Dear Peace members and friends,
I have many things to share with you today; things about Sunday’s worship, Harvest Pack, and Veteran’s Day.
But first, a word about grace. As Lutheran Christians, we hear the word “grace”……a lot. What is grace? Frederick Buechner defines the word in this way: “Grace is something you can never get but can only be given. There’s no way to earn it or deserve it or bring it about any more than you can deserve the taste of raspberries and cream or earn good looks or bring about your own birth.” Christians recognize that it is with grace that God receives us in Jesus Christ as wells as the recognition that all of what is good—even our very lives—are a gift of God.
It is with God’s grace in our hearts and minds that we annually take time to talk openly about stewardship of all the gifts that God has given us, not least of which is our congregation, Peace Church.
This Sunday, November 12th, we will ask all of our members to serve. It could be helping with something in worship, serving on a committee, teaching our children in Sunday School, or helping in a number of ways. I’m so thankful for your participation in the life of our congregation. Without it, Peace would not be the strong, vibrant, and caring congregation that it is.
Next Sunday, November 19th, we will ask all of our members to give, to fund the ministries, mission, and outreach of our church. And each year, I am so grateful for the generosity of our members that makes possible the many important ministries of our congregation, the ministries that enable us to do what Jesus asked us to do, that is, “to love one another.”
All in all, we could sum up Christian stewardship, our response to God’s grace to us all, with those 3 words: Serve, Give. Love.
So this Sunday in worship, part of our offering will be our commitment to serve in the life and mission of Peace. I’ll say more about that in a message, “Better Done Than Said.” We’ll be blessed by the Peace Choir and the Sunday School Singers. And we will share in God’s goodness in Holy Communion.
And, following worship, we will continue to serve by gathering in the Parish Hall for Harvest Pack, our annual food-packing event on behalf of residents in Bloomington and nearby in need of food. Even if you haven’t signed up, join us for this worthwhile effort on behalf of our neighbors. A festive Sunday ahead!
Last of all, let’s recognize Veteran’s Day tomorrow. Veterans Day is an official U.S. holiday celebrated on November 11th honoring people who served and serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Unlike Memorial Day that remembers people who gave their lives while in service, Veteran’s Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. This sacrificial service assists in protecting our many freedoms, including the freedom of religion. This day also gives a chance to focus attention on the needs of veterans and those currently serving.
I can think of no better way to honor all veterans on Veteran’s Day than with the words of Abraham Lincoln in his Second Inaugural Address: “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves, and with all nations.”
See you Sunday,
Mark