“From the rising of the sun to its setting,
the name of the LORD is to be praised!”
(Psalm 113:3 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
Did you wake up this morning? Give thanks to God! Have you survived another day? Give thanks to God! During the day was there anything that you would classify as a blessing? Give thanks to God! Did something difficult happen to you today but somehow you got through it – or better still, did the difficulty cause you to gain wisdom and depend more upon the Lord? Yes, you guessed it – Give thanks to God!
In fact often when we find ourselves at our lowest, it is then that we are most open to the Lord’s greatest blessings. After all, the Bible says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6 ESV) It is when we are humbled we are more open to God’s forgiveness and appreciate how that forgiveness was won – through the sacrifice of Christ.
Indeed, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV)
So praise the Lord! – “From the rising of the sun to its setting.” Those who worship the Lord do so at all times and places.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Sunday (January 21) here at Prince of Peace…
9:00 am Holy Communion
9:00 am Sunday School & Adult Bible Class
10:30 am Holy Communion
Sermon: “Turn to a New Beginning” based on Mark 1:14–15
Prince of Peace News …
Use of the Individual Cup: It is no secret that age is creeping up on all of us. For some coming forward to receive the Lord’s body and blood can be a physical challenge. Climbing the stairs and managing the small individual cup increasingly becomes a balancing act that on some days is fine but on other days is difficult. Your church elders and I want to be helpful so we brainstormed some ideas. On January 21, we will put the first plan into action by eliminating the little table of individual cups. Instead, an elder will walk with me at the railing so that you may choose to receive the wine by the individual cup offered by him or the chalice offered by me.
Ladies’ Bible Study Breakfast this Saturday (January 20th) 9am – 11am. The ladies are going to be delving into the book of 2nd Timothy. Come for a fruitful study and a great breakfast!
Men’s Breakfast at Pilgrim will also meet this Saturday (January 20th) but at 8:00am. The PoP men are welcome to join the Pilgrim men for fun, fellowship, and Bible study. Pilgrim Lutheran Church is located at 1054 Upper Sherman Ave, Hamilton.
Rescuing Our Kids (or Grand-Kids, or Great-Grand-Kids): The Sunday morning adult Bible class will feature “Rescuing Our Kids,” a powerful video presentation by Ken Ham. Studies have shown our kids are doubting what they’re taught at church earlier than many parents fear. We need ways to address potential short comings in how children are equipped to deal with the secular attacks they experience the other 6 days of the week. Curious? Come Sunday morning at 9 o’clock. Coffee will be on. The class meets in the church basement.
(By the way, both the Tuesday Bible study and the Sunday School Staff will also be using their meeting times to view this presentation.)
I need to read my Bible! Won’t you join me? A three-year plan of daily Bible readings has been compiled by the Lutheran Church—Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod to encourage the people of our church bodies in the daily reading of Holy Scripture. A calendar of daily readings will be placed in the lobby monthly. Pick up your copy now. I encourage you to join me on this project as a spiritual up-building exercise for 2018.
Falling behind? Always begin your reading with today’s scheduled reading, and don’t be discouraged if you have missed some days.
Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation – 2017 Edition: With 374 questions and 1142 Scripture references, the new explanation provides more biblical teaching to address issues facing Christians today and devotional aids to nurture faith. Now available at an introductory sale price of $14.95 US.
I’d like to work my way through this new edition. Would anyone like to join me? A weekend evening group? Talk to me.
Online News …
LUTHERAN PIETY…You can listen to an in-depth series with Pastor Will Weedon, author of the new book “Thank, Praise, Serve, and Obey.” Teachings include: Listening to the Word of God, Daily Prayers, Receiving the Eucharist, Confession of Sins & Absolution, Sacrificial Giving, Good Works and more. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen live or at your convenience at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
The next EDLYA retreat is this weekend! January 19 to 21 the East District Lutheran Young Adults are holding a retreat at First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (3620 Nafziger Road, Wellesley). If you are a young adult aged 18-35, don’t let this exciting opportunity slip you by! Register NOW at www.edlya.ca. Hope to see you there!
Higher Things Junior/Senior Youth Retreat: Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waterloo and Rev. David Saar are hosting a Higher Things Youth Retreat on March 16 (9:30 am – 3:30 pm). The retreat theme “His Blood is Life” refers to the familiar words, “My Body, given for you; My blood, shed for you.” With these words, Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, gives to us a life-giving gift, a meal of salvation and a medicine of immortality. Retreat leader, Pastor Mark Buetow, serves as Associate Pastor & School Director at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church & School in McHenry, IL. The $30 cost per person covers all expenses for the day including food. Download registration forms, register online at www.higherthings.org/retreats, or contact Pastor Saar at 519-323-6992 or 519-323-4844 or revdsaar@gmail.com for a registration packet.
Video from 2017 Convention now on YouTube: Video from Lutheran Church–Canada’s 2017 convention is now online. The video includes both the opening worship service and all six business sessions. VIEW HERE
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those recovering from injury
- Those being treated for cancer
- Spiritual growth of fellow members as we worship; read & study the Bible
- For outgoing LCC President Bugbee and incoming President Teuscher and for all the transitions involved in our synodical restructuring
- Those who travel, those who are ill or caring for ailing loved ones, those who struggle with mental illness, those who mourn, those who are unemployed
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
