“The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
(John 12:23-24 ESV)
Dear Friends at Prince of Peace, including those at university,
Lenten greetings!
As we get ready to begin the observance of Holy Week, the words of Jesus from John (see above) speak of Jesus’ defining hour on earth. He, in fact, would be the “grain of wheat that falls into the earth and dies.” He would give up His life for the selfish, ungodliness of all people – including you and me.
After His resurrection, His glorified body would give us a sense of what will happen to us who trust in Him. Our present bodies are limited and frail. They become more capable during the growing years, but then there comes aging and disease. We wear out like a garment, like the rest of creation. (see Hebrews 1:10-12) But the Lord has given to us His promise:
So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable. … If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:42–45 ESV)
Jesus is that “life-giving spirit” – “the last Adam.”
It couldn’t happen for us except that the Lord Jesus was “delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” (Romans 4:25 ESV) And we are the living “fruit” of His being sown, that is, His death and resurrection.
Consider it! Let’s consider it together – during Holy Week!
See you in church, Lord willing. Thanks be to God!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Sunday, March 20, Palm Sunday
9:00 Sunday School, Confirmation and Adult Classes
10:30 Palm Sunday Service
(with the Procession of Palms)
Holy Week at Prince of Peace …
May the Lord bless you as God points us to His Son, Jesus, the Lamb of God!
Maundy Thursday, March 24 @ 7:00pm “Sloshing Water”
Good Friday, March 25 @ 10:30am “Pounding Hammer”
Easter Sunday, March 27 @ 9:00am Easter Breakfast
Easter Sunday, March 27 @ 10:30am “There Lies the Liar”
PoP News …
Ladies Bible Study Breakfast – please join us at PoP this Saturday March 19 at 9:00 am for our ladies Bible Study Breakfast.
Easter Lilies for Easter Sunday— Members of the congregation are invited to bring in Easter Lilies for our Easter display. Bring them to the Church any time up to Good Friday. Thank you
Two or Three of our Youth are planning to attend the LCC National Youth Gathering at Brock University, St. Catharines, on July 8-12. Travel is not a problem obviously. But the youth will be looking to raise some of the funds needed to cover the $495 per student for registration. Check out the NYG website at http://nyg16.ca/ for more information.
Two opportunities for you to enjoy yourselves and to assist our youth to attend this gathering that occurs only once every 3 years:
- Easter Sunday Potluck Breakfast – You’re invited to our family potluck breakfast at 9:00 am on Easter morning, March 27. It will be a free will fund raiser for the National Youth Gathering. The elders are in charge of pancakes and sausages. We do need some fruit to round out the menu. There is a sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board. There will also be an Easter egg hunt for the kids!
- Mohr Music Concert at Prince of Peace. On Saturday, April 16, Pastor Ron Mohr and family will be sharing their musical talents which I am sure you will enjoy. The concert will be in the sanctuary beginning at 7:00 pm with refreshments following.
“Truth Unlocked: Keys to Connecting with Your Muslim Neighbor” Video Series and Study during the Sunday morning Bible class begins after Easter. Through a series of straight-to-the-point interviews with scholars, pastors, and former Muslims, this series explores the unprecedented opportunity the western church faces with the arrival of many Muslim immigrants to our communities. The sessions will provide an introduction to the Muslim faith, culture and world-view; explore the differences between the Muslim and Christian understanding of God; provide insight into ways that we can engage in genuine dialogue; and challenge all of us to open up our lives and our homes to our new Muslim neighbours in a way that introduces them to the unique love of Jesus.
East District Young Adults and Lutheran Youth Spring Retreat – April 29 to May 1 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Kitchener. Get ready to take your first step in knowing “God’s Will in our Lives”. For more information check the bulletin board in the foyer. Carpooling from PoP is available.
Online News …
THE CROSS IS OUR THEOLOGY…Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. This week’s topics include: Handel’s Messiah on Jesus’ Suffering & Death, The Movie “The Young Messiah,” Evangelical Style & Lutheran Substance, Martin Luther’s Marriage and more. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering from treatments and surgeries
- Friends and family struggling with cancer
- Those who are ill
- Those in hospital
- Those who mourn
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
