Peace Lutheran plans celebration to mark 25 years
Harvard Road in Otis Orchards may be known as church haven now, but when the founding members of Peace Lutheran Church bought property there 25 years ago, they were alone. Church members will celebrate their 25 years with a celebration on Oct. 15.
The church was seeded by families from several Valley churches, principally Christ Lutheran and Zion Lutheran, who felt a Lutheran church was needed in the area, said the Rev. Dennis Andersen. The 30 families named their church East Valley Trinity Lutheran Congregation but shortened the name to Peace Lutheran Church before moving into their new building. The congregation met at Otis Orchards Elementary until the first service in the new church at 4124 N. Harvard Road was held Christmas Eve, 1982.
Other churches have since found a home on Harvard Road. The congregations of East Valley Presbyterian Church and Otis Orchards Seventh-day Adventist Church worshipped at Peace Lutheran while their churches were being built.
Andersen, who has been the church’s pastor since 1994, is the third full-time pastor for the congregation. The church never became large and draws about 55 people to the weekly worship service. “It has remained a small congregation,” said Andersen. “Everybody knows each other.”
Current members have invited former members and the previous pastors to the anniversary celebration. The event will begin with worship at 9:30 a.m., followed by a slide show and a presentation of old photos and letters. A simple lunch will be served at noon, followed by a program.
Reservations are requested but there will be no charge for the meal. To RSVP, call the church at 922-9021.
Come one, come all
Opportunity Christian Church will host an Oktoberfest celebration next Saturday. A full day of events is planned between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be a bake sale, carnival games, food, face painting, prizes, a quilt show and a martial arts demonstration.
The church also is hosting a Lunch Bunch Bible Study every Monday in October. The sessions, based on the theme “What’s Going on Out There?” will be from noon to 1 p.m. each week. Call the church at 926-3691 for more information.
The church is at 708 N. Pines Road.
Harvest dinner
Veradale United Church of Christ will host its 66th annual harvest dinner next Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. The menu includes ham, Swedish meatballs and turkey with all the trimmings. Donations will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the church. All are welcome. The church is at 611 N. Progress Road. Call 926-7173 for more information.
Lasagna meal
The Episcopal Church of the Resurrection will host its annual lasagna dinner Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The meal is by donation. The church is at 15319 E. Eighth Ave. Call 926-6450 for more information.
40 Days of Purpose
Spokane Valley Wesleyan Church is kicking off a new program as a sequel to its 40 Days of Purpose program. The program will open with a breakfast at 9 a.m. Sunday at the church, 16607 E. Broadway Ave. Call 924-9775 for more information.