Dear Families and Friends of Peace,
Thanks to everyone who came out for this year’s Trunk or Treat event on Sunday!
I was so grateful to everyone who hosted trunks and for the top-notch hospitality and creativity you all showed. This event truly would not be possible without you—kids, parents, trunk hosts, community members, and everything in between—and I’m so grateful to you all for your help in making it happen. The love of God was most certainly shared!
Additionally, while we celebrated Reformation Sunday in worship earlier this week, today is Reformation Day itself—a day in which we commemorate Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses on October 31, 1517.
One of the primary focuses of the document was that Christians have freedom in and through our faith. And Christian freedom is important!
The prevailing thought in Luther’s day (and one that still lurks around today) was that people had to do good works in order to get into heaven. However, in rebellion against the Catholic church, Luther declared that it’s not what we do, but what Christ has already done, that grants us our salvation.
Further, it’s from that freedom that Christ blesses us even more. We do good works and serve our neighbors—not because we have to, but because we get to. And in giving of ourselves, we experience even more of the joy of Christ.
Happy Reformation Day, and have a safe and fun Halloween!
Grace and Peace,
Joe