God tells us: Prepare, I’m coming!
This time before Christmas helps us to prepare. God calls us – not to shop, not to decorate, though these activities are fun, and there’s nothing wrong with them. As long as we keep our eye on the important stuff. God calls us to prepare, because Jesus is coming into the world!
Jesus – in kindness to each other. Jesus – in caring for the poor, the lonely, the hungry and the sick. Jesus – in honesty and goodness in our personal affairs, business and public office. Doing the right thing – even when I don’t particularly want to.
Last week, our readings told us to stay “awake,” because God’s kingdom pops up all around us. Will we see it? Hear it? Feel it?
When we prepare our hearts and minds for God’s Kingdom, we suddenly start seeing it everywhere. Here. Now.
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” – Mark 1:3
Dear God, please prepare me for new life! Gather with us at PEACE Lutheran Church this morning as we encourage each other to stay awake and prepare ourselves and our world for a new way – God’s Way! Worship is at 8:30 and 11 a.m., near downtown Grass Valley.
In church today
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches.
Fair Trade sales! – In the Lobby after each service. Your purchases of fairly traded coffee, tea, chocolate, nuts and other items guarantees a living wage to farmers in the developing world. Plus, it tastes good! All sales support the work of the Lutheran Church of Rwanda.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m., led by Pastor Eileen. Stop first in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Your spiritual growth
We are in the season of Advent! “Advent” refers to the coming of Christ – as a human child at Christmas, but also in Spirit as God’s Kingdom breaks into our lives here and now. It’s the beginning of a new year in the church’s calendar of spiritual seasons, when “end times” lead to “new times.” Learn more here.
Happening at PEACE
- Free Holiday Mini-concerts! – 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13. Our yearly series of 30-minute concerts continues with great music of the season by PEACE staff organist Walt Strony and Emanuel Episcopal Church organist & pianist Thomas Greathouse. A beautiful evening prayer service follows, so please stay if you can!
- Monday Bible Study – Meet from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Mondays in the Meeting Room with Pastor Eileen. We start reading the book of Genesis.
- 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.
- More! – Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.
Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Monday through Friday.
Sunday School
Children’s Christmas Program – We practice for our performance, set for 11 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. Our theme during this 500th Anniversary Reformation year: “Advent Devotions with Papa Luther.” Gather with us at 9:45 a.m. downstairs in the Youth Room.
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.
Toddler Time
God invites ALL children, so bring your squirmy tots and even your babies for this fun program! We will start with the rest of the children in the Youth Room downstairs. Then toddlers and infants will go to the Nursery for age-appropriate activities. Please feel free to call – (530) 575-6132.
Parents are a key part of the program, so please plan on staying!
Kids in church: PLEASE bring your young children to church! Their fussing and squealing may pain you, but they make us glad! During the sermon, you can take them to our Nursery; a speaker is on so you can hear the sermon and follow the service.