Weekly Announcements

Worship

ADORN THE WORSHIP SPACES WITH POINSETTIAS

If you'd like to purchase a poinsettia (to take home with you anytime after Christmas Day), order forms are in the Welcome Center and the back of the MAC.  $9 per plant, between now and Sunday, December 21.  For more information:  Robin Kuhlmann, at rjkuhlmann@yahoo.com

COMMUNION IN DECEMBER

Due to the “special” services this month, the schedule for the Lord’s Supper is as follows:  December 7, 8am; December 14, neither; December 21, 10:30am; December 24, 7pm; December 25, 10am; December 28, 10:30am.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEAD THE 10:30AM FIRST IMPRESSIONS TEAM?

Mark and Jenny Hollibaugh are looking forward to leading the Missions Ministry starting January 1st, but to do that, need to step away from leading the 10:30am First Impressions Team.  Would you be interested in serving the Lord and His people of Peace in this way?  It's a very important (and fun!) way to serve.  For more information:  pastor@peacewaverly.org

STREAM "PEACE WAVERLY" YOUTUBE, OR THIS TV OPTION

If you cannot make it to Peace or another LCMS congregation in-person on a Sunday, go to "Peace Waverly" on YouTube and stream the service, "live" or recorded.  Or, here's another option:  “Main Street Living” is a liturgical worship service broadcasting a different local pastor each Sunday morning. It airs along with the classic Lutheran Hour program, “This is the Life”. Both can be viewed on KLKN Channel 8 (Lincoln) & WOWT Channel 6.2 (Omaha). Visit www.mainstreetliving.com/lincoln to view current and past episodes. Sermon segments are interpreted and closed captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing.  Dec 14, 2025, 10:00am - “Christmas Is” The shepherd in a Christmas play learns the importance of Christmas. 10:30 AM - Rev. Neil Wehmas, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ida Grove, IA, presents a message titled ”Is he the one?”. This sermon is based on Matthew 11:2-15.  Dec 21, 2025, 10:00am - “Christmas on Main Street” The Christmas message at a mission brings a grandson and his grandfather together. 10:30 AM - Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, presents a Christmas message.  Dec 28, 2025, 10:00am - “Puzzle Club Christmas” The Puzzle Club must solve a missing person mystery before Christmas. 10:30 AM - Rev. Jeffery Warner,pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Laurel, NE, presents a message titled ”The Nunc Dimittis”. This sermon is based on Luke 2:22-32.

HAVING A HARD TIME GETTING TO PEACE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS?

Consider nearby LCMS congregations’ alternate worship days/times!  Faith Lutheran (84th & Adams) Sundays 5:30pm; Redeemer Lutheran (510 S. 33rd St) Saturdays 6:00pm; Immanuel Lutheran (Eagle) Tuesdays 9:00am

WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE DAILY e-DEVOTIONS FOR PERSONAL WORSHIP TIME?

If you would like to receive a daily devotion in your email from Lutheran Hour Ministries, please let us know at office@peacewaverly.org.  Or, if you prefer to sign up with LHM yourself, you can do that at lhm.org/newsroom.  God bless your daily time of worship!

December 14th, 2025

Education

THANK YOU!

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Sunday School Children's Christmas Worship Program possible. Special thank-you’s to my Sunday School teachers, Carlene, Kathy and Christiana, for all the work they do to help the children learn their parts and for the roles they play in the program. Thank you to Tom and Julie for helping with the music-side of the program. Thank you also to the media team for ensuring all of our technology ran smoothly. Thank you to the youth volunteers who helped ensure practices ran smoothly and the children had the best experience possible. Thank you, parents, for allowing your children to be a part of this program. Christmas is a busy time of year, and I greatly appreciate your support and commitment to our children learning the story of Jesus' birth. And finally, thank you to all of the children who made this program special. Each one of you brought your own unique gifts and talents to this program and you all worked incredibly hard to make this program wonderful!  Thank you all and have a Merry Christmas!  Hannah McLaughlin, DCE

CHRISTMAS CAROLERS CAN COME TO YOUR HOUSE!

On Wednesday December 17th, our Midweek Youth will be Christmas Caroling in Waverly from 6:30-8:00pm. If you or a loved one lives in Waverly and you would like our youth to come Christmas Carol at your/their house, please let DCE Hannah know the address by Monday December 15th.

CROSSWAYS: DISCOVER THE BIBLE’S 66 BOOKS!

Do you remember when you got your first box of brand new crayons?  Were there 8 colors?  Or maybe 16?  Those new crayons were wonderful! But, then you found out there was a 64 crayon box.  You could hardly imagine that many colors!  Then, somehow, those original 8 were not so impressive anymore…  Are you still living with an "8 crayon box" picture of God?  Is the thought of reading THE WHOLE BIBLE intimidating?  What if you were told it's like that box of 64 crayons instead?  Would you want to investigate further?   The Crossways curriculum goes deep to open up a whole new perspective on the God who loves you beyond imagination and reveals Himself to us in His Holy Word.  Talk to Ron and Diane Merrill and any of the Crossways "graduates" to learn more about how you, too, can discover how great our God is!  We'll provide the crayons!

PREPARING FOR THE WINTER OF LIFE REFRESHER COURSE COMING IN JANUARY!

Nearly 50 people experienced the joy of discussing aging last January and it's time for a refresher course!  Mark your calendars for Sundays January 11, 18, and 25 plus February 1 to participate in this new course in 2026.  Classes will be held from 6:30-8:00pm in the Welcome Center AND available via Zoom.  Topics will include "Handling Financial Decisions with Someone Else's Money," "How to Leave a Legacy of Charitable Giving,"  "Exploring the Mysteries of Medicaid," and ?? What would you like to know more about?  Visit with Diane Merrill at the information table between services.

RECORD EUTHANIZATIONS IN CANADA, 2024

A record 16,499 people died by euthanasia in Canada in 2024, accounting for 5.1% of all deaths in the country.  According to the latest report on “medical assistance in dying” (MAiD) from Health Canada released at the end of last month, there was a 6.9% increase in state-assisted deaths in Canada in 2024.  In 2024, although assisted suicide is permitted, in which the person who wishes to end their own life self-administers the lethal substance, there was not a single case of assisted suicide. Instead, every single person who died under Canada’s MAiD programme died by euthanasia. In 2023, there were fewer than five instances of assisted suicide.  There have been a total of 76,475 instances of euthanasia and assisted suicide since they were made legal in Canada in 2016.  Among the factors recorded by medical practitioners as part of a person’s application for euthanasia in 2024, 75.5% of people cited “loss of independence”, a significant increase from 2023, when 52.2% cited “loss of independence”. 48.5% of all those who died by euthanasia cited being a “perceived burden on family, friends or caregivers”. Among those whose natural death was not reasonably foreseeable (Track 2), over half (50.3%) were concerned about being a burden.  Additionally, 58.1% of those who died by euthanasia in Canada in 2024 cited emotional “distress/anxiety/fear/existential suffering”, a 19.8 percentage point increase on the number of people who cited this end-of-life concern in 2023.  Over a fifth of people (22.9%) who died by euthanasia in Canada in 2024 had “isolation or loneliness” recorded by a medical practitioner in their application for euthanasia. Significantly, 44.7% of those on Track 2, whose deaths were not reasonably foreseeable, experienced isolation or loneliness.  In Canada, euthanasia and assisted suicide are permitted under two separate Tracks, 1 and 2, where the former includes people whose deaths were “reasonably foreseeable”, and the latter includes people whose deaths were not “reasonably foreseeable”.  The total number of people who died by euthanasia under Track 2 increased by 17.12% from 625 in 2023 to 732 in 2024.  There were a total of 732 Track 2 deaths by euthanasia, and these deaths included diabetes, frailty, autoimmune conditions and chronic pain among some of the most commonly cited underlying medical conditions. 56.7% of Track 2 deaths were female compared to 43.3% male.  Of those who died by euthanasia and who responded to the question about whether they self-identified as having a disability (16,104 of the 16,499, 97%), 61.5% of those whose deaths were not reasonably foreseeable self-identified as having a disability, compared to just 31.6% of those whose deaths were reasonably foreseeable.  Legislation was introduced in February 2024 so that euthanasia and assisted suicide would become legal on the grounds of mental health alone in March 2027.  Spokesperson for Right To Life UK, Catherine Robinson, said “It is shocking that almost two-thirds of those who died by euthanasia and whose death was not reasonably foreseeable self-identified as disabled”.  “As we see time and again in Canada and other jurisdictions that record the reasons that people opt for euthanasia and assisted suicide, the end-of-life concerns are predominantly non-medical. ‘Isolation and loneliness’, ‘existential suffering’, being a burden – none of these are medical. Rather, they are psychological, emotional, familial and even spiritual in nature, and the state should not be assisting such people to end their lives to escape this normal part of the human condition”.  “Instead, people experiencing these hardships need support and love, not despair and an early grave. MPs and MSPs in the UK would do well to reflect on the experiences of Canada and understand that we have a chance not to make the same mistakes here”.  (from Lutherans for Life)

NON-CREDIT, CONTINUING EDUCATION

Registration is now open for Concordia University, Nebraska’s new non-credit continuing education and lifelong learning program called Studia Vitae!  Here’s what you need to know:  The program offers Christ-centered continuing education opportunities in a variety of focused areas through an online scheduled and self-paced learning platform.  The program’s first five courses begin the week of January 12, 2026, and include:  Biblical Foundations of  Classical Christian Leadership  The Mission and Legacy of Faithful and Flourishing Lutheran Education  Sport as Faith Formation  Biblical Foundations of Fundraising and Philanthropy  Choosing and Using Children’s Literature with Christian Discernment: Grades 3-8     Each CEU course is delivered in six one-hour sessions for a total cost of $150.   Discounts are available for program participants who are members of preferred partner organizations.   The short, focused sessions are available as scheduled webinars that will also be recorded for future viewing.  Enrollment is flexible and open to anyone with no prerequisites required and no commitment needed to take additional classes.  To register, please visit ceu.cune.edu  For more information about Studia Vitae, please visit cune.edu/ceu.

 

Fellowship 

SUPPER EXPRESS: 12/17 - Nachos!

LORD, IN YOUR MERCY, HEAR OUR PRAYER:

Led by Prayer Team Leader, Dennis Bauer. 

Send prayer requests to prayers@peacewaverly.org, or 402.450.3357.

Health Concerns: Maggie Ropte, surgery recovery; Friend of the Williamson’s, cancer; Karrie (friend of Steve Schuelke) open-heart surgery recovery; Nicole Jelinek (friend of Sue Schuelke) cancer; Laura Allerheiligen, surgery recovery; Mary (sister of Patti Haertel) fall with shoulder injury and surgery; Mary Darnell (sister of Dixie Janssen) hospice; Deana Noel (niece of Richard & Betty Mays) liver transplant; Brian (brother-in-law of Dennis Bauer) cancer; Stacey Wheeler, cancer; David Walker (brother of Marcia Werner) cancer; Linda Thraen (sister of Lori Curtis, daughter of Eileen and Lyle Hall) cancer; Sara (cousin of Jennifer Knorr) Huntington’s Disease; Henry Michalski (son of Sara Michalski, grandson of Mike and Evon May) eye disease; Karen Pfingsten (mother of Lori Landis) cancer; Amanda Hansmeier (sister of Shelly Beachler) surgery recovery; Maggie (friend of Paige Dahlbeck) cancer; Dennis Bauer, health; Donna Zapp (mother of Sean Zapp) cancer; Marilyn Ash, heart issues; Eric (friend of Dick Rockenbach) health issues; Phyllis Ohlmann (mother of Brad Ohlmann) continued health and recovery; Lilo Johnson, Parkinson’s; Marcia (friend of Lanel Fenster) and family, cancer and illness; Rev. Brad Birtell (Uncle of Hannah McLaughlin) cancer; Jay Berry, health; Amy (cousin of Lanel Fenster) cancer; The Bassinger Family, health.

For the Bereaved:  The Hall family at the death of Lyle; The Isaacson Family at the death of Rogene; The Nielson family at the death of Joel; The Tietjen family at the death of Jen’s mother; The family of Doris Maahs; Dudley Sorensen and family at the death of his father; Julie Wilshusen and family at the death of her uncle, Alan; Brian Behlen and family at the death of his mother, Ardith

Those Serving in the Military:  Piper Haen (166 Sierra Circle, Apt. B, Waynesville MO, 65583), Leah Rasmussen, Adam Haeffner, Rev. David Edwards (our adopted chaplain) SLD45/HC, 357 Titan Road, Patrick SFB, FL 32925

Out of the Area Members:  Taylor and Malachi Casteneda; Stephanie, Bryer, and Larson Cecrle; Christian Dauel; Maggie Reed; Jared Ohlmann, Meagan Dauel

Shut-Ins:  Dennis Bauer, Dick Mohlman, Renae Johnson, Judy Steffen, Lilo Johnson

College / Early Career:  Rees Bunting, Chase Dittenber, Trev Greve, Henry Hollibaugh, Morgan Jenkins, Reagan Landis, Jonah Muench, Landon Williamson, Alaina Ropte, Cooper Wittler, Nikolai Buss, Adellin Doyen, Trae Greve, Jacob Kleinbeck, Leah Rasmussen, Cole Sorensen, Henry Angle, Meagan Dauel, Josh Giesler, Ryan Etheridge, Alex Etheridge, Adam Haeffner, Drew Hollibaugh, Garrett Jenkins, Nathan Krenke, Logan Ropte, Judson Tietjen, Carson Vachal, Kemper Reed, Jaidon Bell, Dain Frazier, Piper Haen, Hayden Knickerbocker, Noah Knickerbocker, Meghan Krenke, Selah Muench, Grant Schere, Madelyn Stone, Michael Williamson, Jordyn Behlen, Jaxon Kleinbeck, Josh Larsen, Ethan Rosenthal, Derek Walker, Tucker Bliss

SMALL GROUPS REPORT, DECEMBER

Bible and Breakfast has moved forward from establishing a Daily Time in God’s Word using The Tools to not only know what God’s Word Says but we are Now moving into Self Applying and Delivering Those God Given Truths to Others. We are 3 Groups strong on Tuesday Mornings at 6 am- 2 Mens Groups and 1 Womens Group. There is also a Womens study with 4 groups that meets on Wednesday Night that God has and is Blessing powerfully.  God is Building Leaders in these Studies who can and will Care for and Disciple others- this fits perfectly within our God Given Lutheran Doctrine of the Priesthood of the Baptized (Believers)-also called the Ministry of the Laity through Word and Deed.  This is as short and clear as I can make it- the Pastor “farms the Field of Pastoral Ministry on Behalf of Peace Lutheran Church/Jesus Christ- we on our side of the Pulpit “farm the field of Ministry” through our Christian Citizenship/Jesus Christ. We on both sides of the Pulpit are to Serve God and All Others in Word and Deed. This includes meeting Spiritual Needs- primary of which is leading others to Faith and Discipling them.  Tuesday Nights The Search For Significance has also grown to 11- 7 of which are non-Peace Members.  All 3 of these Studies are Focused on Personal Life Transformation and along with that developing an Outward Focused Life of Ministry.  I also have a Marriage Building Study that I am looking for someone to start - it is very good, easy to understand and is self leading. It helps to build Strong God Centered Marriages and Families. No one needs to be an expert on God’s Word or marriage- just have the Desire for more of What God Offers for our marriages and families. If interested please Contact me.  Dick Rockenbach, Small Groups Leader

Evangelism

Missions: 

“you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."   Acts 1:8

LOCAL (“Jerusalem")

KIDS AT THE CITY MISSION

"Some of the most heartwarming stories come from children staying with us. I am always amazed at their seemingly unbreakable spirits. When I ask them what they want for Christmas their responses are so often just like every other kid - a specific toy, the cool sneakers... because they have found safety and security here at PCM. But the moms and dads have completely different hopes. They hope for a permanent home. For a fresh start for themselves and their children. We want them to know that no matter where they live, no matter what their circumstances, Christmas is for everyone.  We may not be able to make all their hopes for Christmas come true, but we can encourage them, pray for them, feed them well, provide a sense of community, and ensure they receive gifts on Christmas morning.  Above all, please remember us in your prayers. We know God is good, and that His heart is for the helpless and hurting. We believe yours is too. We want to wish you and your loved ones a very merry and joyous Christmas!  His blessings on you!"  Pastor Tom


 

REGIONAL (“Judea")

WOODCUTTERS' RETREAT AT CAMP LUTHER

Our Woodcutter's Retreat is all about men getting together for Christian fellowship and service. February 26 - 28, 2026.   Activities include removing trees, clearing trails, and creating burn piles, as well as time set aside for devotions and fellowship. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner will be provided on Friday, and Breakfast and Lunch will be provided on Saturday. Feel free to join us for the entire event or come when you can. Lodging is available for those who wish to stay overnight. Please bring chainsaws, safety gear, and any other equipment you think would be beneficial in helping us clean up camp. Register:  campluther.org/woodcutters

U.S. (“Samaria”)

CAMP LUTHER SUMMER STAFF APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE

Whose life will you change this summer? Camp Luther's summer team directly affects the lives of over 500 children and His Kids campers. This is an amazing opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others and live out the call to go and make disciples through outdoor games, songs, Bible Studies, and by living with them in community. Summer job applications are now open! Apply at https://nloma.org/employment/summer/ or email questions to Ben - Discipleship@CampLuther.org

WORLD (“Ends of the earth")

FROM BMS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Hi Friends of the Belize Mission Society, Thank you so much for your patience as we share updates from the wonderful service opportunities God opened for us in November. A few weeks ago, you saw the exciting news about the new “park.” What you may not have realized is that we actually had a team serving the week before and another working alongside the park team at the same time. The Lord was truly at work in many places at once!  We are especially grateful that Ms. Sue was able to be in Belize the week prior with Messiah. She carried so much of the groundwork that helped bring the park to life. While she was faithfully serving behind the scenes, the team poured into the village through literacy support, dental care, and construction projects. When I arrived the following week, the assistant principal joyfully shared the impact the literacy team had on the school. They are already looking forward to welcoming you back in 2026!  The dental team again reminded us of the deep need in the village for regular dental care. Please join us in praying that the Lord would raise up dentists and dental professionals who can serve in this ongoing need. As Jesus reminds us, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:37–38).  Our friends from Concordia University Irvine/Townsend Institute have earned the title of “ultimate palm trees.” They remained flexible, trusted the Lord’s leading, and allowed Him to redirect their plans. It was a gift to watch God unfold something even bigger than what we imagined, expanding ministry into another school in Georgetown. Thank you for listening to His voice and following where He leads. Truly, “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19), and your love-in-action showed that clearly.  Over the next few weeks, you’ll see a few extra newsletters as we enter our annual appeal. As these come to your mailbox, inbox, or into conversation, we ask that you prayerfully consider joining me in supporting the relational, mercy-centered care of the Belize Mission Society. Your partnership helps us share Christ’s compassion in tangible ways—“bearing one another’s burdens, and so fulfilling the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).  Thank you for your prayers, your encouragement, and the joy you bring to this ministry.  In Christ’s love, Cathy.  Prayer Request:  Dentists to serve; Mercy House; Christ Lutheran Church;  Feeding Program Students; Miss Harriet; Miss Nikisha; St. Alphonsus School, Seine Bight; Richard Quinn Elementary School, Georgetown; Missionaries in Belize: Burch Family, Wildauer Family, Groth Family and Flores Family.

Service

CHILDCARE DURING WORSHIP—4 YEARS OLD AND UNDER

Did you know that free childcare is available in the lower level Commons for kids 4 years old and under, from 10:15am through 11:45am on Sunday mornings?  Our staff are all background-checked and ready to serve the Lord by serving you.  Our current staff: Reagan Landis (leader), Jillian Muench, Addison Angle, Jaci Bunting, Elise Wilshusen, Rylan Behlen, Dakota Giesler. Questions: jennyholli76@gmail.com