Updates from congregations around the Church of the Lutheran Confession
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.” (Ephesians 2:13-18 NKJV)
Once far off, we are brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians declares, “For He Himself is our peace.” This is not a peace we manufacture, but one Christ achieved by breaking down the dividing wall of Law-based hostility. He silenced the accuser by becoming our sacrifice, reconciling both Jew and Gentile to God in one body through the cross. As Lutherans, we cling by faith to this objective reality: Your sins are forgiven. Jesus is your peace. Now, through one Spirit, we have access to the Father. With the gift of life from our loving Savior, we live today in that peace, secure in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
The members of Peace Lutheran Church in Orofino, Idaho, have been blessed both to receive and continue teaching Jesus, the Prince of Peace, since becoming a congregation in 1950. Over the years, the work of God’s Kingdom has been carried out by many faithful men and women of the congregation. Much has happened since our first article was published in the October 2015 issue of the Lutheran Spokesman in the “Slice of Life” series. Most importantly, and by God’s good grace, the congregation has continued the faithful preaching, teaching, and hearing of the Gospel administered through the Word and Sacraments.
Peace Lutheran Church in Orofino, Idaho, remains a steadfast smaller congregation, focusing on the faithful administration of the Gospel in Word and Sacraments. Despite challenges in numbers, the fellowship maintains a deep commitment to in-person worship and a renewed dedication to be a steadfast presence for outreach in our community, holding firm to the belief that the Lord brings the increase. In the last few months, a new family has been attending regularly.
Pastor David Naumann
Deena, Peace Lutheran Church Organist
Peace Lutheran Church has continued to grow spiritually and in community outreach. The congregation has embraced new opportunities for ministry, including devotional articles written by the pastor for the local paper. Two years ago we were blessed to have the ILC Tour Choir make a trip to the Pacific Northwest. In Orofino, the choir sang God’s praises in an assisted living facility in town. Many people attended, both from town as well as the facility, and expressed their appreciation for these young people using their talents to the praise and glory of God. In the last year, the older school children of Valley Bible Academy—St. John’s Lutheran Church in Clarkston, have made the drive to sing hymns to the congregation during Advent and Lent.
Steep Basalt Hills
As a dual parish with St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clarkston, Washington, where the shared parsonage is located, the forty-five-minute Sunday morning drive up the Clearwater River is both beautifully scenic and, at times, dangerously challenging. Forested agricultural land, as well as steep basalt canyon walls line both sides of the river. Last year services were held up for a particularly fierce wildfire. This spring with heavy rains in our area, services were canceled due to a multitude of landslides that closed the main highway for days.
Hwy 12 along the Clearwater River
Through challenges and celebrations alike, Peace Lutheran Church continues to be a steadfast beacon of hope and faith in Orofino, teaching Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and living out His love in everyday life. The church looks forward with hope and trust in God’s grace to guide its mission in the years ahead.
Where two or three are gathered
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7 NKJV)
is pastor of Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Clarkston, Washington, and Peace Lutheran Church in Orofino, Idaho.