Sojourners called Peace,
God provided water from a rock in the wilderness, so I’m confident that God will provide a new home for Peace, when the Manatee Association of Realtors sells their buildings. But I’m going to join the Israelites of Exodus 17 and grumble.
If you saw the East County Observer today, you may have surmised that the Realtors Board did not sign an addendum to our lease contract, which would have secured us as tenants utilizing the Event Center. They apparently needed more selling flexibility than they were willing to admit. We suggested that we could lease more space from them, but that was not enough. Zoning restrictions do not currently allow a church to purchase the buildings, and we have learned that a change in the zoning was unlikely.
So, as much as we have enjoyed our 2010-2011 home, and as fruitful as the Event Center has been for Peace Church, we could be on the road again with our growing church family. We will keep you informed. Our Building Vision Team is working diligently to recommend to session an architect to design a master plan for our land on Lorraine Road, but these things take time and money. So bear with us. And pray with us.
This Sunday we look at the 10 Commandments as God’s gift to wandering, grumbling people. We will collect the Peacemaking Offering as it is World Communion Sunday. Think of those in warn-torn countries, dangerous communities, or desperate homes, where there is no peace. Remember all the places where there is hatred, injury, doubt, despair, darkness, and sadness. Then give generously to sow love, pardon, faith, hope, light, and joy, as the St Francis prayer says. The choir will sing “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” as we exercise trust that “in giving of ourselves that we receive, and in dying, we are born to eternal life.”
Grateful to journey with you,
Elizabeth
