This Week at Prince of Peace...

The Fifth Sunday of Easter May 3, 2015

This Sunday's Readings

Acts 8:26-40; Psalm 22:25-31; 1 John 4:7-21

GOSPEL: John 15:1-8

Jesus said, I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Missed last week? Check out last Sunday's sermons, music and more by clicking here!

Please remember in your prayers this week...

Recently Added

Jonathan Harwood (son of Dorian Harwood)
Astrid Crookshank
Sandy Moore
Father/grandfather of Rupal & Kishori Turner (friends of Tracy & Cassidy Solomon)
Carole Mattis (friend of Donna Von Wald)

Sympathy

Family of Liat Ciardi's father (friend of the Solomons)

Thanksgiving

Baptism of Clara Hibbits (daughter of Norah & Justin Hibbits)

Baptism of Zachary & Evan Schneider (sons of Christina & Marty Schneider)

Continuing Prayers

Click here for Continuing Prayer List located below.

*Please notify the church office of anyone else needing prayers, or if the concern is resolved.

Coming Up at Prince of Peace

This Weekend...

New Member Reception

Saturday, May 2 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm

Kentlands Day - 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Empty Nester's Potluck will be held at the Wolejsza's at 6:30 pm

Sunday, May 3 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am

Sunday School will be held at 9:45 am

Holy Land Trip Info Session will be held at 9:45 am

First Communion Class will be held at 2:00 pm

Next Weekend...

First Communion will be celebrated at all services!

Saturday, May 9 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm

First Communion Class will be held at 10:00 am

PoP Playgroup will meet at PoP at 11:00 am

Sunday, May 10 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am

Sunday School will be held at 9:45 am

Lokirin Chung will be baptized at the 11:00 am service!

Looking Ahead...

Thursday, Apr 30 7:30 PM Grace Notes

Saturday, May 2 7:45 AM Men's Group

10AM-3PM Kentlands Day

5:00 PM Worship

6:30 PM Empty Nesters Potluck at Wolejsza's

Sunday, May 3 New Member Reception

8:30 AM Worship

9:45 AM Sunday School

9:45 AM Holy Land Trip Info Session

11:00 AM Worship

2:00 PM First Communion Class

6:00 PM Confirmation Theme Event

Tuesday, May 5 10:00 AM Quilters

12:30 PM Women's Bible Study

7:30 PM Social Ministry meeting

Thursday, May 7 7:30 PM Grace Notes

Saturday, May 9 7:45 AM Men's Group

10:00 AM First Communion Class

11:00 AM PoP Playgroup

5:00 PM Worship

Sunday, May 10 First Communion

8:30 AM Worship

9:45 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Worship

Monday, May 11 7:30 PM Finance Committee meeting

Tuesday, May 12 7:30 PM Church Council meeting

Thursday, May 14 7:30 PM Women's Book Group

Saturday, May 16 6:15 PM Saturday Dinner Out at Jersey Mike's

Sunday, May 17 Recognition of Grads & SS Teachers

Thursday, May 21 6:00 PM Faith-Full Families

7:30 PM Men's Book Club

Sunday, May 24 10:00 AM Worship (only 1 Sunday Service)

Memorial Day 11:00 AM Yard Sale Kick-Off Picnic

Weekend 11:30 AM Yard Sale Drop Off Begins

Saturday, May 30 7AM-2PM Yard Sale

8:00 AM Derek Sheely Lead the Way Race

Click here for a complete calendar

YARD SALE: Saturday, May 30 from 7am - 2pm!

Time to clean out garages, attics, basements and get ready for our annual Yard Sale. This is our opportunity to provide low cost goods to people in our community who are in need; to recycle and re-use as part of our commitment to good environmental stewardship and to give proceeds and donated items to organizations in our community which help others who are struggling.

We need everyone in the congregation to help make the Yard Sale a success and there are lots of ways to get involved and have fun!

Be a Department Chair or Assistant - Please sign up in the narthex!!

Help on Yard Sale Day - Sign up in the narthex for one shift or many!

Donate Food to serve at the Yard Sale - Sign up in the narthex.

Mark your Calendar for Yard Sale Prep Kick-Off Sunday on May 24!

There will be only ONE Sunday morning worship service on May 24 at 10 am followed by a potluck BBQ and set-up for the Yard Sale.

Donate Goods - We will be accepting donations starting Sunday, May 24 from 1pm - 9pm thru Thursday of that week.

Donate Large Boxes - needed for use in the Clothing departments

Help Sort & Price during the week - drop in between 10am & 9pm to help out. We'll have the grill set up so that you can eat if you come during the dinner hour.

For further information, please contact Elizabeth Cockerham.

Let the purging begin!

2015 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN -- All In for Prince of Peace

As you know, we are currently focused on the Caring For and Serving Others Pillar and will continue that focus through the end of May. What a perfect time to focus outwardly from our church as the weather turns warm and we focus on ways we have and ways we can support our community and each other.

We placed this pillar in April/May as we lead up to the Annual Yard Sale because that is arguably the event that reaches and touches more members of our community every year than any other. Sign-Ups are in progress and there is lots more about that elsewhere, but don't miss the fact that all the effort goes toward something that allows us to have some fun, raise some money, but most importantly, make a difference in a number of people's lives. Isn't that what this pillar is really all about?

As the year goes on, many other opportunities will be available to participate in collections or events that benefit others. Please consider joining in where you can so that this community of faith that means so much to all of us can truly be a blessing to those around us.

Finally, with the focus on eliminating our current mortgage, now is a GREAT TIME to add you name to the list of those in the Narthex that have committed to being All In for Prince of Peace. Just fill out a Blue Card (it takes less than a minute) and drop it in the box. Or, talk to Chuck Dixon and he'll make sure your support of our Mission is recorded.

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This weekend we welcome the following new members: Amy Ceralde; Ashley Davies; Anita George and Mathew & Christina Popkhadze; Jan & I.J. Hudson; Michelle & Robert Kim; Adriana, Eric, Anthony, Isabella, & Xavier Larios; Kathy Mellott; Kwame, Dori, Nyla, & Adrian Mensah; Tonya, Stella, & Brody Meyer; Tammy, Todd, Elle, & Dax Villines. Pick up a New Member insert from the narthex to learn about these new POP members.

The Empty Nesters will begin the 2015 season with a pot-luck get-together at the home of Nancy and Chet Wolejsza (104 Fox Trail Terrace, Gaithersburg) on Saturday May 2 at 6:30 pm. Bring a dish to share. For those who have wondered what an Empty Nester is; at Prince of Peace, you're an Empty Nester if your children (if you have any) are all over 18. It doesn't matter where your children live, what your marital status is, or what your retirement status is. If you want to socialize with this diverse and interesting group of people, come and join us. RSVP to Nancy.

Kentlands Day ~ Visit our booth at Kentlands Day this Saturday, May 2, from 10 am to 3 pm. We'll be in the row nearest the Car Show. Thanks to Janet Levine and all our volunteers for representing Prince of Peace and sharing the good news in our community.

Pastor Steve will be leading a trip to the Holy Land in September of 2016! An informational session will be held during Adult Sunday School on Sunday, May 3 at 9:45 am for those who would like to learn more.

Smile! Sunday school class photos will be taken May 3rd for Middle School and High School classes, and May 10th for Preschool through Elementary School classes, during the Sunday school hour.

Annual Membership Drive for the Auxiliary April 18-May 3 ~ Enrich the lives of the residents of the Village at Rockville (formerly the National Lutheran Home) by joining The Auxiliary. The Auxiliary provides the "extras" that make life for the residents an enjoyable experience: birthday parties and gifts, bus trips, Christmas gifts, hearing aid batteries, etc. Join or renew your membership 4/18-5/3 between services or leave your membership form in the POP Office. Contact Donna Von Wald for more info.

Celebrating a Graduation this year? We are having a special Recognition of Graduates on Sunday, May 17th. If you or someone in your household is graduating, please email a brief bio to the Office by Friday, May 8 including: Name, School, Degree (include any honors), and Post-graduation plans. Thanks!

In May, the Playgroup will have some outdoor fun! On Saturday, May 9 we'll meet at the church playground at 11:00 am for bubbles and chalk - and maybe even a short walk on the nature trail! In case of rain, we'll meet in the church nursery. PoP Playgroup is a great way for families and their babies/toddlers/preschoolers to connect with each other. Please contact Jamie Pflasterer or Lauren Gibson with any questions!

Do you have Computer Equipment to donate to the Yard Sale? Please bring desktop and laptop computers to the church by May 10, as they take time to re-initialize for a new owner. Only computers with currently supported operating systems are refurbished and sold; all others are recycled. Other computer equipment should be brought the week of the yard sale setup, starting 5/24. Questions? Contact Gordon Gipe.

You Made a Difference! Thanks to your generous contributions to the Debt Reduction Fund, we were able to pay an additional $1,325 on our mortgage principal with our May payment. This enabled us to retire a total of $4,225 in principal. Thank you!

Please consider giving to the ELCA Disaster Response to help people affected by Nepal Earthquake. Visit the ELCA Disaster Response webpage (http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response) to donate or learn more about how you can help.

Saturday Evening Service Go-ers! Looking to join other Saturday attenders for dinner out? Approximately once a month we would like to hang out at a local eatery for good food and fellowship after the 5pm Saturday evening service. A different dinner destination will be chosen each month in hopes to offer a variety for all. The next meet-up will be Saturday, May 16 around 6:15 pm at Jersey Mike's Subs in the Kentlands. We look forward to spending time (and eating!) together in a casual environment. All are welcome!

Take Note: Change in Memorial Day Weekend Services ~ Saturday, May 23 at 5:00 pm & only one service Sunday, May 24 at 10:00 am, followed by a Yard Sale Kick-off Picnic Potluck. Watch for more details!

For Pentecost, May 23/24, we will read the Pentecost story in a variety of languages to celebrate the wide reach of the Spirit's power. If you speak another language, please sign up in the narthex to read the gospel in that language at one or more services.

Fruitful Fields, the Prince of Peace Community Garden, has fenced-in plots ready for your favorite herbs, vegetables and flowers. All plots were recently renewed with compost and are ready to be tilled. If you have been contemplating growing more of your own food, here is your chance. The gardens are located behind the Besecker Center, individual plots surround the three central plots in which food is grown for Gaithersburg HELP. Signup sheet for individual plots is in the narthex. We also need help watering, weeding and harvesting produce for donation. For more info or to help contact Marybeth Stockman.

Fruitful Fields, the PoP Community Garden, is in need of Lowe's/Home Depot Gift Cards

to buy lumber and hardware for fence and gate repairs, tools and equipment to make the gardens more successful. The gardens are used to grow produce, part of which is donated to Gaithersburg HELP. If you can support the garden in this way, please leave your donation in the church office labeled "Fruitful Fields."

The Men's Book Club will discuss Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers: The Story of Success on May 21. Outliers deals with the cultural and societal forces that give rise to opportunistic individuals. Gladwell insists that we have all too easily bought into the myth that successful people are self-made; instead, he says they "are invariably the beneficiaries of hidden advantages and extraordinary opportunities and cultural legacies that allow them to learn and work hard and make sense of the world in ways others cannot." Join us Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 pm. All men of PoP and their male friends are cordially invited for fellowship and fun. Please RSVP to Charles Sullivan.

Responding to Climate Change: A Faith Based Perspective ~ Meet Interfaith Power & Light cyclists from PA as they arrive in Poolesville to share the story of their 200 mile journey. Monday, May 4 at 7:30 pm at Bassett's Restaurant (19950 Fisher Ave, Poolesville). They are biking to raise awareness about the ethical dimensions of climate change.

Registration is open for the Derek Sheely LEAD THE WAY 4.0-Mile Run and 1-Mile Walk on Saturday, May 30 at 8:00 am at Northwest High School in Germantown. Help increase awareness of concussions and support advancements in education, prevention, and treatment of traumatic brain injuries. Visit www.thedereksheelyfoundation.org for more info, to register, or to donate. We also need volunteers; please email Kristen Sheely for info.

The Serving in Worship schedule for April & May has been posted on our website and the bulletin board in the narthex. Please review it and make arrangements for any conflicts. Thanks!

Join Women's Bible Study on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm as we study the book of Exodus.

(5/5: Chap 23-27; 5/12: Chap 28-30) We base our meetings around the joy of coming together over the word of God. Come when you can; bring your lunch or a snack, if you would like. If you have questions or want to be included on our email distribution list, please contact Pastor Christine.

Worship Volunteers Needed! Please check out the Want Ad poster and signup sheets in the narthex or the VolunteerSpot online signup to see how you can help out with our worship services. We especially need ushers and snack volunteers.

Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp ~ Send a child or grandchild to week-long camps like Adventure, Arts, Sports, Service, Cooking, and Swimming Camp - something for everyone; located in nearby Jefferson, MD. Brochures are available on the Youth bulletin board; or visit www.mar-lu-ridge.org to view the Summer 2015 Brochure, register online, and download forms for camp. Attend an Open House on Sunday, May 31 (2-4:30pm). Summer Camp is a great adventure; join the fun!

VolunteerSpot is our new way to stay informed and sign up for volunteer opportunities at Prince of Peace. An email is sent for each need, as it is identified. The message contains a link that makes it easy to add your name as a helper. Here are our current volunteer requests:

Volunteer Need

Worship Volunteers (Ushers, Snack volunteers, Prayer Writers, Acolytes, etc.)

There is a button with a link to current volunteer opportunities on our church web page; you can also click on the specific Volunteer Need above or here to see the complete list. Thank you for sharing your time and talents!!

Please remember in your prayers this week...

Continuing Prayers

Carol Barotti (former PoP Administrator), Margaux Bereston (friend of Cherie DeGeorge),

Allen Bernstein (father-in-law of Jean Bernstein), Micah Biello (grandson of Vickie & Brad Smith), Becky & Nick Biello (daughter & son-in-law of Vickie & Brad Smith), Marjorie Blackburn (sister-in-law of Nettie Horne), John Bokor (grandfather of Michelle Cockerham), Joanne Catteltt (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Mary Chamblin (grandmother of Cassidy Solomon), The Rev. Jeong & Nam Cho (parents of Claire Cho), Elizabeth Langum Chung, Sydney Clark (friend of Cathy Berninger), Joanne Claycamp (mother of Gregg Claycamp), Leon Crookshank (father of Steve Crookshank), David family, Dennis Dobie (friend of Pam Malmgren), Donica (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Kathy Drake (friend of Dave & Nancy Swanson), Nathan Farrar (nephew of Richard Farrar), Terry Forish, Ruth Garretson (grandmother of Kelly Garretson), Torie Gensch (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Kelly Gibson (sister of Dan Gibson), Goodwin family, Joni Hanley (friend of Jean Bernstein), Ralph Heckel, Lisa Holmes (friend of Lisa McGurgan), Wes Horne (brother of Nettie Horne), Janet Howard (friend of Nettie Horne), Mario Ierardi and family (friend of Debra Aplan), Jessica Jeffery, Christopher Johnson (son of Roy Johnson), Doris Johnson (mother of Donna Nelson), Roy Johnson, Pat Juhrs, Brenda Kapp (friend of Cynthia Watter), Kim (friend of Donna Von Wald), Dan Kohler and family (friends of Valerie Corbin), Bill Kratz (father of Laura Garretson), Greta Kunkle, Mike Langum, Remi Langum, Brianna Leitzen (daughter of Sara Michael & Keith Leitzen), Ray Nopper (friend of Andrea Goble), Jim Oliver (husband of Sherry Schiebel's friend), Bridget Pavlak, Bill Prueter, Linda Prueter, Ted Prueter (father of Bill Prueter), Greg Rayman (uncle of Julie Stokes), Ed Rebisz (relative of Dick Weis), Diane Rench (friend of Richard Farrar), Heather Robinson, Jessica Rogers (friend of Pamela Cook), Martha, David and James Rogers, Zach Rogers (friend of Pamela Cook), Kathy Rossmeisl, Sally & Richard Sawyer (parents of Sarah Bolek), Angie Schilling (friend of Andrea Goble), Ken & Trina Sexton (friends of Dick Moore), John Shay (friend of Mike & Cherie DeGeorge), Pauline Shumaker (mother of Lisa Conary), Jay Solomon (grandfather of Cassidy Solomon), Julie Stokes, Kevin Taylor (cousin of Nettie Horne), Liz Wagner (aunt of Lisa McGurgan), Howard Weidemoyer, David Weis (son of Dick Weis), Joy Weis (daughter-in-law of Dick Weis), Dianne Werley (friend of Ann Callahan), Dan Whithaus (friend of Joan Beeler), Harold Wilkey (husband of Cynthia Watter's aunt), Kathy Williams (stepdaughter of Ann Callahan), Laura Wilson, Matthew Wolejsza (son of Nancy & Chet Wolejsza), Marlene Zaborsky

*Please notify the church office of anyone else needing continuing prayers, or if the concern is resolved.

Attendance Last Weekend

Saturday 5:00 PM 52

Sunday 8:30 AM 81
11:00 AM 96

Total: 229

Serving in Worship Sunday

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

Team Leader Elizabeth Cockerham Chuck Dixon

Altar Guild Regina Harrington Sarah Yonder

Communion Assts. Regina Harrington Sarah Yonder

Lector Laura Garretson Dan Gibson

Acolyte Carolyn Levine TBA