A NOTE FROM PASTOR BEN

" Yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. Galatians 2:16

October is Reformation month, a time to reflect on the theological and life journey of Martin Luther. You are probably familiar with his story. After becoming a monk, Luther was convinced he was a sinner destined for hell. As such, he became obsessed with confessing his sins to his supervising monk. He believed God was an angry judge, eager to punish sinners. It was only when he began to deeply study scripture that he discovered God’s grace.

In particular, Luther saw God’s grace in the letters of Romans and Galatians. The doctrine of justification (how we become righteous before God) was formulating by Luther following the writings of Paul. We are justified by grace, through faith, apart from works of the law. In other words, our merit, our goodness, our morality, having nothing to do with our salvation. It is a gift of grace for those who believe. This theological insight changed everything for Luther and set the stage for a great confrontation with the leaders of the church.

Luther’s famous 95 Theses articulated questions about the sale of indulgences, which seemed to offer salvation for a price. Luther was not only outraged at the affront to God’s grace selling indulgences was, but he also saw everyday people giving their hard-earned money in the corrupt scheme. So, Luther wrote the 95 Theses not to start a new church, but to engage in an academic debate about the legitimacy of selling indulgences. For this he was condemned and excommunicated, and the Reformation (and counterreformation) was the result.

If this story sounds familiar to you, congratulations you are SUPER Lutheran. Whether you studied in seminary or just a theological nerd, I commend you. If, however, parts of this story are new to you or perhaps you have forgotten most of it, then a new class might be right for you! I will be teaching a class called Luther and the Reformation: A Theological and Historical Introduction this fall on Tuesday night beginning October 13 at 6:30pm. To sign up, contact the church office, send me an email bens@princeofpeacechurch.org or indicate so on the attendance card.

Happy Reformation month!

God’s Peace,

Pastor Ben

We're Back!

The Prince of Peace Quilters are now back in the Welcome Center sewing and tying quilts after breaking for the summer. We meet on the first, third (and when applicable fifth) Wednesdays of the month. We can always use an extra hand to help pin or "tie" the quilts with yarn - sewing skills are not required. If you are unable to make it to our Wednesday morning sessions but would like to sew at home, we will be happy to provide fabric and/or cut quilt squares for you to sew. We break midway through each session to enjoy a cup of coffee/tea, a snack and friendly conversation. If you would like to join us for a morning of fellowship or if you're interested in more information, contact Jo Anderle or Carolyn Parker.

Global Missions

Our plans are under way for the 2027 Global Missions trips - we have 2 this year.

Hearts and Hands for Jamaica

We are going February, 22, 2027 and returning March 8, 2027 - if you are interested in going 1 week, you will be returning on March 1st. We will be visiting West Haven Children's Home, Faith Chapel, and Lethe Infant School. The cost last year was $3,500 for two weeks and $2,000 for one week. Price will depend and vary on airline and costs on the island. The cost does not include most dinners and lunches. You will need to make a $1,000 nonrefundable deposit.

Tanzania

We will be going mid July for 12-14 days. We will be visiting orphanages, schools, etc. and attend a Lutheran church. The cost will be around $6,000 which includes transportation, airline, hotel and food except for a few lunches, all beverages, and tips. You will need to make a $3,000 nonrefundable deposit no later than December 1, 2026 so we can purchase airline tickets.

If you are interested in either or both trips, please contact Terri Revell.

CHURCH LIBRARY NEWS

Church Library News

Are you ready to "fall" into reading? Autumn will soon be upon us and the library has many new and not so new books for you to enjoy. Listed below many books are on display in the hallway near the library. The book cart will be located in the Welcome Center with many of the new books too. Please sign the check out card so we know who may have the book. We are still in the midst of the book inventory which was started this past summer. If you are interested in helping with this project, we would love to have you join us. Please contact Sally Onstad, Librarian (phone number in POP directory)

       Children's Books:

       Stan and Jan Berenstain. The Berenstain Bears And The Golden Rule

       Stan and Jan Berenstain.  The Berenstain Bears: God Loves You

       Gifted and Talented Students.  We Dream Of A World....

       Deborah Guarino. Is Your Mama A Llama?

       Juanita Havill. Jamaica's Find

       Elizabeth F. Howard. Aunt Flossie's Hats (And Crab Cakes Later)

       Youth Books:

       Randi Barrow. Saving Zasha

       Hinkler Books. 1001 Cool Jokes

       Sally Ride and Susan Okie. To Space & Back: U.S. Astronaut Sally Ride

                               Shares the Adventure Of Outer Space

  Adult Fiction Books:

       Wanda Brunstetetter. The Tattered Quilt

       Traci Depree. A State Of Grace (Mystery Of the Minister's series)

       Jodi Picoult. Small Great Things

Non-Fiction Books:

       Shel Silversten. Falling Up: Poems And Drawings

       Connie Sue Lors. In Celebration Of The Savior's Birth

       Charles H. Dyer. Thirty Days In The Land With Jesus: A Holy Land

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