Dear Peace Members and Friends,
I’ll get to our exciting Sunday in a moment but first, let us join with those around the world in rejoicing with our fellow Christians in the Roman Catholic Church, especially those in our area, on the election of Pope Leo XIV. Yesterday, we witnessed the historic election of the first Augustinian and the first U.S.-born Pope—only the second to come from the Americas. We share with him both geographic and historic roots (Martin Luther was also an Augustinian priest!).
In his first appearance on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the new Pope extended the blessing of Pope Francis, saying: “God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs His light. Humanity needs Him like a bridge to reach God and His love. You help us to build bridges with dialogue and encounter so we can all be one people always in peace.”
Join me in praying that the Holy Spirit will sustain Pope Leo for the ministry to which he has been called and will strengthen us all as witnesses to God’s love for all people and creation.
Now to Sunday. Easter continues! Easter is a fifty-day season during which we continue to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We hear stories; stories like the risen Christ appearing alongside some travelers on the road to Emmaus, serving breakfast beside the sea of Galilee, knocking Saul-soon-to-be Paul off his horse on the way to Damascus—all stories of newness and freedom, change and growth.
This coming Sunday is not only the fourth Sunday of Easter but also Mother’s Day. Our reading for the day will be Luke’s story in the book of Acts about Lydia and a message on that text, “Anonymous Mothers.” We will continue to sing Easter hymns andshare once again the Lord’s Supper. And—to complete worship—the baptism of Harrison Hansen Dorn, the son of Bobby and Erin Dorn, the brother of Connor, and the grandson of Peace members, Jon and Betty Hansen.
This Sunday in Adult Education, we will begin a two-part series on “Immigration.” We will welcome Steven Thal, an attorney specializing in immigration law. Join us for conversation on this important issue!
My thanks to all of you who contributed and those who came out last Sunday for the Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kit packing effort. 152 kits were packed and delivered to the shipping center! A special thanks to the Service and Mission Committee (Kris Holm, Joanne Vance and others) for their efforts for us on behalf of children in need.
Two reminders:
- Vacation Bible School will be held June 23-26, from 9:00am-12:00pm. Registration is now open for potty-trained preschoolers through kids entering 5th grade in the fall. Parents can register their children in the Narthex on Sunday.
Wednesday evening Bible study resumed last Wednesday. We continue every week from 6:00-6:55pm in the Parish Hall and preview the coming Sunday’s readings. Join in with a fun group!
See you Sunday,
Mark