On June 2 at 12:30pm, the Women's Bible study will begin discussing the book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor (Chapters 1 and 2). This book explores our tendency to associate 'good' with 'light' and 'evil' with 'dark'. The overarching question the book addresses is: Doesn't God work in the dark as well? The author shares personal experiences and also tackles the differences between faith and belief, certainty and trust. In short, this is a great book for anyone who has had doubts, felt alone in the dark, or wondered about the role of God in hard times. If you have questions, please contact Pastor Christine. This is a great time to join this open and fluid group. 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.   

Exploring Faith - Pick up and read the book, "Wanted: A Spiritual Pursuit Through Jail, Among Outlaws, and Across Borders" (available in bookstores or order online) and join us Wednesday, June 10 for a casual evening of fellowship, food, and conversation. A 'sandwich bar' will be available beginning at 6:30pm with all the fixins and discussion will begin at 7pm. Come whenever you are able. The book follows a restless young man as he finds God and spirituality while volunteering as a night shift chaplain at a men's correctional facility.                         

Church Use Announcement: During the Summer months, Mad Science summer camp, will be renting our Fellowship Hall Monday-Friday 8am-6pm for 6/15-7/10 and 8/3-8/7. During that time, the Youth Center will be available for church meetings and events. 

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, June 13 around 6:15 pm at Noodles & Co. in the Kentlands. We look forward to spending time (and eating!) together in a casual environment. All are welcome!

Vacation Bible School is scheduled for July 27-31.This year's theme is "Everest - Conquering Challenges with God's Mighty Power". VBS is always a lot of fun for current members and a great way to attract new families as well. If you are interested in helping with VBS, please signup in the narthex or contact Lori Kohne. We hope you can join us and tell your friends too. Registration forms will be available in early June. See you on the mountain!  

Save the Date: Sunday, July 12th, after the 10am service, we will be Celebrating Chris Schaefer! Chris is completing his time as our Youth & Family Minister and kicking off a whirlwind tour of new adventures this summer with CPE, his marriage, and then his teaching parish rotation for seminary. Mark your calendars and plan on celebrating with us all that Chris has given to Prince of Peace. More details coming soon...

Eat Out for Gaithersburg HELP! ~ On Tuesday, June 16, Dogfish Head Alehouse (800 West Diamond Ave, Gaithersburg) will donate 15% of ALL SALES (food, beverages, merchandise, gift cards, etc.) from both Dine In and Take Out orders to Gaithersburg HELP. Funds raised on that day will be used to directly support all of HELP's programs, including the pantry, infant needs, prescription and transportation. 

To wrap up the year on a fun note before summer vacation, the Men's Book Club will discuss The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown. Set within the hidden chambers, tunnels, and temples of Washington, DC, the work relies on Freemasonry for both its recurring theme and its major characters. Join us at 7:30 pm Thursday, June 18. All men of PoP and their male friends are cordially invited for fellowship and fun. Please RSVP to Charles Sullivan.

Pastor Steve will be leading a trip to the Holy Land in September of 2016! Brochures are available online and in the narthex. Contact Pastor Steve for more info. 

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.