Hello Peace,
This Sunday, we’ll hear two stories of unexpected healing and Grace. In 2 Kings 5:1–19, Naaman, a powerful military commander from a foreign land, discovers that God’s healing is a gift he cannot earn or repay. And in Luke 17:11–19, ten people are healed by Jesus, but only one returns to give thanks. Both stories remind us that God’s Grace meets us where we are; gives us life we cannot create for ourselves; and sends us back into the world to live that life.
As we reflect on these stories, we’ll also consider how we live out the lives God has entrusted to us. Our time, relationships, abilities, and opportunities are all gifts of grace, and our everyday lives are where we are called to share that grace with others.
A Celebration of New Life
We will also celebrate a very special gift of grace this Sunday as we welcome Astrid Myhre into God’s family through the sacrament of Holy Baptism! In baptism, God makes a promise that comes before anything Astrid could ever do or become: she is God’s beloved child. We give thanks for this promise, celebrate with Astrid and her family, and rejoice in the life of faith that lies ahead.
Stay for Harvest Pack!
And speaking of living out God’s grace, don’t rush out after worship! We invite everyone to stay and participate in Harvest Pack, as we’ll work together to assemble food packages for people in need. We’ll form an assembly line and work together to prepare packages that will be sent to individuals and families local and elsewhere.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to put our faith into action. No special skills are needed – just a willingness to lend a hand! It should only take about an hour to achieve our goal of creating 12,000 meals! Come be part of the fun and help us share God’s abundance with our neighbors.
We gather to receive God’s gifts, and then we go out to share them. I hope you’ll join us for worship, celebrate Astrid’s baptism, and stay to be part of Harvest Pack!
See you Sunday!
–Pastor Anne Schaefer