But God’s “in charge” doesn’t look like the world’s “in charge”!
We sure want God to stand up and be in charge when times get scary. Where is God when fires ravage a town? Why didn’t God stop the car wreck from happening? We want God to respond according to our ideas of what it means to be in charge of the world.
Jesus answered Pilate, “My kingdom is not from this world.” – John 18:36
One of the hard things about following Jesus – God’s Son, who walked here on Earth – is accepting that God’s way of doing things doesn’t look like what we humans think of as being “in charge.” God sent Jesus to show us the path to true life. In today’s story from the Gospel of John, that path looks more like weakness than strength.
Jesus’ path calls us to love each other. Jesus showed us how to act with the deep understanding that God loves all of us equally. That’s how God wants us to treat each other and all Creation. Through Jesus’ example and sacrifice, God makes “us to be a kingdom” (Revelation 1:5b). God guarantees this true life, this God Kingdom Life, is better than anything we can imagine.
At PEACE Lutheran Church, we believe this new kind of kingdom transforms each one of us. We journey on the Jesus Path, fed in our community of worship and love. We invite you to give praise and thanks to God with us, at today’s 8:30am & 11am worship services!
Embracing, guiding God, restore my hope that you are in charge, despite the chaos of this world and the fear it inspires. Please keep me strong in you, and help me strengthen others, to your glory! Amen.
Today at Peace
Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14; Psalm 93; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37. Read them here.
Preaching today: The Rev. Bill Wong. We are so happy to receive Pastor Wong as our interim pastor while we transition to a new, settled pastor.
Coffee Fellowship: After each worship service, please head down the hall to our Fellowship Center for coffee and baked goods.
Need pastoral care? Please call the office at (530) 273-9631. We’re in Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm; closed for lunch 12-1pm.
Sunday School
We meet from 9:45-10:45am Sunday. At 9:45, hang out in the Game Room (near the Fellowship Center). At 10am, we move to our new Youth-Family Lounge (near the Office).
We are getting ready for our Christmas program, which will be presented at the 8:30 & 11am worship services on Sunday, Dec. 16.
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.
Coming up at PEACE
Exercise class – Get fit at PEACE! Fun, inspiring exercise at 11am Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fellowship Center.
Q&A with Pastor Wong – 6:30pm Monday. Get to know our interim pastor, the Rev. Bill Wong.
December Mini-Concerts – 5:30pm Wednesdays, Dec. 5, 12 & 19, in the Sanctuary. FREE! Get relief from the holiday rush. A short service of evening prayer follows at 6pm.
Check out more events on PEACE’s online calendar.
OFFICE HOURS – 8:30am-12pm & 1-3:30pm Monday through Thursday.
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 followed by harvest – much like fall! We would love to grow spiritually with you!