“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.”
(Psalm 46:1 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the name of Jesus!
During Luther’s lifetime, massive stone walls were a regular part of towns and other large structures. Considering that Brother Martin was cooped up in the Wartburg Castle for six months for his own protection from the authorities, such would be a natural image coming to mind when Luther later translated Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
The meaning is clear – God is like a fortress to me – like a mighty castle. I can trust God to keep me safe. He is strong and mighty, and He has a loving interest in keeping me safe.
Psalm 46 indeed was the inspiration for “A Mighty Fortress” the famous Reformation hymn:
A mighty Fortress is our God,
A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from every need
That hath us now o’ertaken.
The old evil Foe
Now means deadly woe;
Deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;
On Earth is not his equal.
With might of ours can naught be done,
Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One,
Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this?
Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabaoth Lord,
And there’s none other God;
He holds the field forever.
That is the theme of this year’s Vacation Bible School in this 500th anniversary year of the Reformation – “Mighty Fortress: In Jesus, the Victory is Won!” (see below for details).
Children can be pre-enrolled, or sign up at Friday evening’s Funfest or Saturday at 8:30am.
The Lord be with you.
Sunday (July 23) here at Prince of Peace…
10:00 am Outdoor Service
Sermon: “The Victory is Won” based on Luke 24:5-7
Dress casually – Share a warm welcome with any guests!
11:30 BBQ Lunch
VBS Weekend News …
VBS Facebook Share: If you are on Facebook, please consider going to our Prince of Peace Facebook page and “sharing” the “Family Funfest” post on your “timeline.” That way, there is the opportunity for many more people to see it. Click here to see our Facebook page.
Vacation Bible School weekend:
- Friday Family Funfest (5:00-8:00pm): Friday evening will be a family fun night complete with free ice cream and inflatables for children. This will be an opportunity for young families in our neighbourhood to visit us and to enroll in our Saturday program. All members are welcome to attend and mingle with people while enjoying an ice cream.
- Saturday Vacation Bible School (8:30am-4:30pm) under the theme, “Mighty Fortress: In Jesus, the Victory is Won!”: It will be our all-day educational and fun day including times for Bible lessons, crafts, snacks and lunch, Bible memory fun, and outdoor activities – All FREE for families who bring their children to attend.
- Sunday Service & BBQ: Sunday will feature a 10:00am outdoor service and BBQ afterwards enabling our members to interact with our guests.
Preregister your children, grandchildren, or neighbourhood kids (905-332-7671 or popburl@bellnet.ca) or register online at http://poplc.ca/vbs/.
An Appeal: While there will be hamburgers and hot dogs along with potato salad and beverages, Prince of Peace members are encouraged to bring along either a salad or a dessert to share for the outdoor meal on Sunday.
Other News …
Church Cleaning: As part of cost saving measures at Prince of Peace, the Trustees are looking for volunteers from our church family to provide light cleaning services to the sanctuary and washrooms during our cleaner, quieter summer season. If you are willing to be part of the cleaning rotation, please add your name and contact information to the signup sheet in the foyer.
Young Adult Camping Retreat (Aug 4-7): All young adults (anybody aged 18-35) are invited to attend the annual East District Lutheran Young Adult (EDLYA) camping trip! Let all your worries melt away beneath the balmy southern Ontario sun ☀⛅☀ as you participate in a three-day long camping EXTRAVAGANZA! 😜👌 Roast marshmallows over the open fire 🔥🔥, sleep beneath the starry sky 🌟, and spend time with your fellow Lutherans 🙋⛪🙏👌😂 at our upcoming retreat at Springwater Conservation Area. The retreat will take place Civic Holiday weekend from 👉👉 August 4 to 7, 👈👈👀👀 so mark it ✒ 📅 on your calendar now! Tell 👏 everyone 👏 you 👏 know! 📢 📢 Register online NOW at www.edlya.ca. (Sorry for all the emojis) 😅 😓
Be part of a national church event (Oct 13-16): Kitchener is honoured to host the national Lutheran Church-Canada convention. Delegates from across Canada will gather at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to worship, conduct church business, and study God’s Word. You can be part of the action as a volunteer and maybe even see some old friends from other parts of Canada. Speak to Pastor or go to www.serveLCC.ca to see all the opportunities. Sign-up!
Online News …
Restructuring Enters Final Phase: Synod’s Board of Directors has formed a “Working Group” in partnership with CCMS to craft amendments to the current LCC Handbook. “The schedule is tight,” noted CCMS Chairman, Rev. William Ney, “but we are hopeful going into this phase that we can have final proposals ready for early September.” At the same meeting, the Board granted Dr. Les Stahlke a peaceful release from his Commission contract. See entire story in Canadian Lutheran Online – Here.
Reformation News …
Tour the cradle of the Lutheran Reformation: This is a video tour of Wittenberg hosted by LCMS President Matthew C. Harrison. To see it click here.
Reformation Concerts (Sept 9, 23, Oct 14): Reformation Concerts will be held in the Kitchener Circuit on Sept. 9 at Redeemer, Waterloo; Sept. 23 at Bethel, Kitchener; and the main concert with orchestra, etc., on Oct. 14 (at the time of the Convention) at Grace, Kitchener. Stay tuned for more details.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those undergoing chemotherapy
- Safety for children during their summer vacation
- This year’s Vacation Bible School which is only days away. Please pray for our preparations, for interested children and families to attend, for the faithful communication of God’s love in Christ, and for God’s Word to bear fruit.
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
