Saying ‘thanks’ makes you different!
In God’s eyes, it’s good to be different. Jesus’ message in today’s Gospel shows one great, big way: say “thank you” to God!
It’s the story of the 10 lepers. In Jesus’ time, the word “leprosy” referred to a variety of infectious and largely incurable skin diseases. Lepers had to live outside the town or village, so others wouldn’t catch this fearsome malady. They were outcasts. But Jesus heals them – because they believe he can.
All 10 go hurrying off to show the authorities they have been cured. But only one of them first turns back to thank Jesus and to praise God for this life-changing, life-affirming miracle. “But I healed 10 of you!” Jesus says; he’s a little bit scolding. Wow, how human is that – to forget to say “thanks”???
Here’s the kicker: This one grateful guy was a Samaritan. To the first readers of this story, that would be like, today, saying he’s an illegal immigrant or a Middle Eastern refugee – different, not one of us, suspect.
“One of them turned back, praising God.” – Luke 17:15
At PEACE, we want to be different with you, as we thank this loving, healing God for choosing us as His own and changing our lives!
Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19. Read them here.
Coming up at PEACE
Prayer Shawl Ministry – 1 p.m. Oct. 10 in the Cross room. This fun fellowship resumes for the fall. Bring your crochet hook or knitting needles!
Dinner for 8 and “Just Lunch” for 4 – These small groups provide a fun way to get to know other folks at PEACE. Bring your calendar & a potluck dish at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, for an organizational gathering. Sign up in the Atrium.
“Luther” stars Joseph Fiennes in a remarkable story of faith and conscience.
“Family Night” @ 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18 – People of all ages enjoy a spaghetti dinner & viewing of “Luther.” Joseph Fiennes plays the monk who challenges some practices of the Roman Catholic Church and sparks the Protestant Reformation. Children who don’t want to watch the movie can play games downstairs in the Youth Room. Sign up in the Atrium.
More Coming Events – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Youth @ Peace Sunday School
Hans & Magda – Every few weeks (like today!), we take a break from our Bible lessons to learn something about Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation. Today, we meet Hans and Magda, the oldest children of Martin & Katie Luther. Through their eyes, we see Luther’s rediscovery of Christianity’s core values: salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus.
Later in October, we will observe the 499th anniversary of the day Luther challenged the Church with 95 points of disagreement. Reformation Sunday is Oct. 30 – marked by beautiful, powerful music and a procession by the young people at the beginning of the 11 a.m. worship service.
This fall, we also are learning stories from the Old Testament. Coming up: The Children of Israel wandering in the wilderness, moving at last into the Promised Land, and great stories from the period of the judges. In December, we will shift to prepare for our Christmas program.
We start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, downstairs in the Youth Room. Young people of all ages are welcome!
Youth @ PLC 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. Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
Bible memory verses: Kids can earn Bible Bucks for verses they memorize and redeem them for cool prizes!
Get Involved at PEACE!
Click here to learn how to get involved at PEACE Lutheran Church.