God loves everyone equally!
Outsiders and insiders. Things open and things closed. Salvation and mercy. These are some of the themes you’ll hear in today’s Bible readings. Today’s stories surprise us, and they make us stop and think.
Then looking up to heaven, (Jesus) sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that, “Be opened.” – Mark 7:34
Who do we see as outsiders and insiders? What is closed to God’s healing love? Our own hearts, maybe? The great news is, God loves you anyway. And God loves you the same, whether you are rich or poor, a church insider or holy outsider.
Even more, these stories have a particular call for the insiders and the well-off. Who is at our core – Jesus? Or our material stuff – money, nice things, career success, status, good times, fun toys, exciting gadgets?
It’s interesting that, just before Jesus opened the deaf man’s ears in today’s Gospel lesson, the writer tells us that “he sighed.” It’s a tiny detail, but pretty unusual. Maybe it indicates that Jesus felt deeply how hard it can be for us to open our ears to God’s healing words of love.
Gracious, loving God, please open my ears! I need to hear your amazing, mysterious, healing, uplifting words of love! Amen.
Today at Peace
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 35:4-7a; Psalm 146; James2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37. Read them here.
Preaching today: The Rev. Judith Morgado. We are thrilled to hear today’s sermon by Pastor Judith, who served at PEACE as associate Pastor for several years.
Need pastoral care? Please call the office at (530) 273-9631. We’re in Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm.
Coffee Fellowship: After worship service, please walk over to the Fellowship Center (down the hall and around the corner) to pick up coffee & baked goods! We would love to meet you and get to know you a little bit.
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.
Sunday School
ICE CREAM! 9:45am today in the new Youth Room. Please have some ice cream & toppings while you tour our new space for Youth & Families! Come to Classroom 1-2, down the hall from the Fellowship Center.
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. It’s available starting in the fall.
Happening at PEACE
- Monday Bible Study – 1pm in the Conference Room. We’re studying our faith ancestors and their amazing stories set down in Genesis.
- Silent Movie – 4pm Sunday, Oct. 14. Walt Strony will perform to Harold Lloyd’s classic, “Safety Last.” It’s free, but any donations will support our Organ Fund. Stay for the free reception afterward!
- Lunch & Dinner Groups – Every September, new groups form to meet during the year for lunch or dinner. It’s a fun way to meet new people at PEACE or get to know folks better. Sign-up sheets in the Atrium. Our organizational Potluck Dinner is 6pm Monday, Oct. 29.
- Harvest Dinner & Talent Show – 5pm Sunday, Sept. 23 in the Fellowship Center. Dinner and a talent show. Show off your God-given talents! Sign up in the Atrium.
Check out more events on PEACE’s online calendar.
OFFICE HOURS – 8:30am-12pm & 1-3:30pm Monday through Thursday.