“The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name.”
(Isaiah 49:1 ESV)
Dear Christian Friends,
While the words above speak of a plan God had for Isaiah the Prophet before the man was even born, it does open the door to the idea that God has a plan for you and me.
No person is an accident! God knew what He was doing when you came along.
“But Pastor, why then does such trouble come along with it?” Good question. However, the Lord Jesus Himself was born into a world of trouble. His parents were fleeing for the baby’s safety. And we know that Jesus encountered a world of trouble as an adult. Multitudes cheered and were amazed and believed, while behind the scene were those who were jealous, unbelieving and hostile to Jesus.
Still, God had a plan that saw Jesus through trial and crucifixion and death in order to accomplish our salvation.
So when it seems so bleak for us and we inwardly question God’s love and purpose for our life (wondering if He even has one for us), remember that while our vision and knowledge are limited, God saw it all from afar in love. And “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31 ESV)
God knowing us before we were born also begs the question, “Should we humans be eliminating other humans before they even have opportunity to be born and grow into the plan God has for them?” (Let’s pray for the rights of the unborn – in Canada and around the world – this Sunday.) Most of all remember, that with God, nobody is ever, ever unwanted – With God, nobody was ever created by accident – not you, not anyone!
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 Holy Communion
Sermon: “The Holy Local Congregation” based on 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Coming Up …
Ladies Bible Study Breakfast – join us on Saturday January 18 at 9:00a.m. for our women’s focused Bible Study. We will also be receiving our prayer pals for 2014 and brainstorming.
The Wednesday Prayer & Communion Service is an opportunity to request special prayers and also to receive the Lord’s Supper. It is this coming Wednesday at 8pm.
January 26 – Wills & Estate Planning seminar: After service that Sunday we will share a pot luck lunch followed by a presentation by Mr. Al Feth of Lutheran Foundation Canada.
A confidential survey is attached which you are asked to fill out and hand in this Sunday (Printed surveys also will be available on Sunday which you are asked to fill and submit before you leave). The survey targets all those age 18 or older. The results will assist Mr. Feth as he prepares for the seminar. Young or older, you are urged to attend Mr. Feth’s presentation on the 26th.
Other News …
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. We still have a copy of the Today’s Light Bible which divides the readings into days accompanied by devotional explanations to 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?
Have you changed your contact information? If you haven’t already, please inform the office if you’ve changed your address, phone number, or email during 2013. A new member directory for 2014 hopefully will be available by the end of this month. (Email addresses will not be published and are for office use only).
Online …
January 19 is also Life Sunday … To read more click here .
Also, Documentary about a Pro-Life Activist Linda Gibbons. Click here (WARNING: This video contains graphic imagery which may upset some viewers).
“A Man for our Times: Bach’s Music and Theology for a New Millennium”. Concordia Lutheran Seminary – Winter 2014 Quest course . . . Dates: February 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2014 (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm MST)
So often, J.S. Bach is held up as a paragon of the high Baroque and of an even higher church music. It may be surprising to many that Bach dealt with the same grass-roots challenges the modern church worker and church musician faces: chronic lack of resources, doctrinal inconsistency, cultural pressure, few capable parish musicians, and often antagonistic working relationships. These four sessions will examine Bach’s philosophy and theology of church music practice historically, musically, practically, and theologically, and translate those principles into the new millennium. The course caters to the non-musician and musician, theologian and layperson alike. Presenter: Rev. Lorne Manweiler, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Edmonton, AB.
These Quest classes are offered as a class at CLS (Edmonton) and as a webcast for distant students. http://www.concordiasem.ab.ca/academics/quest.php . Cost: No registration fee – donations welcome.
To register for the free classes contact Rhonda Buck at development@concordiasem.ab.ca or 780-474-1468, ext. 225.
Week 72 of the Bible Reading Plan: (January 20-25)
| Monday | Habakkuk 1:1-2:20 |
| Tuesday | Habakkuk 3:1-19 |
| Wednesday | Zephaniah 1:1-2:15 |
| Thursday | Zephaniah 3:1-20 |
| Friday | Haggai 1:1-2:23 |
| Saturday | Zechariah 1:1-2:13 |
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:
- Our East District President recovering at home following knee replacement surgery
- Those undergoing treatment for cancer
- Those who mourn
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
