“Again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come.’”
(Matthew 22:1-3 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
The words above are difficult. It would be easy to complain about the sad state of those who will not come to church. But we can use this text for good:
- by being fearful and prayerful about our own spiritual life. You have heard the saying, “But for the grace of God, so go I.” It should make us tremble that we did not choose to believe the Good News of Jesus. We did not choose to be part of God’s elect but we so easily choose evil. We should pray that we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and that we come to His feast so our faith might be fed. We never want to take faith and forgiveness for granted.
- by praying for our world that God would change people’s hearts enabling them to come to Jesus and receive His forgiveness and have life in His name.
- by being willing servants who willingly go forth inviting people to believe and to respond to His Word.
Later in that same text, Jesus concludes this part of the parable with these words: “And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests.” (verse 10)
The Lord will do His work. People will believe and be saved. Heaven will be populated. Jesus did not die in vain. He died for all – and those who believe will receive all the benefits of His invitation.
Hooray to God!
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Sunday (October 15) here at Prince of Peace…
9:00 Early Service: Holy Communion
9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 am Holy Communion
Sermon: “Solus Christus – CHRIST Alone” based on Acts 4:12
Prince of Peace News …
October 31 will mark the 500th anniversary of Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses in 1517 and the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation. To focus on this important anniversary, we are using the Sundays of October to examine the “solas” that epitomize the teachings that were clarified during the Reformation. Here is a listing of the October sermon series:
October 15 “Solus Christus” – CHRIST Alone
October 22 “Sola Fide” – Through FAITH Alone
October 29 “Sola Gratia” – By GRACE Alone
See you Sunday!
Joyful Seniors invites everyone to join with them in attending the movie “Mully”. The movie is about a man in Kenya going from rags to riches and rescuing 10,000 children from despair transforming their lives. The movie will be shown at Silver Screen Theatre on Brant Street, across from our church, Thursday October 12. Let’s meet in the Silver Screen lobby by 6:45pm with the movie starting at 7:00 o’clock. See the trailer by clicking here.
A Man Named Martin-Part 3: The Movement – The Adult Bible Class has concluded Part 2 of this series and is ready to begin Part 3 of this video-study/discussion Sunday at 9:00am in the church basement. You are invited and welcome to join in this discovery of our theological and historical church roots. Coffee will be on.
Tuesday Bible Study: There will be NO Tuesday Bible Study on October 17.
East District Lutheran Young Adult Retreat: All young adults are invited to the annual EDLYA fall retreat which will take place November 3rd-5th at Christ Lutheran Church in St. Catharines. If you are between the ages 18-35, we encourage you to come on out! If you are not, then please keep the EDLYA group in your prayers and encourage any younger relatives or friends to consider coming. For more information, visit www.edlya.ca or join us on Facebook!
LCC Convention – This weekend!!! Fellow Lutherans from across Canada will be gathering at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kitchener for Lutheran Church—Canada’s 11th triennial convention…and you are invited to be part of it!
- Friday, October 13 @ 7:30 pm – Opening Divine Service at Historic St. Paul’s in downtown Kitchener (137 Queen St. S.)
- Saturday, October 14 @ 7:30 pm – Reformation Intersections concert at Grace Lutheran Church (136 Margaret Ave.)
- Sunday, October 15 @ 8:30 pm – Meet and Greet for President Bugbee, Crowne Plaza Hotel, 2nd floor, (105 King St. E.) in appreciation for his service to the national church over the past 12 years
- October 13-16 – Convention business sessions at the Crowne Plaza. The schedule is available at www.lcc2017.ca. Any member of an LCC congregation is welcome to sit in and observe convention business sessions.
Two Reformation Celebrations …
A Reformation Celebration: On Saturday, October 28, the members and friends of the Hamilton Circuit congregations will gather at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 200 Erie St., Port Colborne, to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. A service will be held at 2 o’clock. A time of refreshments will follow the service (finger-food style). It would be wonderful to have you part of this worship of the Lord of grace and glory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Celebration Service and Banquet: You are also invited to join the Lutheran Church-Canada congregations of Haldimand/Norfolk for the Joint Reformation Celebration Service and Banquet on Sunday, October 29, 3 pm, at the German Club in Delhi. Cost is $25. Youth 17 and under are free of charge. Supper includes chicken and cabbage rolls. Please call the church office of Trinity, Fisherville, for tickets, 905-779-3425.
Other News …
Seminary Guild: Twice a year we like to support our seminary students by filling their Food Pantry. All food donations will be appreciated by October 22 so they can be taken to Harvest Day at the Seminary October 28th. Thank you.
Harvest Day – Saturday, October 28: The Seminary Guild invites you to join them for Harvest Day at Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary in St. Catharines. Guest feature will be the Lutheran Chamber Singers from Kitchener under the direction of Heidi Gallas.
Our Annual Voter’s Meeting is Sunday November 12 after Church. We are looking for people who might be interested in being part of Prince of Peace’s church council. If you are interested or wish to become a member of the Voter’s Assembly, please speak to someone on Church Council.
2017 Annual Report: Do you have something you would like to share in our Annual Report? All groups and committees are asked to have their contributions for the 2017 Annual Report in no later than Oct. 22. You can email submissions to popburl@bellnet.ca.
Operation Christmas Child: We are challenging everyone to participate in packing shoeboxes that will be shipped around the world to children in unfortunate circumstances. Please include $10 in each shoebox to help cover the cost of getting it into the hands of a child. We ask that shoeboxes be returned before Sunday, November 13.
Please plan to attend the next Lutherans For Life-Canada Annual General Meeting: When: Saturday Nov. 4th, 2017 at Grace Lutheran, 213 Linwell Rd, St. Catharines. Guest Preacher: Rev. Dr. John Stephenson. Presenters: Rev. Parry and Tara Hart – Blessings and Challenges of a Special Needs Child. Registration: 9:00am ($15 fee includes lunch)
It’s Jello Time! (Nov 17-19): Hey, Youth! Mark your calendars and save the weekend of November 17-19 for Jello-on-a-Stick at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fisherville. This yearly youth retreat is for youth Grade 8 and up. See Pastor for brochures of the event.
Online News …
Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) is accepting donations in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean. Millions of people are in need of basic necessities including food, water and shelter. Psychosocial, health and employment support will also be needed in the coming weeks and months. See more by clicking here.
The Conservative Reformation: Did Martin Luther aspire to start a new church? Was he a 16th Century Che Guevara intending to overthrow institutional authority? Was the goal of the 16th Century Lutheran reformers reformation or revolution? Find out in an extended series with Dr. Larry Rast, president of Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen live or at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
Reformation News …
The Reformation, a book from CPH: Many people recognize the name Martin Luther when they think of the Reformation, but this era was filled with other fascinating personalities and dramatic changes across every aspect of human life throughout the Western world. The Reformation is a richly illustrated and engagingly written overview of this amazing time of change and renewal in the Christian Church and helps the reader sort through the complex chain of events that shook both church and state to their very foundations. There is a sign-up poster in the lobby and a booklet-sized sample of the book in the lobby. The order must be placed by mid-October.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those in hospital receiving treatment
- Those awaiting surgery
- Those undergoing chemo treatment
- Those struggling with dementia and those who care for them
- Many of our seniors dealing with health issues
- Our Lutheran Church-Canada: synodical convention/elections/restructuring
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
