Read Psalm 46 & Luke 10:38-42

This Sunday, I’m back from a 3-month sabbatical. After a summer filled with incredible adventures, meaningful time with family, and much-needed rest, I’ve been pondering how this time away has shaped me and other disciples who can simply be with Jesus.

As we hear Jesus’ invitation to Mary and Martha and the words of Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God,” we’ll explore what it means to cease striving and make room for the God who renews us.

Join us as we begin a new season together—rested, renewed, and ready to grow in faith, hope, and love.

I’m looking forward to reconnecting and seeing the seeds of renewal grow in unimaginable ways.

P.S. Thank you for the heartwarming welcome signs posted all over the church building. What an inspiration to be remembered and welcomed back with such a heartfelt community embrace.

Join Pastor Jake for three Sunday morning conversations reflecting on his sabbatical journey—sharing stories, pictures, experiences, and what God revealed along the way. Each week will explore one movement of the sabbatical and invite us to consider how these same themes can shape our life together at Peace.

August 30 — Spirituality: The Inner Journey
Deepening our relationship with God
Reflections on pilgrimage, prayer, rest, and rediscovering the presence of God.

September 6 — Family: Beloved Community
Strengthening our life together
Stories from traveling and experiencing life as a family, and what it means to make room for the relationships that matter most.

September 13 — Community: Witness in the World
Living out our faith beyond these walls
What can we learn from encountering different people, places, cultures, and communities—and how might those experiences shape the way we follow Jesus in our own community?

Come for one or join us for all three as we reflect on where God has been at work and where God may be leading us next.

Beginning August 1, First Footing became responsible for preparing its own meals, even though it does not have a commercial kitchen. Because of this change, First Footing is asking local churches, social organizations, and caterers for help.

We had already begun planning to prepare and serve one evening meal each month, but this new need gives us an opportunity to do more. If you are interested in helping us develop a plan, please join us for a brief meeting after the service this Sunday, August 23.

If you are unable to attend but would still like to help, please call or text Kathi Anderson at 210-643-8855.

The August Mission Spotlight focuses on Lutheran World Relief. This Mission focuses on people in need, either domestically or globally. Whether wildfires, flooding or hurricane damage in the US or drought, famine, disease or other natural disaster, Lutheran World Relief is there.

Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building on decades of experience, Lutheran World relief tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well being.

LWR works with people based on need, regardless of race, religion or nationality and does not evangelize. They provide aid in emergencies and help families restore their lives. They partner with communities to build and grow rural economies and break the cycle of poverty, so that families and communities can thrive.

Lutheran World Relief works through a wealth of expertise, resources and networks to find solutions for difficult problems. In the days and weeks after a disaster, they are on the ground, meeting the people’s immediate needs. In the months and years following, LWR is dedicated to working with those affected to ensure they can rebuild better and stronger than before.

Please include the dedicated staff and volunteers of Lutheran World Relief in your prayers, as well as the families and communities they service. A dedicated offering will be collected on Sunday, August 23.

Peace,
Service chair
Karen Laughlin