107 Concord Road, Wayland Massachusetts 01778

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 corona virus, 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.

And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” Luke 24:17

The Gospels for these Sundays after Easter reflect our lives with the coronavirus: isolation at home, and walks, keeping safe social distance.

Last Sunday, in a reading from the Gospel of John, Jesus arrived through a locked door to meet his disciples, in their isolation, and to encourage them. Sunday he walks with his disciples. In an inquiry of love-without judgment or agenda-Jesus asks the disciples what thoughts and ideas occupy their minds.

That’s a good question for us as well. What are you thinking about? How are you feeding your Christian heart?

We will walk with Jesus on Sunday at 9:30 am.

Faith formation following the service.

Confirmation Sunday at 4 pm
Confirmation students meet on Zoom at 4 pm. A link will be sent to you Sunday afternoon. Have your Bible, catechism, folder and drawing paper.

Midweek Prayers
Wednesday at 7:30 pm we meet on Zoom for a brief service of scripture reading, silent meditation, and prayers from the order for healing. These prayers seem to me like our work, as Christians, during these days of suffering. A link will be sent out in a separate email.