March 25 at 3 PM - Peace Lutheran Church

Page 1 March 2012 

15840 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908 (239)437-2599 www.peaceftmyers.com www.facebook.com/PeaceFtMyers 

Peace Lutheran Church Monthly Newsletter March 2012 

Peace First To-Be-Annual Art Show 

Hopefully you were able to browse through the wonderful 

display of talent that was showcased at 

Peace from members and friends. 

There were paintings, dolls, woodworks, 

pottery, quilts, purses, furniture, 

and more! We all look forward to the 

2 nd Annual Art Show next year! 

“Singing the Windows” 

I am a "snowbird" from Knoxville, TN. who was blessed more than I can tell you by 

being in your church this afternoon. Please tell your choir that I greatly appreciated their 

beautiful voices and many hours of practice. Pr Still's remarks were so good, and your 

music director/organist is extraordinary. The windows are beautiful, and the program 

quieted my heart and fed my spirit....only God our Father could have led me there. Thank 

you for sharing your 

windows and music 

with me. 

Very Sincerely, 

Mary Montgomery


Dear Friends in Christ, 

A Word from Pr Walter... 

We have begun the 40 days of pilgrimage to the cross and resurrection of Jesus. 

This is the time of the year when we are able to focus on Jesus death and resurrec- 

tion. The smudge of ashes on our forehead, the veil that drapes the processional 

cross, the large wooden cross in the chancel, the forty days—why? 

The “why” has been a question that has both challenged and thrilled his disciples since the 

crucifixion? When one reads Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Paul, one clearly sees that their writings 

keep pushing the reader/listener to a confession of faith that answers the question. I have always 

treasured Paul’s answer in 1 Corinthians 1.18: “For the message of about the cross is foolishness to 

those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I also love Luther’s 

answer in the Small Catechism: “(Jesus) has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has 

purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil, not with gold or silver 

but with his holy, precious blood and with his innocent suffering and death.” Hymns also give us an 

answer. “Sing, My Tongue” from the sixth century proclaims: “Sing my tongue, the glorious battle, tell 

the triumph far and wide; tell the wondrous story of the cross the Crucified…” The followers of Christ 

have answered the question many times. 

If you are still working on an answer to the question, I invite you to gather with your brothers and sisters 

in Christ for the Three Days of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil. I have been so 

blessed by the work of Deacon Karen Coleman to serve with Ric and me to plan these liturgies. We 

have spent a great deal of time working on the services because they are so important to our 

celebration of Jesus death and resurrection. People that have attended the three services—which are 

really one continuous celebration—are amazed at what they learn about what God has done in Jesus. 

From the gatherings around the washing of feet, the Last Supper, the Cross, the Easter fire they hear 

the stories of scripture in a new and exciting way. They have 

an insight into God’s work in Jesus. They have an insight into 

the “why?” 

Still wondering? Come and see! 

In Christ, 

Pr Walter


CHAIR: 

Forrest Jensen –Property 

(239) 464‐2759 

forrestj@hotmail.com 

VICE‐CHAIR: 

David Miller ‐Mutual Ministry 

(239) 418‐0031 

degmiller@comcast.net 

SECRETARY: 

Peter Ekstrom ‐Stewardship 

(239) 768‐0068 

pe_promo@sbcglobal.net 

Robert Cline – Service 

(239) 466‐4104 

clinepapa@gmail.com 

Lizz King ‐Worship & Music 

(239) 691‐2164 

LizzPJKing@aol.com 

Grant Ellingson –Welcoming 

(239) 791‐9880 

grantsteven@mail.com 

Victoria Chris�anson ‐ 

(239) 540‐9693 Marke�ng 

pvcfreedom@gmail.com 

Stan Bielejeski ‐Finance & Ins. 

(239) 558‐5679 

stanbielejeski@gmail.com 

Virginia Stacy ‐Fellowship 

(239) 693‐2408 

vmstacy@embarqmail.com 

PASTOR: Walter S�ll 

(239) 437‐2599 

pastorwalter@ 

peace�myers.com 

OUR MISSION: To equip disciples of 

Jesus Christ for ministry and mission. 

February 2012 Leadership Council Notes 

What an amazing high season we are in the midst of! It’s wonderful to see all the 

familiar faces and so many new ones as well. Our Welcoming Committee has 

been greeting around sixty visitors each week, we’re running short of sanctuary 

seats at the 9:30am service, choir membership has reached forty and is spilling out 

of their little corner, our year round small groups have doubled, tripled, and even 

quadrupled in size. In addition to the many seasonal small groups¸ this year we 

have added a Saturday evening service, which has been a great success. If you 

have a conflict or are just having trouble finding a place to sit on Sunday morning, 

try the Saturday service. 

Apart from welcoming to Peace so many brothers and sisters in Christ, the highlight 

of this season so far has to be experiencing the creation of Drawn to the Water. 

This awesome, spiritual experience has had a lasting impact on those who 

joined in this unique worship service. Shortly the painting will be hung over the 

baptistery. As we face the baptistery during confession and are drawn to its water, 

we will be able to see how God’s story at Peace flows from those waters. As you 

leave Peace, it is hoped you will look up and take that story into the world. 

The last week in February has been the busiest in the history of Peace. In addition 

to regular worship services and small group meetings, there have been the Shrove 

Tuesday pancake dinner, Ash Wednesday service, health fair, art show, and Singing 

the Windows. The volunteers who help reconfigure the sanctuary for each of 

these events and then restore everything in time for worship have a special place 

in my heart. 

In January the Leadership Council brainstormed goals for 2012. After discussions 

we settled on five that we will pursue this year. I’ll mention two. January 19, 

2013, marks the tenth anniversary of the organization of Peace Lutheran Church 

as a congregation. We envision this not as a single day event, but rather as an opportunity 

to kick off a year-long celebration of what the Lord has done in Fort 

Myers and to set a course for the next ten years. The planning for these events is 

part of our focus for 2012. You’ll be hearing more as that date gets closer. 

More and more the leadership is growing in appreciation of just how important 

Peace is to our associate members and seasonal visitors. While we have important 

summer ministries, much of the low season is spent preparing for the next high 

season. When I see snow birds immediately getting involved in small groups, 

Mission Servant week, and other activities at Peace, I know we have succeeded. 

Unfortunately, those of us who live in southwest Florida year round live a somewhat 

cloistered life. So the ideas and experiences that our northern friends bring 

to Peace are very important to us. We ask much of our snow birds, so their input 

is very important to us. In 2012 we will be formalizing a mechanism whereby 

associate members will have a greater role in our decision making processes. 

In January the Leadership Council welcomed four new members, Stan Bielejeski, 

Vickie Christianson, Pete Ekstrom, and Bob Cline. I ask that you pray for the 

council. After all, Christ is the real President of this congregation. If we follow 

where He leads, we can’t go wrong. Finally I want to say thank you to outgoing 

council members Jim Krueger, Frank Warner, and Steve Mijokovic. Let’s give 

thanks that all three remain actively involved in church business. 

Peace be with you, 

Forrest Jensen 

Leadership Council President

CONNIE 


Why the name tag? 

BURNSVILLE, MN A few Sundays back as I stood at the front door 

welcoming all to worship, it was so cold outside no one 

seemed eager to stop for their name tags. It was warmer 

inside and a hand written tag would suffice. We often hear, 

“My name tag is never where I put it! It is always missing! Does some bird fly off 

with mine every Sunday?” The truth is, we have volunteers at Peace who 

alphabetize our name tags each week. Every time the name tag tower is moved a 

few can get away from us.* Reserving the lower left hand corner? How is that 

working for you? Why do we bother? 

A name tag sends a message subtle though it may seem. It says, “This is my name! What is yours?” It may 

also say, “I am happy to get to know you and would like you to feel welcome to get to know me.” 

Even more subtly, name tags say “everyone who comes is important in God's Kingdom... we are glad to be 

here and very glad you are here as well.” At Peace we like to include our original home town. I personally like 

a heads up when I meet a potential “Packer backer!” It is a great point of conversation. I can't tell you how often 

that little bit of information forms a connection. 

When a person calls me “Connie” something flashes back in my stored memory that says “my dad named me 

because he loved the name “Connie” and he loved me and still does from the heavenly gallery.” I am also reminded 

my name means, “constant, unwavering” and my name verse is Psalm 34:1 “I will praise the Lord no 

matter what happens, I will constantly speak of his glory and grace.” 

One of the reasons Peace Lutheran Church of Fort Myers is known to be a hospitable and welcoming place is 

because we honor one another by acknowledging our names. It is a personal thing, the name our parents 

gave to us. It tells a lot about us, subtle though it may seem. 

Hurray for the name tag! 

Pastor Connie 

P.S. Stop in at Happy Hour Wednesdays 3:30-4:30 for cheese, crackers, wine ala the wedding of 

Cana and some fun with the names given to us. (We also have great faith talk.) All are welcome, 

especially the “year-rounders” who so beautifully make Peace a church with the gift of hospitality! 

* Peace has a designing genius working on ways to improve the name tag tower. Updates to follow... 

BARBARY COAST DIXIELAND BAND 

Sunday, March 11 at 2pm 

Tickets are $15 each and will available in the 

church office M‐F 9am‐3pm or 

after all worship services. 

Tickets go fast...get yours early!


The Lenten Journey at Peace 2012 

In Mark 12, a scribe comes to ask Jesus, "Which commandment is the first of all?" Jesus 

answers, "The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love 

the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and 

with all your strength'" (Mark 12:28-30). Jesus responds to the scribe's question with 

words from the Shema, the passage from Deuteronomy 6 that is recited daily by many of 

the Jewish faith. These words form a covenant between God and God's people and show us a way to respond 

to this God who so extravagantly loves us through the cross. 

The first week of this series sets the stage with the Shema from Deuteronomy and the encounter between 

Jesus and the scribe in Mark 12. The following weeks center on how we can love the Lord our God with all our 

hearts, our souls, our minds, and our strength. 

Soup and Sandwich will be served at 5:30 PM at Peace through the gracious leadership of some of the Small 

groups at Peace. This will be followed at 7 PM with preaching and Compline. This year we will be blessed as 

five pastors of the Caloosa Conference share the preaching for the Mid-week services. At Peace the 

preachers will be: 

February 29 Pr Rusty May, Messiah Cape Coral 

March 7 Pr David Stacy, Interim Pastor, Faith Lehigh Acres 

March 14 Pr Gary LaCroix, Christ Cape Coral 

March 21 Pr Nancy Fisher, Redeemer Ft Myers 

March 28 Pr Walter Still, Peace Ft Myers 

Theme One: Hear, O Israel 

The encounter between Jesus and the scribe still resonates today. How would we have responded to the 

scribe's question? Does the covenant with God truly form the bedrock of our own lives? 

Theme Two: You Shall Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart 

True obedience and understanding come from the heart. How can we respond to God's love from the depths of 

our hearts? 

Theme Three: You Shall Love the Lord Your God with All Your Soul 

Our souls thirst for the living God. When trouble comes and faith wavers, in whom do we place our hope? 

Theme Four: You Shall Love the Lord Your God with All Your Mind 

Solomon prayed to God for an understanding mind, able to discern good from evil. How can we use our minds 

to walk in faithfulness to Christ? 

Theme Five: You Shall Love the Lord Your God with All Your Strength 

Christ took upon himself the weakness of the cross to triumph in strength over the grave. Truly, God is our 

strength and our salvation. 

CALOOSA CONFERENCE DEACONETTES' PROJECT SHOEBOX! 

The deaconettes are seeking your help during this Lenten season with their PROJECT SHOEBOX for the 

forgotten teens/young adults in foster care (ages 17-21). Through the guidance of SIYA (Supporting Independent 

Young Adults) and our contact, Kristin O'Brien at Lutheran Services Florida, we will be collecting twelve different 

items. Each of the deaconette's churches will collect twenty of three items. Peace Lutheran will be gathering plastic shoeboxes 

(with lids), card games (such as Uno, Scrabble, Slam, etc.), and puzzle books (i.e.,Sudoku, Word Searches, Crosswords, 

etc.). Containers labeled with the three items are placed in the narthex. We hope to have twenty of each of the three 

items by Wednesday, 28 March. The boxes will be assembled for presentation in time for Easter. Please join us in this project 

and help the forgotten teens/young adults of foster care!

Extra Addition!!! 


From the Parish Nurse… 

I have come that they 

Dates to remember: 

may have life, and 

Blood pressure screening the first Sunday of every month. that they may have it 

Thanks to Patricia Hoft and Ruth Baker for assisting with the Blood more abundantly. - 

Pressure screening in February 2012. We screened people 13; 3 were 

new. 9 people were screened @ Iona Gardens. 

John 10:10 

Learn and Chat will be held on Thursday, March 15, 2012 @ 10 AM. 

Jonathan Scalone will present information regarding Veterans Affairs. 

Caring Connection will meet on Thursday, March 22, 2012 @ 10 AM in the nursery. 

I look forward to seeing you there. 

Grief Support will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012 @ 10 AM. 

Thursday, March 29, 2012 @ 10 AM Pastor Connie Olson will speak on Diabetes; Living with diabetes and 

all the new research regarding diabetes.. 

Communion Visiting Ministers for March 2012 are Kay Curdes and Joyce Foor... 

Please let me know if you are interested in participating in this ministry. 

Glasses that you no longer are using may be turned into the office. 

The following is a prayer that was shared with me: 

PRAYER OF THE EMPTIYING HEART 

Merciful God, empty my heart of resentment and fill it with forgiveness that I may show mercy to others as you show mercy to me. 

Gracious God, empty my heart of criticism and fill it with praise that I may praise the good in others as you praise the good in me. 

Precious God, empty my heart of self-pity and fill it with compassion for others as you have compassion on me. 

Holy God, empty my heart of ill-temper and fill it with peace that I may share Christ’s peace with others as he shares it with me. 

Life-giving God, empty my heart of jealousy and fill it with love that I may rejoice in the blessings of others as you have blessed me. 

Eternal god, empty my heart of pride and fill it with humility that I may worship you in spirit and in truth. 

Self-giving God, empty my heart of selfishness and fill it with a spirit of service that I may serve others as Christ serves me. 

Almighty God, empty my heart of greed and fill it with generosity that I may give with open hands as you give to me. 

Everlasting God, empty my heart of fear and fill it with faith that I may show others Christ’s saving love as he loves me. Amen 

Ethel Baldwin 

Parish Nurse 

Thanks to all the people who serve in the Health Ministries in any way. It all helps the folks at 

PLC!!! 

Mother Teresa on faith: 

Even God cannot force Himself on anyone who does not want Him. Faith is a gift. 

HAVE A GLORIOUS DAY!


A note from Ric 

I am late. Fortunately, I am not the only one late and so Susan has kindly 

saved me a page in this month's issue of the Dove Tales. However, I am late 

because my muse seems to have diverted itself. Well, that is not quite the truth. Much 

more likely that the muse has been busy with the Windows Concert, the Art Show, the 

Inaugural concert on the new organ, on the Triduum, on Easter, on choir seating, 

robes, on crises in the world and at home. SO, I guess I cannot blame the Muse. Sigh 

However, never let it be said that I remain type-less or date entry less or speechless. Take your pick. It 

just really means I can always talk about something. 

So today, I pick on the upcoming heaves and sighs and tch's and clucks and massive sorrow that will 

be expressed over the absolutely DREARY music that will be sung during the Lenten season. 

Did you notice how the music during Advent wasn't to downbeat? Just wanted to remind you. 

Well, please join me on a little tour of the thoughts going into the music. 

First, the sending hymn will always be moving, urgent, thoughtful and downright bold. 

As Pastor Walter says, we still celebrate the cross and so we SHOULD celebrate in song. 

So, no gripes there. I can assure you as the choices made will buoy your soul on the way out the door. 

Hymns of the day. Well, now this can get tricky. What is the Gospel for the day???? If it is about 

betrayal, well the hymn isn't going to be to joyful. If it is about healing, there is likely to be a balm but 

not recovery in 24 hours. If it is about praying in a garden, it surely cannot be about shouting to the 

world. If it is a time of reflection among a small, intimate group of friends, then it is much more likely to 

be Kum by Yah and not Go, Tell it on a Mountain... 

Gathering hymns take a life all of their own as well. It is always important to call us to unity in worship. 

Or, unity in the recollection of our journey to walk wet with Jesus through our baptism. Or perhaps it 

can call us to rejoice in salvation but remember the cost. A regal march tune can render praise and 

happiness without jumping for joy. 

So, please bear with us as we sing the Gospel, tell the story of our Worship and try to reinforce the 

teaching of the church, both Peace Church and the church at large as we share in being led by the 

Spirit and the lectionary. It is only 6 weeks. We can jointly sing to God praises as we await the Fresh 

Start awaiting us at the Easter Vigil! 

May you find amazing grace in your singing. 

May you find solace in your friends. Both the local kind and the heavenly kind. 

May you lament for a time so your bursting with Joy will exude a zeal long forgotten. 

Who knows? You may be compelled to join the choir. 

In joint ministry through music and hymns slow and fast. 

-Ric 

Ric Jaeggi 

Director of Music, 

Organist and Choir 

Director


Drawn to the Water… 

January 29, 2012

From the Artist 


As for images, God’s hands are not only baptizing the baby which is being held, but are in the position of also shaping and 

forming the child (like a potter would mold clay) and of God forming us in our mother’s womb (Psalm 139). The upper hand 

has a shadow on its underside, giving thought to the passage that speaks of us being cared for in the shadow of Thy wings 

(Psalm 63). The images of water begin with creation as God moved over the waters, and also to the “new creation” the God 

makes of us is baptism. The crucifix image of Jesus on the cross, lightly painted in the space between God’s arms, alludes to 

the ‘dying and rising’ that we undergo through the waters of baptism (Romans 6:1-11). The image of the dove represents several 

things-the dove in the Noah’s ark story in which the dove sent out returned to Noah with an olive branch to indicate that 

the waters had subsided. The dove also represents the presence of the Holy Spirit, and is a symbol of the resurrection. With 

God’s hands creating and baptizing, Jesus on the cross dying for the ones being baptized, and the dove representing the Holy 

Spirit, this completes a depiction of the Trinity-Father, Son, & Holy Spirit. 

The ripples in the water extend outward from God’s hands and the baby into the rest of the mural (i.e. into all of the world). 

This outward motion is God calling us to move into His creation, empowered by God’s promise in baptism, to live lives of service 

and calling. The adult walking outward from the center while holding hands with two children, one on each side, is a depiction 

of faith being passed on through the generations as in happening at Peace Lutheran Through the children’s ministries 

and programs. The lover left is a depiction generally of compassion for those in need and specifically of the quilting ministry of 

Peace. The lover center is a depiction of boxes of food given and provided through the Food Bank. The green is a box of 

green peppers, and the brown is a box of packaged rice. The lower right is a depiction of more care and compassion as 

someone leans over to care for someone who is ill or in need. Specifically this portrays an aspect of the Parish Nurse ministry 

at Peace. God’ work sends us out as “ripples” of service into the world. —Pr Paul Oman 

Dear Pr Walter 

God's presence filled our sanctuary last Sunday. We were truly in a Holy Place. As the congregation 

watched in rapt attention, the hand of God began reaching up to all. While the creation of 

the mural by artist Paul Oman unfolded before us, the inspiring words of Pastor Blom revealed how 

Jesus worked His Way into our world through the Holy Hands of the members of Peace Lutheran. 

Many prayer shawls have been knitted, hundreds of quilts made for those in need, numerous outreach 

programs - soup kitchen, Gabriel House, Harry Chapin Food Shelf, Oasis, Harlem Heights, 

helping hand home visits - have filled critical needs, and musical contributions of the choir and organists 

have added to the praises of our God. So much more has been given by so many as we work 

showing love to our neighbor as ourselves. 

But when the mural was flipped downside up we recognized the Dove of Peace. Now the Healing 

Hands were reaching down, making us whole and holding His people in the Waters of Baptism. 

Our service projects were symbolized in the warms hugs of caring, the reaching out to others needing 

our comfort. The presence of the loving Spirit within makes us whole so our Holy Hands can give the thousand acts of kindness. Our constant 

vigilance for justice and equity for all is needed to heal this world. We are reminded of God's awesome power, working through us, to heal and to give 

new life. We are called to walk humbly with God, our God of Love and Compassion. Praise be to God for this memorial of His work through our Holy 

Hands. We at Peace Lutheran have been greatly blessed. 

Peace to all. —Gerry Bjorlo


Inaugural Concert Featuring 

Peace’s New Organ 

March 16, 2012 at 7 PM 

Come and explore the 

many sounds of the new 

organ at Peace Lutheran 

Church. Join Ric Jaeggi, 

Director of Music, 

Choir Director and Organist, 

as he displays the 

enchanting 

characteristics 

of this 

wonderful 

instrument. 

2012 Peace Health Fair 

Over twenty people were able to attend the Health Fair this year and 

enjoy the benefits of early detection, 

screening, and conversations one on 

one with health care professionals from 

our area. We are blessed to work with 

Danielle Mauder from Right At Home 

to organize such a wide array of health 

care professionals for us each year. 

Music, Gettysburg! “Gather Us In” 

March 25 at 3 PM 

Join Peace in welcoming 

Dr. Gerald Christianson, Wayne Hill, 

Pamela Cooper-White, and Michael Matsinko 

as they perform “Gather Us In: 

Songs and Hymns for Our Generation.” 

The program engages the audience in singing as 

well as listening, and Dr. Christianson supplies 

engaging hymn history and interpretation, 

as well as acting as host. 

During intermission, Gettysburg Seminary 

President Michael Cooper-White will share 

a timely update about how Lutherans are in 

stewarding of treasures of faith and history. 

Join Peace for a Wine & Cheese Reception 

following the concert. 

A free will offering will be collected.


Sewing for Peace 2012: 

Because of the whole congrega�on at Peace 

Lutheran Church we have had another won‐ 

derful year. Again, you have shown what gen‐ 

erous & giving people you are all year through 

suppor�ng us in our mission. Words cannot 

express how much you have blessed us. 

Your kindness has given us a great start on 

next year’s goals and an extra opportunity to 

donate $300.00 to Ken Vermillion’s Hai� 

Mission Trip. Peace & Blessings to All. 

Special thanks to Mickey Adams, Marj & George 

Brooks, Margret Deason, Karen & Larry Feichtner, 

Joyce Jensen, Mary & Ben Klaus, Jean Mecionis, 

Karen & Gary Robins, Karen & Jack Ruff, and 

Marlys & Gerry Siverson for giving up their Super 

Bowl Sunday a�ernoon to count, weigh and pack the 

152 Quilts, 50 School Bags with supplies, 53 Laye�e 

Kits, and 33 Health Kits & make sure all 51 boxes, 

weighing 

1100.50 lbs 

reached 

Messiah 

Lutheran Church the 

next day in �me for 

shipping to Lutheran 

World Relief. 

A job 

well 

done!


Mission Servant Week 2012 

Activities at the Harry Chapin 

Food Bank and CCMI Everyday 

Café are routine to community 

service for Peace. New to the 

servant’s work this year, was 

helping at the Gabriel House in 

Fort Myers. A wonderful letter of 

gratitude was received at the 

church for the awesome team of 

volunteers that came and shared 

their time and worked so hard to 

accomplish so much. Thank you! 

January 22-28 

The week started with Team Hunger 

Warriors from Peace walking in the 

WINK News/Harry Chapin Food 

Walk. The team raised close to 

$1500 for the cause! Way to go Peace 

Hunger Warriors! Thank you to all 

who participated.


Sunshine Socials’ News 

What a wonderful Valentine’s Dinner we 

enjoyed at Olive Garden! 

On March 2, the group gathers to enjoy “Brigadoon” at the Royal Palm Dinner 

Theater. Dinner begins at 5:30pm and the show at 7:30pm. Tickets sold out in record 

time this year! 

The Annual Twins Baseball Game is on Monday March 26, matinee at Hammond 

Stadium to see the Twins vs BlueJays. Sunshine Social tickets are sold out, call 

Hammond to see if tickets are available. 

...Here’s the one you’ve been waiting for - - - the party that some say is... 

“The most fun Sunshine Social Event of the year!” 

The Fourth Annual “April Foolishness” party is scheduled for Monday, 

April 2nd at 6pm. Plan to be at Ron Daos (15320 McGregor Blvd) for food, 

fellowship and the FUN of our traditional White Elephant Gift 

Exchange. Each individual or couple should bring a WRAPPED White 

Elephant gift. (That means the uglier, the better!) Sign up on the 

Welcome Flyer or call the Miller’s at 418-0031.All are Welcome! 

We need your manufacturer discount coupons! Peace is collecting these coupons for the 

Overseas Coupon Program. All food and non food manufacturer coupons will be 

sent to the US Army base in Okinawa, Japan. Just cut the coupons out of the newspaper or 

magazines, put them in an envelope, then place them in the red, white, and blue box in the 

narthex. Volunteers will do the rest! Questions? Sign up to help? call Ruth Baker (466-6436) 

These coupons will be used by the military families stationed at this base to help with their 

purchases at the commissary on the base. Coupons that are up to two months expired will 

still be honored. If you would like to contribute to the cost to ship coupons, please see Ruth 

for more information. God Bless!


Peace Legacy Fund ...A Temple Talk given by Frank Warner 

I’m pleased to stand here and tell you that the congregation has received a $25,000 gift to set 

up our new Legacy Fund. The Legacy Fund is intended to be just that - a sure continuation of 

Christ’s work done here at Peace long after we are gone. The gift is intended to be an 

encouragement to other members to also contribute to the fund, and I am please to also tell 

you that another member has said that they will match money given to the fund, dollar for dollar, 

up to $25,000 for all gifts that are given up until December 15th of this year! 

It’s important to note that these challenge dollars are to be over and above our regular annual 

pledges and not in any way affect our regular operating funds. We cannot take form one to 

fund another—these gifts must be over and above. 

Next January we will celebrate our 10th anniversary as a congregation. A decade had gone by 

and look at what we have accomplished!! In the months to come you will hear more about our 

10th Anniversary Celebration, but for now, please consider a special gift for the Legacy 

Fund—a gift over and above our regular support—a gift as part of the first fruits of our 

decade. Gifts may be cash, stock, bonds, insurance policies, annuities, or real property. 

We will have a team of people to assist you. Should you have any questions, please talk to me 

or Pastor Walter.—Frank Warner February 12, 2012 

Media/Marketing News 

www.peaceftmyers.com 

What does it all mean? We have a website? We should have a calendar that I can look 

at. I cannot find Peace on Facebook. What is that funny little square? Twitter, is that a 

new band? I wish you had recorded that concert, sermon, or gathering...YouTube? 

If any of those questions have passed through your mind or your lips, then have no fear, the Media/ 

Marketing Team is here. The goals of this committee are to increase market awareness of Peace’s 

mission, activities and successes, to track progress and to evaluate progress on a regular basis. All 

of this could not have come about at a better time—-the 10th Anniversary of PLC. In effort to clean up 

and refresh our place in the community, we are looking for a “tag line.” Something fresh that is a couple 

of words...maybe three or four, that would grab your attention and get you excited about Peace. 

(Huge is already taken!) Call the office 437-2599 or email, peace@peaceftmyers.com with your ideas! 

How to find out what is going on at Peace...well, start at our website: www.peaceftmyers.com. There 

you will find an online calendar...full of events and brief description of it. You can even sign up for event 

notifications to be emailed to you! There is a Facebook logo on the home page that if you click it, you 

will be directed to Peace Facebook page. There you will also be able to see what is going on at Peace. 

Be sure to “Like” us when you get there! 

We now have a QR code for all the technical savvy users of smart phones out there. (The funny little 

square.) It is now being integrated into our publications and press. This code allows people to find our 

website quickly through using a smart phone application. We are working on getting our website “smart 

phone” savvy as well. 

...Media continued on next page


Spring Cleaning Day was very productive as many 

members and friends came out to spruce up the grounds, 

clean the windows, and dust off the chairs! 

Thank you to all that came 

out to assist and to those that 

donated supplies! 

A video camera and tripod have been purchased to start recording events that can be 

uploaded to YouTube and to our website to enhance our community awareness. 

As you can see, with video podcasts, twitter, YouTube, QR code, Facebook, online 

news media, advertising, and web design, Peace is steadily keeping in touch with the 

growing media outlets and supporting technical growth. Reaching out to our 

community and those people in parts of our country that look to the Iona area for 

vacation, recreation, retirement or relocation is imperative to our growth. 

We are taking baby steps to create our presence in the social media and technical savvy world today 

and appreciate your prayers, support, and constructive feedback as we get off and running. 

Questions and concerns, ideas and comments can be directed to Vickie Christianson at 

pvcfreedom@gmail.com. The next committee meeting is on March 15 at 11am.


In Celebration of a life well lived. 

Nancy L. Roth 

May 4, 1926—January14, 2012 

Nancy Roth, she blessed us with 85 wonderful years. On January 14, 2012, she 

went to be with the Lord. Nancy is best known for Nancy’s Produce, in which she 

owned and operated with her daughter Ellen Maddox for 30 years in Ft. Myers. 

She was preceded in death by her husband John (Jay) Roth and three brothers 

and three sisters. She is survived by her 2 loving children, Keith Sauder and 

Ellen Maddox. 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. 

Also surviving are 4 brothers and 2 sisters. Funeral services were held 

Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Peace Lutheran Church. 

Earl R. Harr 

Was carried Home in the 

arms of Jesus on 

Sunday, 

February 5, 2012, 

at the age of 76. 

Beloved husband of 

Evonne (nee Braun). 

Loving father of Glenn 

(Cindy), Mark (Susan), and 

Kim (John) Povlick. 

Step-dad of Michele 

(Craig) Stevenson, Russell 

Sawallish. Gran-pa of 

Carrianne (fiancé Jake), Madeline, Teagen, Sophia, 

Joshua, Ember, Chelsey (fiancé Mike), Adam, Carly, 

Nathanael, Christian and Lydia. Also survived by 

brother, Robert (Bettie), nieces, nephews, other relatives 

and many dear friends. Former husband of the late 

Elizabeth Harr. A memorial service was held on 

Saturday, Feb18, 2012, at Ascension Lutheran Church in 

Minocqua, WI. Earl worked for Milwaukee County as an 

Architectural Engineer for many years. He was a man of 

faith and family. 

Doris B. 

Tozzo 

94, of Ft. Myers 

died Wednesday, 

February 8, 2012. 

She was born in Buffalo, NY, in 1917 to the late 

Charles and Caroline Thiele . Doris graduated from 

Bethany College in Bethany, WV, with a Bachelors 

Degree in English. She married Kenneth in 1941 and 

lived in Buffalo, NY and Pittsburgh, PA, until she 

moved to Ft. Myers in 1978. She was an active member 

of Kappa Delta Sorority for 75 years along with the 

Alumni Panhellenic of Lee County. She was a charter 

member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers and 

belonged to the Continental Women's Club of Ft. Myers. 

Doris was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed sewing, 

needle arts, and traveling. She will be remembered 

as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and 

a dear, charming friend. Survivors include her children 

Kenneth (Judy) Tozzo, Telford, TN, Craig Tozzo of 

Hoboken, NJ, and Carolyn Tozzo and her husband Neal 

Marion of Ft. Myers; two grandsons Gary (Tracie) 

Tozzo and Dale (Laura) Tozzo; seven great grandchildren; 

and her nieces Cathy (nee Thiele) Baker and Peggy 

Hurley Schreiber.


A Time of Remembrance 

The ministry of Peace Church keeps growing-a blessing to us and a blessing to those we serve. As our church life 

develops and grows, the needs also continue to grow. 

It all started with the construction of our church home. During the construction, we became keenly aware that God 

had a plan for us. We clearly recognized the need of furnishings to fulfill God’s ministry for Peace Church. 

The Peace Leadership ‘told the people’ of Peace and the people responded ‘we will provide.’ A list of “Memorial 

Gifts” was provided and the “Memorial Gifts” flowed in abundance into Peace. Thanks be to God. Everything 

we see in the sanctuary, the offices, the classrooms, choir room, the narthex, café, and outdoor landscaping were all 

given in memory or in honor of a loved on—a person who made a significant difference in the lives of friends and members 

of Peace. What a blessing! The Memorial gifts included each chair we sit upon, tables, hymnals and Bibles, 

the stained glass windows, the sound system, the baptismal font, the altar, the ambo/pulpit, the candelabra, the 

Eternal Light, the missal stand for the Word of God, the communion ward, the café, narthex and office furnishings, 

the Christian art on the walls, the organ, the nursery furnishings, the processional cross and more. Each gift whether 

large or small was/is a blessing. Our life and mission as Peace Lutheran Church moved forward. 

We have come a long way. Additional gifts will help us replace the purple and the red paraments and vestments for 

worship, more dining tables and chars, a metal chalice for communion to join the ciborium we were graciously given by 

the gentleman visiting form England. Other needs continue to surface. 

If you would like to make a gift in memory or in honor of a loved one, please call me to discuss what you would like to 

do, or simply make a check payable to the church with a memo designating “Memorial.” Each gift is used to the glory 

of God. —Darlene Warner 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Please hold in prayer, these people for whom prayers have 

been requested. 

Cole, grandson of Karen and Gary Robins Lois Chris Misner 

Judy Miller Connie Bischoff Sally Pilus Charles Johnson 

Charles & Elva Meconitas & family on the death of their daughter, Michelle 

Bernice Dreuding Neal Marion Alan Lindsay Steve Mijokovic 

Rocky Janowski Alice Smith Richard Orr 

Karen Coleman-gratitude for healing Sue Mihok Maggie 

Chris Williams Joyce English & family on the death of her husband, Bill 

The weak, tired, hungry, and oppressed.


Happy 

March 

Birthday! 

03/02 Jean Eidsvold 

03/02 Vanessa Fontana 

03/04 Ken Baker 

03/04 Fred Muermann 

03/06 Irene Weygandt 

03/07 Judy Bohrofen 

03/07 Karen Welch 

03/07 Carolyn Mijokovic 

03/09 Patricia Sandow 

03/12 Kay Curdes 

03/14 Ken Cardwell 

03/15 Art Kark 

03/16 Inge Lorenz 

03/16 Erin Fernandez 

03/20 Bonny Bjorkedal 

03/21 Charles Farran 

03/24 Linda Estep 

03/24 Elizabeth Spang 

03/28 Sarah Muermann 

03/29 Roxanne Vermillion 

03/29 Susan Noble 

03/30 Paul Bunge 

03/30 Lori Van Oort 

Our birthday list comes from information our 

members have provided to the church office. 

Please fill out the Welcome Flyer to update, add, 

or change your information! 

Congratulations! 

Alex King, Eagle Scout 

Congratulations to Alex for 

earning Eagle Scout rank, the 

highest rank in the Boy Scouts 

of America. The ceremony and 

reception was held at Peace. 

Pictured to the right is Alex 

being congratulated by 

Doris Tozzo, top is Alex 

reciting the oath. 

January 14, 2012 

Pr Walter, John and Joan Deffinbaugh at the baptismal font. They 

will be living year-round in Pennsylvania now.


With Thanks... 

Thank you to Pr Walter & Staff and 

Members of Peace Lutheran for 

your prayers and concern during 

Rod’s recent surgery. He is now 

recuperating at home. Also, we 

want to thank you for the lovely 

prayer shawl. Knowing all the prayers 

and good wishes it represents 

warms both body and soul. 

Rod and Doreen Dietrich 

To All Friends at Peace- 

Your prayers, well wishes, 

and greeting cards were 

greatly appreciated during 

and following my recent 

total knee replacement. 

They all arrived at a time 

when it was difficult to do 

for oneself. Each of you are 

very special in our lives. 

Blessings, 

Darlene 

Thank you sincerely for sharing our 

sorrow. Your kindness is deeply appreciated 

and will always be remembered. 

We would like to say how much we 

appreciate all the help with the food 

after Nancy Roth’s funeral, the food 

was nice and all that were helping to 

serve were so nice. Thank again. 

God be with you all- 

Ellen Maddox-daughter 

Keith Sander-son 

2-13-12 

Dear Friends, 

Thanks you for surrounding me 

with your prayers as well as the 

beautiful prayer shawl. My surgery 

was successful and I hope to 

be back at Peace very soon. Your 

kind thoughts and prayers meant 

so much to me. Peace is a very 

special place. 

~Char Mathis 

Dear Friends at Peace. 

Bob and I thank you for your thoughts 

and prayers. 

I am hopefully on a “chemo” break for a 

couple of months. Bob is recovering very 

nicely from his back surgery. We 

appreciate all the caring cards and we feel 

especially blessed to have our parish 

nurse, Ethel. She has visited both of us 

at the hospital and at home. She has also 

brought communion. May God Bless 

her and the congregation. 

Bob & Mickey Adams 

Feb 6, 2012 

Dear Friends at Peace, 

I am overwhelmed with your concern and caring. You will never know 

how much your prayers, cards, the Altar Flowers, Ethel’s visits and the 

Beautiful prayer shawl with its message mean to me.. 

We feel so fortunate to be part of this church family. 

God Bless You All, 

JoAnn Henricksen 

Your sympathy and thoughtfulness will always be 

gratefully remembered and deeply appreciated. 

The Family of Greg & Candy Wehr 

Dear Friends at Peace, 

Wanting you to know how much 

your thoughts and prayers are appreciated. 

Pastor Walters calls, cards from 

members we know and don’t know, 

the prayers shawl all make us feel 

God has guided us to such a caring 

congregation. 

God Bless you all. 

Sincerely, 

Arnie and Mary Lou Wehr, 

Thank you! 

Dear People of Peace, 

What a sense of belonging to 

a Church family was brought 

to me by your calls, emails, 

cards, flowers and beautiful 

prayer shawl! My deepest 

gratitude for everything 

especially the prayers, they 

have all contributed to my 

recovery and have made me 

anxious to be back with you. 

God has surely blessed me 

to be a member of Peace. 

With grateful blessings 

and love, 

Karen Coleman


15840 McGregor Blvd. 

Fort Myers, FL 33908 

Stay in the know: 


and click on the calendar link. 

2012 Lent Schedule 

Wednesday, February 29 Soup Dinner 5:30pm 

Compline 7:00pm 

Wednesday, March 7 Soup Dinner 5:30pm 








Maundy Thursday, April 5 Worship 7:00pm 

Good Friday, April 6 Worship 7:00pm 

Saturday Easter Vigil, April 7 8:00pm 

Easter Sunday, April 8 Easter 8:00 and 9:30am 

Current Resident 

or 

Peace Lutheran church 

15840 McGregor Blvd. 

Fort Myers, FL 33908 

PHONE: 239-437-2599 

FAX: 239-437-3647 

E-MAIL: peace@peaceftmyers.com 

pastorwalter@peaceftmyers.com 

PEACE WEB SITE: 


WEB RESOURCES: Florida-Bahamas Synod, 

ELCA Florida Happenings 

www.fbsynod.org 

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 

National News www.elca.org 

STAFF: 

Pastor Walter Still 

Karen Coleman, Deacon 

Pr Connie Olson, Seasonal Visiting Pastor 

Ric Jaeggi, Director of Music: Organist and 

Choir Director 

Ethel Baldwin, Parish Nurse 

Susan Mitchell, Secretary/Office Manager/ 

Publications

March 25 at 3 PM - Peace Lutheran Church

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