Son of God! Has to Flee?
Joseph already had been through a lot when the angel told his to take his little family and flee to Egypt. The king was out to kill the child, Jesus. But this was the son of God, right?
“An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, ‘Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt.’” – Matthew 2:13
Joseph must have wondered about this latest turn. Already, God had asked Joseph to take for his wife a woman who carried the Holy Spirit’s child. What would the family think of that crazy story? But Joseph trusted and obeyed. The baby’s birth caused difficulties, too, coming right during the great census. They had slept in a stable. Mary had birthed the baby right there among the animals. Again, Joseph trusted and obeyed God, naming the baby Jesus. But now this?
Flee to Egypt – leaving family and friends, business and customers, all behind them? Again, Joseph trusted God and obeyed.
Today is the first Sunday in the season of Christmas, so we continue with Christmas stories like this one. At PEACE Lutheran Church, we try hard to grow the kind of trust and obedience Joseph showed. We would love to grow with you and support that growth in trust! Worship today is at 8:30 & 11 a.m.
Holy Love of infinite abundance, help me to trust you as you guide me along life’s twisting pathways. May trust in you blossom in me today! Amen.
Today at PEACE – Flee to Egypt!
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE @ 10am Sunday, Jan. 5
Coffee Fellowship: Enjoy baked goods and beverages after each worship service in our Fellowship Center.
Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23. Read them here.
Officiating: The Rev. David Mullen is our guest pastor today.
The Rev. Bill Wong officiates most other Sundays. 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 most weeks Monday through Thursday, 8:30am-3:30pm; closed for lunch 12-1pm. OFFICE CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY.
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. We are learning 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
- Adult Bible Study: NO MEETING on Dec. 29. Our next meeting is at 9 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 5, in classroom 5, down the hallway from the Fellowship Center. Pick up coffee and cookies on your way!
- Exercise class: Get fit at PEACE! Fun, inspiring exercise at 11 a.m. most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Fellowship Center. BUT NO EXERCISE class this coming Wednesday, Jan. 1 – Blessings on your New Year!
- 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 (closed New Year’s Day)
Your spiritual growth – Is God asking you to flee to Egypt?
We would love to grow spiritually with you – even if you feel like you’re being called to a very different place!
Like natural seasons, our church seasons have a special meaning for our spiritual lives. Today is the first Sunday in the church’s season of Christmas. During this season, the days are the darkest of the year. Yet, God gives us hope by sending God’s Anointed One in the form of a child.
The church year resembles a pilgrim journey: Each season helps us focus our spiritual growth in a different way.
Thank you, God for sending your Son – who embraces the whole world with your love! Amen.