Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces.
On Memorial Day, the flag of the United States is raised briskly to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position, where it remains only until noon. It is then raised to full-staff for the remainder of the day.
The half-staff position remembers the more than one million men and women who gave their lives in service of their country. At noon, their memory is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all.
The Memorial Day federal holiday was known as Decoration Day and originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the Union and Confederate soldiers who died in the war.
The practice of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers is an ancient custom.
In the religious observance of Memorial Day, we turn to Martin Luther, of War. Treatise on the Peasants’ Revolt: Admonition to Peace.
May God be praised! For the very fact that the sword has been instituted by God to punish the evil, protect the good, and preserve peace [Rom. 13:1–4; I Pet. 2:13–14] is powerful and sufficient proof that war and killing along with all the things that accompany wartime and martial law have been instituted by God. What else is war but the punishment of wrong and evil? Why does anyone go to war, except because he desires peace and obedience?
Martin Luther AE. 46.
Let us pray …
Dear Jesus,
We pray that you turn the hearts of all people, military and civilian, to your example where we find true peace. Please inspire us to know, take hold and treasure your gifts of Grace and Salvation. In Your Name, our Blessed Savior, who gifts us peace, hope, love and joy for eternity, we pray. Amen.
Service and Potluck Picnic in the Park
6th Sunday of Easter Community Event
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, and Potluck Picnic Lunch
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Sunday, May 25, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:40 or so Fellowship 12:00 Potluck Picnic Lunch
(Love one another as I have loved you! John 14).
(Tradition: Easter Hare still has gifts for good children).
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free will offering (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus
Spirit.Peace@icloud.com
https://blog.peacelcmc.org
402-541-7019 – Pastor
LORD070910 (567-307-0910) – Church
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
Please See the Church Blog for Information Updates –
https://blog.peacelcmc.org
Thank you!
Service and Potluck Picnic in the Park
5th Sunday of Easter Community Event
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, and Potluck Picnic Lunch
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:40 or so Fellowship 12:00 Potluck Picnic Lunch
(“Via, Veritas, Vita!” I am the Way, the Truth and the Life! John 14).
(Tradition: Easter Hare still has gifts for good children).
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free will offering (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus
402-541-7019 – Pastor
LORD070910 (567-307-0910) – Church
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
Please See the Church Blog for Information Updates – https://blog.peacelcmc.org
Thank you!
Our Grace – filled Family Character
Teacher, there are so many challenges in life today. How do we face challenges interacting with one another in harmony along with our sheer joy to receive the grace Jesus gifts to us in His death and Resurrection?
The underlying belief stated in this question is an awesome recognition of the promise of our Salvation! Of course we do nothing to receive our Lord’s blessing in His gift of Salvation to us! But the question presumes awareness of this belief and goes deeper. How do we apply Living the Word through the examples Jesus gives us in Scripture while experiencing social challenges in our lives?
I turn to Fresh Hope for a well – drafted list of essential graceful characteristics:
Affirm out Loud, Be People Oriented, Shout out Rules and Expectations, Maintain Clear Communication, Remember the Lord, Enjoy Children, Practice Responsibility and Accountability, Apply Reflection in Learning, Acknowledge the Usefulness and Validity of Feelings, and Remember it is OK for Outsides to Match Insides.
I write this list on a card and keep it in my pocket. From time to time I find that I am challenged in social interaction. Reviewing this well intentioned list in prayerful reflection helps maintain my focus in doing His will.
Dear Jesus, Please inspire us with your example to meet the challenges we face in life while exercising behavior consistent with your will. Amen.
Mother’s Day Service and Picnic in the Park
4th Sunday of Easter Community Event
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, and Potluck Picnic Lunch
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Sunday, May 11, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:40 or so Fellowship 12:00 Potluck Picnic Lunch
(The Shepherd Knows His Sheep! John 10).
Happy Mothers Day! Moms Receive Dianthus!
(Tradition: Easter Hare still has gifts for good children).
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free will offering (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus Spirit.Peace@icloud.com
402-541-7019 – Pastor
LORD070910 (567-307-0910) – Church
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
Please See the Church Blog for Information Updates – https://blog.peacelcmc.org
Service and Potluck Picnic in the Park
3d Sunday Easter Community Event
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, and Potluck Picnic Lunch in the Park
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Sunday, May 4, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:40 or so Fellowship 12:00 Potluck Picnic Lunch
(Road to Emmaus! Luke 24:13).
(Tradition: Easter Hare has left gifts for good children).
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free will offering (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus
402-541-7019
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
National Day of Prayer
In this 2014th year of Our Lord, Thursday May 1 is proclaimed by our government to be “National Day of Prayer.”
The Continental Congress first officially designated a time for prayer in 1775. National Day of Prayer is held on the first Thursday of May, as designated by the Congress of the United States when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” Since 1952, 36 U.S.C. § 119 states: The President shall issue each year a proclamation designating the first Thursday in May as a National Day of Prayer upon which “the people of the United States may turn to God in prayer and meditation at churches, in groups, and as individuals.”
So together as one voice we solemnly pray the following petition to the Lord:
Almighty God, you have given us this good land as our heritage. Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will. Bless our land with honest industry, truthful education, and an honorable way of life. Save us from violence, discord and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil course of action. Make us who came from many nations with many different languages a united people. Defend our liberties and give those whom we have entrusted with the authority of government the spirit of wisdom, that there might be justice and peace in our land. When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful; and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail. We ask all this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Service and Potluck Picnic in the Park
2d Sunday Easter Community Event
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, and Potluck Picnic Lunch in the Park
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Sunday, April 27, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:40 or so Fellowship 12:00 Potluck Picnic Lunch
(Do not doubt but believe! John 20:27).
(Easter Hare has left gifts for good children).
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free will offering (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus
402-541-7019
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
Easter Day Service and Picnic in the Park
Spirit of Peace Church
Service, Fellowship, Potluck Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt
Everyone is Welcome!
When: Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014 from 11 am to 2 pm
Schedule: 11:00 Service 11:30 or so Fellowship
12:00 Potluck Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt
Where: Valley City Park Large Pavilion
400 West Vass Street, Valley, NE 68064
Price: Free (sweet!) Thank you!
Questions: Please contact Michael Hanus Spirit.Peace@icloud.com
Spirit of Peace Church Box 245 Valley, Nebraska 68064
Twitter: @SpiritOfPeaceCh
Concerns? Please contact Michael or Cathy Hanus
Please email Spirit.Peace@icloud.com
phone: 402-541-7019
Law and Gospel
The Law and the Gospel
Teacher, I often hear that Scripture appears to be separated into Law and Gospel. Please highlight the simplified difference between the Law and the Gospel.
Scripture is comprised of both Law and Gospel.
“For the law is given through Moses; grace and truth come through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17).
The Law
The “Law” in Scripture is defined as “Moral Law.” Stated simply, it refers to a divine “Doctrine of Works.” It is divine because it comes to us from God. It is a Doctrine of Works because the promise of the reward of eternal life may be seen as coming to those who perfectly obey its commands. “Old Adam” in Genesis significantly failed to follow the law in his act of disobedience to the Lord, “Eating the Forbidden Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge.” Scripture points out that no ordinary man is able to obey the Law.
Since no man can obey the Law perfectly, what is its purpose?
Scriptural Law presents us with three purposes: a curb, a mirror, and a rule.
As a curb, the Law maintains discipline. As a mirror, the Law teaches us about sin. As a rule, the Law teaches us that we must act according to God’s plan.
In Scripture, Paul informs us that he knows what he should do, yet Paul continues to do what he should not. (Rom 7:21-24).
The Gospel
The “Gospel” in Scripture identifies the “Doctrine of Salvation.” We know and believe that we “die to our sin” in Baptism and receive “new life” in the Gifts of Grace and Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is no decision for us to make, nor good works for us to accomplish, in order to be saved. We are saved through our belief in Jesus Christ.
We see that the Gospel freely brings us grace and salvation. This is contrasted with the Law which brings us rules to follow.
There may be so much to discern … Gospel to believers … “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).