Weekly Announcements
Worship
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. Oct 26, 2025, 10:00 - “The Sexton” - A pastor and a sexton (church caretaker) with magical powers fight an eerie duel in a church. 10:30 - Rev. Mark Moss, from Lutheran Heritage Foundation, presents a Reformation message titled ”Hang in there baby!“. The sermon is based on John 8:31-36.
CHRISTMAS AT CONCORDIA CONCERT
Christmas at Concordia is coming up fast! As members of a CCUNE congregation you are privileged to acquire tickets before they are made available to the public. CCUNE Church pre-sale tickets are available now through Friday, October 17th at 5:00pm. We have allocated 50 tickets per concert (a total of 200) for CCUNE; these will be first come first serve through the online ticketing system only. We will only be accepting payments through the online system. This year there is a small change to how things were done in the past. The decision was made to not offer reserved seating for groups. Those who made this decision understand that this change is at variance with the practice that has been in place for years, and as such, they wanted to recommend that larger groups that have purchased tickets arrive 50-60 minutes before each concert if they would like to find seating together. https://www.cune.edu/christmas-concordia. In Christ, Rev. Dr. Kristopher Morris, Dir. of Church Engagement
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!
October 26th, 2025
Education
YOUR KIDS CAN BE IN THE CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
The Preschool-5th grade children have begun working on their Christmas program materials! If you have a child in preschool-5th and you would like for them to participate in the Sunday School Christmas Worship Program, please plan for them to begin attending DigIn Sunday School from 9:15-10:15am on Sundays and also the two Saturday practices from 9:30am-11:30am on December 6 and 13. The Christmas Program will be held on Sunday December 14th during the 10:30am service.
CAN I BE PRO-LIFE AND STILL SUPPORT THE DEATH PENALTY?
(By Pastor Paul Clark, published in Lutherans for Life)
"It’s like comparing apples with oysters. You may be thinking, “Wait a minute, Pastor! I think you meant ‘comparing apples with oranges.’” We use that phrase when comparing two things that are in different categories and should not be equated. But if you look into the origin of the phrase, you will find that it compared apples with oysters. The American Heritage Dictionary says, “This metaphor for dissimilarity began as apples and oysters, which appears in John Ray’s proverb collection of 1670, with the phrase ‘as like as an apple to an oyster.’” It may date back to 1594 to William Shakespeare, in The Taming of the Shrew, where Tranio says, “He is my father, sir, and sooth to say, in countenance somewhat doth resemble you.” To which Biondello replies, “As much as an apple doth to an oyster.” Whether apples and oysters or apples and oranges—what’s my point? ]Recently] Pope Leo said, “Someone who says, ‘I’m against abortion’ but says ‘I am in favor of the death penalty’ is not really prolife. Someone who says that ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.” I can’t let that one slide by without rebuke. He’s wrong. Comparing abortion with capital punishment, or with immigration policy, is like comparing apples with oysters. Abortion is the killing of an unborn baby, the extermination of a new life, fully human and innocent of any wrongdoing. One of the things God hates, according to Proverbs 6:17, are “hands that shed innocent blood.” Innocent blood certainly describes a tiny unborn child who is slaughtered before he or she has the chance to be born. That baby, whom God “knitted together” in the mother’s womb, is “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14). Our Lord and Savior Jesus loves the little children. He warned of great judgment against anyone who deliberately sought to harm them or who would try to prevent them from coming to Him. Capital punishment is an act by which the governing authorities, who wield the power of the sword according to Romans 13, put to death a guilty criminal who has taken the life of another human being, thus forfeiting his own. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod states the position that “capital punishment is in accord with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.” This is based on Holy Scripture: “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image” (Genesis 9:6). This is not to be an act of personal vengeance but an act of government who, in fulfilling their duty to punish the wicked and protect the innocent, may impose capital punishment. “For he [the government] is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4). So, comparing capital punishment with abortion is, indeed, like comparing apples with oysters! But what was truly offensive about the Pope’s statement was that he said that those who are against abortion but in favor of the death penalty are not really prolife. In doing so, he is watering down the malevolent horror of abortion by equating it with other issues in which we have the freedom within the boundaries of God’s Word to debate. Shame on him. Now as Lutherans, we adhere to the teaching of Scripture Alone. We do not recognize the authority of the Pope. But here is why I am particularly incensed over what he said: He is burdening those who are members of the Roman Catholic Church by telling them that they are not truly pro-life IF they do not agree with him on capital punishment, despite what Scripture says to the contrary. I have many dear Catholic friends who I know support the right to life and are actively fighting for the lives of our innocent unborn children—but now this throws an additional weight upon their shoulders, one that is NOT backed by Holy Scripture. They are being told that they must be against the death penalty or else they are hypocrites and not truly pro-life at all. That is abominably wrong. Now it is true that, though the Bible allows capital punishment, it does not mandate capital punishment. It leaves it up to the State, that is, the governing authorities. In our republic, represented by those whom we the people elect to office, we have the freedom to decide, through our legislative process, whether we wish to have capital punishment or not. Unlike with abortion, which is unquestionably the willful butchery of an innocent baby, we can debate the pros and cons of capital punishment. For example, if a state does have capital punishment, we would certainly want to ensure that it is applied justly, after a fair trial and conclusive evidence, so that an innocent person might not be mistakenly convicted and put to death. The point is not that we MUST have capital punishment, it is that we CAN have capital punishment. But abortion IS and ALWAYS IS the deliberate killing of an unborn baby human being who has done no wrong and has no opportunity to speak in his or her own defense. So, yes, you can be against abortion but still support the death penalty and be prolife. Don’t compare apples with oysters. What of the other part of the Pope’s statement, when he said, “Someone who says that ‘I’m against abortion, but I’m in agreement with the inhuman treatment of immigrants in the United States,’ I don’t know if that’s pro-life.” THAT is most emphatically comparing apples with oysters. Think about this: The intended result for every abortion is the death of a baby. Even in a botched abortion where the baby is born alive, the radical abortion advocates demand that it be abandoned and left to die. No one—at least no one I know—advocates hunting down illegal immigrants for the purpose of killing them. We may have differing views on how to best enforce immigration law, protect our border, and deport those who have broken the laws of our nation by coming illegally in the first place, but we can reasonably disagree on the details. But whichever position we take, the intended result is NOT to willfully and deliberately kill them, as it IS in an abortion. The intent is to enforce the laws, punish evildoers, and protect innocent citizens. That is what Romans 13 says that government is supposed to do. It may indeed happen that in the process of enforcing the laws of the land, people may be imprisoned or deported. The government is engaging in its God-given duty to pass and enforce laws and to punish those who break those laws. Remember: The willful intent for every abortion is ALWAYS to produce a dead baby. The willful intent of enforcing immigration policy is NOT to produce a dead illegal immigrant but to dutifully protect the nation’s citizens. This was a bit of a different topic this week for me to write about, but the statement of the Pope could not go unchallenged. As President of Lutherans For Life of Michigan, as a pastor who is tied squarely to God’s Word, as a prolife citizen, as an advocate for the unborn, I could not remain silent. The Pope is wrong. You can be against abortion and support the death penalty and still be pro-life. You can be against abortion and yet back the closing of the border and the removal of those who have come into our country illegally—especially those who are gang members and violent offenders, rapists, child sex traffickers, and so forth. Supporting the enforcement of immigration policy does not disqualify you from being prolife. The foundation of our faith is Jesus Christ. Our infallible source of truth and doctrine is the Holy Word of God—Sola Scriptura—Scripture Alone! It is not the fallible words of popes or the crooked and corrupt wisdom of fallen man. Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word! Amen."
WHO RAISES A CHILD: THE PARENTS, THE VILLAGE, OR THE GOVERNMENT?
What happens when parenting meets pressure from schools, policies, and cultural trends that sideline the family? We tackle the question head-on, starting with Scripture’s clear claim that parents—especially fathers—carry God-given responsibility to raise children in truth and love. From there, we dig into the gray areas that so often trip us up: when to intervene for another family’s child, how to spot the line between objective harm and mere parenting style differences, and why demeanor and trust can make or break hard conversations. We also unpack the government’s limited role in family life. Yes, civil authority can protect and support, but overreach—especially in spiritual and moral spheres—undermines parental rights and confuses children. Through examples like school secrecy around identity changes and curriculum battles, we offer a field guide for engaged, informed, and respectful advocacy. The goal isn’t to fight every trend; it’s to stand where Scripture stands, act where danger is clear, and partner where common ground exists. Most of all, we emphasize the quiet force of presence. Show up in your child’s world—coach, volunteer, ask questions, and pray. Build a network of parents and church members who encourage rather than critique. Offer practical help to moms and dads who feel overwhelmed, and keep the focus on what glorifies God and truly serves a child’s good. If you’re ready for clear biblical principles, grounded wisdom, and tangible next steps you can use this week, this conversation is for you. Join us as we explore: The Biblical basis for parental authority and stewardship; The difference between clear harm and parenting style; Neighbor love and when to intervene for safety; The limits of government in moral and spiritual matters; School policies, secrecy, and parental rights; How to rebuild engagement through presence and trust; The importance of prayer, encouragement, and practical support for parents; How to guard children from harmful cultural pressures. Listen at: buzzsprout.com/1792019/episodes/18050337-who-raises-a-child-parents-community-or-government
Fellowship
SUPPER EXPRESS: 10/29 - Chicken Casserole!
THANK YOU, KUHLMANNS
Thank you, Jeff and Robin, for crafting and providing the frames for our Confirmands and for arranging the robes, flowers, and other details for the Rite of Confirmation. (From Robin and Jeff: Congratulations to Roman Masters, Landry Maahs and JP Heitman for their diligence in completing the necessary steps for Confirmation. Your dedication and commitment to the Lord, along with your parents, is awesome! We are very humbled in being able to make the frames for each of you so you can display your Certificate, picture and bible verse with great pride. God’s Blessing to all! Jeff and Robin Kuhlmann). We praise God for you!
WHY ARE PREACHERS NUTS?
(from Pastor Joe McKeever, quoting a pastor friend)
"What I'm about to share is no different from 95 percent of all pastors. However, I believe the events we experience shape who we are and what we have become. If a pastor doesn't have the ability to departmentalize, he won't last long...
My first funeral was for a lady named Violet. She was a senior adult confined to a wheelchair. She died in a house fire. Her only relative was a niece. The niece's fiancé died trying to save Violet. I had been a pastor all of four months.
I have stood in the labor and delivery room and watched a mother hold the lifeless body of the child she just delivered. I did the funeral two days later...
I recently did a funeral for two brothers who drowned over Labor Day weekend. The boys were young enough to be buried in the same casket...
I drove to a church member's place of work and stopped him from committing suicide. I had his wife stay on the phone with him until I got there. Took the gun away from him and took him to the hospital emergency room. I've done many funerals for those who have taken their lives... usually teenagers.
Was at a social event for junior high and high school students when we learned a popular student had been shot in a hunting accident. I was asked to tell the kids.
Following the attacks of 9/11, the local school called and requested we come and counsel the students. Over the years, I've been called upon to talk to students following some tragic event, such as the death of a student.
In 2004, the day before Easter, my father-in-law died unexpectedly at the age of 60. Had to tell my wife. I preached the next day and a few days later, conducted his funeral. The next year, the day before Easter, my dad died. I preached the next day, and conducted his funeral on the Tuesday. I did a funeral two days later for a church member's father.
Like many pastors, my vacations, holidays, and days off have been interrupted by church needs. I've done funerals on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and 4th of July. One Wednesday, I did two funerals in the afternoon. The last was 5:00pm. I preached the Wednesday night service at 6:00pm.
I've done two funerals and one wedding on the same day. I've had to go to the home of a church member and tell the wife her husband was killed in an automobile accident. I've helped identify bodies. I've had to tell countless family members their loved ones have died. I have counseled a family about a sexual abuse situation... Have also helped young ladies who have been raped. Along those lines, have helped families deal with teenage pregnancies.
During my first six months at my last church, my mother died. I preached her funeral and then preached the next Sunday. My staff accused me of grandstanding. My wife was so sick she couldn't get off the couch and ultimately had to have surgery,. My oldest daughter had an emergency appendectomy on Saturday. I preached the next day. My youngest daughter's car basically blew up. And my new staff didn't like the way I conducted staff meetings. Made for an interesting year. It never got better.
I have had to say goodbye to friends as we have moved to other churches, and I've conducted funerals not only for other family members, but real close fiends. I have been in the room of many people and watched life leave them, including my own dad. I've helped funeral directors load up lifeless bodies and stayed to minister to grieving families. I have also stayed at the hospital with a dead body countless times until the funeral director could get there. I haven't even touched on church politics and counseling sessions...
I have been called a dictator, visionless, a son of a _______, and a bastard.
So, if you have decided that your preacher is different from most folks, there is a good reason. And, may I say, give thanks that he is different. Those not called by God would never do this, could not take it, would not endure it, and would find it impossible to come out on the other side of such suffering still praising Jesus. Thank God for faithful pastors. Pray for yours."
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: Joel Nielson, intensive care; Bobbi Parde, surgery recovery; 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; Lyle Hall, hospice; 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; Jodi Behlen; Marilyn Ash, heart issues; Eric (friend of Dick Rockenbach), health issues; Phyllis Ohlmann (mother of Brad Ohlmann), cancer and pneumonia; Patti Scheel (sister-in-law of Patti Haertel), cancer; Rita Nelson, surgery recovery; Lilo Johnson, Parkinson’s; Marcia (friend of Lanel Fenster) and family, cancer and illness; Rogene Isaacson, cancer; Rev. Brad Birtell (Uncle of Hannah McLaughlin), cancer; Jay Berry, health; Amy (cousin of Lanel Fenster), cancer; Brad, (Bruce Nelson’s brother), continued healing and pain relief; The Bassinger Family, health.
For the Bereaved: The family of Charlie Kirk at his death; 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 (Pv2 Haen Piper, 1985 Cooksey St., 102B Fort Leonard Wood MO 65473), 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, Lyle Hall, Rogene Isaacson
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
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")
NEEDED: CO-LEADER FOR THE HALLOWEEN HOTDOG OUTREACH
Would you like to co-lead Peace's Halloween outreach with Dudley Sorensen? This is one of the three, big outreach efforts we do in the community each year, as a congregation, and God has blessed it for several years! Please prayerfully consider if you'd like to help lead it, and contact Pastor@peacewaverly.org by September 15th. There are several former coordinators to help show you the ropes!
REGIONAL (“Judea")
BE ON THE PEACE FLOAT IN THE HOLIDAY PARADE!
Again this year, Peace will be participating in Waverly's Holiday Parade on December 7th. Would you be part of it? Our float will confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Word-made-flesh. It's a "living nativity", and we need a large group of singers to sing three or four simple Christmas carols as the float makes its way down the route. SHORT rehearsals are at 8:15pm on November 12th, 19th, and December 3rd in the Sanctuary. Float set-up is on Saturday, December 6th (please pick a one-hour time slot to help). Want to be part of the float, but not sing? No problem! We need folks to walk alongside/behind to hand out candy and information! What an awesome opportunity to take the good news of Jesus "to the streets!" For more information: pastor@peacewaverly.org
U.S. (“Samaria”)
JOIN THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN OGT AND YLM, ELPASO/JUAREZ
The enduring partnership between Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care (YLM) and Orphan Grain Train (OGT) continues to be a vital lifeline, extending mercy across the border and providing critical support to communities in need, particularly in Ciudad Juárez. This work is a testament to God’s grace and mercy, tangibly shown through partnerships meant to bring both physical relief and the hope of the Gospel to vulnerable neighbors. YLM has been the consistent recipient of a wide array of donations from OGT, including medical supplies and equipment, bicycles, clothing, and packaged “mercy meals.” These items are essential for partnering mission churches and organizations working directly within underserved communities of Ciudad Juárez. The process of getting these vital resources to where they are most needed, however, requires patience and dedication, involving waiting periods for necessary paperwork and permits to be successfully processed through Mexico Customs. This month, the perseverance of this faith-driven effort paid off. Several of these donations were successfully transported across the border into Cd. Juárez and distributed. Among the items shared this month were varied bicycles, both children and adult size, which were taken by Tierra de Oro. This organization works along the border of Texas and Mexico, supporting migrant shelters with donations provided by partners such as YLM. These bikes serve a crucial practical purpose, helping children get to and from school, and allowing youth to get to work or run necessary errands—offering dignity and independence through the practical application of God’s mercy. Other recipients were not-for-profit clinics operating in areas where federal support is severely limited, directly impacting the health and well-being of the surrounding communities. For these clinics, the arrival of items like medical equipment and supplies allows for better medical treatment of their community members. This cross-border effort underscores a deep commitment to humanitarian action, demonstrating compassion and partnership, rooted in the love of Christ, can overcome logistical hurdles to bring tangible relief, hope, and the mercy of God to vulnerable communities and their neighbors. You can be part of God’s kingdom work here on the border cities of El Paso, TX and Cd. Juarez, where God’s mercy is needed by so many. Contact us at (915) 858-2588 for information on the varied ways to partner with YLM. You can also contribute financially by donating towards Greatest Need! ylm.org
WORLD (“Ends of the earth")
UPDATE ON THE GRULKES IN BOTSWANA
The Wayeyi team has completed the team checking and the community checking stages of its New Testament! This last week we were in the villages of Etsha 6 and Etsha 13 finishing the checking of the last five books. Now we will move onto the consultant checking for the rest of the NT books and hope to be bringing more good news about the progress of the translation project very soon! One of the wonderful things that the community checking allows us to do is to get more Scripture into the hands of the people. We had the chance to distribute memory cards with our smartphone app and audio recordings loaded. The Wayeyi were so excited to have this in their language; at one point, there were about 7 different people all playing their audio versions at once! On October 7, we will host a Botswana Bible translation summit here in Maun that will gather the different organizations that are working here in various capacities. We are excited to bring these people together to think and collaborate on what the future of Bible translation will look like here in Botswana. Please pray for us on that day! The Khwedam translation team in Shakawe is preparing for the dedication of their panoramic Bible in November. We are so excited to celebrate this incredible milestone with them after LBT has partnered with them for 18 years. The team there has worked for a long time and this will be a wonderful celebration for this San language community and they are already setting their sights on the New Testament next! This month we had an LBT marketing team here with us for 10 days, collecting stories of impact on what the Bible translation work has done here in Botswana. Stay tuned to see more of the stories they were able to capture on their visit! Keep us in your prayers: .For the Wayeyi team as we celebrate the completion of team and community checking and as we prepare for consultant checking, that God would work through us to bring the Word to life in Shiyeyi. For cooperation in Bible translation and the upcoming summit, that God would use it to translate more Scripture in Botswana. For Botswana, its people and government, that God would continue to watch over the country and guide its leaders. For the Khwedam team as it prepares for the dedication of its panoramic Bible, that God would prepare the communities to receive it. For the support of partners like you, that God would continue to meet our needs for ministry here in Botswana.
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
Stewardship
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RECEIVE OFFERING ENVELOPES IN 2026?
It is time to renew our offering envelopes for 2026. If you currently use offering envelopes and would like to continue to receive them in 2026, NO action is required. If you currently give electronically and would like to receive envelopes in 2026 OR if you currently have offering envelopes and would like to start giving electronically, please let the church office know by October 27th at office@peacewaverly.org, or 402-786-2345 so we can plan and order accordingly.