“And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

(Jesus speaking of the end times, Luke 21:25-28 ESV)

Dear Christian Friends,

For many of the people living in the Philippines, it must have seemed like the fulfillment of Jesus’ words above – “on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves.” In part, they would be right. While you and I as humans (and certainly as Christians) work and long for a better world, Jesus predicts the world will get worse. And what do you and I see? While there are advancements in technology and medicine and education in the world, there is still so much suffering, with ever more on the horizon.

It gives us the creeps! And yet, Jesus says that it is all a sign that we are closer to heaven. Judgment Day will come when Jesus returns and all our hope in God’s promises will be realized. So, pray and strive for the good, but when life is hard “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

And above all, like our Free & Joyous Response programme repeats, notice and believe the grace of God in Jesus, rejoice that we are His, and joyfully give yourself of the enduring work of the kingdom in the Church.

Coming Up this Sunday at Prince of Peace…

9:00 Sunday School for kids, teens and adults (Beginning downstairs with breakfast!)

10:30 Holy Communion

Sermon: “Consecrated Stewards: Giving With a Cheerful Heart” based on 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

11:30 Pot-luck Meal & Annual Congregational Meeting

Free and Joyous Response:

Raising stewards of Christ, celebrating God’s gifts, and
the joy of giving and serving Him!

“What should I do for Free & Joyous Response?” It’s as easy as 1-2-3!

1.       Attend Sunday Worship (3 Sundays to go)

2.       Attend any one of the following Bible studies (3 weeks to go)

• Sundays at 9:00 am (The Adult Bible Class)
• Mondays at 7:00 pm (a special evening Bible Study)
• Tuesday Bible Study at 9:30 am

3.       Attend the Consecration Sunday Service and Luncheon (1-time event on Dec. 1) The whole process culminates on December 1 with Consecration Sunday. Rev. President Paul Zabel will be our guest preacher and will be followed by a celebration luncheon. Mark that date on your calendar now!

Sunday Morning Bible Study & Sunday School: Save time! – Come hungry! – A couple of people will be bringing some food to share Sunday at 9:00am. Adults and children will meet in the basement. We will begin with a brief breakfast together before kids go to class and the adults remain for the Free & Joyous Response Sunday Bible study.  It will be a NO NUTS menu.

Coming Up …

The Prince of Peace Annual Voter’s Meeting is Sunday right after service with a light lunch served before the meeting.  If you would like to become a member of the Voter’s Assembly please speak to Dave Schutz. Members with surnames beginning with the letters A to M are asked to bring sandwiches or salads, and those with letters N to Z are asked to bring desserts.  Read your copy of the 2013 Annual Report before the meeting.

Oh Come All Ye… to the Tenth Annual Christmas Now! Carol Sing on Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:00 p.m.  Sing carols, hear about their history, and sample seasonal goodies.  Bring the whole family and invite your neighbours and friends to enjoy this evening with you.  Special Free “Tickets” are available. “God Rest You Merry Gentlemen…”

Week 63 of the Bible Reading Plan: (November 18-23)

You can listen to the day’s reading by clicking the links on our Bible reading webpage. Go to poplc.ca. 

“Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” (Psalm 119:144 ESV)

Online …

Typhoon Haiyan: As the Philippines struggles in the aftermath of a devastating typhoon, LCC is calling on its churches to remember the suffering in prayer. A suggested prayer for congregational use, as well as information on how the tragedy has impacted the Lutheran Church in the Philippines (a fellow member church with LCC in the International Lutheran Council) is available here. Read the article and also see the video at the bottom of the link.

Gifts from the Heart: The most recent issue of The Canadian Lutheran included the “Gifts from the Heart,” an insert from Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). Encourage your members to share some of the blessings they have received with others this Christmas. Through these symbolic gifts, CLWR and LCC make a real difference in the lives of people across Latin America, Africa and Asia. Click here.

In your prayers, please remember:

• The Philippines as they struggle in the aftermath of devastating Typhoon Haiyan (see link above)
• Free & Joyous Response in November. Pray that our people (that includes you!) will be together in worship and Bible study and at the Consecration Sunday on December 1.
• Those undergoing treatment for cancer.

The Lord be with you.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Kevin Walrath

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

1299 Brant St.

Burlington, ON

905-332-7671

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