Church of Peace

NIGHT

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:51:30 +0000

From Huehuetenango

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:51:30 +0000

When the bell rings at 5 pm in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, the bell ringer is right up there in the tower. I wonder if he has a hearing loss.

Today our newly composed group, now twelve persons, took a van to Huehuetenango from Antigua. Tomorrow at about 8 am we finish the last leg of the journey to Nueva Esperanza in Chacula.

"Hola" from Antigua

admin — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 04:51:29 +0000

It is a new world when the modest backpacker Posada San Vicente in Antigua, Guatemala, has free wi-fi! Here is our group at dinner 2 hours ago. We are assembling, and spent this afternoon getting to know each other better. We will take a van to Huehuetenango tomorrow, and on Monday we will go higher into the mountains to Nueva Esperanza, at Chacula, for the fiesta to celebrate their return to Guatemala in 1994, after being international refugees in Chiapas, Mexico.

Guatemala Delegation

admin — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:53:26 +0000

Off to Guatemala on Friday, January 6 on a mission delegation.

The main order of business is to be present at a fiesta celebrating the return of refugees from Mexico to Guatemala that took place in January 1993. The community is called Nueva Esperanza and is in Chacula. These people were among the 200,000 or so refugees who fled the scorched earth policy of the Guatemalan military in the 1980s who were in camps in Chiapas, Mexico, under the supervision of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. When peace accords were achieved in Guatemala they decided to return as an organized community. Sort of a modern day Passover narrative. Last time I was there was in January 1994 and the people were literally living under blue tarps. I am looking forward to see how far they have come.

We will also visit human rights groups which have their offices in Guatemala City.

I ask your prayers for our group as we travel. Please pray that our support and bridge-building will be effective. And that everyone will be safe and healthy.

The photos are from an earlier visit to Guatemala.

Timpani is New to Worship

editor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:00:03 +0000

Two recent additions to the Church of Peace worship services are a pair of timpani, also called kettledrums. They were purchased with funds given in Corinne Colclasure’s memory. Kettledrums originated in Asia as part of the military. Germany had become a center of playing timpani as early as 1384. A foot pedal device is used to tighten or loosen the drum head allowing different pitches to be set. We are grateful to add these new sounds of praise to the Lord.

Christmas Eve Services

editor — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:30:09 +0000

Celebrate Jesus! Christmas Eve Services

Saturday, December 24th

4:30 pm • 10:30 pm

Children’s Christmas Program

editor — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:30:41 +0000

The Sunday School classes will present their Christmas Program Sunday Dec. 11 during worship service.

Bring gifts to Church

editor — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:00:14 +0000

For many years we collect and donate diapers to assist young mothers. Babies always need clean diapers. Most needed sizes are 3’s, 4’s and 5’s. Books are also welcome for the Book Nook. Gifts can be placed under the sanctuary Christmas trees.

Hat and Mitten Tree

editor — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 19:30:25 +0000

A tree is up in the narthex of the church for you to donate winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, and coats. These items will be used for the people that visit our church looking for something warm to wear in the cold. Any size item is needed, whether it’s for adults or children.

Christmas Potluck

editor — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:30:51 +0000

You are invited to our annual Christmas potluck right after worship with the Sunday School Christmas Program—”Sunday School Idol: Season One”—on Sunday, Dec. 11. You are asked to bring a dish to pass. After eating, we will welcome our new members and door prizes. All children attending will get a stocking and the opportunity to complete a craft. Any questions, please contact Ed Johnson. Enjoy the church fellowship during the holiday season!