PASTOR’S CORNER

+ “(Jesus) went off by himself in a boat to a remote area to be alone.” 

(Matthew 14:13) +

Summer is past and we are now into the autumn of the year, even though the calendar says that the fall season does not officially begin until deep into this month – and again there are the perennial discussions of the changing of the clocks, as well, from Daylight Time to Standard Time. After the change of pace through the summer months, normal schedules once again seem to push us into busier schedules and a faster pace. We may refer to it as “the rat race.” But perhaps this might be a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of taking time for ourselves and for our God  – a reminder to slow down and embrace the Biblical rhythm of rest. The Bible calls us to honor the Sabbath, not only as a rule to follow but as a gift from God. Resting is not about simply pausing our work; it’s about trusting God enough to step back from the constant busy-ness and noise of our daily lives. Jesus says to his disciples: “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31). These words are a gentle nudge to all of us. Rest is not a sign of weakness or unproductivity; it is a sacred act of faith, an acknowledgement that God is in control.

The teaching regarding Sabbath rest is found in the Third Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12). In his Small Catechism, Dr. Martin Luther explains it in these words: “We are to fear and love God so that we do not neglect his Word and the preaching of it, but regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.” There are those of us for whom the Sabbath day is a work-day, and we may not be able to take the day for rest. However, we are able to take the spirit of Luther’s words and “not neglect (God’s) Word,…to regard it as holy and gladly hear and learn it.” For myself, I take another day of the week to focus on this and thus fulfill the heart of the command. Any of us can do the same thing. We can embrace the spirit of Sabbath in small, meaningful ways, even when life seems hectic. I challenge each of you to unplug for just thirty minutes a week. Put away your phone, turn off the TV, and sit quietly in the presence of Almighty God. You might use the time to reflect on Scripture, to take a walk in nature, or simply to breathe in the awareness of God’s blessing on your life. Even while sitting at a traffic light, or washing the dishes in the kitchen sink, you might be conscious of these small moments of stillness, which can become anchors for your soul.

Worship and prayer can happen anywhere – on your front porch or in your backyard, during your lunch break or out on the road. If you are not able to join us for worship here at Peace Lutheran Church, find another congregation and worship there with them. Or you can request that StefAnie e-mail you a copy of our Sunday worship materials from here in the church office.

For many of us, a meaningful part of our learning about God has been through Sunday School – or Children’s Worship, as it may be called today. You may be interested to know that Sunday School began in England in the latter part of the eighteenth century. Poor children who worked in factories six days a week often turned to crime, so classes were offered on the only day that the kids were free. Various organizations offered a loose network of such “Sunday schools,” which taught basic reading and writing, using the Bible as a text. Around 1800, the first Sunday school in the United States began in Rhode Island textile mills, and by the middle of the century attendance was an almost-universal childhood experience. As society became more-secular and public education was mandated, Sunday schools focused on spiritual practices – hymns and prayers, Catechism knowledge and Scripture memorization. Well into the twentieth century, then, Sunday school served as the church’s main outreach tool. Many adults fondly recall their teachers and lessons, and Sunday school/children’s worship continues to play a major role in the development of our faith.

So, as you enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and the power of God’s presence – whatever your own personal spiritual practices may be – remember to rest and learn more of your Creator God and your relationship with him. After all, he is in covenant with you.

Yours, in faith, Pastor Bartos +

+ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) +