Worship prepares us for service to each other
Service forms the core of the Good Samaritan story. Perhaps the most well-known hero of the Jesus stories, the Good Samaritan usually gets viewed as offering service to the less-fortunate. Especially, we see the Good Samaritan as helping a stranger.
Wanting to justify himself (the lawyer) asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” – Luke 10:25-37
But what about service to the people we already know? Hmmm. Sometimes, that can be much harder, can’t it? What if we read the Good Samaritan story as a parable about service to members of our family? How about service to members of our church? Sitting next to each other in the pews, people so unlike us, suffering in ways we perhaps cannot see. We see each other other the years and get to know each other. We learn to love each other like family, pray for each other and shoulder each other’s burdens.
At the end of the parable in today’s Gospel story, we learn that Jesus wants us to “show mercy” to each other. Jesus invites us to draw near to each other and pour out our gifts in the service of others.
At Peace Lutheran Church, we gather each Sunday and practice mercy in our very worship. Then, we go out and do our best to live lives of merciful service to our neighbors.
God of mercy, teach us to be of service to you, but offering your love to our neighbors each day, Amen.
Today at Peace – How can we serve you?
Coffee Fellowship: Enjoy baked goods and beverages after each worship service in our Fellowship Center.
Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37. 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…)
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. 4 p.m. Sunday, July 28; entrance is by donation, and a free reception follows! 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.