This Week at Prince of Peace...

The Fifth Sunday in Lent March 13, 2016

This Sunday's Readings

Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4b-14

GOSPEL: John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, "Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?" (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.) Jesus said, "Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me."

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

Please remember in your prayers this week...

Recently Added

Keith Cobb (father of Allan Cobb)

Lauren Wolejsza (daughter-in-law of Nancy & Chet Wolejsza)

Gilda & Khaleesi Damiani (friends of Tonya Meyer & Amy Ceralde)

Nate & Susan Greenblatt (friends of Madelyn Berkeley)

Laura Hampe

Katina Williams (friend of Stephen Hill)

Kaitlyn McGurgan & her family

Sympathy

Family of Willavene Wiley (grandmother of Lori Kohne)

Family of Leonard Hepner (father of Donna Von Wald)

Thanksgiving

Baptism of Brayden Hoffman (son of Lauren Ballou & Steven Hoffman)

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...

Saturday, March 12 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm

Brayden Hoffman will be baptized at the Saturday service!

Saturday Dinner Out at Hot Breads after the Saturday service!

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Sunday, March 13 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am

Sunday School will be held at 9:45 am

Adult Study "Divine Drama" at 9:45 am

Grace Notes will play at both Sunday services!

The Youth Handbell Choir will perform at both Sunday services!

Clean Water Service Project will be held at 1:00 pm

Confirmation Theme Event will be held at 6:00 pm

Soup Supper and Evening Prayer Service on March 16 at 6:15 pm & 7:15 pm

Next Weekend...

PALM SUNDAY

Saturday, March 19 - Worship will be held at 5:00 pm

Sunday, March 20 - Worship will be held at 8:30 & 11:00 am

Sunday School will be held at 9:45 am

Adult Study "Divine Drama" at 9:45 am

Christina Levine will sing at both Sunday services!

Bible Art Journaling class will be held at 6:00 pm

Thursday, March 24 - Maundy Thursday Service will be held at 7:30 pm

Friday, March 25 - Good Friday Service will be held at 7:30 pm

Saturday, March 26 - Easter Vigil will be held at 8:00 pm

Looking Ahead...

Thursday, Mar 10 6-8 PM Body & Soul Wellness Program

7:30 PM Grace Notes

7:30 PM Women's Book Group

Saturday, Mar 12 7:45 AM Men's Group

5:00 PM Worship

6:15 PM Saturday Dinner Out at Hot Breads

Sunday, Mar 13 Daylight Savings Time Begins

8:30 AM Worship

9:45 AM Sunday School

9:45 AM Adult Study "Divine Drama"

11:00 AM Worship

1:00 PM Clean Water Service Project

1:00 PM Youth Handbells Rehearsal

6:00 PM Confirmation Theme Event

Tuesday, Mar 15 10:00 AM Quilters

12:30 PM Women's Bible Study

Wednesday, Mar 16 6:15 PM Lenten Soup Supper

7:15 PM Evening Prayer Service

7:45 PM Adult Choir Rehearsal

Thursday, Mar 17 6-8 PM Body & Soul Wellness Program

7:30 PM Grace Notes

7:30 PM Men's Book Club

Saturday, Mar 19 7:45 AM Men's Group

5:00 PM Worship

Sunday, Mar 20 Palm Sunday

8:30 AM Worship

9:45 AM Sunday School

11:00 AM Worship

6:00 PM Bible Art Journaling Class

Thursday, Mar 24 7:30 PM Maundy Thursday Service

Friday, Mar 25 7:30 PM Good Friday Service

Saturday, Mar 26 8:00 PM Easter Vigil

Sunday, Mar 27 Easter Sunday

5:45, 6:00, 6:15 AM Resurrection Run/Walk

8:30, 10:00, 11:30 AM Easter Sunday Worship

9:45 AM Easter Egg Hunt

Monday, March 28 Church Office Closed

Thursday, Apr 7 7:30 PM Faith-Full Families

Click here for a complete calendar

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This weekend we welcome Brayden Hoffman into God's family through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism!

Clean Water is our March focus for Learning & Serving! Join us on Sunday, March 13 from 1-3pm as we pick up trash along a nearby stream.

Youth earn SSL hours. Meet at church in "cleaning clothing" appropriate for this project. Questions? Contact Lesa Sullivan.

Join us for our next Saturday Dinner Out on March 12 after the Saturday service! Meet around 6:15 pm at Hot Breads (70 Market St, Gaithersburg). All are welcome for this time of fellowship in a casual environment!

Unfortunately, our Sky Zone adventure scheduled for Sunday, March 13, has been cancelled. A new date will be announced soon.

Pastor Steve will be on vacation March 14-18.

Our last Lenten service and soup supper is Wednesday, March 16. We have been blessed with small groups who have sponsored each supper but this last one is a free-for-all! Please signup in the narthex or contact Pamela Cook if you can provide soup, salad, or bread for this last supper. Soup supper is 6:15-7:15 pm and Evening Prayer is 7:15-7:45 pm. Join us and consider inviting a friend who might benefit from experiencing God's peace and community.

Volunteers are needed to serve during the Holy Week and Easter Sunday services.

Sign-up sheets are posted on the window in the narthex; please sign up if you are available to serve at any of these services. Thanks!

Celebrate the "first feast" of Easter following the Easter Vigil on Saturday, March 26 at 8:00 pm. Please sign up in the narthex if you can bring an appetizer or dessert.

What does an Easter Egg Hunt need? Easter Eggs! Please email Kim Drissel if you would like to donate some stuffed eggs (indicate number of eggs). We have some empty recycled eggs that are available in the foyer; just pick up, fill, and return them by 9:00 am on Easter morning. Please email Kim if you would like to help with the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday at 9:45 am. Thanks for helping with this popular, annual event!

Women's Book Group will meet Thursday, March 10 at 7:30 pm at the home of Sharon Wahl. We will discuss The Light between Oceans by M. L. Stedman, a tragic story of love and loss set in Australia. RSVP to Sharon.

Our Adult Study "Divine Drama" continues Sunday at 9:45 am in BYC conference room. You do not need to attend every week - join us!

Easter Flowers ~ If you would like to donate flowers for the altar this Easter, please have your order and payment in by Sunday, March 20. Lilies and hyacinths are available for $12/each. Flowers can be donated in honor or memory of a friend or loved one and may be taken home after the last Easter service. Order forms are available in the narthex.

Lenten Sharing Bags are due by Sunday, March 20th! We are collecting for:

* Interfaith Clothing Center - new socks and underwear

* Gaithersburg HELP - diapers, cans of powdered baby formula, Stage 2 baby food, & single grain rice or oatmeal baby cereal

Please take a bag, fill with as many donation items as you'd like, and leave all donations in the narthex by Sunday, March 20. For more info, contact: Marybeth Stockman or Becky Carr.

Books and Beer, aka The Men's Book Club of Prince of Peace, continues its 2016 literary friendship campaign with a lively discussion of Erik Larson's In The Garden of the Beasts. The work presents "a vivid portrait of Berlin during the first years of Hitler's reign, brought to life through the stories of two people: William E. Dodd, who in 1933 became America's first ambassador to Hitler's regime, and his scandalously carefree daughter, Martha." You read the book, we'll provide the beer and munchies. On Thursday, March 17 at 7:30 pm we will meet at the home of Steve Von Wald. Please RSVP to Steve. All men of PoP and their male friends are cordially invited.

We are planning to refresh the Memorial Garden this spring, including replacing the tree that died last year. If you are interested in helping with the planning or planting, please contact Jennifer Maloney.

Join us for Holy Week!
Sunday, March 20            Palm Sunday Worship at 8:30 & 11:00 am
Thursday, March 24        Maundy Thursday Service at 7:30 pm
Friday, March 25              Good Friday Service at 7:30 pm
Saturday, March 26         Easter Vigil at 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 27            Resurrection Run/Walk at 5:45,6:00,6:15,6:45 am
Sunday, March 27            Easter Sunday Worship at 8:30,10:00,11:30 am
Sunday, March 27            Easter Egg Hunt at 9:45 am

Easter Morning Resurrection Run: Those fabulous Sunday morning runs/walks have precedence in the Bible as the women RAN from the tomb because they couldn't contain their excitement! Here at PoP we are going to greet Easter morning with our own Resurrection Run/Walk. All distances and paces are welcome and we will conclude our Run/Walk with a hymn around the fire and donuts. Each group will have two different speed 'coaches' and the 'coaches' will have map routes so nobody gets lost.

5:45am: 5+mile loop leaves from PoP

6:00am: 3+mile loop leaves from PoP

6:15am: 1+mile loop leaves from PoP

6:45am: hymn, donuts, and fire (AKA how runners worship the risen Christ)

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

The March Glad Tidings is available on our website!

NEW Body & Soul Wellness Program continues each Thursday! Prince of Peace is proud to offer free health and wellness programming for adults, 18-and-over, on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the Besecker Youth Center. Pick up a Schedule from the narthex. The program starts at 6:00 pm with a "Speed Topic" discussion on a wellness-related subject, followed by an Open Gym from 6:30-8:00 pm. Drop in when you can! Activities will be supervised by Marybeth Stockman RN, MS, an ACSM-Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Weights and other specialized equipment will be available to help build functional and core strength, balance, agility and endurance. Click here for more details listed below.

Bible Art Journaling: This year we are offering a devotional class which encourages you to engage actively with the word of God through doodling, illustration, and note-taking in your Bible. We meet once a month, but you do not need to attend every session. Our next meeting is Sunday, March 20 from 6-7:30pm. It's not too late to join in the fun! Please bring a 'journaling Bible' with you to class. Questions? See Pastor Christine.

The magnificent National Christian Choir will appear in concert at a benefit event for Gaithersburg HELP on Saturday, March 19 at 6:00 pm at First Baptist Church in Gaithersburg (200 W. Diamond Ave). Please come early to bid on items in the silent auction that will include sports memorabilia, jewelry, spa packages, and many other goods. Tickets are just $15 per person and may be purchased online (www.GaithersburgHELP.org) or at the concert. Don't miss this wonderful event. The choir will perform a wide range of musical styles, so all can enjoy. Tickets make a wonderful gift for family and friends.

First Communion instruction will be offered beginning Sunday, April 24 for children at least in 3^rd grade. If you'd like your child to participate, please contact Pastor Steve!

Lenten Creation Care Calendars available!

Pick one up from the narthex or download from our website.

All PoP Donation Statements for 2015 have been mailed. If you did not receive one, please contact Helen Griffith, our Financial Secretary. Due to a tech glitch, the statements were not emailed.

Prayer Practice during Worship

~ Meditation, prayer, and reflection are practices which are beneficial to our relationships with God and others throughout the year. During Lent we are called especially to be mindful of these relationships. For some, the tactile experience of lighting a candle during worship allows them to center themselves for a moment in prayer and the lit candle reminds us of Jesus' words of hope, "I am the light of the world." During Lent a small prayer table will be set up during worship. We invite you to take a moment before worship or during communion to pause at the table, pray, and light a candle as a symbol of hope.

Mar-Lu-Ridge Summer Camp Registration is now open! Send a child or grandchild to week-long camps like Adventure, Arts, Sports, Service, Cooking, Horseback, Pioneer, and Swimming Camp - something for everyone; located in nearby Jefferson, MD. Brochures are available on the bulletin board; or visit www.mar-lu-ridge.org to view the Summer 2016 Brochure, register online, and download forms for camp. Attend an Open House on Sunday, March 20, April 24, or May 22 (2-4:30pm). Summer Camp is a great adventure; join the fun!

The Flower Chart for 2016 has been posted. Flowers can be given in memory or honor of a person or special occasion. A donation of $30 covers the flowers for a week, and they are yours to take home after the late service. Sign up on the Chart posted on the bulletin board in the narthex and place your donation (marked "Altar Flowers") in the Offering. Thanks for adding to our worship experience!

2016 Offering Envelopes are available for pickup in the narthex. If you do not wish to use envelopes, please leave a note or email the Office. If you do not see a box with your name and want to use Offering Envelopes in 2016, please contact Bob Butler.

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!!

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.

We are experiencing phone problems in the Office and voicemail is not working. If possible, please send an email instead of calling.

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Body & Soul Wellness Program Meets Every Thursday!

* Are you looking for a way to jumpstart your exercise routine?

* Do you wish you could exercise in a friendly setting and not with strangers at the gym?

* Do you wish you could get more personal attention and pointers to make your diet and exercise more effective?

* Do you need help setting realistic wellness goals?

Prince of Peace is proud to offer regular health and wellness programming for adults, 18-and-over, on Thursday evenings from 6:00 - 8:00 pm in the Besecker Youth Center.

We start each week at 6:00 pm with a "Speed Topic" discussion on a wellness-related subject. An Open Gym follows from 6:30-8:00 pm. Blood pressure screening are also available.

Activities are supervised by Marybeth Stockman RN, MS, an ACSM-Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist. Weights and other specialized equipment will be available to help build functional and core strength, balance, agility and endurance. Get pointers on form and learn ways to tweak your diet and exercise program. All levels of ability are welcome, and those with chronic health conditions are encouraged to attend.

Both activities are free to PoP members. For now activities will be held on a drop-in basis as space permits. Contact Marybeth for more information.

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Please remember in your prayers this week...

As Prince of Peace Lutheran Church continues to grow, those in need of prayerful support also increases. Because of our three services, not everyone is familiar with all members of the congregation, and we are often asked if a particular name on the Prayer List is a member of the congregation. In order to clarify this the Continuing Prayers list is now divided into PoP Members and Family & Friends. Hopefully this change will facilitate communication within the church. Please continue to pray for all those in need.

Continuing Prayers - PoP Members

Lisa Adams, Emily Adams Muhler, Eardie Baka, Carol Barotti, Madelyn Berkeley, Elizabeth Langum Chung, David family, Goodwin family, Steven Hill, Jessica Jeffery, Roy Johnson, Pat Juhrs, Greta Kunkle, Mike Langum, Remi Langum, Jim McNerney, Sandy Moore, Heather Robinson, David Rogers, James Rogers, Martha Rogers, Julie Stokes, Nancy Swanson, Laura Wilson.

Continuing Prayers - Family & Friends

Rohanie Bacchus (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Scott Baka (son of Eardie Baka), Becca, Jeremy, & Shea Baldwin, Margaux Bereston (friend of Cherie DeGeorge), The Rev. Jeong & Nam Cho (parents of Claire Cho), Sydney Clark (friend of Cathy Berninger), Joanne Claycamp (mother of Gregg Claycamp), Susan Collis (mother of Jill Spivak), Amanda Dantus (friend of Tracy Barr), Victor DeGeorge (uncle of Mike DeGeorge), Kathy Drake (friend of Dave & Nancy Swanson), Paula Everitt (relative of Amy Rossmeisl), Nathan Farrar (nephew of Richard Farrar), Stephen Farrar (brother of Richard Farrar), Ruth Garretson (grandmother of Kelly Garretson), Torie Gensch (friend of Sherry Schiebel), Kelly Gibson (sister of Dan Gibson), Karen Griese (mother of Kari Oakes), Joni Hanley (friend of Jean Bernstein), Haris (friend of Greg Von Wald), Ralph Heckel, Mary Christine Hevner (sister of Judy Wooldridge), Lisa Holmes (friend of Lisa McGurgan), Janet Howard (friend of Nettie Horne), Mario Ierardi and family (friend of Debra Aplan), Christopher Johnson (son of Roy Johnson), Doris Johnson (mother of Donna Nelson), Kim (friend of Donna Von Wald), Bill Kratz (father of Laura Garretson), Tim Leiss, Carole Mattis (friend of Donna Von Wald), Mark Miller (friend of Butler family), Debbie Mulhern (friend of Martha Rogers), Jayson Musser (friend of the Butler family), Ray Nopper (friend of Andrea Goble), Louise Pascal (aunt of David Rogers), Bill Prueter, Linda Prueter, Ted Prueter (father of Bill Prueter), Greg Rayman (uncle of Julie Stokes), Richard Sawyer (father of Sarah Bolek), John Shay (friend of Mike & Cherie DeGeorge), Richard Sherman (cousin of Gordon Gipe), Pauline Shumaker (mother of Lisa Conary), Kathy Tezla (relative of Sofi Yanevskyy), Liz Wagner (aunt of Lisa McGurgan), Howard Weidemoyer, Carol Weisdock (mother of Jean Bernstein), Dianne Werley (friend of Ann Callahan), Kathy Williams (stepdaughter of Ann Callahan), 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 25

Sunday 8:30 AM 39

11:00 AM 77

Total: 141

Serving in Worship Sunday

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

Team Leader Jean Bernstein Gordon Gipe

Altar Guild Donna Rose Pamela Cook

Communion Asst. Matt Castellano Pamela Cook

Lector Jamie Pflasterer Terry Forish

Acolyte Xavier Bornhorst Cora Barr

Ushers Susan Victor & Tracy Barr & Chris Michel

Joan Kowalik

Greeters Elizabeth Cockerham David Malmgren & family

& Susan Muma

Snacks Karen Richardson Chris Michel

Prayer Writer Jon Conary

Counters Peter Carr & Laura Hurst

Cookie Brigade Alice Baur (Bake) & Gordon Gipe (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