“She (God referring to His people Israel) did not know
that it was I who gave her
the grain, the wine, and the oil,
and who lavished on her silver and gold,
which they used for Baal (idol worship).
Therefore I will take back
my grain in its time,
and my wine in its season,
and I will take away my wool and my flax,
which were to cover her nakedness.”
(Hosea 2:8-9 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
If we were to look for a glorious and great blessing apparent to all people, we would undoubtedly find it in our annual harvests. It is God who has protected our sowings in the earth during the winter, who caused them to sprout, grow, and bear fruit during the summer, averted hail, winds, and storms, and filled our barns and cellars with His blessings. On the other hand, if there is a favour that seems trifling and contemptible to the world, and for which God is thanked least of all, it is the annual harvest. Ungrateful humanity imagines that these things simply had to happen according to the laws of nature – things have to grow and God has nothing to do with it. Accordingly, God’s anger is aroused, and by His just judgment He often causes the crops to fail, reminding everyone that the ground cannot produce anything apart from the Lord’s will, and that without His blessing nothing can grow.
Believing Christians view the matter differently. When at harvest they see the full ears of grain and the vines loaded with clusters of grapes, they lift up their eyes to heaven and praise the almighty Creator, Giver, and Preserver for the blessings received and acknowledge that it is because of Him that so many grains come from one seed and such luscious fruit from an ordinary wood. They praise God’s preserving providence, which provided throughout the year timely rain and graciously averted thunderstorms, drought, hail, and floods, and guarded the crops. And when the time had arrived that they see the grains harvested and brought into the barns and the grapes crushed for wine, their heart is stirred and they receive all these gifts with grateful hands. They also make use of them and enjoy them with thanksgiving. They knew that it is God who feeds them, provides for them, and keeps them.
Yes, they let God’s goodness lead them to repentance. If we thank a benefactor who gives us a garment or something for our support and are careful not to offend him, why should we not praise the greatest Benefactor who gives us all things?
O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.
(Johann Friedrich Starck, Lutheran Pastor in Germany, 1680-1756)
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
20th Sunday after Pentecost, October 11 (Thanksgiving)
9:00 a.m. Sunday School, Adult & Youth Bible Class
10:30 Thanksgiving Service
PoP News …
“Stump the Pastor” Youth Bible Study: With the confirmands and youth, I will conclude our discussion on the question, “What does God think of those who do not believe in Him?” and move on from there. Muffins and OJ will be served.
God Hidden in Our Work is a Sunday Bible study workshop which will help 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?” Paul Lainen is leading this adult Bible study. Coffee will be on!
Other News …
Harvest Day – Saturday, October 17: The Seminary Guild invites you to Harvest Day at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines. The guest presentation will be the Lutheran Chamber Singers from Kitchener. Under the direction of Heidi Gallas, this choral group’s goal is to present quality, confessional Lutheran music and to promote the rich historic liturgy and hymnody of the Lutheran Church. Please pre-register by sending in your registration form from the back page of the Guild newsletter or speak to Donna Miller to arrange a group visit! Registrations are to be sent to the seminary to the attention of Linda Lantz by Friday, October 9th.
Haiti Lutheran Mission Society – Mission Festival: You are invited to the Mission Festival on Nov 1 @ 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.
Banana Cram Confirmation Retreat: This district-wide retreat is geared specifically for confirmands and there are generally 30 confirmands plus their counsellors and other leaders. The weekend retreat is scheduled for October 23-25 (Friday evening through Sunday church) here at Prince of Peace. We are happy to be hosting them. Topic: Law Abiding Citizens (A weekend cram session on the ten commandments). Meals: The Board of Trustees is leading up the effort to provide meals to the retreat. However, they are welcoming volunteers to assist them. Talk to Phil, Craig, Donna H., Susan, John or Thomas if you’re interested.
“Anxiety and Depression” Seminar: Do you or someone you love suffer on occasion from symptoms of anxiety or depression? Mike Glugosh, of the Midwest Centre for Stress and Anxiety, will give a free 2-hour seminar called “Anxiety and Depression” right here at Prince of Peace! Come to Prince of Peace on Monday evening, November 16, from 7:00-9:00, for this free seminar. Come and learn.
Online News …
Countdown to 2016 National Youth Gathering: With less than year to go, the NYG Planning Committee is hard at work preparing for 2016’s National Youth Gathering in St. Catharines, Ontario. READ MORE
Help respond to the needs of Syrian refugees: Canadian Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Church–Canada are calling on Canadian Lutherans to make a donation to support Syrian refugees suffering and displaced by brutal violence in their country. READ MORE
For more information on the response of Canadian Lutherans to the Syrian refugee crisis—including information on how you and your congregation can participate in sponsoring Syrian refugees—CLICK HERE.
In your prayers, please remember:
- All the blessings the Lord has given us
- Families as they gather together this Thanksgiving weekend
- Those who are seriously ill
- Those recovering from surgery
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
