God calls outsiders – even you!
Our God loves outsiders. People who don’t fit in, who don’t belong. And that’s why you have been a part of His plan all along. Here’s how it works:
God made a special promise with this guy Abraham. He would be God to Abraham and his descendants, and they would be God’s special people. Through them – the Jews – all the world would be blessed. God said to the prophet Isaiah, “I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.” God’s light, shining for insiders and flowing to outsiders.
Then Jesus comes along. At the start of Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist spots him and declares, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” For insiders, for outsiders, for everybody.
“Here is the Lamb of God.” – John 1:29-42
In Jesus’ time, “lamb” had special meaning. Lambs were raised for food, but more importantly, they were sacrificed at the Temple in rituals to set people right with God. Jesus became the sacrifice to end all sacrifices. For insiders and outsiders – for all of us!
Pastor Virginia Ward preaches today. The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van is out of town. [If you need pastoral care, please call the church office at (530) 273-9631.]
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42; read them here.
Happening at PEACE
- Toddler Time – God welcomes even the tiniest of disciples. Toddler time is for all children from babies to 4 years old. Parents are welcome to stay and participate, or leave their little ones and attend Adult Forum. We start out with music in our all-ages Sunday School opening at 9:45 a.m., downstairs in the Youth Room. Then, parents and tots head upstairs to the Nursery. Our 45-minute “Frolic” curriculum is fun for children and parents. Call Youth & Outreach Coordinator Trina Kleist at (530) 575-6132 to learn more.
- Coming Up – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Today, Pastor Virginia Ward leads. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Youth Room downstairs. Young people of all ages are welcome!
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. This winter, we are learning about the life of Jesus (he was a kid, too). We welcome all who yearn to learn more about our loving, gracious Creator!
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! 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 community ministries at PEACE Lutheran Church.