We are the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus — in the heart of orlando. May 2015

“SO, WHAT’S YOUR CHURCH LIKE?”

When I meet someone new, I don’t always disclose that I am a pastor. So,

why is that? Well, I want people to get to know me for who I am—and not have them panic because all of a sudden they realize they’re talking to one of those “religious people.” (You can tell when this happens: the language and content of the conversation becomes much less “real,” and I just don’t think that’s me.) Especially, though, I want to get to know people just as they are—no pretense, not anxious because as a pastor I might have an “agenda.”Eventually—it is inevitable—my “cover” gets blown. Often times I get asked a set of questions: Where is your church located? What’s your church like? And there’s a chance that someone might ask, “What [faith/denomination/type of church] is that?”So, what’s our church like? How would you answer that? One way could be to tell people how we understand God’s calling for Prince of Peace: “We are the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus—in the heart of Orlando.” Or, if you’re good at remembering an “elevator speech” (that is, a quick statement, having just enough time to speak

as it might take to ride an elevator a few floors), you might share our Vision Statement from Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz: We are and aspire to be “a Christ-centered, multicultural church inspired by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament to engage the community with God’s grace and love.”The Board of Directors and I are continuing to learn more about the unique demographics of our community, to pray about our calling, and to work towards developing “critical targets” that signal for us the opportunities God has given us to serve Him. As we do so, we recently learned some fascinating statistics about Prince of Peace that speak to what our church is like. According to statistics from 2013, did you know:Average worship size: In 2001, 23 churches in the Florida Georgia District of our church body had worship attendance over 400 each week; in 2013 that had dropped to 11 churches. Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz is one of those “larger” churches that continue to worship over 400 each weekend. We are blessed.In 2013 Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz baptized 30 children, placing us

at #3 on the list of child baptisms in the Florida Georgia District. All but one of the top congregations in this category operated an Early Childhood Center or Elementary School.In 2013, Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz welcomed into membership 28 people through “Profession of Faith.” That measures the number of people who, after having been disconnected from the faith, have now found a home here in God’s house. Three of the top six congregations in this category were Hispanic or multicultural. Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz ranked #6. “So, Pastor, what’s that all mean?” We are blessed, God is at work, and the fruits of faith are evident here. And, I believe, God has positioned us right where He wants us to be, reaching people in the neighborhood where we worship and the neighborhoods where we live, for the purpose that more and more people may come to know Jesus as their Savior, all to the glory of God. Pray and expect to see God at work!Serving Jesus with you,

• May 2015

Memorial Gifts

Hospitalized/outpatient during MarcH and april

Cathy Artrip, Jerry Bayless, Linda Becker, Ron Becker, Wendy Branch, Charlie Branneky, Sarah Browning, Lu Burchfield, Grace Dapper, Dottie Dreves, Ellie Dreves, Sandy Driver, Eleanor Eaton, Marge Estes, Gene Fresk, Lew Fry, Jade Fussell, Linda House, Rachel Jespersen, Peggy Kreps, Joan Krumpholc, Jean LaPointe, Sal LoBue, Ruth Mays, Jeff Powell, Milagros Rosa, Herb Schnell, Alicia Stafford, Peggy Stafford, Emery Stone, Gwen Taliver, Shelley Veal, Joyce White, Jon Wiegand

ongoing prayer concerns

Brynece Allen, Bonnie Anselmo, Diego Atilano, Lori Bachmann, Lynn Cheek, Al Dicks, Steve Hardesty, Will & Sarah Hassold, Jim Herrington, Barbara Hill, Bill Jordan, Elda Kehr, Kathie King, Sal LoBue, Lorraine Luebke, Michael McCarty, Joanne Monroe, Harold & Joanne Moore, Raquel Puig, Marie Raue, Carol Robinson, Donnie Reynolds, Cindy Sibly, Audrie Stafford, Linda Stevens, Michael Vokovich, Noelle Vokovich, Ralph Walck, Joyce White, Kaye Yonge, John Young

celebrations

BaptismsGage Rodney Schmitt (4/12)Amelia Marie Katt (4/18)New MembersGloria BarrancosAndres BuenoRafael CalcañoSandra LopezKathy McCartinSonia MoralesMaria PollMika & Lauren Thompson (Transfer) First Communion

Austin StiefHunter StiefMatthew Wiegand

syMpatHy to

Madalyn Oquendo and family (death of her uncle)Ron & Peg Henderson and family (death of Peg’s mom, Betty Cody)Family & friends of Emma Bal

In loving memory of Vi & Ernie Beckham by:

Alycia BarnardWendy Phillips

•In loving memory of

Betty Osher by:Gene Fresk

Don & Louise Lauher (Pastor’s Discretionary Fund)

•In loving memory of

Kristine Weaver (Marge Estes’ sister) by:

Ron & Peg Henderson

•In loving memory of

Beverly Adams (Edith Walton’s mom) by:

Mary Lou Nash

•In loving memory of Lee Shirley

(Linda Zamsky’s dad) by:Charlie and Mary Ellen Branneky

•In loving memory of Betty Cody

(Peg Henderson’s mom) by:Charlie & Mary Ellen Branneky

(Pastor’s Discretionary Fund)Bob & Joanne Hahn

Kent & Sharleeen JespersenMary Lou Nash

• May 2015

This issue of Crossroads is sponsored byRobin Paris

Gift Planning Counselor, LCMS Foundation, now serving as Prince

of Peace’s Gift Planner.

Crossroads is the monthly newsletter of

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church1515 S. Semoran Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32807-2297(407)277-3945

FAX (407)380-1802Email: staff@poporlando.com

www.poporlando.com

Lutheran Women in mission

The national LWML reached their mite goal for these past two years of $1,830,000! Actually, we surpassed it.  We send 25% of the mites we collect here at PoP to national for this goal. So you are helping there.  One of their grants for $100,000 is going to Rebecca’s Garden of Hope. The grant helps support faith-based, after-school tutoring and mentoring programs and the training of congregations throughout the US to implement similar programs, aimed at connecting at-risk children in urban communities (ones right here in Orlando and Kissimmee) with the love of Christ.  Thank you for bringing your mites to church the third Sunday of each month.  In March we collected $92.40—very close to our goal of $100.On May 20 the LWML will close their meetings before summer with a potluck salad luncheon.  All women are invited to attend in the FLC at 10:30am for the meeting, followed by the luncheon.We will be going to the Sirata Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach September 25-27 for a retreat.  For more information, contact Carlene Lemcke or go to www.flgalwml.com.

ORANGE COUNTY JAIL MINISTRYWe all know the world around us is getting darker every day. Many are trying to push Jesus out the door and post a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Here at the jail, we refuse to close doors. We have met many lost souls who have grown tired of standing in the dark, and are willing to come to the light and have a new life. So we stay. The inmates are glad we are here, and the officers say “They know our being here makes a difference; even our office is an oasis of peace.”We invite you to a banquet on Friday evening May 29 at 6:30pm in Faith Hall, First Baptist Church of Orlando.Tickets are $50 and are available by contacting Orange County Jail Ministry, 407-836-3000. Reservation deadline is May 15.

The Singles Dining Out group is taking a break for the summer. We’ll resume our monthly meetings in September.Have a wonderful, safe summer. If you have any restaurant ideas for fall, call Wendy Churchville, 407-851-6463.

YOUTH BAKE SALE AT VOTER MEETING Bring Some Change!!! The Youth will be having a Bake Sale Fundraiser on Sunday, May 17, beginning at 12noon in the FLC.

This Bake Sale will provide all desserts for the Semi-Annual Voter

Meeting Potluck Lunch.Proceeds will benefit the NYG 2016.

LAST PoP POLO SHIRT ORDER Always wanted a PoP polo shirt? Now is your last chance to get one! See Katie Abercrombie on Sunday morning (by May 10) to pick your color and order yours today!

CHRIST’S KIDS’ CLUB No CKC this month due to the holidays.

• May 2015

THE LUTHERAN HOURTune in to “The Lutheran Hour” every Sunday morning at 7:30am on radio station WFLF (580 am).

May 3 – “you Can Live a MeaningfuL Life”A life that is meaningful is one that is connected to Jesus. (John 15:1-8)

May 10 – “ReLentLess CoMpassion”God’s love excludes no one. (Acts 10:34-38)

May 17 – “Without a fight oR a pRayeR”Jesus prays for us because He knows we are vulnerable and need protection from a world that seeks to steal us away from God. (John 17:11-19)

May 24 – “poWeR ConneCtion”Pentecost is a day to celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit as Counselor and Comforter, sent by Jesus to bless you! (John 15:26-27, 16:14-15)

May 31 – “enough is enough”God shows grace to sinners but His patience has its limits. (2 Peter 3:9-10)

RECOGNIZING OUR ARMED FORCES (PAST AND PRESENT)

In an effort to recognize all veterans on Memorial Day we would appreciate information on past, present, and families of all branches of service (active and reserve).  This would include name, branch of service, and time served.  At a later date we would appreciate a bio or family history. Please e-mail info to havapup125@aol.com. Operation Barnabas is an LCMS Ministry for the Armed Forces which provides support to all those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces. They use the term “military-connected persons,” which includes military members and their families—past, present and future. There are forms available at church or on the Prince of Peace website that include a brief description of Operation Barnabas as well as a place for you to fill out information about yourself, your spouse, child/grandchild, who is or has served this great country. This is so we as a congregation can recognize your service on Memorial Day.For more information about Operation Barnabas go to lcms.org/operationbarnabas

AN AMAZING EASTER CELEBRATIONI want to thank those who helped make the Holy Week and Easter celebrations at PoP so powerful and memorable. While there are too many people to name, I especially want to thank the choir and worship team; Austin Wessel for his leadership in music and worship planning; DCE Emily Moss and the Easter Egg Hunt team (a tremendous outreach out to people from our community, as well as our church and preschool families); Pastor Borges and Pastor Ludwig for their Word and Sacrament ministries; all who helped with the mechanics of Holy Week and Easter worship (Connie Sanders, Holy Folders, ushers, communion assistants, acolytes, Russell Becker, Easter breakfast team and youth, and many, many more); and all who celebrated with hearts, hands, and voices lifted high to our Risen LordHis Spirit was present, and Jesus was glorified in our midst. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Ken

• May 2015

WHY CHARITABLE, CHRISTIAN PLANNING REFLECTS OUR FAITH…The opportunity to include charitable giving in the estate planning of U.S. citizens is largely overlooked by the vast majority of people in our nation. When they pass property from one generation to another, those who take advantage of remembering charitable organizations not only give their families a firsthand example of generosity that makes the world a better place for succeeding heirs, they literally pass on a legacy that extends the Biblical calling to be a blessing.

Statistically, only 8% of U.S. estates documented include a charitable gift. The SELC District hopes to put the idea of charitable planning in the forefront of the minds of Christian people. It is expected that more people with baptismal faith would include charitable causes that align with their highest values if the idea was ‘top of mind’ or more prevalent when they completed their plans.

We hope more people will continue to do in their death what they have done during their entire lives; namely share love with family members and support the work of the Lord. But such giving must be planned while one is able to plan. If a person waits until they are no longer able to make their own decisions or until they die, charitable planning is not likely to happen.

Among the benefits of charitable gift planning are conserving taxes, assuring principal and income for family members and providing the joy that comes with fulfilling the Great Commission and living outside of self, even in ones entry into eternal peace.

Charitable gift planning involves the spiritual stewardship process of looking at a person’s economic situation with a trained guide who shares your faith and helps you discern relevant options, and then supports you and your advisors to identify the opportunities and planning options that work best. Contrary to popular myth, a person can witness their faith and support ministries without disinheriting their family.

Christians worship a God who justifies a place of first priority in their lives. The congregations and ministry organizations we support can be considered at the same priority level as our family/heirs. These entities will assure that the future of the Christian faith will be stronger for our children’s children.

In charitable gift planning, you will discover useful options that can bring blessings to your home; including beneficial options to avoid tax traps with qualified retirement account plans.

Learn more from Robin Paris, CDE, Gift Planning Counselor, and our partner, the LCMS Foundation. We can walk you through the gift planning process confidentially.

Robin E. Paris, CDE, Gift Planning Counselor

Holy Cross Lutheran Church • 780 N. Sun Dr., Lake Mary, FL 32746 407-333-0797, Ext. 1103 • Cell: 937-477-9713 • Robin.Paris@lfnd.org

www.lcmsfoundation.org • 800-325-7912 Ext 1684

SEW DAY!May 18 • 10aM-3 pM

Calling both sewers and non-sewers to join us in creating feminine hygiene kits to send to Malawi. Without these kits, girls are missing opportunities because they are missing days from school.Sewers: please bring your machine, usual supplies, and thread. Non-sewers may wish to bring scissors. All fabrics will be provided. Feel free to bring a sack lunch. We look forward to seeing you there!Please RSVP via email to orlandose@daysforgirls.org.Wandering Stitches Quilting Studio5818 Hoffner, #905Orlando, FL 32822

YOUTH EASTER BREAKFAST Thank you to the AWESOME group of men who lovingly donated their time to shop, prepare, cook, and cleanup the Easter Breakfast this year! You are a blessing! Thanks to all the youth and parents who volunteered their time to help with the Easter Breakfast! And thanks to everyone who ate food at the Easter Breakfast! We were able to raise $510 for the 2016 National LCMS Youth Gathering!!

• May 2015

May 3 Alison RamirezMay 10 DCE EmilyMay 17 Sarah BrowningMay 24 DCE EmilyMay 31 Julianne Wiegand

Schedule

VolunteersDCE Emily is still looking for volunteers to complete the current Children’s Church Schedule — May-October 2015. There are only NINE spots left to fill!! If you have children who attend CC on Sunday mornings, or have a passion working with children, please take a few moments to consider and pray about leading a Sunday.Any help is greatly appreciated, even if it’s only for one Sunday! Average time for CC is now around 16 minutes. Please contact DCE Emily to sign up!

SEMI-ANNUAL VOTER MEETINGsunday, May 17

potLuCk LunCheon at 12:15 – Meeting at 1pM

• If your last name begins with A-I, please bring a side dish or salad to share

• If your last name begins with J-Z, please bring a main dish to share• Dessert will be available for purchase from the Youth Group as a

fundraiser for the National Youth Gathering 2016• Agenda items include Board of Directors elections and ministry

reports

aBsentee BaLLots If you are unable to attend the Voter Meeting on May 17 (i.e., traveling or away on vacation), absentee ballots will be available beginning Monday, May 11, at 7:30 am. Voting members (age 18 and older) may stop by the church office from 7:30am-4pm during the week, request a ballot by mail, or call 407-277-3945 to vote by phone. Absentee ballots must be cast by noon on Friday, May 15.

Thanks be to God for my wonderful church family! Your prayers and support during my ongoing treatment have been so much appreciated. Through all of you, I feel God’s love and presence throughout this journey I am on.In His Gracious Grip, Linda House

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MILESTONES • On Sunday, November 2, 2014 we welcomed Tristan Browning to

join in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us for his first time. • On Sunday, November 9, 2014 we welcomed Rebekah-Joy Harding

to join in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us for her first time.

• On Sunday November 30, 2014 we welcomed Sarah Zehnder to join in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us for her first time.

• On Wednesday, December 31, 2014 we welcomed Elizabeth Green to join in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us for her first time.

• On Sunday, March 22, 2015 we welcomed Matthew Wiegand, Austin Stief and Hunter Stief to join in the Sacrament of Holy Communion with us for their first time.

• Confirmation 2015 - On Sunday, May 31, we will rejoice with the 2015 Confirmand, Robby Cohenstrom, as he stands up and confirms his faith publicly before God and our Prince of Peace congregation during the 10:45am service.

• May 2015

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING!YOUR MONEY. YOUR STORY. YOUR LIFE.

Learn God’s way of handling money! The average turnaround is $8,000 in just the first three months!

satuRdays at 10:30aM

nine-Week CLass Begins May 30 at pRinCe of peaCe

RegisteR at WWW.popoRLando.CoM/fpuContact Alison Ramirez, 407-575-4342 or alisonr@bellsouth.net with any questions.

FL-GA DISTRICT CONVENTION INGATHERINGThe focus of the upcoming FL-GA District Convention is “Engaged in the Master’s Business.” Congregations are invited to participate in a convention ingathering to “engage in the Master’s Business” in a practical way.In the weeks leading up to the June 12-14 convention, we are asking Prince of Peace members to help us collect items needed for the Redeeming Life Maternity Home

in Sanford—onesies, size newborn to 12 months; and diapers, sizes 1, 2, 3. There are collection boxes in the narthex

and the Family Life Center hallway. Our convention delegates will deliver all the items donated to the convention.

Through our recent Baby Bottle Campaign, we at Prince of Peace have already established a relationship with this wonderful ministry that reaches out with the love of Christ to support single, expectant, and post-partum mothers. Thank you for your continued support.

FOLLOW YOUR VALUES TO FINANCIAL SECURITY

Make wise decisions about your money by following your values. When it comes to making financial decisions, we have three choices:

1. Share2. Save3. Spend

Our values serve as an internal compass to help keep us on track with what’s truly important in our lives. With this in mind, make a list of your values. Next, determine how much of your income you want to share, save and spend each week or month, based on your values. For example, if financial security and generosity are important, you may want to save X% of your earnings every month to cover essential and planned-for expenses, as well as share a portion of your income with your church or a cause that’s close to your heart. Keep in mind that in addition to financial resources, you can share your time and talents to help others, too. In doing so, you can help strengthen communities and change lives.

ConneCt youR faith and finanCes For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial has helped our member-owners to be wise with money and live generously. We can do the same for you. Your Thrivent Financial representative can help you develop a customized strategy that aligns your financial goals with your values. Contact Rick Ackerman, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP®, Financial Consultant, at 407-650-0065 or by e-mail at richard.ackerman@thrivent.com today, or visit Thrivent.com.Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. They are also registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

• May 2015

In the coming weeks, we will be wrapping up our study of “The

Story.” Our journey through this 31-chapter book began September 7, 2014 and will end on May 17, 2015. Throughout this series I

have tried my best to find music that helps tell the story of each chapter—congregational, choral, and instrumental—and the last few weeks of the series will be no different!As we study chapter 30 (“Paul’s Final Days”), the parish choir and congregation will be singing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” This hymn is a declaration of praise, but it’s also much more than that. The words both declare the majesty of Christ and task us with making that majesty known to all. Like many hymns describing the glory of God and the hope that one day all people will see that glory, this hymn alludes to Philippians 2:10-11: “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” We long for this day, and declare our hope in its arrival in the text of this hymn. But are we willing to declare that hope to those who have not heard it? The phrase, “Easier said than done” comes to mind here. After we have sung these words of victory and longing, what do we do? Do we act on those words and turn our expectancy into realities? Or do we wait for someone else to do it for us? The fourth stanza of this great hymn declares, “We’ll join the everlasting song…” Everlasting means that we are a part of that song right now—are we willing to lift our voices together to sing more than a hymn, and truly crown our God Lord of all?We will wrap up our study of “The Story” on Sunday, May 17 with a final summary and look back. Throughout the series, we have used “I Love to Tell the Story” many times in both the traditional and contemporary wor-ship services. On this Sunday, the parish choir will present a rather stir-ring—but perhaps unorthodox for our traditional service—rendition of this old favorite. In “The Story Told,” which is part two of the poem “The Old, Old Story” from which this hymn is taken, Katherine Hankey briefly summarizes the whole story of the Bible, from the Fall in Genesis 3 to Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection to the “scenes of glory” in Revelation. This hymn is a good reminder that the story of God and His people throughout the ages should be a focus of Christians. When we speak to others of the gospel, we must tell them “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.”The parish choir will end their “season” on May 31—Holy Trinity Sunday—with a new choral and congregational anthem arranged by John Ferguson. “When the Morning Stars Together” has been a favorite of mine for quite some time and I’m excited that we will finally be using it in worship. The lyrics tell of the glory of God and invite us to use the gift of music to serve and glorify our Lord. What a perfect anthem to wrap up such an incredible choir season!

Austin Wessel

“HE IS RISEN” EASTER EGG HUNT On Saturday, April 4, we held our Annual ‘He is Risen’ Egg Hunt here on our PoP campus. We made some changes this year which would best allow us to focus primarily on the reason we celebrate Easter—that Christ died for ALL people for ALL time and He Is Risen!We were blessed to have a select group of key volunteer leaders throughout the morning (as well as wonderful volunteers who worked on some ‘behind the scenes’ stuff prior to April 4).We had a continuous egg hunt in the courtyard—with empty eggs! The Pastors were greeting all families and children prior to their entering the egg hunt, so they could share why the eggs were empty and what the empty tomb means for us as Christians. Prayer boards from the Prayer Station are still up in the FLC if you would like to check them out—we had lots of people fill out prayers!We were able and blessed to have some community partners from the OPD and OFD here. Kids were able to talk to the firemen and go inside the truck; talk to some motorcycle policemen and sit on their bikes; and talk to some SWAT policemen and go inside their armored tactile vehicle. It was a great morning full of fun, fellowship, sunlight, JESUS, and low stress. We handed out goody bags to 120 children and had more than 300 people on our campus that morning.Thank You to all who played a role in this year’s Egg Hunt!

• May 2015

happy MotheR’s day to My pRinCe of peaCe faMiLy

From the beginning of time, mothers have played a special role in the lives of their children. Mothers and children develop a very special bond

that begins early during the pregnancy and hopefully continues throughout their lifetime. Mothers have been mentioned throughout the Bible, beginning in Genesis, with our very first mother—Eve. In the Old Testament, some of the better known biblical mothers include Sarah, the mother of Isaac; Hannah, the mother of Samuel; Rebekah, the mother of Esau and Jacob; and Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. Even Jesus, as He hung dying on the cross, demonstrated the very close bond between a mother and child. He entrusted his very own mother to a close friend, ensuring her care for the remainder of her life.Mothers come in all shapes and sizes, with a variety of personalities. There are moms who are content to provide nurturing, letting the children bloom and prosper. There are moms who won’t let anyone take a breath without checking with them first. Don’t forget the mothers who frequently deny themselves things they want or need in order to take care of their children. Whatever type of mother you have or might be, consider this—we all have one thing in common with the exception of Adam and Eve—without our mother we wouldn’t be here.So, whether you call your mother Mama, Mommy, Mom, Ma or Mother, be sure to let her know just how much she means to you on Mother’s Day.Blessings,

Kathy Hudson

From Our “I form the light and

create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I the Lord, do all these things.” (Isaiah 45:7)

Over the last few weeks I have been following the tornadoes that struck Rochelle, IL—specifically St Paul Lutheran Church. This is the home church of my mentor in Parish Nursing, Marcy Schnorr. The city was struck hard but the church was spared, with just minor damages. No lives were lost but surrounding areas were devastated. St Paul became the gathering point for volunteers to support the community—a monumental task.This is a concern. We are an evacuation point, but are we prepared? Wind storms, tornados and hurricanes all strike this area, but are we complacent in our preparation for disasters? Tornados drop from the sky with little or no warning, leaving destruction in their wake. Windstorms that accompany our afternoon showers uproot trees. Hurricanes, however, can be tracked, identified early and anticipated; yet somehow we remain unprepared. Prepare yourself! Hurricane season starts June 1.Pray for the people of Rochelle, IL, and for St Paul Lutheran Church and their continued service to their community.Trust in the Lord,

Gerry Noss

COMMUNITY SERVICE Join the PoP Youth Ministry Team the 3rd Tuesday of the month (May 19) as we serve dinner to the homeless in downtown Orlando.We will meet at 6:30pm at Church of St. George—24 N. Rosalind Ave. 32801—across from Lake Eola.

• May 2015

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

We pray that on this Mother’s Day You’ll have some time for “you”

To be able to do those special things You always wanted to.

We pray you’ll feel the closeness of the Lord God above

And know how much you’re thought of And just how much you’re loved!

By M.S. LowndesOur May 13 meeting will be lunch at the Boston Fish House in Winter Park. We will meet there at 11:15am. For anyone wanting to carpool, please call Mary Anne Ault at 407-226-2367.This will be our last gathering before the summer hiatus. Hope to see you there, and bring a friend!

We are all shocked and saddened by the increasing, horrendous attacks on Christians in many countries: Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan and Kenya to name a few. Through the Internet, and some TV stations, we witness burned-out churches, Christians run out of their villages, kidnappings, beatings, beheadings, imprisonments, sexual slavery, crucifixions and other cruelties inflicted on those who simply believe in Jesus Christ and bear his name. Can we remain silent about all of this? Are we really thinking unconsciously “if it isn’t happening here it really isn’t true”? All these persecuted Christians are part of the one Body of Christ. They are brothers and sisters in the faith. St. Paul gives us a clear Word of God when he says: “If one part [of the Body of Christ] suffers, every part suffers with it” (I Corinthians 1:26). We do understand this when natural disasters strike. An earthquake in Haiti, a tornado in Missouri, a flood in New Orleans – all these have motivated Christians to pray, care and act. But in our tolerant, kind, free American culture we find it difficult to grasp why human beings would treat other human beings, and especially Christians, with such depraved cruelty. So we are tempted to do nothing.But it is all true. That is why Burning Bush Ministries, a LCMS Recognized Service Organization, is sponsoring a Prayer March for

TWO REASONS TO CARE

Persecuted Christians and Jews on May 16 at 4:30pm. We start at the fountain on Central Avenue, walk counter clockwise around the lake, and conclude the prayer march at the First Presbyterian Church at 106 E Church St. There will be free parking at the garage at Jackson and Rosalind, entrance on Liberty St. Appropriate signage will be provided. This will be a peaceful, prayerful, non-political march emphasizing a growing humanitarian problem. A prayer service at the First Presbyterian Church after the march will begin at 6:30pm, and will feature speakers representing regions where Christians and Jews are being persecuted, including LCMS’ Julie Dass, who was raised in Pakistan. If you cannot attend on Saturday, there will be a roundtable event, featuring a panel of experts who will give firsthand accounts of the persecution of Christians and Jews. That event will be on Friday, May 15, and begins at 6:30pm at the First Presbyterian Church in the Great Hall, 106 E Church St., Orlando. There will be a Q&A session following the presentations.Two Reasons to care? The first one is, of course, Hebrews 13:3 which says: “Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” The second reason is that this same growing persecution is coming here, to your neighborhood, perhaps to

our church. From whence comes all this persecution? It comes from orthodox Islam, from Muslims who are faithful in practicing their religion. It is time to stand up, speak up, pray and act.,“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends” – Martin Luther King, Jr.Bruce Lieske for the Missions and Evangelism Team

• May 2015

RESTORATION PROJECT UPDATE

The Restoration Project helped the members of Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz identify needs around our campus related to our physical plant, such as restoring our Möller pipe organ and upgrading to a modern, digital organ console; replacing old and inefficient air conditioners; replacing the roof over the preschool; painting of the Family Life Center; and replacing the sound system for the Family Life Center. Even more important was how the Restoration Project drew our congregation together for a common purpose in prayer for God’s spiritual restoration, and for ensuring those parts of our physical plant are maintained and prepared for continuing ministry to our community in the name of Jesus for years to come.Restoration Funds Report: Figures at the end of March show that 131 members and friends of PoP/PdeP have participated financially in the Restoration Project. Pledges and gifts have totaled over $302,000; of that, $147,000 has already been received, including 47% of total pledges. Without a doubt, God has moved people to give to these specific needs, and the Restoration Project has been an amazing success. We thank God for all His blessings, and we thank you for continuing to be faithful to fulfill your pledges.Fund integrity is a topic of great importance to our Board of Directors. As a part of the Board’s Restoration Project Covenant, we have committed that “All Restoration Project funds will go exclusively to Restoration Projects.” An account was established with the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) specifically to hold dollars donated to the Restoration Project so they would not be comingled with our general operating funds. On a regular basis, PoP/PdeP’s financial secretary reconciles the funds received for the Restoration Project with the funds deposited in the LCEF account. If any discrepancy is found (i.e., if the transfer of funds to the LCEF account did not happen in a timely way), the Board is informed and the Board will ensure that the LCEF account for the Restoration Project is

fully funded in accord with the donations received. Moreover, disbursements from the Restoration LCEF account will only be made to pay for Restoration Projects as defined in the campaign, unless the Congregation as a whole should

direct otherwise.A/C Update: Phase 1 is complete; the final A/C unit for Phase 2 has been let out to bid again, as we were not satisfied with the revised costs we were quoted for that unit. Total cost thus far for replacing our aging and inefficient units has been about $28,000.Organ Update: Phase 1 of the Organ Restoration has begun. Allen Organ has maintained contact with us as while they continue the custom “build” of PoP’s new digital hybrid organ console. The first installment for the organ console was made when we initiated the build; the second installment will be paid when the build is complete; the final installment will be made when the organ console is delivered and installed. Total cost for Phase 1 of the organ (the console itself ) is $63,525. Over $63,000 of total gifts and pledges were designated for the organ restoration. Phase 2 entails re-leathering and cleaning the pipes for the organ. (Cost for Phase 2 of the organ will be $55,000.)

• May 2015

ChapeL sCheduLeJoin us each Wednesday as we gather for Chapel in the Sanctuary at 9:15am.

date theMe BiBLe Lesson LeadeR

5/6 Taking Care of our Bodies 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Julianne5/13 Ascension of Jesus Acts1:1-11 Pastor Borges5/20 Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 Emily5/27 Last Day of School John 15:12-15 Pastor Ken

pResChooL oveRsight CoMMittee Meeting – Wednesday May 13 at 5pM

nLsa steeRing CoMMittee Meeting – Wednesday May 13 at 6:45pM

pResChooL staff Meeting – Monday May 18 at 6pM

end of the yeaR pRogRaMThe Preschool children will be having their end-of-the-year program Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30pm. Please join us as we hear the kids sing praise to God, and say goodbye to our VPK graduates!

suMMeR vpkFor the first time Prince of Peace Lutheran Preschool will be offering Summer VPK for children who are entering Kindergarten, have not yet attended a VPK program and turned 4 on or before September 1, 2014. If you know of someone who may fit the program, please see Julianne.

suMMeR CaMpEnrollment has begun for our Summer Camp for ages 5-10. We will be doing summer-themed activities with Fun Friday ending each week. The cost is $125 per week, including meals and activities.

Julianne

VBS 2015 – EVErESt • Join us as we embark on

an icy expedition where we will overcome obstacles with God’s awesome power! Throughout our week, kids will be anchored in rock-solid Bible truths that will help to guide them through life’s challenges!

• We will climb Mount Everest June 15-19.

• Climbing experts are still needed to ensure the safety and knowledge for all our young hikers. Recruitment for climbing experts will continue until Sunday, May 10! See the bulletin inserts to volunteer!

• Reservations to join a Climbing Crew open on Monday, May 4!

• May 2015

BiBLe CLass/study oppoRtunities 6th-12th grade – Sunday morning (9:35-10:30am) for “The Story” in the Bickel building with DCE Emily.9th-12th grade meets each Wednesday of the month (7-8pm) in the Bickel Building with DCE Emily.

youth gRoup CoMMunity seRviCe – stRaight stReet oRLando 6th-12th grade will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month (May 19)at 6:30pm at Church of St. George (24 N. Rosalind Ave. 32801 – across Rosalind from Lake Eola) to serve dinner to the homeless.

spiRit night Tuesday, May 12, will be our Spirit Night Fundraiser at the Sonny’s BBQ down Semoran (toward the airport). Come show your support by eating BBQ with fellow church families! Bring your flyer with you!!

youth CoMMittee Meeting Tuesday, May 12. We will meet at Sonny’s for Spirit Night @ 6pm.

youth gRoup sCheduLe Sunday, May 3 – “Avengers: Age of Ultron” at the moviesSunday, May 10 – No YouthSunday, May 17 – No Regular Youth Prelim NYG 2016 Info MeetingSunday, May 24 – No YouthSunday, May 31 – Putt Putt Golf at Congo River

youth gRoup Movie night Who: All 6th-12th grade youth [Parents are welcome also!] What: Avengers – Age of Ultron When: Sunday, May 3Where: Fashion Square Mall Time: 2:35pm Cost: $7 movie ticket (extra $ for snacks) •• Parents – the movie is rated PG13 and is 157 minutes long. You are responsible for dropping off/picking up your youth from the theater. I will be there a little after 2pm to meet youth/parents who arrive. ••

ConfiRMation sunday

May 31 during the 10:45am service.

ACOLYTE/COMMUNION HELPER SCHEDULESunday acolyte (8:15 Service) communion Helper (10:45 Service)

May 3 Daniel Evangelista Lauren WiegandMay 10 Robby Cohenstrom Elizabeth GreenMay 17 Tabitha Martinez Austin StiefMay 24 Ryan Zehnder Matthew WiegandMay 31 Sarah Wiegand Christopher Sito

nyg 2016 – in ChRist aLone

First preliminary meeting for the National LCMS Youth Gathering 2016 in New Orleans will take place in the FLC on Sunday, May 17 @ 3pm (following the Voter Meeting). Eligible youth (who have received a letter in the mail) interested in attending the NYG, along with their parents, should attend this meeting. We will discuss NYG basics: expectations, affordability, fundraising, theme and city, etc.

youth putt putt goLf Who: All 6th-12th grade youth [Parents welcome!] When: Sunday, May 31 – we will meet at PoP at 6pm and carpool to/from Congo River. Where: Congo River (on East Colonial) Cost: $8 per player [exact change, please]

ChRist’s kids’ CLuB No CKC this month due to the holidays.

youth Bake saLe Sunday, May 17 @ 12pm in the FLC. (We will be selling all desserts during the Semi-Annual Congregational Voters Meeting. Proceeds will benefit the NYG.)

gRaduation ReCognition We would like to recognize our High School Youth graduates (and all other graduates) on Sunday, June 7, during the 10:45am service.

• May 2015

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING MINUTES

MaRCh 16, 2015

BoD Attending: Jim Reynolds, Jason Seyfert, Linda I’Anson, Rick Ackerman, Kurt Bickel, Ed Estes, Kathy Hudson, Jim Ingersoll, Zaida Torres, Sonia Tellez, Bob Zamsky, Rev. Ken Green (ex-officio).BoD Absent: Brian BrowningStaff Present: Julianne WiegandCongregation Members Present: Gene FreskWelcome Jim RApproval of Today’s Agenda M/S/C to approveApproval of Minutes (ratify email approval of January 2015, no quorum in February) M/S/C to approveDevotion PKBoD Discusssion

• Senior Pastor Report: PK – PK has been spending time working with

staff (e.g., Austin, Emily, & Julianne) on development. Julianne & Pastor Borges have both been invited to attend Emergent Leadership training. PK & Rick discussed a path going forward to determine future needs of the congregation regarding church staff. PK is going to request more timely reports regarding the Restoration Project.

• Operational Reports/Staff Reports BoD – Concern expressed with amount of time spent

on District/Synod committees by staff vs. time spent at PoP

• Finance report through February 2015 Linda – Church net income slightly behind budget YTD;

difference seems to be mostly from printing in color instead of black/white. Color copies are 5 cents each and black/white copies are .06¢ ea.

– Finance committee discussed Sonny’s fundraiser amounts; to follow up

– Preschool Lunch program to be reevaluated in June to determine if we should go forward

– Ratify email expenditures – NONE

Committee Reports

• Properties: kitchen oven needs to be replaced. A commercial electric oven could probably be purchased at auction for $2,000. Jim Fuller is doing further investigation to determine path forward

• Endowment: approved $2,100 for Assimilation Committee projects this year

• Preschool oversightOld Business

• Restore Project update PK• Strategic Direction Workshop (45 minutes) Kurt

– Kurt reviewed a demographic report of the area in relation to church participation

New Business

• Ratify email vote – nominations M/S/C to approve• Nominations committee for board elections. This

consists of the board members who are not ending a term or running for re-election (Jim R, Zaida, Rick, Bob, Kathy, & Jason). Bob Zamsky will lead the committee. Voter meeting scheduled for May 17

Executive Session BoD

Adjourn – Prayer M/S/C PKNext Meeting – April 20, 2015

Respectfully submitted Rick Ackerman, Secretary BoD

• May 2015

happy BiRthday!We wish birthday blessings to those who celebrate their special days this month! (If we have missed you, please contact the church office.)

May Birthdays

1 Joyce Miller Jacob Otto Tyler Youtz

2 Margarite Cardona3 Rebekah-Joy Harding4 Jimmy Fuller 5 Uranie Nelson 6 Albert Brown

Doris Engstrom Flor Marquez Jeffery Robertson

7 Ben Lott Raquel Puig

9 Yoandrys Garcia Alicia Rodriguez Robert Zamsky

10 Michael Eckert Barbie Mahan

11 David Daniel Acuña Brittany Hall

13 Jairo Arteaga 14 Ann Meier

Roberto Rivera Pamela Robertson

15 Arthur Berroa Lois Ann Stanhope

16 Leigh Rivera Angelica Sassmann-Dubois

17 Paris Harris Lea Jackson Kathy McCrary Alison Ramirez Pablo Staley

18 Jerry Carey Jozaiah Lugo

19 Courtney Ingersoll Brennah Fussell

20 Katie Wade 21 Stephanie Cruz 22 Karen Becker

David Chacon Tara Jackson

23 Coralys Aponte Fernando Morales Camille Neville

24 Paola Arteaga Pam Koenig

25 José Miguel Fabré Genesis Oquendo Abigail Ramirez

26 Diane DeVries Miguel Guerrero Nilda Gum

27 Ruth Pasarell PeggyRose Swartzentruber Joyce White

28 David Gerardo Acuña 30 Joanne Moore

Ylonka Oquendo 31 Migdalia Serbia

Debbie Shaffer

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SPIRIT NIGHT Tuesday, May 12, will be our Spirit Night fundraiser at the

Sonny's BBQ down Semoran (to-ward the airport). Come show your support by eating BBQ with fellow church families from 5-9pm, and don't forget to bring your flier when you come! (In March $53.79 was raised at Spirit Night for the youth.)