December/January Newsletter
NEWS FROM COUNCIL
During the council meeting on Tuesday, we had great discussions for future projects. Council has approved funds to go towards the installation of a camera and monitoring system to record the services including funeral and wedding services as well as Sunday services. A budget of $1,500 is set aside for this. We have had many requests for live-streaming for funerals in the past, so this will solve that. Also, this will free-up time for Pastor Matt by relieving him from recording an on-line service.
The hearing assist aids and mics have arrived, but we are still waiting for the monitor. When the monitor arrives, we will have it installed and ready for those who require them.
Council has agreed to purchase a new Christmas Tree for 2026. Our old tree has seen better days. A motion was passed to purchase a new 12’ tree and carrying bag up to a maximum of $1,400 paid from the Memorial Account. We are hoping to incorporate a family-friendly decorating party next year.
Wishing you joy and happiness during this festive season.
- Church Council
DID YOU KNOW:
The 90th anniversary of Peace Lutheran Church is on May 17, 2026. We will be celebrating this milestone in September during Rally Sunday.
We have had a couple suggestions and welcome any further ideas. Please direct them to me or Dorothy Gummer.
All long-time members are welcome to submit stories and memories if you’d like.
We welcome anyone who would like to join the committee.
- Dreanne
Operation Christmas Child 2025
Thanks to all of you who took the time to pack a shoebox in support of Operation Christmas Child this year. We were grateful to be able to drop of 23 boxes this season. God’s blessings to the recipients of these special boxes.
Blessings from Peace’s Witness Committee.
- Linda Rivard
DORCAS CIRCLE BAKE SALE
The weather wasn’t very cooperative for the bake sale, but we still made over $1,200! The money will be put towards “Special Projects”.
Thank you to all the ladies and gentlemen who helped with setting up tables, selling goodies and serving tea and goodies. Without your help this event could not run.
Thank you to all who purchased goodies!
POINSETTIAS IN MEMORY OF:
Adolph Zutz, Dennis and Alma Roth and Karen Schultz from Martha Zutz and family.
Peggy Larson from Jim Larson and family.
Ewald Abend, Hilda Degen, Erich and Herta Vloenig, Ludwig and Steffen Treibel from Regina Abend and family.
Edwin Mittelstadt and Laurie Leney-Mittelstadt from Gille Mittelstadt and family
Judy Sandercock and Jim Christenson from Dorothy and Gary Sandercock.
Herbert and Tina Matter and Peter and Nancy Garbauski from the Matter and Brezden families.
Sharla Wiesener, Hilda and Bill Wiesener and Irene and Ben Sutherland from the Wiesener, Sjogren and Covey families.
Gordon Jacobson, Alfred, Edna, Larry and Irene Kruger from Denise and Ron Kruger.
Letter from the Bishop December 2025
Dear siblings in Christ,
You know Advent is a season of waiting — but it’s not a passive or idle kind of waiting! We are preparing for something world-changing! As candles are lit and prayers rise, we remember that Christ’s coming is not only a story from long ago but a promise that continues to unfold right here and now — in our communities, our homes, and our hearts.
In these Advent days, I find myself thinking about all those for whom waiting is not a choice but a reality — those who wait for justice, for safety, for shelter, for dignity, for healing. The poor, the oppressed, the displaced, and the forgotten are close to God’s heart. The winter’s dark is challenging at times for mental health. The cold bites those without shelter. Weather can isolate us and intensify loneliness. Jesus’ birth among the poor was not an accident of history, but the deliberate sign of a God who demonstrated how important it is to be present in our care for one another.
Here in our Synod, we know something about the challenges of waiting through the long nights of cold winter. Right here in our Synod many congregations are anxiously waiting for a minister! We also know the deep warmth that comes when people care for one another — when neighbours share, when communities open their doors, when churches reach out in support and the walls that divide us crumble. This is Advent hope in action.
Advent reminds us of the essential nature of our active response. Every turning year, we are reminded that following Jesus means not only believing but living as he calls us: to lift the lowly, to speak for the voiceless, to serve with compassion, and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We prepare the way of the God each time we act with justice, mercy, and generosity.
This Advent, I invite you to take hope and turn it into movement. Let your prayers become courage. Let your worship become witness. Let your faith become the kind of love that makes a difference — for all people in need and for all creation.
No more waiting idly by, rise up, Advent calls!
With Advent hope and peace,
Bishop Trish Schmermund
Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC