Today in Worship • Epiphany: He Is Here • Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:1-12, Matthew 2:1-12 • This Sunday kicks off the season in the church year which we call “Epiphany.” Epiphany means to reveal, to make known, or to make plain. In God’s Word today we see how the Lord used the star to reveal to the Magi the arrival of a newborn king, Jesus the Messiah. We also hear how God has revealed His plan of salvation for all people through Christ, and how that is made evident as the people of God live out their faith, able to approach God with freedom and confidence because of all that Jesus has done for us. In what ways through God’s word is the Spirit making clear to you the grace and freedom that is found in Christ? How is God using you to make that forgiving love known to others?
Bible Classes
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Class at 10:00 am • The class is led by Jim Essig. We are looking at the Gospel of Luke. Classes are in the Music Room during our 10:00 am Education Hour, between the 9 am & 11 am worship services.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGE 4 – GRADE 5: Foundations of Faith • Kids will make crafts, play games, and learn the basic truths about God using both Old Testament and New Testament stories. Kids will walk away from each class with a new “God is…” statement (i.e. “God is powerful” or “God is kind”). Sunday School meets upstairs in the Family Life Center classrooms from 10:00-10:45 on Sunday mornings.
“Kid Video” every week: Did you know that DCE Eric Gerken produces a weekly kid video that ties into the Foundations of Faith lesson? Great for kids, families, and adults. The video is posted weekly to our Facebook and YouTube channels. (Tip: start a faith-conversation with your kids or grandkids using that video as a starting place.)
YOUTH SUNDAY BIBLE CLASS (6th-12th) • “Word One Bible Studies” – a mixture of discussion and experiential learning – come check it out – in the far, upstairs classroom in the Family Life Center from 10:00am-10:45am.
Mid-week Bible Class for Adults • Wednesday Mornings 9:30am – 10:30am in the Board Room. Our topic is looking at Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday’s theme. Led by Pastor Ken.
Pick Up Poinsettias Today! • Thank you to all those who made contributions for the Poinsettias that made our worship at Christmas so beautiful. If you have not already done so, you may pick up your poinsettia from the courtyard at PoP. Thank you again to all who helped beautify our worship spaces through your gifts. (Missed the list? You can see it in last week’s news at https://poporlando.com/weeklynews/week-of-january-1-2023/)
Volunteers Needed! Help Serve the Lord • We are looking for volunteers that are willing to help serve the Lord by helping with ushering, communion assistant, projection, live stream, altar guild and transportation. If you are willing to help in any way, please contact Adriana at (407) 277-3945 for more information. | adriana.alas@poporlando.com
Altar Flowers • If you wish to sponsor Altar Flowers at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in celebration of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, please fill out a form online or contact our church office. https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/flowers
Today’s Altar Flowers were given by Donna & Phil Wessel in memory of Donna’s mom, Marion Lynn.
Compassion Project • Works with the Samaritan Resource Center and the Healthcare Center for the Homeless and the Orlando Union Rescue Mission. There is a collection site in the church office hallway to donate items such as a razor, a clean pair of jeans, a change of underwear, a battery, a blanket, a backpack, some shampoo, etc. Thank you for being the Heart, Hands and Feet of Jesus in the Heart of Orlando!
Youth Trivia Fundraiser – Saturday, January 14 at 3pm • Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz is hosting a Youth Trivia Fundraiser to benefit our Youth attending the upcoming “Rock the Universe” Christian Music Festival at Universal Studios. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased online or in-person. A Dessert Buffet will be the refreshments. Please Contact DCE Eric Gerken for more information. | eric.gerken@poporlando.com
PoP Preschool • Do you know someone who might be looking for an amazing preschool for their child? While our infant and 1y/o classes are full, we still have limited openings for 2y/o through VPK. Call (407) 275-6703 to learn more!
Fruits of Faith
Worship Attendance:
December 31, New Year’s Eve
6:00 Traditional: 65 | 7:30 Spanish: 44 | TOTAL: 109
January 1, New Year’s Day
9:00 Traditional: 78 | 11:00 Contemporary: 33| 11:00 Spanish: 41 | TOTAL: 152
Giving: Thank you for your faithful engagement in our ministry through your gifts and offerings.
December 18 offerings $17,939
December 25 offerings $10,924 (does not include Christmas Eve)
January 1 offerings $13,354
. . . . . . . . . . . . . needed each week: $11,923
PRAYERS
Prayers of Comfort: We pray the family and friends of Jan Fry, who passed into the arms of Jesus, her Savior, on January 5. Especially we hold her children, Becky and Mike (Stephanie) and their families close in our prayers. | We also pray for all those who grieve the death of Roger Kuhn (friend of Jim & Pam Fuller).
Hospice Care: Ellie Dreves
Hospitalized or released: Merle Kroeplin, Joan Krumpholc
Healing and Strength: Chris Akerman (upcoming surgery), Karen Adkins, Dave & Mary Ann Ault, Rebecca Brooks, Delores B, Michael B, Donna C, Earl Caldwell, Karin Collins, Danny Conlin, Alice Darling, Elizabeth Dawson, baby Elijah, John Elmore, Jim Essig (thanksgiving), Carol Fennell,Judy & Jim Finnie, Dwight Foote, Ginny Fussell, Rev. Dennis Glander, Noah Glasberger & family, Bob Hahn, Michael Halstead, Damar Hamlin (NFL player), Joe Heinz, David House, Bill Jordan, Jerry Jordan, Jim Lord, Michael McCarty, Lewis Mendez, Rick Perre, Miriam Rivera, Nitza Rohena, Nancy Schloemer, Rex Serio, Cindy Sibley, Shirley Stockett, Meridith Swanson (wrist, back), Gwen Taliver, Sonia Tellez, Cricket Winters, Leon W, Linda Zamsky
Receiving Treatments: Barbara Browne, Rev. Amy Bradley, Sarah vB, Jan Fry, Kent Jespersen, Dorothy R, Rev. Brian Roberts, Elena Santana, Marleen Schmidt, Cathy Smith, Jeff S, Joni S, Janet V, Debbie W, Dayton Whites, Brenda Williams
Continued Care: Chuck Boogher, Kelly DeFrietas, Al & Linda Dicks, Eleanor & Gail Eaton, Bob and Colleen E, Linda House, Minnie Hutchinson, Linda Jackson, Bill Jordan, Otto K, Mary K.M, Joyce Miller, Todd O, Annette Royal, Betty Schnell, Caitlyn Thoms, Juan Torres, Michael, Noel, & Roger V, Harry Wahl, Gloria White
Special: On this Epiphany Sunday, we thank You, Lord, for making Your love and mercy manifest in Your Son, Jesus. Even Your glory is made manifest as the Magi worship him. Draw us close to Jesus to bow down and bring our gifts. Send us into this world to make Your love manifest for people in tangible ways. • We pray for areas of the world torn apart by war and violence, including Ukraine, Myanmar, Mexico, Ethiopia, Yemen, and more. • We continue to pray for recovery efforts for Hurricane Ian and Hurricane Nicole. • Lord Jesus, watch over all those who follow You, especially those who are persecuted for their faith. Strengthen and protect Your faithful people and cause Your light to shine through them. • We ask the Lord to be with President Biden, members of Congress, and the Supreme Court, as well as all state and local leaders. • We pray for those who serve our nation in the armed services. We also ask the Lord to watch over and keep our first responders safe.
Preschool Prayers—Class of the Month: This month we pray for our friends in the Tiger Class (3 year old) – Ms. Glenda, Ms. Aida, Adrianna, Evelyn, Aaralyn, Luis, Cameron, Max L., Woodney, Elijah, Ariana. We ask the Lord to keep these little ones in His constant care and to pour out His blessing upon their families.