All Saints honored today – and that means you!

Today is All Saints Sunday. According to long church tradition, All Saints Day on Nov. 1 remembers the saints of the faith – people like St. Francis, for example. All Souls Day, on Nov. 2, honors all departed believers in the One True Faith – ordinary folks like you and me.

“The Lamb will guide them to springs of the water of life.” – Revelation 7:17

Fun church fact: An old word for saintly or sacred is “hallowed.” All Saints Day used to be called All Hallows Day. The night before became known as All Hallows Eve – the origin of the term “Hallowe’en,” a contraction of “Hallows Evening.”

Does thinking about the saints spook you? ‘Fraid you can’t ever measure up? Have no fear! We Lutherans have this idea about “grace.” It means we can’t earn sainthood by good works, no matter how hard we try. Instead, Jesus earned it for us! Because of grace, God loves us even if we don’t deserve it. He brings us to himself – here on earth, and later in Heaven – because Jesus washed us clean and guides to new life in Him.

Check us out – saints in the making – at our two worship services, 8:30 and 11 a.m. today at 828 W. Main St., near downtown Grass Valley.

At PEACE This Morning

Today’s Bible readings: Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.

Adult Bible Study

Faithful Stewardship: It’s not all about money! We think of it as “faithful discipleship” instead.

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

We celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation this fall with stories about Martin Luther, told through the eyes of his children. Plus: We prove that studying Luther’s Small Catechism can be fun. (Seriously!) Today we talk about the 4th Commandment.

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

We have a special program for the tiniest disciples. God invites ALL children, so bring your babies and squirmy tots for this fun program! Usually, we start at 9:45 a.m. with music downstairs in the Youth Room with the older children. Then, our youngest Followers of Jesus head upstairs to the Nursery for an age-appropriate lesson.

We encourage parents to stay – you are your child’s most important teacher! Call (530) 575-6132 for details.

At PEACE this week

  • Monday Bible Study – Meet from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Mondays in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. Readings from the book of Acts.
  • Contemplative Prayer – We gather at 12:30-1 p.m. Wednesdays in the Conference Room by the Office. 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.
  • Coming Up – Check out our online calendar for more events at PEACE.

Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Monday through Friday.

Your spiritual growth

Fall is a time of harvest. In the Church, we see it also as a season of spiritual harvest. So in these weeks after celebrating Pentecost – when God sent his Holy Spirit to Jesus’ followers – we reflect on what our Bible stories tell us about spiritual fruit. How do we live ever more closely with God? How do we bring other closer to feeling God’s spirit in their lives? Learn more about this Time After Pentecost.

Get Involved at PEACE!

Get to know people at PEACE Lutheran Church who are having way too much fun.

Learn about volunteer opportunities in worship.