Tuesday News: March 8, 2022

Lots of goodies, nuggets of information, and opportunities here today! Please take a moment to scroll through today’s announcements.

Pastor Gary on vacation through March 16

Pastor Linda Koelman will preach for him again this coming Sunday, and Pam Jacobson from the steering committee will also provide leadership. If you have need of pastoral care during that time, you may contact either Linda Koelman (612-598-7743) or Rev. Holly Aastuen (651-757-7849).

Feedback on the Peace Church Profile

The Profile Team will host another listening post this Sunday, March 13, immediately after worship, for the purpose of gathering feedback on the church profile they have put together. Our District Superintendent is sharing this profile with interested clergy. Read the Peace Church Profile here.

Fall Women’s Retreat

Women of Peace are invited to join the Commission on the Status and Role of Women (COSROW) at their annual women’s retreat. If you are interested, please register by this Sunday, March 13 AND pay online with a $125 deposit to hold your spot. Scholarships are available for first-time attendees. Contact Pam Jacobson (pjjacobson22@gmail.com) with questions.

Dates: October 28-30, 2022
Place: ARC Retreat Center, Cambridge, MN
Cost: $250
Theme: Louise Erdrich: A Native American Woman’s Perspective on Life and Liberty

Today is International Women’s Day

Consider boosting your reading for Women’s History Month with books from Wood Lake Publishing. Find titles like these:
Annie Ruth’s Truths – Rarely do we see in print the wisdom and wit of Christian African-American female elders. These expressions are a creative response to the soul challenges of rural country life lived in the American Deep South.
Activist Alphabet – “How does it happen that a rather shy and not-terribly-brave individual finds herself getting arrested on Parliament Hill? Why does a woman who prefers to commune with pole beans all summer end up laboriously writing speeches to present at City Hall? There is no need for this. I am 74 years old, elderly. It would be more suitable for me to spend my remaining days quietly reading novels than singing protest songs. What happened?”

Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign

Ralph Reeder Food Shelf invites you to participate by joining your co-workers, friends and neighbors in collecting donations. Your efforts will provide food and other programming and services for nearly 3000 children, adults and seniors that receive services from the Ralph Reeder Food Shelf each month.

How can you help? Drop off food and hygiene products at the Food Shelf, 2544 Mounds View Blvd,
Mounds View, MN, 55112, by April 11. Drop-off times are Monday-Friday, 9 am to noon or by appointment (651-621-6282). Or donate funds online.

Wanted: Monitor 50” or larger

This will be placed in the back of the sanctuary so worship leaders can see what’s displayed on the front monitors without turning their backs to the congregation. If you have one to donate, please talk to trustee Tom Jacobson (651-328-4793).

Good Neighbor Meals

The next Good Neighbor Meal will be served this Saturday, March 12. Indoor dining will resume in April, and so volunteers may sign up for one or both time slots (prep from 9-11 am, and/or serve and clean up from 11 am-1:30 pm). To help on Saturday, or if you have already signed up for a meal in April or beyond, please check Sign-up Genius to make sure you are still signed up, and for the right time(s).

March 12 Reconciling Event

You are invited to join with other MN Reconciling United Methodists on Saturday, March 12 at 12:45 pm. Our denomination is in limbo; there is racial unrest; we don’t know what’s happening with the pandemic. How do we survive this time of uncertainty? Come hear Rev. Leah Rosso, First UMC of the St. Cloud Region, speak on “How to take care of ourselves in times of turmoil” as well as hear Reconciling updates. The closest location is Faith UMC in St. Anthony (2708 33rd Avenue North East, Saint Anthony, MN, 55418). See other gathering locations at www.mnrcumc.org or view the live-stream at www.fumcscr.org.

Daylight Saving Time!

Yes, it’s that time again. On Saturday night, March 12, remember to “spring ahead” and set your clocks ahead one hour! Guaranteed to improve your chances of getting to worship on time the next morning.

Bobby Jo Valentine: Did You Know?

Bobby Jo Valentine has a new album out? It’s called Temporary Weather. He says, “I have been working on this album for two years. Piecing together the lyrics from life’s mysteries and epiphanies. Dreaming up the tunes. Performing the songs in naked, unpolished, earnest form. Then, finally, recording 12 very best of the best, with the best folks that Nashville had to offer. I’m proud of all my recording babies, and you’re not supposed to have a favorite…but this has to be it.” Buy it, or any of his earlier albums, here.

We’re almost at full sponsorship of the March 26 concert! Won’t you take a few minutes now to support Bobby Jo’s concert at Peace, the LGBTQ community, and Gary’s leadership at Peace Church? (Any extra funds collected will be combined with the donations received at the concert for OutFront Minnesota.) We’re also still seeking overnight accommodations for Bobby Jo and his partner. Complete concert details (including a link for sponsorship donations) are posted on a special website page at https://peaceumc.com/staging/8882/bobby-jo-valentine-concert/.

Bobby Jo will also bring his music to us during worship on Sunday morning, March 27!

Humanitarian Aid to Ukraine

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) (the humanitarian relief arm of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church) is in communication with partners in the region and actively exploring the coordination of humanitarian response in Ukraine. Support UMCOR’s international disaster response efforts by making a gift to Advance #982450.

Day on the Hill

Mark your calendar for Day on the Hill, sponsored by the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC). Join in virtually on the evening of Tuesday, March 15, from 6:30-8:45 pm. Keynote speaker is Maharat Rori Pick Neiss, a faith leader in the Jewish Orthodox tradition and Executive Director of the St. Louis Jewish Community Relations Council.