Dear Friends in Christ at Peace Lutheran,

 The summer months are often thought of as slower easier to cope with days. It is a time to rest and recuperate from the daily schedule which keeps us always on the move. It is a time to get away and go on vacation for a change of pace.

 Has it been a time of rest and recuperation for you? Or did you find that while the schedule may have changed somewhat, it was still just as busy? Practices, games, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation Instruction weekend, as well as going to work, mowing the lawn, keeping the house clean, feeding the family, and the list sometimes just does not seem to end.

 Not to be discouraging, but summer is nearly two thirds over. The back to school sales will begin soon. Then school will be starting. Just enough time for a few more days off to rest and relax. Or maybe not, depending upon the demands in your life.

 In the midst of all of the activities that demand our attention, let’s keep in mind our relationship with our Lord. He is always ready and waiting to hear from us. If you have taken a vacation from daily devotions, study of God’s Word, and regular worship, it is time to reconsider and get back on track in your relationship with Him.

 It has been interesting to listen to Christians who sometimes take the summer off from worship (or at least many weekends) in order to do other things. They will explain their absence by saying, I am sure God understands. While I agree that God understands, I must confess that I believe He understands that in our heart we are not making our best attempt to keep Him first rather than Him understanding and approving our absence from worshiping Him.

 While our lives are certainly filled with activities, it is my prayer that you will consider filling one (or more) of the ten minute time slots to pray for the future mission of Peace Lutheran Church on August 7th. It is our desire to devote 12 hours of prayer beginning at 8:00 a.m. that morning through 8:00 p.m. that evening. Why do we want to do this? To ask God’s blessings upon the ministry of this congregation for us and through us to the community around us. Where can you pray? You can come to church to pray if you desire, but you can also pray wherever you are at that time. Who will pray? Do you have ten minutes you will use to pray for wisdom and guidance as we consider facilities, location, programs, and Bible Study? When will we do this? Saturday, August 7th. I hope that you will consider giving ten minutes of your time as we come together to ask God blessings and guidance for this congregation. How can you get involved? Sign up for a time slot by taking one of the colored slips on the poster in the narthex showing the ten minutes you will commit to pray. Then, on August 7th, take the time to ask God for His guidance and blessings for the various needs where decisions must be made.

 May God richly bless these last weeks of your summer and each day as You seek to honor and serve Him.

    Pastor Sollie