Newsletter for February and March 2026
NEWS FROM COUNCIL
The annual general meeting was held February 1st after the service. It was attended by 34 people. The budget for 2026 was presented and accepted. Pastor Matt spoke of the security grant we have applied for. We haven’t heard back, but are hoping it will be accepted and we will be able to begin installing more security measures for the property including key card entries and new lighting. Kevin Christenson informed the group the livestreaming is very close to completion. There are a couple things he is still working on to make it run smoothly.
Two positions were available after Deloris Rahier and Megan Tym finished their terms and one position was still open from last year. Dorothy Gummer nominated Jim Evenson and he accepted. Gary Sandercock and Pat Owens volunteered to fill the other two spots. Thank you for joining council. We are excited to see where the upcoming year leads us.
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
We are starting to feature a few congregants in the monthly newsletter to give us an opportunity to get to know each other a little better and be able to connect names with faces. Initially, we will begin with council members.
Reta Penrod and Dorothy Gummer will reach out to congregants to participate in this endeavour to share a little bit about themselves to hopefully help us to get to know each other a little more. Your participation would be greatly appreciated.
- Dorothy Gummer
MOVIE
The Thursday Ladies Bible Study will be screening the film “Jesus” on Thursday, February 26th. Please be here by 9:15 as the show will begin at 9:30. Popcorn will be provided but you can bring extra snacks if you’d like. All are welcome!
“The story of Jesus of Nazareth, the son of God, raised by a Jewish carpenter. Based on the gospel of Luke in the New Testament, here is the life of Jesus from the miraculous virgin birth to the calling of his disciples, public miracles and ministry; ending with his death by crucifixion at the hands of the Roman empire and resurrection on the third day.”
LETTER FROM THE BISHOP
Dear friends in Christ.
Why do we exist?
That’s a question I asked as we turned the corner to 2026. It’s a
missional question, an identity question, a purpose question! Because of our theological approach, Lutherans have a unique perspective of the Gospel, and thereby an important contribution to make to peoples’ lives and to society. “Justification by grace” isn’t a cute slogan from our historical roots, but is a thread that has run through the history of God’s people right up to this moment. In a world that measures worth by productivity, popularity, wealth, military might, gender or skin colour, Lutherans proclaim that our value is not earned but is a gift.
What this does for us is to open our hearts to the lives of others and to all creation. We learn compassion, forgiveness, justice. We learn to collaborate. We work for the common good and not just our own. We care for the earth. We respect our heritage and are active stewards for the future. We know the world isn’t easily fixed nor do we imagine that faith shields us from pain. Still, we stand together to proclaim the hope and love of Christ.
This is especially important today. Our lives feel unstable with world events. There is fear and foreboding all around. But remember, as God’s children we are secure in a love that knows no end. We always have a place of belonging. We are never alone. Each Sunday in our congregations we remind one another of God’s love and faithfulness, and we encourage one another to lead tenacious and committed lives shaped by that love.
Today is a day to lean into our baptismal promises. Do you remember those?
To live among God’s faithful people, hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper, proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of Jesus, and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.
That’s a recipe for a changed world and a clear answer to the question I first posed above.
May God bless you in living out or anticipating your baptism.
May you know Jesus is beside you in the journey of life.
May the Holy Spirit energize and encourage you to courageously stand firm in love.
Bishop Trish Schmermund
Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Pat Owens is one of our newest council members here at Peace. Pat’s past experience as a condo board member will be a welcome addition.
Pat attended Leduc High School and married Gary, her high school sweetheart at the Leduc Anglican Church. They lived up north for 40 years. Due to the shortage of ministerial supply Pat served as the lead layperson in the Beaverlodge Anglican Church along with Lutheran laypeople.
Pat and Gary moved back to Leduc 12 years ago and currently live at the Salem Mews. In her spare time Pat enjoys aquasize.
Darlene Knie is a third-generation member of the Knie family who have served and supported Peace over many years. Darlene has been a committed volunteer for the Altar Guild as well as assisting the Church office for 13 years.
Darlene is a twin along with another set of twins which were only 364 days apart. For one day a year 4 children were the same age. With 2 older sisters and 4 twins their mother, Elsie was extremely busy but always managed to bring all 6 children in their Sunday best to Church.
Darlene lives on an acreage 8 km west of Thorsby. She was employed as a food warehouse supervisor for 14 years. In her leisure time she enjoys hiking, swimming and skiing and has enjoyed 2 vacations to Germany
Sharon Copithorne (Hartfelder) is currently serving her third term as council member at Peace. Her council experience and 30-year employment as CEO of a major association give Sharon a variety of abilities and expertise while serving at Peace.
Sharon was raised in Leduc and has been a member for approximately 60 years. In past years she has shared her musical talents playing the piano and organ for Sunday services. Sharon's parents, Norman and Erna, were a major influence in her life, teaching her the value of hard work and volunteer contribution.
Sharon enjoys spending time with family in Leduc and at the family cottage. Golf has always been a passion, however in recent years a little thing called AGE has interfered with the “swing”.