When our burdens grow too heavy – then what?

Paul carried heavy burdens, too: He wanted to do the right thing. In his head, he knew he wanted it. But despite knowing it and wanting it, something inside him made him do the wrong thing. He couldn’t help it! He could feel the war going on inside himself. “I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate,” Paul wrote. “When I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand.” (Romans 7:15, 21)

“Thank God for sending Jesus!” Paul cried. Jesus takes on our burdens and carries us, like a kid on his Dad’s shoulders. But even Jesus, in his own lifetime, saw that people didn’t want to release their burdens. That’s so human. What’s up with that?

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28

If you feel like you can’t let go either, know that you’re normal and just human. Pray to God that Jesus would reveal himself to you. Pray to God that he send his Holy Spirit into your heart, so you can let go of those heavy burdens you carry around!

This time of year is the growing season. At PEACE Lutheran Church, we see it also as a season of spiritual growth. So in these weeks after celebrating Pentecost – when God sent his Holy Spirit to Jesus’ followers – we reflect on stories that encourage us to follow the Spirit wherever it might lead us. Learn more about this Time After Pentecost.

Today’s Bible readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Happening at PEACE

  • Contemplative Prayer – Change in the day! We now gather at 12:30-1 p.m. Wednesdays in the Conference Room. 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.
  • Monday Bible Study – Meet from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Monday, July 10, in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. We’ll read from the book of Acts.
  • Earthcare Day Camp, our multi-church summer Bible camp, will be July 17-21. Kids learn to “Care for the Air” as a part of sacred Creation. Ages 4 through 6th grade. Teen helpers welcome!
  • Coming Up Learn more about events at PEACE on our online calendar.

Adult Bible Study

“Justice for the Poor” is a video series created by Sojourners, a ministry in Washington, D.C., that links Jesus’ life and teachings to ask, “What is our responsibility to care for the poor and to advocate for justice on their behalf?” For the next several weeks, we will watch 20-minute installments and discuss the issues each one raises. Today, we watch “Burger King Mom: Being Poor in America.” Learn more about Sojourners.

The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!

Sunday School

Sunday School is on break for the summer! We invite you to come in the fall as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with fun stories about Martin Luther, told through the eyes of his children.

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. We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator.

This week’s summertime Bible memory verse: “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28. Practice at home, then collect a fistful of Bible Bucks when we return in the fall.

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

In the fall, we will resume our special program for the tiniest disciples. God invites ALL children, so bring your babies and squirmy tots for this fun program!

Get Involved at PEACE!

Lots to do with small groups at PEACE Lutheran Church.

PEACE Lutheran Church serves our community.