“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.

The Lord is your keeper;

the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

The Lord will keep you from all evil;

he will keep your life.

The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in

from this time forth and forevermore.”

(Psalm 121:1-2, 7-8 ESV)

Dear Friends,

Christian greetings!

No, your help doesn’t come from the mountains. That is not what verse 1 of Psalm 121 suggests.

According to the Lutheran Study Bible, The “psalmist may be looking up to the hills of Jerusalem as he approaches for one of the festivals. Also, hills or mountains frequently symbolize God’s creation, command, and power.”

Yes, if God could lay out all the wonders of creation, He must be a very capable God who can come to our aid in time of need.

But also, if the psalmist was noticing the hills while coming into the Jerusalem on his way to the Temple, he might also be recalling God’s great care.  He may be reflecting on the fact that the God of the universe would stoop down to make a relational connection with us.

Indeed, we “come to Calvary’s holy mountain” in order to see God’s mighty love in action through His substitutionary death. In the crucified Christ, we have a merciful God who takes away the evil of our sin and selfishness. Thereby, “he will keep your life.” In fact, His help is a never ending help – “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

The Lord be with you!

Coming Up at Prince of Peace this weekend…

Sunday, November 13

9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class (Begin together in the sanctuary)

9:00 Early Service: Service of Prayer & Preaching

10:30 Service of Prayer & Preaching

PoP News …

It’s that time again!  Outside Fall Clean Up date is scheduled for this Saturday November 12 (rain date Nov. 19).   Bring rakes, gloves, pruning shears, bags, a smile and willingness to exercise the body and the mind.

Operation Christmas Child: THIS SUNDAY is dedication day for the OCC boxes. There is a pile in the chancel (70 already) and more to come as some may be arriving this Sunday.  All boxes will be sent on their way with a prayer that whoever opens it, will be touched by our love. We rejoice that eleven of our Joyful Seniors packed these shoeboxes last Wednesday.

Fall Convocation on Medically Assisted Death: The Niagara Circuit is hosting a convocation on Medically Assisted Death this Sunday, November 13, from 2:30 to 5:00 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 400 Glenridge Avenue, St. Catharines. Harold Albrecht, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga, will be speaking on the political ramifications of medically assisted death here in Canada. The Rev. Michael Salemink, Executive Director of Lutherans for Life (USA) will address the issue from a pastoral and theological perspective. Following the convocation, an optional catered banquet will be held at Resurrection’s social hall. Pastor Salemink will speak on the topic of “Implementing a Pro-Life Theology in Our Congregations”. The cost is $15. Tickets must be ordered in advance. Please contact Rev. Larry Ritter (H: 905-468-9673; Ch: 905-468-2611, or email: trinitynotl@cogeco.ca).

Ladies’ Bible Study Breakfast, next week Saturday at 9:00 am.  Plan on attending as we continue working our way through the book of Philippians.    We extend a special invitation to anyone who has never come before. Try it! We have fun and we learn a lot.

Christmas Bazaar: Items needed! The Ladies Guild will be holding a Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 3 and are looking for donations of anything ‘Christmassy’ to add to the collection. However, any items suitable for a sale are welcomed too. They can be left by the cupboard area in the basement. Bake sale items will be welcomed closer to the sale day.

The 2017 Mission & Ministry Report of the LCC East District is now available in the lobby. Please take one and read up on what the Lord is doing in our district. Then you’ll know how to pray for the work of our Lord among us.  

Jello-on-a-Stick Youth Retreat (grades 8 to 12) – November 18 to 20 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fisherville.  Theme: “Friend Request – Balancing Your Faith and Relationships” (based on Ephesians 4:2-1). Explore friendships and how we relate to them as Christians. There will be games, great food, and a movie.  Please let Pastor know if you would like to attend.

You’re invited to a Deep Fried Turkey Dinner – Saturday November 19, 5:30pm, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (15 Wexford South, Hamilton).  Turkey dinner with all the trimmings $17/adults, $7/children 5-10, children under 5 are free. RSVP at 905-383-0366.  Matching grant from Faithlife Financial.

It’s that time again!  Outside Fall Clean Up date is scheduled for Saturday November 12 (rain date Nov. 19).   Bring rakes, gloves, pruning shears, bags, a smile and willingness to exercise the body and the mind.

Haiti Lutheran Mission Society Hurricane Relief:  Due to the devastation of Hurricane Matthew in Haiti, the Lutheran Church of Haiti is shifting food and goods from areas not as badly affected to help people in desperate need. Millions of people live in the affected areas. HURRICANE RELIEF donations are greatly appreciated. See the poster on the bulletin board to learn how you can help.

Being Lutheran:

Being Lutheran: The fall emphasis continues with this Sunday’s theme being “Unresolved” based on chapter 8.

Copies of the book Being Lutheran are still available in the office.

Online News …

Praying Towards “Reformation 500”:  LCC President Robert Bugbee encourages us to make the 500th anniversary of the Reformation not just a time for events and commemorations but also a special time of prayer. READ MORE

In Word and in Confession: Rev. Jacob Quast encourages us to read through the Book of Concord this festival year, and The Canadian Lutheran shares a reading plan. READ MORE

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: The Supreme Court & Social Conservatism, Media Coverage of Religion & Politics, Liturgical Furniture, David Becomes King, 6th Century Emperor Justinian and more.  You can listen at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.

Reformation 2017: LCC’s website commemorating the five-hundredth anniversary of the reformation is now live! Be sure to visit www.reformation2017.ca often for news, events, resources, and more related to Reformation 2017! READ MORE

In your prayers, please remember:

• Those recovering from surgery
• Those under doctors’ care
• Those undergoing cancer treatment
• Those in hospital

The Lord be with you.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Kevin Walrath