Dear Peace members and friends,
I came out the door this morning on my way to church, and I immediately asked myself, “What happened to summer?!?” Then, upon getting to the office, I read again the Gospel for this Sunday. It was summer in Galilee, too. Winds blowing off the Mediterranean from the west. (Sounds wonderful!) Luke says that great crowds followed Jesus, “…..thousands, so that the trampled on one another (12:1).” Jesus was catching on, becoming a celebrity.
Then Jesus, along the way, began to speak to them, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled….Do you think I have come to bring peace to earth? No, I tell you, but rather division….father against son….mother against daughter.” I’m wondering if the crowds thinned out after they heard Jesus’ thoughts on family life that day! This fire-casting, division-producing rabbi; what kind of God do we have in Jesus, anyway?
Sunday in worship, we continue our sermon series, “The Hard Sayings of Jesus.” Pastor Joe will offer a message based on this Gospel scene, “I Came to Set the Earth on Fire.” Both the children’s choirs—the Alleluia Choir and the Sunday School Singers—will offer their gifts in worship. And Holy Communion, too. I’m looking forward to Sunday! Either in person or online, join in!
This Sunday in Adult Education, we’re going to pause as a congregation and review ministry here at Peace. We’ll take a survey, share in small groups, asking, “How are we doing?” “What might God want to be doing with us?” I encourage everyone to join in!
A reminder to all adults: the Second Annual “Name That Tune Music Trivia Night” will be on Saturday, October 14th at 6:00pm. Test your musical knowledge from the 60’s through the 90’s with D.J. Bob Roeglin! Sign up online, at the nametag table in the narthex, or by writing or calling the church office ([email protected] or (952) 944-6510.
See you Sunday!
Mark