Dear Peace Members and Friends,
I was reminded Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, as the election results came in, of sports announcer Jim McKay’s famous line accompanying the ski jumper falling off the end of the jump; the line that opened ABC’s Wide World of Sports when I was growing up: “The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.” For those who are relieved about the election outcomes and those who grieve about them, one thing remains true: We believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that his reign has already begun. Though the world fails to recognize him or his rule, he will, in the end, when all is said and done, reign. In the meantime, we get on with the work to which we have been called.
I’m looking forward to this Sunday. It’s Peace’s annual Harvest Pack. Immediately following worship,we’ll gather in a cleared-out Parish Hall to bag simple meals for those in need. Last year we packed over 14,000 meals! Volunteers are still needed and welcome! Thank you ahead of time!
In worship (9:30am) we are nearing the end of the church year. The assigned Gospel is near the end of Mark and, as Jesus nears his own end, he (unlike anyone else in the scene) notices a poor widow giving two coins into the Temple offering. As we will see, there’s more to this encounter than meets the eye. I’ll say more in a message, “The Poor Widow.” We’ll also share in Holy Communion, hear a children’s message from Pastor Joe, and be blessed by the Peace Choir. A great morning ahead! A reminder: next Sunday, November 17th, is Consecration Sunday. We celebrate God’s gift of our congregation and its ministry by offering our financial pledge for next year. To plan for the day, you will be receiving a letter this week. Enclosed will be a reminder of your 2024 pledge and giving through October along with a chart detailing the congregation’s weekly household giving—all to help you discern your financial commitment for 2025. Thank you for your consideration!
See you Sunday,
Mark