This Week at Prince of Peace...

The First Sunday in Advent                                   November 29, 2015


This Sunday's Readings
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 
 
GOSPEL:  Luke 21:25-36
Jesus said, There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see 'the Son of Man coming in a cloud' with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
            Then he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
            Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

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

Please remember in your prayers this week...
 
Recently Added  
Karen Griese (mother of Kari Oakes)
Howard Weidemoyer
Carol Buck (friend of Sherry Schiebel)
Jaimee Clarke (daughter of Sherry Schiebel's friend)
Stacey Zeller (niece of Gordon Gipe)
Susan Collis (mother of Jill Spivak)
Sarah Gowing 
Eardie Baka

Thanksgiving
Marriage of Lee & Callie Oliver (friends of Sherry Schiebel)
Safe return of Aaron Bernstein & his friend Abbey from Paris
 
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
  
Thanksgiving Eve...
Wednesday, November 25 - Worship will be held at 7:30 pm
Christina Levine will sing
The PoP Youth Orff Ensemble will perform
The Adult Choir will sing

This Weekend...  
Saturday, November 28 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm
Sunday, November 29 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am
Advent Wreath-making between 9:30-10:45 am!
 
Advent Evening Prayer Service on Wednesday, December 2 at 7:15 pm.

    Next Weekend...  
Saturday, December 5 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm
Sunday, December 6 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am
Sunday School will be held at 9:45 am
Hospice Presentation will be held at 10:00 am
Grace Notes will play at both Sunday services!
Christmas Pageant rehearsal starts at 1:30 pm
Christmas Pageant will be held at 3:00 pm!
Confirmation Theme Event will be held at 6:00 pm

Looking Ahead...
Wednesday, Nov 25    6:45 PM           Adult Choir Rehearsal
                                    7:30 PM           Thanksgiving Eve Service
Nov 26 & 27                                       Church Office Closed
Saturday, Nov 28        7:45 AM          Men's Group
                                    5:00 PM           Worship
Sunday, Nov 29           8:30 AM          Worship
                                    9:30 AM          Advent Intergenerational Event
                                    11:00 AM         Worship
                                    1:00 PM           Youth Handbells Rehearsal
Tuesday, Dec 1           10:00 AM         Quilters
                                    12:30 PM          Women's Bible Study
                                    7:30 PM           Social Ministry Committee meeting
Wednesday, Dec 2      7:15 PM           Advent Vespers
                                    7:30 PM           Adult Choir Rehearsal
Thursday, Dec 3         6:00 PM           Faith-Full Families
                                    7:30 PM           Grace Notes
Saturday, Dec 5           7:45 AM          Men's Group
                                    5:00 PM           Worship
Sunday, Dec 6            8:30 AM          Worship
                                    9:45 AM          Sunday School
                                    10:00 AM         JSSA Hospice Speaker
                                    11:00 AM         Worship
                                    12:45 PM          Youth Handbells Rehearsal
                                    1:30 PM           Christmas Pageant Rehearsal
                                    3:00 PM           Christmas Pageant Presentation
                                    6:00 PM           Confirmation Theme Event
Monday, Dec 7            7:30 PM           Finance Committee meeting
Tuesday, Dec 8           7:30 PM           Church Council meeting
Wednesday, Dec 9      7:15 PM           Advent Vespers
Thursday, Dec 10       7:30 PM           Women's Book Group
Saturday, Dec 12         9:00 AM          Playgroup at Derwood McDonalds
Sunday, Dec 13           11AM-4PM      Jewelry Fundraiser Open House at
                                                            the Pearcy's
Sunday, Dec 13           12:30 PM          Racial Justice meeting
Sunday, Dec 13           4:00 PM           Christmas Cantata
Sunday, Dec 20           1:45 AM          Caroling at Brightview Senior Living
 
Click here for a complete calendar

****************************
 
Give Thanks! Prince of Peace will host the annual Thanksgiving Eve Service on Wednesday, November 25 at 7:30 pm. This is a joint service we hold each year, together with Good Shepherd and Christ the Servant Lutheran Churches. Our choir will sing, Pastor Steve and Pastor Christine will preside and Pastor Leila Ortiz from Good Shepherd will preach. Following the service, we'll have a special dessert reception! Please sign up to bring a dessert or contact Pamela Cook. Thanks! 

Make an Advent wreath for your home! We'll have the supplies to create a beautiful Advent wreath during our Intergenerational Event on Sunday, November 29th between services (9:30 - 11:00) in the Fellowship Hall. This event replaces Sunday School. Your $5 donation for candles helps offset the cost. Please bring your wreath form if you have one. When you are finished enjoying your wreath, please place the foam ring in the box in the narthex. Questions? Contact Janet Levine.

The Giving Tree is UP... Make a child's Christmas joyful! Each year, PoP members can select a child's name from the Giving Tree and purchase a special Christmas gift for him/her. The City of Gaithersburg sponsors the program and this year, the Social Ministry Committee is working with Rachel Carson Elementary School to provide a happy Christmas for selected students and their siblings. Please choose one or more gift tags and return your wrapped gifts with the identification card securely attached by Sunday, December 13 for timely delivery to the families.

Gifts of Hope starts This Weekend - Help those in need while you shop for Christmas! You can purchase a Gift of Hope for a friend or relative while making a contribution to someone who is in need. You will receive a beautiful Christmas card and an explanation of your purchase, while the actual gift will be forwarded to the organization which helps those in need. From November 29 - December 20, visit the Gifts of Hope table in the narthex between or after worship servicesto make your purchases, look at the catalog of 40 gift ideas, or get more information. The cost of gifts ranges from $10 to $250. Gifts of Hope are also available throughout the year at: www.GiftsofHopeDC.org.    

Join us each Wednesday in Advent (December 2, 9 and 16) for Holden Evening Prayer at 7:15 pm. Take a short break from your busy holiday schedule to slow down and enjoy this meaningful 15 minute service. Invite a friend!
Join us for our next Social Ministry Learning Event on Sunday, December 6 at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. Gail Kropf, a RN with JSSA Hospice, will speak to the congregation about Hospice. Please come and find out more about their services as well as possible opportunities to serve as a congregation or as an individual.
 
Christmas Pageant Reimagined: 'Twas the Light Before Christmas! Everyone is invited for a fun "instant" Christmas play hosted at Prince of Peace on Sunday, December 6. This three-and-one-half-hour, rehearsal-to-cast-party adventure provides a Christmas celebration for kids and adults as they rehearse a simple song, create a keepsake prop, and experience that Jesus is the true light of the world. Non-acting-guests (arriving at 3:00 pm) will enjoy delightful music, a hilarious, engaging play, a Christmas carol sing-a-long, and the after play cast party - all while celebrating Jesus' birth in a new and refreshing way. 'Twas the Light Before Christmas takes place from 1:30-5pm on Sunday, December 6. For more info, contact Lisa & Jon Conary. To sign up to be a part of the cast, please email or sign up in the narthex.  We will have a short reception after the Pageant. Signup in the narthex to bring cookies. If you want to participate in a Cookie Exchange, please bring extras cookies!  

Faith-Full Families' Advent event will be held Thursday, December 3 from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall. Families with pre-school - elementary age children, and their siblings, are invited for dinner, crafts, a Bible story and fellowship. Email Judy Bruening or just come! We will provide a main dish. If you would like to bring a side dish/salad or a dessert, sign up in the narthex or email Judy. If you just have younger children you are welcome to join us for fellowship, too. Questions? Contact Judy.

Our Annual Christmas Cantata will be held on Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 pm. Join our choir and guest musicians as we usher in the season with "Festival of Lessons and Carols". Please join us and be part of this musical celebration! There will be a reception following the performance. Donations of fruits, sweets and other finger foods would be greatly appreciated, as well as help with set-up and clean-up for this event. If you can donate food or help out, please sign up in the narthex or contact Pamela Cook or Melanie Zobel.
 
Women's Book Group will celebrate Christmas together on Thursday, December 10th, sharing thoughts about The Invention of Wings: A Novel by Sue Monk Kidd.
The true story of Sarah Grimke, an aristocrat from the slave-holding South who questions slavery, is the basis of the book. The evening is hosted by Pamela Cook at her home. Festivities begin at 7:30 pm and include a Christmas tradition, a Yankee swap. Each attendee is asked to bring a wrapped book (new or gently used) that is "given" to another member. RSVP to Pamela.

Calling all early birds in December! The Playgroup will meet for breakfast on Saturday, December 12 at 9:00 am at the Derwood McDonalds (15801 Frederick Rd). Children can enjoy the playspace and a bite to eat, while parents and caregivers enjoy chat and coffee. Playgroup is a great way for families and their babies/toddlers/preschoolers to connect with each other. Please contact Jamie or Lauren with any questions!
 
Time to order Daily Texts for 2016! With two daily Bible readings and a short prayer, these texts are a great way to spend time with God's word every day. To order sign up in the narthex and leave payment ($8) in envelope. See sample in narthex. Books will be in by the end of December. If you would like a copy but cannot afford it, please let Pastor Steve
know. 

The December/January Glad Tidings is available on our website!  

It's Poinsettia time! If you would like to donate flowers for the altar this Christmas, please have your order and payment in by Sunday, December 13. Poinsettias are available for $13/each in Red, Pink, and White. Flowers can be donated in honor or memory of a friend or loved one. You may take your flowers home anytime after Christmas Day. Order forms are available in the narthex.

Jewelry Fundraiser: JoAnn and David Pearcy's Annual Open House will be held on Sunday, December 13, from 11 am to 4 pm. A perfect way to purchase a surprise gift for Christmas. And Prince of Peace will benefit with a donation of 20% of all sales to our congregation. Their house is less than 2 miles from the church. Consult the PoP Directory or contact Dave if you need the address.
 
Please join us on Tuesday, December 15th for our annual Women's Bible Study Potluck Christmas Luncheon. This will be our last meeting this year. We will meet at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a food or dessert item to share, especially if you have food allergies. We will also have a fun Gift Exchange for those who want to participate. Rules for the gifts are that they can be handmade, a white elephant gift, or a gift that is purchased - limit of around $5.For more info, please contact June Herron or Judy Bruening.
   
We are excited to be leading a work camp trip again this year. We will be traveling to
Braxton County, West Virginia from June 25 - July 1. This trip is open to rising 9th graders (in 2016) through graduating 12th graders (in 2016). Much of our service and work will be centered on roofing, painting, drywall, and light construction.
Interested? Contact Pastor Christine ASAP.  

Our Adult Study "Divine Drama" continues Sundays at 9:45 am in BYC conference room. Join us for this year long, in-depth course that examines the Bible as a whole and its major themes. This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to delve deeper into their faith and God's word. You do not need to attend every week-come when you can. Questions? See Pastor Christine.  

Our Learning Event for November: Gail Hambleton from the Global Peace Foundation spoke on Sunday, November 1st to educate us on human trafficking. There was a great turn out of about 20 people from the congregation and a wealth of info was shared. Due to the amount of info and level of interest, follow-up sessions are being planned for January, so keep an eye out for those!
    
Join us for Sunday School each week at 9:45 am!  For younger students we continue to use a rotational model which provides an experiential approach similar to VBS. For Middle and High School students, we use cool and quirky workbooks and short films to explore relevant topics. Your kids won't want to miss it!!
 
The Women's Bible Study is studying and discussing the Gospel of Mark this Fall on Tuesdays at 12:30 pm. This is an open, fluid group of women. All are welcome to join us. Feel free to bring a bagged lunch. If you have questions or want to be included on our email distribution list, please contact Pastor Christine.  
 
Please consider giving to the ELCA Disaster Response to assist with the refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe. Visit the ELCA Disaster Response webpage to donate or learn more about how you can help.   
  
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.              
We are experiencing phone problems in the Office and voicemail is not working.  If possible, please send an email instead of calling.     
Please remember in your prayers this week...
ContPrayers 
Continuing Prayers
Lisa Adams, Emily Adams Muhler, Scott Baka (son of Eardie Baka), Becca, Jeremy, & Shea Baldwin, Carol Barotti (former PoP Administrator), Margaux Bereston (friend of Cherie DeGeorge), Madelyn Berkeley, 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), Rosemarie Blanco (mother of Judy Bruening), John Bokor (grandfather of Michelle Cockerham), Joanne Catteltt (friend of Sherry Schiebel), The Rev. Jeong & Nam Cho (parents of Claire Cho), Elizabeth Langum Chung, Sydney Clark (friend of Cathy Berninger), Joanne Claycamp (mother of Gregg Claycamp), Gilda Damiani (friend of Tonya Meyer & Amy Ceralde), Amanda Dantus (friend of Tracy Barr), David family, Donica (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Kathy Drake (friend of Dave & Nancy Swanson), Andrianne Emmons (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Nathan Farrar (nephew of Richard Farrar), Stephen Farrar (brother of Richard Farrar), Terry Forish, Ruth Garretson (grandmother of Kelly Garretson), Torie Gensch (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Kelly Gibson (sister of Dan Gibson), Andrea Goble, Goodwin family, Joni Hanley (friend of Jean Bernstein), Rob, Lucy, & Luke Harbert (friends of Megan Bruening), Haris (friend of Greg Von Wald), Ralph Heckel, Leonard Hepner (father of Donna Von Wald), Mary Christine Hevner (sister of Judy Wooldridge), Steven Hill, 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, Roberta Lucas (friend of the Forish family), Margaret & Tom Mahan (parents of Julie Boyce), Carole Mattis (friend of Donna Von Wald), Jim McNerney, Mark Miller (friend of Butler family), Sandy Moore, Debbie Mulhern (friend of Martha Rogers), Jayson Musser (friend of the Butler family),   Ray Nopper (friend of Andrea Goble), 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, Martha, David and James Rogers, Kathy Rossmeisl, Richard Sawyer (father of Sarah Bolek), Wilma Schambura (friend of Forish family), John Shay (friend of Mike & Cherie DeGeorge), Pauline Shumaker (mother of Lisa Conary), Pastor Les Stano, Matt Stokes, Nancy Swanson, Kathy Tezla (relative of Sofi Yanevskyy), Lindsay, Chris, & Carson Vidler (niece of Madelyn Berkeley), Liz Wagner (aunt of Lisa McGurgan), 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)
 
*Please notify the church office of anyone else needing continuing prayers, or if the concern is resolved.   
 
   
Attendance Last Weekend
 
Saturday                          5:00 PM                     16                 
Sunday                             8:30 AM                    60
                                           11:00 AM                   87
Total:                                                                    163
 
Serving in Worship Sunday
                                    
8:30 AM                              11:00 AM
Team Leader                    Elizabeth Cockerham      Chuck Dixon      
Altar Guild                        Susan Victor                      Susan Tritinger
Communion Assts.        Susan Victor                      Susan Tritinger
Lector                                   Gregg Claycamp               Chuck Dixon
Acolyte                                 Xavier Bornhorst             Brayan Panning
Ushers                                  Jean Bernstein &               Aubrey Merchant-Dest &
                                                Judy Logeman                   John Militzer                                                     
Greeters                               Joan Kowalik &                 June & Jim Herron           
                                                Sherry Schiebel
Snacks                                  Judy Logeman                   Susan & Jason Hawley
Prayer Writer                     Lisa Adams
Counters                              Peter Carr & Helen Griffith
Cookie Brigade                Anne Witten (Bake) & Dick Moore (Deliver)

              Click here for a complete Serving in Worship schedule.          
 


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!!  
Contact Information

Church Office:

office@poplutheran.org

301-869-3666 

Church Council:
council@poplutheran.org

Pastor Steve:

pastor@poplutheran.org

301-980-0160 (cell)

Pastor Christine:

pastorchristine@poplutheran.org

703-517-0728 (cell)
Visit Pastor Christine's blog at:

http://tinydartfrog.com 

 

Sermon mp3 downloads are available at:
http://poplutheran.org/sermonsmusic/sermonsandmusic.html

Monthly Newsletters ("Glad Tidings") are available at:

http://poplutheran.org/newsletters.html


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