Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

My beloved Pleasant Valley family,

Grace and shalom to each of you! I am Pastor Sophia.

As we prepare for worship this Sunday, I wanted to send a warm note your way—something like an “air-hug” from your pastor (the safe, non-squeezing kind!).

This week we turn to two beautiful passages: Isaiah’s vision of God’s peace and Jesus’ comforting promise in John 14:25–27. Isaiah shows us an amazing transformation in the world—wolves and lambs together, the vulnerable protected, creation restored, and harmony flowing like a mighty river. It’s God’s dream for the world: peace, shalom in Hebrew, which means “wholeness, healing, flourishing.”

Then Jesus, knowing how easily our hearts get anxious, says to His disciples and to us:

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
(John 14:27)

Isn’t that exactly what we need? Not the world’s peace—the kind that fades faster than our morning coffee—but Jesus’ peace, the peace that stays forever with us through doctor’s visits, daily worries, family tensions, and even the news headlines that make us sigh.

This Sunday, we will talk about how God brings peace not only to us but also through us. And don’t worry—God doesn’t ask us to become peaceful superheroes overnight. God starts by reshaping our hearts, softening our fears, and teaching us to breathe in His presence one moment at a time.

In the days ahead, may you feel Jesus’ peace gently resting on you—steadying your steps, calming your mind, and filling your home with God’s quiet strength. If your week gets a little chaotic, just whisper, “Lord, transform my spirit and mind. Give me Your peace,” and know that He promised He would.

I look forward to worshipping with you and sharing God’s shalom together.

With love and peace in Christ,
Sophia (Seung Hae) Yoo-Hess