Life’s a battle: Stuff vs. spirit!

“Vanity of vanities” – that’s what King Solomon says about having lots of stuff. All his astonishing building projects and his far-reaching political and economic power ultimately lead him to “despair,” he writes in today’s reading. “Chasing after wind,” he calls it in the book of Ecclesiastes.

Jesus meets a man involved in a family squabble over inheriting stuff. So Jesus tells him a story about a rich guy who makes big plans to get richer – only to die that very night. So who gets all that stuff now?

“Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” – Luke 11:15

Early Christians heard these specifics from St. Paul: Want to set your mind on the spiritual stuff? Stay away from immoral sexuality, greed, anger, lies, slander and abusive language. Wear your new life in Jesus like a new set of clothes!

At PEACE, we struggle between the call of God’s Spirit and the call of the world’s stuff. We welcome all who, like us, need and seek God’s loving help to win the battle!

Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Today’s Bible readings: Ecclesiastes 1:2,12-14, 2:18-23; Psalm 49:1-12; Colossians 3:1-11; Luke 12:13-21. Read them here.

Coming up at PEACE

  • Church Picnic — Our Annual Church Picnic takes place on the afternoon of Sunday Sept. 18, at Lake Wildwood. Enjoy barbecued chicken, ribs, burgers & hot dogs; bring a potluck salad or dessert to share. Then, play horse-shoes, croquet, take a ride on the lake, enjoy children’s games & puzzle challenges. Sign up in the Atrium.
  • Prism Nutrition & Lifestyle – Achieve your right weight in a supportive atmosphere and using a God-centered program. Learn that God really is in charge of your life! Prism classes have resumed, meeting at 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the Cross Room. Contact Carol Lenhard at (530) 264-7664.
  • God’s Work, Our Hands – On the weekend of Sept. 10-11, we don yellow T-shirts and let others know the joy we experience when we let God use our hands to do His work. Projects include singing hymns at Golden Empire Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center; building at our local Habitat for Humanity site; and preparing personal care kits that will be deployed to disaster sites around the world, through Lutheran World Relief. Sign up in the Atrium.
  • More Coming Events – Learn more about events at PEACE here.

Adult Bible Study

The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van.

Youth @ Peace Sunday School

We are on break for the summer, but stay posted for Family Night events!

Youth @ PLC is our all-ages Bible study, where young disciples learn the core stories of our faith and what it means to walk the Jesus Path. Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!

Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes!

Get Involved at PEACE!

Click here to learn how to get involved at PEACE Lutheran Church.