Read Matthew 11:25-30

Jesus promises, “You will find rest for your souls.” But if we’re following Jesus, why do our souls still so often feel anxious, hurried, and restless?

This Sunday, we’ll continue to explore how Jesus invites us not simply to believe in his way, but to practice it. Spiritual practices aren’t about becoming more religious—they are ways of opening our lives to God so that we can be with Jesus and live like him in daily life.

Come discover how taking on the yoke of Jesus can lead not to another burden, but to greater freedom, rest, and joy.

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.

There will be a called congregational meeting on Sunday, October 18, immediately after the worship service. This meeting is for the congregation to vote on preliminary approval for the revised church constitution. All voting members are encouraged to attend in person or online.

An information session will be held from 8:45-9:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 11. Members of the Governance team will be available to answer questions about changes to the constitution. A link to the document will be available, as well as printed copies. Any questions to discuss should be directed to Brenda Martin (brenmartin@sbcglobal.net or 830-708-4055) by October 4.

We are excited to share that Lairscey Griffin will be continuing her ministry with Peace Lutheran Church beyond the summer! After spending the summer working with our youth and families, Lairscey has joined our staff year-round as our Family and Faith Formation Director, serving approximately 10 hours each week.

Lairscey’s ministry will help us continue to grow in one of our important commitments as a congregation: creating meaningful opportunities for people of all ages to grow in faith and community. While her work will continue to include ministry with children, youth, and families, her role will also help us think more broadly about faith formation throughout the life of the congregation.

Faith formation doesn’t end with Sunday School or Confirmation. Throughout our lives, God continues to invite us to learn, ask questions, build relationships, practice our faith, and discover what it means to follow Jesus in our everyday lives. Lairscey will help us develop and strengthen opportunities for that kind of growth throughout the year.

We are grateful for the gifts and energy Lairscey has already brought to our ministry and look forward to all that God will do through this expanded role. Please join us in welcoming Lairscey to our year-round staff!

Phone: (936) 494-9757

Email: lairsceygriffin@gmail.com

This fall, Wednesday Night Live is taking on a new rhythm for our middle school and high school youth! Each Wednesday beginning September 2^nd, students will gather in the Fellowship Hall beginning at 5:45 p.m. for a meal and time together before splitting into Confirmation and High School groups for age-appropriate conversation, learning, and faith formation.

At the heart of this change is a simple goal: relationships take time. We want to create a consistent space where our young people can belong, build meaningful friendships, grow in their relationships with trusted adults, and explore what it means to follow Jesus in their everyday lives.

We know schedules are full, but we also believe that our young people need spaces where they can slow down, be known, ask questions, laugh, eat, pray, and discover more deeply who and whose they are. Wednesday Night Live is about making that kind of community a regular part of their week.

Middle and High School Youth — Wednesdays from 5:45 pm – 7:15 pm
Come hungry, bring a friend, and join us as we grow together in faith, friendship, and life with Jesus!

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.