Weekly Announcements
Worship
BE PART OF THE GOOD FRIDAY CANTATA
"We Remember Calvary", a musical remembrance of Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice, will be the core of Peace's Good Friday worship, and all singers high school and older are welcome to join. Rehearsals will be held in the Sanctuary Wednesdays, 8:00pm-8:30pm. The music includes familiar hymns and contemporary songs with predictable harmonies. It should be enjoyable as well as meaningful. Come when you can. Questions? Please contact Julie Wilshusen, 402-853-1938, julie@eye2eyeleadership.com.
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. The 10:30 program is interpreted and closed captioned for the deaf and hard of hearing. Feb 1, 2026, 10:00am - “Visitation” - Pastor Andrew Burdick (Dick Sargent) is having problems keeping his congregation together. Bishop Smith (Parley Baer) visits him to identify some troubling leadership spots and to renew faith. 10:30 AM - Rev. Merle Mahnken, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig, IA, presents a message titled ”Blessed Are the Poor In Spirit”. This sermon is based on Matthew 5:3. Feb 8, 2026, 10:00am - “Happy Dirty Hands” - School teacher Kent (Daniel Travanti) and his wife (Anne Whitfield) live in an impoverished area causing trouble in their marriage. 10:30 AM - Rev. Don Meyer, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Paullina, IA, presents a message titled ”Fasting With A Purpose”. This sermon is based on Isaiah 58:3-9a. Feb 15, 2026, 10:00am - “Destination Unknown” - Paul Werner (Leonard Nimoy) is a Nuclear Scientist who plans to defect to the Soviet Union. He reconsiders after a conversation on an airplane. 10:30 AM - Rev. Richard Merrill, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Charter Oak, IA, presents a message titled ”Good, Better, Best”. This sermon is based on Matthew 17:1-9. Feb 22, 2026, 10:00am - “Cell of Hope” - Flag Washington (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), who came to Christ while in prison gets a new cellmate Jimmy Stricklin (Richard Dinitri) who is obnoxious. 10:30 AM - Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel and Zion St. John Lutheran Churches in Beemer & Wisner, presents a message titled ”Vicarious Victory”. This sermon is based on Matthew 4:1-11.
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!
February 1st, 2026
Education
ISRAEL INFORMATION LUNCH MEETING, SUNDAY FEBRUARY 15TH, 11:45AM
Members and friends of Peace will be heading to the Holy Land in 2027 to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. We will be led on this Teaching Tour by Pastor Jeff Scheich. If you'd like to find out more about this trip and potentially join us on this once in a lifetime experience, register for the luncheon that we will have at Peace on Sunday February 15th (registration information to follow). Pastor Scheich will join us and give all the details about the trip. For more info: pastor@peacewaverly.org
DON’T MISS THE “WINTER OF LIFE 2026 FINALE!
Tonight, February 1 at 6:30, we are privileged to have six amazing professionals gathered here at Peace to answer YOUR questions about aging, caregiving, and more! Meet Kay Jesske from "Bridge to Better Living," Amy Hensley from "Before the Casket," Mollie George from Messiah Lincoln's Respite Care Ministry, Michelle Chamberlain from "Kingdom Interiors" Senior Transitional Services, Jina Ragland from "AARP Nebraska" and Nebraska Caregivers Coalition, and Nick Reimers from "Reimers Performance" ELDOA training!! Please come and bring a friend! Please email rpmdkm@gmail.com if you would like to participate via Zoom. Thanks! Diane Merrill
ASH WEDNESDAY SOUP AND CINNAMON ROLL FUNDRAISER DINNER
On Wednesday, February 18th from 5:30-6:35pm, the Journey youth will be serving dinner at church for Ash Wednesday! Donations given help cover the cost of sending our youth on retreats as a part of their youth group/confirmation experience. Mark your calendar to come eat dinner with our youth!
SEND YOUR YOUTH TO CAMP LUTHER: "CAMPERSHIPS" AVAILABLE!
Who's ready to go to camp?!? It's time to get your kids registered for camp at Camp Luther in Schuyler, NE, for this summer! This summer, campers will explore the book of Acts to answer present day faith questions. They'll discover the joys and sorrows of early Christians and find courage to follow Jesus in a world that questions whether God even exists. And check this out: Peace offers "Camperships" to help offset the cost of camp for families. Depending on the number of Peace kids who pay the registration fee by February 8th, the rest of the tuition may be covered in full (can be applied to any week of camp)! Hoping your camper can go up with other Peace kids? Sign them up for June 14-19 and DCE Hannah will even help drive your kids to camp! To register visit Camp Luther's website: https://www.campluther.org/summer. Contact Hannah McLaughlin with questions: dce@peacewaverly.org.
SAVE THE DATE FOR VBS!
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22-26 this summer. Save the date and watch for registration and volunteer opportunities around Easter!
DIVE DEEP IN YOUR UNDERSTANDING WITH KFUO
"We discovered Issues, Etc. in the fall of 2015. We have never experienced such deep theological teaching anywhere else. We highly recommend it. It changed our lives". - Lisa "My favorite show for religious talk. Great help in understanding my faith. The host is always well-prepared and engages guests with insightful questions to facilitate an engaging conversation. A true professional podcast in a sea of amateurism". - Carl. Visit issuesetc.org and dive deep in your understanding of God and His Word.
PROTECT GIRLS' LOCKER ROOMS AND RESTROOMS
"Girls should not be forced to share private spaces like locker rooms and restrooms with men, and schools have a responsibility to provide a safe environment where children can learn and thrive. LB 730 sets clear, common-sense standards for public schools, colleges, and state facilities by designating restrooms and locker rooms according to biological sex with reasonable accommodations. + Protects the bodily privacy of women and girls by preserving sex-specific locker rooms and restrooms, ensuring they are not forced into unsafe or intrusive shared spaces. + Provides clear and consistent statewide standards grounded in biological reality for public schools and agencies. + Includes reasonable accommodations, including single-occupancy and family restrooms, without eliminating spaces designated for females and males". Nebraska Family Alliance.
Submit comments here: https://nebraskalegislature.gov/bills/view_bill.php?DocumentID=62661&sm_guid=OTI4NDEzfDY0MjIzMzYwfC0xfHBhc3RvckBwZWFjZXdhdmVybHkub3JnfDg0NjA2Njl8fDB8MHwyOTc1MzI2MTJ8MTA3MHwwfDB8fDkyNTUwN3ww0
MORE DEATHS THAN BIRTHS IN FRANCE
France recorded more deaths than births in 2025, as the country’s fertility rate dropped to 1.56 children per woman. It is the first time that births have outstripped deaths since the end of World War II... "Although the reversal of the natural balance trend was expected, it nonetheless represents a real turning point, and it should come as a wake-up call for political leaders,” Le Monde said. While France’s fertility rate rose in the early 2000s, it has been dropping steadily since 2010 and reached 1.6 children per woman in 2024, data from INSEE shows. While fertility rates amongst native French women has fallen, it has also been shown that over time and across generations, the fertility patterns of immigrants and their descendants tend to converge with those of the native population, demographic researchers say. INSEE also reported that despite deaths outnumbering births, France’s population grew slightly last year to 69.1 million, due to net migration, estimated at 176,000. The collapse in birth rates means that the demographic advantage France has held over other European Union nations has dissipated, the official figures show. The fertility rate of 1.56 children per woman is well below the 1.8 that had been assumed by the pension advisory council in making pension funding forecasts. Given the birth rate crunch across Europe, in 2023, the most recent year of complete data for EU comparisons, France had the second highest fertility rate in the bloc, scoring 1.65 children per woman, behind Bulgaria which had a fertility rate that year of 1.81. Bulgaria’s fertility rate hit a historic low of 1.09 in 1997, and is expected to come in at 1.72 for 2024. Reports last year from the Académie Nationale de Médecine in France and INED (French institute for demographic studies), said that the total number of births has been steadily falling since 2010 in mainland France, noting at that time that in 2024, a historic low was recorded with 663,000 babies – with a further fall now recorded in 2025 to 645,000 births... The fall in fertility intentions is much more marked for young adults under the age of 30 : the total number of children desired has reduced by 0.6 children on average in 20 years. It has fallen from 2.5 to 1.9 children desired by women and from 2.3 to 1.8 for men. As for all adults, half of young couples between 18 and 29 aspire to having exactly 2 children, but those wanting “0 or 1” now exceed those wanting “3 or more”, which was the other way round in 2005″ (gript.ie cited in Lutherans for Life)
Fellowship
SUPPER EXPRESS: 2/4 - Sloppy Joes
LIVING IN FAITH TOGETHER (LIFT, WOMEN'S GROUP)
The L.I.F.T. Women's Group (Living In Faith Together) has just started a new book by Gretchen Saffles titled The Well-Watered Woman. This book was selected after browsing several potential books and discovering the areas in which our group wants to grow. We've only read the introduction so far, and the consensus is that this book will be just what we all need. Our group currently consists of 24 members, but our weekly attendance ranges from 10 to 20. We gather in homes to make our time comfy and cozy. We start our time together in a large group, then split into smaller groups to discuss the book and share our thoughts and feelings. Of course, we also have snacks- lots of laughs-, and we have seen and felt the support of each other in times of sadness and joy. If this sounds like something you want to be a part of, please reach out! Jenny Hollibaugh: 402-875-1683 or Carly Dittenber 402-540-8722.
5TH ANNUAL “SPRING INTO CRAFTS AND DÉCOR” VENDOR FAIR!
The youth are hosting the 2025 Peace Youth Craft Fair on Saturday March 21st. Come out to support them and shop some amazing crafters and vendors!
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT LUTHERAN CAMPS?
1) They’re hotspots for intergenerational ministry opportunities. Camping speaks to every generation of Lutherans. Children come to learn, play and grow. College students serve as summer camp counselors and staff, which sometimes paves the way for ministry vocations. Meanwhile, pastors serve as chaplains, while teachers and other church workers might lead Bible studies. Even parents and grandparents often join in the fun during family retreats. 2) Lutheran camps are a place where families gather. Every year, Lutheran camps host family reunions, father/son and mother/daughter retreats, men’s and women’s groups, and countless other gatherings. All centered on the Gospel of Christ, camp events bring people together to connect, strengthen their bonds and enjoy a respite from daily life. 3) The future is bright for Lutheran camps. The strong legacy of Lutheran camps is about to get even stronger. In collaboration with the National Lutheran Outdoors Ministry Association (NLOMA), LCEF looks forward to seeing even more intergenerational ministry opportunities, more family gatherings and more lasting joy as the Gospel is shared at Lutheran camps all over the country. For more info: nloma.org
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: Tom Salistean, surgery recovery; Marilyn Ash, surgery recovery; Marcia Werner, healing after fall; 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; Mary (sister of Patti Haertel) fall with shoulder injury and surgery; Mary Darnell (sister of Dixie Janssen) hospice; 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 family of Mervel Reed; 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
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")
PANCAKES FOR PCAN
Please join Good Shepherd, Lincoln (3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln) on Tuesday, February 3 from 4:00-7:00pm for the 12th Annual “Pancakes for PCAN” benefit to raise awareness and funds for supporting local families who have a child diagnosed with cancer. Come support PCAN for all the pancakes and sausage you can eat! During 2025, Pancakes for PCAN served a pancake meal to approximately 400 people and were able to raise over $5,300 to help these local families affected by this terrible childhood disease. There are many families in need, as PCAN is receiving more applications for assistance than ever before. We look forward to another great Pancakes for PCAN event in 2026! (Snow/inclement weather date is Tuesday February 10).
REGIONAL (“Judea")
THANK YOU FROM THE PREGNANCY CENTER!
On behalf of the volunteers, staff and Board of Directors of the Pregnancy Center, I want to thank you and you church family for standing with us as we affirm the sanctity of human life in our community. By doing so, together we help young women and men who so desperately need the Grace of Jesus Christ. Because of your dedication to our mission, along with support of your congregation, Peace Lutheran Church raised over $480 through our Baby Bottle Campaign! All to the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Pregnancy Center is truly blessed to have your much-needed support. Thank you so very much! Kathy Higgins, Pregnancy Center Baby Bottle Coordinator
U.S. (“Samaria”)
WHAT IS EMBRYO ADOPTION?
"When couples use in vitro fertilization to achieve pregnancy, they will often have embryos remaining after they complete their family [it is estimated that there are over 1 million frozen embryos in the U.S.]. One option available to them is to donate their embryos to another family through embryo adoption. That family could be you. You could experience pregnancy, parenthood, and family through the miracle of embryo adoption. Contact our Adopting Parent Inquiry Specialist to learn more: 970-578-9700 x163 | wisline@nightlight.org." (NightLight Christian Adoption)
WORLD (“Ends of the earth")
YOUR BOX WAS PART OF THE 12 MILLION DELIVERED!
Thank you for partnering with Operation Christmas Child to help take the Gospel of Jesus Christ to millions of boys and girls around the world. The shoebox gifts that you prayerfully packed in 2025—12,205,900, praise God!—will help open doors for us to reach even more children with God's love in the new year. samaritanspurse.org
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. Jillian Muench, Addison Angle, Elise Wilshusen, Rylan Behlen, Jaci Bunting, Dakota Giesler, Charlotte Reiner and Lauren Larsen. Questions: Madelyn & Loren Williams (First Impressions Team Leaders)
BE A DISASTER-RESPONDER IN THE NAME OF JESUS
Natural disasters occur every year somewhere in the country. Whether floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, fires or ice storms, significant impacts to people's property and lives are common. Lutherans Early Response Teams (LERT) are trained to serve the needs of their neighbors and share words of comfort and hope in the midst of these life's trials. Nebraska Disaster Response is setting up training events for members willing to volunteer in cleanup efforts and provide personal assistance. If your congregation is open to hosting a LERT training event, please contact Mick Onnen, 402-364-3370 to make arrangements. The training will only last 2 1/2 to 3 hours and can be done in an evening if necessary, but it provides all you need to become LERT certified as a volunteer.
Stewardship
JOIN THE GROUNDS TEAM!
Spring will be here before you know it and we are looking to add some volunteers to our team. If you enjoy being outside this is the group for you. You can be a member of the grounds team here at peace! The main duties involve mowing and string trimming the church grounds. And also assisting with church cleanup day. We mow once a week and it takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to mow plus 45 min to string trimming. This may seem like a lot, but with enough volunteers it comes out to about once a month. The more volunteers we can get the less times it is needed for you to mow. Also for any youth members that are looking to get service hours this is a prime opportunity. If you are interested please let Scott Reiner (402-380-4516) know and he can explain it in more detail. Thank you.