Dear Peace Members and Friends,
As I write this, I’m looking out on a beautiful fall day. I hope all of you are pausing a moment to take it all in!
I’m looking forward to this Sunday! In worship (9:30am), we’ll hear a powerful Gospel. Jesus’ disciples are obsessing about who will be closest to Jesus, leading Jesus to teach them and us something about God’s take on importance and power. What makes us great in God’s eyes? I’ll talk about Jesus’ words and our response in a message, “Waiting Tables.”
We will also welcome into membership at Peace, AJ Burton, Martha Greiner, Jacquie Gruben, Virginia Olson, Diane Pederson, and Alethe Schlaefer. Pastor Joe will offer a children’s message and we’ll meet together around the Lord’s Table.
In Adult Education (10:45am) we’ll complete our look, begun the Sunday before last, at Mary Magdalene—a follower of Jesus and a prominent figure in the Gospels. If there is time, we’ll continue with a refresher on Holy Communion.
One note: for those of you who were anticipating hearing Professor Mark Tranvik on “Religion and Politics: Why We Get It Wrong and How to Get It Right” this coming Sunday in Adult Education, my apologies. There was a mix-up in scheduling and Mark presented last week. Copies of his PowerPoint presentation are available in the church office.
I want to remind you of some of the opportunities coming up in these weeks ahead. A week from now, October 27th, we will celebrate the Reformation and the good news of God’s grace. Sunday, November 3rd, is All Saints’. On this day, we will celebrate the baptized people of God, living and dead, who make up the body of Christ and with thanksgiving remember all the faithfully departed. If you wish to have your loved one remembered by name in worship, please note them in the book of remembrance right outside the sanctuary doors.
A reminder, too, of one of the terrific service events of the year, Harvest Pack. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall after worship on November 10th and pack meals for those in need. Meals packed are kept in our local community for organizations such as VEAP and Every Meal. Our goal this year? 10,000 meals! If everyone joins in, it takes about an hour. Please join us and also help us by signing up as early as possible in the Narthex or online. Thank you!
Last of all, midweek Bible study continues on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:55pm. We’re studying some of the Psalms. There is no need to commit to all sessions and every week. Join us any time you are able!
See you Sunday!
Mark