Today: “Courage to Stand Firm” • Acts 4:1-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18 • So much has changed for Peter and John in such a short time. Weeks earlier they and all the disciples deserted Jesus when he was arrested. Now, Peter and John have been arrested but have the courage to stand firm. They point to the power in Jesus’ name to heal and to save, and by the Spirit’s power they cannot help but speak of what they have seen and heard. How will God use you and me as witnesses of Jesus when we speak of what we have seen and heard?
About this series: “Resurrecting Courage” • It takes courage to be a Christian—but perhaps not for the reasons that might immediately come to mind. Some have suggested that the challenge the church faces is less about how our society lost its way, but that it is that the church has forgotten “to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” with the One who IS the way (Micah 6:8; John 14:6). This Easter season we look at snapshots of the early Christian to gain a sense of how those walking with Jesus submitted to His power and authority and were radically transformed by His grace. May we, too, have courage to walk with Jesus authentically, unapologetic that we bear His name, and committed to show His love and mercy with radical grace.
To view or print Sunday’s 9am Worship bulletin: https://poporlando.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024_04_21-Trad-Easter-4.pdf
Bible Classes
Adult Sunday Morning Bible Class at 10:00 am • The class is led by Jim Essig. We are studying the book of Acts. Classes are in the Music Room during our 10:00 am Education Hour, between 9 am & 11 am worship.
PARENTS’ SUPPORT GROUP – NEW – Sundays at 10:00am • “Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World” • facilitated by Carol and Kurt Bickel in the Board Room (Admin building)
SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR AGE 4 – GRADE 5: Heart of God • This year, our Sunday School will be digging into the “Heart of God.” Our volunteers will help children understand God’s attributes through Bible stories, crafts, games and more. Each week the children will learn about who God is and how we can follow Him. The children will have a lot of fun and learn important faith lessons at the same time. https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/57d9c8
The 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.
Christian Parent Support Group, Sundays at 10:00am, Board Room • A class for parents is being offered on Sunday Mornings at 10:00 a.m. The discussion will focus on Christian Empathy utilizing the book, Unselfie by Michelle Borba as background with the Bible as the foundation for dialog. Empathy, especially the empathy that was taught by Jesus, plays a powerful role in predicting kids’ happiness and success. Carol and Kurt Bickel are facilitating discussions about the Christian faith and family relationships. Carol was Orange County District Lead Secondary Counselor. Carol and Kurt have written a book published by Concordia Publishing House entitled, “Lasting Friendship Skills”. Kurt is a certified instructor in Patent Effectiveness Training and Executive Coach. Kurt has written a book entitled, “Getting Along with Parents” by” Group Publishing. Parents will meet in the Board Room of the Administration Building.
Pastors’ Reception TODAY • New to Prince of Peace—or New-ish? • If you are new to Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz and would like to know more about our unique ministries, come to the Pastors’ Reception today (4/21) at 2pm, to learn more. At this wine and cheese reception you can learn more about next steps to getting connected, becoming more engaged, or becoming a member.
Lunch & Zilch: Save the Date! This Thursday, April 25 at 11:30am • Especially for Seniors • Our next Lunch & Zilch event is on our calendar. Please mark your calendar and come enjoy some fun. Please RSVP to Jim via text or email by Monday, April 22. There is a cost of $10 per person to cover the lunch and the prizes for the Zilch winners. jim.essig@poporlando.com | 407.446.7147
Concert Series • Kean High School Concert Band and Choir of St. Thomas (USVI) • Sunday, April 28, 4pm
Prince of Peace is blessed to host the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Concert Band and Choir from St. Thomas (USVI) as they tour Central Florida. The chair of the Music Department, Ms. Monet Davis, is a cousin of Prince of Peace member Lisa Melendez.
Vacation Bible Camp Updates!
Our Camp Needs Donations to Allow Kids to Dive into All of Our Activities • Many of our activities are supply heavy. We have been blessed over the years to have many items donated that are needed to hold this major program. This year we will again be seeking donations to help us keep costs down. You can view the partial list of supplies needed by viewing the link provided. (This list is NOT complete and will be updated regularly until the week before Camp) https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040D4EAAAC2CABFC1-48873915-scuba#/
Vacation Bible Camp – Registration is filling up! Register Now to Ensure You Don’t Miss out! • Last summer, we filled all of our spaces 2 weeks before camp started, and we are ahead of that pace for SCUBA. Don’t wait, sign up your child now to ensure that they do not have to be placed on our waiting list. | https://vbspro.events/p/f716b8
SCUBA is planned for June 10-14 from 9:00 am- 12:15 pm daily. It is a fun, “undersea” adventure to help kids Age 4- Grade 5 (rising 6th) to explore what it means to be Jesus’ friend. The music, games, skits, science experiments, snacks and more all point to Jesus. It is fun, action packed, and we would love to see your child there!
Volunteers are needed for SCUBA Vacation Bible Camp – June 10-14 • We have some KEY Leadership positions, especially in our preschool programming, that need more adult volunteers. Do you love 4 and 5 year old kiddos and how excited they get about learning? We are looking for Station leaders or Co-Station leaders. These leaders will work with the help and support from DCE Eric, to choose activities from the curriculum and lead them to children each day as they rotate through every 25 minutes. The areas that need caring volunteers include Preschool Bible story, Preschool Crafts, Preschool Science and Preschool Games. Our Dive Camp Instructors (volunteer small group leaders) will handle supervising and any discipline necessary. If you are interested in volunteering in any way for SCUBA, now is the time to step forward. Please fill out our online volunteer form or contact DCE Eric Gerken. | https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/615cba
Help Us Reach Our Goal! • As important as the supply list is, the major need for VBC this year is monetary. The price of the curriculum and supplies that we get from the publisher have gone up. This increase came after the budget for 2024 was submitted. In addition, this year we will be providing T-shirts for all of our campers and volunteers. These shirts are not just Bible Camp shirts, but are shirts that will sport the logo “PoP Kids” and kids will be encouraged to wear them to future activities for them and their families at the church. Our Endowment Committee has partially funded these shirts but has also challenged the congregation to rally around this ministry effort and raise the remaining $750 to ensure that every child and volunteer gets a “PoP Kids” t-shirt. That brings us to a $1000 goal for the financial support of VBC and the launch of our PoP Kids program to further engage families in our neighborhood and community. Won’t you prayerfully consider a gift and/or a supply donation today? | https://poporlando.breezechms.com/give/online
In Person SCUBA Volunteer Training – Saturday, June 2 at 10:00 am • We still need several more Youth and Adults to fill volunteer roles for VBC. If you have not yet volunteered and can help on the mornings of June 10-14, please sign up today. This is a GREAT way to get volunteer hours for school. Here is the link to register: https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/615cba
Altar Flowers • If you wish to sponsor Sunday Altar Flowers at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in celebration of a special occasion or in memory of a loved one, please fill out the form online or contact our church office. https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/flowers
Fruits of Faith
Sunday, April 14
9:00 Traditional: 108 | 11:00 Contemporary: 56 | 11:00 Spanish: 91 | TOTAL: 255
Giving: Thank you for your faithful engagement in our ministry through your gifts and offerings.
March 24 offerings $ 8,582
March 31 offerings $20,133
April 7 offerings $12,666
April 14 offerings $10,070
needed each week: $12,403
Your gifts and offerings, your prayers and service to the Lord—they make a difference here, and for all eternity.
PRAYERS
Prayers of Comfort: We offer prayers for the family and close friends of Christian artist Mandisa, who died suddenly and unexpectedly in her home last week.
Recovering: Deaconess Ligia Borges (thanksgiving), Rick Burns, Barbara Conyers, Sloan Davis, Camille Neville, Debbie Noss, Denny O’Neil, Nancy Plotnikoff, Raya Pokigo, Norma Poutre, Jeff Powell, Sheila Roberts, Cindy Sibly, Pete Spudich, Pat Williams
Healing and Strength: Karen Adkins, Dave & Mary Ann Ault, Kurt Bickel, Rebecca Brooks, Delores B, Michael B, Donna C, Danny Conlin, Elizabeth Dawson, Sheila Dean, Sarah Dierking, Steven Dorsagano, Gail Eaton, John Elmore, Amanda Fearce, Judy Finnie, Leonard G, Rev. Dennis Glander, Michael Halstead, Joe Heinz, Jim & Pam Ingersoll, Chris & Kristen Ivanic, Bill Jordan, Jerry Jordan, Kelli Kalinowski, Norma Kress, Merle Kroeplin, Henry Leon, Jim Lord, Larry Martinez, Jason McCartin, Kathy McCartin, Michael McCarty, Maddie, George Meder, Lewis Mendez, Christopher Miller, Mario Muniz, Skylar Newport, Rick Perre, Miriam Rivera, David Rodgers, Nitza Rohena, David Schloemer, Rex Serio, Hannah Steinbronn, Shirley Stockett, Carmen & Juan, Rosalee Wessel, Ted Wessel, Cricket Winters, Leon W, Linda Zamsky |
Family & Friends: Stephanie, Matthew, Samantha, Jason, Daniel Baudry, Debbie Holly, Nicole Wernsing
Receiving Treatments: Ellen Boogher, Sarah vonBraun, Joshula Flowers, Cameron LaPointe, Pastor Brian Roberts, Elena Santana, Jeff S, Tina T, Janet V, Vincent Ward, Debbie W, Staci Welburn, Dayton Whites, Brenda Williams, Michelle Zicarelli
Continued Care: Chuck Boogher, Pat C., Kelly DeFrietas, Al & Linda Dicks, Bob E, Linda House, Linda Jackson, Otto Krumpholc, Mary K.M, Jean LaPointe, Micki & Sal LoBue, Todd O, Betty Schnell, Michael, Noel, & Roger V, Harry Wahl
Special: Jesus, as we walk with You, pour Your courage into us. By the power of Your Spirit help us point others to the power of Your love. We thank You that in Your name You offer people healing, life, and redemption. Help us to be open to being used by You. • We pray for our troubled world, longing for the day that wars and violence will cease over all the earth, the day when all wrongs will be righted, and the Lord’s justice will prevail. Love have mercy; Christ have mercy; Lord have mercy. • Be with President Biden, members of Congress, and the Supreme Court, as well as all state and local leaders. • Lord, watch over and keep our first responders safe.
Prayers for those in the military or deployed: We pray for those who serve our nation in the armed services and for those who are deployed, especially those connected with our PoP/PdeP family: Jake Allison, Zachary Carbonell, Cody Dowling, Kyle Holysz, Matthew Rojas, Amanda S, Greg S, Geoffrey W
Preschool Class of the Month – Our April Preschool Class of the Month is Mrs. Martinez’s VPK Lions! Please keep Mrs. Martinez, Daniel, Adrianna, Mila, Aaralyn, Laila, and Elijah in your prayers.
Missing a birthday or anniversary and wish to add to the list? Please email staff@poporlando.com
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
Pam Fuller, Chief of Staff pam.fuller@poporlando.com
Adriana Alas, Administrative Assist. adriana.alas@poporlando.com
Office Contact information: (407)277-3945 | staff@poporlando.com
– Sonia Tellez is helping in our office while Adriana is out on maternity leave. Sonia, we are grateful for you!
Adriana, congratulations—and welcome little Noah!