January 2010 Message from the Pastor

Prince of Peace

It seems most fitting that we start the new year with some thoughts about peace and our namesake. I wrote about peacemaking in last month’s article, especially in reference to our stewardship campaign. We call this publication the Peace Messenger and even our domain name is appropriately called propeace.org (thanks, I think, to John Schroeder’s creativity some years ago). But with the birth of the prince of peace at Christmas, we need to be even more mindful of his legacy.

Jesus was not violent and even offered up his life without resistance. This kind of role model seems to run counter to our nation’s position in the world and also our affluent mindsets. We’re used to thinking that we can get what we want and should fight for our own interests. Do we consciously choose the welfare of others before our own? Do we believe that by giving rather than taking we will be more greatly blessed?

I wonder if we’re making progress as a country in promoting peace. Two wars continue to demand much from our country’s coffers and our young soldiers. It’s sometimes hard to appreciate the threat of terrorism and the need to wage wars in response and perhaps our leaders are rightly motivated to continue our fighting. Yet, it’s hard to believe that years of war will truly end in peace. But I’ve long felt that when your country is at war, part of the church’s role is to intensify our peacemaking. This might mean doing more charitable work, especially internationally to show our concern for other nations and people. It might also mean working to see that our government doesn’t shortchange commitments to world hunger and humanitarian work around the globe.

In 2010, I pray that, as a church, we will live up to our name. Let us strive to promote peace on earth and goodwill toward all. We can do this as we work to reduce our carbon footprint, pray for peace among the nations, contribute money to important causes, write letters to influence public policy, and care for those most in need around us. And what else? Express your vision of what Prince of Peace should be about at our Annual Meeting this month and in other forums and gatherings.

May this year bring peace to our hearts and a new promise of peace to all people.


Pastor Jim Friedrich