SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

09/21

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLIDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

09/21

RICHMOND HILL, GA – December 6, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church would like to celebrate the season of Christmas with the community by inviting them to their midweek Advent events at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 8 and 15, as well as their Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 7 p.m.

Spirit of Peace’s Advent services will combine their traditional Advent worship service with their Bible study group, “Faith Builders,” which includes a free dinner followed by a delightful music worship service called Holden Evening Prayer. The homilies will focus on how God’s prophets can help everyone get ready for Christmas. The Christmas Eve service involves guests singing their favorite Christmas carols, sharing Communion, and will conclude by singing Silent Night in candlelight.

“The advent season is put in place to remind everyone of the true meaning of the holidays. We aim to make our worship time feel bonded, like we are one community, and we invite people – Lutheran or not – to join us in praise,” Pastor Devin Strong said. “Our church relishes the Christmas spirit, so our advent and Christmas Eve services full of joy and song is not to be missed!”

The community is welcome to attend all services but should contact the church administrator at tara@spiritofpeacelutheran.org to reserve a space and learn about the required safety protocols.

For more information on Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE HOSTING ‘RING AND SING’ TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY

SPIRIT OF PEACE HOSTING ‘RING AND SING’ TO HELP LOCAL FAMILIES THROUGH THE SALVATION ARMY

RICHMOND HILL, GA – November 23, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church is hosting a holiday-themed fundraising event, “Ring and Sing,” to raise funds for The Salvation Army of Savannah’s (TSA) annual Red Kettle Campaign on Saturday, Dec. 18 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in front of Kroger in Richmond Hill, 53 Exchange St. The church choir and volunteers will sing Christmas carols, ring the bell for the iconic red kettle, and provide free hot chocolate for donors and shoppers.

The Salvation Army of Savannah had to start its annual holiday fundraising campaign early for the second consecutive year to help ensure local families are cared for this Christmas and beyond. The Red Kettle Campaign provides the best way for the local community to assist in The Salvation Army’s mission of
“Doing the Most Good” throughout the Coastal Empire. Without the support of the community and helpers like Spirit of Peace, The Salvation Army could not provide food, lodging, financial assistance, or gifts to people in need in this region. That is why Spirit of Peace, aligned with TSA’s mission to spread the love of God, is involving its congregants and the local community to assist the nonprofit with their goal of to bringing hope to struggling families this Christmas.

“Our congregation is very passionate about supporting local families and nonprofits; and being a church that aims to spread the joy of Christ all year round – especially at Christmas time – supporting The Salvation Army of Savannah could not be more exciting for us,” said Pastor Devin Strong. “The organization’s mission is very close to our hearts, and we are aiming to help them ‘Do The Most Good’ in any way we can. We encourage the local community to stop by the front of Kroger that afternoon for some holiday fun to enjoy some hot chocolate and carols performed by our choir – it’s all for a great cause!

Through Bryan County Family Connections, Spirit of Peace is further supporting local efforts to help families in need by hosting an angel tree fulfill the Christmas wishes of disadvantaged Bryan County children. All benefitting families are vetted by Family Connections, and parents or guardians provide the agency with a list for each child that includes special wants, likes toys, games or clothing. Donors across Bryan County then have the opportunity to “adopt” each of these “Angels” by visiting one of the many Angel Trees and selecting an ornament with a specific gift written on it. Donors then turn in their purchased gifts back at the location of the tree where they chose their ornament. Packages are then distributed to parents in time for Christmas.

For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org or call Fellowship Director Anne-Marie Callahan at 912-344-8458.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Allie Robinson at allie@lesleyfrancispr.com at 912-547-3100 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH KICKS OFF COMMUNITY SPEAKERS SERIES WITH 2 LOCAL LEADERS

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH KICKS OFF COMMUNITY SPEAKERS SERIES WITH 2 LOCAL LEADERS

BRYAN COUNTY, GA. – OCTOBER 28, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church recently launched a Community Speakers Series. The initiative is designed to bring leaders of nonprofits and other philanthropic organizations from around Bryan County into the church, where they speak to parishioners after Sunday services. During their presentations, the community speakers share information about their organization’s mission, programs, and work in the area.

The first two speakers in the series were Summer Patterson, Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services’ Deputy Chief of EMA/Division Chief of EMS, and Britnee Kinard, founder and CEO of S.D. Gunner Fund, which was created to assist veterans, exceptional children, and first responders with the financial expense of owning much needed service and therapy animals.

Patterson spoke about emergency preparedness and fire safety, especially as the holiday season nears and fire pits, fireplaces, candles and lights become more frequently used. BCFES makes public and education and outreach a large part of their work in the community.

Kinard spoke about S.D. Gunner Fund’s newest initiatives and programs, in addition to many community partnerships they have formed to host fundraisers and events that are quite popular among their supporters. Kinard first founded S.D. Gunner when her husband, a Purple Heart Veteran, was in need of a service dog, but their family found it difficult to navigate all the red tape required in order to receive one. After she successfully assisted her husband, other veterans got wind of Kinard’s strong leadership skills and began to request help. Thus, a nonprofit organization was born.

Spirit of Peace Pastor Devin Strong and his congregation were happy to welcome their first two speakers to the church and look forward to hearing from additional local leaders and nonprofit organizers.

“Both Summer and Britnee gave wonderful presentations, full of valuable information, interesting background material and great suggestions for ways to support their organizations and be more involved in our community,” Strong said. “We thank both of them sincerely for sharing their valuable time with us and hope they’ll come back to visit again in the future.”

Any local nonprofit or philanthropic organization leaders and founders who are interested in speaking as part of Spirit of Peace’s Community Speakers Series can reach out to the church by calling (912) 727-5608 or emailing tara@spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy. For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRYAN COUNTY BARK PARK PARTNER FOR PET BLESSING

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, BRYAN COUNTY BARK PARK PARTNER FOR PET BLESSING

BRYAN COUNTY, GA. – OCTOBER 15, 2021 – Spirit of Peach Lutheran Church and the Bryan County Bark Park are teaming up for another “Blessing of the Pets” on Saturday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. The event will take place just outside the gates of the Bark Park, located at Dee Henderson Park off Ga. Highway 144 and Capt. Matthew Freeman Drive.

Spirit of Peace Pastor Devin Strong will conduct the pet blessings. The church has previously conducted pet blessing events that have been popular and drew sizeable crowds. It has become something of a tradition enjoyed by the church’s team and area pet owners.

“Pets are truly part of our families. The genuine love our pets have for us and our kids, it withstands the tests of time. These loyal members of our families are one of God’s greatest blessings,” Strong said.

Over the last two years, many pets have experienced dramatic changes in their daily routines. With an increased number of people working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, pets have benefited from more quality time with their humans. The pastor encourages pet owners to acknowledge the value placed on the companionship of furry family members and the comfort they’ve provided during an anxious and worrisome time.

“The faithful service, loyalty and genuine happiness that our pets deliver day in and day out deserve to be celebrated. Certainly, they’ve earned a little time to come play with their four-legged friends and partake of some special treatment while their families enjoy the safely distanced company of other animal-loving folks,” Strong said.

All pets are welcome as long as they are even-tempered and not averse to crowds. Spirit of Peace will provide free treats for dogs and bottled water for their human companions.

Leashes are not needed inside the fenced areas of the Bark Park, but pets should be on a leash as they’re being escorted to and from vehicles and the park. All pet owners are asked to clean up after their pets.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy. For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

The Bark Park strives to provide a clean and well-maintained environment for all responsible dog owners in the community, where dogs can safely play and socialize off-leash. Since its inception as a registered nonprofit in 2012, the Bark Park’s success has been ensured by the support of community volunteers, sponsors and the Bryan County Department of Parks and Recreation. To learn more about the Bark Park, visit www.bryanbarkpark.com.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Kristyn Fielding at kristyn@lesleyfrancispr.com or 229-393-6457, or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PARTNERS WITH CORE TO HOST VACCINATION CLINIC – OCTOBER 19 AND NOVEMBER 9

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PARTNERS WITH CORE TO HOST VACCINATION CLINIC – OCTOBER 19 AND NOVEMBER 9

RICHMOND HILL, GA – October 1, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church is partnering with the Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) to host a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic on Tuesday, Oct. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines will be provided at this clinic.

During the Oct. 19 clinic, CORE will be focusing mostly on the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine as well as administering the one-dose Johnson &Johnson vaccine. The second clinic on Nov. 9 will be for the second doses of the Pfizer. This clinic will also be providing Pfizer vaccine boosters to patients that meet specific guidelines that the organization follows to administer them. Immunocompromised individuals over 65 years of age that qualify for a booster shot will need to have their CDC vaccination card present, otherwise the team will not be able to give them a booster shot.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with CORE to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to the people in the community who might not have had the chance to get it otherwise,” said Pastor Devin Strong. “Spirit of Peace is focused on the safety and wellbeing of the Richmond Hill/Bryan County community, and we wanted to help in any way we can.”

CORE is a crisis response organization that brings immediate aid and recovery to underserved communities across the globe. When a crisis strikes, CORE responds immediately to fill gaps, mobilize resources, and establish trust and collaboration from within communities to empower them to break perennial cycles of poverty and vulnerability. CORE focuses on equity by bringing relief directly to those who need it most.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy. For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org or call 912.727.5608.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

 

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PARTNERS WITH ST. ELIZABETH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO HOST IN-PERSON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH PARTNERS WITH ST. ELIZABETH’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH TO HOST IN-PERSON VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

RICHMOND HILL, GA – May 24, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church has partnered with St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church to host a collaborative Vacation Bible School (VBS) on June 22-24 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

This joint program is free to children from rising pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. Their VBS will turn its attention to the feelings of children through the lens of the parable in Holy Scripture about two brothers and a father who were lost and found (Luke 15:11-32).

Children will be invited to explore and honor their feelings in a safe environment through Bible drama, crafts, music, games, prayer and food. The goal is to make sure that the young participants know they are loved and there are adults who will help them work through feelings like fear and celebrate feelings like joy. Learning to explore emotions teaches children about how God has made everyone unique and in God’s own image and likeness.

“This summer program is a great way for the children in our community to get acquainted with their peers again in a setting that is spiritual, safe and fun,” said Spirit of Peace Pastor Devin Strong. “Spirit of Peace would like to thank St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church for agreeing to partner with our church to provide this vacation bible school to the community.”

In order to follow COVID-19 safety precautions and guidelines, space is limited. To reserve a spot for vacation bible school, visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org and download the registration form. Once filled out, it can be turned into either Spirit of Peace’s or St. Elizabeth’s office or emailed to tara@spiritofpeacelutheran.org or melissa.st.elizabeth@gmail.com. For more information, call Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church (912-727-5608) or St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church (912-727-2650).

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy. For more information about this event or Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLY WEEK SERVICES

SPIRIT OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH INVITES THE COMMUNITY TO HOLY WEEK SERVICES

RICHMOND HILL, GA – April 1, 2021 – Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church is set to host an array of virtual and in-person services for the community in commemoration of Holy Week for the Great Three Days – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Spirit of Peace will celebrate Maundy Thursday safe and socially-distanced outside of the Church, 15985 GA-144, Richmond Hill, with a light supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a worship service. On Good Friday, the service will be held via Zoom and in-person at 7 p.m. and will include a mixture of scripture readings and hymns. The Easter Sunday service will also be held via Zoom and in-person at 10 a.m. and will be comprised of special music and communion with an Easter Egg Hunt to follow for the children.

In the Lutheran church, congregants observe these Great Three Days to ultimately commemorate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday. Maundy Thursday refers to the celebration that took place when Jesus transformed into his body and blood into the Last Supper, which he shared with His disciples. Good Friday is reserved for telling the story of the Jesus’s last day of life and acknowledging His death.

The community is welcome to attend all services, but those interested in joining in-person worship services should contact the church administrator at tara@spiritofpeacelutheran.org to reserve a space and learn about the required safety protocols.

“As believers, we have a tendency to want to move from celebration to celebration, without paying attention to how we got there. That is why we choose to commemorate the Great Three Days, which could be considered a single extended, worship service – one that is often minimally observed. It’s true that many people are busy celebrating Easter weekend with family and friends, but perhaps if we gave some deeper thought to the meaning behind these three days, we will have even greater joy on Resurrection Sunday,” Pastor Devin Strong said. “When we’re dealing with real struggles, it can feel like we’re stuck in Good Friday or Holy Saturday. That’s why we gather as Christians, to remind each other not to give up but to wait for the coming of Easter. We invite the community to celebrate this significant week with us – Lutheran or not!”

For more information on Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

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For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).

SPIRIT OF PEACE TO HOLD DRIVE-UP ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVANCE, VIRTUAL SERVICE

SPIRIT OF PEACE TO HOLD DRIVE-UP ASH WEDNESDAY OBSERVANCE, VIRTUAL SERVICE

RICHMOND HILL, GA – February 8, 2021 – Wednesday, Feb. 17 is Ash Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day period when churches of various denominations ask their members to re-dedicate themselves to prayer, giving alms, making sacrifices, reading Scripture, and fasting. The observance is an opportunity for the faithful to sharpen their senses and focus their minds and hearts on the reign of God. The Lenten season ends on Easter Sunday, which falls on April 4.

In Bryan County, Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church is handling its Ash Wednesday service a bit differently this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The church will host a drive-up Ash Wednesday ritual from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17. Participants can pull their vehicles up to the church, located at 15985 GA-144 in Richmond Hill, where they’ll be asked to form a socially distanced line beneath a pop-up tent to receive the rite of ashes before returning to their cars. Afterward, everyone is encouraged to log on at 7 p.m. for a virtual church service via Zoom.

Pastor Devin Strong and other event organizers from the church expect the distribution of ashes will be orderly, quick and convenient for the church’s congregants. However, above all else, the pastor sees it as a way to keep his members safe as COVID cases in the area continue to rise.

“We are excited to have come up with a non-traditional way to observe a traditional holy day of obligation. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of a very important time for the church – one of repentance, reflection and renewal when we remember Jesus’s suffering and sacrifice. Commemorating the occasion gives us an opportunity to pray together for all those who suffer as we look toward the joyous occasion of Easter,” Strong said.

For more information on Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church, please visit www.spiritofpeacelutheran.org.

Spirit of Peace Lutheran Church’s mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through ministry, promoting a lifestyle of worship and loving service through word and prayer so that all of God’s children will know Christ’s transforming joy.

– ENDS –

For media inquiries, please contact Hollie Barnidge at hollie@lesleyfrancispr.com or 912-272-8651, Crystal Vogel at crystal@lesleyfrancispr.com at 912-509-1510 or the team at 912-417-LFPR (5377).