Jesus spoke to them, saying,
“I am the light of the world.
Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
(John 8:12 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
The Bible has often compared darkness to sin and evil while God’s revelation of truth and grace are described as light. Here are example verses about sin as darkness:
- “For even though they knew God, they did not honour Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:21)
- “This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.” (John 3:19-20)
Here are example verses about Jesus as the Light:
- “In (Christ) was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:4-5)
- “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Considering the solar eclipse that occurred this past week, I share this link to a performance of a composition by William Byrd, “O Christ, Who Art the Light and Day.” Click here to listen and follow the lyrics on YouTube.
The lyrics are lovely and include the following:
Christ, who art the light and day,
You drive away the darkness of night,
You are called the light of light,
For you proclaim the blessed light. …
You who are our shield, behold;
Restrain those that lie in wait.
And guide your servants whom
You have ransomed with your blood.
Now, you and I are children of the Light, and Jesus instructs us, “We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.” (John 9:4) Without faith in Jesus, countless people still walk in darkness. We must pray and labour to bring to them the light of Christ.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Sunday (August 27) here at Prince of Peace…
10:00 am Matins with alternative accompaniment
Sermon: “The Fruits of Faith” based on Romans 12:1-2
11:00 Coffee Hour
PoP News …
Special Farewell for Pastor Gary Kuenzel: You are invited to attend and help celebrate Pastor Gary Kuenzel’s retirement and wish him a blessed farewell at Christ Lutheran Church, 140 Russell Avenue, St. Catharines on Sunday, September 10 at 4:00 pm. A light supper will be served. Please RSVP to secretary@christlutheransc.ca so they know approximately how many people will attend.
Women of the Reformation Retreat (LWMLC): Theme: Women of the Reformation. Join the LWMLC, Ontario District in Christian Growth Retreat at the Sunbridge Inn, Cambridge, and study the contribution women made to the Reformation 500 years ago and similar roles they still play today. Starts Fri., Oct 20 @ 7:30 pm to Sat. Oct 21 @ 4:00 pm. Bible Study Leaders: Rev. R. Orlowski & Rev. M. Koehler. Registration Cost: $75 (Sat. only: $55). Registration Due: September 22
Coming This Fall at Prince of Peace …
Beginning September 10: The fall season begins with the main service time moving to 10:30am. Sunday School and an early service will be offered simultaneously at 9:00am. Sunday School children will gather in the service before being dismissed to their classes.
Also, watch for your September calendar showing the startup of Confirmation, Choir, Tuesday Bible Class, Ladies Bible Study Breakfast and other activities.
The Freedom of a Christian: The Tuesday morning Bible Study will begin anew on September 5 at 9:30am. The basis of our Bible study will be the little booklet by Martin Luther entitled “The Freedom of a Christian.” Every attendee will receive a copy of this early expression of the Christian faith by Luther. Come and join in. Invite a friend as well. Coffee will be on.
Young people have the right to know! On Tuesday, September 5 (7:00pm), families of confirmation age (grades 6/7/8) will meet with me for information about this year’s program. If you know anyone who might be interested in involving their adolescent in this instruction about the Christian faith, please let them know, or tell me and I will invite them. Our youth have the right to know the truth about Jesus and His love for them!
Online News …
LCC Kitchener convention! For the first time since 2002 Lutheran Church–Canada will hold its national church convention in Kitchener. The triennial event, meeting under the Reformation-based theme “Christ alone. Christ forever”, is scheduled for October 13-16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Kitchener. Delegates from across Canada will gather to worship, conduct church business, discuss restructuring, elect those who will serve the national church (including a new president), and enjoy fellowship. Members of East District congregations have the opportunity to join the convention for Opening Worship on Friday, October 13 at Historic St. Paul’s. Also there is an opportunity to drop in for proceedings and visit exhibitors. Also there is opportunity to attend a special Reformation Concert Saturday, October 14 at Grace Lutheran Church and a special reception for President Bugbee Sunday evening. Watch for more details. For convention information go to www.lcc2017.ca.
Convention 2017: Workbook released, presidential nominees announced: Lutheran Church–Canada has released the workbook for its upcoming synodical convention to be held October 13-16, 2017 in Kitchener. Included in the workbook is information on nominations as well as other important convention information, including overtures as well as reports from synodical departments, auxiliaries, listed service organizations, and other entities. The workbook is available for download here.
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s subjects include: International Religious Freedom, Is the Reformation to Blame for Secularism?, The Lord’s Prayer, Taking Up Your Cross & Following Jesus, Responding to Teenagers’ Questions about Christianity, The Wisdom of Solomon and more. You can listen on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
Reformation News …
“Reformation Intersections”: Where music and theology meet in three nights of artistic beauty! In honour of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, there will be a series of concerts in the Kitchener-Waterloo area for one and all to come and enjoy music inspired by and guided by the Lutheran Reformation. The first concert will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 78 John St W, Waterloo ON, Saturday the 9th of September at 7:30pm, featuring local organists Mr. Kevin Lee (Redeemer) and Mr. Paul Walrath (my son!!) from Historic St Paul as they play preludes and other music guiding us through the festival half of the Church Year.
Reformation T-shirt: Celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in style and support LCC missions in the process with a new Reformation T-shirt. The T-shirt features Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) Reformation 2017 logo, and is a great way to share the story of the Reformation in your community. It costs $25 and is available in men and women’s styles, three different colours (black, white, and blue), and four sizes (small, medium, large, and extra large). Costs cover the cost of producing and shipping the T-shirt, with all additional proceeds going to support LCC missions. Prince of Peace is organizing a group order. See the signup sheet in the lobby. Orders are due by September 1, 2017.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those awaiting surgery
- Those recovering from injury
- Those undergoing chemotherapy
- Pray for our upcoming synodical convention: As delegates meet in Kitchener for the 11th Convention of Lutheran Church–Canada you are invited to join fellow LCC Lutherans from across Canada to pray for the delegates. Ask our Gracious God to grant: Wisdom in all decisions, Respect in discussion, Focus to all participants on “Christ Alone”, Safe travel for convention participants, Joy and encouragement through worship and fellowship, Unity in purpose and vision for LCC
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
