Quick Summary:

75 years ago Luther Anderson, the founding pastor of Peace, delivered his first sermon in a portable classroom of the local elementary school. But the first seeds of what would become Peace Lutheran Church were planted long before Luther Anderson arrived in West Seattle. And after his and Lilian’s time of watering those seeds, the continuing formation of Peace was passed on to other leaders, each of whom in the ensuing decades brought their own gifts to bear. And God gave the growth.

As I’ve been sifting through Peace archives and anniversary pamphlets from 10, 25, and 50 years ago, one of the things that comes through those remembrances is JOY in the sense of accomplishment, the JOY at obtaining a new milestone in the congregation’s life and ministry.

JOY punctuates our gospel this morning. As a remedy to the grumbling Pharisees, Jesus invites us into JOY.