God tells us: Stay awake, I’m coming!

We just don’t know when, so we stay awake and alert, watching for signs. Because new life – Jesus’ new Kingdom-here-on-Earth – pops up all the time.

A lot of our Bible readings this time of year have to do with “end times.” Apocalypse. The Day of Judgment. On the surface, we could read these as, literally, “the end of the world will be like this.” But again and again, we see God’s people in times of “the end of the world as we know it.” They live through times of great suffering, calamity and chaos – but eventually, with God’s guidance, they usher in a period of peace and stability. Our work is to trust God as we walk through this Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Jesus: “What I say to you, I say to all: Keep awake.” – Mark 13:37

And most importantly, be awake to the signs of new life God plants amid the crisis. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus talks about the fig tree in winter. As summer approaches, the branches grow tender so that new leaves can burst forth.

Dear God, please awaken us to new life! Gather with us at PEACE Lutheran Church this morning as we encourage each other to stay awake and nourish our faith through good times and bad. Worship is at 8:30 and 11 a.m., near downtown Grass Valley.

In church today

Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Adult Bible Study

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Join us in watching a video presentation of our national organization’s leader as she addressed the 9th triennial gathering of women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

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!

Your spiritual growth

This is the first Sunday in Advent!Advent” refers to the coming of Christ – as a child at Christmas, but also as God’s Kingdom breaks into our lives here and now. It’s the beginning of a new year in the church’s calendar of spiritual seasons, when “end times” lead to “new times.” Learn more here.

Happening at PEACE

  • Free Holiday Mini-concerts! 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6. Our yearly series of 30-minute concerts in December kicks off with Colla Voce Youth Chorus.
  • Monday Bible Study – Meet from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Mondays in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. We start reading the book of Genesis.
  • 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.
  • More! Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.

Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Monday through Friday.

 Sunday School

Children’s Christmas Program – We get practice for our performance, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Our theme during the 500th Anniversary Reformation year: “Advent Devotions with Papa Luther.” Gather with us at 9:45 a.m. downstairs in the Youth Room.

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.

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 invites ALL children, so bring your squirmy tots and even your babies for this fun program! We will start with the rest of the children in the Youth Room downstairs. Then toddlers and infants will go to the Nursery for age-appropriate activities. Please feel free to call – (530) 575-6132.

Parents are a key part of the program, so please plan on staying!

Get Involved at PEACE!

Get to know people at PEACE Lutheran Church who are helping in our community.

Get to know people through our Youth & Family programs.