Dear Peace members and friends,
This Sunday in worship (9:30am) is the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany. Pastor Joe writes, “The season of Epiphany celebrates Jesus’ physical presence among us—that God became manifest through Jesus in the flesh. The season started with the wisemen following the star to see Jesus in Bethlehem, and this Sunday we’ll hear the story of Jesus healing the disciple Simon’s mother-in-law, and then a whole town. It reminds us, as the Apostle Paul described in his letter to the Corinthians, that we have a known God who loves us, abides with us, heals us, and sends us to continue the sharing of that love. I’ll say more in a message called, ‘The Greatest Epiphany.’”
We’ll have Holy Communion together and be blessed not only by Bruce’s music, but also the Peace Choir and the Sunday School Singers who be singing in worship.
We will recognize in worship four children who completed Holy Communion education in January. They learned about the Last Supper—the meal of bread and wine shared with Jesus’ disciples—and how the sacrament of communion is done in remembrance of Christ. We’ll recognize Ellie Anderson, Storer Cadman, Anja Rogers, and August Stender.
These next two Sundays our 2024/2025 Confirmation students will be taking on all the service assistant positions and fellowship hosting. We thank them in advance for the spirited joy that they will bring on Sunday morning!
John Noltner, Peace member, author and photographer, will be joining us on Sunday during the Education Hour (10:45am). For 2-1/2 years, John and his wife, Karen, intentionally journeyed to some of our nation’s pain points to live small, listen deeply, and—in a divided world—rediscover what connects us. John has just released his book about the journey, “Lessons on the Road to Peace.” Come hear an update on the project and learn about the ways A Peace of My Mind is using these stories to bridge divides and build community.
Looking ahead to Sunday, February 11 as a sneak preview, Kari Thompson, CEO of VEAP will be joining us. She will tell us about the work that VEAP does in Bloomington, Richfield, and south Minneapolis. We hope that you will be able to join us.
Sunday will be be a great morning, and Pastor Mark sends his regards from St. Croix where he and Marcie are on vacation this week.
See you on Sunday!
–Daina Sivanich