Just Peace Sunday

Dear Congregation,

Grace and peace to you! This coming Sunday is designated as Just Peace Sunday. Our focus in worship will be on peace that can be attained when there is justice for all, peace that, as Christians, we believe is possible! In the sermon we’ll explore “The Things That Make for Peace”, the United Church of Christ’s 2024 Just Peace Sunday theme.

We all know that there are many places in our world in which there is no peace—the war in Israel/Palestine war, the war in Ukraine, and the civil war in Sudan. Tens of thousands of people, including many, many civilians, have been killed. Their families and friends are left with terrible grief and are living in horrible conditions. The earth itself has been devastated from bombs, tanks, and bullets.

And we also know that peace is lacking right here in America where shootings at schools and in our cities has become commonplace. There are so many places where peace is just a dream. I found myself thinking when watching the recent spacewalk on television with the beautiful blue marble that is our planet Earth in the background, “How peaceful it looks, but so sadly is not!”

When I was on vacation this past week I was reminded of what deep peace feels like. I was at my older daughter Darcy’s home in Gig Harbor, WA, near Seattle. Her back deck overlooks the Puget Sound, and is surrounded by tall pine trees loaded with pine cones. The air is fresh and clear. When I sat out there in the quiet looking at deep, calm water below, I felt held in the peace of this beauty that God has created. I share a picture of the view with you and long for the day when everyone can feel this peace. May it be so!

May the peace of Christ be with you all. See you in church!

In Christ’s love,

Pastor Candy