Jesus – the only meaning of Christmas.
What’s the best gift you will get this Christmas? A new car? A new iPhone 7? How about a new life?
No one would argue that a new car or new technology will transform your life. For a while, anyway. But Christians believe that, no matter how cool we look, we still are trapped in a state of being separate from our Creator. The latest gadget may help us in our material lives, but it can never bring us face-to-face with the one thing that will never break down, wear out, get lost or grow obsolete.
So God sent Jesus. God-in-the-flesh. God-living-beside-me. God-crying-with-me. God-lifting-me-up-every-time-I-feel-low. God-getting-me-through-tough-times. God-dancing-a-happy-dance-with-me.
And God’s Christmas gift is free.
Well, not exactly. You have to give up thinking you are in charge.
What is new life worth to you?
“The word became flesh and lived among us.” – John 1:14
At PEACE, we really want you to feel the joy of new life with us! No experience necessary – we are all beginners!.
Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today. ONE WORSHIP SERVICE TODAY at 11 a.m.
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-12; John 1:1-14; click here to read them.
Coming up at PEACE
- Donations – All offerings for 2016 need to be in the church office no later than Dec. 30 at 12 noon.
- Vacations – The church office will be closed on Friday, Dec. 23; Monday, Dec. 26; & Monday, Jan. 2. Pastor Eileen will be on vacation Jan. 3-16.
- Second Mile giving during December – Second mile giving during December will be directed to Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. PLTS is the only ELCA seminary west of Mississippi. It is part of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, a consortium of nine seminaries of different denominations that cooperate in providing theological education on the West Coast. If you’d like to give an extra gift to support PLTS, you can include it in your offering. Designate on your check or envelope “Second Mile Giving.”
- More Coming Events – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
No Adult Forum today or next Sunday (New Year’s Day).
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!
Sunday School for children & youth
No Sunday School today or next Sunday. We will resume Jan. 8.
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. Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
This fall, we have learned stories from the Old Testament. In January, we will shift to the New Testament. We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!
We start at 9:45 a.m. every Sunday, downstairs in the Youth Room. Young people of all ages are welcome!
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.
Get Involved at PEACE!
Click here to learn about PEACE Lutheran Church’s work in our community.