125th Anniversary News
"I will make your faithfulness known through all generations" Psalm 89:1
We thank Dan Hones for making these photos available!
Jan. 31 - Feb. 1 Pastor Joe Schultz
(Pastor at Peace 1965-1982)
Called To Be A Blessing Weekend
2009 marks the 125th Anniversary of Peace Lutheran Church. We are looking forward to the special events planned for this year beginning with the return of former pastor, Joe Schultz, who was our guest preacher the weekend of Jan. 31/Feb. 1. Pastor Schultz served at Peace from 1965-1982. As part of our special anniversary weekend we kicked off the congregational phase of our "Called To Be A Blessing" ministry initiative. Click here to learn more about "Called To Be A Blessing."
Feb. 28 - Mar. 1 Pastor Bill Volm
(Pastor Emeritus of Peace)
Concordia University WI Kammerchor Choir
Lutheran Schools Week
On Saturday, Feb. 28 we were blessed with a wonderful concert by Concordia University, Wisconsin's Kammerchor Choir. In the German tradition, Concordia's "chamber choir" brought to Peace and the city of Antigo the music of composers from around the world. Our church was filled with over 500 people, including many of the children from Peace Lutheran School who joined the choir in a moving rendition of "Beautiful Savior." The choir made this special trip to Antigo in honor of Peace's 125th Anniversary. The choir included one Antigo native, Luke Fosterling, the son of Donna & Dick Fosterling. Concordia is one of ten universities that are part of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, educating young men and women in various fields of service in both the church and society.
March 27-28 - Presentation of BOW THE KNEEl
"BOW THE KNEE" was a wonderful presentation of the ministry and mission of our Lord Jesus Christ through the eyes of a Roman Centurion named Anthony. Over 700 people came to Peace to see this presentation on March 27 and 28.
April 30 Missionary Phil Schielke Visit
(LCMS Missionary to Kazakhstan)
Peace Lutheran Church and School has always given strong support to mission work throughout its 125 year history. To recognize and celebrate this fact Peace began a three year commitment to support a new LCMS missionary and family, Rev. Phil Schielke. Pastor Schielke and his wife, Kerri, and two of their chilldren, Jacob and Esther, visited Peace on April 30, 2009. They gave a presentation to the students of Peace Lutheran School about their work in Kazakhstan and the need to spread the gospel of Jesus to a country that is largely unsaved. The students presented the Schielkes with a check for over $500 representing their chapel offerings during the month of April. Later that day a potluck was held at the church as the Schielkes also made a presentation to members of the congregation. The fellowship hall was decorated with flags of all 85 of the countries that have mission work being done by the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. To learn more about our new missionaries you can visit their website at www.schielkes.org.
On Saturday evening June 6 many alumni and friends of Peace Lutheran School gathered for a reception, shared memories, and enjoyed a room full of displays from from 120 years of educational ministry. Pastor Randall Neal shared an inspiring message at all 3 weekend worship services. On Sunday, June 7 Dave Selmeyer was recognized for his 36 years of ministry at Peace and 40 years in the teaching ministry of the LCMS. Mr. Selmeyer was honored with a special dinner "roast" which featured Jim Hanson as MC. Other speakers included Aletta Berndt, Dick Greening, Mark Gutzler (former teacher), Randall Neal (former pastor), David Reineke - DCE, Barb Brown - PTL president (presentation of special quilt made of PLS items), Mike Hunter - BOE chair (presentation of inscribed watch), Bob Whipkey - District Ed. Exec., and also special words were spoken by Dave's mother-in-law. Many people worked together for this special anniversary weekend celebration.
Saturday, June 27 Living River Concert
As part of the Antigo Band Shell Rededication Week
Peace and the Antigo community welcomed back "Living River" for a special community concert during dedication week of the City Park bandshell on Sat. June 27. Though rain forced the concert inside to the Volm Theater over 300 people enjoyed the blend of contemporary praise and worship, gospel, and a cappella styles. Living River has shared uplifting music for 20 years throughout the Midwest and we were privileged to have them in Antigo for this special concert. As part of this event Peace recognized those who serve our community in the police, fire, and sheriff's departments with a special framed picture. The presentation was made by Bob Hunter, president of our congregation and also serving as Fire Commissioner for the city of Antigo. Peace has enjoyed a good working relationship with our law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services in Antigo and Langlade County. Our anniversary is a chance to say "Thank You" for our work together for the betterment of our community over the past 125 years.
Dr. Dale Meyer
(Pres. Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and former speaker on "The Lutheran Hour" radio broadcast.)
125th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 19-20, 2009
On Saturday night Sept. 19, about 250 members and friends of Peace gathered for a wonderful and enjoyable evening of good food and entertainment. Harp music filled the air as people gathered in the narthex and then in the fellowship hall to celebrate 125 years of blessing for Peace. Following the delightful meal catered by Nueskes, the crowd enjoyed a variety of songs sung by "Of Chorus!" Dr. Dale Meyer was our keynote speaker and related the journey that our church has been on over the past 125 years to the journey taken by the disciples of Jesus on the road to Emmaus following His resurrection.
On Sunday, Sept. 20 over 700 people worshiped with us as once again, Dr. Meyer shared the Word of God and encouraged our congregation as we continue to give witness to the Gospel of salvation in the years to come. Our Peace children and adult choirs all shared their talent as we sang praise to the Lord. Hundreds stayed for the church picnic put on by our Harvest Dinner committee. Games were held outside for the children along with ice cream for all. Inside the Fellowship Hall the tables were decorated with the picnic theme, and we enjoyed the slow roasted pork that Marty Kolpack had kept simmering all night. "Slidin' on Ice" shared some fun music as we celebrated the faithfulness of our God, and His promise to remain faithful in love and care until He returns.
ANNIVERSARY THANK OFFERING
We give thanks to our Lord for those who have given a special gift to the Lord’s ministry at Peace in thanksgiving for God’s many blessings over the past 125 years. Gifts given to the Thank Offering are divided three ways:
1) Improvements to our facility including a new bell tower, vestibule doors for south entrance, and energy efficiency updates to our HVAC;
2) Scholarships to Peace Lutheran School as we continue to support and encourage the students of Peace;
3) Reduction of principal on our debt.
Click the "Give Now" button to make a contribution to the Anniversary Thank Offering:
