“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”
(Psalm 121:1–2 ESV)
Dear Christian Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
What was the psalm writer thinking when he wrote, “I lift up my eyes to the hills”? Was he looking for the hills themselves to provide something? I don’t think so. However, it has been suggested that “the psalmist may be looking up to the hills of Jerusalem as he approaches for one of the festivals.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, page 972)
That would make sense. We don’t worship mountains. Those glorious peaks do not help us. Neither do we go into nature and find the answers to life through meditation to become one with the universe (which is a central philosophy of Eastern religious thought).
No, we look to the revelation of God – God as He has revealed Himself to us in His holy Word, the Bible; and even more particularly, through the coming of His Son, Jesus Christ. “Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” (John 1:17–18 ESV)
At the conclusion of John’s Gospel, he writes, “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:30–31 ESV)
As we approach our church building on Sundays, we should consider where our help comes from. “My help comes from the LORD” who made all that there is and who also came into this world through His Son to be our Saviour.
God’s peace to you in Christ Jesus, our Lord!
Sunday (July 1) here at Prince of Peace…
9:30 am Holy Communion
Please note the summer worship time is 9:30 am
Prince of Peace News …
Summer Adult Bible Class is taking a break July 3. It resumes Tuesday, July 10. It is the sort of class that you can attend as you are able. All are welcome to join us as we look at the new Small Catechism & Explanation. We are meeting Tuesday evenings, 7:15-8:30pm.
Youth Fund Raiser: The youth of Prince of Peace are holding a fund raiser for those attending the National Youth Gathering 2019 in Langley, BC (http://nyg19.ca/). North Country Meats (MacGregors meats) is a great product with an even greater return to the fundraising organization. Find attached the information packages to help you make your selections. For those that picked up the forms at church, the delivery date has changed to Thursday, July 19. Feel free to contact Brad if you have any questions. His number is on the instruction sheet.
60th Anniversary Celebration: By God’s grace, Rev. Dr. Roger Winger has served His Lord in active ministry for 60 years. In recognition of this milestone, a service of praise and thanksgiving honouring Rev. Winger will be held Sunday, July 22, 4:00 pm at Historic St. Paul’s, 137 Queen Street in Kitchener. Please come and add your voice to the many giving thanks to God for this dedicated servant. A light reception will follow the service. “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’” Matt 25:21
A Youth Pool Party/BBQ & Lock-In is being planned for Friday August 10 to Saturday August 11. Parents and younger siblings are welcome to come for a swim and BBQ. After that, the excitement will continue with an overnight lock-in at Prince of Peace. We pray you will be able to join us. Friends are also welcome!
Retirement Celebration for Rev. Kevin Walrath: (as taken from the District news email, “EN3”): Please join Prince of Peace to honour and celebrate the retirement of Pastor Kevin Walrath after 35 years in the ministry. The Dinner Reception is planned for Saturday, August 25, at the Continental Austrian Club, 664 Spring Gardens Road, Burlington. Doors open at 5:00 pm, Dinner at 6:00 pm. The fully catered meal will include Roast Beef and Pork Schnitzel served family style. Tickets are $35 for Adults and $15 for Children 10 & under. Reservations are required. RSVP by July 29 to office@poplc.ca or call 905-332-7671 (office hours 8:30 am to 12:30 pm).
Online News …
Prince of Peace YouTube channel: That’s right! We now have a YouTube channel featuring our sermons. View if you miss a Sunday. Share with others around Burlington or around the world. View last week’s sermon here.
To get to the POP YouTube Channel click here. Please subscribe.
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. This week’s subjects include: The Psalms, The Mass, John the Baptist & Repentance, The Prophet Isaiah and more. You can listen live or at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those in Hospice care
- Those in Hospital
- Our seniors as they face each day with courage and faith
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
