Dear Friends,
There is currently much conflict taking place in the streets, businesses, and schools of our community, and we are called to respond in the name of Christ. If you’re reading this on the Friday that it’s being sent, then you should know that you are invited to our “Peace Lutheran Day of Prayer” that’s taking place TODAY from 8:00am to 5:00pm. The sanctuary is open, prayer resources have been set out, and we’ll have coffee and refreshments available all day. And if you can’t make it to the church building, please know that you are encouraged to simply stop for a moment and offer a prayer from wherever you are. If you need a prayer to get started, try this:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is discord, unity. Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;
to be understood, as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive.
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.
When we gather for worship on Sunday, we will hear about other activities we can engage in to support our community members, neighbors, friends, and especially children. We’ll also hear a story about Jesus and his ministry to the lost, the last, and the least, and how we are called to carry on with ministry today. God’s peace to you now and always.
Here are a couple of options for your daily devotional:
- God Pause – A daily devotion brought to you by the alumni of Luther Seminary
- Stand and I Will Be With You — Center for Action and Contemplation
God’s Peace,
Pastor Jeff Engholm
P.S. If you’re interested in reviewing the slides from Jenean Gilmer’s presentation, “Grounding in Place: Cedar-Riverside” from Sunday, January 18 during the Sunday Adult Education Hour, please click here.