“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,”
(Ephesians 2:8 ESV)
Dear Friends of the Risen Saviour,
Christian greetings!
On August 17, 1637, the great Lutheran theologian, Johann Gerhard, died. So on this anniversary of his death I share this insight and prayer from his writings:
After receiving the forgiveness of sins, so many people return to their former way of living. By repeating their sins, they offend God all the more grievously. We see so many who were freed from the yoke of sin only to return to the bondage that once held them. So many of those who have been led out of the spiritual Egypt look back to its fleshpots of carnal pleasures (Exodus 16:3). After recognizing Christ, they flee the defilement of the world but become entangled in it again as they return to their former evil ways (2 Peter 2:20). They were freed from the bonds of Satan through conversion. Trapped again by Satan’s bonds, they hold fast to the deception of evil spirits. Their last state is surely worse than their first (Luke 11:26). It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, having known it, for them to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them (2 Peter 2:21). They are like dogs that return to their vomit or like pigs that wallow in muck after they are washed (2 Peter 2:22).
The same can happen to me if You do not keep me on the good path through Your powerful grace and the effective working of Your Holy Spirit. The same evil spirit that captured them attacks me. The same world that seduced them entices me. The same flesh that secured them lures me. Only Your grace protects me against these attacks and furnishes me with the power necessary for victory. Your strength supplies the power I need in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). You give my spirit the strength to restrain the passion of the flesh. Whatever is good in me comes from You, the font of all good things, because in me, by nature, there is nothing but sin. I have to acknowledge that all the good works I do—which are nevertheless impure because of the corruption and imperfection of my flesh—are gifts of Your grace. I will give You thanks forever because of Your immeasurable gift to me. Amen.
The Lord be with you!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Sunday, August 21, 14th Sunday after Pentecost
10:00 Holy Communion
PoP News …
Grand River Dinner Cruise: Prince of Peace Lutheran, Burlington, would like to invite you to join with our Joyful Seniors in taking a three hour luncheon cruise entitled “Grand River Dinner Cruises” in Caledonia (36 Brant County Rd 22) September 14, 2016. Price of $50 per person (tax incl.) is due September 4. Join us at 10:45 for complimentary coffee & muffin; craft shop open; 11:30 for live music; and 12:30 for the 3-hour luncheon cruise. Refreshments upon return to the dock (craft shop open). For itinerary, visit www.lcceast.ca (select calendar/September).
Open House at Prince of Peace: This congregation began its life of worship and service back in 1960 when we worshipped in a home on Homewood Drive. In 1966 the present structure on Brant Street was built. Fifty years ago we began to call this structure home on Sundays and weekday events. With this in mind, maybe it’s time to open our doors and invite folks in to see what we are all about. A date has been selected, September 24, during the afternoon. Stay tuned for more details.
Check out the insert in this Sunday’s bulletin. It is a form by which you can share names and addresses of relatives, friends and neighbours to whom we could send invitations to our Open House. Who do you want us to invite? Give us some names.
Wedding Invitation: Mark and Bianca invite you to share in the occasion when they stand before the Lord and commit their life to each other in Holy Matrimony. The wedding will take place on Saturday, August 27, at Redeemer Lutheran Church (78 John Street W, Waterloo). The service begins at 2 p.m. All are welcome!
Being Lutheran: Read a book with me. Here’s a book overview: “Throw out all those notions you might have about what it means to be Lutheran. When it comes down to it, being Lutheran is really very simple. It’s about following Jesus. We go where Jesus goes, we listen when Jesus speaks, we trust when Jesus promises. And we live because Jesus lives.” This book “is good for anyone who seeks a better understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ, one who desires even more to get to know Jesus and the power of His Word in their lives.”
The book Being Lutheran will be the basis for a sermon series and Monday evening discussion group through the Fall 2016 season. Don’t pass up on this opportunity! The order has been made but we will have some extra copies if you still want to join in.
The Monday evening discussion group will be open to all – members and friends of the congregation. Where to hold the sessions is yet to be determined.
Did you know that next year the Reformation will be 500 years old? Yes, October 31, 2017, will mark 500 years since Luther nailed his 95 theses inviting the church to debate the unscriptural practice of selling indulgences. I am praying that our Open House experiment will be just the beginning of our thinking on how to bring to Gospel truth to our community and to one another in an ever meaningful way.
Installation Service Invitation (Mississauga): You are invited to join Christ Our King Lutheran Church in Mississauga for Installation of Rev. Vasilios Christoforidis (a.k.a. Pastor Basil Christi) on September 18 @ 4:00 pm. Reception to follow (Please RSVP for reception to coklutheran@chrsitourking.ca).
Do you know someone starting post-secondary education? This can be a very difficult time to remain connected to the Lord but our East District wants to encourage them by inviting them to a nearby congregation. There are churches to welcome post-secondary students (click here to view list) and we would love to send them an email of encouragement. Please send their name, email address and the name of the school they will be attending to campusministry@lcceast.ca. Send it to me as well, as I would love to email them myself.
In September:
Labour Day Weekend, September 4, will be the last Sunday of worship at the summer 10:00 time.
The Fall Schedule begins September 11 (four Sundays to go!)
9:00 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship
Online News …
Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. This week’s topics include: The Saints in Heaven, Good Works, The Movie “Ben-Hur,” The Martyrdom of John the Baptist, Sacramental Vessels & Linens and more. You can listen on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those who are ill
- Those in Hospice care
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
