Resurrected Jesus proclaims – peace?
Peace is the farthest thing from the minds of Jesus’ followers in the days after their beloved teacher’s execution. Painful, ugly and shameful – Jesus’ death, his enemies hope, will squash the dangerous nonsense growing among his followers.
Then some women come along with an amazing – and seemingly nonsensical – story about seeing the Master. Changed, somehow different, but alive! Hmpf. Women’s testimony doesn’t count in this culture, yet these women are leaders among the movement, and they carry the words of Jesus himself…
“Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’” – John 20:19b
That same night, the third day after Jesus’ cruel crucifixion, Jesus’ followers huddle, afraid for their lives, in a locked, upstairs room. Suddenly, the Master himself appears. “Peace be with you!” Jesus declares.
Peace? Here? How? Again and again, the risen Jesus appears to his followers. He comes in different places, does different things. But real, human, alive Jesus – declaring peace!?!
At PEACE Lutheran Church, we invite you to huddle with us in fear. We invite you, also, to feel the wonder and amazement of our resurrected Lord. We invite you to live a life of peace in His love, deeper and wider than anything we can understand!
Today’s Bible readings: Acts 2:14a, 22-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Happening at PEACE
- Contemplative Prayer – 12:30 p.m. Mondays in the Nursery (in the Old Fellowship Hall). 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.
- “Islam in America” – Khalid Saeed, of American Muslim Voice, will discuss Islam at home and abroad from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, April 22, in the Old Fellowship Hall.
- Women’s Retreat – 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 29 at Buttermaker’s Cottage, Penn Valley. Our theme is “Prayer,” presented by Pastor Virginia Ward. Cost is $20 and includes a box lunch. Sign up in the Atrium.
- Coming Up – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
“A Jewish Perspective on the 10 Commandments.” Rabbi Alan Greenbaum leads our Adult Forum this Sunday and next week, presenting a fascinating look at this core topic in both Christian and Jewish history and theology.
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Bring your questions, doubts and challenges to God, the Bible and the Church – they are welcome here!
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 spring, we are learning about the ministry of Jesus and how we can apply His words to our lives (yes, it’s possible!!). 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 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.