Peace Presbyterian

04/02/2026

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

04/02/2026

03/26/2026

Pastor Brian's Pieces - March 25, 2026

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

03/12/2026

Considering the countless ways we treasure water and light as we move through this Lenten season.

Art, food, + fellowship = a fabulous She Shed Week 2.

03/11/2026

There’s always something happening in the life of our church family. ❤️

Our latest Life of the Church update is now available on the website with news, highlights, and upcoming opportunities to gather together.

We’d love for you to take a look!
https://peacepresbyterian.com/life-at-peace-march-2026/

03/11/2026

Pastor Brian's Pieces
March 11, 2026

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

03/05/2026

Pastor Brian’s Pieces
March 4, 2026

Good Morning Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I can feel that Spring is coming. That means it’s about time to start taking my dog on walks/adventures again. I can’t wait.

Lent is in full swing as we journey with Christ to Resurrection Sunday.

On March 17th, at 5:30 p.m. Man Cave will be renewed. This is a men’s gathering, and all are welcome. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend.

In a couple of weeks I will be serving at Great Plains Pilgrimage. This is a non-denominational retreat for a few days where there is a LOT of food, fellowship, and faith exploration. If you are curious, feel free to come talk to me. I have brochures, and I would love to have some friends along for the weekend.

Pastor in Action

It has been a very busy week.

I have already had three visits this week, including one in the hospital. If you would like me to come see you, just let Jo know and she will get you on my schedule.

I sat in on the communications committee meeting. There is a lot going on in there. Planning began for a church garage sale. More details will follow as the planning process picks up.

This morning I sat in on Presbytery Women. Between those with physical struggles and those who are out of town, it was a relatively small group, but enthusiastic.

I successfully donated platelets last week. I have now surpassed my donations for 2025.

Mixed in with all this, I have been prepping worship services, preparing weekly communications, teaching martial arts, and doing some reading.

Message

I was watching a video of Alysa Liu. For those who don’t know, she is the American who just won the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Olympics.

The question was posed to her asking if she was afraid before competing. She said “yes.” However, she doesn’t let fear determine her performance, obviously. “Courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing to move forward anyway.”

Here is an Olympic gold medalist admitting that she gets scared every time she goes out to perform, and yet, she does it anyway. She has learned to trust her training, her body, and her instincts. She keeps skating.

We all need this reminder from time to time. Many of you have made the comment to me about how comfortable I look on Sunday morning. The fact is, that right before I go to deliver a sermon, I way a prayer, and I’m nervous. At that moment there are a lot of other places I would rather be.

We all get scared. We ask questions like, what if I mess up or what if they don’t like me. What if I really don’t know what to do? People have avoided serving as an elder or deacon because of fear. Others have steered clear of helping someone out of angst about doing it “right.” Many times, our fear freezes us from doing what is needed. We don’t trust ourselves. Maybe, just maybe, we don’t trust the Spirit either.

The church, in a very large sense, could do so much more if it wasn’t afraid. What is the church afraid of you might ask. It, we, are afraid of breaking our financial budget. We are afraid of what other people might think. We are afraid of losing members. The list goes on and on. It seems we can always find reasons not to act. And, they are good reasons to be fair. However, there is never a good reason not to love someone.

That’s our challenge, and it’s a big one. We let fear stand in the way of love. Let that one sink in. Where would Alysa Liu be if she let fear stand in the way of her skating? I can tell you she wouldn’t be on the top of that podium.

We are all afraid of something. There are things that get in our way. We have to have the courage, and the desire to keep going. We are called to let the Spirit guide us in loving action. While we might not trust ourselves, we are not alone. And, if we are being honest, when we love others, we always win.

Friends, you are all gold medalists in my eyes. I thank God for each of you, and the work you do, and the love you show. I pray you feel our Lord’s presence each and every day.

Blessings and Peace
Brian Long

02/27/2026

So thankful for the fellowship, care, and study of “A Time to Grow” this group is offering during the Lenten season. ✝️

01/30/2026

Peace Presbyterian is excited for our upcoming Women’s Bible Study; all are welcome!

Pick up your copy of, "A Time to Grow" written by Kara Eidson, in the church office anytime after February 15th.

We hope to see you on 2/25 at 6:00pm ➡️ 333 S. 204th Ave ⬅️

01/10/2026

12/05/2025

Pastor Brian’s Table Talks - December 5, 2025: Little Kindnesses
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