Jesus appears to us – then the fog of life returns!
Right? Isn’t that how life works? We get a little glimpse of the truth, the eternal. Then the fog of everyday life swamps us again.
We experience a moment of clarity and peace. We may even feel the hand of God resting on us – for just the briefest moment. But then, there are bills to pay, meals to prepare, cars to fix, work to get off to, kids to raise. Just like in Jesus’ time.
Jesus was transfigured before them. – Mark 9:2
Today’s Gospel story recounts a mountain-top experience that Jesus’ closest friends had with him. We won’t spoil it for you – come on Sunday to hear more! But the point of the story will stay with you all week: The experience transforms us, and we come down from the sacred mountain changed people, with Jesus at our side. Even as we walk through the fog of mundane reality.
Dear God, please transform me today! Open me to your teaching. Astound me! Then, accompany me back into my daily life as a changed person! Amen.
At PEACE, we are pleading for God to transform us, too! Check us out at the 8:30 & 11 a.m. worship services this morning. The rest of the week, we encourage each other to call out to Jesus to guide us.
In church today
Today’s Bible readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 50:1-6; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; Mark 9:2-9. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches.
Fair Trade products! Coffee, tea, chocolate, nuts and more. Make sure farmers in the developing world receive a fair price for their products! In the Lobby after each worship service.
Coffee & Conversation with Council – Meet members of Peace’s church Council, the body that oversees church operations. 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Center.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Stop first in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
Meet 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 about our loving, gracious Creator.
Toddlers & babies
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.
Toddler Time: 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 hour. We start all together at 9:45 a.m., downstairs in the Youth Room, for music and prayer. Then parents & our youngest disciples head to the Nursery for relaxed and age-appropriate activities. We would love to receive you, just please call ahead – (530) 575-6132.
Happening at PEACE
- Monday Bible Study – We’re reading Genesis.
- Ash Wednesday – Worship service with imposition of ashes at 7pm Wednesday. Don’t have time? Get your Ashes to Go with a drive-thru blessing: 7-9am and 12-2pm on Wednesday.
- Lent – Read more about this traditional season of reflection as we prepare for redemption! Lent starts this week with Ash Wednesday.
- Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.
Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Tuesday through Friday this week.
Your spiritual growth
Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual growth. Today is the last Sunday in Epiphany, when we focus on the ways Jesus, his identity as God’s Son and his mission on Earth became known. This week, we start Lent, a 40-day period of examining the zillion ways we fall short. It’s not about beating up on ourselves – it’s about learning to appreciate the healing, uplifting, surprising, astounding and utterly redeeming love God pours out on us.