God’s path offers true wealth!
Jesus told the crowd: “No slave can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and wealth.” – Luke 16:13
Wealth by itself isn’t bad. But Jesus’ story today questions our relationship to wealth. What rules our hearts – our wealth or our Creator, the source of all wealth?
Today’s Old Testament reading gives us a clue about the problem. In many cases, wealth may be accumulated and maintained through dishonesty. The prophet Amos calls out the powerful who gain money by using false measurements or by selling poor-quality goods. At its core, the prophet’s rebuke is about cheating those who can’t protect themselves.
In Jesus’ story, we get another clue about the deeper problem of wealth: It gets to our central human weakness. The English word “wealth” is used to translate the original Greek word “mammon.” In addition to meaning money, “mammon” also connotes the things that riches can buy: status, power, prestige. Money lets us feel like we can rule our own lives. I don’t need God!
We all struggle with the glittering attractions of this world. At Peace Lutheran Church, we gather each Sunday in worship to refocus our lives on true riches. Then, we go out and do our best, Monday through Saturday, to show the true riches of God’s love to others. We welcome you to struggle with us!
Holy Source of true prosperity, help us to turn to you when we feel that powerful draw from the riches of this world. Help us remember that you are the source of all we have. Amen.
Today at Peace – Rich in God’s Love!
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.
Today’s Bible readings: Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10. Read them here.
Silent Movies with Walt Strony presents “A Silent Film Medley.” 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. Admission by donation; a free reception follows. Three silent classics include “A Trip to the Moon” and “Sherlock Jr.” Live musical accompaniment by the amazing Walt Strony on his own Walt Strony Signature Series theater organ.
Sunday School: 9:45 a.m. today in the Game Room. Children all ages are welcome to learn of God’s love for them. Today, we learn about Rahab and the Israelite spies as we prepare to (not) fight the Battle of Jericho next week.
Coffee Fellowship: Enjoy baked goods and beverages after each worship service in our Fellowship Center.
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.
Sunday School
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.
This fall, we have Old Testament lessons. Where our story left off: The Children of Israel have been wandering in the wilderness for 40 years and are about to cross over into the Promised Land. We’ll learn about some amazing faith ancestors, including Ruth and Naomi, King David, Queen Esther, Daniel and Jonah. In winter, we’ll turn to stories of Jesus’ life and ministry – healings, parables and miracles.
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.
- 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 – Center yourself with true wealth!
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.