Author: Brenda Long

Good Afternoon Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I’ve heard it’s cold outside, but I’ve been stuck in bed today.

It’s Holy Week. So there is a lot going on.

Tomorrow is Maundy Thursday, and service will be at 6:30. Communion will be served.

Our Good Friday Service will also be at 6:30.

Sunday’s Easter service will be at 10:15 a.m. It is my understanding that there will also be donuts. You know that will get me there!

Pastor in Action

It’s Holy Week, so I’ve been busy. Three services have been planned, as well as a couple of messages. I have also had a couple of in-office visits. So, I’ve been busy,

Message

It’s Holy Week. We began with Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. Soon, we will gather in an upper room, and then we will stand back and watch as the nails are driven in, and the cross is raised. Ultimately, we will see the stone rolled away.

It’s Holy Week, and there is so much to reflect on, to think about, and to react to. During this time, there are tears, and laughter, joy and confusion, and so much to grasp. But above all, there is grace.

Perhaps, for me, one of the most powerful stories to come out of this time, is when Christ offers forgiveness from the cross. I can’t imagine what he was going through, nor do I want to. First there was the pain of the torture and crucifixion. That alone would be more pain than any person could or should endure. Then there was the abandonment. How many of his friends turned away from him. (Notice, I did not phrase that as a question.) While I’m sure they cried, where were the cries to save him? Where was were the yells to cut him down? Where were the public defendants to claim his innocence? Christ was crucified, and abandoned. And yet, in the midst of all of that, he offered to restore the relationships to what they were, to how they were meant to be. From his pain on the cross, he chose to draw those who put him there closer, in friendship, in love. And this is not April Fool’s joke.

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Easter mean so many things to so many different people. The Pope will speak, and pastors will preach. The eggs will be hidden, and then found, hopefully. Churches will be filled, for one of three times this year, and restaurants will have their reservation sheets also filled. And need we say anything about the chocolate? For many, it will be a time of family, and enjoying the company of the little children. For others, the food will be in abundance. 

And yet, for many of us, there is still the mystery. What happened in that tomb? What happened on that cross? What happened between us, and God?

Whatever it was, or whatever it is, it is grace. We were, and continue to be given second, third, fourth, and more chances. God continues, through the ages, to call us closer. We don’t have to understand it all. Theologians for thousands of years have tried to put it all in a box. The reality is, God doesn’t fit in any box. Sometimes, we just have to accept God’s gifts of love and grace. 

Friends, we, you, are forgiven. Not matter what you’ve done, or not done, Jesus has drawn you close. All you have to do is to let him. Put down the guilt. Let go of the greed. And surrender any preconceived notions of power. God’s got us. All we have to do is accept that gift.

Friends, I thank God for each of you, and your love and compassion. I pray that during this Easter season, you feel God’s grace, and then share it with someone.

Blessings and Peace

Brian Long

Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It’s a beautiful morning!  My understanding is that it’s going to get warm today. It seems like a great day for the park.

This past Sunday we held our blood drive. As of this writing we had 17 units. So, Peace saved up to 51 lives, and we could get more units added to our count. I big thanks to all those who donated or even tried to donate. You made a difference in someone’s life.

Thanks to Dean Marshall for filling the pulpit this past Sunday. I really appreciate it.

We have Palm Sunday coming up as we move into Holy Week. There will be a Maundy Thursday service and a Good Friday service, both at 6:30 p.m. on their corresponding days. 

Pastor in Action 

This past week has been extremely busy for me. Last night I attended a Commission of Care meeting. Many things get covered in these meetings. Last night we worked on how to stay in touch with all the retired pastors in the area for a start. Along the way we discussed how churches who have shrunk over the years might merger with other like congregations. We also discussed certain congregations as they look for their next pastor, and procedures for commissioning ruling elders to ordered ministry. The CoC covers a lot of work.

I spent this past weekend, from Thursday through Sunday afternoon, at Camp Calvin Crest serving at Great Plains Pilgrimage #34. For those who are counting, I delivered 2 talks, served communion 3 times, participated in several other events, and was available the entire time for anyone who wanted to talk or pray. (This introvert is still recovering.) It’s a great weekend where new friendships are formed, and people have some wonderful experiences.

Message

So something happened this weekend that I can’t really share. What I can share is a thought process, and I think it’s important.

I know I’m supposed to preach that we should not worry. God tells us through the Bible many, many times, not to worry. And, rightfully so. Worrying lets our imagination go wild which in turn usually makes things out to be worse than they are. Furthermore, worrying drives up our blood pressure, reduces our sleep, and generally makes life miserable.

However, I know, you and I are both going to worry. We worry about money, that cancer diagnosis, are relatives, politics, the economy, and this list could go on for pages and pages. We all have something we fret about.

I think I stunned someone when I told them I wouldn’t tell them not to worry. This person in turn told me they knew worrying didn’t help. I also told them I wouldn’t ask them to stop breathing. When we have something weighing on our minds in life, it is very hard if not impossible not to focus on it. Medical issues are right at the top of the list. When we are waiting for that diagnosis, it’s hard. Frankly, it’s brutal. (I have some other words for it.) 

So, if I’m not going to tell someone not to worry, what are my options. Well, I would encourage someone to focus on the moment. We only live in the moment, not in the past or future. We only have now. That is, love now. Pay attention to the person in front of you. Do something distracting like reading a book, playing a game, quilting, crocheting, or whatever can hold your attention. Yes, even binge watching your favorite television show can actually help occasionally. 

When we keep ourselves in the moment, it does several things. One, it’s healthier. It keeps our blood pressure measured, and, hopefully, lets us sleep better. It also helps us to keep a clear head and work problems more objectively, and thus more efficiently. By being in the moment we are able to celebrate those moments with loved ones. We miss less, and rejoice more.

I think this person was surprised when I said I wasn’t going to tell them not to worry. Instead, I offered more healthy options. I am well aware when we have struggles, myself included, we wake up and go to sleep with those struggles. However, we can control our responses. The worries won’t leave, but they can be managed. Also, don’t hesitate to engage friends and family in this process. They really can help.

I know Scripture tells us not to worry, but I would also point to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He to struggled. And, he to focused on the moment as his journey progressed. In this season of Lent, and in life, let us all be mindful of where we are, and put a little faith in Christ for the future.

Friends, I know life is challenging, but I have found that with each of you, the journey is more joyful. I give thanks to God for you, and your love.

Blessings and Peace

Brian Long

Man Cave returns March 17, 5:30-7:00pm with a Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner.

All men of Peace and friends are invited to gather in Fellowship Hall. See Bill Dermyer or call the church office with questions.

Thank you for supporting Peace Church. Contact our treasurer, Ryan King, by phone or email if you have questions. peacetreasurer89@gmail.com (402) 669-7452Peace Presbyterian Church 333 S. 204th St. Elkhorn, NE 68022

Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Well, I didn’t see that coming. When I went home yesterday, it was sunny and gorgeous. This morning, there’s snow and yuck. I really don’t get this Omaha weather thing. Maybe I never will. That’s okay. The heater in my office works just fine.

This coming week will see the renewal of Man Cave, the men’s group. This will take place on Tuesday, at 5:30. Now this is great chance to bring a friend.

The blood drive sign up is in full swing. Last I heard, we have at least 10 volunteers. We just need to double that. Unfortunately, I will be out. (That doesn’t mean I don’t donate. I am actually going today to do a platelet donation.)

While it’s not official, yet, plans are being hatched for a church garage sale. So please be thinking about both, volunteering, and what you might donate.

Easter Lilies are on sale now for $10 each. Orders need to be in by March 29th.

Pastor in Action

 A lot of my time this week, and next week, is being taken up by getting ready for Pilgrimage the weekend of March19-22. I have at least two talks to deliver, and several worship services to provide over. I am also available to the group the entire weekend for Spiritual guidance, or just to talk. Dean Marshall has graciously agreed to fill the pulpit that weekend, and I thank him for that.

I have also been to the hospital a couple of times. 

Somewhere in there has been worship prep, and sermon prep as we continue to move through the Lenten season.

I have also sat in on a couple of meetings.

Message

So I just finished reading a biography on Stephen Hawking. For those who don’t know, he is a famous scientist who had ALS. He passed away in 2018. He was instrumental in work on the Big Bank theory, the real theory and not the show, as well as publishing several books. One of the things he wanted to do was bring complicated science to the common person, like me.

One of the things he talks about in his writing is the uncertainty principle. What this says, in a very oversimplified manner, is that while science and math can predict certain things, they can’t predict everything. I won’t go into the science here, or give you some big quote. I would like you to actually read what I’m putting together this morning. But think about that. As exact as math is, as much as we know, we can’t predict everything.

Now, apply that to the weather. We pick on meteorologists for not being accurate. The reality is, they are. They look at percentages based on history, and the elements, and give us those percentages. When they tell us there is a 10% chance of rain, we assume it’s not going to rain. Well, that’s not accurate. What they are saying is that given the conditions, it will rain 10 times out of 100. We choose not to carry an umbrella based on that. The key word here is choice.

Life is uncertain. As I said, when I went to bed, it was nice out. Not his morning. Something changed. And now, I have to respond. 

I could go out without a coat. That might not be the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I could go out with my heaviest clothes. Also, likely not necessary. So, I have to make choices.

That’s just the weather. There are so many things in life that cause us to make choices. Sometimes we go so caught up in the future, we forget to enjoy, to savor the here and now. We get so worried about tomorrow, that we overlook loving someone today. Sometimes, instead of taking a mistake as a learning opportunity, we pick up a heavy burden of guilt to carry around for awhile. Instead of learning, we suffer endlessly.

Jesus tells us not to worry. God clothes the flowers of the fields, and feeds the birds. If God loves all that, how much more does God love us. Now, I’m not going to tell you not to worry. I’d get a better response from a wall, and I know it. (I worry also.) However, what I will say is to not let worry overwhelm you. Be mindful of your needs, but also be mindful of the present moment. After all, yesterday is gone, and tomorrow is filled with uncertainty. How many times do we create problems that don’t actually exist? Our imaginations, as wonderful as they are, can indeed get us into trouble.

Now, let’s go back for just a moment. If the Hawkings and Einsteins and Newtons can’t predict the future, then why do we think we can? Let’s love the people in front of us, and enjoy the moments we have right now. There will be plenty to do tomorrow.

Friends, while it is cold outside, having you as friends warms my heart, and I thank God for each of you every day. (Also, don’t fall down in this weather.)

Blessings and Peace,

Brian Long

Women’s Bible Study Invitation!

All women of the church and friends are invited to a Lenten Bible Study, “She Shed”.

The Study will be held every other Wednesday evenings during Lent. 

We had are first meeting on February 24, 2026 and had a great turn out and a wonderful gathering. We will continue to meet on March 11, and March 25. We will gather at 6 pm in the Library for appetizers, beverages, and fellowship. This will be followed by a Bible Study lesson, and an independent, easy-to-complete art project led by our own Sara Wamsat.  

The Study will follow the book, A Time to Grow, written by Kara Eidson. The Christian Education fund is purchasing the books which are available in the church office. If you are interested in joining us for this Lenten Bible Study, or if you have questions, contact Karen Severson at karenseverson15@gmail.com or Mary McArdle at marymac1201@aol.com. 

We would love for you to join us.

Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

So much for the beautiful spring weather, though the sun is shining.

There are lots of ways to get or stay involved at Peace.

The She Shed Bible study is kicking off. It’s a Lenten Bible study, but it’s a start to a new habit.

The Men’s group will be starting up again on St. Patrick’s Day at 5:30 p.m.

Presbyterian Women meet once a month, and our retirees have a regular luncheon as well.

Church is not just about that one hour on Sunday, it’s about a loving community. However, that community does not exist without you.

Pastor in Action

So in the past week I have attended a number of meetings.

I participated in the pre Commission of Care meeting, and then helped moderate the CoC meeting itself last night. On Saturday, I attended a Pilgrimage team meeting, and then last night I participated in the Pilgrimage council meeting.

Last week we kicked off Lent with our Ash Wednesday service. (We had 15 in attendance.)

In addition to all this, there was worship preparation, and some reading. 

We have had visits scheduled, but because people have been feeling down, they have been rescheduled. 

Message

I was in a meeting yesterday, and the check-in question was, how do we feel about snow. The answers were quite varied. A couple of people like skiing. One was big into cross country skiing. Another person enjoy snow blowing, and one lady actually likes shoveling snow. As for me, I like snow just fine, when I’m under a blanket, with Earl Gray tea, a book, and my dog. Snow is pretty, but it is also messy when it gets tracked into my house, and it’s cold.

Now, I could easily make this message about how people view things differently, and it would be a good message. We all see the world through different lenses. Some like it hot, while others like the cold. However, that’s not today’s message.

I attend, as a participant, several committees and councils. One of the things I have noticed is that at each one, someone asks an off the wall question which is followed by a check-in. We want to know how people are doing. I’m not talking about he standard Sunday question of, “Hi, how are you?” Which is followed by the customary, “fine.” I’m talking about a real question looking for real honest answers.

Sitting in my pastor’s chair and looking at the congregation, I can tell you everyone has a struggle. Not most, not some, but everyone.

We all need that someone we can talk to, unconditionally. We need to be able to share our pains, and our joys. People aren’t always looking for solutions. Heck, many times they know the answers, and some of those answers are difficult. What they need is a shoulder. Someone who will listen without judging, support without expectations, and someone who will just be a friend. 

The sad fact is, we’ve been raised to stand on our own two feet; to pull ourselves up. We’ve been told not to air our “dirty laundry,” and that asking for help is being weak. (Honestly, I think this is a huge lie. Asking for help takes courage.) The real fact is, we all need a hand sometimes. We are communal creatures. We live in communities. Family community. Church community. Neighborhood community. Workout community. And many, many more.

We have a phrase in Tae Kwon Do that makes sense. Lift as you climb. As we work to improve ourselves, we also work to help those around us, to make them better. Here’s another way of looking at it, in my opinion. I climb as I lift. When I help someone, in whatever way that might be, I am also helping myself. 

We are, and have always been, better together. Since the earliest days, humanity has worked in small communities to survive. They hunted together. The gathered together. They ate together, and shared the fire. That’s how we got here today, but supporting each other.

Friends, I want to encourage you to do two things. First off, when I ask you how you’re doing, tell me. I want to know the truth. While you’re at it, make sure you have that friend or two that you can lean on. Secondly, be that friend. When you ask someone how they are doing, don’t let them get off with “fine.” No, they are not. Listen to them. Listen to their words, their tone, their body language. If they need to cry, give them your shoulder. If they need to laugh, laugh out loud. Be that friend that you would want.

Know this, I count you all as friends, and I thank God that each of you is in my life.

Blessings and Peace

Brian Long

Please join us for our Second Annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 5 – 7PM

Free Hot Dogs will be available! Remember that the entrance from 204th Street is closed for Construction. Enter though Farnham Drive. Hope to see you there!

Starting Monday, September 29, 2025, Farnam Street between 204th Street and Peace Presbyterian’s driveway will be closed for road construction.

The church will remain accessible:

• From Pacific Street, turn north on 201st Street.
• Then turn left onto Farnam Street to reach the Peace Presbyterian driveway.

Construction is expected to last 30–90 days.