“Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged;
behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

(James 5:9 ESV)

Dear Christian Friends,

Advent lasts all year! What? Yeah, Advent lasts all year. The December season of Advent looks back on an Old Testament people who had heard the promise of a Saviour and were to wait for God to follow through on that promise. Their waiting included repentance of their sin and faith in the promise of the Lord’s Saving action.

But the Advent that lasts all year involves all believers on earth waiting for Jesus’ second coming when He will judge the living and the dead. The way of doing this waiting is the same as it was for the people long ago awaiting His first coming. It includes repentance of our sin and faith in the promise of the Lord’s Saving action.

Our usual Advent season has us preparing our hearts to properly observe that fulfillment that occurred 2,000 years ago. Even so, during this Advent of the Nativity our hearts are in the process of anticipating when Jesus fulfills His promise to return and to judge us holy by His blood and to receive us to live with Him forever. “Behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”

Coming Up this Sunday at Prince of Peace…

9:00 Sunday School Christmas programme practice

9:00 Adult Bible Class. Is there any evidence outside the Bible that Jesus was born?
Come and see. Coffee served

10:30 Holy Communion

Sermon: “Jesus Comes Bringing Life – When You Seem Dry, Lifeless & Sad” based on Isaiah 35:1-10

Coming Up …

“This Shall Be a Sign Unto You…..” – Everyone is welcome to join the Sunday School this Sunday at 4:30 pm for the Children’s Christmas program, followed by our Congregational Christmas Dinner. (A sign-up is posted for those who can help out with the dinner)

Nut Allergy: a member of PoP has a severe nut allergy and we ask that you please refrain from including any form of nuts in your cooking for this Christmas dinner.

Food Bank Drive: The Sunday School is sponsoring a food drive. Items collected will be distributed through the Salvation Army in Burlington. Durable goods include items such as peanut butter, canned fish or meat, macaroni & cheese dinner, rice (small packages), or canned vegetables. Items can be placed in the bright red container at the top of the back stairs.

This Sunday is First Offering Sunday! During the past several weeks we have been on a journey of spiritual growth that resulted in our stewardship commitments on Consecration Sunday.  Today we ask those who are able, to begin their new commitments with their first offerings.  If you are not able to begin your commitment today, please set a date when you plan to take your next step forward.  Thanks, again, to all who participated in our Free & Joyous Response emphasis.

Been away? Have you been thinking and praying about all that has been said during Free & Joyous Response and haven’t acted on the F&JR cards yet? You can still hand in your completed cards to the office or directly to Helen, our Financial Secretary.

Christmas Eve Service times have been adjusted. This December 24 we will have services at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Having the services 2 hours apart will help facilitate better use of our parking lot and time for people to greet one another after the first service before people arrive for the second service. That’s our plan for Christmas Eve this year. The elders and I are interested in how well this arrangement works. We welcome your feedback sometime after the holiday.

Come early for either service and enjoy some special Christmas music.

Christmas Day Communion Service will begin on December 25 at 10:30am.

The Christmas season is an excellent time to invite family and friends who usually do not attend church. Talk about it. Invite them. Maybe even offer them a ride to church.

Other News …

Offerings by Electronic Transfer – If you would like to make your regular offering to the church by Electronic Fund Transfer directly from your bank account, there are forms in the coat room for you to fill in and return to Helen Stewart.  Laminated cards are available to place in the offering plate in place of your offering envelope.  If you have any questions or would like to know more, please speak to Helen.

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class will take a Christmas break on December 22 & 29. The Sunday worship service begins at 10:30 as per usual.

Are you using your Advent devotional materials? To help everyone of every age for use in the home, Advent materials are on the table in the lobby. Both are produced by our very own Lutheran Hour Ministries. 

Please Support the children’s meal program in Nicaragua by purchasing premium Nicaraguan-grown coffee now.  $5 from every pound goes directly to support the meal program which ensures that the children get a nutritious meal, organized recreation, help with their school work, and Bible study on a weekly basis.  There are two specialty flavours dark roast or medium roast and decaf. They are all available in both beans and ground. The one pound bags are $15. The 10 cup foil packages are $3.50, with $1.50 going to the program.  You may purchase the coffee after the service or contact Greg or Lois.

Christmas Poinsettias – If you would like to donate Poinsettias for our Christmas Worship display, we ask you to have them at the church by Sunday, December 22.

Week 67 of the Bible Reading Plan: (December 16-21)

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 …

“How Do You Pray After a Tornado?” A real story about one of our sister LCMS churches and a real prayer that will make you think. Click here .

Typhoon Haiyan relief: CLWR is accepting donations to help people affected by the devastating typhoon in the Philippines. Typhoon Haiyan has caused extensive damage. At least 13 million people have been affected. Aid agencies and media report that the devastation is comparable to the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004.

Donate online by clicking here. You can also donate by phone (1.800.661.2597) or by mail (send cheque to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5). Please indicate you wish to donate to Typhoon Haiyan Relief. The Canadian government will be matching your donations up to December 23, 2013. All donations must be postmarked no later than that date. Learn more, and donate, by clicking here. Thank you for your support.

In your prayers, please remember:

• Those undergoing treatment for cancer
• Those who have difficulty at Christmas

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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