Weekly News 03/22/2026 Fifth Sunday in Lent
Today: “O, LIFE!” • Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:1-11; John 11:1-44 • When Jesus encounters Lazarus, we see the power of the living Word of God. With a word, Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb, showing that His voice carries the authority of the Creator and the promise of life. Throughout Scripture, God works through His Word to give life, restore hope, and call His people out of death into life. This same powerful Word is spoken again at the cross and empty tomb. When Jesus speaks, the grave does not have the final say. Where do you need to hear His life-giving Word today?
Our guest preacher this morning is Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Zehnder
To view or print Sunday’s 9am Worship bulletin:
https://poporlando.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026_03_22-Trad-Lent-5-1st-Communion.pdf
Lenten Devotional Available: O’ God our Help our Hope • Our Lenten devotions are available for pick up before or after worship, and you can also download a copy at https://bit.ly/pop-lent-devotion-2026
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!
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, games and 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.
Easter Lilies: It’s time to order Easter lilies to beautify our worship spaces on Easter Day. Please fill out the online form with payment or contact the church office. The suggested donation if $20 per plant | https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/lilies
Help Make Palm Crosses – Friday, March 27, 5:30 pm • We are opening this service project for all ages and all interested: children & teens, parents & older adults. Karen Adkins has offered to host her home again this year. Refreshments provided. Crosses to be handed out on Palm Sunday. For more information email staff@poporlando.com.
Final Midweek Lenten Service, Wednesday at 11am • Join us this Wednesday at 11:00 am as we gather for worship and prayer in the Sanctuary. As we focus on Jesus, the Lamb of God that was slain we recognize our need for repentance and to turn toward the redemptive mercy and forgiveness that is ours only through Jesus.
“Baby Bottle” Campaign for Redeeming Life Outreach Ministry – Bottles Due Sunday, March 29 • Pick up a bottle and fill it with checks, cash, or spare change to support Redeeming Life. Their ministry serves pregnant women in crisis, resulting in healthy babies and transformed lives. The support of congregations like PoP/PdeP is vital!
Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday, March 29 from 3:30-5:30pm • Bring the kids or grandkids to hear the Easter story, hunt for eggs, create some fun crafts, play some games and more! It is fun for the whole family. Children are encouraged to bring their own baskets. Contact DCE Eric for more information.
We Need your Help for our Easter Egg Hunt Event – We are expecting hundreds of families, and we need your help to share the Good News about Jesus with them. We are looking for candy and financial donations as well as volunteers who can help with the day of the event. Please fill out our online volunteer form or you can also find it located in the Narthex and FLC. Contact DCE Eric for more information. | https://poporlando.breezechms.com/form/f1ee74
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.
Vacation Bible Camp Is June 8-12 • RAINFOREST FALLS: For kids age 4- grade 5, this Amazon adventure will explore the Nature of God: What is God like? Who is God? Can we trust him? Kids will enjoy crafts, games, music, science projects, skits, snacks during the FREE camp that will meet daily from 9:00am-Noon that week.
Thrivent Choice Dollar Deadline is March 31 • Support Prince of Peace by directing your Thrivent Choice Dollars® today. Simply go to www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt. Thank you to those who have supported our ministry through directing your Choice Dollars to PoP.
Fruits of Faith
Sunday, March 15
9:00 am Traditional: 115 | 11:00am Contemporary: 56 | 11:00am Español: 79 | TOTAL: 250
Mid-week Lenten worship, Wednesday, March 18
11:00 am Traditional: 39
Giving: Thank you for your faithful engagement in our ministry through your gifts and offerings.
February 22 offerings $ 9,017
March 1 offerings $16,396
March 8 offerings $ 8,730
March 15 offerings $10,725
Needed each week: $13,653
PRAYERS – To add someone to this list or update us on their status, please email prayers@poporlando.com.
First communion: Lord, bless Brianna Neville, Adrianna Perez, Rebecca Roberts, and Skyla Rodriguez on their First Communion, filling their hearts with Your love, grace, and a lifelong faith in You.
Prayers of Comfort: We continue to pray for Julie Kroeplin and family at the loss of her husband, Merle, who went to his heavenly home on Friday, March 13. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2:00 p.m. at Prince of Peace. • We pray the family and friends of Ron Schmidt, who passed away peacefully at home this past Monday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. | 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: Paul Divan, Betty Schnell, Betty Chambers (mother of Pam Ingersoll), Lori Lawicki (Vanessa Vaché’s sister-in-law), Carla Warnock
Thanksgiving for New Life: We give thanks along with Ali Imhoff and Victor Garcia for the gift of new life in their new baby boy, Oliver. We ask the Lord to continue to watch over mom and baby and to fill their family with joy and thanksgiving.
Hospitalized: Chris Bain (surgery), Sabina Lakhan, Nitza Rohena (Camille Neville’s mother, hospitalized after a fall) Nancy Schloemer (sister of Kathy McCartin, rehospitalization)
Recovering at Home or Rehab Facility: Paul Mohabir (brother of Sanita Bhairo), Stephanie Carbonell, Jim Ingersoll, Susanne Johnson, Ava Lindsey (12 y-o granddaughter of Chris & Vicki Stork), Karen Melick, Stephen Monroe (friend of Carrie Tedford), Jeff Powell, Pete Spudich (now in Tuscawilla rehab), 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: Dan May (husband of Dana Youtz), Karen Adkins, Dave & Mary Ann Ault, Ron Bledsoe, Deaconess Ligia Borges, Rebecca Brooks, Linda Dicks, Sarah Dierking, Judy & Jim Finnie, Daryl Flynn, Louanne Fussell, Michael Halstead, Ron Howard (Gwen Taliver’s son-in-law), Pam Ingersoll, Chris & Kristen Ivanic, Jerry Jordan, Larry Martinez, Michael McCarty, Maddie, Tausha Miller, Camille Neville, Raya Pokigo, Raven, Miriam Rivera, Sheila Roberts, Pam Robertson, 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, Betty Schnell, Michael, Noel, & Roger V; Jerry Warnock
Family & Friends: Alfredo (cousin of Marcia Thompson in ICU after 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 (Jeanette Gabay’s sister), 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: Lord Jesus, Your Word is living and powerful, calling life out of death and hope out of despair. Speak to us in our need, strengthen our faith, and lead us to trust Your voice, which still calls Your people into life. • 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. • We pray for a world in crisis and in need of God’s redemption: Lord have mercy. 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.
LENTEN THEME: O God our Help our Hope
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.” 1 John 5:14
Devotional • Our devotional for 40 days of prayer guides us as the Spirit is at work in us.
Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday, March 29 – Regular Worship Time Schedule
9am – Traditional | Sanctuary
11am – Contemporary | FLC
11am – Adoración del Domingo de Ramos | Templo
Maundy Thursday, April 2 – 6pm Traditional Worship | Sanctuary
7:30pm Culto del Jueves Santo | Templo
Good Friday, April 3– 11am Traditional Worship | Sanctuary
6pm Traditional Worship | Sanctuary
7:30pm Culto del Viernes Santo | Templo
Easter Sunday, April 5 – 6:30am SONrise Service | Memorial Garden/Courtyard
9:00am Traditional Festival Worship | Sanctuary
11:00am Contemporary Worship | FLC
11:00am Pascua de Resurrección | Templo
Missing a birthday or anniversary and wishing 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
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