NEWSLETTER January 2018
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” - Mark 1:9-11
From the Pastor’s Heart Our 100th Anniversary year is now past! What a privilege to be a part of Salvation history here at Peace Lutheran Church - building on the shoulders of the saints who have passed on to glory, and the foundation that is Jesus Christ. And so what now? Yes, the new year of 2018 has dawned and Jesus has not yet returned. We once again answer the call to rise up with courage, and, in the full armor of God’s forgiveness, throw ourselves into the great cosmic battle… the noble struggle to cast out sin and Satan and “put on” perfect love - the Love of God first given in Baptism. In January, as the season of Epiphany breaks upon upon us, we ask that our Lord would boldly reveal himself to us and to the world. We remember in this church season we read how God revealed Jesus as the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” at His baptism. Even as we celebrate how He revealed His love to us in OUR baptism, we also look forward to how God is going to bring others into His family through baptism! Over the last year three members of the congregation related me how they have urged family members and We were buried therefore neighbors who have children to consider baptism.
with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4
How about you? Have you talked to others about baptism? I am sure there are many that you work with and know who have no relationship with Christ or the church. Yes, you can make an invitation to your family members and neighbors who have not come to faith and been baptized! If you need an excuse to make an invitation, we have a Friendship Sunday coming up February 11th (and we are working toward at least 4 baptisms for that day!) Praise God! But let us remember that baptism is the easy part for us (God does all the hard work there). The hard part for us is living out our baptismal life, putting God first in our lives, and nurturing our children in a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Remember: It is only by God’s miracle of faith that we are saved!
And now why do you May God bless mightily the 101st year of Peace Lutheran Church and The wait? Rise and be Lutheran Academy! There are so many important and amazing things that are baptized and wash away happening - all of them pointing to God’s baptismal promises to us! God is with us! your sins, calling on his Sincerely,
name.’ Acts 22:16
Pastor Bjornstad If you find yourself unable to attend worship on Sunday, head over to Facebook and during the readings and sermon portion of the service we will go LIVE on “God’s Peace at Parker and Main”Facebook page. Now you can stay connected to God’s word and and Pastor message each and every Sunday. Past Sundays are available now on the “Video” section of the page.