People of Peace,

Every year summer has been a time for me of a change of pace, new experiences, and personal growth. In our lives of faith, it’s important to find opportunities for rest and renewal. In fact, rest is an essential part of God’s rhythm of life, built into creation, remember? (In Genesis we hear that on the seventh day God rested.) I hope you are taking some down time to receive God’s gift of rejuvenation. After an action-packed spring at Peace following my February 1 start as your pastor, I was able to take some time away for vacation and continuing education. In June I hiked and camped in British Columbia, enjoying God’s beautiful creation. In July I attended the ELCA Global Mission Event in Columbus, Ohio and visited my parents in Cincinnati. In August I spent a few days with friends in Anchorage. What a gift!

The national Global Mission Event was truly inspiring and challenging. Once again, my eyes were opened to the gifts and struggles of brothers and sisters from around the world. We sang global music, dressed in global clothing, heard many languages spoken, worshiped and prayed together, and listened to fantastic speakers. I participated in an anti-racism workshop. One speaker at the event stood out for me. She ended her talk with the line, “Hold on to hope.” Sounds simple and almost cliché until you hear her story. Immaculee Ilibagiza was 22 years old in 1994 when the Rwandan genocide broke out. An ethnic Tutsi living in Rwanda, she survived the 100-day slaughter of nearly one million Tutsis by hiding in a Hutu pastor’s tiny bathroom with seven other women for three months. Almost all of her family members were murdered. During that harrowing experience, she discovered a God who did not abandon her, who gave her strength and faith to meet each day, and who, most profoundly, brought her on a journey of healing by helping her learn to forgive. If you’re interested in her story, read her best-selling book, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Wow! What a testimony to God’s power at work even in the midst of evil and death! The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:28: “We know that all things work love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

This summer the Hilltop community was rocked by the murder of 12-year-old Zina Linnik, kidnapped outside her home at 25th and J streets. What a horrible tragedy! Our prayers and thoughts continue for the Linnik family and for neighbors who are now extra-fearful for children. Into this climate of fear, God speaks a word Immaculee heard in Rwanda, “Hold on to hope. I am with you.” At Peace, we believe this word and live it out. Peace Lutheran Church and Community Center are a beacon of hope on this hilltop. Neighborhood meetings were held in the multipurpose room with police and the Hilltop Action Coalition around the Linnik tragedy. Connections were made and people felt supported. The neighborhood has drawn closer. This summer, Camp Peace, Vacation Bible School, and high school and college prep camps have provided meaningful experiences for children and youth in a safe and loving environment. The Block Party brought the community together for fellowship and fun and raised awareness of our presence in the community. It’s a gift and calling to be part of the Peace community!

Other highlights of our life together at Peace:

The Prayer Chain is now up and running. This is a group of individuals committed to regularly praying the joys and concerns of the Peace community.

I’m excited to report, youth directors Keri Anderson and Ieisha McIntyre began work officially August 1!

We’re gearing up for fall! September 9 is Rally Day! Sunday School begins again and we’ll have a Back to School blessing for all teachers, students, and tutors.

Look for some new hymns and liturgies in the coming months. The new Lutheran hymnbook, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, is a worship resource we’ll be using!

Are you part of a small group? Peace’s small group ministry will soon be revitalized under the leadership of Chris Ferguson! Current groups will be strengthened and new groups will begin. Please let me know if you’re interested in being part of a small group!

Mark your calendar for Sunday September 23—it’s time for a Ministry Fair! Come to learn about the ministries of the church and community center and find a place to serve!

Blessings and peace!!

Pastor John