Connect
Children’s Music
Peace Place Kids is for children in PreSchool through 3rd grade and meets for 20 min on Sunday morning before Faith Formation time (9:40 – 10:00am). With emphasis on music and movement experiences, the music selection is based on the current faith formation theme. The group participates in worship several times a year and is under the direction of Ione Kloempken.
Child/Youth Solo/Ensembles include those who wish to share their musical talents during our worship services. Some of our youth play violin, piano, guitar, drums, or bass guitar during worship. If you have an interest in sharing your gift, please contact John Miller (choirsofpeace@gmail.com), Sara Schliep (slschliep@gmail.com) or Pastor Paul (pastor@peacechurchucc.org).
Choir
(Choir: Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:30pm) Chancel Choir is for individuals in high-school through adult and directed by John Miller. The Choir of Peace is an exceptional choir with many talented people, and we are always actively looking to increase the size of our group. No formal audition is required, nor is it necessary to read music to join – only a love for singing. The Chancel Choir serves as the church’s principal choral choir during the 8:30am Sunday Service from September through mid-June, singing once per month. Festival Choir is for those individuals who can’t commit to weekly rehearsals, but would like to participate in our special holiday music (eg, Christmas, Easter). No formal audion is required, nor is it necessary to read music to join – only a love for singing. Rehearsals for these special holidays generally begins 4 weeks prior to performance. Rehearsals begin on August 29, 2018 and are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 – 8:30pm. Adult Solo/Ensembles: For those who wish to share their musical talents during our worship services, please contact John Miller (choirsofpeace@gmail.com).
Hand Bell Choir
(Hand Bell Choir: Wednesdays from 6:00– 7:00pm) Bells of Peace is for anyone in 9th grade through adult and is directed by John Miller. This choir plays a three-octave set of English hand bells. There is always room for additional ringers. It is helpful if you are familiar with reading music. The bell choir participates in worship from September through mid-May, plays once per month, and prepares special music for key celebrations (eg, Easter). Rehearsals begin on August 29, 2018 and are held on Wednesday evenings from 6 – 7pm. Those interested should contact John Miller at choirsofpeace@gmail.com.
OneVoice
Our two adult praise teams, lead by Sara Schliep and accompanied by the praise band, serve as the church’s principal music leaders during the 11:00 am contemporary service. The teams perform on a rotational basis throughout the year, and at special services/events (eg, Rally Day). Rehearsals are generally held on Sunday evenings, 6:30 – 8:00 pm from August – May.
Elementary Squad (Pre-K through 5th Grade)
Elementary Squad is a fun name for a new intentional effort to organize social events for children and families elementary age and younger. Want to get involved? Contact the Welcome Desk. You can view the list of upcoming events HERE
Overnight Retreat at Good Earth Village is happening October 18 – 19, 2019. Click here for details and to register (RSVP by Sept 30, 2019).
Middle School Youth (Grades 6-8)
In addition to Sunday Faith Formation time, Middle and High School Youth are invited to gather on Wednesdays throughout the school year for fellowship and peer led study, and for fellowship outings scheduled monthly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, September 9 @ 9:40am: Faith Formation Kick-Off (everyone gather in the Dwelling); click here to register your child
Wedneday Sept 19 @ 6 pm: Dinner and Peer Led Youth Night begins!
Friday, September 21: Overnight camping & fun (RSVP HERE)
October 12-14: MS&HS Conference Youth Event @ Pilgrim Point
SUNDAY, October 21 : Air Insanity
SUNDAY, October 28: Fall Fest
SUNDAY, November 18 : Activity
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21: Christmas Party Night
MONDAY, January 21: MLK Rally
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8: An Evening with John Pavlovitz
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17: Activity
SUNDAY, MARCH 17: Activity
SUNDAY, APRIL 21: Activity and Easter Breakfast Prep Shopping
APRIL 26–28: MS&HS Conference Youth Event @ Pilgrim Point
SUNDAY, MAY 19: End of the Year Youth Celebration
AUGUST TBD: St. Louis Middle School Mission Trip
High School Youth
In addition to Sunday Faith Formation time, Middle and High School Youth are invited to gather on Wednesdays throughout the school year for fellowship and peer led study, and for fellowship outings scheduled monthly.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, September 9 @ 9:40am: Faith Formation Kick-Off (everyone gather in the Dwelling); click here to register your child
Wedneday Sept 19 @ 6 pm: Dinner and Peer Led Youth Night begins!
Friday, September 21: Overnight camping & fun (RSVP HERE)
October 12-14: MS&HS Conference Youth Event @ Pilgrim Point
SUNDAY, October 21 : Air Insanity
SUNDAY, October 28: Fall Fest
SUNDAY, November 18 : Activity
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21: Christmas Party Night
MONDAY, January 21: MLK Rally
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8: An Evening with John Pavlovitz
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17: Activity
SUNDAY, MARCH 17: Activity
SUNDAY, APRIL 21: Activity and Easter Breakfast Prep Shopping
APRIL 26–28: MS&HS Conference Youth Event @ Pilgrim Point
SUNDAY, MAY 19: End of the Year Youth Celebration
JUNE/JULY TBD: Borderlands High School/Intergenerational Mission Trip
Adult Groups
Miriam Ministry: 4th Wednesday at 9:30am (Sept – May); All women welcome for program and fellowship
Knitting/Crocheting Group: Room 105 – every Tuesday from 10:30am – 12pm
Quilting Group: Room 104 – 1st Saturday of the month (unless it falls on a holiday)
Channel One Volunteering: 4th Thurs of the month from 9 – 11am; contact Jody Morbeck if interested: jstt4th@aol.com
Race Forward: Dwelling – Every 2 & 4th Tues (7 – 8:30pm during school year)
Couples’ Group: Monthly gatherings
Women’s Retreat: Annual retreat for women
Men of Peace: Weekly gathering (Tues mornings) for fellowship and discussion generally based on the upcoming Sunday’s scripture reading.
Women’s Fellowship: Weekly gathering (Thursday mornings) for fellowship and discussion (generally book discussion).
Connect Groups: Various small group opportunities ranging from book study to biking. Contact the Welcome Desk for more information.
Our Church Vitality Team actively engages new friends, visitors, and members into the lift of the church. This team promotes an open extravagant welcome to others who come to Peace through Greeting and Fellowship. This Team is also actively encouraging
engagement in worship, faith formation, and other programs/ministries that are provided by Peace UCC. If you are interested in being a part of the Vitality Team please contact Pastor Paul.
The NEW Q News Rochester web site is live. Please refer there for a list of upcoming events.
RESOURCES
Southeastern Minnesota Diversity Services (former GLCS) – provides LGBTQA-related educational, informational, and social resources to the region of SE Minnesota. For more information, see their facebook page.
Q Club – for ages 13-18 held every 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Thursday of the month (4 – 5pm) at the Rochester Public Library. A safe and welcoming meet-up for LGBTQ teens and allies. Hang out, make friends and have fun at this club just for you. You can visit them on their facebook page.
Southern Minnesota Transgender Support – for more information, see their facebook page
Genderqueer and non-binary support group for those 18+ – 6:30 pm on 1st Thurs of the month at the Rochester Public Library
MERG – Mayo Employee Resource Group for the LGBTIA community meets monthly. Mayo intranet search: MERG and email the leaders to be added to the confidential email list.
Transforming Families – meets the 3rd Saturday of the month (1 – 3pm) at the Rochester Public Library. Transforming Families is a community where transgender, gender non-conforming, and questioning youth and their families come together to support each other in a safe, welcoming space. Families meet other families to share, talk, and hang out. We’re here to listen to each other’s stories, exchange resources, build community, and have fun!
Parents Empower Pride – meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month (7 – 8:30pm) at the Rochester Public Library. Meet with other parents of LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) kids to talk about how to support your kids on their journey. Refreshments will be provided.
Mayo Clinic Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic – 507-538-3270
Riverstone Psychological Services – provides inclusive and affirming services to persons in the LGBT community and beyond.
Contact info: riverstonepsych.com * 507-923-7321 * info@riverstonepsych.com
Outfront Minnesota – leading MN toward LGBTA equality. HELPLINE: 800-800-0530 or visit their web site: www.outfront.org
Lavender Magazine – www.lavendermagazine.com information for Minnesota’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and GLBT-friendly audience. Published 26 times a year.
Planned Parenthood – provides appropriate quality health care services to the LGBT community. HIV testing and PREP available.
This list of resources is for informational purposes only. Peace United Church of Christ is proud to support the LGBTQIA+ community, and invites you to find out more about these organizations, but cannot specifically endorse any organization or event listed. Info can be submitted to the Resource Editor at RJWerner@charter.net
Summer Family Picnics
Enjoy a summer picnic with sunshine, playtime and friends from Peace. Bring a chair or blanket and your own meal and beverage. Every Wednesday this Summer (June – August), beginning at 6p.
August 7: Castle Park (244 Soldier’s Field Dr SW)
August 14: Fox Trails Park (2652 Heartland Drive NW)
August 21: **CHANGE** Silver Lake 3-Links Park (900 – 1098 7th Street NE)
August 28: Cooke Park (722 7th Street NW)