107 Concord Road, Wayland Massachusetts 01778

Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 4
———-
Peace members care for an interesting array of animals. Bring your creatures, great and small, to church at 4 pm on October 4, for a blessing.

If you would rather present your pet for a virtual blessing, have them looking their best at the end of morning worship. Put them in front of your camera for a blessing.

Peace Forever 

Gifts to the Peace Forever Fund in celebration of our Smth & Gilbert pipe organ and in grateful recognition of Ron Riggert who fully funded the construction and installation of the organ.

Christine and Grant Brown Shoreline, WA
Kim and Kevin Canning
Kathy Ewens Bryn Mawr, PA
Fran and Gordon Fisher Hockessin, DE
Ruth Fryhle, Bergenfield, NJ
Bob Holmgren
Althea and Loren Korte
Larry Gogolin
Carol and Warren Green
Kim and Michael Ho
Jo Johnson Harpswell, ME
Kirsten and Jeff Johnson
Matthew Johnson St. Paul, MN
Libby and Ralf Jonczyk
Maddie Lutz
Marisa and Kris Lutz
Sandi Lutz West Palm Beach, FL
Janet Moscarelli Medford, MA
Barbara and Dan Olsen
Margaret Raymond Baltimore, MD
Sue and Lynn Schlessman Avon, OH
Mazie and Dick Stitt Cincinnati, OH
Doris Wald

7th Sunday after Pentecost

Do not fear, or be afraid; have I not told you from of old and declared it? You are my witnesses! -Isaiah 44:8

Do not be afraid is a command that threads through the scriptures. But how can we help but be afraid? There is COVID. There are people on the streets who don’t look like us. There are threats to our health, to our economy, to our communities, to our nation’s security. The news we read and hear tell of danger and disruption of peaceful lives.

If we say we have no fear and anxiety, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1 John 1:8 (changed slightly)

The gospel of God-presented through the life and words of Jesus-is directed to fearful and anxious people, especially to those who deny that they are afraid and anxious (their fear and anxiety are deep).

The gospel declares: “I promise”. Faith answers: “I trust your words.” In that simple call and response lies the spiritual center of the biblical faith.

Christian ministry tries to drill through layers of fear’s defenses-anger, vitriol, sarcasm, hostility, etc.-deep into the chamber of the heart where a flame of trust still burns. This is the key to Jesus’ ministry recorded in the Gospels: He shows us a faithful, trusting life. Paul said that the heart of faith is the heart of a child. We will hear how he puts it-in his letter to the Romans-in Sunday’s second reading.

6th Sunday after Pentecost

The mountains and the hills before you shall burst into song, and all the trees of the trees shall clap their hands. Isaiah 55:12

Through most of human experience, pre-historic and historic, the presence of God and the works of God have been recognized in the natural world. Even when religious attention turned to the formation of ethical actions and healthy societies, people still interpreted outcomes of judgment and grace in nature.

The scripture readings for Sunday offer spiritual lessons from rain and snow, the growth of plants, the blossoming of flowers.

5th Sunday after Pentecost

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29

The Christian life is not a matter of learning concepts-even though there are ideas to learn, because we are thinking beings-it is a matter of behavior, more specifically of habits of behavior.

In the Gospel for Sunday we continue our reading in Matthew and we hear Jesus invite us to learn from him. Learning from him means turning to him and to the assembly (on Zoom!) that bears his name.

4th Sunday after Pentecost

…whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple–truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward. Matthew 10:42

Recently we have talked about signs that say “welcome” and we have talked about attitudes and behaviors that signal open and loving hearts.

Sunday we will think about Jesus’ words in Matthew and ponder what it means to say “Welcome”. Who is welcome? Who is not?
I guess it depends on who minds the door. If Jesus is at the door, all are

3rd Sunday after Pentecost

Hide not your face from your servant; be swift and answer me, for I am in distress. Draw near to me and redeem me; because of my enemies deliver me. Psalm 69: 17

Faces. Humans have evolved as face-recognition experts. Our emotional and psychological well-being depend on identifying faces. Who are you? In some extreme moments personal and community survival depended on face recognition. Who you are is written on your face.

When our faces are hidden behind masks our highly developed face-recognition and face-reading skills are compromised. It is a psychologically and emotionally challenging time.

How can our Christian faith help us through the masked days of COVID-19?

We will think together about faces, and about the face of God in scripture, in church tradition, and in everyday life.

2nd Sunday after Pentecost

…God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5: 5.

We have passed through the two festivals of the Holy Spirit-Pentecost and Trinity-and have arrived at the beginning of our Pentecost journey. The season of Pentecost stretches through the summer and into the fall.

The Christian teaching for the coming Sunday is that the Holy Spirit empowers us, energizes us.

We need to find our way to the places where the Word of God can reach us and refill us with Holy Spirit, the breath of life and peace for us.

Our new Smith & Gilbert pipe organ is almost finished. A dedicatory recital has been scheduled for

Sunday, July 26 at 5 pm.

Introductory remarks and prayers of dedication will be followed by a program of organ music by Timothy Smith, the builder of our organ.

Mark your calendars for a celebration of music and of our faith community!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you. -2 Corinthians 13:11-13

This blessing ends Paul’s second letter to the Christians in Corinth. The words he wrote have blessed countless others through the years. We will hear them again on Sunday, at the end of the second lesson.

Blessings are not wishes. They are invocations of power and authority. Blessings, in our tradition, trace the Trinity, because God is known in scripture and experience in these three aspects: creator, redeemer and sanctifier.

Sermon
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has sent a video sermon to all congregations of the ELCA for use on Trinity Sunday. We will hear Bishop Eaton’s sermon and enjoy the thought that our brothers and sisters around the country are listening to the same sermon.

Readings
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

Serving
Reader Carly Scheidemantel
Cantor Heather Moretz
Assisting Minister Kim Canning

Music
Trinity hymns-“God whose Almighty Word” and “Voices Raised to You”-played on the saxophone by Steve Meshon.
Video montage by Association of Lutheran Church Musicians for the season of Pentecost. “O Day Full of Grace”, a Scandinavian folk hymn.

Coffee Hour Break-Out Rooms
Following the service, you will be divided into break-out rooms for brief-6 minute-introductions and sharing and experience of hope, faith or love in these weeks of pandemic isolation.

Confirmation and Faith Formation 4 PM

Faith formation for all ages meet on Zoom at 4 pm.

Kathryn Welter, organist, and Peace Brass: John Bestavros, Mark Bestavros, Ron Riggert, director, Bob Holmgren, Jonathan Moretz, Dan Olsen.

Guide Me Ever Great Redeemer
Text: William Williams, 1717-1719
Music: John Hughes, 1873-1952

O Holy Spirit Enter In
Text: Michael Schirmer 1606-1673
Music: Philipp Nicolai, 1556-1608

Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one. John 17: 11

The coronavirus has driven us into exile from some of our usual social, familial, occupational and spiritual meetings and gatherings.

Many people are suffering. The most vulnerable suffer the most, of course: children, the elderly, those who live in poor communities, the homeless.

As a church community we face challenges and disruptions.

“How can we sing the songs of the Lord in this strange land” (Psalm 137) of the virus?

These times seem to invite us to lean heavily on the promises that have sustained Christians through perils of human history. We will keep our focus on the scripture, and let the words of our tradition move us forward. Words of faith sound a little different in these weeks, but we will not lose heart.

Circumstances resulting from COVID-19 have created conditions for new relationships and activities. Christ is with us in our isolation and exile from our regular routines.

“I will not leave you orphaned” is the word of Jesus in the gospel for Sunday. That is an encouraging promise.

We are hopeful people. The gift of life is good and full of wonder.

We are faithful people, gathered and shaped by God’s word. We will find ways to hear it. Maybe we will hear God’s word more clearly in these days. We will find new ways to be God’s people.

We are loving people. The love of God is a gift to us in every time and place. No exceptions.

The readings on Sunday usher us from the Easter season to the season of the Holy Spirit, Pentecost.

Breathe in the Holy Spirit, let it fill you with God’s life.

Milonga composed by Jorge Cardoso, arranged by Lea Peterson. Played by Bruce Goody, flute and Jonathan Moretz, guitar. Artwork by Keira Moretz.

Into your hands I commend my my spirit,
for you have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
My times are in your hand. -Psalm 31:15

You are not the center of the universe. The world does not revolve around your desires, your opinions, your thoughts, your story. Accepting this as truth is the beginning of faith, and, at the same time, the implicit argument most irreligious types seem to make against religion, in general, and against Christianity, in particular. It’s not that they don’t believe in God, it’s that they believe they are god.

Life has meaning when our personal life stories are subsumed in other stories, especially in the story of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Then our stories weave into the stories of others. Our lives are valuable (this is the meaning of the theological word “redeemed”), when we give ourselves to others.

Way back in Epiphany we heard, in broad lines, who Jesus is. In Lent we were invited to do what he does. In Easter we hear the full expression of God’s love, shown in Jesus, love which is the central illustration of the faith we share.

Love shows up. Love brings peace into the lives of others (John). Love is alive at home, in ordinary moments and places (Matthew). Love catches up with us on our roads of life to retell our stories and to re-frame them properly (Luke).

On Sunday, back in the Gospel of John, we hear that the Love of God waits for us, and, in some way, is ready to receive us, because we are loved.

Happy Mother’s Day to all our Peace moms and grandmothers!

Faith formation follows the service.

Reader: Martin Pralle
Cantor: Sharon Jones
Assistant: Jonathan Moretz
Musicians: Moretz family

Congratulations Lucas and Jack!

Lucas Pralle (Swimming) and Jack Melvin (Basketball) were named Metrowest Daily News All Stars

LUCAS PRALLE
Wayland
The first of two underclassmen to make the team from Wayland, Pralle played his role in contributing to the Warriors’ postseason success. He placed fourth in the 100 butterfly (personal best of 53.02) at sectionals before taking fifth in the same event (53.9), 11th in the 100 backstroke (57.40) and was part of the winning 200-medley relay squad (1:35.26) at states. He scored close to 400 points this season and in addition to swimming, he’s also a member of Wayland’s varsity crew team. Pralle hopes to swim in college.

-Metrowest Daily News

JACK MELVIN
Wayland
The Warriors bounced to the beat of this 6-foot-3 forward’s drum this season. This senior captain, who goes by the nickname of “Melvinator,” was the heart and soul of a Wayland squad that won a Division 2 Central championship. “Melvin was our engine and MVP,” Wayland coach Dennis Doherty said. Melvin averaged 18 points and 7 rebounds per game, and scored a season-high 41 points on Senior Night against rival Weston. “Jack is a special young man,” Doherty said. Melvin, a Dual County League All-Star, is a talented ‘Rock Band 2’ video game drummer and will play basketball at WPI.

-Metrowest Daily News

Monthly Energy Production Report for Peace Lutheran Church

Enphase Energy maximizes your solar energy production and keeps you informed about your system. Your monthly energy report shows how your system performed and how much you contributed to offsetting the global carbon footprint.

Week Peak Power Energy Produced
04/01/2020 – 04/07/2020 11.6 kW 316 kWh
04/08/2020 – 04/14/2020 11.7 kW 254 kWh
04/15/2020 – 04/21/2020 11.8 kW 344 kWh
04/22/2020 – 04/28/2020 11.4 kW 320 kWh
04/29/2020 – 04/30/2020 11.2 kW 92.2 kWh
April 2020 Total: 1.33 MWh

Previous Month Total: 1.49 MWh

Year to Date: 4.49 MWh

Your Carbon Offset for this month: 2,019 lbs
You have offset the equivalent of: 23 Trees

Offerings

When we assemble in person for worship, the offering is smack-dab in the middle of the service. This is not because the church is all about money. It is because your offerings carry your faith. Offerings tell the truth about what is important to you. Offerings say thank-you to God for the word of life available through a a community of faith. Offerings show your devotion.

Make your weekly offering online or mail a check to the church.

My Offering

Peace Lutheran Church
107 Concord Road
Wayland, MA 01778

Gardens and Grounds Update

Come any time to claim a piece of our garden for your own plants. This week Stephanie planted more rhubarb. Mary Ann planted peas and cucumbers. Later this month, Ron will put in his tomato plants.

Confirmation

No confirmation class this Sunday, May 10. Students should spend time with their families,or find things to do so that their mothers can do what they please. We meet again as a group at 4 pm on Sunday, May 17.

Council

The council meets Monday, May 11 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.

Midweek Prayer

Wednesday at 7:30 pm. The services include a brief check-in, silence for personal prayer, the Psalm for the day, a devotional reading, and prayers from our Lutheran service for healing.

Following the service children are invited into two Zoom meetings, one for our younger children and one for our middle school students. Parents, you could make the process of moving you and your children to Zoom by replying to this email and telling me that your child will be there. And, after the service, raise your Zoom hand so that I can see that you want to enter a faith formation room.

Continue to reach out to others. This is a good time to call someone you might not know well. Get to know them in a phone call!

If you or someone you know needs something, call Pastor Johnson’s cell 978/460-1118.

Sometime today or in the next two days-Sunday would be the most appropriate day-I ask all of you to make an offering to Peace, online or by mailing a check to the church. Your offerings are gifts of thanksgiving to God. They come from your heart of faith.

-If you have lost your job or are furloughed, adjust your estimate of giving for the year accordingly.

-A number of you have already given beyond your estimate. Thank you.

-Friends from around the country have donated, one or two have given very generously. Thank you.

-Some of you send one check for the month. Kirsten and I do this.

-Paula Colburn comes to church every two weeks to deposit checks and pay bills. I cannot thank Paula enough for what she has done for Peace in these past months.

-Thank you, each one of you, for keeping our family of faith healthy.

Click here to give online

Peace Church and Community Arts
107 Concord Road
Wayland, MA 01778

Our vegetable garden awaits! Gardeners are welcome to prepare part of the garden for your own plants. Come any time-best to come alone-to weed and prepare the soil for planting.