“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”
(Hebrews 13:7 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Epiphany greetings!
A Sermon By Martin Luther: Aside from translating the Bible into the language of the people, composing many hymns, and producing the Small and Large Catechisms; Martin Luther’s sermons for the church year, called “postils,” were his most influential writings for both pastors and people alike . . . an influence that has continued down even to our present day. Since, as the writer of Hebrews says, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the Word of God;” it is most fitting, as part of our observance of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation during this year of 2017, to hear him proclaim the Word of God to us in an edited sermon for the 6th Sunday after the Epiphany. A copy can be found on the bulletin board.
The Lord be with you!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace this weekend…
Sunday, February 12
9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
9:00 Service of Prayer & Preaching
10:30 Service of Prayer & Preaching
Sermon: “Following Jesus into Reconciliation” based on Matthew 5:21-26
PoP News …
No Men’s Breakfast: There will be no breakfast at Pilgrim, Hamilton, this week because of the seminar at Christ Our King. Instead it will be on Sat. Feb.18th at 8:00 A.M.
Urban Outreach — Let’s Work Together: Christ Our King (Mississauga) is planning a one day conference on February 11th to bring urban churches together to share ideas on how to reach big-city populations where we seldom really know our neighbor. We speak different languages, we have different cultures, and we are busy with so many distractions. Come and share ideas, discuss successes (and failures that you’ve learned from), and help form a network of people to develop effective programs together. A group from Prince of Peace is going. Join us!
Niagara Zone LWMLC Lenten Prayer Service, March 5, will feature “Lessons from a 500-Year-Old Man: Learning to Pray with Luther.” While this event is sponsored for LWML, all people are invited to attend. It begins at 2:30 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Fisherville.
The Hamilton Circuit Forum will also be held Sunday, March 5, at Christ Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 448 Main. St. W., Grimsby. Lunch will be offered at 12:30. The forum will begin at 1:30. While the business gets voted on by pastoral and lay delegates from the last district convention, the forum is open to any members of our Hamilton Circuit congregations. The agenda will include:
- Delegate selection for the 2017 LCC Convention (2 pastoral and 2 lay delegates)
- Nomination from the Hamilton Circuit for the Department for Finance for a 3 year term (July 1, 2016 – June 30, 2019).
- Ideas & Plans for observed 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. This should be of special interest to anyone interested in our churches taking advantage of this historic occasion. You are most certainly welcome!
Higher Things Youth Retreat: When the Gospel became clear to Dr. Luther, everything changed! The Scriptures were opened up and he saw Jesus’ salvation everywhere. You are at the same time saint and sinner. The Law is one thing and the Gospel is another. There is the righteousness that God requires and the righteousness that God gives in Jesus. All of these Lutheran doctrines are different ways of saying the same glorious Reformation discovery: You are saved by grace alone, that is by Jesus alone and that salvation is received by faith alone. Let’s take a look at the book of Romans and rejoice in the Gospel and the Reformation. For youth in grades 7 to 12.
Main Speaker: Rev. George Borghardt (LCMS) is Senior Pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in McHenry, Illinois and the President of Higher Things.
When: Friday March 17, 9:30 am -3:30 pm
Where: Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waterloo; Cost: $30 per person (will be covered by Prince of Peace)
Contact: Rev. David Saar @ 519-323-6992 (cell), 519-323-4844 (o) or revdsaar@gmail.com
Online Registration: http://higherthings.org/retreats/gospel-in-the-reformation
Ontario Baling Days (CLWR): Lutheran churches of Ontario are invited to gather in Wallenstein to rally in support of children and families in need. Ontario Baling Days is a highlight on the “We Care” calendar. They are pleased to extend an invitation to everyone in Ontario who would like to become involved. Volunteers of all ages are invited April 24& 25 to join in helping to sort, fold, count, tape, weigh, label, and load supplies into an international cargo container. Ontario Baling days is a great opportunity for fellowship, to learn more about the work of CLWR, and to make a significant contribution towards the alleviation of poverty and suffering. Please call 1-800-661-2597 or email clwr@clwr.mb.ca to sign up as a volunteer. More HERE.
The Epiphany Season 2017 …
Sermon Series for Epiphany 2017, Following Jesus
Our Epiphany series is on discipleship. A disciple is one who follows.
Christians follow Christ who said, “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
This is our Epiphany theme verse for January and February.
“Following Jesus into Reconciliation” 6th Sunday after the Epiphany
“Following Jesus into Perfection” 7th Sunday after the Epiphany
“Following Him into Humble Service” Transfiguration of Our Lord
Our Lord Jesus is saying, “Come follow Me!” See you on Sunday.
Reformation 500 News …
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses on the Wittenberg church doors inviting scholars to debate the practice of selling indulgences which ultimately led to a more clearly proclaimed Gospel of forgiveness through the grace of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Martin Luther and the Reformation with Dr. Ken Schurb: As heard on KFUO: The first 35 of these Issues, etc. interviews with Pastor Ken Schurb of Zion Lutheran Church, Moberly, Missouri, cover the life and work of Luther. Each runs about one hour. Programs numbered 36 and higher run about 30 minutes each. They summarize Luther’s comments on the Sermon on the Mount. Check it out by clicking here.
Reformation Welcome Video: 500 years after the Reformation, it’s still all about Jesus! Watch the video from the LCMS president inviting you to take part in this exciting anniversary. – See it by clicking here.
Reformation 2017: It’s still all about Jesus!
Online News …
2017 World Watch List ranks most dangerous countries for Christians: Click here.
Haiti Lutheran Mission Society Newsletter: The winter edition of the HLMS newsletter is now available on the East District website under Resources/Publications. Click here.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering from medical procedures
- Those in hospital
- Those undergoing chemotherapy
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
