Pastor’s Message

Excerpts from Pastor Sarah’s Sermon on September 18, 2022, the ten-year anniversary of her call to Peace.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services’ 2021 Annual Report highlighted its partnership with Peace in resettling newly arrived Afghans. It also features Peace member Bill Penoyer, who is an LIRS ambassador.  Read the 2021 LIRS Annual Report to learn more about national refugee resettlement efforts and Peace’s involvement.  Supporting the resettlement of newly arrived Afghans, LIRS established a temporary office at…

The Rev. Sarah Scherschligt, a senior pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Alexandria, and Rachel Rhodes, cantor at Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, write Governor Youngkin to stress the importance of climate change as a matter of faith and ask him to continue Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Read the Op-Ed at the Washington Post. 

In the gospel, Jesus listens to some folks grumbling that he is eating with the wrong people.  He tells them stories about a shepherd who goes after one lost sheep, and a woman who searches for one lost coin.

Jesus tell his followers that to be a disciple requires hard choices. Hate your father and mother.  Give up your possessions.

In Luther’s time, only monks, nuns and priests were considered to have a vocation. Luther expanded the idea of vocation to all people, even people who did menial work that was disrespected in society.

This week, the Lutheran theme is “Law and Gospel.”  People often misunderstand this concept, thinking that the law is bad and the gospel is good. Others misunderstand it by thinking that some parts of scripture are “law” and others are “gospel.” 

If you’re so inclined, I suggest this activity. Take 5-10 mins. First, pray to understand more about the cross of Jesus. Then journal what the cross means to you. (I’d love to hear what you come up with.)