Jesus had his own opinion!
The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew verb “sabat,” meaning “to rest.” God gave His people a day of rest – in part for a needed day off from their labors, in part so they would have time to worship Him. God knows what we need: Rest for our bodies and spiritual fuel to keep us going the rest of the week.
We have both parts to us: St. Paul compares our bodies to “clay jars” that, incongruously, contain “this extraordinary power (that) belongs to God and does not come from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) So God gives the command to observe a weekly Sabbath – a day of physical rest and spiritual renewal – because we need it!!
Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the Sabbath.” – Mark 2:27
But people being what they are, over the centuries, God’s faithful folk created a very rigid structure with a lot of rules around Sabbath rest. Well, how can you follow God’s commandment if you don’t know what the rules are, right?
So then Jesus comes along and shakes everything up, curing a man with a withered hand, on a Sabbath, right there in the synagogue!! The good, upright, God-fearing religious authorities were aghast – because curing is, well, work. Jesus knew just what they were thinking, so he challenges them: “Do our rules allow us to do good for someone who needs help on the Sabbath? To save a life, perhaps?” And when the religious authorities can’t answer him, Jesus “was grieved at their hardness of heart.”
What about us? Do we know what the Sabbath is for and how to use it? At PEACE Lutheran Church, we invite you to rest with us, to fuel your spiritual tank with us, and to let Jesus shake you out of your old ways of thinking into a new, Kingdom Way. You’ll be amazed! 8:30 & 11 a.m. worship services this morning.
Trinity God, lover of seekers, give me the courage to observe your Sabbath fully, so that I may walk the path that brings your Kingdom to all! Amen!
Today at Peace
We honor our high school graduates this morning, presenting them with beautiful, hand-made quilts. We bless them and send them off wrapped in our love and prayers! Please stay for the reception following the 11am worship service.
Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6. Read them here.
The Rev. Eileen Smith Le Van preaches today.
Your spiritual growth
Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual lives. For us, we are in “Time After Pentecost,” a season of growth – much like summer! Read about Time After Pentecost here.
Adult Bible Study
The Adult Forum meets in the Old Fellowship Hall at 10 a.m. most Sundays. Stop first in the Fellowship Center around the corner to pick up coffee & baked goods!
Sunday School
#FlatJesus – Learn that Jesus walks with us even during summer vacation! Plus, we continue our story about the Prophet Elijah. Meet 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: If you’re interested in our special Sunday School program for the tiniest of disciples, call (530) 575-6132 for information.
Happening at PEACE
Monday Bible Study – 1:15pm in the Conference Room. We’re studying our faith ancestors and their amazing stories set down in Genesis.
Check out PEACE’s online events calendar.
Office Hours – 8:30am-12pm & 1-3:30pm Monday through Thursday.