“It all comes down to this…”
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“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. ”
This issue of Peace Offering contains quiet behind-the-scenes stories known only to God and a few people, and many of your stories of faith expressing itself in love (Galatians 5:6) waiting to be told. I am filled with anticipation and hope for the future, and joy and gratitude in the present!
The Spirit is certainly on the move here as we strive to be a community that practices the Jesus-way of life! We worship Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and we walk the Path of Peace. We Love Jesus, receiving God’s Word eagerly and responding to it wholeheartedly in Worship! We Love Others, being generous with our time, talents, and treasures, and practicing hospitality, welcoming strangers and enemies as well as friends and family.
We Share Food and meet needs. We Share Friendship, listening ears and loving conversation. We Share Faith, ready to connect people to Jesus when the Spirit provides opportunities. We Share Christ’s Peace and hope that we’ve found on the path!
As you seek to do good and live for others, don’t forget to Love Yourself. Practice Stillness daily. Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10) Practice Self-Care. You are a one-of-a-kind masterpiece and your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Invest in your health. Practice Sabbath, finding regular rhythms for not only work and worship, but rest and recreation. Play and pray with your family!
It takes only a minute to learn the Path of Peace, and you have a lifetime to practice it!
This is a beautiful and countercultural way of life, and we discover so much joy and peace as we live this way together, dear family of everyday missionaries! It’s magnetic! In this moment, Christians are known for so many things, and not all good. May they know we are Christians by our love (John 13:34-35).
The Jesus-way of life might not make many splashy headlines. Faith lived this way is less like fireworks and viral social media posts and more like seeds planted, patiently waiting with love, care, anticipation, and hope as God makes them grow! THANK YOU for teaching me this patient way of love, Prince of Peace! THANK YOU for multiplying my reasons to THANK AND PRAISE GOD!
Pastor Karl Fay
Senior Pastor
