Prints of Peace - April 2

​This Week
Scroll down for –
Mid-week Inspiration
Palm Sunday (April 5)
Connections Now – Reaching out to every PLC household
Maundy Thursday (April 8)
Good Friday (April 9)
Easter Sunday (April 12)
How to give your offering now
The Labyrinth is open
Care & Concern
Faith Formation Now
Health & Safety at Peace
Youth
Social Outreach 
Mid-week Inspiration
Jesus walks this Lenten journey with us. It has already taken us into dark valleys and has provided joyous moments!  You, me and all of us together are walking this path now.  Begin here for 10 minutes mid-week inspiration that is sure to give you support on your journey wherever you are.  Begin with Mary’s song and let it uplift you as we affirm God’s ongoing life-saving work today. Click on this link to listen and watch and view Matt Handley’s faith journey.  
Next week is Holy Week at Peace:  Join in meaningful virtual worship together with Peace congregation in Holy Week and Easter!  All worship services will be online here, or open your email on these days:  April 5 – Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion.  April 9 – Maundy Thursday with observance of Holy Communion in your home.  April 10 – Good Friday readings and music.  April 12 – Easter Sunday 
Palm Sunday (April 5)
This Sunday, April 5, has 2 names: Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday.  The two names reflect the broad scope of the holy week narrative, the last week of Jesus’ life.  We are transported with joyful exuberance from Jesus’ welcoming parade into the capital city of Jerusalem to his suffering and death on the cross for the redemption of the world.
What you can do to prepare for Palm Sunday:  In your home you can read of the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11, and a section of the passion (suffering) of Christ in Matthew 27:1-54.  And as an option, come by the Peace Lutheran front doors on Saturday (9am-4pm) to pick up a palm branch(es) for your household. Here are instructions for going one step further - making a palm cross. 
How to pick up a palm branch(s):  We are all requested to “stay home,” the way to prevent the menacing spread of the coronavirus.  At the same time as you leave your home on any essential errand, you may come by the church on Saturday to pick up a palm(s).  Please use all appropriate hygiene and social distance.  The palms will be laid on the concrete at the front doors, with all precautions taken in their preparation. 
CONNECTIONS NOW – Reaching out to every PLC household
How are you doing – you, your family or household?  Expect a phone call soon – that’s right, a personal phone call.  A CONNECTIONS TEAM of 10 volunteers plus church staff are calling all Peace households to “check in” with you and to stay connected.  In these days of social isolation, and without physical worship to sustain us, we find that personal contact is still and even more important, yes, essential. Our connections team will look to CONNECT with you, not physically, not intrusively but gently by phone, text or email, just to stay in touch. When the contact is made, let the Peace caller know how you are doing, and how you are getting support. Let us know if you have any need, or have any help to give.  These are difficult days, and we want to be here for each other, now, through these times and to the other side.  Let us know how you are doing!  We Are Peace…. connected! 
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday (April 9) commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, and his mandatum (=commandment) to love one another. You are invited on this Thursday evening in your home at dinner time to observe the holy communion with Peace. Instituted by Christ at an evening Passover meal with his disciples, by eating and drinking together we share in the body of Christ.  Whenever we eat and drink in communion we proclaim the Lord’s saving death and resurrection on our behalf and for the world.   Online worship will include an observance of Holy Communion guided by Pastor Dale to view and share in. Christ is truly present with us in every moment (in our hearts), in the Word we hear (through our ears), in the fellowship of fellow Christians (physically or virtually), and in the Meal (bread and cup). Christ is truly present with us, in us, and among us.  Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”  We will remember together and welcome Christ in our homes on Thursday evening.  Watch your email inbox with the communion bread recipe to make ahead. 
Good Friday (April 10) will be a service of songs and readings to focus our hearts and minds in devotion to our Savior – who gave his life that we might live. Access to virtual Good Friday worship will be emailed Friday morning.
Easter Sunday
Christ is Risen: He is risen indeed!  Join in a joyous Easter Sunday celebration of the Gospel – Jesus risen from the dead – in word and song!  This is an all-call for music recorded in your home by anyone young or old with an Easter message or theme.  Or send a picture of new life – pictures of your smile, signs of spring, new growth, flowers, joy or surprise from your house! Let you imagination go as you share in song or pictures the joy of life and living on this Easter Sunday!  Send your music video or pictures to peacefiles@peacelutheranlz.com or email the same to ask for help.  Access to Easter Sunday virtual worship will be emailed Sunday morning.  Christ is Risen: He is risen indeed! 
How to give your offering now
The work of our church goes on as we learn how to operate in a “new normal” for now.  You can only imagine that without gathering on Sunday there is no offering plate that is passed – the source of 75% of our weekly revenue to keep up with our financial obligations.  If your practice was to give your offering at worship, please continue your generous financial support by choosing one of these options now: 
n  mailing your offering each week to the church office;  or
n  use your bank website “send-payment” feature; or
n  go to PLC website www.peacelutheranlz.com and click on “make a donation;” or
n  download and use the app we recommend:  https://www.vancopayments.com/egiving/church-app
Your continuing generous support is essential for the vital ministry of Peace Lutheran to continue fully through this crisis time. 
The Labyrinth is open!
Peace Lutheran building and grounds are a sacred space created for prayer, meditation, worship and service.  While the church building where we gather is closed, the Labyrinth is open for your personal time of reflection and prayer.  Come outside by yourself, breath in the fresh air, and walk the labyrinth. And keep your distance from others – the Labyrinth was made for this! Note: the labyrinth along with Lake Zurich parks are open, but not the playground. 
Care & Concern
We pray for one another: We pray for those who need healing and wholeness.  This week we pray for Mike Wilms and Lin Hodkinson.  We welcome prayer requests.  Let us remember to life up our needs, concerns, and joys – and those of others – in our prayer!  Make your prayer request by emailing to Pastor Dale pastor@peacelutheranlz.com or the church office office@peacelutheranlz.com . 
We care for one another: If you have any special need or know someone who does reach out to the Caring Tree by contacting Jean Foltin or Pastor Dale. 
Faith Formation Now 
Families with children at home:  You can access 10 Spiritual Activities for Families with Children that change each week with the Scripture and worship theme. 
Pastor Dale’s Daily Psalms.  I began this season of Lent deciding I would not “give up” anything for Lent.  Boy was I wrong!  Little did we know we would be asked to give up so much – our mobility, our social and physical contact, our daily routines, and even sources of livelihood. I had planned to “take up” something for Lent instead.  So, I started reading through the Psalms – hymns and prayers that have sustained God’s people in all times and seasons.  Journey with Pastor Dale each day on Facebook for a 1-2 minute  daily devotion.  Would you like a daily text or email instead? Just RSVP to this email. 
If you missed last Sunday’s worship or midweek inspiration go to www.peaceluthernlz.com to access the resources to view and join in. 
This Sunday @ 9:15am: “A New Family: Opening the Doors of the Church.” What is most exciting about this Sunday session is that IT IS HAPPENING in a virtual room where we check in with each other, see each other, and update one another.  Yes, we will get to the topic for this week, “Gatekeeping,” but the real joy in gathering on ZOOM at 9:15am Sunday is the conversation!! 
Devotional booklets normally on the narthex table are still available to you.  For a delivery to your door of Portals of Prayer or Christ in our Home are available contact Bob Foltin. 
Have a comment or question for the Pastoral Call Committee? You can reach them by email at callcommittee@peacelutheranlz.com 
Ongoing Health and Safety at Peace: 
The daily and weekly routines have changed and continue to evolve during this time at Peace.  Our staff are working from home for you – and can be accessed at any time: Allison Hearst: office@peacelutheranlz.com ; Pastor Dale Ziemer: pastor@peacelutheranlz.com ; Tracy Katschke: Tracy@peacelutheranlz.com  To discourage public gatherings at this time, our church building is closed. For the safety and security of all, if you find you need to access the building, please inform in advance either Allison, Pastor Dale, or Jason.
 
 Youth
 
Virtual Confirmation & Youth Group: Starting Wednesday, March 25th, Tracy will be setting up weekly Zoom meetings so our teens can connect, talk and spend some time together while we are sheltered in place. The Virtual Youth Group will be held on Wednesdays from 4-5pm and the Virtual Confirmation will be held on Wednesdays from 7-8pm. Tracy will email and text the Zoom link and meeting code to each family on Tuesdays so everyone can participate!
 
Teen Devotions: Tracy will also be doing weekly devotions via a 5-minute video for our teens. These devotions will be emailed to families as well as posted on the Peace Lutheran Facebook page.
 
July Mission Trip to Knoxville, TN: As of right now, the July HS mission trip to Knoxville, Tennessee is still ON. Tracy has been in contact with Next Step Ministries, the organization that we are working with for the trip, daily - and sometimes hourly - regarding their procedures with COVID-19. If anything changes or the trip is deemed too risky to take, Tracy will be in contact with all mission trip families immediately. All upcoming mission trip fundraisers - i.e. the Flapjack Frenzy pancake breakfast - are currently on hold. 
 
Social Outreach
How will we serve our neighbor now?
Please check with team lead to confirm activities
 
With the crisis all around us, this is not the time to put our social outreach on the back burner.  Let us all look to create new ways to maintain connection in this time of isolation. Keep this at the very forefront of your mind.  Think of your neighbors, those you know by name, those you normally meet daily or weekly.  Think of every person you meet up with on Sunday, every hand you shake, and now turn it into a check-in by phone, text or email instead.  Every manner of touch that we should now avoid can become instead a verbal expression of warmth and concern. Reach out, let them know they are not alone.  Please keep social outreach on your mind. 
 
 
How you can donate
Suburban residents, businesses, school districts and other agencies have been spearheading efforts to show their appreciation for health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Here are some ways you can help:

• Give InKind pages have been created for Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville; Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge; NorthShore Evanston Hospital; NorthShore Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview; NorthShore Highland Park Hospital; and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. Sign up for an available time slot to provide lunch, dinner or snacks to employees. Delivery instructions are available on each Give InKind page. A Facebook group has been created to coordinate the efforts: www.facebook.com/groups/217259053018656/.

• Sign up to deliver individually packaged meals to the emergency room at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva. Participants must coordinate drop-off times with staff members. More information about the Meal Train can be found at www.mealtrain.com/trains/2y0me8.

• Contribute to the "Naperville Helps!" initiative, which supports local restaurants while also providing food to health care workers, police officers and firefighters. To donate, visit the GoFundMe page at www.gofundme.com/f/naperville-helps.

• Buy a meal from BBQ'd Productions for medical professionals and first responders. For more information, visit www.wegrillitall.com/store/category/corona-virus-relief/.

• Order a pizza from Masi's Pizza in Carpentersville to be delivered to employees of Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin. To participate, call the restaurant at (847) 426-3700 and specify that the order is part of the hospital donation efforts. West Dundee resident Dave Pahlke will deliver the pizzas Friday.

• Donate masks, gloves, goggles and other personal protective equipment to local police stations, fire departments and hospitals. Officials recommend calling ahead to see when, where and how donations are being accepted. At Elmhurst Hospital and Edward Hospital in Naperville, for example, donations are being accepted at their loading docks from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Questions can be directed to donations@eehealth.org.
 
Lou Malnatis coupons are still available.  You can pay for them later.  Call, text or email Sue Koenig for more information
 
Secret Sister Luncheon/Reveal:  TBD. 
 
Adult Mission Trip: For now, we are hoping that the mission trip will still happen. We will be going to Wisconsin June 21-27 to help rebuild homes effected by severe flooding in 2018.  A $25 non-refundable deposit is now due to reserve your spot.  We have 35 spots reserved. Make your check out to Living Lord Lutheran Church with adult mission trip in the memo section.  You can send it to Lynn Marinelli at Living Lord or just put the check in an envelope and place it in the adult mission trip mail slot in the office at Peace. If you are able to help sell Lou Malnati's pizza coupons for our upcoming fund raiser, please let Sue Koenig know when you are available or sign up for a time on the sign-up sheet in the before mentioned mail slot.  We will be selling the coupons before and after each service starting on March 15 and ending April 5. Other dates to keep in mind are:  Culver's Fund Raiser in Lake Zurich on April 20 and team building has been canceled.  Final payment of $100 and your skill assessments are due at that time. Please call Sue Koenig if you have any questions.


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