The Prince of Peace. Epiphany: A Light Has Come (by Stacey Crosson)

Transcription

1 The Prince of Peace COMMUNICATOR VOL. 2 NO. 1, JANUARY 2019 Prince of Peace is a... Hub of spiritual transformation using God s Word, Sacrament, and Prayer, Equipping us to build networks of vibrant Christian communities, Extending to our homes, to our neighbors, and beyond, making disciples of Jesus. Worship Saturdays 5:30pm Sundays 8:15 & 11am Sunday School & Adult Education 9:45am Contact Church School Fax Old Keene Mill Rd Springfield, VA Epiphany: A Light Has Come (by Stacey Crosson) Have you ever sat in the window seat on an evening flight and as you approach your destination, you gaze on the city below and see thousands of tiny lights shining in the darkness? I imagine each light representing a handful of people. I wonder about their stories and what is happening under their tiny roofs as I hover in the skies above. I also wonder what God thinks, as he looks from afar, contemplating on this beautiful orb filled with millions and millions of lights He has created. It amazes me that with each light He sees, he knows her/his name, a creature he formed personally and intimately a specially crafted human being, a special, bright light shining forth in the deep darkness of space. In order to see light, it has to be covered in darkness. From the beginning of the first chapter of Genesis, we experience a God who draws forth the light out of darkness. In Genesis 1:3-4, God called forth the light and it was good. He separated, or set apart, the light from the darkness. It s what God does. (continues on page 9) Senior Pastor Call Committee Update In early December, the Southeastern District (SED) returned the list of candidates to the Senior Pastor Call Committee (SPCC). The list of candidates includes some names that Prince of Peace sent to the SED in October plus additional (Continued on page 2) Changes to the 8:15 Worship Service The Worship Team has received a number of requests to have Holy Communion offered more frequently, particularly from those who regularly attend the Sunday 8:15 service. In January, therefore, Prince of Peace will begin offering (Continued on page 10) Pg 2 - BoSL Update Pg 6 - Women Pg 9 - Oh My Son Pg 3 - GO! Ministry Pg 7 - PoP School 50th Pg 10 - Worship Flags Pg 4 - GO! Results Pg 8 - Praying As One Pg 11 - Sparklers Pg 5 - Students Pg 8 - Lutherans for Life Pg 12 - Calendar

2 POP Communicator Page 2 JANUARY 2019 Senior Pastor Update (Contined from page 1) names for consideration. In some instances, names Prince of Peace had submitted were removed by the SED for various reasons, including: the nominee was not open to a call at this time; the nominee was otherwise ineligible to serve as a Senior Pastor; or the nominee had positions or practices that do not align with those of Prince of Peace. While some names were removed, President Denninger added other names based on a match between our Congregational Profile and the practices/positions of the candidates. There are currently 11 candidates on the list; the SPCC has reviewed the Personal Information Forms and the Self Evaluation Tools. Steps 5, 6 and 7 of the process are complete! The SPCC will begin phone interviews in Step 8 following the holidays. We are excited to be at this step of the call process and we thank God for His guidance and care. Please keep all deliberations, decisions and upcoming phone interviews in your prayers. Also, the SPCC and BoSL would like to recognize and thank Kim Robinson for her many contributions to Prince of Peace. Kim and Hugh Robinson moved to Georgia over the holidays where Hugh has begun a new job. We pray for them as they relocate for blessings in their new home, church, neighborhood, and job and in thanksgiving for the benefit of being near to Kim s parents and their three college-aged children. As always, questions or concerns can be shared at any time with BoSL at BOSL@poplc.org or at a monthly BoSL Sunday Listening Forum. Budget Budget $102,328 Income $107,120 Expense $107,829 Deficit $-709 THANK YOU! Call Committee Listening Posts January 12 and January 13 February 9 and February 10 March 9 and March 10 Steps 1-7 Completed! Call.Committee@poplc.org (Saturday dates will be in room 21 and Sunday dates will be in room 9) A Gift For You from Prince of Peace We are excited to share that our church has access to an extensive video library called RightNow Media! It s like the "Netflix of Video Bible Studies" and has a HUGE library of faith-based videos that you can access whenever and wherever you want for your small group or personal Bible studies on your phone, ipad, computer, or at home on your TV. The church staff, is looking for ways to help you develop and strengthen your faith. We believe that RightNow Media will be a tool to serve you as you live out your faith at home, at work and in your neighborhood. RightNow Media has videos for everyone kids, youth, parents, married couples, college students, single adults, working professionals all aimed at helping you grow. It's FREE! Sign up now! John.Durkin@poplc.org

3 POP Communicator Page 3 GO! Go Church. Go Local. Go World. JANUARY 2019 GO Project for January: New Year! New Socks! Each month POP focuses on an outreach project we can all work on together. For January consider donating a pair of NEW SOCKS to the homeless. Please drop off your socks in the GO box in the Narthex throughout the month of January. The socks will be delivered to the Central Union Mission in downtown D.C. John.Durkin@poplc.org God is good all the time! Prince of Peace wants to celebrate all the good things that have been happening and how thankful we are for the many volunteers so here are some highlights... Thank you to the congregation and preschool families who participated in Operation Christmas Child. This year, we surpassed our goal by collecting 185 boxes. The shoeboxes will help share the love of Jesus with children around the world. Thank you, Olivia Frego volunteers (including people from Troop 1145 and our ethnic congregations) for our clean-up day! 44 members have stepped up to be i-neighborhood points of care! 60 + volunteers (including our Girl Scouts from from Unit 52-10) decorated the church for Christmas!

4 POP Communicator Online giving is increasing: $30K donated in November! Page 4 POP Families Caroling $50,000 POP & Love in Action donations were sent to a Kenyan orphanage and $25,000 of POP's anniversary tithe was given to the Leesburg, VA mission. JANUARY 2019 $2,400 of quilts have been sold to support Lutheran World Relief! 50+ kids and adults had fun at Advent paint night! HIS Family Time has blessed our school families with God's Word and yummy meals each Wednesday in Advent! The Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Rahamim, Yosef, and Kessed Mezmur ZeMichael! Because of a Thrivent grant and Arla Albers, we have fresh women's and men's restrooms! The 19th annual Christmas concert! Giant Food donates through POP Women to help a local family! We encourage you keep your eyes open for more POP good news stories in Send in your photos and sightings to info@poplc.org.

5 POP Communicator Page 5 JANUARY 2019 NEW Paper Cups! The Church took action and now the planet is benefiting from it. The new cups are 100% biodegradable and recyclable, meaning no waste nor chemicals will be in our streets, waterways, or landfills. There is a generous company, who are eco-friendly, offering the church a discount for the yearly cost. However, without all the donations Ava and Ella Crosson received the passion wouldn t have become action. Ella and Ava are grateful to all those who shared their appreciation for the planet. Even though, the Church body is now eco-friendly, there is a even better option to save the planet and money. Prince of Peace will be purchasing new coffee dispenser that will fit a range of mugs and travel mug sizes, which means, PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN MUGS -Ella Crosson Student Ministry Sunday School 9:45-10:45am Meet in Youth Room Midweek Senior High Youth Weekly, 7:00-9:00pm Prayer + Praise Third Wednesday, 7pm Youth Room on Instagram! Sign up for the Student Ministry blast: students Need more info? Katie.Boltwood@poplc.org

6 POP Communicator Page 6 JANUARY 2019 Join Women of the Word in 2019! A Community of Women Committed to the Call of Christ Wednesday Mornings 9:30-11:30am wowwednesday@poplc.org Faith Shapers Soul-Tending Reading Meets monthly on Tuesday Evenings faithshapers@poplc.org Holy Comforters Quilt making for charity Resumes January-May Thursdays, 9-3:00pm Room 27 Ladies Night Out Monthly Fellowship Events dbastaich@cox.net Contact DCE Stacey Tasler Crosson, Minister of Care and Outreach, for more information Stacey.Crosson@poplc.org Cell: Let s start our new year with a renewed commitment to connect to God and his word. Join your sisters in Christ on Wednesdays or Sundays! Wednesday WOW: Begins, January 16, 9:30 11:30 am, in the fellowship hall for fellowship, worship, and Bible study. We have all new studies, so it s a great time to invite a friend or neighbor! Gathering Day, a time of fellowship and devotion, is on January 16, and three new studies start on January 23. Look for our brochure in the Narthex for more information. (Hebrews for Everyone by N.T. Wright; Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus: How the Jewish Words of Jesus Can Change Your Life by Lois Tverberg; Gideon: Your Weakness. God s Strength by Priscilla Shirer) Sunday Morning WOW: On January 6, we launch a new year together with Joining Jesus on His Mission. During the Epiphany months of January and February, we will explore the mission of Jesus in our own neighborhoods. Join us at 9:45-10:45 am in Room 11 (downstairs). jennifergross@outlook.com Faith Shapers Book Study Group Tuesday, January 22, 7 to 9 pm Faith Shapers will discuss a book of the Bible, 1 Samuel. Join us as we tackle some key moments in Old Testament history, from the birth of the prophet Samuel through the kingship and death of Saul and the anointing of David as the next king of the Jewish people. Looking ahead, we ll discuss The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper on February 19. Start reading today! Faith Shapers meets in Room 11 at Prince of Peace. For more information, contact Jennifer Gross jennifergross@outlook.com. Ladies Night Out Saturday, January 19, 9-11am Monarca in Flight is Northern Virginia s first studio devoted primarily to aerials and aerials education. This introductory, 90-minute class will cover basic poses, shapes, and climbs on the silks and sling. More information can be found at Cost is $20. Stacey. Crosson@poplc.org

7 POP Communicator Page 7 JANUARY 2019 Prince of Peace Lutheran School Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. ~Ephesians 2:21 Prince of Peace Lutheran School opened its doors in the fall of 1969 to 41 students from the church and surrounding community. The school began with the encouragement of the congregation, the foresight of our founding Pastor, Ralph Wiechmann, and the creative energy and inspiring leadership of Marianne Maxwell Latall. Throughout the last 50 years, our school has served as a primary outreach to our neighborhood and to our community, nurturing the faith life of little ones and their families. During its entire five decades, the mission of the school has remained the same: to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed with young children and their families through excellence in education. It is such a blessing for us now to be serving the children of those who themselves attended Prince of Peace Lutheran School. We plan to celebrate this joyous occasion during the weekend of April 27 & 28, 2019, so mark your calendars now! It will be a very special celebration that you don t want to miss! Watch for more information to come in the Communicator, the website, and on Facebook, com/princeofpeacelutheranschool/. Prince of Peace Anniversary Team; Heidi Frego, Bonnie Hughes, Lisa Wentzel, John Durkin, Cindy Deatherage, Marcel Page Prince of Peace Lutheran School Registration Registration for the school year for Preschool and Kindergarten will begin on Thursday, January 31st for our current School, Church, and Alumni Families. We encourage you to take advantage of this early registration before it is open to the community on Saturday, February 9th. Our school is proud to be accredited by NLSA National Lutheran Schools Accreditation. To ask questions, to learn more about our programs designed for children from 2 1/2 through Kindergarten, or to schedule a tour, contact Marcel Page, our Registrar, at or Marcel.Page@poplc.org. Kindergarten Information Night ~ Monday, January 14th 7-8pm Be sure to visit our website at Tell your family, friends, and neighbors about Prince of Peace Lutheran School Community Open House on Saturday, February 9th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm. Cindy.Deatherage@poplc.org

8 POP Communicator Page 8 JANUARY 2019 Winter and Spring Education The new year is a great time to get connected to Christ with a new individual or group study! Our Education team will be promoting some new and exciting classes for Look for more information the first two weekends of January at the Welcome Center in the Lobby. John.Durkin@poplc.org That the World May Know Sundays, January 13 February 10, 9:45-10:45am, room 21 Come and join us on a journey into the cultural, geographical, and historical time of those entering the Promised Land and life of the Old Testament prophets and kings through Ray Vander Laan s That the World May Know class. Vander Laan s onsite teaching at locations throughout Israel will not only yield appreciation for the location and setting within which God proclaimed His Word, but will also provide thoughtful application of God s Word in the Christian s life. Jackie and Frank Faulhaber JFAUL33@gmail.com Photo by Mohammad Usaid Abbasi Praying As One Please pick up your copy of the monthly prayer guide at the Welcome Center. Send your prayer requests to: prayers@poplc.org Faith Stories: God answers prayers every day! Gave bonus as a Christmas gift to maintenance man. Used as opportunity to talk about the greatest gift - the Christ child. Share YOUR Stories: Write them in the Friendship Folder located in the pews or send an to Tanya.Tucker@poplc.org. Pastor.Tim@poplc.org

9 POP Communicator Page 9 JANUARY 2019 Oh My Son is an Opera tableaux written by the Spanish composer Marcos Galvany. The work is in the style of Handel s Messiah with chorus, soloists, and orchestra. The Music Ministry will be presenting this work throughout the 2018/2019 liturgical year. The nine chorus numbers will be spread out in conjunction with the choir s standard anthems. A special full performance will be held on April 27th at 8 PM which will combine the Chancel Choir, Junior Choir, HIMnals, Orchestra, and four soloists. Adapted from the Godpel s accounts of the Nativity and Passion, Oh My Son tells the story of Jesus of Nazareth through a series of short scenes, or tableaux. The opera emphasizes the humanity and emotions of each character and reminds us that while we most often hear the narratives from a divine point of view, all of the individuals in the accounts are very human, facing deeply human struggles. Though Jesus resigns himself to God s will in being crucified, He is overwhelmed in the face of death and His Father s seeming abandonment. Mary, when tested with the death of her son on the cross, suffers in agony before coming to acceptance. At the foot of the cross is a grief-stricken sinner, who cries out in desperation that she cannot help the man who once saved her from a life of sin. Even Pilate, before he hands Jesus over to the priests to be crucified, struggles between uncertainty and belief. This opera is the story of the cross in its many human dimensions grief, betrayal, compassion, doubt, faith, and redemption. But most of all, Oh My Son is the story of a selfless and worldchanging act of love. Michael.Rossi@poplc.org (Ephiphany continued from page 1) In Exodus 10, we see God again separating the light. Egypt was in deep darkness but all the Hebrew homes had light where they lived. How was that possible? We understand when we hear the words in 1 John 1:5, God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. The light conveyed in Exodus 10 was that of God s light shining in His tiny Hebrew hearts. For centuries, the prohets encouarged God s people to shine forth His light and to not allow the darkness to overcome it. It s really the greatest temptation for us as humans, to get sucked back into the darkness and have His light snuffed out. It s impossible not to. It's what we do. So how can we remain in the light this coming year? Stay connected to Jesus, the Messiah, the true light, who gives light to to everyone and in whom there is no darkness. (1 John 1:5-9). Allow our light to shine before others so they may see our good works and praise our Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16). Remember that one day we will be in God s glory where no darkness exists and He is our constant light. (Revelation 21:22-26) We look around and most days see so much hurt, darkness, disease. But even in the darkest night God s love draws forth a golden light From human hearts whose faith believes Messiah s presence, we receive.

10 POP Communicator Page 10 JANUARY :15 Worship (Continued from page 1) Holy Communion each Sunday at the 8:15 service. Saturday evening will continue to have Holy Communion each week as well, and Holy Communion will continue to be offered on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of each month at the 11:00 service. The Altar Guild is an essential team that enables us to offer communion during these services. Please consider joining the Altar Guild. The Guild welcomes you to join them in serving this way, so if you are interested, or have any questions, please contact Gretchen Letvin, Robin Beasley, or a member of the Worship Team. The Worship Team has also observed that many attending the 8:15 service enjoy using 'Divine Service, Setting Three", from our Lutheran Service Book Hymnal for the order of worship. (For those of you who remember using The Lutheran Hymnal, "Divine Service, Setting Three" is the same as the order of worship on page 15 of The Lutheran Hymnal.) In the past, we have used this order of worship on the fifth Sunday of the month. Starting in January, we will also use "Divine Service, Setting Three", on the third Sunday of every month. For the first, second, and fourth Sundays of the month, we will continue to use "Divine Service, Setting Two", during Christmas and Epiphany and plan to return to "Divine Service, Setting One", at the start of Lent. Gary.Rueter@poplc.org Flag Colors We use flags to convey worship, praise, prayer and declarations of God s truths. Flags represent something. One way it is conveyed is through the color(s) of the flag(s). Some of the meanings for the different colors are: Red Green Blue Yellow the blood of Christ, love, our salvation, redemption healing, life, growth, creation, Creator, glories of God Holy Spirit, heaven, grace, revelation, Word of God Glory, presence of God, joy When deciding on which flags to use for a service, we take into consideration the theme of the service and the selected songs. We also think about the church s liturgical season. One of the first songs we flagged to was My Lighthouse. During the chorus, when it talks about the light going out and guiding us, a flagger ran the fire streamer around the perimeter of the sanctuary to the front of the cross. This was to represent the Holy Spirit going out into our community and gathering His people back to God. If you have any questions regarding worship flags, feel free to contact M.E. Sorenson. Flag practice is open to anyone who wants to experience the different types of flags. Practice is held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, 4:30 5:30 p.m. sorenson.me@gmail.com Caregiver Essentials Class Monday, January 28, 12:30-2:30pm, Fellowship Hall Join us for this education series to learn more about Alzheimer s disease, dementia, other memory impairments, and to build your skills as a caregiver! Learn more about normal aging and signs of dementia, tips for better communication with someone with the disease, and local resources that are available to help. We take a break for the holidays, but we resume next month. We will learn how to reconnect with someone with dementia. Keeping their current abilities in mind, learn ways to keep your loved one engaged in personalized activities. Stacey.Crosson@poplc.org

11 POP Communicator Page 11 JANUARY 2019 Sparklers Lunch January 18, 1130, Fellowship Hall January is our soup and salad month. Please bring your signature soup or a salad to share. We will be entertained by the Hollin Hall Seniors Band. You dont want to miss next month when Deaconesses Sally Hiller from the South Eastern District Office will be our guest speaker. Roger.Burd2@aol.com Save the Date! February 10, 2019 Mark Boriack's Ordination New Trash Enclosure Thanks to Eagle Scout candidate, Robert Martin, PoP will have a new trash enclosure. You might notice the new cement foundation on the exit side of the back parking lot. Next Spring, Robert plans to build a new enclosure and the dumpsters will be moved. This will move the trash from the entrance and allow more parking spaces on the Giant side. Thanks Robert for your work! A visit from Pastor Brent Smith to update us on the LCMS missions Scout Sunday Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 Easter Sunday April 21, 2019 Oh My Son Concert Saturday, April 27, pm POP School Celebrates 50 Years! April 27-28, 2019 Confirmation May 4-5, 2019 Need an article in the Communicator? Contact Tiffany.Sears@poplc.org Board of Servant Leaders Erin Summers, Chair David McLean, Vice Chair Craig Mosford, Secretary Chris Martin Ministry Staff Gary Rueter Vacancy Senior Pastor Tim Christenson Associate Pastor Stacey Crosson Minister of Care & Ourtreach John Durkin Minister to Families & Children Brad Womble Ministry Administrator Michael Rossi Director of Music Ministry Tiffany Sears Communications Director Mecia Miles-Rockett Community Outreach Coordinator Katie Boltwood Youth Ministry Assistant Nancy Sinclitico Accountant Tanya Tucker Receptionist POPLC School Cindy Deatherage, Principal Marcel Page, School Registrar Lisa Long, Administrative Assistant To contact STAFF or BOSL use their name in the format: first.last@poplc.org or bosl@poplc.org To contact a PASTOR use: Gary.Rueter@poplc.org Pastor.Tim@poplc.org Church: School:

12 January 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday December 2018 Attendance 1st wknd: 397 2nd wknd: 404 3rd wknd: 390 4th wknd: 283 Christmas Eve: 1153 Christmas Day: 96 Happy New Year! 1 2 6:30pToastmasters 7p Girl Scouts 3 9a Holy Comforters 9:30a Exercise 6p Prayer Team 7p Bitely Sml Grp 7:30p Cub Scouts 7:30p Chancel Choir 8a Police Bible 10:30a Al-Anon 4 5 7:30a Men's Bible 3:30p Rehearsal 4:15p BoSL Listens 5:30p Worship 6:45p Bible Study 6 Epiphany 8:15a Worship 9:45a Education 11a Worship 3p Confirmation 4p Junior Choir 4:30p Flag Practice 6:15p Orchestra 7 11a Senior Bible 1p Writing Memoirs 7p Boy Scouts 7p Seekers 7:30p Hand Bells 8:30p Men's AA 9a Exercise 10a ESL 4:15p Exercise 6:30p Grief Share 7p Small Group 8 9:10a Chapel 7p Student Bible a Holy Comforters 9a MOPS 9:10a Chapel 9:30a Exercise 5p Confirmation 7p Card Fellowship 7p Chess 7p Girl Scouts 7p Call Committee 7:30p Chancel Choir 8a Police Bible 10a ESL 10:30a Al-Anon 3p Girl Scouts 7p Chess 11 7:30a Men's Bible 8a Scout Derby 3:30p Rehearsal 5:30p Worship 6:30p Call Input 6:45p Bible Study :15a Worship 9:15a Call Input 9:45a Education 11a Worship 12p Call Input 3p Confirmation 4p Junior Choir 4:30p Flag Practice 5p HIMnals 6:15p Orchestra 14 11a Senior Bible 12:30p Parkinson's 1p Writing Memoirs 6:30p Stephen Min 7p BoSL 7p Boy Scouts 7p Seekers 7p Kinder Info Nght 7:30p Hand Bells 8:30p Men's AA 9a Exercise 10a ESL 6:30p Grief Share 6:30p Book Study 7p Small Group a School Reg Info 9a WOW 7p Student Bible 17 9a Holy Comforters 9a School Reg Info 9:30a Exercise 12p Prayer 5p Confirmation 7p Bitely Sml Grp 7:30p Chacel Choir 7:30p Cub Scouts 8a Police Bible 10a ESL 10:30a Al-Anon 11:30a Sparklers :30p Men's Bible 3:30p Rehearsal 5:30p Worship 6:45p Bible Study 20 8:15a Worship 9:45a Education 11a Worship 3p Confirmation 4p Junior Choir 4:30p Flag Practice 5p HIMnals 6:15p Orchestra a Exercise 10a ESL 6:30p Grief Share 7p Faith Shapers 7p Small Group 9a WOW 9:10a Chapel 7p Student Bible a Holy Comforters 9a MOPS 9:10a Chapel 9:30a Moms Next 9:30a Exercise 5p Confirmation 7p Call Committee 7:30p Chancel Choir 25 8a Police Bible 10:30a AL-Anon 6p Pinewood Setup 6:30p Family Craft 26 7:30a Men's Bible 8a Pinewood Derby 3:30p Rehearsal 5:30p Worship 6:45p Bible Study 27 8:15a Worship 9:45a Education 11a Worship 3p Confirmation 4p Junior Choir 4:30p Flag Practice 5p HIMnals 6:15p Orchestra 28 11a Senior Bible 12:20p Caregiv Clas 1p Writing Memoirs 6:30p Stephen Min 7p BoSL 7p Seekers 7:30p Hand Bells 8:30p Men's AA 9a Exercise 10a ESL 4:15p Exercise 7p Small Group a WOW 7p Girl Scouts 7p Prayer Meeting 7p Student Bible 31 9a Holy Comforters 9a POP School In- House Registration 9:30a Exercise 12p SED Retreat 5p Confirmation 7:30p Chancel Choir For full details visit poplc.org/ media/calendar/ calendar/