Weekly Announcements
Worship
ARE YOU FRIENDLY AND CAN HELP 10:30am WORSHIPERS FEEL WELCOME?
Looking for an easy and meaningful way to get involved at Peace? We’ve got just the thing! Our First Impressions Team is looking for friendly folks to help make everyone feel welcome. Here’s the job description: Attend the 10:30 service (you're already doing that—check!); Hand out programs (no sales pitch required); Count attendees (yes, fingers are allowed); Assist with the offering (smiles encouraged). It’s simple, helpful, and a great way to serve without adding another event to your calendar. Ready to make a great first impression? Let us know! For more info: jennyholli76@gmail.com
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!
HOW MANY SERMONS AT EACH SERVICE?
"Most Christian worship services don’t just have one sermon—they have three, four, five, or even six. Here’s what I mean: it’s not just the pastor’s message that preaches. The hymns and songs we sing together as a congregation are also proclaiming the Word of God. Each hymn is a miniature musical sermon. As we sing, we’re not just expressing emotion or filling space in the service—we are declaring God’s Word to one another. Theology sings! That’s why the songs we sing matter. They express and shape our theology, form our faith, and encourage our hearts. They’re not just warm-up or background—they are worship and proclamation. Paul emphasizes this in his letters, urging the church to sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs” to one another (e.g., Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19), letting the Word of Christ dwell richly among us. This isn’t just a New Testament idea. Not only do we have the 150 psalms in the Old Testament, God commanded Moses to teach Israel a song. We know it as the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy 32. God intended that song to be a witness to his people. It was, in that case, largely a warning, but still a proclamation of the Word through singing—meant to be remembered and passed on through the generations. So when you gather next time with the body of Christ and lift your voice in song, remember this: you’re not only worshiping God—you’re preaching to your neighbor. And as the person next to you sings, they’re preaching to you too. The Word is going forth in melody, in harmony, in truth." Author/Speaker Chad Bird, Scholar in Residence at @1517
JULY 27 - AUG 2, 2025
Education
NEW BIBLE STUDIES STARTING, LED BY DICK ROCKENBACH!
TUESDAY MORNINGS: "Bible and Breakfast", 6:00 am to 7:15 am. We'll be studying The Smalcald Articles, considered Luther’s Last Will and Testament. This is a hard look at the Articles of faith and salvation issues that caused the Reformation and still matter very much yet today. This is not a hard-to-understand study.
SUNDAY MORNINGS: 9:15-ish in the Choir area of the Sanctuary. We are taking a look at Paul's letter to Titus which is a very short letter from him to his "Trouble Fixer". While it is written to Titus (and a few parts are to Titus only), it's also full of practical Words that apply to every Christian (every Christian!), especially on discipleship. This is not a hard-to-understand study.
FREE TO BE FAITHFUL NEWSLETTER AVAILABLE
The Summer 2025 Free to be Faithful® newsletter highlights important and relevant details on religious liberty issues that impact the rights of Christians to live faithfully. in this issue, read about: Lutherans marching with tens of thousands of other pro-life supporters at the 52nd annual March for Life in Washington, D.C., in January; A fresh translation of The Magdeburg Confession now available from Concordia Publishing House. The original document was written four years after Martin Luther’s death and defended his teachings and the separation of church and state; A reflection by the Rev. Dr. Christopher Thoma on what to do when the government is not upholding biblical morals and values; A Supreme Court case on behalf of a Christian counselor that challenges a law requiring her to support gender identity exploration. files.lcms.org/file/preview/free-to-be-faithful-newsletter-summer-2025
Fellowship
TEXAS DISASTER RELIEF
Thanks to the generosity of people across the Synod, the Texas District LCMS is currently overwhelmed with individual donations to assist with disaster relief after the recent floods. They have requested that other districts collect donations on their behalf while they process all of the donations and requests for help. To make a donation for disaster relief in the Texas District, you can send those funds to the Nebraska District in one of two ways: 1) Donation by check: Please make your check out to “Nebraska District LCMS,” include a note that says "Texas Disaster Relief," and mail it to: Nebraska District LCMS, PO Box 407, Seward, NE 68434. 2) Donation online: Go to this link for our online giving site and click the Restricted Gifts button. Choose "one time gift," then write in "Texas Disaster Relief" in the required designation area.
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: Henry Michalski (son of Sara Michalski, grandson of Mike and Evon May), eye disease; Karen Pfingsten (mother of Lori Landis), cancer; Nora Ohlmann (daughter of Jared Ohlmann), surgery recovery; Stacey Wheeler, cancer and surgery recovery; Amanda Hansmeier (sister of Shelly Beachler), tumors and surgery; Maggie (friend of Paige Dahlbeck), cancer; Marcia Werner, surgery recovery; Dixie Janssen, surgery recovery; Sara Bunting, surgery recovery; Dennis Bauer, radiation treatment; Lyle Hall, surgery recovery and healing; Mya Rourke (friends of the Buntings), car accident; Donna Zapp (mother of Sean Zapp), cancer; Jodi; Marilyn Ash, heart issues; Joanne Lubben and family (mother of Jen Tietjen), health; Carolyn Galligan, surgery recovery; Eric (friend of Dick Rockenbach), health issues; Phyllis Ohlmann (mother of Brad Ohlmann), cancer; Todd (friend of Bob Rankin), cancer; Patti Scheel (sister-in-law of Patti Haertel), cancer; Judy Dovenbarger (friend of Lyle Hermance), cancer; Rita Nelson, surgery recovery; Lilo Johnson, Parkinson’s; Ren Beck (brother-in-law of Maggie Ropte) cancer; Marcia (friend of Lanel Fenster) and family, cancer and illness; Amber (friend of Olivia Wheeler), cancer; 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 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: Gabe Wilshusen; Taylor and Malachi Casteneda; Stephanie, Bryer, and Larson Cecrle; Christian Dauel; Anna Manning; Maggie Reed; Jared Ohlmann
Shut-Ins: Dennis Bauer, Dick Mohlman, Renae Johnson, Judy Steffen, Lilo Johnson, Lyle Hall
College / Early Career: Nikolai Buss, Adellin Doyen, Trae Greve, Jacob Kleinbeck, Lucas Kleinbeck, Leah Rasmussen, Cole Sorensen, Henry Angle, Meagan Dauel, Josh Giesler, Patrick Haen, Ryan Etheridge, Alex Etheridge, Adam Haeffner, Drew Hollibaugh, Garrett Jenkins, Nathan Krenke, Drew Miller, 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")
TONY'S STORY, PEOPLES CITY MISSION
As we gather with family and friends this July to celebrate our nation’s independence, we’re reminded of the freedoms we enjoy—freedoms that were fought for by people like Tony. Tony is a U.S. military veteran. He’s also a guest at PCM. Life after service hasn’t been easy for him. Like far too many veterans, Tony has faced years of setbacks—struggles with housing, employment, and personal trauma. He’s been in and out of homelessness. And like so many others, he never imagined he’d end up here. But today, Tony is working hard to rebuild. With a safe place to stay at the Mission, he’s reconnecting with his family. He’s attending classes, going to counseling, and taking steady steps toward a new life. “For the first time in a long time,” Tony told us, “I feel like I’ve got a shot.” That shot at a better life—at hope, healing, and real independence—is only possible because of people like you. Every day at PCM, we serve men and women who’ve worn our country’s uniform and are now fighting a different kind of battle—against homelessness, addiction, and despair. This Independence Day, we’re asking you to stand with them. Your gift today provides more than just food and shelter. It gives veterans like Tony the tools and support to build a future. Together, we can show our gratitude in the most powerful way—not just with words, but with action. This July, let’s honor the courage of our veterans by making sure they’re not forgotten when they come home. God’s rich blessings to you, Pastor Tom. pcmlincoln.org
REGIONAL (“Judea")
CAMP LUTHER GOLF TOURNEY FUNDRAISER
Grab your clubs & support Camp Luther! Join them for their Golf Tournament Fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 at Quail Run Golf Course in Columbus, NE! Check-In: 12:00P.M. Shotgun Start: 1:00 P.M. Dinner: 6:30 P.M. Format: 18-Hole, 4-Player Team Scramble. All funds raised go toward keeping camp affordable for families — helping more kids experience life-changing faith, friendship, and fun at Camp Luther! Play a round. Fund a camper. Change a life. Learn more, register today, and help fund your camp for generations to come! www.campluther.org/golftournament
U.S. (“Samaria”)
PACK A CHRISTMAS BOX AND SHOW CHILDREN JESUS LOVES THEM!
Last year was a milestone for our [Grace Lutheran-Norfolk] Christmas box project [through Orphan Grain Train] ! Since we started six years ago, we have sent 10, 301 Christmas boxes to children all around the world. Once again, we are collecting monetary gifts, clothing, and toys to pack more boxes. This summer we are collecting: Dolls, Barbies, Blocks (Legos, Duplos, Wooden), Baseball Gloves, Small Cars (Matchbox, Hot Wheels), Pony Beads, Embroidery Floss, and Scissors, Decks of Playing Cards, Hair Barrettes, Rubber Bands, and Bows, Play Food, Jump Ropes, Stuffed Animals, T-shirts (Sizes 2T – Youth L), New 24-count Boxes of Crayons, New Underwear (Sizes 2T—Youth XL), New Socks (Sizes 2T—Youth L). All items (except crayons, underwear, and socks) may be either new or used and can be dropped off at Grace Lutheran Church, Norfolk, NE. Monetary donations will be used to purchase other items to fill the boxes and can be sent (marked “Grace Lutheran Christmas Box Project”) to Grace Lutheran Church or Orphan Grain Train, Norfolk, NE. We are collecting donations through July 31st. If you have any questions or would like to help pack the boxes, contact Kelly Asbury at 402-371-3521. You can help these children know they are precious and that Jesus is the greatest gift of all!
WORLD (“Ends of the earth")
UPDATE FROM THE GRULKES IN BOTSWANA
Over the last several months, the Wayeyi team has been working on a variety of stages for their project. We have been working on team checking, where I sit with the team and make sure that our translation lines up with the Greek text of the New Testament. We also make sure that the text is understandable and clear to the readers. Motswasele and Nicolus are in the village of Seronga right now working on the community checking of 8 New Testament books. This is a vital part of the translation process where we get input from the people who speak this language every day on how we have translated things. We make sure things sound natural to their ears and ask for feedback on many decisions. It can be hard to ask these questions without leading people towards the answer we want to hear, so it takes a lot of work to lead people through these sessions, even though it mostly consists of reading aloud and taking notes. We have also worked with our consultant to approve our checked work for publication. He gives us the final approval on our work so that we can prepare to move forward with various steps of getting those Scriptures into the hands of the people. We are hoping to publish one other booklet later this year of the Gospel of Luke and various other small epistles, so pray for us as we continue on the path towards the whole New Testament! Our residence permits to live and work here in Botswana expire on July 3. We haven't yet received our new permits, but this process can take quite some time. We aren't too worried about it, but it is a source of stress to be in limbo like this. Please pray for us as we wait and trust that God will provide a way for us to continue to stay here in Botswana. We have big changes coming up! Audrey is going to be attending St. Paul Lutheran High School in Concordia, MO, in a move to the US for high school. This boarding high school is a great fit for her and her academic needs and is in the same place as LBT headquarters. Please pray for her as she adapts and for us as we adjust to being apart. Keep us in your prayers: For the Wayeyi team as we continue with the translation process, that God would work through us to bring the Word to life in Shiyeyi For peace in Ethiopia and thanksgiving for the release Rev. Mesele from jail. For our residence permit applications to be approved in time. For a wonderful summer spent with MaryJane home in Botswana. For Audrey as she begins a new school adventure and for us as we all adjust to life without her at home. For the support of partners like you, that God would continue to meet our needs for ministry here in Botswana.
Service
UMBRELLAS FOR PEACE
Do you have any umbrellas you’re not using? On rainy days, we’d like to have umbrellas at each exit for folks to use/take on their way out. If you’d like to donate, just put them in the designated containers. Thanks!
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