Well, what belongs to God?

What we give to God – of our time, talent and treasure – underscores much of our thinking during the fall months at PEACE. Today’s Gospel story presents a way to think about our possessions, the pressures of the world, and God’s invitation to a new Kingdom built on God-values.

“Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor’s, and give to God the things that are God’s.” – Matthew 22:21

Jesus’ enemies try to trap him into saying something politically incorrect about taxes. (Remember that the hated Roman oppressors levy the taxes. And, Jews who collaborate with the Romans collect those taxes and extort extra payment, for their own profit, from the Jewish citizens.) So Jesus draws the distinction between the things of the world and the things of God’s Kingdom.

This morning, we hear from folks at PEACE talk about God’s many gifts to them in their lives. So many inspiring stories! Check us out at one of today’s worship services – 8:30 and 11 a.m. at 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley.

At PEACE This Morning

Reformation Bookstore — Stop by the OFFICE LOBBY between 9:30am-12:30 p.m. today and Sundays through Nov. 5 to find fascinating books on the Protestant Reformation for you and your family.

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Adult Bible Study

Today, we watch a video by Rick Steves, who tells the story of an Augustinian monk who lived a dramatic life and sparked the Protestant Reformation.

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

We celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this month. So, our curriculum this fall includes stories about Martin Luther, told through the eyes of his children. Plus: We prove that studying Luther’s Small Catechism can be fun. (Seriously!) Today we talk about the 2nd Commandment.

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.

Memory verse this week: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering, and come into his courts.” – Psalm 96:8

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

We have a special program for the tiniest disciples. God invites ALL children, so bring your babies and squirmy tots for this fun program! We’ll start at 9:45 a.m. with music downstairs in the Youth Room with the older children. Then, our youngest Followers of Jesus head upstairs to the Nursery for an age-appropriate lesson, using the “Frolic” curriculum from Spark House.

We encourage parents to stay – you are your child’s most important teacher!

At PEACE this week

  • Monday Bible Study – Meet from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Mondays in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. Readings from the book of Acts.
  • Potluck Dinner — 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Center. Learn about the dinner & lunch groups forming this fall at PEACE.
  • Contemplative Prayer – We gather at 12:30-1 p.m. Wednesdays in the Conference Room by the Office. 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.
  • “End of Life: Right to Die” – 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 – The Contemporary Issues Study Group takes up End of Life concerns. This seminar features California’s controversial Right to Die law, which went into effect this year. We hear about the medical, legal, ethical and spiritual aspects. Geared toward people in the early stages of retirement, seniors and adult children of seniors.
  • Coming Up – Check out our online calendar for more events at PEACE.
  • Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Monday through Friday.

Your spiritual growth

Fall is a time of harvest. In the Church, we see it also as a season of spiritual harvest. So in these weeks after celebrating Pentecost – when God sent his Holy Spirit to Jesus’ followers – we reflect on what our Bible stories tell us about spiritual fruit. How do we live ever more closely with God? How do we bring other closer to feeling God’s spirit in their lives? Learn more about this Time After Pentecost.

Get Involved at PEACE!

Get to know people at PEACE Lutheran Church who gather for lunch and dinner meet-ups.

Learn about volunteer opportunities in worship.