“Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” …
Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
(Acts 10:34-35, 47-48 ESV)
Dear Friends,
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
In the days of the Book of Acts, it was a big deal for Christian people with a Jewish background to believe that Jesus is Saviour also for all people even if they are not Jewish.
But how about us? Do we really believe that Jesus is Saviour for all people – even people who are not like us? We can say “Yes” with our mouth, but that doesn’t mean our actions also say, “Yes.” By actions I mean being friendly with guests at church, inviting friends and family to church, and freely admitting to people, “I believe in Jesus and all that He has said.”
Let us never be guilty of withholding people – even ones who are not like us – from God’s forgiving love in Jesus. Let’s love them – pray for them – engage with them.
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Mother’s Day), May 10
9:00 Sunday School and Adult Bible Class
10:30 Matins with alternative accompaniment
11:30 Coffee Hour
News …
Ascension mid-week Service: On Thursday, May 14, at 7:00pm, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church will observe and celebrate the wonder of Jesus’ ascension into heaven. It will be a communion service. Come and hear how our Lord Jesus, still true God and true man, reigns with the Father from heaven for our sakes.
Heaven Help Us! Tickets go on sale this Sunday for the outdoor concert at Prince of Peace, Saturday, June 13. The concert will feature the group, “Heaven Help Us!” There will be a tent set up and goodies to eat. Tell and invite your friends!
IMPORTANT NOTE: The Committee Orientation Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 7:30pm at the church (not the half hour sooner that was mistakenly announced on Sunday. Our apologies for that error.) Pray for the work of our committees.
NEPAL EARTHQUAKE RELIEF: CLWR and LCC are calling for financial donations to help earthquake survivors in Nepal. The donations will support the work of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), whose Kathmandu-based emergency team launched an immediate large-scale emergency response. LWF staff members distributed tarpaulins, hygiene kits and ready-made food to about 400 families in Kathmandu over the weekend of the earthquake. Along with assessing the situation in remote communities, LWF priorities are now to provide water, sanitation and hygiene materials, as well as emergency shelter to people who lost their homes or who are staying outside for fear of aftershocks. The Canadian government announced that for every dollar given to a registered charity for earthquake relief between April 25 and May 25, the government will put $1 into their “Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund” which they will then use to fund relief work in Nepal. Click here for more information. Please hold the people of Nepal in prayer.
Pilgrim Celebrates 50th Anniversary: Pilgrim Lutheran Church, Hamilton, will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary with a special weekend of Anniversary celebrations on May 23-24. On Saturday, May 23, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm they will host a meet-and-greet with the wife and family of their former Pastor, Rev. Edward Koehler. At the 11:00 am morning worship service on May 24 the guest preacher will be Rev. John Nunes, a son of the congregation. At the 3:30 pm 50th Anniversary Worship service, the guest preacher will be Rev. Paul Koehler, another son of the congregation, and son of their first Pastor. A banquet will follow at Carmen’s Banquet Centre at 6:00 pm. Information about the various activities taking place during the year can be viewed on the Anniversary page of Pilgrim’s website, http://www.pilgrimlutheranchurch.ca/. Click the Anniversary Logo on the top left corner of the Home page. Tickets for the banquet are on sale now until May 3, 2015. To obtain tickets for the banquet or additional information, email mailto:plc50ann@yahoo.ca%20or call the church at 905-383-3923.
East District Convention News
The convention theme was “God’s will for us” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. The Essayist was Rev. Dr. James Gimbel, President, Concordia Lutheran Seminary, Edmonton.
Delegate Daily was the Convention Newsletter handed out to all delegates. You can see them too. To get a good glimpse of what happened just click Monday or Tuesday below. The Wednesday Delegate Daily is yet to be posted. Look at the district website shortly to see it too by clicking here.
- Monday, May 4
- Tuesday, May 5
- Wednesday, May 6
- Watch and hear the opening service featuring synodical president Rev. Dr. Robert Bugbee as preacher and all the wonderful music by clicking here.
Happening now during the Sunday Adult Bible Class …
“Explaining All The Scary Stuff In Revelation”
Sundays @ 9:15 in the church basement. Coffee will be on.
“Explaining All The Scary Stuff In Revelation” continues this Sunday @ 9:15 in the church basement in the Adult Bible Class. Coffee will be on. You know you’re curious about the Book of Revelation! Check it out!
In 96 A.D. a miraculous thing happened on a rocky, desolate, 6×10 mile island in the Aegean. The apostle John was walking alongside the ocean when the majestic voice of God spoke from heaven bringing a message of cheer to believers who had been struggling with the harsh burden of persecution from the Roman Emperor Dimitian. The old disciple looked heavenward to see the clouds part and God revealing an amazing vision of His plan for the Church through the ages. Unfortunately through the years Revelation has come to be seen as a scary book filled with confusing and even terrifying things. So join us as we talk about that scary stuff and learn that God didn’t give us Revelation to terrify us – but to reassure us.
In your prayers, please remember:
- The families of those killed or injured by the earthquake in Nepal and the relief efforts that are ongoing
- Our newly confirmed youth, Madison, Emma and Emily, that their faith in Jesus and life in His name might grow and bear fruit
- Those who are ill
- Those who mourn
- Christians suffering persecution in various parts of the world
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
