Dear Peace Members and Friends of Peace,
We heard good news from Pastor Joe yesterday morning. Here it is: “Cameron Joseph Orner was born at 3:59am this morning (6/29/2023) at 7 lbs, 8 oz. He and Reilly are both healthy and well. Thank you for your prayers.” Congratulations to Pastor Joe, Reilly, and brother Lucas!
As I thought about this summer’s preaching, I wondered about these questions: Is there something in your life that you would like to change? So what is it you would like to change? Here’s another question: Is there something about your life that your family and friends would like you to change? And here’s a question that you would expect a pastor to ask: Is there a change that God wants you to make? These are serious questions…..about change.
That’s why I’m beginning a new sermon series this Sunday (worship at 9:30am) on the life and ministry of the Apostle Paul. As we will see, Paul’s life took a lot of strange turns, beginning with his meeting with the Risen Christ on the road to Damascus. We’ll begin this sermon series with a message entitled, “When God Interrupts Your Life.” In worship, we’ll also share in Holy Communion, have a Children’s Message, sing one of our favorite national hymns to observe our nation’s Independence Day, “O Beautiful for Spacious Skies,” and—last, but not least—resume a meaningful worship practice we have had since the pandemic. A good Sunday ahead!
Vacation Bible School, done in partnership with Community of the Cross Lutheran Church, concluded yesterday. For the first time in a number of years, VBS was held at Peace. It was a terrific week! To see all the kids and leaders together, learning and having fun, was exciting. I am grateful to Pastor Joe, Jenna Trenbeath from CCLC, and the many adults and older youth who made it all happen. Thanks be to them and thanks be to God!
Two reminders to all of you about a future social event and an ongoing growth event. One, we’ll be having a Barbeque and Trivia Night on Tuesday, July 11th. Information and sign-up is below. Come and join us for some great fun!
And two, Adult Evening Bible Study continues on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00pm. For these next weeks we’ll begin our study with a 10-minute video from the series, “Discovering the Gospel in Every Book of The Bible” with Pastor Tim Keller. This Wednesday’s video clip will be “Discovering the Gospel in Exodus.” The video and discussion will be followed by a review of Sunday’s reading and topic and a preview of the coming Sunday’s Scripture reading and topic. All are welcome at any time to this lively group!
Whether you’re traveling or here in Bloomington, I wish you all a meaningful, joyful, and restful 4th of July holiday!
See you in worship!
Mark