God’s Spirit is yours – for free, forever!

God’s spirit brings us new beginnings all the time. From the beginning of time, in Jesus’ time. And today, in our time, in our world, in your life.

Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan… And as (Jesus) was coming up out of the waters, he saw the Spirit descending like a dove on him. – Mark 1:9, 10

Today’s readings brim with images of the presence and action of God’s Spirit in the world. At the very very beginning, the Bible says, God’s Spirit hovered – like a wind, or like a bird, depending on your translation – over the unformed soup of the material world (check out Genesis 1). King David sensed that Presence in a divine Voice blowing over stormy seas (check out Psalm 29). Jesus-the-Man saw it in the form of a dove as he rose out of his baptism in the Jordan River (check out Mark 1).

Seekers who came along later knew they wanted that Power in their lives – they just didn’t know how to get it (read Acts 19). They learned that God pours it out onto them through baptism in Jesus’ name, and it was like putting on a beautiful new set of clothes.

Dear God, please send me your Spirit – I need your love in this New Year! Gather with us at PEACE Lutheran Church as we prepare ourselves for the miracle of God’s transforming Spirit in our lives and our world.

In church today        

Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11. Read them here. 

Guest preacher the Rev. Gabriela Schroeder presides at worship today. The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van is on vacation, returning Sunday, Feb. 21.

Peace Choir sings at the 8:30 a.m. worship service.

Adult Bible Study

No Adult Forum today! We resume our Bible study on Sunday, Feb. 21.

Most Sundays, 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

For us, the season of Christmas ended on Friday, the “Twelfth Night” of Christmas; during this season, we focused on the arrival of God-Incarnate in the form of Jesus. On Saturday, our church season turned to Epiphany, when we focus on the ways Jesus, his identity as God’s Son and his mission on Earth became known. Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual growth. Read more about Epiphany here.

Happening at PEACE

  • Monday Bible Study – No Bible study this week. We will resume on Monday, Jan. 22. We’re reading Genesis and will start Chapter 12, about the Call of Abram.
  • “The Jewish View of Grace” – 10 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 14 during our Adult Forum. Rabbi Alan Greenbaum is our special guest.
  • Taizé-style Evening Worship – 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, in the Sanctuary. An intimate service of short, simple, sung prayers, with chanting, candles and Bible readings.
  • Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.

Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Tuesday through Friday this week.

Sunday School

Sunday School resumes today! We will talk about being good stewards of the gifts God has given us & will decide how we want to use our tithes.

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

Kids in church: PLEASE bring your young children to church! Their fussing and squealing may pain you, but they make us glad! Pick up an activity bag as you go into the Sanctuary (on the left in a basket, ask an usher). During the sermon, you can take your kids to our Nursery; a speaker is turned on so you can hear the sermon and follow the service.

God invites ALL children to be His disciples. We offer a fun and special program especially for your squirmy tots and even your babies during our Sunday School time. We start all together for music and prayer, then parents & our youngest disciples head to the Nursery for age-appropriate activities. We would love to receive you, just please call ahead – (530) 575-6132.

Get Involved at PEACE!