Happy Easter!
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!
Today: “Easter, Beyond Belief!” • John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43; Colossians 3:1-4 • Most people know the story of Easter—but how many have wrestled with what it means for them…personally? Think about it: in the Easter story, every follower of Jesus who comes to the tomb does so expecting death to have the final word—and why wouldn’t they? Like us, they live in a world where loss is real and grief is unavoidable. Consider Mary Magdalene, the first eyewitness: even standing before the risen Jesus, she cannot see Him, because her understanding is shaped by what she believes to be true. But everything changes when Jesus calls her by name. Easter moves us beyond belief as mere knowledge into a living reality: death is not the end, Christ is risen, and His voice still calls us into new life.
To view or print Sunday’s 9am Worship bulletin:
https://poporlando.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026_04_05-Easter.pdf
An Easter Thank You! On this Easter Sunday, we want to thank all those who made our worship of the Risen Lord (and this past Holy Week!) so special: Our choirs, musicians, a/v technicians, and worship team; our volunteers who helped welcome, had a role in worship, arranged flowers, and set up for worship. Thanks, also, to those who planned or participated in our Community Easter Egg Hunt. And thank you to all who in many, many more ways have honored God through supporting others in our worship and praise of Jesus, our Lord who lives forevermore.
Sunday Nursery • 9:00am – While our 9:00am nursery is not staffed, parents are welcome to use this space with their children, providing their own supervision, and watching the livestream.
11:00am – Our trained, background-checked volunteer will continue caring for children ages 6 months to 5 years during the 11:00am services. See DCE Eric for more information!
There are NO Bible classes or Sunday school today, Easter Sunday • Classes resume next week.
Below is the regular schedule:
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Class at 10:00 am • The class is led by Jim Essig. We are studying the Gospel of John. Classes are in the Music Room during our 10:00 am Education Hour.
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGE 4 – GRADE 5: Kingdom Quest • Kingdom Quest is a Bible overview curriculum that teaches children the core stories of the Bible and helps them see why they matter today. We help children experience God’s love through Bible stories, crafts, gamesand more., as we learn to follow Jesus. The children will have a lot of fun and learn important faith lessons at the same time.https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/57d9c8
Youth Bible Class – 10:00am • The youth bible class meets in the Board Room (church office) for Bible study. They will be looking at what the Bible says about serving him as a teen and having bible-based discussions. Be sure to have the bible app downloaded onto your phone!
The Mid-week Bible Class for Adults • Wednesday Mornings 9:30am – 10:30am in the Board Room. Led by Pastor Ken, we look ahead to the Scriptures for the upcoming Sunday.
Are you looking for meaningful daily devotions that connect with everyday life?
• Our Daily Bread. “Helping you connect with God. Every day. Every way.” | https://www.odb.org/
• Lutheran Hour Ministries https://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions/
Sundays! Young Adult Group (ages 20 to 30) • The Young Adult Bible Study meets Sundays 12:30pm till 2pm. Led by Jordan Zarecki and Abby Green, they spend time connecting and reading Bible-based discussions over lunch.
Church & Preschool Offices Closed – Easter Monday, April 6 • The church and preschool offices are closed for Monday, April 6 in observance of Easter.
LWML Collecting Eyeglasses Until September 13 for Future Mission Trip • LWML will be collecting all types of eyeglasses/readers until September 13th for their Mission trip to Africa. There are containers located in the narthex and family life center
Lutheran Haven Spring Flea Market – Saturday, April 18 at 8:00am • Check out the Lutheran Haven Spring Flea Market this year! Clothing, appliances, artwork, collectibles, antiques and more! This event is sponsored by Lutheran Haven Auxiliary to benefit Lutheran Haven Assisted Living and Memory care residents. (2041 W State Rd 426, Oviedo)
Volunteers Needed for Youth & Family Ministry • We are seeking help in two Youth & Family Ministry roles: Nursery Attendants (care for ages 6 months–5 years during the 11:00 am service; about once a month, with hope to expand to 9:00 am) and Middle School Sunday School Teacher(s) (grades 6–8, Sundays 10:00–10:45 am; curriculum provided). A background check is required. If you’re interested contact DCE Eric Gerken.
Easter Lilies 2026 • Thank you to all those who helped beautify our worship of Our Risen Lord. May He bring comfort, peace, and life to all.
Karen Adkins – In memory of mom and dad (Peggy & Al). We miss you every day. Have a great Easter with my Jeff, his first Easter in Heaven. Love you
Ellen Boogher – in memory of Chuck Boogher
Donna Browne – In memory of Charles, Eleanor and Gail Eaton and David Browne, Sr.
Paul Browne – In celebration to the Glory of God
Barabara Conyers – in memory of family members
Louanne Fussell – in memory of Larry Fussell, 25 years in Heaven, 04/25/2001
Pastor Ken & Peg Green – in memory of our mothers, Joanne Green and Elke Heinz, and Peg’s dad, Joe Heinz
Steve & Kathy Hudson – In memory of our son Brad, Kathy’s sister Pam, and our parents.
David & Linda House – In memory of loved ones
Ken & Judy Holzscheiter – In memory of loved ones
Jerry & Donna Lemcke – In memory of all our brothers and sisters who have gone to be with Jesus.
Elvi Lord – In memory of loved ones
Laurlei Kolvitz – In memory of Gene & Marla Kolvitz
Julie Kroeplin – In memory of Merle Kroeplin and in celebration of a life well lived – thanks be to God
Maria Masas – In memory of Jimmy Barrera
Kathy McCartin – In memory of husband Ron McCartin and parents Ray and Ethel Schloemer
Gerry & Debbie Noss – In memory of our relatives who celebrate heavenly birthdays and in celebration of our Savior’s resurrection
Chris & Vicky Stork – in memory of Gloria White, John and Joyce White and Lucille Dorman
Sonia Tellez – In loving memory of loved ones
Mike & Judy Tencza – in memory of our parents
Gwen Taliver – In celebration of our Lord Jesus Christ
Joan Torres – in memory of loved ones and in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
Zaida Torres – In memory of Bud & Celeste Youtz
Preschool Accreditation • Our preschool is currently undergoing the National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA) Gold Seal process, the highest accreditation a preschool in Florida can receive, with the Validation Team visiting April 12–14. Please keep this important visit in your prayers and join us for dinner with the preschool staff and team in the Family Life Center on Monday, April 13, from 6:00–7:00 PM. Please RSVP to Adriana in the church office at (407) 277-3945.
Help Care for Furry Friends •Kendall Holysz is looking for volunteers to help feed five feral cats behind the Bickel Building on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, beginning April 21 through the end of October. If you would like to lend a helping hand and support the care of these cats, please contact Kendall Holysz at 407-766-7296.
🌴 Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible Camp — Registration is OPEN! 🌿
📅Mark your Calendars and Join us: June 8–12 for an exciting tropical adventure designed for kids Age 4–Grade 5 (including rising 6th graders)! Kids will explore God’s creation and discover the “Nature of God” through games, crafts, science experiments, music, skits, snacks, and creative Bible stories.
🕘 Daily Schedule: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
🎉 Includes group opening & closing (parents welcome to join at closing!)
🎁 Each child receives a Book of Psalms + FREE T-shirt
🌿 Age-based groups for a fun, age-appropriate experience:
- Preschool (Age 4, not yet in kindergarten)
- Elementary (Completed K–5th Grade)
⏳ Limited Space Available! Spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
👉 Register now: https://vbspro.events/p/ed3884
Contact DCE Eric with any questions at eric.gerken@poporlando.com
Fruits of Faith – Sunday, March 29
9:00 am Traditional: 130 | 11:00am Contemporary: 73 | 11:00am Español: 152 | TOTAL: 355
Giving: Thank you for your faithful engagement in our ministry through your gifts and offerings.
March 15 offerings $10,725
March 22 offerings $12,750
March 29 offerings $11,172 Needed each week: $13,653
PRAYERS – To add someone to this list or update us on their status, please email prayers@poporlando.com.
Prayers of Comfort: We pray for the family of Cecilia Jones who went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 1. • We ask the Lord to continue to comfort Jerry Warnock at the death of his wife, Carla. • We pray for the family and friends of Paul Divan who died in the Lord on March 25. • Jesus, comfort all those who grieve and remind Your people that You are the resurrection and the life, and You will raise us up on the last day.
Receiving Care through Hospice: Betty Schnell, Betty Chambers (mother of Pam Ingersoll), Lori Lawicki (Vanessa Vaché’s sister-in-law)
Upcoming surgery: Nancy Schloemer | Recovering at Home or Rehab Facility: Chris Bain, Nitza Rohena, Stephanie Carbonell, Jim Ingersoll,Susanne Johnson, Sabina Lakhan, Ava Lindsey (12 y-o granddaughter of Chris & Vicki Stork), Karen Melick, Paul Mohabir (brother of Sanita Bhairo), Stephen Monroe (friend of Carrie Tedford), Jeff Powell, Pete Spudich, James Stanley, Gene Terranova
Receiving Treatments: Zaida Vargas, Jayson Gerken, Everett Baker, Tim Smith (friend of the Pirinos), Erica Aviles (DIL of Julio Aviles), Sarah Von Braun, Sylvia & Maurice Bourgeois (Judy Finnie’s sister and BIL), Mark Cotton (Judy Finnie’s nephew), Bob Denton, Joanne Hahn, Michelle Hollingsworth, Becky Rouse Jones, Cameron LaPointe, Bill Maneri (friend of Ken & Judy Holzscheiter), Lisa Repalo, Elena Santana, Jeff S, Barbara Smith (mother of Brooke McKinnon), Tina T, Ruth Tellez (relative of Sonia Tellez), Amber Vittone, Debbie W, Brenda Williams
Healing and Strength: Jan Vokovich, Dan May (husband of Dana Youtz), Karen Adkins, Dave & Mary Ann Ault, Ron Bledsoe, Rebecca Brooks, Linda Dicks, Sarah Dierking, Judy & Jim Finnie, Daryl Flynn, Louanne Fussell, Michael Halstead, Pam Ingersoll, Chris & Kristen Ivanic, Jerry Jordan, Larry Martinez, Michael McCarty, Maddie, Tausha Miller, Camille Neville, Raya Pokigo, Raven, Miriam Rivera, Sheila Roberts, Rex Serio, Angie Shroyer, Hannah Steinbronn, Carmen & Juan, Rosalee Wessel, Ted Wessel, Betty Wienrich, Cricket Winters, Leon W, Linda Zamsky
Continued Care: Pat C., Kelly DeFrietas, Al Dicks, Bob E, Linda House, Linda Jackson, Bill Jordan, Otto Krumpholc, Mary K.M, Micki LoBue, Connie Lerchen, Mario Muniz, Todd O; Michael, Noel, & Roger Vokovich; Jerry Warnock
Family & Friends: Alfredo (recovering from a serious car accident), Michelle S. Chapman’s mother (cancer), Rob and Lori Angus, Everette B., Delores B, Michael B, Evelyn Brucks, Donna C, Danny Conlin, Rennie Conyers, Elizabeth Dawson, Howard Dion (uncle of Judy Finnie), Mike Ritzel (Judy Finnie’s nephew), Steven Dorsagano, John Elmore, Amanda Fearce, Joanne Gabay, Rick Perre Haley, Christina, Stephanie, Joanne, Ruth Johnson (sister of Kathy McCartin), Vesta & Mark Sauter (aunt and uncle of Leah McCormack), Rex Seeds (friend of Barbara Hahn), Matthew, Michael, Samantha, Jason, Daniel Baudry, Fran Federman, Jim Obenour, Carlyn and Sarah (fighting cancer), Cindy Rock, Jean Rogers (Jim Finnie’s aunt), David Rodgers, Karla Schloemer, Brandy (Karen Melick’s friend), Vern (friend of Shar and Frank Dluhy), Pat Williams, Karen Wahl, Fred Thomas, Eric Shrieves (partner of Lynn Olglesby)
Special: Risen Lord Jesus, call us by name as You did Mary Magdalene. Move us beyond belief into living faith. In our grief, give hope; in our doubt, give sight. Remind us death is not the end, for You are risen. • Eternal God, whose steadfast love never ends, we ask that you look upon the nations now engaged in war and hasten the day of peace. Look in mercy on those exposed to peril, conflict, sickness and death; and show compassion to the dying. Let your protection be upon all those who are in the service of our nation. Guard them from all danger and harm; sustain and comfort those at home, especially in hours of anxiety, loneliness, and sorrow. • Lord have mercy on our world…on our nation…on us. Christ have mercy. Lord Have mercy. • Watch over our first responders and keep them safe.
Prayers for those in the military or deployed, especially those connected with our PoP/PdeP family: Jake Allison, Sam Beasley, Zachary Carbonell, Billy Embach, Kyle Holysz, Matthew Rojas, Meghan Rojas, Amanda S, Greg S, Geoffrey, Antonio Watt, Anthony Witcher, Isaak Allan
Preschool Prayers – Class of the Month (March/April): This month we pray for our friends in the VPK Lions (4year olds) –We ask the Lord to keep Mrs. Martinez and the little ones in His constant care and to pour out His blessings upon their families.
Staff Contacts:
Rev. Ken Green, Senior Pastor ken.green@poporlando.com
Rev. Adolfo Borges, Assoc. Pastor adolfo.borges@poporlando.com
David Ludwig, Jr., Worship & Music david.ludwig@poporlando.com
Deaconess Ligia Borges, Outreach ligia.morales@poporlando.com
DCE Eric Gerken, Families and Youth eric.gerken@poporlando.com
Anne Dobbins, Preschool Director anne.dobbins@poporlando.com
Jim Essig, Senior Adult Ministry jim.essig@poporlando.com
Jeanette Gabay, Director of Finance jeanette.gabay@poporlando.com
Adriana Alas, Administrative Assist. adriana.alas@poporlando.com
Office Contact information: (407)277-3945 | staff@poporlando.com
Weekly News items – please send to news@poporlando.com
Prayers – please send to prayers@poporlando.com
Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!