“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
(Revelation 7:9-10 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
For the Canadian Christian in the 21st Century you have to read the verse above by faith. You might look at our congregation and the congregations of our district and say, “I don’t see a ‘great multitude’ here!” It can be very discouraging.
It was not all roses for John and those living in his generation either. In fact, the Church was being actively persecuted. Even John recorded his Revelation from a remote island where he had been banished. As they watched the other apostles being put to death, they must have thought that their cause was faltering.
But for this very reason the Lord commissioned and inspired John to experience and record this Revelation – to encourage the saints on earth. In the end, the Lord Jesus will be victorious and all those who have clung to Him in faith. And you think of all those who have believed from John’s time (not to mention the Old Testament saints who believed even before the Christ arrived) right up to our present day — what a great throng it must be! On the final day we all will be assembled before the throne of God – “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
And we’re not done yet! Even now the Lord adds to our “number day by day those who (are) being saved.” (Acts 2:47 ESV) That’s a key reason that the world is still here – the Lord wants more people to embrace Jesus as their Saviour and divine Friend. And that should say something about our priorities here as individuals and as a congregation. (More on that this Sunday at the annual meeting.)
Indeed, let us continually cry as we will on the Last Day “with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”
We are all saints – holy in the sight of God through Jesus Christ and His shed blood for the forgiveness of all our sins! Come and worship this All Saints’ Day!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Daylight Savings Time Ends! Clocks fall back one hour!!
All Saints’ Day, November 1
9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 Holy Communion
11:30 Lunch for everyone
12:15 The Annual General Meeting
PoP News …
This Sunday we remember on this All Saints’ Day weekend our departed family and friends who have gone before us in faith to meet the Lord.
Annual Meeting Potluck Lunch – Please join us for a potluck lunch on November 1 prior to the Voter’s Meeting. Members with surnames beginning with the letters A to L are asked to bring sandwiches or salads, and those with letters M to Z are asked to bring desserts. Please read your annual reports and bring them along to the meeting.
God Hidden in Our Work is a Sunday Bible study workshop that helps answer life questions like, “Who should be teaching my kids — the government or me?” “Why don’t my prayers get answered?” “What’s God up to allowing me to be sick?” See you there!
“A Man Named Martin”: The Tuesday morning Bible study is continuing a video-based Bible study on the life and theological development of Martin Luther. Of course, this Biblical journey of the man who was key in God’s work to reform the church is also applicable to our journey. We start at 9:30am. Coffee will be on.
Youth Bible Study: This Sunday at 9:15am, I will be sharing the dramatic story about Luther’s discovery (re-discovery) of the Gospel . Maybe I should include popcorn with the breakfast offered! Bring a friend.
It’s that time again! Outside Fall Clean Up date is scheduled for Sat. November 7. Bring rakes, gloves, pruning shears, bags, a smile and willingness to exercise the body and the mind. Please note: COFFEE, JUICE AND MUFFINS SUPPLIED.
Other News …
Haiti Lutheran Mission Society – Mission Festival: You are invited to the Mission Festival TODAY @ 3:00 pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church,400 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines. The guest speaker, John Hall (LCMS) is a founding member of Trinity Hope and current Board Member. Trinity Hope is based in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee and is responsible for supervising the Christian School Feeding Program in Haiti. Our Society provides funding for 2 schools but there are many more being served by other groups and congregations. Mr. Hall will bring you up to date on the program and offer his insights on the situation there today. Haitian style food will be shared for refreshment. Please join in welcoming Mr. Hall and learn more about life for the children of Haiti.
EDLYA Fall Retreat: YOUNG ADULTS! Join us November 6-8, 2015 at St. John Lutheran Church in Clifford Ontario for another EDLYA retreat! We look forward to a time of friends, fellowship, faith and fun together. Registration will be available at edlya.ca. They are looking forward to seeing you there!
Anxiety and Depression Seminar: 23 years ago, Michael Glugosh was a hostage to his fears and depression. He felt full of despair and filled with anxiety. In time Michael found cognitive behavioural therapy and completely recovered from his anxiety and depression. Since 1993, Michael has given over 1,800 seminars and counselled hundreds of people with stress, anxiety and depression-related issues. Michael believes that anxiety and depression can be overcome and looks forward to teaching you the skills necessary to do so. This is a problem that many struggle with. Why not learn about some help at this free seminar on Monday, November 16 at 7:00 pm right here at PoP.
Busy Bees are looking for the following items: hand towels, band-aids, nail clippers, toothbrushes and old mattress covers (to be used as filler for quilts). Also, if you can crochet squares for lap robes (finished lap robe is 40” x 40”). Thank you
St. John’s Lutheran Church, Port Colborne (Gasline) is celebrating their 175th anniversary on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 at their 9:00 am service, with a catered luncheon to follow the service. Guest preacher: Rev. Bruce Biesenthal (LCMS), grandson of one of St. John’s former pastors. Everyone welcome!
In your prayers, please remember:
- Our congregation as we gather Sunday afternoon in our Annual General Meeting.
- Risen Lord Jesus Christ, You are the Lord of the Church, the Bride for whom You died to redeem. You have promised the gates of hell shall not prevail against Your Church. In Your mercy, bless the congregations of our LCC-East District, indeed all LCC congregations, as they endeavour to glorify You through the support of Your people and mission, specifically their giving and spending for the coming year of our Lord. Grant us Your Spirit that we might display boldness in Your Gospel, assurance through faith in Your promises, and Christian love in the way we interact during meetings. Where there is want, provide our congregational “daily bread.” Grant it all through Your accomplished work upon the cross and in the power shown by Your empty tomb. Amen.
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
