NEWSLETTER November 2016
Peace Talk
House of Prayer on Parker and Main
“These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. - Rev. 7:14
Remembering Elsie As we approach All Saints Day, let us remember Elsie Schweitzer. Elsie left behind a strong legacy here at Peace. Those who knew her would be quick to share stories of her love and devotion to Peace Lutheran Church. In fact, Elsie tried for many years to get Jim and Jen Praefke to come to Peace. She was the main encourager to send their son Blake to Immanuel Preschool & Kindergarten. Jen Praefke shares that while at Elsie’s funeral hearing the Academy student’s singing and hearing Pastor’s message their hearts and mind opened and everything Elsie had shared over the years was solidified. The Praefke family now attends Peace regularly, all attending sunday school and looking for ways to make a difference. We should all be encouraged by this story. We may not see the fruits of our witness/testimony in this life, but should continue to share our love for our Lord and his saving grace.
Pastor’s Message: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplica3ons, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 This November we are coming into the observance of the End Times in the church. Many people are observing the elections coming up and are very fearful of the future. We wonder how we should vote and are exceedingly frustrated over how our political system works (and doesn’t work). Wars and rumors of wars are the daily topics of our newscasts. Trade associations, national friendships, alliances, and even individual countries (even our own “United States”) are being ripped apart by raging forces of distrust and evil. We are an upset and fearful people. But the Lord comes down to us His children, and reminds us that this is not to be unexpected! This is judgment on the world. These are the last days. But he calls us as His children to trust in Him in the storm and look to Him for salvation - not men and their evil ways. Yet as we live in this democracy it is our duty as citizens to vote. As we go to the polls and seek God’s wisdom over how we cast our vote, we must pray diligently for our country and for our government, so that our nation (and the world) might live peaceably in all godliness and honesty. I really am thankful for the church because it IS a place where we can practice love toward others - even those who are of a different political persuasion. The reality is that true Christians CAN and do differ on a vast array of issues and how we might help fix our nations problems. In the church we can at least aspire to be all on the same team - and not hated enemies. The context of the church forces us to honor and respect each other and think the best of each other. Perhaps the fact that fewer and fewer people have any relationship to the church and therefore never get a chance to know and honor others of a different persuasion is what is exasperating our nation’s divisions. It has been quite humorous at The Lutheran Academy lately. The kids are actively (initiated not by the teachers) debating the election. We try to intervene and teach good decorum and order as the kids go back and forth on the issues and the candidates. But then after all the debate, the students all agree that they would rather vote for their teacher Ms. L to be president! We wish! Unfortunately we will have to wait for the reality of heaven. Heaven sure isn’t going to happen here on this earth. But until then we will work diligently as good citizens - and trust in the Lord and know that no principalities or powers will EVER be able to separate us from the love of God (Romans 8). Your servant in Jesus, Pastor Bjornstad