Embrace God’s word with us at PEACE! 

Today’s readings offer two ways to respond to God’s word. People either embrace it, or they don’t. But God promises an abundant “inheritance” for those who do, adopting us as his own children. Anything we’ve done wrong, any way in which we’re less than perfect, it doesn’t matter! Jesus makes us right again, with God and with each other!

Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man. – Mark 6:20

In the Old Testament story, the prophet Amos has harsh words for the king. That’s because people are worshiping false gods. (They seem sooo much more attractive!) People cheat each other and live to please themselves. (It feels sooo good!) Even the top religious leader is in on it, and tells Amos to get lost.

Similarly, in the New Testament story, the king likes to listen to the prophet John, but he’s scared of him, too. That’s because John has told the king, “You’re not living right!” Finally, the king turns his back on God’s word and kills God’s messenger. The king would rather keep on leading his own life, living his own way. (Millennia go by, but it seems like people don’t really change that much, do they?)

In contrast, in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus, we see another response to God’s “word of truth.” When people embrace it, God “makes known to us the mystery of his will.” And God’s will for us has to do with “his good pleasure” for us. It will happen “in the fullness of time.” Above all, this comes to us as children “adopted” by a loving Father, “who accomplishes all things.”

God’s word can be hard to believe! It can be hard to understand. Certainly, it can be hard to follow the example of Jesus. But God knows that! So, he promises to send us his Holy Spirit to help us!

Faith is something that grows stronger with exercise. At PEACE, we feel the growth in our own hearts. Consequently, we see the result in our lives. Exercise with us at 8:30 or 11 a.m. worship service this morning! (We hope you’ll stay for coffee and baked goodies, too!)

Gracious, loving God, I want to believe! I want to embrace your word! Help me – lead me – heal me! Amen.

Today at Peace         

Today’s Bible readings: Amos 7:7-15; Psalm 85:8-13; Ephesians 1:3-14; Mark 6:14-29. Read them here.

The Rev. Cindy Beck preaches today.

Do you need pastoral care? Please call the office at (530) 273-9631.

Coffee Fellowship: After worship service, please walk over to the Fellowship Center (down the hall and around the corner) to pick up coffee & baked goods! We would love to meet you and get to know you a little bit.

Your spiritual growth

Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual lives. For us, we are in “Time After Pentecost,” a season of growth – much like summer! Read about Time After Pentecost here.

Adult Bible Study

No Adult Forum during the summer months. But please try reading the Bible! We offer Bible study at 1 p.m. Mondays in the Conference Room. In addition, we offer free Bible reading guides for you to take home. Even if you’re a beginner, it will change your life!

Sunday School

We’re on break for the summer! But we’re planning a fun trip to the South Yuba River for Aug. 19 and a family game night in September. Stay tuned for details!

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 about our loving, gracious Creator.

Toddlers & babies

Kids in church: PLEASE bring your young children to church! While their fussing and squealing may pain you, they make us glad! So pick up an activity bag as you go into the Sanctuary (on the left in a basket, ask an usher). During the sermon, you can take your kids to our Nursery; a speaker is turned on so you can hear the sermon and follow the service.

Toddler Time: If you’re interested in our special Sunday School program for the tiniest of disciples, call (530) 575-6132 for information.

Happening at PEACE

Monday Bible Study – 1pm in the Conference Room. We’re studying our faith ancestors and their amazing stories set down in Genesis.

Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.

Office Hours – 8:30am-12pm & 1-3:30pm Monday through Thursday (closed WEDNESDAY for Independence Day).

Get Involved at PEACE!