Read Mark 1:35-37

We live in a world filled with noise—notifications, screens, responsibilities, opinions, and an endless stream of information. Yet Scripture tells us that “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

Why did Jesus intentionally step away from the noise? This Sunday, as we continue The Way: Practicing the Life of Jesus, we explore the practice of solitude—not simply being alone, but intentionally making space to be with God.

Come discover Jesus’ invitation to the quiet place, where we learn to hear God’s voice, receive God’s peace, and return to our noisy world ready to live differently.

Bring your furry, feathered, scaly—or otherwise beloved—friends and join us for a special Outdoor Pet Blessing Worship on St. Francis Day!

We’ll gather on the front lawn at 10:00 AM to worship together, celebrate the gift of community, and give thanks for all of God’s precious creatures who bring companionship, joy, and love into our lives. During worship, each pet will have an opportunity to receive a special blessing.

Bring your pet, a lawn chair, and come worship with the whole family—four-legged members included! All are welcome!

Peace Lutheran Congregational Retreat | October 23–25

Registration is now open for Peace Lutheran’s first Congregational -Retreat! Join us October 23–25 at Summit Vacation and RV Resort along the Guadalupe River for a weekend of faith, community, rest, and fun.

Come for the whole weekend or just for the day! We’ll enjoy worship, community, spiritual practices, activities, swimming and tubing, outdoor games, quiet reflection, conversation, and plenty of great food. Together, we’ll build on the spiritual practices we’ve explored this fall while celebrating Reformation weekend and enjoying time together as a church family.

Retreat programming and meals are FREE! Overnight options include cabins, villas, RV sites, covered wagons, teepees, and tent camping. Thanks to support from a generous Grant, cabins are just $50 per night.

Come reconnect with one another, recharge your spirit, and reflect on where God is leading us next.

REGISTER HERE

Peace Lutheran Church will hold a Special Called Congregational Meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, October 18, after worship at 11:15am for the purpose of considering updates to our church constitution.

Our constitution provides the framework for how we organize ourselves and carry out our ministry together. The proposed updates will bring our constitution into compliance with the current constitutional provisions of the ELCA while also aligning our congregational structure with Peace’s four ministry pillars: Worship, Community, Stewardship, and Discipleship.

To give everyone an opportunity to learn more and ask questions before the vote, an Informational Meeting will be held from 8:45am-9:30am in the Fellowship Hall. 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 have recently received reports of scam and fraudulent messages being sent to members of our church community, sometimes appearing to come from a pastor, staff member, or other church leader.

Please remember:

• If you do not recognize the email address, do not respond.
• Do not respond to suspicious texts or emails asking for money, gift cards, personal information, or favors.
• Do not click on links in messages that look unusual or unexpected.
• Church staff will never ask you to purchase gift cards or send money through a text message.
• When in doubt, don't respond—check with the church first.

Scammers often make their messages look very convincing, so please take a moment to verify before taking any action. Thank you for helping keep our church community safe!

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!

See the Narthex for Monday dinner volunteer opportunities.

Please direct your questions to Kathi Anderson at 210-643-8855.