“Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.”
(Psalm 32:10 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
Do you really believe the verse above? If true, as I do believe, this verse means that we who trust the Lord are blessed to have God’s steadfast love. But it also means that those who lack faith are in an awful state. Some of you have described to me some of the tragic situations people of the world find themselves in. Some of you have expressed to me when you personally go through something difficult, “Boy, I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have faith!” – and by that you mean faith in God and in His Son Jesus.
It makes me think of a Gospel hymn sung by Steve Green, “People Need the Lord.”
Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eyes.
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where?
On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear.
Laughter hides their silent cries,
Only Jesus hears.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize, people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right.
What could be too great a cost
For sharing Life with one who’s lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear.
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He’s the open door.
People need the Lord, people need the Lord.
When will we realize that we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
[You can listen to this song by clicking here.]
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Sunday (January 28) here at Prince of Peace…
9:00 am Matins with alternative accompaniment
9:00 am Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 am Matins with alternative accompaniment
Sermon: “War of the Worlds” based on Mark 1:21-28
11:30 Youth Bible Study
Prince of Peace News …
Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation – 2017 Edition: With 374 questions and 1142 Scripture references, the new explanation provides more biblical teaching to address issues facing Christians today and devotional aids to nurture faith. Now available at an introductory sale price of $14.95 US. I’d like to work my way through this new edition. Would anyone like to join me? A weekend evening group? Talk to me.
I need to read my Bible! Won’t you join me? A three-year plan of daily Bible readings has been compiled by the Lutheran Church—Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to encourage the people of our church bodies in the daily reading of Holy Scripture. A calendar of daily readings will be placed in the lobby monthly. Pick up your copy now. I encourage you to join me on this project as a spiritual up-building exercise for 2018. Falling behind? Always begin your reading with today’s scheduled reading, and don’t be discouraged if you have missed some days.
Online News …
Livestream – The Installation Service for Lutheran Church–Canada’s (LCC) fourth president, Rev. Timothy Teuscher, and newly-elected and continuing members of Synod’s Board of Directors (BOD) will be available to watch online. Beginning at 4:00 pm (EST) Sunday, January 28, viewers across Canada and around the world can watch the event at www.lcc2017.ca or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/lutheranchurchcanada. All three previous LCC presidents, Rev. Dr. Edwin Lehman, Rev. Dr. Ralph Mayan, and Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee, will participate in the installation. Following the example set by Past President Bugbee, Rev. Teuscher will serve as preacher.
Issues, Etc.: You can listen to in-depth teachings by Dr. Thomas Korcok of Concordia University Chicago on topics like: Methods Driven Education, Socialization, Technology in the Classroom, The Role of Teacher, Goodness & Beauty in Education, Teaching Worldviews and more. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen live or on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.
Higher Things Junior/Senior Youth Retreat: Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo and Rev. David Saar are hosting a Higher Things Youth Retreat on March 16 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm). The retreat theme “His Blood is Life” refers to the familiar words, “My Body, given for you; My blood, shed for you.” With these words, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, gives to us a life-giving gift, a meal of salvation and a medicine of immortality. Retreat leader, Pastor Mark Buetow, serves as Associate Pastor & School Director at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in McHenry, IL. The $30 cost per person covers all expenses for the day including food. Download registration forms, register online at www.higherthings.org/retreats, or contact Pastor Saar at 519-323-6992 or 519-323-4844 or revdsaar@gmail.com for a registration packet.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering from injury
- Those facing surgery
- Those being treated for cancer
- Those who mourn
- Spiritual growth of fellow members as we worship; read & study the Bible
- For outgoing LCC President Bugbee and incoming President Teuscher and for all the transitions involved in our synodical restructuring
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
