


Peace now has Opt-Out Photo Release Forms, they are on the main table in the narthex.  If you do NOT want your/family member picture on the Church's website or Facebook page please sign and put in Cathy Malloy's mailbox in church office.             


Online Newsletter: Do you get the Peace Lutheran weekly newsletter Prints of Peace online?  If not, please send your email address to Allison Hearst at PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.commailto:charmel79@gmail.com. You’ll receive a weekly edition from Allison.


Peace Lutheran Church Facebook Page: Be sure to go visit our Facebook page - Peace Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich. It's the one with recent posts. If you have an event or ministry you want promoted, and haven't seen it on our Facebook page, POST IT!! If you have questions or need help please email your request to one of the page administrators:  Jean Bishop, Karen Zicco, Bridget Heroff, Nicola Prybell or Pastor Mark.


Church Calendar: The 2018 church calendar shows events and activities of the church and is posted on our website. You can find it by clicking "Calendar of  Events" on the home page, or you can access it by visiting http://peacelutheranlz.com/calendar/  If you have an event to be posted on the calendar, please email the church office at  PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.com or the church social email: office@peacelutheranlz.com
                                                                                         
Social Outreach


Home of the Sparrow Clean Up Day - Volunteers needed to help clean up the yard at a Home Of the Sparrow house in Fox River Grove that could use a little TLC.  We will be doing yard work, cleaning gutters, sprucing up flower beds etc.  April 21, 9am - 2pm.  Lunch will be served.  Rain Date, April 28.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex on the bulletin board.  Home of the Sparrow helps single women get back on their feet after going through tough times.  Michelle Lussman our past Youth Director helps to run these programs at Home of the Sparrow.  Please bring a set of waste yard bags from Home Depot.  See Donna Walstrum with questions.  Thank  you.


Join the McHenry County Human Race: Get Your Hero On!  Please join my team, Susie's Solemates in supporting the Home of the Sparrow (provides services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence or homelessness) by participating in the Human Race on April 22, 2018.  The 5K (about 3 miles) is a walk or run and starts at 8 am and is a great family friendly event.  It starts at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. In the past 7 years, the Human Race has supported over 70 local organizations serving McHenry County and has raised over $516,000! The entry fee is $40. For more information or if you have questions please call or contact Sue Koenig.
 
Adult Mission Trip 2018: We are headed to Gatlinburg, TN to help with the rebuilding efforts from the massive wildfires in Nov. 2016.  The dates of the trip are June 24-10.  We will be staying at the Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church Retreat Center where we will make our own meals, have bunk beds, showers and laundry on site.  The cost of the trip is $225. Final payment and paperwork -  due on May 1.  Checks should be made out to Living Lord Lutheran Church (our partner church in Bartlett) and given to Sue Koenig or Lia Brilando. Scholarship money is available for those in financial need. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Sue or Lia.
 
Adult Mission Trip Fund Raiser:  at Culvers in Lake Zurich April 23 from 10am to 10pm.  Please bring your flier and we will receive 15% from all purchases.


Lou Malnati’s Coupons - The Pizza coupons are in the Church office.  If you would like yours mails to you, please email Sue Koenig at susierose415@gmail.com


Team Building Event for the Adult Mission trip participants:  Please mark your calendars now for the Team Building event that will be at Peace starting at 4:00pm on May 20.  This event will give participants a chance to get to know each other.  There are many new faces joining the mission trip team this year! You will hear more about our trip to Gatlinburg at this time too.  Dinner will be provided but bring your own beer or wine if you would like that to drink.  Please RSVP to susierose415@gmail.com by May 6.


Ice Cream Social and Family Emergency Preparedness Event: Come find out how you and your family can be prepared for all kinds of emergencies and make a special pillowcase to put your emergency supplies in (1 per family).  The event will take place immediately after the 9:00 service on June 3.  Following the education portion of our event, we will be having an ice cream social.  Please sign up in the hallway by the church office.  If you have any questions, please contact Sue Koenig.
 
Safety Committee: We are looking to form a committee to look at ways to make our church building and congregation more safe.  Our first event will be the Family Safety Day/Ice Cream Social on June 3.  One of our first projects will be looking at the  preparation for natural and man made emergencies for our congregation.  If you are interested in being a part of this committee or would like to provide input, please contact Sue Koenig or Ross Papke.


                             
                                                                                                                                                                                                  
This Week at Peace
 April      15        8:00 am                Worship (Holy Communion)
                         9:15 am                 Sunday School / Adult Forum
                       10:30 am                 Worship (Holy Communion)
April      16       7:00 pm                  Al-Anon
April      17       6:45-7:45 pm         Hand Bell Choir
April      18       9:00 am                 Women’s Bible Study - Deer Park Panera
April      19     12:30-6:30 pm         Voice Lessons
                        7:30 - 8:30 pm       Adult Choir
April      21       8:00 am                 Men’s Bible study at Dunkin’ Donuts
                      10:30 am                Joyful Noisemakers
April      22      8:00 am                 Worship (Holy Communion)
                       9:15 am                 Sunday School / Adult Forum
                     10:30 am                 Worship (Holy Communion)     

​Dear Friends in Christ
Alleluia! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia! Join us this Sunday for more Easter celebration. The Church celebrates Easter for seven Sundays. This Sunday we hear about another resurrection appearance by Jesus. He wishes Peace (shalom, wholeness) to his disciples. We are to wish peace and wholeness to the whole universe. Come and hear God’s Word and be fed by Jesus in breads and wine.  Adult Forum:  This Sunday we will continue the video series on the Lord’s Prayer. Discussion will be led by Pastor Mark. Meet in the sanctuary approximately 9:15 a.m.  Reading for this Sunday: Please read 1 John (not the Gospel of John) chapters 1 and 2 plus the sidebar notes for this chapter in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) These chapters speak of Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for sins, and that we should love each other as God first loved us. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.
 
Worship Schedule: Our worship schedule is the service of Holy Communion at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
 
Reading for Next Week:  Please read 1 John (not John the Gospel) chapter plus the sidebar notes for this chapter in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) This chapter is an exhortation (encouragement) to live a righteous life because we are children of God - to love one another and believe in Jesus. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.


Attendance: On April 1, 2018 218 attended service.  On April 4, 2018, 16 attended the service at Lexington.
 
Youth
                                                                                                                                      
Youth Director’s Days Off & Office Hours: Our Youth Director is Tracy Katschke and her days off are Friday and Saturday. She does not check church voice mail or emails on those days. Tracy is engaged at Peace half-time, and her office hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30am-3:30pm. She can be reached on her cell for urgent matters. Her cell phone can be accessed by calling church.


Confirmation: Confirmation classes resume on Wednesday, April 4 at 7pm. We will be meeting at St. Peter UCC (47 Church St. Lake Zurich) for all of our spring sessions.


Events
 
Pot Luck: Pot lucks again now that winter/holiday season has come to a close. The first potluck of the year will be April 21st at 4:30pm. Beer and Wine have been approved for this event. The theme will be pasta of any kind. Make any type of noodle dish you please. Look forward to seeing you there! If any questions, please contact Kelly Ratajczak at kmsalaza@gmail.com.
 
AED/CPR training: will be 4/14 from 8:30-12:30 here at PLC. Please see sign-up sheets in narthex. Email Bridget Heroff with questions: abheroff13@gmail.com
 
An Evening of Guitar Music: Saturday April 28th, Peace is holding "An Evening of Guitar Music" as an Adult Mission Trip fund raiser. More details as the event approaches.
                                                                          
Ongoing Opportunities
 
Simply Giving: Many of our members and friends give by Simply Giving automated debit. This program is very important for our congregation. It keeps income steady during the summer months when giving drops because of people being out of town. Please consider it! If you do participate in Simply Giving, when you worship please grab a Giving Acknowledgment Card from an usher in order to physically fulfill the act of giving during the offertory. There are forms on the table in the narthex.  If you participate in the Simply Giving program or if you do not have an offering on a particular Sunday you can still participate in the act of giving during the service.  Ask an usher for a small laminated Giving Acknowledgment Card before you enter the sanctuary.  You can then place the card in the offering plate to acknowledge your support of our ministries at Peace.


Prayer Requests: We pray for those who need healing and wholeness: for Mike Wilms, Wes Willard, Amy Falco, Justin Morgenthaler; Kathy Zak, Kristen Jorgensen, Robbie Purcell, Jeanelle Holmes, and Tod Kunschke. Our practice is we will pray for an individual for at least 4 Sundays or until the end of the following month. After that time, we ask that you contact the office or Pastor Mark to keep your loved one on the prayer list. If your loved one inadvertently falls off the prayer list, please request to put this person back on the list. Thank you.) We need pray-ers! If you would like to be a participant in the Circle of Prayer, please contact Terry Koncel at peaceprays@mail.com.
 
Inspirational Messages: Pastor Mark would like to reach out to the congregation with a brief message a couple times per week. If you want to receive these, please fill out the form in the red attendance folders. Messages will be sent via a text, Facebook account, and Twitter. Any questions, contact Beth Papke at (847) 438-5294 or papkeb@wwdb.org.
 
Adult Forum: Join us for Adult Forum this week as we continue a meaningful video series on prayer.  Pastor Mark will lead the discussion.
 
Altar Flowers: If you have a special date you would like to remember, please consider bringing flowers for our Sunday services. The calendar is on the bulletin board outside of the office. Vases are available for use in the kitchen cabinet behind the door. Flowers should be set out before the Sunday service and can be picked up any time after the Sunday service. Enter your first name on the calendar, as we have several families with the same last name. Any questions, please call Kari Mrazek at (847) 726-2716.
 
Caring Tree: This outreach ministry provides services to those in the congregation with special need, i.e., dinners for new moms, meals for those following a hospitalization, or short term help with lawn cutting or snow removal. Please contact Jean Foltin or Pastor Mark with requests for assistance. Jean may be reached by email (jfoltin5@comcast.net) or by phone/text (847-738-8599).


Mom/Toddler Group:  Are you a new Mom or have little ones 5 years or younger?  Do you want to connect with other local Mom's?  Then PLEASE join our Mom's group where kids are welcome to play, while Mom's get some adult conversation!  Peace Lutheran Church has graciously offered to open their doors to the community to give Mom's a place to gather.  This is not a religious group, just a community Mom group.   We will meet every Friday at 10 AM.  If you have any question please contact Cathy Malloy


Wednesday Morning Bible Study: This year we will meet at Panera Bread in Deer Park at 9:00am. We will be looking at different devotionals to understand what the Bible tells us about life. Hope you can join us.


Choir: Adult choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at Peace.  We usually sing on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from September through mid-May and take a break over the summer.  Bring your voice and come join us!


Hand Bell Choir: Hand Bell Choir practices on Tuesday evenings 6:45 to 7:45pm at Peace. We play 1 Sunday a month.  No experience needed. Come have some musical fun!
 
Worship and Music: The Worship and Music team is searching for people that are interested in assisting before, during, and after worship time on Sundays.  Please contact Andy Heroff (aheroff@gmail.com) if you would like to help assist in these roles or any others.


Peace now has Opt-Out Photo Release Forms, they are on the main table in the narthex.  If you do NOT want your/family member picture on the Church's website or Facebook page please sign and put in Cathy Malloy's mailbox in church office.             


Online Newsletter: Do you get the Peace Lutheran weekly newsletter Prints of Peace online?  If not, please send your email address to Allison Hearst at PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.commailto:charmel79@gmail.com. You’ll receive a weekly edition from Allison.


Peace Lutheran Church Facebook Page: Be sure to go visit our Facebook page - Peace Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich. It's the one with recent posts. If you have an event or ministry you want promoted, and haven't seen it on our Facebook page, POST IT!! If you have questions or need help please email your request to one of the page administrators:  Jean Bishop, Karen Zicco, Bridget Heroff, Nicola Prybell or Pastor Mark.


Church Calendar: The 2018 church calendar shows events and activities of the church and is posted on our website. You can find it by clicking "Calendar of Events" on the home page, or you can access it by visiting http://peacelutheranlz.com/calendar/ 
If you have an event to be posted on the calendar, please email the church office at  PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.com or the church social email: office@peacelutheranlz.com
 
Social Outreach


Home of the Sparrow Clean Up Day - Volunteers needed to help clean up the yard at a Home of the Sparrow house in Fox River Grove that could use a little TLC.  We will be doing yard work, cleaning gutters, sprucing up flower beds etc.  April 21, 9am - 2pm.  Lunch will be served.  Rain Date, April 28.  Please see the sign-up sheet in the Narthex on the bulletin board.  Home of the Sparrow helps single women get back on their feet after going through tough times.  Michelle Lussman our past Youth Director helps to run these programs at Home of the Sparrow.  Please bring a set of waste yard bags from Home Depot.  See Donna Walstrum with questions.  Thank you.
                                                                                                        
Join the McHenry County Human Race: Get Your Hero On!  Please join my team, Susie's Solemates in supporting the Home of the Sparrow (provides services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence or homelessness) by participating in the Human Race on April 22, 2018.  The 5K (about 3 miles) is a walk or run and starts at 8 am and is a great family friendly event.  It starts at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. In the past 7 years, the Human Race has supported over 70 local organizations serving McHenry County and has raised over $516,000! The entry fee is $40 through March 31st. For more information or if you have questions, please call or contact Sue Koenig.
 
Adult Mission Trip 2018: We are headed to Gatlinburg, TN to help with the rebuilding efforts from the massive wildfires in Nov. 2016.  The dates of the trip are June 24-10.  We will be staying at the Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church Retreat Center where we will make our own meals, have bunk beds, showers and laundry on site.  The cost of the trip is $225. Final payment and paperwork -  due on May 1.  Checks should be made out to Living Lord Lutheran Church (our partner church in Bartlett) and given to Sue Koenig or Lia Brilando. Scholarship money is available for those in financial need. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Sue or Lia.
 
Adult Mission Trip Fund Raiser:  at Culvers in Lake Zurich April 23 from 10am to 10pm.  Please bring your flier and we will receive 15% from all purchases.


Team Building Event for the Adult Mission trip participants:  Please mark your calendars now for the Team Building event that will be at Peace starting at 4:00pm on May 20.  This event will give participants a chance to get to know each other.  There are many new faces joining the mission trip team this year! You will hear more about our trip to Gatlinburg at this time too.  Dinner will be provided but bring your own beer or wine if you would like that to drink.  Please RSVP to susierose415@gmail.com by May 6.


Ice Cream Social and Family Emergency Preparedness Event: Come find out how you and your family can be prepared for all kinds of emergencies and make a special pillowcase to put your emergency supplies in (1 per family).  The event will take place immediately after the 9:00 service on June 3.  Following the education portion of our event, we will be having an ice cream social.  Please sign up in the hallway by the church office.  If you have any questions, please contact Sue Koenig


Safety Committee: We are looking to form a committee to look at ways to make our church building and congregation more safe.  Our first event will be the Family Safety Day/Ice Cream Social on June 3.  One of our first projects will be looking at the preparation for natural and man-made emergencies for our congregation.  If you are interested in being a part of this committee or would like to provide input, please contact Sue Koenig or Ross Papke.


Lou Malnati's Coupons: The coupons are back and will be distributed after the first service on April 8.  If you will not be here, the coupons can also be picked up in the church office after that or if you would like yours mailed to you, please contact Sue Koenig.            


                                                                                                                                                                    
This Week at Peace
 April        8           8:00 am            Worship (Holy Communion)
                             9:15 am            Sunday school / Adult Forum
                            10:30 am           Worship (Holy Communion)
April        9           7:00 pm             Al-Anon
April       10          6:45-7:45 pm     Hand Bell Choir
April       11          9:00 am              Women’s Bible Study - Deer Park Panera
April       12          12:30-6:30 pm    Voice Lessons
                            7:30 - 8:30          Adult Choir
April       14          8:00 am              Men’s Bible study at Dunkin’ Donuts
                            10:30 am           Joyful Noisemakers
April       15          8:00 am             Worship (Holy Communion)
                            9:15 am             Sunday school / Adult Forum
                            10:30 am           Worship (Holy Communion)        

Dear Friends in Christ 
Please join us for the most important time of the church year for Christians:   Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Resurrection of Our Lord: Easter Sunday.  Just as every religion has the most holy time of the year, this is it for Christians.  On Maundy Thursday, this Thursday at Peace at 7:30 p.m., we observe Jesus’ love for his disciples by reenacting Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet. We will have Holy Communion. The choirs of St. Peter’s UCC and Peace will sing together. At the end, we witness the dramatic stripping of the altar, which represents Jesus being deserted by all his followers. We leave the church in silence. Then join us on Good Friday at Peter’s UCC (across from May Whitney School) at 7:30 p.m. for a beautiful musical experience: the choir cantata “Song of the Shadows.” Join us Sunday for the joyous celebration of the Resurrection: 8:00 and 10:30 a.m., with brunch in the fellowship room at approximately 9:00 a.m.  Adult Forum:  No Adult Forum this Sunday.  On April 8 we will continue the video series on the Lord’s Prayer.  Reading for this Sunday: Please read John chapter 1 plus the sidebar notes for this chapter  in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) This chapter narrates the resurrection story according to John. It is the most complete resurrection story of the four Gospels. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.


Reading for Next Week:  Please read 1 John (not John the Gospel) chapters 1 and 2 plus the sidebar notes for this chapter in your Lutheran Study Bible (LSB.) These chapters speak of Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for sins, and that we should love as God first loved us. If you don’t yet have a LSB, see Pastor Mark.

Easter Lilies: We are purchasing 4 large and 16 small Easter Lilies to adorn the Altar on Easter Sunday.  If you would like to purchase one or more of these lilies, please sign up on the sheet located on the narthex table.  The larger flowers are $17 each and the smaller are $14.  Lilies can be taken home after the 10:30am service on Easter Sunday.  Please contact Jean Foltin or Kari Mrazek with any questions.  Thank you

Attendance: On March 25, 2018 104 attended service.  On March 28, 2018, 14 attended the  service at Lexington. 

Youth

Confirmation: Confirmation classes resume on Wednesday, April 4 at 7pm. We will be meeting at St. Peter UCC (47 Church St. Lake Zurich) for all of our spring sessions.

Youth Director’s Days Off & Office Hours: Our Youth Director is Tracy Katschke and her days off are Friday and Saturday. She does not check church voice mail or emails on those days. Tracy is engaged at Peace half-time, and her office hours are Monday - Thursday from 11:30am-3:30pm. She can be reached on her cell for urgent matters. Her cell phone can be accessed by calling church.

Events

Easter Brunch!  Come One, Come All  - There's room for everyone! All members and their extended families, all friends and all visitors are welcome to our festive meal, held between services on Easter Sunday, April 1, 2018. It will begin at approximately 9:00 am.  Please sign up in the narthex and indicate what food items you can bring.  Please have all food items at the church by 8:45am.  We are always especially in need of hot dishes (casseroles, quiches, etc.)  Questions?  Contact Helen Handley 224.542.9735

New Mom/Toddler Group:  Are you a new Mom or have little ones 5 years or younger?  Do you want to connect with other local Mom's?  Then PLEASE join our Mom's group where kids are welcome to play, while Mom's get some adult conversation!  Peace Lutheran Church has graciously offered to open their doors to the community to give Mom's a place to gather.  This is not a religious group, just a community Mom group.   We will meet every Friday at 10 AM starting April 6th!  If you have any question please contact Cathy Malloy

Pot Luck: Pot lucks again now that winter/holiday season has come to a close. The first potluck of the year will be April 21st at 4:30pm. Beer and Wine have been approved for this event. The theme will be pasta of any kind. Make any type of noodle dish you please. Look forward to seeing you there! If any questions, please contact Kelly Ratajczak at kmsalaza@gmail.com.

AED/CPR training: will be 4/14 from 8:30-12:30 here at PLC. Please see sign-up sheets in narthex. Email Bridget Heroff with questions: abheroff13@gmail.com

An Evening of Guitar Music: Saturday April 28th, Peace is holding "An Evening of Guitar Music" as an Adult Mission Trip fund raiser. More details as the event approaches. 
Ongoing Opportunities

Simply Giving: Many of our members and friends give by Simply Giving automated debit. This program is very important for our congregation. It keeps income steady during the summer months when giving drops because of people being out of town. Please consider it! If you do participate in Simply Giving, when you worship please grab a Giving Acknowledgment Card from an usher in order to physically fulfill the act of giving during the offertory. There are forms on the table in the narthex.  If you participate in the Simply Giving program or if you do not have an offering on a particular Sunday you can still participate in the act of giving during the service.  Ask an usher for a small laminated Giving Acknowledgment Card before you enter the sanctuary.  You can then place the card in the offering plate to acknowledge your support of our ministries at Peace.

Adult Forum:  No Adult Forum. Will resume April 8th.

Prayer Requests: We pray for those who need healing and wholeness: for Mike Wilms, Wes Willard, Bruce Hodkinson, Amy Falco, Justin Morgenthaler; Kathy Zak, Kristen Jorgensen, Robbie Purcell, Jeanelle Holmes, and Tod Kunschke . Our practice is we will pray for an individual for at least 4 Sundays or until the end of the following month. After that time, we ask that you contact the office or Pastor Mark to keep your loved one on the prayer list. If your loved one inadvertently falls off the prayer list, please request to put this person back on the list. Thank you.) We need pray-ers! If you would like to be a participant in the Circle of Prayer, please contact Terry Koncel at peaceprays@mail.com.

Inspirational Messages: Pastor Mark would like to reach out to the congregation with a brief message a couple times per week. If you want to receive these, please fill out the form in the red attendance folders. Messages will be sent via a text, Facebook account, and Twitter. Any questions, contact Beth Papke at (847) 438-5294 or papkeb@wwdb.org.

Altar Flowers: If you have a special date you would like to remember, please consider bringing flowers for our Sunday services. The calendar is on the bulletin board outside of the office. Vases are available for use in the kitchen cabinet behind the door. Flowers should be set out before the Sunday service and can be picked up any time after the Sunday service. Enter your first name on the calendar, as we have several families with the same last name. Any questions, please call Kari Mrazek at (847) 726-2716.

Caring Tree: This outreach ministry provides services to those in the congregation with special need, i.e., dinners for new moms, meals for those following a hospitalization, or short term help with lawn cutting or snow removal. Please contact Jean Foltin or Pastor Mark with requests for assistance. Jean may be reached by email (jfoltin5@comcast.net) or by phone/text (847-738-8599).

Wednesday Morning Bible Study: This year we will meet at Panera Bread in Deer Park at 9:00am. We will be looking at different devotionals to understand what the Bible tells us about life. Hope you can join us.

Choir: Adult choir practices on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at Peace  We usually sing on the 2nd and 4th Sundays from September through mid-May and take a break over the summer.  Bring your voice and come join us!

Hand Bell Choir: Hand Bell Choir practices on Tuesday evenings 6:45 to 7:45pm at Peace. We play 1 Sunday a month.  No experience needed. Come have some musical fun!

Worship and Music: The Worship and Music team is searching for people that are interested in assisting before, during, and after worship time on Sundays.  Please contact Andy Heroff (aheroff@gmail.com) if you would like to help assist in these roles or any others.

Peace now has Opt-Out Photo Release Forms: they are on the main table in the narthex.  If you do NOT want your/family member picture on the Church's website or Facebook page please sign and put in Cathy Malloy's mailbox in church office.

Online Newsletter: Do you get the Peace Lutheran weekly newsletter Prints of Peace online?  If not, please send your email address to Allison Hearst at PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.com. You’ll receive a weekly edition from Allison.

Peace Lutheran Church Facebook Page: Be sure to go visit our Facebook page - Peace Lutheran Church of Lake Zurich. It's the one with recent posts. If you have an event or ministry you want promoted, and haven't seen it on our Facebook page, POST IT!! If you have questions or need help please email your request to one of the page administrators:  Jean Bishop, Karen Zicco, Bridget Heroff, Nicola Prybell or Pastor Mark.

Church Calendar: The 2018 church calendar shows events and activities of the church and is posted on our website. You can find it by clicking "Calendar of  Events" on the home page, or you can access it by visiting http://peacelutheranlz.com/calendar/  
If you have an event to be posted on the calendar, please email the church office at  PeaceLZOffice@yahoo.com or the church social email: office@peacelutheranlz.com

Social Outreach

Home of the Sparrow Clean Up Day - Volunteers needed  to help clean up the yard at a Home Of the Sparrow house in Fox River Grove that could use a little TLC.  We will be doing yard work, cleaning gutters, sprucing up flower beds etc.  April 21, 9am - 2pm.  Lunch will be served.  Rain Date, April 28.  Please see the sign up sheet in the Narthex on the bulletin board.  Home of the Sparrow helps single women get back on their feet after going through tough times.  Michelle Lussman our past Youth Director helps to run these programs at Home of the Sparrow.  Please bring a set of waste yard bags from Home Depot.  See Donna Walstrum with questions.  Thank  you.
Lent Boxes - This time of year our food pantries get very empty and are in need of replenishment after the Holidays. Families that are interested may make a Lent Box and place an item of food in per day now  through Easter and bring the full box of food to church on Easter or the week after Easter. There is a sample box in the narthex.  The following items are greatly needed. Paper goods, napkins, paper towels, toilet papers, shampoo, peanut butter, 1lb bag of pinto beans, tuna, jelly, NO grape, black beans, whole wheat pasta, 1 lb bag white rice. Please see Sue Sweeney with questions. Thank you so much for helping the Lake Zurich Community.

Join the McHenry County Human Race: Get Your Hero On!  Please join my team, Susie's Solemates in supporting the Home of the Sparrow (provides services to women and children who have experienced domestic violence or homelessness) by participating in the Human Race on April 22, 2018.  The 5K (about 3 miles) is a walk or run and starts at 8 am and is a great family friendly event.  It starts at McHenry County College in Crystal Lake. In the past 7 years, the Human Race has supported over 70 local organizations serving McHenry County and has raised over $516,000! The entry fee is $40 through March 31st. For more information or if you have questions, please call or contact Sue Koenig.

Adult Mission Trip Fund Raiser:  at Culvers in Lake Zurich April 23 from 10am to 10pm.  Please bring your flier and we will receive 15% from all purchases.

Adult Mission Trip 2018: We are headed to Gatlinburg, TN to help with the rebuilding efforts from the massive wildfires in Nov. 2016.  The dates of the trip are June 24-10.  We will be staying at the Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church Retreat Center where we will make our own meals, have bunk beds, showers and laundry on site.  The cost of the trip is $225. Final payment and paperwork -  due on May 1.  Checks should be made out to Living Lord Lutheran Church (our partner church in Barlett) and given to Sue Koenig or Lia Brilando. Scholarship money is available for those in financial need. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Sue or Lia.

Team Building Event for Adult MissionTrip participants:  Please mark your calendars now for the Team Building event that will be at Peace starting at 4:00pm on May 20.  This event will give participants a chance to get to know each other.  There are many new faces joining the mission trip team this year! You will hear more about our trip to Gatlinbug at this time too.  Dinner will be provided but bring your own beer or wine if you would like that to drink.  Please RSVP to susierose415@gmail.com by May 6.

Ice Cream Social and Family Emergency Preparedness Event: Come find out how you and your family can be prepared for all kinds of emergencies and make a special pillowcase to put your emergency supplies in (1 per family).  The event will take place immediately after the 9:00 service on June 3.  Following the education portion of our event, we will be having an ice cream social.  Please signup in the hallway by the church office.  If you have any questions, please contact Sue Koenig

This Week at Peace

April   1 8:00 am         Easter Worship (Holy Communion)
9:15 - 10:15 am Easter Brunch
        10:30 am         Easter Worship (Holy Communion)
April    2 7:00 pm         Al-Anon
April  3    6:45-7:45 pm Hand Bell Choir
April   4 9:00 am         Women’s Bible Study - Deer Park Panera 
April  5 12:30-6:30 pm  Voice Lessons
April  7 8:00 am         Men’s Bible study at Dunkin’ Donuts
10:30 am         Joyful Noisemakers
April    8  8:00 am         Worship (Holy Communion)
 9:15 am         Sunday School / Adult Forum
10:30 am         Worship (Holy Communion) ​