Dear Peace Members and Friends,
On Sunday in worship we will continue with our sermon series, “Rediscovering Jesus.” We have looked at Jesus as Friend, as Teacher, and as Savior. This weekend, Pastor Joe will continue the series with a message entitled, “Rediscovering Jesus: Way.”
Pastor Joe writes, “There are so many ways we can describe Jesus, but what do we do when other people misunderstand our beliefs about Jesus? How do we respond when preconceived notions about what we believe are false, and don’t match our descriptions of Jesus at all? On Sunday we’ll examine Jesus’ proclamation, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,’ and why some people believe it to be a message of judgement. And together, we’ll rediscover how this is not a message of condemnation, but of compassion.”
In addition, the Peace Choir will sing in worship and we will share in the Lord’s Supper together. It’s going to be a great morning, and Pastor Mark sends his regards from St. Croix where he and Marcie are on vacation this week.
The Education Hour will start at 10:45am, and we’ll begin with the first of a three-part series, “On Faith and Justice with ‘A Peace of My Mind.'” Through videos and stories, A Peace of My Mind founder, John Noltner, will help us rediscover what connects us, bridge divides, and build community.
Lent begins later this month, and we invite you to share in the “mutual consolation of the saints” by contributing to this year’s annual Lenten Devotional Guide written by Peace members, friends, and staff. Your contribution and insight can be a source of great encouragement for your fellow Christians along the way. Readings and instructions are in the narthex—or scroll down this e-Note to see which readings are still available.
Last week, Pastor Mark communicated a request for assistance for school-age Ecuadoran refugee children who had just arrived in Bloomington and were in need of outerwear basics. Julia Wiessnser from our Service & Mission Committee sent us an update:
“I delivered the outerwear and backpacks for 13 children to the hotel last Sunday and the students were thrilled and their parents are deeply appreciative! I worked with the elementary students on Tuesday and they seem to be doing well.
While at the hotel last Sunday we met seven more elementary age students who will start at Normandale Hills on Monday. With the generous cash donations from [sic] our congregation, we were able to provide jackets, hats, gloves, snowpants and backpacks for these children as well bringing the total to 20 children. I’ll bring these items to the hotel tomorrow. Thank you for your generous support and recognition of these families!”
We thank all those who participated in not only this opportunity, but all the calls for assistance in our local, national, and international communities.
See you on Sunday!
–Daina Sivanich