Newsletter for May-June 2026
NEWS FROM COUNCIL
We had a lot of items on our agenda for the council meeting this past Tuesday.
We are still having some issues with the sound system so Pastor Matt will be asking everyone to turn their cellphones off completely during the service to see if this is the problem. The company who we are dealing with suggested it could be cellphone interference.
The Spring Clean-Up happening next Saturday, May 23rd, will begin at 10:00. Oystein is planning on seeding the area on the west side where the shed was. The flower beds will need some cleaning up, also. Dorothy is hoping to get some areas inside the church cleaned and tidied up with a bit of reorganization. If you are able to come help out, there’s a rumour going around that lunch may be provided!
A motion to order new hymnals was passed. We only have around 40 All Creation Sings hymnals, so we will be purchasing an additional 40 for the pews.
The spring picnic has been cancelled for this year as the anniversary plans are using a lot of resources and time. We plan to have it next spring.
90th ANNIVERSARY
Plans are underway for the 90th anniversary of Peace Lutheran Church.
We will be celebrating this milestone September 13th.
We are looking for a photographer in the congregation who has a digital camera so we can download pictures after the celebration.
Feel free to reach out to Dorothy Gummer at 780-986-6012 with any questions or ideas. Anyone is welcome to join in on the fun; there’s no big commitment
GETTING TO KNOW YOU
Dorothy and Reta are still busy doing interviews. You can speak to either of these ladies to set up a time if you are interested in having a bit of your church history added to the booklet.
A booklet will be available for the 90th anniversary in September. Stay tuned for more information.
THANK YOU
Thank you to the Witness Committee for hosting the annual Spring Tea. This year we had strawberry shortcake, tea and we did a craft. We had quite a few kids join us this year which was a nice surprise.
The Witness Committee raised over $800 that will be put towards special projects in the future.
A big thank you to the Strategic Planning Committee for putting on a delicious snack and serving cake for Volunteer Appreciation Sunday on May 3rd. It’s always a nice way to show our appreciation for all who help in and around the church.
LETTER FROM THE BISHOP
May 2026
Dear friends,
“See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Is this a blueprint for building something bigger? No, they are a promise about what already is!
Our worth is so often measured by size, speed, and shine, making it easy to wonder if what we are doing matters. Some of us gather in full pews, voices strong and echoing. Others meet in seasons of renewal, others in seasons that feel more like winter soil, waiting.
Yet the cornerstone is not laid in numbers or visibility. It is laid in Christ. And this changes everything.
The strength of a building does not depend on how many stones it has, but on whether those stones are anchored to what is true and enduring. We are part of God’s living structure. Prayers whispered over hospital beds, shared meals in fellowship halls, quiet acts of mercy, stubborn hope in uncertain times, all of it is gathered into something holy. We are chosen and precious, because the One who calls us is faithful.
So continue!
Continue in the ministry that has been entrusted to you, whether it feels small or expansive. Continue to tell the story of Jesus, even when the world seems to prefer other narratives. Continue to serve your neighbour, even when the needs feel overwhelming. Continue to gather, sing, pray, bless, and break bread. Such things are the cornerstones of faith and community.
Why not join the upcoming workshops “Brave Changes, Shared Hope?” Rev Dr Bill Harrison will work with us on leadership for these times. May 9 (Grace Lutheran Church, Wetaskiwin) and June 6 (location TBA) Register here: https://form.jotform.com/260976366160261
Remember, this promise remains: whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. Not our congregations. Not our ministries. Not our faithful, everyday witness. Take heart. What we are doing matters for us and the world.
Grace and peace be with us all as we continue to live into the calling given, right where we are.
In Christ,
Bishop Trish Schmermund
Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC