Jesus’s challenge: Follow me!
To follow Jesus means to solve all kinds of problems – at the least, the really deep ones that matter. Where is my center? What can really satisfy me?
Jesus said, “Follow me.” – Luke 9:51-62
But to follow Jesus also means to turn our backs on the things the world thinks are important. Our human values can easily conflict with God’s values. Today’s Gospel story gives a few examples, and they feel pretty unsettling when we hear them. To all our fears of letting go of the world, Jesus also says, “Following me gives you life itself. Following me gives you God’s world – right here and right now!”
Here’s the amazing thing: By living out God’s world, we make our world so much better! And, guess what? God sends us his Holy Spirit to help us, through good times and bad. With God leading us, the peace that we feel “passes all understanding.”
At Peace Lutheran Church, we do our best to live out God’s values every week. It wears us out! So, we gather on Sunday morning to refresh and renew – spiritual gas in the tank. Won’t you live God’s world with us?
Liberating God, please give me the courage and the strength to say “Yes!” to Jesus’ invitation to follow him. In the name of the risen Jesus, I pray, Amen.
Today at Peace
Coffee Fellowship: Enjoy baked goods and beverages after each worship service in our Fellowship Center.
Today’s Bible readings: 1 Kings 19:15-16; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1, 13-25; Luke 9:51-62. 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.
Need pastoral care? Please call the office at (530) 273-9631. Our office opens Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm; closed for lunch 12-1pm.
Sunday School
We will resume Sunday School classes on Sept. 8 with an Ice Cream Party! (because God’s love is sweet…) For faith-based summer events for kids, check here.
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
- Silent Movies with Walt Strony presents – “Safety Last,” Harold Lloyd’s 1923 comedy-romance. Look for the iconic scene in which Lloyd dangles from a clock face above the streets of New York City.
- Exercise class – Get fit at PEACE! Fun, inspiring exercise at 11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fellowship Center.
- 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 are now in the Time After Pentecost. For the next several months, we read stories about what it means to live our lives as God’s People. We think about what it means to be part of the Kingdom of God, here and now!
Thank you, God for sending your Holy Spirit – who fills me with the strength to tell the world of your love! Amen.