A Prayer during Pandemic:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, give us grace to trust You during this time of illness and distress. In mercy put an end to the pandemic that afflicts us. Grant relief to those who suffer, and comfort all that mourn. Sustain all medical personnel in their labors. Graciously spare us those punishments which we by our sins have deserved, and cause Your people ever to serve You in righteousness and holiness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Stay-at-Home Order
On Tuesday January 12 the Ontario government released a wealth of data, new projections and a declaration of a state of emergency which includes a stay-at-home order effective January 14. Once again we find ourselves evaluating our plans for worship in the midst of changing government regulations!
There are a couple of noteworthy differences between the two waves of this pandemic:
First, at this time spiritual care (in the form of religious rites and ceremonies) is considered essential. There is a gathering limit of 10 enforced by the government and churches are explicitly permitted to operate online (streaming is not considered “gathering”).
Second is the presence of the B-117 “UK variant” of the virus, estimated to be 50%+ more transmissible than the earlier variants. This new variant is largely responsible for the potential pandemic scenarios which concern authorities the most.
Along with specific new orders and restrictions came fervent pleas to “stay at home” and “limit mobility”.
Your brothers and sisters who serve as leaders at Prince of Peace are deeply concerned with your spiritual care and ensuring that you have access to both Word and Sacrament. Romans 13 also tells us to be subject to our government which, in these matters, is grappling to address the physical care of all.
To be frank, these two priorities can be in tension with one another. Finding the right, balanced path is complicated.
- On Saturday, January 16th we are resuming online Bible Study via Zoom at 9:30AM.
- This Sunday, January 17th the 10:30am Divine Service will be available online and by telephone ONLY.
More details will follow regarding future weeks.
Please pray for Prince of Peace and for all of God’s children as we face this second wave together. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus!
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Live Streaming
Prince of Peace has moved from a pre-recorded online service to the use of live streaming on Sunday mornings.
It is recommended that you SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel and also enable NOTIFICATIONS – you will then be prompted to join our live streams with no extra effort.
Our YouTube channel may be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe8oJzS78LhezWHetoPeePQ
Click SUBSCRIBE, then click the BELL for notifications!
You can follow the worship service by clicking on the “Service Orders” page of our website.
You can also find all of our archived services, sermons and other videos at any time through our YouTube channel
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60 years ago…..
Under the leadership of Rev. Kenneth Zorn, the name of our church, Prince of Peace, was chosen and became official on January 22, 1961. “And His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Secret Prayer Pals: All ladies are invited to join us for ‘secret’ encouragement through prayer, notes and gifts from fellow sisters in Christ. This activity concludes in December when your Secret Pal will be revealed! Birthdays and holidays are special times and an opportunity to do something extra special for your Secret Prayer Pal. Remember…it is the thought that counts! Simply email office@poplc.ca to let us know you would like to participate, and provide us with your important dates such as your birthday, anniversaries, and any special prayers requests. We will be pairing names at the end of January.
COMING SOON! Preparations to restart the Ladies Bible Study are underway. ALL ladies are invited! If you would like to join the group and include your name to our mass mailing list please let us know. We will need your email address.
In your prayers, please remember those in mourning, those being treated for cancer, those recovering from surgery, those who have tested positive with COVID-19, our elderly and shut-in friends, all those under doctor’s care, and all those separated from family due to the COVID-19 restrictions, our Vicar-elect David Zakel, our Vacancy Pastor Robert Krestick, and Rev. James Schnarr. Restore Canada and the world in health and livelihood, and preserve us from pestilence and fear.
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Supporting My Home Congregation in Difficult TimesThe expenses of the church continue through this pandemic. The support of congregation members is necessary. There are three ways to make financial contributions to Prince of Peace at this time: 1. LCC Web site 2. Monthly EFT 3. Personal Cheque Heavenly Father, You have richly blessed us through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Accept our offerings and use them to Your glory. Amen. |