“The LORD is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?”
(Psalm 27:1 ESV)
Dear Christian Friends,
This is a favourite psalm verse – worthy of memorization. Fear. Someone has said the letters form a phrase that defines the emotion: F.E.A.R. meaning “False Evidence Appearing Real.” When you wake up in a sweat from a bad dream, the perspiration is real even though the boggy-man you dreamed about was not. He just appeared real. Mind you, there are many very real things to worry about, but we multiply our worries when our imagination turns against us.
It is also noteworthy that someone has said that the Bible says various forms of the phrase, “Fear not!” about 365 times – that’s enough to have a different verse for every day of the year. One thing is clear, the Lord knows we get anxious and He wills that we be at peace.
But we cannot manufacture a peace that will only appear real. We need something worthy of our trust – or rather, Someone worthy of our trust.
O Lord, give us an ever increasing faith in You. Help us ever recall all the things You have done for us. You sent Your Son into this world. He was part of history in order to really die and really take away the sin of the world and really rise from the dead. He lives to tell us, “Peace be with you.”
Indeed, “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Coming Up this Sunday at Prince of Peace…
9:00 Sunday School for kids, teens and adults
The Adult Bible class will study Paul’s Epistle of Joy – Philippians. Join us.
Epiphany is a season of joy – God’s son has come to the world. Coffee’s on!
10:30 Service of Prayer & Preaching
Sermon: “Joyful Sacrifices” based on Matthew 4:12-23
Installation of the Altar Guild
Coming Up …
January 26 – Wills & Estate Planning seminar: After service this Sunday we will share a pot luck lunch followed by a presentation by Mr. Al Feth of Lutheran Foundation Canada. Young or older, you are urged to attend Mr. Feth’s presentation. Bring something to share for lunch and receive some valuable information.
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage: The Tale of Two Brains. The fellowship committee invites the couples of PoP and your couple-friends to a Valentine’s Day event, Friday, February 14. I want to show a video that’s on you-tube about the differences between men & women and their effects on marriage. We were thinking of having a meal at the church followed by the video but we don’t want a lot of kitchen work.
Therefore, here’s the deal. We will serve a meal with only a minimal cost to you. And it will be fun! Save the date and stay tuned for more details.
It’s time to MAN UP! Annual Men’s Retreat . . . {registration deadline Jan 27} The Elders of Holy Cross-Kitchener invite all men (members, friends, family, both inside and outside LCC) to attend the annual men’s retreat weekend January 31 to February 1, 2014 at the Guelph Bible Conference Centre. Sign-in begins Friday at 6:45 pm and the program runs through Saturday evening. The keynote presenter is Pastor Christopher Bodley (LCMS, Florida) whose passion and concentration has been in urban ministry and community development. For more info & registration form see the attachment or on my bulletin board in the PoP lobby.
To watch an interview with guest speaker, Rev. Christopher Bodley, visit here. The site is password protected with LCMS2013.
Other News …
Share a ride! The fellowship committee of Prince of Peace has a concern that we should all share. There are members who have difficulty getting out to services because of transportation needs. They either come less frequently or else take a taxi to church. The committee suggests we gather a list of those needing transportation and a list of those willing to assist by offering a ride. We have yet to set up a system, but we ask that you begin to think about this idea.
In 2014 we will reach and complete reading the New Testament. If you are not yet in, it would be a great time for you to join our Bible reading effort at Prince of Peace. Ask the Lord to motivate you to read His Word this year. Just follow the readings.
Our new piano drinks water!!! Not really, but it does have a humidity control system which, in the dry winter weather, consumes water. Because of the minerals that are in tap water, it is suggested that we use distilled water. If you have a dehumidifier, would you be willing to jug it and bring it to church?
Online …
CLWR conveys thanks for Philippine support . . . To read an update on relief work following typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and thanks to everyone who offered support, click HERE.
Below in the “In your prayers, please remember” section, I list some specific requests. However, if you are able to devote more time to prayer I know a couple of websites with news that give opportunities to pray. They include a news site about persecuted Christians called Voice of the Martyrs at http://www.persecution.net/ and a site about life issues (regarding abortion and euthanasia) called LifeSiteNews.com at http://www.lifesitenews.com/ .
“Who is Linda Gibbons?” is a documentary about the Pro-Life activist. To see the Cubecity Entertainment Inc. production click here (WARNING: This video contains graphic imagery which may upset some viewers).
Week 73 of the Bible Reading Plan: (January 27-February 1)
| Monday | Zechariah 3:1-10 |
| Tuesday | Zechariah 4:1-14 |
| Wednesday | Zechariah 5:1-11 |
| Thursday | Zechariah 6:1-15 |
| Friday | Zechariah 7:1-14 |
| Saturday | Zechariah 8:1-23 |
You can listen to the day’s reading by clicking the links on our Bible reading webpage. Go to poplc.ca.
“Your testimonies are righteous forever; give me understanding that I may live.” (Psalm 119:144 ESV)
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those undergoing treatment for cancer
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
1299 Brant St.
Burlington, ON
905-332-7671
