We Pray for God’s Kingdom among us!
When Jesus’ followers ask that he teach them to pray, Jesus responds with what we now know as the Lord’s Prayer. It starts with a word of praise to God, then leads right into a request. But, this request is not for help, nor even for life’s basic needs. Jesus tells his followers to pray for God’s kingdom to come, to be present here on earth. Now!
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” – Luke 11:1
Then, Jesus follows with a little story. The lesson? God loves a pest. Pray, then pray some more, Jesus says. No matter how badly I have messed up, no matter how bad a person I think I am, God wants me to keep after him. “Persistence” will get God’s attention, Jesus says.
So these two things go together: We pray for God’s kingdom to come here and now. God will send his Holy Spirit to teach us how! God wants for us an upside-down kingdom in which we treat each other with kindness and compassion every day. Second, we don’t let up. We seek God’s help every day – every minute, if need be! – to change our hearts to become kingdom hearts.
At Peace Lutheran Church, we gather each Sunday in worship to renew our spirits for this kingdom work. Then, we go out and do our best to live lives of 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: Lord, Teach us to Pray!
Coffee Fellowship: Enjoy baked goods and beverages after each worship service in our Fellowship Center.
Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 18:20-32; Psalm 138; Colossians 2:6-19; Luke 11:1-13. Read them here.
Officiating: The Rev. Bill Wong officiates. 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. All donations benefit the PEACE Organ Fund.
- 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: Pray and Teach!
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! And, we ask God to teach us to pray for His kingdom to come to each of us.
Thank you, God for sending your Holy Spirit – who fills me with the strength to tell the world of your love! Amen.