“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”
(1 Timothy 6:9-10 ESV)
Dear Friends of the Risen Saviour,
Christian greetings!
Just to be clear, you will note that St. Paul does NOT say, “Money is the root of all evils.” He does say that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
Not all evils – Not money in every case – But loving money, especially when we know that we should do as Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38 ESV) In other words, if we act like having enough money will take care of us better or instead of God, then we have made our finances into a god.
Luther said, “A ‘god’ is the term for that to which we are to look for all good and in which we are to find refuge in all need.” (Large Catechism, 1st Commandment)
Ouch! There are many things to which we look for some measure of good. As Christians, we need to examine ourselves, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to see if we are growing to expect more from various earthly things than from the Lord Himself.
Which do we love more – the gift or the Giver? For sure, we should love and trust the Lord more than any of His gifts.
Of course, in our sinful condition, we often fall off that wagon. Then, as always, we need assistance. And there is only One who can provide it. Jesus! – “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds we are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)
Having said all that, as forgiven and redeemed people of God, we can earn and use money to His glory – to take care of ourselves and our families, to support the work of the Lord in His Church, to serve others in our community, and to enjoy as we give glory to God for all His blessings.
The Lord be with you!
Coming Up at Prince of Peace …
Sunday, September 25, 19th Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 Sunday School & Adult Bible Class (Begin together in the sanctuary)
9:00 Early Service: Matins
10:30 Matins with alternative accompaniment
11:30 Coffee Hour
PoP News …
Our Open House at Prince of Peace: is this Saturday, September 24, 1 to 4 pm.
Invitations have been sent – People are praying for this event. If you would like to stop in during the Open House yourself, well, you need to invite someone new to Prince of Peace to be your guest.
Adult Instruction Classes begin this Wednesday at 6:30pm. You receive a free new catechism. Each session incorporates a video clip after which we discuss part of the catechism. Homework involves looking ahead to the coming section of catechism to stir up questions you might have. If you miss a session, we can make it up later. Talk to me if you or someone you know is interested in joining the group.
We will host one of the “Church-wide Discussions” as part of Stage 4 of the LCC restructuring process. From now to mid-December, circuits across Canada will have a chance to see and discuss a proposed plan for restructuring the Synod. Prince of Peace will host such a Circuit Convocation on Sunday, October 30, beginning at 3:30. Pastors Paul Schallhorn and William Ney, both of the LCC Commission on Constitutional Matters & Structure (CCMS) will be in attendance to answer your questions and receive your input. After the first session, we’ll share a BBQ sausage and sauerkraut supper (bring a dessert to share and a little cash to cover the sausage cost). A second session will follow the meal. Come, learn, share, and worship. Even if you can’t stay the full time, your interest and thoughts shared are vital. Devotions will revolve around the Festival of the Reformation. Indeed, “a mighty Fortress is our God!”
2016 Annual Report– Do you have something you would like to share in our Annual Report? All groups and committees are asked to have their contributions for the 2016 Annual Report in by September 25. You can email submissions to popburl@bellnet.ca.
Annual Meeting Potluck Lunch – Please join us for a potluck lunch on Sunday October 23 prior to the Voter’s Meeting. Members with surnames beginning with the letters M to Z are asked to bring sandwiches or salads, and those with letters A to L are asked to bring desserts. A signup sheet is posted in the lobby.
Thanksgiving for the Harvest: The Altar Guild is asking for your help for Thanksgiving Sunday. We are looking for fruit, flowers, pumpkins, gourds, stalks of wheat, cornstalks, autumn leaves etc. for our Thanksgiving worship display. You can drop off items at the church. We will be decorating the Sanctuary on Saturday October 8 and you can collect your donations after the Sunday of Thanksgiving service.
Seminary Harvest Day is Saturday October 15. We are taking up a food collection for the Seminary students and their families. Look for the container at the back of the church.
Niagara Zone LWMLC Fall Rally – You’re invited Sunday, October 16 at St. John’s Lutheran Church (3837 Netherby Road, Stevensville). Theme: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Matthew 25:40. Registration 2:30 pm, guest speaker Rev. Wilhelm Torgerson. Ingathering for COPE (non-perishable food products). Please bring a dessert or fruit prepared to serve.
Are you astounded by millions and billions of years? How about a God who spoke and everything was? Join us on a journey of strange new worlds that came into being all at once. Join us at the Adult Bible Class, Sundays at 9:00 am, as we explore the Biblical record of world and human creation, evolution and the book of Genesis. Coffee will be on!
Being Lutheran:
The book Being Lutheran is the basis for our sermon series and Monday evening discussion group through our Fall season. This week:
| Being Lutheran: What We Challenge | |
| 25-Sep-16 | Sermon Theme: Confused |
| 26-Sep-16 | “Being Lutheran” Discussion: 3. “Confused” |
The Discussion group meets at Prince of Peace in the Lounge at 7:15pm for about an hour. You’re welcome to attend whether you’re actively engaged with the book, Being Lutheran, or not. Copies of Being Lutheran are still available in the office.
Online News …
LCC Restructuring Plan – Stage 4: The Commission on Constitutional Matters and Structure (CCMS) is now in stage 4 of the restructuring process. This stage, “Church-wide Discussions,” lasts from September 1 to December 15. The CCMS has completed a proposed plan. Find out more about the process HERE and the proposed plan HERE.
HISTORIC, AUTHENTIC CHRISTIAN RADIO…You can listen to expert guests discuss topics like: St. Michael & All Angels, Defending the Christian Faith in the Classroom, The Prophet Gideon, Translator of Scripture Jerome, Liturgical Colors and more. Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org and on the Lutheran Public Radio mobile app.
In your prayers, please remember:
- Our Open House on Saturday
- Our new members which will be received into our fellowship on Sunday
- Those undergoing medial tests
- Those in hospice care
- Our Lutheran Church-Canada as we join together in discussing an administrative restructure our synod
The Lord be with you.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Pastor Kevin Walrath
