“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
(2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Greetings in Jesus’ name.
There are givers and there are takers. You know people that have showed themselves to be more like one or the other. Bad drivers, selfish people in stores and restaurants, those who never stop talking about themselves, and so on – you know, takers. And then, there are people who are always asking how you’re doing, offering to help you or others– you know, givers.
In reality, as Christians we ought to be able to admit that we are both. When our sinful nature rears its ugly head, it shows just how much of a taker mentality we have.
Thank God that His Spirit brings us to confess our taker-sinfulness and receive the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. God was not a taker when He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
But then a wondrous thing begins to happen in believers. See what happened to St. Paul who once was so filled with misdirected ambition that he hurt people. After his conversion, St. Paul explained his new motivation, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”
So while Paul still had a taker mentality to battle, his allegiance was to his new self – a giver self. This part of him which wanted to give the Lord’s blessings and gifts to others was modeled after the One who gave Himself for him – and for us.
May the love of Christ control us all – that we might be gifts of God to other people.
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 14
First Sunday 10:00 service time
10:00 Outdoor Service
11:30 BBQ at church
PoP News …
This Weekend (June 13 & 14) is a big weekend! …
Outdoor Concert at Prince of Peace! Even if you have not bought tickets beforehand, you can come to our first-ever outdoor Gospel concert at Prince of Peace this Saturday, June 13. The concert starts at 7:00 pm and will feature the Gospel group, “Heaven Help Us!” Their music is considered pop Gospel/bluegrass Gospel. There will be a tent set up and goodies to eat. It’ll be great! Tell and invite your friends! Tickets are $10, children under 12 will be $5.
Outdoor Service and Congregational BBQ is coming up this Sunday, June 14. There will be a tent (larger than last year) and great food. It will be the first Sunday of our 10:00am service time. During the Matins service new members will be received. The BBQ will follow.
Men’s Breakfast at Pilgrim Lutheran Church. Men of Prince of Peace are invited to attend the monthly men’s breakfast/Bible study at Pilgrim, 1054 Upper Sherman Ave., this Saturday beginning at 8:00am. Both the food and the fellowship are wonderful for men from a few of our Hamilton Circuit congregations.
Please join us in the lounge after the Worship Service on Sunday, June 21, to enjoy strawberries and ice cream along with some social time. Luscious ripe berries and Prince of Peace hospitality…irresistible! Sponsored by the Ladies Guild.
Vacation Bible Weekend: “Camp Discovery” – August 8 & 9
Registration is open for JK to starting Gr. 6. Come along with us as we sing fun songs, do crazy crafts, eat yummy snacks, play awesome games, and more. Plus, you’ll learn all about Jesus our Saviour and how He is at work through us! Can’t wait to see you there! Just fill in a registration form!
Other News …
EDLYA’s Annual Summer Retreat is July 31 to August 3 at Laurel Creek Conservation Area, Waterloo. For more information check online http://www.edlya.ca/.
Student Internship Opportunity: Halton Alive is an education and resource based charity serving Halton region. They are extending a special opportunity for youth to be a student intern at Halton Alive this summer. Ask the Prince of Peace office for more information if you know someone who would be interested.
Online News …
Here is some news from the ABC District Convention:
- ABC District asks LCC to appoint Interim Pastoral Leader
- ABC District calls for restructuring Synod; President Schiemann gives final report
- ABC District elects new president, discusses CEF/DIL situation
- President Elect addresses ABC District convention; final election and resolution results
He’s almost here!: Check this out from CPH. It’s Lego Luther! Click here or see him below. (Did you know that on October 31, 2017 it will be the 500th anniversary of Luther nailing his 95 theses to the door of the Wittenberg church which many mark as the beginning of the Reformation? Many Lutherans around the world are making plans to mark the occasion and give witness to the central truth that Christians are “saved by grace through faith.”)
Lutherans involved in making a film to show at the Niagara Integrated Film Festival in St. Catharines. Lost Penny, a story inspired by the parables of the Lost Coin and the Prodigal Son, brought various members of local Lutheran Churches into the filming process, including the Niagara Area Lutheran Choir. You are invited to its screening Sunday, June 21 at 12:30 p.m. at the Landmark Cinemas, Pen Centre in St. Catharines. Tickets: $12.50/$10 for students & seniors. For ticket info: http://www.cubecity.org/
In your prayers, please remember:
- Those under doctor’s care
- Those recovering from surgery
- Those in mourning
- Those suffering religious persecution in various parts of the world
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
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