Peace United Church of Christ

10/03/2026

October 2026

Beloved people of Peace~

October is the month here in Minnesota when it becomes really clear to me that the weather is changing. It is that time of year when the sweaters come out. It is that time when we realize that we need more than just ourselves and the sun to stay warm. We need the warmth of good clothes and good company. We are not meant to stand alone and battle through on our own. We are made for community and relationship, and church is place where we not only come to be reminded that God is with us but also that God’s people can gather to support one another so that we can survive and thrive.

Each October begins with World Communion Sunday in worship on the first Sunday. I was once told that on this particular communion Sunday it is like there is one communion table to circle the whole earth with a new leaf being put in with each new time zone. It is a Sunday that we not only celebrate this feast in our own sanctuary at Peace United Church of Christ, but we acknowledge that everywhere people of diverse cultures and understandings are gathering to eat the bread and drink of the cup – remembering that night of Christ’s betrayal and celebrating the victory over death and life more fully in our togetherness. I hope you can join us on Sunday, October 4th for worship.

At Peace United Church of Christ, October is also when we remember our call to be good stewards of what we have been gifted with. Far too often church folk think “stewardship” is only about money, but God calls us to be good stewards of everything we have been given – our time, our talents and our treasures. Yes, you will receive a letter later this month with a pledge card and an ask for you to make a commitment to the financial needs for 2027.

We also have a building that we are called to care for and be stewards of, so on Saturday, October 10th we will spend time doing Fall cleaning and repairs, there will be big and little things to do, and everyone can help in some way. Folks from Higher Ground Church will also be helping and we will be working from 9 AM to 3 PM.

Come together my friends, come and be warmed by the good people in this community of faith. Know that I am always available to talk and pray, to help you find ways to give of yourself to this ministry that we are all a part of. Sunday morning is often seen as the only time the church gathers, but we gather in other ways throughout the month. Join us on the first and third Thursdays for Mid-Week Fellowship at 2 PM. Come and fellowship downstairs after Sunday worship. Invite each other out to coffee or lunch, I am always looking for time with you and will eagerly accept your invitation. Invite others in your life to join us in worship and service.

I cherish being your pastor during this time of transition and am well aware that our time will come to an end in the next few months, but until our time is done, I am always praying for you and here to respond to your needs.

Blessings!
Pastor Marc

09/01/2026

Beloved People of Peace!

September is here and I am returning to be with you again on Sunday mornings. Today, I return to my previous schedule. After time serving as Sabbatical Pastor in Alexandria and my own time of rest and personal renewal in August, I am glad to be spending Sundays and Thursdays with you again as we continue to find our way through in this transition to your next settled pastor.

September can be a busy time. Folks are returning to school schedules, and we will be spending time learning in Mid-Week Fellowship as well. We will continue to meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month (after taking a break in August) at 2:00 PM in the church library.

Pride is celebrated with our LGBTQ+ neighbors in St. Cloud during this month and we will live into our “Extravagant Welcome” be being part of the celebration. We have a booth space reserved for Pride in the Park at Lake George on Saturday, September 19th. We need some folks to step up and help coordinate volunteers to staff our church booth and do some initial planning. Maybe you feel called to help? Please let Michelle in the church office know if you are willing to help. We are also encouraged to be part of the Pride & Peace Walk on Wednesday, September 16th, with other people of faith to rally for LGBTQ+ peace. They will meet at 5:30 PM in the main Lake George Parking lot.

In Sunday worship this month, we will have the theme “Faith on Broadway” and will be exploring connects between our faith and certain Broadway musicals. We are involved on a very public faith tradition and God’s message of love and grace can be found in many unexpected places, especially on the theatrical stage. Invite a friend to join you in coming to church, find God on Broadway might be just what they need.

Sunday, September 27th is our Annual Congregational Meeting that will be part of the 10 AM worship service. During this time, we review the work of the church over the past year, look at our finical situation and elect new leadership. There are currently three slots for new board members opening up. Please consider if you might be one who is being called to critical work of navigating the future ministry of this church.

I have held you all close to my heart in our time apart this summer and look forward to seeing more of you face to face starting this week. Know that I am here for any pastoral care you may need, just call of text… or pop in the church office on my days in town.

Blessings!

Pastor Marc

07/28/2026

06/25/2026

69 years ago today, our coming together and founding a new denomination was made official. We the UNITED CHURCH of Christ... offering Extravagant Welcome, ministering with Evangelical Courage in our quest for peace with justice, and radically Changing Lives along the way.
This congregations is a proud to be a member of the United Church of Christ!

03/20/2026

The Next Four Weeks...
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Beloved People of Peace-

Our next four weeks together will be full of mixed emotions. We have much to do and discuss and decide as “church” in this time and place. We will vote on a budget and join in the ancient ritual of a parade of waving palms. We will walk the emotional and eye-opening events of Holy Week and then be assured again that life comes after death… that faith will bring us through the fear… that in the end God’s love always wins.

I hope that you can join us for any or all of these events in the life of Peace United Church of Christ in St. Cloud over the next four weeks.

Sunday, March 22nd
We will take time during our worship service for the reception of a new member and to have a special meeting of the congregation to approve the 2026 Church Budget.

Palm Sunday, March 29th
Palm branch will be waved and laid out to adorn the path for Jesus, remembering the entrance into Jerusalem by Christ, Jesus comes to confront the powerful empire of oppression that was and is still part of daily life.
After worship, we will go out to lunch together at Pizza Ranch in Waite Park, as it is the fifth Sunday of the month. If transportation or meal cost is an issue, please let me know; we don’t want anyone to be left out because of the cost and folks have donated to make sure all can participate.

Maundy Thursday, April 2nd
At 7:00 PM, join us at First Presbyterian Church, 340 Fifth Avenue South in St. Cloud as I share in worship leadership in a joint service of Holy Communion. We will gather at the table to remember Jesus’ Last Supper with the disciples and his call to love another just as God loves us.

Good Friday, April 3rd
Join us at 7:00 PM in our sanctuary, as Rev. Darin Seamen and First Presbyterian Church join us for a “Stations of the Cross” worship inspired by the artwork of Adolfo Perez Esquivel.

Easter Sunday, April 5th
We will come together to celebration resurrection, singing praise to God and giving thanks for all the possibilities of our future that is found in the hope of our Risen Savior. The church chancel will become a spring garden blooming with God’s goodness and new life.

Sunday April 12th
This will be my last Sunday with you in worship, as I leave to begin new Sunday morning responsibilities in Alexandria. We will celebrate what we have accomplished in this transition time as pastor and people.
At 4:00 PM will gather in the basement for a potluck meal and one last big party, inviting Higher Ground and other from around St. Coud to join as we love on each other and give thanks for all that connects us as church and ministry partners.

Please note that our relationship will not end, but it will change significantly as I will be only in St. Cloud on Thursdays after April 12th to do pastoral visits, mid-week fellowship and help to secure pulpit supply until you call your next settled pastor. I will continue to pray for and with you all, even though I will not be physically with you on Sunday mornings.

The past 20 months have been rich and meaningful for me, and I trust you all feel the same.

Yours in Christ’s service,
Pastor Marc

03/14/2026

Out of an abundance of caution, the church leadership has decided to cancel Sunday worship for March 15th due to the forecast of a major winter storm. Please stay home and stay safe!
~Pastor Marc