Day 1
Read Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6: 21-24. Some believe these represent one sermon; others suggest the thoughts were common topics in Jesus' teachings. At the heart of these teachings is the truth that Jesus turns worldly perceptions upside down. Consider that true wealth, joy, fulfillment, peace, purpose, satisfaction…are found in relationship with Jesus. Do you seek fulfillment in the temporal, which is fleeting, or in the eternal? How do the words recorded in John 16:33 and 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; help us understand Jesus' words in Matthew and Luke? And yet, we mustn't simply spiritualize Jesus’ words, for they embrace our experiences today as well as look ahead to eternity. For example: we might experience physical or spiritual poverty, and Jesus is the one who meets us in our need and promises us his provision (Matthew 5:3; 6:25-33), and we are called to be Jesus to others (John 21:15-17). Ask Jesus to open your eyes to whom you should bless in his name today.
Day 2
Christ's Church: True Disciples -How does Jesus define true disciples in John 8:31? How would our churches be different if we lived this? In Jesus' conversation before John 8:31, he leads those with open hearts to understand who he is. To be disciples, we must know the one whom we follow. Read John 8:12,19b,23,54-58; the claims Jesus makes are ones only God can make. Notice again Jesus’ words in John 8:58, "before Abraham was, I am" (NRSV); now read Exodus 3:14. Spend quiet moments pondering what Jesus is saying. Jesus is God incarnate; he is the light of the world; he calls us to walk in his light. Praise and pray as you read 1 John 1:1-8. Ask the Spirit to help you walk with Jesus.
Day 3
Whose Values? Read James 2:1-10. What or who shapes your values? Do the light and love of Jesus make you yearn to be his hands and feet and heart and voice to others, or do you allow the world to instruct you about what is of great worth? Are you inclined to defer to those who are wealthy, powerful, and famous, to those who have great beauty or amazing athletic prowess, or do you respond to people as Jesus responds to them, seeing the dignity and worth of each individual? In the early church, and in our world today, these are real issues for Christians who desire to reflect the character of Jesus. Ask Jesus to mold your heart according to his eternal values.
Day 4
Setting the Standard Read James 2:1; how is Jesus described? Jesus manifests the glorious presence of God; he is truly Immanuel, and he sets the standard for our behavior and our love. Read John 13:34-35; Romans 15:5-7; Ephesians 5:1-2; and 1 John 4:9-12. Praise God we don’t have to love in our own strength (Romans 5:5; Philippians 4:13)! Nevertheless, loving others and treating them without partiality is not always easy. In the early church Jews and Greeks or a slave and his/her owner might find themselves worshiping together. What situations today might cause the same degree of unease? Ask Jesus to help you reflect his glorious presence in how you treat others.
Day 5
Hearts for the Poor- Apparently some in the early church were exploiting the poor; high interest rates and harsh treatment of debtors were common. As fellow members of the body of Christ, how should we respond to the needs of others? Read Deuteronomy 15:7-8; Proverbs 14:21,31; Micah 6:8; Luke 14:12-14; and Acts 2:43-47. Is there poverty that doesn’t involve financial need? (Consider physical, relational, spiritual, emotional…). Is your heart tender toward those who are in need? Pray that you have a compassionate heart.Tell Jesus you want to be compassionate.
The Way of Generosity: Responding to God's Generosity
Day 1
Consider how God, in Christ, gives to us as you read Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17b-21; and 1 John 4:9-10. Do we trust God's love enough to come to God with hands and hearts wide open? In the passage from 2 Corinthians this week we read that Paul writes to the believers in Corinth and encourages them to give to the Jerusalem church, which is suffering persecution and is in great need. He teaches about sacrificial giving by using Jesus and the Macedonian churches as examples. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Pray you will understand and embrace the concept of sowing generously, and that you will see the privilege, joy, and benefit of giving from God's perspective. Pray the Spirit will lead you into an understanding of how you can live this out today. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and run the race with joy.
Day 2
Tithing is the Scriptural standard for giving (Read Malachi 3:6-12), but if our hands are wide open, there is no limit to what God can move us to give and then do in and through us as we share what God places in our hands. And it doesn’t always begin with abundance - Read 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12: 41-44. (In these texts we see also a beautiful example of the phrase, "not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." ) Prayerfully ponder giving or doing something outrageously, hilariously generous (anonymously, if possible). Allow the Lord to flood your heart with the joy of giving. Pray the lyrics: "We give Thee but Thine own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee."
Day 3
Living Generously-Our motivation: We are to love the Lord and others wholeheartedly, and Jesus explains that that we are to love as he loves us, which means we are not only to love wholeheartedly but also sacrificially. The command is clear, but what might motivate us to live with open hearts and hands? It is not to earn salvation, for we are saved by grace. Read Psalm 100:1-5; Isaiah 58:10-11; John 15:9-12; Acts 20:35; and 2 Corinthians 1:20; 5:14-15; 8:1-5,9. Do words like gratitude, trust, God's promises, love, and joy come to mind?
Day 4
For God's Purpose, Mission, and Pleasure: Over a century ago, a speaker at a missionary convention, whose name has been forgotten, said, "Most people are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ's purposes toward the world. Fame, pleasure, and riches are (nothing) in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of His eternal plans" (quoted in The Parables by Gary Inrig, p. 91; 1991, Discovery House Pub.). Read Luke 9:24-25; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Think about God's priorities; pray you will use what has been entrusted to you to live into God's mission.
Day 5
Our God, Who Blesses Us: Read 1 Kings 17:1-16. Did the widow become wealthy, or did she simply have enough? God also blesses us abundantly, but the best blessings are not material; consider the joy of being allowed to see more of God's glory and know more of Jesus' sweet presence in our lives. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19a; 3:14-21. Now ponder 2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; Hebrews 13:5-8; and Isaac Watts' lyrics: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
Consider how God, in Christ, gives to us as you read Romans 5:8; Ephesians 3:17b-21; and 1 John 4:9-10. Do we trust God's love enough to come to God with hands and hearts wide open? In the passage from 2 Corinthians this week we read that Paul writes to the believers in Corinth and encourages them to give to the Jerusalem church, which is suffering persecution and is in great need. He teaches about sacrificial giving by using Jesus and the Macedonian churches as examples. Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15. Pray you will understand and embrace the concept of sowing generously, and that you will see the privilege, joy, and benefit of giving from God's perspective. Pray the Spirit will lead you into an understanding of how you can live this out today. Read Hebrews 12:1-3 and run the race with joy.
Day 2
Tithing is the Scriptural standard for giving (Read Malachi 3:6-12), but if our hands are wide open, there is no limit to what God can move us to give and then do in and through us as we share what God places in our hands. And it doesn’t always begin with abundance - Read 1 Kings 17:7-16; Matthew 6:1-4; Luke 21:1-4; Mark 12: 41-44. (In these texts we see also a beautiful example of the phrase, "not equal gifts, but equal sacrifice." ) Prayerfully ponder giving or doing something outrageously, hilariously generous (anonymously, if possible). Allow the Lord to flood your heart with the joy of giving. Pray the lyrics: "We give Thee but Thine own, whate'er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee."
Day 3
Living Generously-Our motivation: We are to love the Lord and others wholeheartedly, and Jesus explains that that we are to love as he loves us, which means we are not only to love wholeheartedly but also sacrificially. The command is clear, but what might motivate us to live with open hearts and hands? It is not to earn salvation, for we are saved by grace. Read Psalm 100:1-5; Isaiah 58:10-11; John 15:9-12; Acts 20:35; and 2 Corinthians 1:20; 5:14-15; 8:1-5,9. Do words like gratitude, trust, God's promises, love, and joy come to mind?
Day 4
For God's Purpose, Mission, and Pleasure: Over a century ago, a speaker at a missionary convention, whose name has been forgotten, said, "Most people are not satisfied with the permanent output of their lives. Nothing can wholly satisfy the life of Christ within His followers except the adoption of Christ's purposes toward the world. Fame, pleasure, and riches are (nothing) in contrast with the boundless and abiding joy of working with God for the fulfillment of His eternal plans" (quoted in The Parables by Gary Inrig, p. 91; 1991, Discovery House Pub.). Read Luke 9:24-25; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; and 1 Timothy 6:17-19. Think about God's priorities; pray you will use what has been entrusted to you to live into God's mission.
Day 5
Our God, Who Blesses Us: Read 1 Kings 17:1-16. Did the widow become wealthy, or did she simply have enough? God also blesses us abundantly, but the best blessings are not material; consider the joy of being allowed to see more of God's glory and know more of Jesus' sweet presence in our lives. Read and pray Ephesians 1:17-19a; 3:14-21. Now ponder 2 Samuel 24:24; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11; Hebrews 13:5-8; and Isaac Watts' lyrics: "Were the whole realm of nature mine, that were an offering far too small; love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all."
Overview of Proposed Constitutional Revisions
The last revision of the constitution of Peace Lutheran Church occurred in 1992. Since that time, the needs and ministry goals of this congregation and the requirements of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have changed. Because much of the language and congregational structure of the existing constitution reflected the needs, requirements and ministry goals of a predecessor church body and outdated patterns of ministry in this congregation, the leadership team charged the Constitution Review Team to undertake the process of reviewing and revising the current constitution of Peace Lutheran Church with the following goals in mind:
· To streamline the constitution and make it easier to use and adhere to its requirements. The committee and the Leadership Team have found that many elements of the older constitution were better left as bylaws or continuing resolutions because they covered aspects of the congregation’s life that change frequently. Bylaws and continuing resolutions are easier to change than the constitution and are more appropriate venues from transitory issues and procedures. Many of the policies and procedures that could and will change would be more appropriately included in a Policy and Procedures Manual because they do not touch upon crucial matters of doctrine or good order in the life of the church.
· To create a constitution that will not go out of date: This means removing some specific language and replacing it with more general, flexible language. For example, the current constitution states that a congregational meeting was to be held on the last Sunday of Easter. The proposed constitution requires that such meetings be held regularly and recommends that the meeting be held in May.
· To create a constitution that reflects the values and patterns of ministry of Peace Lutheran Church: The proposed constitution reflects this congregation’s current practice of ministries forming and dissolving according to the interest, calling and ministry needs the congregation and its members while preserving all the structures which are necessary for the life of a congregation of the ECLA.
· To bring Peace Lutheran Church’s constitution into conformity with the constitutional requirements of the ELCA for all its member congregations. The ELCA periodically updates its constitution due to legal decisions or changes in the polity of the church and requires that these changes be taken into account in the constitutions of its member synods and congregations.
The changes listed on this page should not be considered as an exhaustive list of the changes that are proposed to the constitution. Rather, they are an overview of the principles that guided the revisions, and examples which illuminate the principles which guided our work.
Draft Constitution of Peace Lutheran Church (pdf)
Please feel free to leave comments on the proposed changes here or send them to churchoffice@plchurch.org.
· To streamline the constitution and make it easier to use and adhere to its requirements. The committee and the Leadership Team have found that many elements of the older constitution were better left as bylaws or continuing resolutions because they covered aspects of the congregation’s life that change frequently. Bylaws and continuing resolutions are easier to change than the constitution and are more appropriate venues from transitory issues and procedures. Many of the policies and procedures that could and will change would be more appropriately included in a Policy and Procedures Manual because they do not touch upon crucial matters of doctrine or good order in the life of the church.
· To create a constitution that will not go out of date: This means removing some specific language and replacing it with more general, flexible language. For example, the current constitution states that a congregational meeting was to be held on the last Sunday of Easter. The proposed constitution requires that such meetings be held regularly and recommends that the meeting be held in May.
· To create a constitution that reflects the values and patterns of ministry of Peace Lutheran Church: The proposed constitution reflects this congregation’s current practice of ministries forming and dissolving according to the interest, calling and ministry needs the congregation and its members while preserving all the structures which are necessary for the life of a congregation of the ECLA.
· To bring Peace Lutheran Church’s constitution into conformity with the constitutional requirements of the ELCA for all its member congregations. The ELCA periodically updates its constitution due to legal decisions or changes in the polity of the church and requires that these changes be taken into account in the constitutions of its member synods and congregations.
The changes listed on this page should not be considered as an exhaustive list of the changes that are proposed to the constitution. Rather, they are an overview of the principles that guided the revisions, and examples which illuminate the principles which guided our work.
Draft Constitution of Peace Lutheran Church (pdf)
Please feel free to leave comments on the proposed changes here or send them to churchoffice@plchurch.org.
The Way of Generosity: Opening Our Lives
Day 1
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Picture the compassion and generosity in the words "open your hand wide" (Deuteronomy 15:8). The needs around us these days are certainly overwhelming: natural disasters, wars, disease, economic crises, homelessness, hunger—the list goes on. Do these events and world conditions simply immobilize us or do we respond with our hands open wide? David Jeremiah writes, "What are our few dollars, small faith, and simple prayers in the face of such needs? (yet) The sweetest taste you will ever have is offering what is in your hand to God and watching Him multiply it and make a difference" (Turning Points, 2008, Vol. 10, #8, p45). Pray that the Spirit will move you to open your hands, open your heart, fill you with compassion, and make you generous in sharing your life with those in need—here in Hollymead, Charlottesville, Southwestern Virginia and, perhaps, even in far away places like Mississippi, Haiti, Honduras. Prayerfully consider the gifts God has generously given you—are you open to the possibilities?
Day 2
Read Joshua 24:14-15. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land? Recall again the events of the Exodus—how God provided for His people. Did they ever waver in their trust? Joshua tells the people to choose between gods and GOD, who has faithfully provided for them. We, too, must make choices about in whom or what we put our trust. Yesterday, we read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Revisit these passages and then continue in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verses 8-11 as well as chapter 9:6-15; note how God provides for, challenges, promises, and blesses the people. Pray for the Spirit's guidance; trusting God, pray for courage to share your life with others.
Day 3
Often we run after happiness and find it elusive, but God's Word promises us that we can live joyfully, even if our circumstances are not "happy." Have you thought about the difference between happiness and joy? Consider that one has to do with the people in our lives, our possessions and achievements (externals) and the other with the work of the Spirit within us—the "joy of our salvation". Read John 15:9-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22; and 1 Peter 1:8-9. Pray that you will be filled with the abundant joy that only the Lord can give—filled to overflowing--sharing this joy with others.
Day 4
Jesus shows us what God's love looks like. As you reflect on Jesus, do you see God's relentless, immeasurable love; outrageous generosity; tender compassion; sacrificial service? Consider how we are to reflect these qualities as you read Ephesians 5:2 and Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7. Meditate on van Dyke's lyrics: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above." Pray you will joyfully reflect God's love to others.
Day 5
Paul tells the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. What does this mean? Read Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5,9; and Philippians 1:21a. On what are your heart and life centered? What are the riches Christ laid aside, and what riches are ours because of his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)? Sing or pray Havergal's lyrics: "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee…Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." With open hands and open hearts, "serve the Lord with gladness."
Read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Picture the compassion and generosity in the words "open your hand wide" (Deuteronomy 15:8). The needs around us these days are certainly overwhelming: natural disasters, wars, disease, economic crises, homelessness, hunger—the list goes on. Do these events and world conditions simply immobilize us or do we respond with our hands open wide? David Jeremiah writes, "What are our few dollars, small faith, and simple prayers in the face of such needs? (yet) The sweetest taste you will ever have is offering what is in your hand to God and watching Him multiply it and make a difference" (Turning Points, 2008, Vol. 10, #8, p45). Pray that the Spirit will move you to open your hands, open your heart, fill you with compassion, and make you generous in sharing your life with those in need—here in Hollymead, Charlottesville, Southwestern Virginia and, perhaps, even in far away places like Mississippi, Haiti, Honduras. Prayerfully consider the gifts God has generously given you—are you open to the possibilities?
Day 2
Read Joshua 24:14-15. What was Joshua's challenge to the Israelites as they entered the Promised Land? Recall again the events of the Exodus—how God provided for His people. Did they ever waver in their trust? Joshua tells the people to choose between gods and GOD, who has faithfully provided for them. We, too, must make choices about in whom or what we put our trust. Yesterday, we read Deuteronomy 15:7-11 and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7. Revisit these passages and then continue in 2 Corinthians chapter 8, verses 8-11 as well as chapter 9:6-15; note how God provides for, challenges, promises, and blesses the people. Pray for the Spirit's guidance; trusting God, pray for courage to share your life with others.
Day 3
Often we run after happiness and find it elusive, but God's Word promises us that we can live joyfully, even if our circumstances are not "happy." Have you thought about the difference between happiness and joy? Consider that one has to do with the people in our lives, our possessions and achievements (externals) and the other with the work of the Spirit within us—the "joy of our salvation". Read John 15:9-12; 2 Corinthians 8:1-2; Galatians 5:22; and 1 Peter 1:8-9. Pray that you will be filled with the abundant joy that only the Lord can give—filled to overflowing--sharing this joy with others.
Day 4
Jesus shows us what God's love looks like. As you reflect on Jesus, do you see God's relentless, immeasurable love; outrageous generosity; tender compassion; sacrificial service? Consider how we are to reflect these qualities as you read Ephesians 5:2 and Colossians 1:9-14; 2:6-7. Meditate on van Dyke's lyrics: "Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before Thee, opening to the sun above." Pray you will joyfully reflect God's love to others.
Day 5
Paul tells the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave themselves to the Lord. What does this mean? Read Romans 12:1; 2 Corinthians 8:5,9; and Philippians 1:21a. On what are your heart and life centered? What are the riches Christ laid aside, and what riches are ours because of his grace (2 Corinthians 8:9)? Sing or pray Havergal's lyrics: "Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee…Take my love, my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure store; take myself, and I will be ever, only all for Thee." With open hands and open hearts, "serve the Lord with gladness."
The Way of Generosity: The Generosity of God
Day 1
In worship this weekend we sang, "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands hath made…." Does that include us? Do we really consider ourselves wonderfully made and truly belonging to God? Ponder your relationship with the Lord, who is both Creator and Redeemer, as you read and reflect on Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Day 2
Read Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8:1-9; and 139:1-18,23-24. Some of the creation narratives are expressed poetically; did you hear the rhythms of God's grace in the poetry or music of the pictures of creation? We have spoken of God's power and glory made manifest in creation. Do you also see God's intimate love and grace? Consider how perfectly God suits creation to the needs of humans. Ponder the tenderness of God's grace and love (Psalm 8:5; 139:13-14). Worship God as you respond to God's love, glory, and grace.
Day 3
Read 1 Chronicles 29:14-17 and Matthew 25:14-30. David expresses that giving to God is a matter of the heart. Do you trust God's intentions; do you believe that God knows what will bring you the most joy, the surest security, and the greatest blessing? Do you trust enough to risk taking God at God's word or do you see God as the servant with one talent saw him (Matthew 25:24-25)?
Day 4
Do you think in terms of "mine" as you survey all that is around you (my home, my yard, my car, my money…)? How do we move toward the realization that God is owner of everything, and we are simply those who manage or care for it on God's behalf? Read Psalm 24:1 and Matthew 25:14-30. For those hearing Jesus tell the parable, the setting was familiar: wealthy landowners often left their estates or property in the hands of trusted servants. If we view things as belonging to God instead of as "mine", how might we react? Do we manage wisely the life and resources, which have been entrusted to us? Do we ever squander or hoard them? Think on this and pray honestly.
Day 5
How much time do we spend longing for what we do not have as opposed to delighting in what God has put into our hands to manage as faithful stewards? Do we serve the Master and delight in pleasing him, or do we seek to please ourselves and treat God as the one who serves us? Consider what a privilege and responsibility it is to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords; and we serve as beloved children and heirs (Romans 8:15-17)! Read Matthew 6:25-34. What do the words of Jesus have to say to us in these days of fear and anxiety over jobs, finances, investments, and pensions
In worship this weekend we sang, "O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder consider all the works thy hands hath made…." Does that include us? Do we really consider ourselves wonderfully made and truly belonging to God? Ponder your relationship with the Lord, who is both Creator and Redeemer, as you read and reflect on Psalm 24:1 and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.
Day 2
Read Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8:1-9; and 139:1-18,23-24. Some of the creation narratives are expressed poetically; did you hear the rhythms of God's grace in the poetry or music of the pictures of creation? We have spoken of God's power and glory made manifest in creation. Do you also see God's intimate love and grace? Consider how perfectly God suits creation to the needs of humans. Ponder the tenderness of God's grace and love (Psalm 8:5; 139:13-14). Worship God as you respond to God's love, glory, and grace.
Day 3
Read 1 Chronicles 29:14-17 and Matthew 25:14-30. David expresses that giving to God is a matter of the heart. Do you trust God's intentions; do you believe that God knows what will bring you the most joy, the surest security, and the greatest blessing? Do you trust enough to risk taking God at God's word or do you see God as the servant with one talent saw him (Matthew 25:24-25)?
Day 4
Do you think in terms of "mine" as you survey all that is around you (my home, my yard, my car, my money…)? How do we move toward the realization that God is owner of everything, and we are simply those who manage or care for it on God's behalf? Read Psalm 24:1 and Matthew 25:14-30. For those hearing Jesus tell the parable, the setting was familiar: wealthy landowners often left their estates or property in the hands of trusted servants. If we view things as belonging to God instead of as "mine", how might we react? Do we manage wisely the life and resources, which have been entrusted to us? Do we ever squander or hoard them? Think on this and pray honestly.
Day 5
How much time do we spend longing for what we do not have as opposed to delighting in what God has put into our hands to manage as faithful stewards? Do we serve the Master and delight in pleasing him, or do we seek to please ourselves and treat God as the one who serves us? Consider what a privilege and responsibility it is to serve the King of kings and Lord of lords; and we serve as beloved children and heirs (Romans 8:15-17)! Read Matthew 6:25-34. What do the words of Jesus have to say to us in these days of fear and anxiety over jobs, finances, investments, and pensions
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