Jesus’ message poses a puzzle:
If you want to really live, you have to die first. Huh? People didn’t understand him back then, either, by the way. They were expecting a different kind of leader, one who would overthrow the Roman occupiers. But Jesus used stories like this one to help people understand that the Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom, not an earthly one. (He also was giving them a hint of what would happen to him at the end of his time on Earth.)
Spring Spud Spectacular this Sunday @ 12:15pm!
Jesus meant that, to enter God’s Kingdom, we have to die first. Die to what the world expects of us. Die to ourselves. But like a seed planted in the ground, our death to the spirit of this world leads to transformation. The “new plant” that sprouts is the unimaginable abundance of our New Life, walking the Jesus path!
“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” – John 1224
Jesus knows it’s hard for us to get it. God’s plan for you and for me doesn’t fit neatly into human sense and world-logic. It’s hard for us at PEACE Lutheran Church to really get it, too. That’s why we gather each Sunday – to reach for it together. And together, our daily faith walk grows clearer, too! Check us out at the 8:30 & 11 a.m. worship services this morning.
Dear Jesus, give me the courage to die so that I may live in you! Amen!
Today at Peace
Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10; John 12:20-33. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches.
Spring Spud Spectacular! Youth @ PEACE, our all-ages program for young people, will serve savory spuds with a smile, starting at 12:15 p.m. TODAY in the Fellowship Center. Only $5 for an organic baked potato, toppings, salad, chili, cake and punch – all you can eat, too! Proceeds benefit a youth-organized project to build a shade structure on our patio by the Labyrinth.
Your spiritual growth
Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual growth. We now are observing 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. (And on YOU, too!)
Adult Bible Study
Daily Discipleship: During Lent, we are studying each Sunday’s Gospel reading to discover the ways we are challenged by those scriptures to live out our calling as disciples of Jesus. We’re using a Bible study resource from the ELCA called “Daily Discipleship.”
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. We are learning the Elijah stories – amazing how much those stories tell us about Jesus and our own walk of faith!
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. Our faith ancestors had some wild and woolly stories to tell!
- Lenten Soup Suppers & Reflection – At 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). And, our soups are homemade & delicious!
- Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.
Office Hours – 9am-12pm & 12:30-3:30pm Monday through Thursday.