Dear Peace members and friends,
30 years ago tomorrow, a momentous event happened in Africa and the world. For the first time, black South Africans were able to vote in a national election. Nelson Mandela became the country’s first President and, 2 years later, won the Nobel Peace Prize. What is seldom remembered is that Mandela shared that prize with another South African leader, F. W. de Klerk. For reasons that are still not completely clear, de Klerk (brought up in a divided society) changed his mind about apartheid, freed Mandela from prison, and made possible a transformation in that country that continues.
I pass on that historic footnote this morning as a lead in for Sunday worship (9:30am), this 5th Sunday of Easter, and our current sermon series, “Living the Resurrection.” In this season and series, we hear story after story of the Risen Christ and his Spirit, busting out all over, opening doors and opening hearts and—as we will hear on Sunday—opening and changing minds. Along with resurrection stories and hymns of Easter, the Alleluia Singers, and the Lord’s Supper, the celebration of Easter continues!
We will also have the opportunity to install and pray for this coming year’s Church Council, as well as thank those who have served us all. We’ll say “thank you” to out-going members, Gayle Haugen, Loey Soderstrom, and Connor Myhre; welcome new members Cindy Olson, Andy Loeffler, Josh Braband who join Holly Long, Jason Rich, Emily Sidhom, Kara Stender, Dave Thoen, and Adam Tschida to serve as the 2024-2025 Church Council. Great leaders all!
Following worship at 10:45am we’ll be assembling the Lutheran World Federation Baby Kits in the Fellowship Hall. Lutheran World Relief distributes these supplies around the world where there is a disaster and these kits include small blankets and infant necessities. Join us!
A reminder: the funeral service for David Sawyer will be held here at Peace on Friday, May 3rd at 11:00am and will be preceded by a visitation from 10:00-11:00am.
See you Sunday!
Mark