God’s people know welcome and rejection!
Welcome and rejection figure prominently in Matthew’s Gospel as Jesus tells his followers what to expect. Jesus also introduces the theme of whoever, weaving this word with the other two.
Rejection and conflict loomed in last Sunday’s story, when Jesus warns his followers that his radical message of God’s lavish love for all people would cause even their families to reject them.
So today’s message of welcome startles and surprises – it’s so like Jesus! Welcoming Jesus is the same as welcoming God Himself. And God’s love is given to “whoever.” Anybody. Everybody! No one is excluded. (Not even you.)
Jesus said to the Twelve, “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the One who sent me.” – Matthew 10:40
This time of year is the growing season. In the church, we see it also as a season of spiritual growth. So in these weeks after celebrating Pentecost – when God sent his Holy Spirit to Jesus’ followers – we reflect on stories that encourage us to follow the Spirit wherever it might lead us. Learn more about this Time After Pentecost.
Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42. Read them here.
Pastor Dawn Hass preaches today. Pastor Eileen Smith Le Van is away until July 7.
Happening at PEACE
- Monday Bible Study – No Monday Bible study July 3. We resume our 1:15 p.m. Monday gatherings on July 10 in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. We’ll work on the book of Acts.
- Earthcare Day Camp, our multi-church summer Bible camp, will be July 17-21. Learn more here.
- Coming Up – Learn more about events at PEACE here.
Adult Bible Study
NO ADULT BIBLE STUDY today. We resume Sunday, July 9.
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen. Stop in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Sunday School is on break for the summer! We invite you to come in the fall as we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation with fun stories about Martin Luther, told through the eyes of his children.
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 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
In the fall, we will resume our special program for the tiniest disciples. God invites ALL children, so bring your babies and squirmy tots for this fun program!
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