Congregational Annual Voters Meeting 
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Call Committee Update:
February 4, 2024
At the February 4th Voters’ Meeting it was unanimously decided to place a call to the Committee’s suggested candidate. We are praying for a positive response from this Pastor. We appreciate your continued prayers that light and love of our triune God shine brightly upon and within all of us, throughout this journey.
January 1, 2024
We received a call list of 16 candidates prepared by Pastor Woodford, President of the Minnesota South District, LCMS. We have been meeting weekly to evaluate the candidates and are committed to complete our work without delay. At this time, we have three candidates that we will be conducting pre-call interviews with in the coming weeks. As we proceed, Pastor Woodford stressed the importance that we maintain the utmost confidentially regarding the list of candidates. Please continue to pray that the Spirit will guide us in this process and the candidates we are speaking with.
Lynn Brown, Scott Haag, Dean Kirchoff, Jeff Miller, Paul Otte, Melissa Weckwerth, and Bob Sylvester, Chair.
December 17, 2023
We received the call list prepared by Pastor Woodford, President of the Minnesota South District, LCMS. We have met twice to begin evaluating the candidates and are committed to complete our work without delay. As we do so, Pastor Woodford stressed the importance that we maintain the utmost confidentiality regarding the list of candidates. We ask for your prayers that the light and love our our triune God shine brightly upon and within all of us throughout this journey.
Lynn Brown, Scott Haag, Dean Kirchoff, Jeff Miller, Paul Otte, Melissa Weckwerth, and Bob Sylvester, Chair.
Oct 31, 2023
The Call Committee has met and the first steps in the process of calling our next resident Pastor have begun. Nomination forms are now available in the office if you are interested in nominating someone to be considered for the position. All nomination forms are due by noon on Tuesday, November 14.
Members of the nominating committee are: Chair – Bob Sylvester, Rev Jeff Miller, Lynn Brown, Scott Haag, Rev Glenn Meyer, Melissa Weckwerth, Dean Kirchoff, Paul Otte.
Update regarding Childcare Facility at Peace
February 4, 2024
The Church Council was tasked by the congregation to put together a group to investigate the feasibility of a childcare facility. The members of this group include: Lynn Brown, Shelly Fitzgerald, Janelle Katzenmeyer, John Korngiebel, Mike McKimm, Mary Melin, Brooke Powell. We were blessed with more people willing to volunteer than we could have as part of the group. The Council would like to thank everyone involved in this process.
December 10, 2023
Vote Results Regarding Childcare Facility at Peace
On Sunday, December 10, the congregation voted to explore the creation of a childcare center that would be modeled after the business plan of Prince of Peace Retirement Living facility (501c#, separate legal entity from Peace Lutheran). At this time, the Church council is looking for individuals that are interested in being a part of a commissioned team that will investigate how this project can move forward. If you are interested, or know someone that would be an asset to this team, please contact the Church Office.
Melissa Weckwerth, Church Council President
December 3, 2023
Congregational meetings have been scheduled for information and voting in regards to a childcare facility here at Peace.
Meeting #1 Sunday, December 3rd after 10:30 service, Peace Center.
The Ad hoc committee that has been working on this project will present information, share findings and take questions about the options that need to be chosen by our congregation. There will be a question/answer time as well and handouts will be available.
Meeting #2 Sunday, December 10th after 10:30 service, Peace Center.
At this meeting the congregation will be asked to vote on the options that were discussed at the first meeting.
These are important meetings that need our prayerful thought and decision making. Please plan to attend both.
Powerpoint printout CLICK HERE
Results of Congregational Meeting
Sept 10, 2023
At the Congregational meeting Sept. 10, the Voters’ Assembly voted unanimously to accept the report from the Transition Task Force. Following a joint meeting of the Council, Board of Elders, Transition Task Force, and Pastor Stefan Wismar from MN South District on Sept 14, Pastor Wismar advised us to begin the call process of our next resident Pastor. The Council will appoint a Call Committee composed of seven members with no more than two of the members being members of the Council. The Voters’ Assembly meeting will be held Oct. 1 after 10:30 service. Following that meeting the council will appoint the Call Committee after reviewing the names of volunteers or nominees submitted for the Council’s consideration. Please contact the office if you wish to have your name or the name of another member considered for appointment. Please continue to pray for guidance as we move through this process.
Results of Special Voters’ Meeting
July 23, 2023
Confirmation of appointments of Council.
Council President: Melissa Weckwerth, expiring January 2024. Passed.
Council At Large Member: Dean Kirchoff, expiring January 2025. Passed.
Council At Large Member: Becky Kobow, expiring January 2024. Passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Justin Evenson shared that giving is up by 27%. PLC’s budget is at or below budget from last year.
The seven year loan initiative has already met its $140,000 goal. It is currently at $146,752.45, and $140,000 will be matched by the Congregational Fund.
Trustee Report: Justin shared the updates on the Main Building, PLC Cemetery, and Peace Place. Vote by hand was taken for approval of repairing Peace Place.
Estate Planning: Kurt Fuhr from LCMS will be working with PLC to present information on this to the congregation on October 15, 2023.
First Fruits – Stewartship
Commitment Sunday
Saturday & Sunday, November 19 & 20
The meaning of Stewardship
I am sure that your first thought was money. That is not entirely
wrong, since how we choose to use our treasure is part of our
stewardship of God’s blessings. But stewardship entails our whole
life and includes the sharing of our Time, Talent & Treasure.
Nov. 12 & 13, we will be exploring how developing and living as a steward of
God’s gifts can change your life and the life we share together in Christ at Peace.
How living a life of faith, gratitude and a growing trust in God will bring you into a closer personal relationship with our Lord.
The weekend of Nov 19 & 20, we will be asking one another to make a commitment of faith, trust and courage to our Lord and Savior as our ‘faithful intents/commitments’ set the foundation for what is possible in our renewed and growing ministry support plan for 2023 here at Peace Lutheran Church. What say you? In response to His many blessings and calling, let us willingly do our part faithfully, with thanksgiving, joy and courage! In all things, including our life of faithful stewardship, may God be praised and glorified!
A Message from Pastor Glenn Meyer
October 2022 Messenger
Dreaming and looking ahead: I have a picture, a dream for Peace
Lutheran of us having:
1. Our next resident pastor
2. A DCE in charge of youth, children, fellowship and young family
ministries
3. Our building debt paid off within 6 years (we now have fixed rate
of 3.75% for 7 years).
4. A commitment to never be in debt again, any building and
remodeling going forward would be totally covered with cash &
solid commitments up front.
5. Our childcare and related ministries like Preschool, etc. up and
running again.
6. First-fruit giving commitments from a majority of our members
(given with joy and thanksgiving to God). From such commit-
ments a congregation makes its plans with fiscal responsibility!
7. A growing number of active and committed members in worship,
Bible Class, Fellowship, local service projects in Hutch area, AND
mission trips outside of Hutch!
8. We would have and maintain a balanced ministry support plan
(budget). AND would never have to borrow money from a bank
again.
9. We would be able to have and continue regular weekly and
monthly financial reports.
10. There will be a great transparency and openness in all decisions.
11. We will strive to determine God’s purpose for our buildings and
resources, whether or not we all wanted these buildings. We will strive to determine God’s purpose and then act accordingly.
This is just a quick list of some of the things that I have heard you share and
some of the things that I have come to think of as I pondered what I have
seen and heard as your pastor for the past two months. What do you think?
What say you?
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