January 13, 2023
Dear Peace Members and Friends,
I started kindergarten sometime around 1960 or ’61. My Mom brought my twin brother and me to (now long gone) St. Patrick Church school on 102nd Street between Xerxes and Penn Avenues. This was a whole new experience. Now I had a desk and I had to sit in it. There were rules on how to behave (I spent some quiet time in the hallway!). That fall, Sunday School changed, too. Now there weren’t just blocks and toys; there were lessons and worksheets about what Jesus taught. This was all new for me. Life was a school, there was a lot to learn, and there were teachers. And Jesus was one of them.
This Sunday in worship, we continue our Epiphany sermon series, “Rediscovering Jesus” with a look at Jesus as teacher. We call Jesus by many names but, early on, those who knew him best called him, “teacher.” He still is. I’ll say more on Sunday. Also, the Peace Choir will be with us in worship and Pastor Joe will have a Children’s message. Join us for worship!
In Sunday Adult Education, we welcome back Tim Taylor, the managing editor of the Journal of Economic Perspectives, will return to Peace and discuss the economy and ethics; questions such as, “Does ordinary economic life hold a capacity for virtue, or is virtue something that happens outside economic life? Does the study of economics itself discourage less moral behavior?” Those who attended Tim’s first presentation raved about it. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Looking ahead, a reminder to you that the Annual Congregational Meeting of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church will be two weeks from Sunday, January 29th, at 10:45am. At that meeting, 2022 ministry will be reviewed, a proposed budget for 2023 will be discussed and approved, and new Council members nominated and elected. All are encouraged to attend! Next week—Sunday, January 22nd at 10:45am—there will be a preview of that meeting. The proposed budget will be presented and the written annual report distributed. All Peace members are encouraged to attend both gatherings!
All adults are reminded of the Caribbean Fellowship Dinner on Saturday, January 28th at 6:00pm. Dig out that flowered shirt and join us for a Caribbean-themed dinner we’ll all take part in putting together. Sign up deadline is Wednesday, January 18 online, at the kiosk in the Narthex or by calling church (952.944.6510).
This weekend, we join our nation and thousands of churches in honoring and commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr. He is remembered as a leader of civil rights, a Nobel prize winner, and a tireless and non-violent advocate of racial equality. May King’s Christian witness continue to inspire you and me to ever greater faithfulness.
A last and important caution: while there is thawing expected over the next couple of days, please be careful when you walk to and from your cars in the parking lots. The lots have been plowed and salted in spots but there are still slippery spots so be careful out there!
See you Sunday!
Mark