Means: The world is trying to steal your soul!
In the agrarian and herding culture of Jesus’ time, people understood the terrible harm caused when someone tried to steal a sheep. Jesus explains his mission on earth as the opposite – he’s the guy the sheep know and trust, so they follow him with confidence.
The thief breaks in by some sneaky route to steal the sheep, not by the gate to the sheep pen. But Jesus “enters by the gate,” today’s Bible lesson reads. Jesus calls his sheep by name, and they know his voice.
How like our own world! Who is trying to steal the sheep today? Who are the sheep?
Electronic devices, too-busy schedules, living the “good life,” shopping, status, privilege, power – the world has sooo many ways to draw our attention away from the Shepherd who calls us by name.
“I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
The irony is, all the world’s glitter is the sheep-rustler jumping the corral to steal your soul. What God gives us, Jesus reminds, is bigger and better and happier than anything we could even imagine!
At PEACE Lutheran Church, we invite you to feel the unimaginably lavish love of our resurrected Lord, deeper and wider than anything we can understand!
Today’s Bible readings: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Happening at PEACE
Contemplative Prayer – 12:30 p.m. Mondays in the Narthex (the lobby between the Atrium and the Sanctuary). Experience deep peace and connection to the Divine in this 30-minute period of silence. Hear the “still, small voice” – really! Conducted by Pastor Eileen.
Bible Study – 2 p.m. Monday, in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. We work on the week’s Bible readings, read by thousands of Christians all over the world.
Synod Assembly – Wednesday through Saturday in Fresno; this is the annual meeting of church leaders in the Sierra Pacific Synod, the regional governing body of the Lutheran Church in America in northern California and Nevada. Pastor Eileen will be attending. You can watch on YouTube; search for spselca.org.
Women’s Appreciation Dinner – 5 p.m. Friday, May 19. Hosted by the men of Peace, this dinner welcomes all, whether you are a member or not. Contact james.schroeder-at-sbcglobal.net or emhammond-at-ironmind.com for more info.
Adopt-a-Road – 8 a.m. Saturday, May 13. Meet to pick up litter on our stretch of West Main Street. When we finish, go enjoy a no-host breakfast at a local restaurant. Sign up in the Atrium to help – 14 years old and older, please.
Earthcare Day Camp, our multi-church summer Bible camp, will be July 17-21. Learn more here.
Coming Up – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
“A Jewish Perspective on the 10 Commandments.” Rabbi Alan Greenbaum leads our Adult Forum this Sunday and next week, presenting a fascinating look at this core topic in both Christian and Jewish history and theology.
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room downstairs. Young people of all ages are welcome!
Youth @ PEACE 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. This spring, we are learning about the ministry of Jesus and how we can apply His words to our lives (yes, it’s possible!!). We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!
Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes! Our goal is for young people to bring God’s word deep into their hearts, supporting a lifetime of faith.
Toddler Time – God welcomes even the tiniest of disciples. Toddler Time is for all children from babies to 4 years old. Parents are welcome to stay and participate, or leave their little ones and attend Adult Forum. We start out with music in our all-ages Sunday School opening at 9:45 a.m., downstairs in the Youth Room. Then, parents and tots head upstairs to the Nursery. Our 45-minute “Frolic” curriculum is fun for children and parents. Call Youth & Outreach Coordinator Trina Kleist at (530) 575-6132 to learn more.