April 2013

Pastor Jon Hundt peacepastorjon@att.net Church Office peace1699@att.net You are Invited to Worship with us at Peace Worship Service every Sunday at 9:00 am Children & Adult classes immediately following worship

Peace Lutheran Church 1699 Belvidere StreetEl Paso, Texas 79912915-584-1383

Are We There Yet? Thoughts along the Way by PJ.

2:21pm, Sunday, March 24, 2013: I sit in my office contemplating the message I wish to share with you this month in the church Newsletter. My fingers are cold, my stomach is empty, my head is swimming with possibilities, my heart yearning to say something worthwhile. I peruse my shelves, reading, scanning, thinking of stories to share. One week till the celebration of Easter: do I share Easter stories, or tell tales of what is to come. What will grab your attention, entice your imagination, inspire your heart for your journey of faith? Of late, I cannot help but think of the birth of our children. They say it is womans work, this being pregnant, and yet, I think for me, I was just as pregnant as Jennifer. I physically didnt have to do the work of carrying this foreign life around inside of me; I didnt have the physical discomfort of having my kidneys used as bongos. I did, however, spend every afternoon in the grocery store getting something for dinner Jennifer would be able to eat. We may have had 20 options in the house, but I was at the store. I did something else too! For each child, as I was informed we would be having a baby, I would run out to the store and buy a stuffed animal. It didnt really matter what kind of stuffed animal, a dog, a cow, a horse, a frog, it didnt matter. What mattered to me was the opportunity to hold the animal in anticipation of holding our child. Each night, I would lay down, tuck myself in, and hold that animal as if it were the most precious thing in the world. Nestled between the covers and my pillow, lay in my arms what would be the symbol of my affection and the birth of my relationship with our unborn child. Jennifer and I would read books, then as we do now, aloud to one another in hopes of the baby recognizing our voices upon its arrival. Harry Potter was a favorite of ours. I also read every piece of paper the doctor ever gave us. This is in preparation for your ultrasound, said the midwife and I would read the information as if in some way I would be able to save a life for knowing what it said. I read and re-read the information so many times that I was asked if I was a doctor during one of JJs ultrasounds. JJ was a big baby and we went into have an ultrasound to help determine how big he was and whether or not JJ would be induced early or not. The Tech said something about how he was big, and I said something about how the gestational diabetes tests were negative and she looked at me and said, are you a doctor? No, just the father. I read everything you give me and more. I like to be prepared, I said. As if in my preparation I could somehow ward off the million and one things that could go wrong in pregnancylike I had some sort of control over what was happening to me, to our family. Jennifer had to physically carry our children. God bless her for that! I carried with me all the emotional what-ifs and questions of a man whose heart had grown ten sizes for the want of holding his child. I never imagined the depths of ones love could be so boundless until that moment Jennifer placed our kids in
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Are We There Yet? (continued)

my arms. I can still see her face after the birth of each of our children, the sound of her voice talking to each child, the sweat on her forehead from her loves labor. I can see the smile on her face and feel the touch of her lips as we kissed in celebration of their arrival. I can hear their cry, see them wiggling their fingers, rubbing their eyes, pursing their lips. I can remember touching their noses and thinking how beautiful this little person is. In a moment, all of my fears during the pregnancy were swept away by the flood of new fears: am I holding her correctly? Which way do I drive home? If any of you have seen the movie, Knocked Up, the scene at the end of the movie where the couple brings their baby home from the hospital, on the highway, at about 15 miles per hourthat was me. I drove as slow as slow can be. I have never made more deliberate turns in my life. I felt like such a jerk too! Every time I changed the babys diaper, the nurses had to come in and remake the babys bed because pee got all over the place. I was as awkward as a porcupine in a balloon store. Ill tell you one thing, though, my heart broke into a million and one pieces each time Jennifer placed our new baby into my arms. I never could have imagined my ability to love growing in such an immense capacity, and yet, in no time flat, my heart broke only to be remade with each breath our children took. Each time they laughed, it was as if a piece of my heart puzzle was being put back in place. Each time they learned something new, each time they tried something new or different, each time they spoke, each time I came home from the office, I felt/feel more whole. As if together we are weaving a tapestry of life and love. As if, somehow, though I know my goal as parent is to raise our children to be able to be successful adults, whatever that means, somehow, together we are figuring out how to be. Them, their own persons, and me their father. I cant help but wonder if that is not how it is with God and us? Each time a new person comes into this world, Gods heart breaks at the wonder and majesty and beauty of Gods newest creation and addition to the family. And together, God, and this new person, come to know how to live and laugh and love in light of who they are and whose they are, to whom they belong. God, longing to keep us from the pain and anguish of our mistakes, though realizing God cannot stop us from making our own choices. God longing to celebrate the joys and victories of our lives with us, even though God knows we may very well come to believe these same victories means we need less and less of God rather than more and more. I was watching the movie Up the other day with my children. In it a young man named Russell says, Ya know, the wilderness is not what I thought it would be. It is so wild, not anything like on TV. Life can be wild, filled with unexpected twists and turns. Life is, also, a gift! A gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap and an eternity to give thanks for. I know I dont have all the answers my kids will one day want, and/or need, and so I give thanks to God for the opportunity to raise them with Jennifer in a community of faith where they will be free to be the God given gifts they were made to be, explore what it means to be a child of God, and experience the consequences and rewards for both their mistakes and victories. I give thanks to God for the community of Peace, in which, we all take part and share the gift of life, the responsibility of sharing and nurturing our kids in faith, and share the joy of eternal life in Jesus name! I give thanks to God that when we celebrate the gift of new life in Jesus, our hearts break from joy, and are remade little by little as we live and learn from one another. Thanks for reading. May God bless you as you continue to live in the light of Christs resurrection! Peace, PJ

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Adult Ed Beginning April 14th

In the first, of what I hope to be many, opportunities for faith formation to be led by members of Peace Lutheran, Herb Janssen will be facilitating the adult education time Sunday mornings following worship beginning on April 14th. Herb will be having us take a look at the book of James as well as exercises in listening and conflict management. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to be in dialogue with one another in Scripture and practical life skills. See you there!

Annual Meeting
On April 21st immediately following worship we will have our Annual Congregational Meeting. This meeting promises to be a time of celebration as we remember back over 2012-2013 and look forward to 2013-2014 and the ministry we are committing ourselves to in Jesus name. Please plan on attending and participating in this meeting for the life of the church.

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April Family Event
Here comes Peter Cotton Tail hopping down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easters on its way! I get this image in my head of this long eared rabbit hopping down this trail wearing pastels, carrying a basket full of candyand then I start laughing and I dont know any more of the words to the song! On April 21st, we will have our next Peace Family Event as we celebrate the Easter Season! We will gather after the Annual Congregational Meeting (about 11:30am) for lunch, play a game or two, and tell/retell the Easter story through word and deed. I hope to see you there! Please rsvp to peacepastorjon@att.net so that we can know how much food to make. Peace, PJ

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Christianity for the Rest of Us

We had spoken earlier this year about the book Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass. The time is quickly approaching for us to begin reading and discussing this fantastic work of literature. It is my hope that we as a congregation will take part in this ministry for a number of reasons: 1.By being in small groups to discuss the readings we will form relationships with people we may or may not already know. 2.We can deepen our relationships with one another as members of the Peace community. 3.We will gain practice and experience, among friends, talking about our faith and how we see God working in the world so that we can overcome our fears and build confidence in our ability to converse about our faith. 4.We will begin to build our skills to see the world through the lens of faith. 5.We will, hopefully, be open to listening to the Holy Spirit speak to us about the needs of the community, Peace and El Paso, and how we can respond in faith and love. 6.It will be fun! Evangelism is a key component to our ministry plan for the year 2013-2014. Through conversations, meetings, and prayer, it has come to my attention that we, as a community, desire to be connected to one another and to grow in our ability/skill to talk about our faith. As of now, it isnt something we would say we are good at. And yet, there is a desire, a spark to want to be able to do this. So, among friends and family, in a safe environment, we will create these opportunities. Reading Christianity for the Rest of Us and participating in the discussions will be a fantastic way to begin this process. Cleveland and I have broken the congregation into groups, and will be notifying all of you shortly about who is in your group. It will be up to you to pick the time and place for you to get together as a group. We will meet in small groups for 3 weeks beginning on April 21st, then come together to celebrate and learn about what all the groups have been talking about on the 4th week. Then for two more weeks we will meet in small groups and come together two celebrate and wrap up this ministry on the third week. It will look like this: 1.Weeks of April 21, April 28, and May 5 meet in small groups. 2.Week of May 12 Celebration in Large Group at Peace 3.Weeks of May 19 and May 26thmeet in small groups. 4.Week of June 2 Celebration in Large Group at Peace. Be on the lookout for the information about which small group you will be in so that all yall can plan your meeting times. To purchase the book, please go on Amazon and type in Christianity for the Rest of Us by Diana Butler Bass. Then purchase the book from wherever you can for the least amount of money. Read, enjoy, discuss, grow, and have fun! Peace, PJ

We can deepen our relationships with one another as members of the Peace community.

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In March we had 37 middle and high school youth join us at bob Os for a couple of games of laser tag and pizza It was a wonderful time had by all. Mark your calendars for future events: April 13th go to Cristo Rey to play Soccer April 27th go to Cristo Rey for a game night May 5th climb Mount Cristo Rey May 25th Neon Desert Music Festival June 17th-21st volunteering at Peace Preschool in the morning and in the afternoons various events such as going to a movie, having water fights, mini golfing, etc. As events get closer, more information will be provided. For now please plan on attending these events and bringing your friends.

Beanies and Bunnies

The beanies and bunnies were delivered to El Paso Childrens Hospital on Tuesday by Pastor Jon, Jennifer Ramirez, Sandra Krassin and Tom Rood to Nancy Casner (all pictured) and Victor Guerrero. They were taken on a tour and everyone loved the Enchanted Forest (playground in the lobby especially you know who!)

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New Member Class Will Start April 14th

We are members of the Body of Christ. Perhaps we also speak of ourselves as members of a career field, fraternity or sorority, maybe a credit union or a bank, maybe a club of some sort? Membership has its privilege touts one of the major credit cards in its commercials. I suppose membership has its privileges, especially if one is talking about being a member of the body of Christ. We are gifted to enter into the suffering of the world, to see the world through the eyes of God, to imagine the world with the heart of God, to be engaged in the work of God, the inauguration of the coming of peace. We are fed in Wine, Bread, and Word, empowered by the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are forever being made and remade, formed in the image of the One who makes us, so that we can respond to Gods calling to be bread for the world. Imagine for a moment we truly understood what it means to be just that: bread for the world. To be broken and poured out for the hunger of the world: for those in need of peace, for those in need of healing, companionship, food, drink, clothingwe are broken and poured out just as Christ was before us. In Christ God has accomplished the salvation of the world, through us, Gods reign is made manifest in the world. New member classes are going to start on April 14th, following worship. Classes will run for 8 weeks with a break for Memorial Day. If you have been worshipping at Peace and desire to be a member of Peace, please contact the office so that we can prepare materials for you. If you dont know if you are a member of Peace, then come to the classes. We will have a great time getting to know one another and discovering just what it is we believe God to be calling us to as we live and breathe and have our being in the One who makes, claims, empowers, and sends us to be broken and poured out for the world. Peace, PJ

We are forever being made and remade, formed in the image of the One who makes us, so that we can respond to Gods calling to be bread for the world.

Ladies Nite Out Thursday, April 4th at 5:30 pm Pelicans

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Pentecost-Affirmation of Baptism
The celebration of Pentecost is on May 19th this year. This will mark the transition from Jesus physical presence on Earth, to the ministry of the Holy Spirit as we await the return of our Savior. This celebration will also be the celebration of the Affirmation of Baptism. Please mark your calendars and plan to be in worship in praise and thanksgiving for the young people who will be committing their lives to the Way of Christ. Peace, Pr. Jon

Albertsons Stamps
Thanks to everyone who contributed to the Albertson's cookware promotion. We collected enough stamps to give 10 pots and pans to the Reynolds House, which is a home for homeless women and children. Their website is http:// www.reynoldshome.org/ home/ if you'd like to learn more about this great organization. Thank you Janine for coordinating this project.

Beanies for Babies will be an ongoing project for Peace members and friends. We would like to continue to provide beanies to the Childrens Hospital. There will be a collection basket in the entryway they may be placed in. Patterns will be available. If you would like to learn how to make these darling little baby hats contact the church office and if there is enough interest a class can be formed or you will be put in touch with someone to help you.

Worship Roles
Last month I spoke of everyones role in making Peace a place of hospitality on Sunday mornings. I want to, briefly, take a moment now to remind you that beginning in May, each of us will be taking turns writing the prayers, being an acolyte, communion assistant, crucifer, and usher. I am currently in the process of writing brief instructions for each role so that we can each be comfortable with what we are doing on Sunday mornings. Hopefully, through our shared experience, we will gain a deeper understanding the work of worship we share and lift up to our Lord. Peace, PJ

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St. Lydias calls itself a dinner church. Supported through ELCA Vision for Mission, this congregation under development in Brooklyn, N.Y., is made up of approximately 30 people from a variety of faith journeys and backgrounds who join each week to cook, eat and worship in each others company around what founder Emily Scott calls the congregations three pillars: working together, eating together and sharing their story. In New York, where people really dont have large kitchens at all, Emily says, being able

to cook with people and eat with people outside a restaurant is really kind of rare. The idea began when Emily had just moved to Brooklyn to take a job as a liturgist. A recent graduate of Yale Divinity School, Emily had spent a lot of time thinking about communion and Christian meal practices. But when she first moved to New York, she was spending most of her time thinking about something else: how to meet people. When I moved here, I didnt have a real network of friends, Emily shares. I was literally saying yes to any invi-

tation that was extended to me. At parties and gettogethers, when people would ask Emily what she did for a living, there seemed to be a spark for many people when she said she worked in a church. Wed get into conversations, and some of them would say, Ive been thinking that I should be a part of a community, but I cant figure out how to get my foot in the door, she says. Others basically said, Thats something that I want more of in my life.

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Border Servant Corps

Gracious & Welcoming: Thank you, Peace Lutheran Church, for your generous hospitality to the groups who participated in a border immersion experience this spring. Your ministry to the community is apparent to these groups and many participants remark about how this is how we are churchwe agree. Thanks for being the church. BSC Sale: BSCs annual sale will be Saturday, April 6th from 7am-12pm at Peace Lutheran Church (Las Cruces). This event is one of BSCs largest fundraisers for the year and we need your support! Please drop off gently -used items at Peace Lutheran Church (1701 E. Missouri Ave.) on April 1st-4th from 8am-12pm or by appointment (bsc@peacelutheranlc.com or 575.522.7119 Ext. 18). BSC has a limited ability to pick up items. Oxfam Hunger Banquet: BSC, Peaces Hunger & Justice Committee, local confirmation students (Trinity and Peace), and Lutheran Campus Ministry will offer a Hunger Banquet during the Coffee Hour on Sunday, April 21st at 10:30am. Everyone is invited to participate, free-of-charge, in this experiential, community-building, educational event. And, yes, you will be fedjoin us! Thrivent Choice Dollars: The Thrivent Choice program allows members to recommend where some of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' charitable outreach funds are allocated by directing Choice DollarsSM. BSC is able to accept these donations through Peace Lutheran Church (Las Cruces, NM). For more information about how to donate, please contact kari.bsc@gmail.com. Border Servant Corps seeks to provide an opportunity for volunteers to work for justice, serve their neighbor, and walk humbly with their God. This month, Hannah Drewes, serving at Ciudad Nueva Community Outreach in downtown El Paso, TX, shares with us Glimpses of New Life The border can be a hard place to find Hope. The middle schoolers with whom I work constantly have a hard time finding that place where their lives belong where they fit in, where they can feel comfortable, and where they can be safe. They are daily faced with the oppression of bullies at school, unsupportive family at home, and opportunities for drug use and other negative pressures from their friends. My BSC community members and I are constantly hearing stories of desperation of women who have been separated from their loved ones, of families who cant scrape up enough money to pay the bills, of children who have been abused. Personally in the last few weeks, I have found myself more discouraged that usual, and Ive had to spend more time disciplining our after-school kids rather than building positive relationships with them. The past few weeks for me seem to have been overcome by anxiety and anguish of Lent; and it has been difficult to discover Hope. But thanks be to God, I have been able to glimpse the Risen Lord, even amongst so much brokenness and pain. In my experiences in working with kids here on the border, perhaps the times I see the gift of New Life the most is in opportunities for our kids to discover themselves through new experiences. The most joyous time of my year so far has been taking a group of 12 kids to Hueco Tanks for a day of hiking and rock climbing. None of them had ever done outdoor rock climbing, and as I witnessed our kids conquer the rock, I saw the face of Christ and felt the joy of Life overcoming death. It is amazing how a 10-minute journey up a 20-foot wall of rock can reveal the journey of Lent and the emergence of Easter. Anguish was evident in the kids fear of taking the first hand-hold and their shaky bodies as they first pulled themselves up the rock. There were moments of hopelessness and exhaustion. But then standing at the top of the climb, seeing the kids finally pull up and over the top of the rock, the determination in their faces, and the high-fives of joy after conquering the rock, reminded me of the Hope of Easter and the ability to overcome fear and desperation. In an environment of constant brokenness and struggle, especially on the border, it is hard to find Hope. My heart breaks when a 13-year-old tells me about his abusive mother, when I meet his alcoholic father, when he is constantly being beat up at school. Sometimes all the powers of darkness seem to be working against these kids and the people of the borderland. But I am so grateful when I am given opportunities to glimpse the Risen Lord who overcomes powers of sin, death, and darkness. When a mom finds a safe place to live with her family, when our teenagers are finally given a long-

awaited work visa, when a middle schooler finds joy in trying something new like rock climbing it is in those moments when I find Hope and when the Resurrection of Christ is revealed.
We thank you for all of the ways you support of Border Servant Corps! If you have any questions or would like to become more involved with BSC, please contact us at kari.bsc@gmail.com or (575) 522-7119 Ext. 16. Do justice. Love kindness. Walk humbly.

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Message from the director.

As I pondered what I should write this month, I was handed a message from one of the teachers here at Peace. She observed that my day was becoming a little bit more hectic than usual and thought I could use a special message of hope. I will share this message with you because I felt this is a beautiful message that needs to be shared with others. Good Thursday morning We have been blessed with another special day of life To do as we feel whats best for us To run and be free Lets smile and hug Cost nothing And is almost always returned!!! Dont wait for the world to recognize your greatness Live it and let the world catch up to you. God Bless and may you have a terrific and positive day. Ask for answers and you shall receive them. Always believe. I am always looking for messages such as those not only do they keep me grounded but it also gives me the bigger picture that God is awesome and mighty and gives you only enough that you can handle. Have a Blessed Day!

Barbara
Open Registration for Fall and Summer
Registration is now in progress for all ages from infants to kindergarten. Some of the changes for this summers program are as follows: The hours will be from 8:30 a.m. 12:30 p.m. The children will explore a new theme each week. Hands on activities will change weekly. A variety of presenters will participate such as; Water Willy, Ernie G. Watts, Gus & Goldie The children will be offered a mini science, art and music camps The classrooms will be transformed into a Math/Science, Drama/Music, Large Motor and Art Rooms Extended hours will also be available for those who need them

PFPParents for Peace

Anyone who is interested in joining Peace Lutherans Association is invited to two upcoming meetings. One meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 10th at 10:00 a.m. and the other will be held on Thursday, April 11th at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will be an hour long and focus on what expectations that parents and the school may have moving forward.

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A few of the changes for this falls school programs is as follows:

Dual language will be implemented into our program. Even though English will be the schools main language being spoken,

Spanish will be introduced to children through music, stories and social interactions. This will provide children with an enrichment either in a second language or to enhance their first language. An enrichment program will be offered during the extended hours in either in art, math/science, language arts or music. Also, available at registration will be a survey for a Summer Enrichment Program. The program will be offered by Ms. Angelique. The program will focus on Emergent Literacy and Phonics, please fill out survey and return it to the office by Monday, April 8th. Please either call or visit the school for more information on any of these registration programs.

VBS
Registration is open for vacation bible camp. Please visit the school to register for this great event. The week of VBS will be June 17-21 from 9:00-12:00. There will be no cost to attend this camp.

Scholastic Book Fair Our first annual scholastic book fair was a huge success with a total sale of $3870.00.
What an awesome amount for our first book fair. This event could not have happened without the support of so many volunteers. Let me start by extending a big thank you to Pastor Jon for being our wonderful Clifford all week long and to Ms. Annelyse for being Clifford at his birthday party. I would also like to thank the following volunteers who took time out of their day to come and work the fair; Susan Long, Ann Nicolaou, Paige Farrell, Tom Rood, Michelle Gonzalez, Leila Chavez, Jennifer Ramirez, Jill Watson, Steffanie Evans, Christina Rivera, Tiffany Matzen, Karen Judd, Amy Wagler, Orlando Loveras, Sylvia Nieto, Angela Lipkin, Kristine Blackwell, Jen Hundt, Melanie Gallagher, Melanie Martinez, Helen DeSantis, Crystal Gutierrez and Delores Ponce de Leon.

Books for Coins Along with the book fair Peace Church and the children of Peace Preschool raised money
to purchase books for the Assistance League of El Pasos book drive. The total amount collected was $407.27. Ms. Helen DeSantis who is a volunteer with the Assistance League of El Paso picked the books out and delivered them to the organization. The best part of this fundraiser was that the class with the highest total amount of money collected would receive a pizza party. The class with the highest amount was Ms. Suki and Ms. Yolandas kindergarten class and the runner up was Ms. Erikas 3 year old class.

To everyone involved in both of these events. I am very blessed by your continued positive support. All of you are greatly appreciated.

Dates to Remember GO BLUE- Child Abuse Prevention Day

support for child abuse prevention. Wednesday, April 10theveryone wear blue on this day to show

TRIKE-A-THON- April 19th St. Jude Trike-A-Thon offers a safety curriculum and
fundraising program that supports St. Jude. The program is a great way for daycare centers, preschools and other organizations to teach children valuable riding-toy safety lessons, using educational materials provided by St. Jude. At the end of the week, children bring their riding toys to school to celebrate the lessons they have learned and their fundraising success for St. Jude. Parents help their children gain sponsorship from family and friends, any donations are welcome. More information will be provided at a later date.

April 15th19th
Help us celebrate the Week of the Young Child!! The WOYC is a celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) that focuses on the needs of young children, their families, and early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. We will be having special activities throughout the week of April 15-19th!! Parents are invited to sign up to be guest readers, share a family tradition, or spend time in the class with their child. Please let the teachers know if you will be joining your child for a picnic on the playground. The schedule for the week is as follows: Monday All About Me, the children will create paper dolls in their image. Tuesday Mural Day the children create murals with their classes to be hung around the school. Wednesday - Director, parents, grandparents are invited to read or share a family tradition on this day. Thursday Picnic on the playground, join your child on the playground for a nice lunch together from 11:30-12:30. Bring your blanket, sack lunch and join your child on this special day. Friday Trike A Thon - The children may bring their riding toys to school on this day. The parking lot will be transformed into a safety area from

Rummage Sale- Have you been Spring cleaning, if not here is your chance, Peace Preschool will be having their second annual rummage sale on Saturday, April 27th from 7:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Food, baked goods, and refreshments will be sold. You may drop off your smaller donations at the school throughout the week of April 22-26th and larger items such as furniture etc. can be dropped off on Friday evening at the school. All proceeds from this sale will go for playground renovation. Ms. Angelique Martinez gave birth to a healthy baby boy on Sunday, March 24th. Ethan Orlando was born at 8:35 am and weighs 6 lbs, 15 oz. Mom and son are both doing well. What a new blessing for Ms Angelique and her family.