November 4, 2022
Dear Peace members and friends,
First of all, don’t forget to turn your clocks back on Sunday!
Here’s one reason why: it’s All Saints Sunday. We will name this congregation’s newest saints, remember Peace members who have died since last All Saints Sunday, and, last of all, name those dear to you who have lived and died in the faith. We call them “saints”—not because they have performed miracles or lived perfect lives—but because, in the New Testament, St. Paul refers to all Christian believers as “saints.” Of course, all saints are all sinners, too. But somehow “All Sinners Day” doesn’t have the same ring to it! Most of us already know that about ourselves, anyway. It’s the “saint” part that’s hard to remember; that we belong to God, that we are beloved by God, and that we have been called by God to be God’s people in this particular place and time.
I’ll have more to say about what it means to be a saint in the message for Sunday. We’ll conclude our months-long sermon series, Great Stories of the Bible, with the story of Rahab. Although the book of Joshua tells us she was a prostitute in Jericho, there’s more to her story. Later, she is listed in the book of Hebrews as one of the faithful and—hold on—also listed in Jesus’ family tree in Matthew. So, “What Is A Saint?: The Story of Rahab.” That is the title of the message on Sunday. Along with great music with the Peace Choir, Holy Communion with saints present and past, it’s one wonderful festival in the life of the church. Don’t miss it.
Sunday in Adult Education: Suffering. Caring for those who are suffering. “Why does God allow suffering?” As Christians we all face these challenges and this question. So did Kate Bowler, a professor at Duke Divinity School. When she was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer at age 35, these questions were thrown at her from every direction. She wrote a book about her experience entitled, “Everything Happens for a Reason….(And Other Lies I’ve Loved).” We’ll view Professor Bowler’s TED Talk by the same name and discuss her response to these important questions of faith and life. Come join us!
Last of all, a reminder of Election Day on Tuesday, November 8th. If you have not already voted, I encourage every single one of you to get to the polls and participate in this essential act for all American citizens.
See you Sunday…..and don’t forget to turn back your clocks an hour!
Mark