Posts from 2023 (Page 2)
E-Note – ThanksGiving 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I hope this holiday is a blessed one for you; even in the midst of whatever challenges you are facing. As I write that, I think of Paul’s words: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).” My response? “Really, Paul? Really?” Every day there are reasons not to feel grateful and not to give…
E-Note November 17, 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, It’s hard to believe but it’s Thanksgiving week just around the corner! And what better way to begin the week than to join us in worship on Sunday and our second Sunday in a two-week stewardship emphasis. What is stewardship, anyway? Stewardship begins with God. From the Psalmist we hear: “The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it.” It’s God’s, all of it! Sometimes I slip into thinking that says, “I have stuff and time and I give…
CYF Blast November 16, 2023
Dear Peace Parents and Families, Last Friday, November 10th, our Confirmation students had the privilege of visiting Temple Israel, a Jewish synagogue in Minneapolis. Temple Israel describes themselves as an “urban congregation dedicated to serving a diverse community,” and it was actually the first synagogue established in Minneapolis. Additionally, it’s currently one of the ten largest Jewish congregations in the United States. We began the evening with a tour the synagogue and some conversation time with our host, Jonathan. After, we…
E-Note November 10, 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, I have many things to share with you today; things about Sunday’s worship, Harvest Pack, and Veteran’s Day. But first, a word about grace. As Lutheran Christians, we hear the word “grace”……a lot. What is grace? Frederick Buechner defines the word in this way: “Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There’s no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream…
CYF Blast November 9, 2023
Dear Peace Parents and Families, As we move through November and daylight “savings” time has hit, it’s clear that warm and colorful fall has officially become cold and dull fall. For me personally, all the seasonal change can be pretty challenging–especially as it gets so dark so early. I have a distinct memory from a few years ago that describes my viewpoint on late fall well. Looking for something to help improve my mood, I went to Bed Bath and Beyond…
E-Note November 3, 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, First of all, don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday! Here’s one reason why: it’s All Saints Sunday, one of my favorite days in the life of the church…..and you want to be in worship. Every year this festival calls us to remember that Jesus Christ has made all the world a thin place between the living and the dead. Saints are not simply the dead in Christ. Saints, according to the New Testament, are any believers who…
CYF Blast November 2, 2023
Dear Peace Parents and Families, Thanks to everyone who came out to our Trunk or Treat event this last Saturday—and for persevering through the cold weather! I was so grateful to all those who hosted trunks as well. Each of you displayed top-notch hospitality and creativity. In reflection on the event, I want to give you a small look into how big of an impact you all had. Three examples: This event truly would not be possible without you—kids, parents, trunk hosts, community…
E-Note October 27, 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, Sunday is Reformation Sunday. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace in Jesus Christ that the Apostle Paul discovered and wrote about in the book of Romans and that Martin Luther rediscovered in his life; good news that changed him, the church, changed history, and still transforms us. I’ll say more in a message, “But Now…..” Also on this festival Sunday, the Peace Choir sing, Pastor Joe will have a Children’s Message, and, of course, we will gather together around the altar in Holy Communion. Reformation: a great day in…
CYF Blast October 26, 2023
Dear Peace Parents and Families, Over the last two weeks, students in Confirmation and Sunday School have been working on a service project—making care packages to send to Peace’s college students around the country. I’ve been so impressed with the time and intentionality all of the students put into making their cards and the kind and encouraging notes they wrote inside. And I know that our college students will really appreciate receiving the packages too—especially as they prepare for their upcoming midterm exams, projects,…
E-Note October 20, 2023
Dear Peace members and friends, At the end of this e-note, I send along a letter of appreciation from Bishop, Sani-Ibrahim Azar, the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL). After all that has happened in Israel/Palestine this week, I hope you’ll take a moment to read his words of faith and gratitude. “Teacher, is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?” “Should we or shouldn’t we, Jesus? Yes or no?” Jesus has been teaching about…
CYF Blast October 19, 2023
Dear Peace Parents and Families, We’re just one week away—Trunk or Treat is almost here! Next Saturday, October 28, from 3:30-4:30pm (people hosting trunks should arrive at 3:00pm), we are so excited to welcome kids and families from all across our neighborhood and community for this event. With your help, we hope to greet them with a wonderful and joyous hospitality, which will include plenty of candy, smiles, and laughs—and I’m sure there will be plenty of all three to go around! …
E-Note October 13, 2023
October 13, 2023 Dear Peace members and friends, As this week has gone on, we have been shocked and heartbroken as we have learned of the increasing violence of the conflict between Hamas and Israel and the growing number of deaths and injuries. At the end of this e-note there are some comments and a prayer that I encourage you to pray for those in Israel/Palestine. This Sunday we continue our sermon series, “The Hard Sayings of Jesus.” I think one of the hardest things about…