God loves the wasteful and the obedient alike!
People remember the story of the prodigal son. It rings so true to us today, still! The word “prodigal” means recklessly wasteful. The wasteful son, like us, squanders the gifts his father gave, gifts given with love, without question, the result of long, hard work. When the wasteful son returns home, broke and broken, the father embraces the young man. He celebrates. It’s as if the son had returned to life itself – and he has!
“This son of mine was dead and is alive again!” — Luke 15:24
But this story carries a double-message for us. A second son, the elder of the two, has obeyed his father all these years. He returns home, too, after a hard day in the fields to see the party thrown for his wasteful brother. “What about me?!” the elder son cries.
One son speaks to our sense of shame and worthlessness. The other speaks to our sense of deserving self-righteousness. God’s answer: You’re both wrong, and I love you both equally!
All-loving God, forgive me when I waste your bountiful gifts. Make me obedient to your will, but also humble about my accomplishments. Let me feel your arms embracing me! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Today at Peace
Today’s Bible readings: Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32. Read them here.
Officiating: The Rev. Bill Wong. We are so happy to have Pastor Wong as our interim pastor while we transition to a new, settled pastor.
Sunday School
TODAY: Jesus’ first miracle – Oh Mom!! Most Sundays, meet us at 9:45 a.m. in the Game Room (near the Fellowship Center). After a little fussbol, at 10 a.m. we move to our Youth & Family Lounge for a Sunday School lesson.
On the first Sunday of each month, we meet right after the 10 a.m. worship – at about 11:15 a.m. – in the Youth & Family Lounge.
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. https://www.wearesparkhouse.org/store/category/286879/Frolic-Nursery
Coming up at PEACE
- Exercise class – Get fit at PEACE! Fun, inspiring exercise at 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fellowship Center.
- Lenten Soup Supper & Prayer Service – Soup at 6:15 p.m., followed by Lenten Prayers at 7 p.m. every Thursday in Lent, in the Fellowship Center. Enjoy the fellowship!
- Qi gong, Quilting, Bells of Peace, Choir Practice – Check out more events on PEACE’s online calendar.
OFFICE HOURS – 9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1-3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.
Your spiritual growth
We would love to grow spiritually with you!
Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual lives.
We now observe the season of Lent. During this spiritual time, we read stories about difficulty, temptation and wandering in the wilderness of the soul. We remember to humble ourselves before our Creator. We also remember God’s great love for us, which heals and lifts us up. Thank you, God for sending your Anointed One – Jesus! – who mends this broken world!