Are you tired of navigating the wilderness alone?

It’s all too human to think we can go it alone. Family, friends, job, education, interests, passions, political ideals, economic constructs – we think those are the things that comfort, sustain and protect us. And then, those things let us down. After all, they’re only human, or human creations.

Ready to try asking Jesus for a little help? Jesus knows all about the wilderness.

 Jesus was in the wilderness forty days. – Mark 1:13

Today’s story tells how God a) proclaimed how happy he was with Jesus, then b) “immediately” drove Jesus, his own Son, into the wilderness, where Jesus was c) stayed for 40 days and was d) tempted. (Yow-wee, if Jesus had to go through that, what about me??)

That ordeal in the wilderness transforms Jesus into a powerful preacher. Now, Jesus is ready to proclaim that God’s Kingdom “has come near” and urge listeners to “believe in the Good News.”

So Jesus gets wilderness. He gets temptation. He gets transformation, too. And, He is ready to jump into your wilderness and walk with you into your transformation.

Not ready? That’s OK, it’s hard for us at PEACE Lutheran Church, too. It’s hard to give up being in charge – no matter how much proof we have that it’s not working. But if we work on it together, our faith in this New Life grows stronger together, too! Check us out at the 8:30 & 11 a.m. worship services this morning.

In church today        

Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 9:8-17; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15. Read them here. 

The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches.

Your spiritual growth

Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual growth. Last week, we started Lent, a 40-day period of examining the zillion ways we fall short of God’s command that we love & seek Him, and love each other. 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.

Adult Bible Study

The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. Sundays. Pastor Eileen leads. 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.

This week at PEACE

  • Monday Bible Study – We’re reading Genesis.
  • Lenten Soup Suppers & Reflection – 6:15pm Thursdays, we gather in the Fellowship Center for a simple meal together. A prayer service of reflection starts at 7pm. Every Thursday through Holy Week (final Thursday evening event is March 29).
  • Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.

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

Get Involved at PEACE!