Friends:

‘Hatred is too deep a burden for anyone to carry.’  Martin Luther King (April 4 was the 50th Anniversary of Dr. King’s assassination; the resurrection of his dream is still going on)

Easter was a joyful celebration with Bruce Silverman and all our drummers, Susanne on the bass, Bradley on the trumpet, Gary of course and our Peace Singers.  Mary Magdalene and the Egg, the Egg Hunt, and Egg Shakers given to our kids created eggstasy!
Easter Greetings from Mudzunga Farisani:  Peace Lutheran Church is also remembered here as well. My family in particular continues to be grateful to God that Peace Congregation was a vessel used by God during trying times. Steve, it was not fashionable to associate yourselves with the exiles but the spirit of Ubuntu which is a reflection of Christianity was behind everything. For me that was real Christian love in action. Peace friends remain in our prayers.
Boris asked after the service if there will be classical orchestras playing in heaven since I mentioned on Easter that our drumming was a taste of heaven.  I assured him my inside information guarantees there will be numerous orchestras and you won’t have to make a reservation!

“Hatred cannot drive out hatred, only love can do that.  Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.”  MLK

Immigrant Advocacy:  Between April 2 and April 6, LIRS (lirs.org) is mobilizing our network of supporters to hold national leaders accountable for resettling at least 45,000 refugees in FY18 and secure a commitment from the administration to resettle at least 75,000 refugees in the year to come. And we need your help!!    There are three key ways that you can take part in this Week of Action:

1. Advocate in Person: Organize in-district delegation visits to your members of Congress. Access LIRS talking points here.
   
2. Flood the Phone Lines: Urge your congregations and communities to make phone calls to your members of Congress. Download a script!
   
3. Put it in Writing: Mobilize your congregations and communities to send letters to your representatives. A sample letter can be found here.

50 Days of Prayer for Peace:  There are 50 days between Easter and Pentecost (May 20).  I invite you and friends to Pray for Peace each day for the next 50 days.  Pray for:

• Peace in our hearts
• Peace among our loved ones
• Peace in our community
• Peace with Korea; and
• “May Peace prevail upon Earth” (as our Peace Pole encourages)

(Thanks to Pr. Lucy for this beautiful prayer suggestion)

“We must learn to love one another as brothers and sisters or we will all die.  Because the choice is no longer between nonviolence and violence, it is between nonviolence and nonexistence.” MLK

 
Whenever you see an Exit sign…Think Exodus!  From Egypt (Constriction) to Exodus (Expansion and Flourishing)— This Pulsating Movement (constriction to expansion) is sown into the fabric of nature and our Cosmos; and it has become the Liberating Story of Human History — Passover and Resurrection!  We are called to pay attention, to enlarge our vision, appreciate the vastness of God’s self-giving love and trust the transformative energy we have received wherever we encounter constriction/darkness/oppression.  The heart of Christ’s Beloved Community  (‘malkuta’) is well formed, well focused energy, creativity and empowerment!  Malkuta is the dynamic of a lively and healthy spiritual community.  May Peace expand and flourish in this endless grace!

“When you can’t speak the truth be quiet.”

Voices of Spring with Jamie Davis, Clairdee and Kenny Washington.  The Jazz Church Wests hosts a Benefit for up and Coming Young Jazz Artists this Saturday night at 8;pm.  It is sponsored by the Unity Music Foundation.  Tickets are $25/person.  This is another way in which Peace keeps pulsating love and support into our community!
Join us for a Potluck Luncheon with Two of the Precious, Wise and Inspiring elder women featured in the book Sifting Through Gold by Mary LaCasse.                  Tuesday, April 24th     12:30 – 2:30p
Meet Sr. Dorothy and Evelyn Bennett, sharing their stories and insights in person.  RSVP to Peace Lutheran Church with your attendance and anticipated lunch delights!  [email protected] or 925.648.7000
Earth Day Grounds Clean-Up:  Saturday, April 21st.   9:30 – 12:00pm  Ken invites anyone and everyone to join him in the beautification of Peace!!
Bambalela – Never Give Up!  Yetziah/Exodus – Flourish!  MLK – Malkuta/Beloved Communithy  – Rise Up!
Pr. Steve