“Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.”
(Acts 4:32-33 ESV
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
The Church of the New Testament was on fire with news of the risen Christ as recorded in the book of Acts. The apostles were there as eyewitnesses of Jesus in all His resurrection glory. It was all a very new message.
The effect of this Easter preaching was that the believers “were of one heart and soul.” They dedicated themselves to one another because they shared in the same faith and joy. Nothing was more important to them than the community that gathered to hear it again and thereby believe that Jesus was their Lord who loved them, forgave them, and called them together to be His people.
Is that how you see your congregation – Prince of Peace? I hope so. It is the same Easter message. We share the same hope. It is the same Word and worship as the New Testament Church had.
That should be our attitude when we get up Sundays and wrestle with the devil who still has opportunity to talk us out of coming to church. It should also be our attitude when we get here. We should expect a blessing from God as we gather around His Word and gaze upon one another as fellow believers. (I sometimes suggest that people get along in the church now because we’re going to have to get along for an eternally long time when we get to heaven. We might as well get started exercising divine kindness and patience NOW. I still like the logic of such advice!)
So have a care for your church. When you see one another, treat them as dearly beloved children of God. “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1 ESV) Let’s act like we believe and mean it!
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Sunday (April 8) here at Prince of Peace…
9:00 am Matins
9:00 am Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 am Matins
11:30 Brief Voters’ Meeting
Prince of Peace News …
Voters’ Meeting at Prince of Peace, April 8 at 11:30: The new LCC Constitution has been sent to all Lutheran Church-Canada congregations for ratification. Our voters’ meeting to approve the LCC constitutional amendments will be held on April 8 at 11:30 am. A copy of the constitutional amendments and related information is posted on the bulletin board in the coatroom.
Joyful Seniors will meeting Wednesday, April 11th at 1:00pm. It will feature an audio presentation from Focus on the Family entitled “Finishing Strong.” I think you will enjoy it.
Spaghetti Dinner and Baked Goods Live Auction: Come hungry to Prince of Peace on Saturday, April 21, beginning at 5:00 pm. This Spaghetti Dinner will be a Youth fundraiser for their goal to attend the National Youth Gathering in Langley, B.C. There will also be a baked-goods live auction. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for kids 3-12 years of age and kids 2 and under are free. Tickets are available in the church lobby. (Also, we are accepting donated baked goods for the auction.)
Membership in Seminary Guild: We are collecting $5 per man or lady for membership in the Seminary Guild. We are hoping the men of our congregation will join, too, as membership in a “Guild” means being part of “any association for mutual aid and the promotion of common interests.”
Guild Day at the Seminary is Saturday, April 14 at 9:00 am. If you are able to attend $16 covers the catered lunch. We will meet at the church to carpool to the Seminary. Thank you!
EDLYA (East District Lutheran Young Adults) invite you to a retreat May 4 to 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 30 Erie Ave N, Fisherville. Pastor Danielson is going to be the speaker and the topic is The Occult: A Christian Perspective. We want all of you 18-35 to come out!
The Annual Meeting of the Haiti Lutheran Mission Society will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 140 Russell Ave., St. Catharines on April 8, 2018 at 3:30 pm. The meeting will be followed by a Soup Supper. All those interested are very welcome to attend.
Seminary’s Annual Golf Tournament: Mark your calendars now! Concordia Seminary’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for Monday, June 4th at Sawmill Golf Course in Fenwick, beginning at 11:30 am.
Online News …
Lutheran Public Radio: Listen to sacred music for Easter by clicking here.
Forging Armour, Apologetics Conference: {RSVP Deadline May 16} Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kitchener and Rev. Perry Hart are hosting a Forging Armour Conference for ages 12 – 100 on May 26 (9:00 am – 3:30 pm). The Conference speaker, Rev. Charles St-Onge, will be talking on “Speaking Scientifically and Believing the Bible: thoughts from an Engineer–Sci-fi–Pastor.” This apologetics (making a defence for the faith we have) conference will speak to how one can appreciate science while loving the Bible. $25/person covers all expenses for the day, including food and all sessions. Register online at http://forgingarmour.com and click on “Conference” or contact Rev. Perry Hart at 519-742-1589 ext. 202.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those being treated for cancer
- Those who mourn
- Those recovering from surgery
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
