Getting Ready for Christmas
Prince of Peace is a … • Hub of spiritual transformation using God’s Word, Sacrament, and Prayer, • Equipping us to build networks of vibrant Christian communities, • Extending to our homes, to our neighbors, and beyond, making disciples of Jesus. Vol. 18 No. 50 December 19, 2015
www.poplc.org
Christmas memories are mostly happy ones for me. The happiness began when we would put up the tree. Our tree towered over my head, brandishing blue needles frosted with white paint to give the impression of snow. The sparseness of the limbs made it easy to decorate. We started with the lights, big red, green, blue and yellow bulbs and a string of candle bulbs that would bubble when they got hot (too hot, as it turns out – the underwriters eventually banned them). Next we’d hang the ornaments, hand crafted ones made by my four sisters and then red bulbs that would break if you sneezed at them – really mommy, that’s what happened! Then the tinsel. The tinsel was greatly affected by static electricity, making it difficult to separate and hang, so the process would take hours of “family bonding time.” In later years I saw my mother decorate the tree with tinsel in less than five minutes by throwing it on in clumps. I realized then my mother knew exactly what she was doing when she made us carefully hang the tinsel, strand by strand. She was teaching us the value of getting ready together. The final step was to set the star on top and the manger below, where the presents would be found come Christmas. It was beautiful. The Lord could make life so much easier for us this Christmas, and every day in the coming new year. He could make life pre-lit and pre-hung with the star on top, just take it out of the box and plug it in, and walah! Instead, the Lord gives life that requires effort, bodies that require diets and exercise, occupations that require painstaking attention to details, congregations that require people to work together to celebrate the birth of His son.
The Lord knows what He is doing. He is teaching us the value of getting ready together. It is beautiful. ~ Pastor Carl Gnewuch
Inside:
Schedule of Holiday Services . . . page 2 Family Ministry Announcements . . . pages 4 & 5
Women’s Ministry . . . page 6
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
Still Need a Gift for a Loved One? PoP has Gift Cards for Sale! If you normally purchase gift cards for Christmas, please consider purchasing through the PoP Scrip (Gift Card) Program. The Youth Ministry receives a percentage from the sale of each card so please consider using them for your everyday shopping. We have Giant, CVS, Boston Market, Panera, Champs, Red Robin, Fridays, Applebees, Starbucks, Aeropostale, Ross, Target, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, and iTunes giftcards available!
[email protected], 703-451-5855
Volunteers Needed to Take Down Christmas Decorations Saturday, January 9, 10am-1pm Meet in the Narthex Any students and/or Scouts needing volunteer hours are welcome to join. Church Office, 703-451-5855
[email protected]
Are You Ready for Christmas? The church sets aside the month before Christmas to “get ready,” to prepare for the Advent/arrival of Christ. We hope these services will help you get ready for Christmas by providing quality and quiet time for you and yours amid the holiday rush. Sun. Dec. 20th
8:15am
A Service of Lessons & Carols
Thu. Dec. 24th
Christmas Eve Services 3:00pm Children’s Service (Junior Choir) 5:00pm Candlelight (HIMnals) 7:00pm Candlelight (Chancel Choir) 9:00pm Candlelight (New Canticle and Holy Communion)
Fri. Dec. 25th
Christmas Day 10:00am
Worship with Holy Communion and Family Blessing
Sat. Dec. 26th
5:30pm
Special “Carol Sing” Service
Thu. Dec. 31st
7:30pm
New Year’s Eve Worship with Holy Communion
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
Volunteers and Donations Bless Many at Hypothermia Shelter Wow, what a week! It truly has been a wonderful journey, full of amazing people. I've said it all week, but Thank You, Thank You, Thank you! It has taken the efforts of so many to make this week happen, please know that I am grateful for your efforts and humbled by your support.
Some interesting facts about our week:
We served over 325 total guests throughout the week. Over 100 volunteers gave over 1000 hours over the last seven days. 22 volunteers shopped for and donated food. More than 15 youth jumped in to help clean and set up every afternoon and five helped get the church ready for Sunday School. We had seven amazing dinner teams, who served too many meals to count! We had five amazing breakfast teams, who woke up extra early to make sure our guests had a hot breakfast every day.
Amazing effort! And our guests certainly noticed and appreciated it - several of them came up to thank us for our hospitality, accommodations and great food. As mentioned yesterday, here is the link ( http://goo.gl/forms/AuoNp3FypZ) to the feedback form; you can use the same link to share a story too. Thank you for everything! Until next year. Brooke Carpenter, Hypothermia Shelter Coordinator
The Healing Prayer small group dishes up dinner at the Hypothermia Shelter last week.
New to Prince of Peace or Want to Know More? If you’re a newcomer to Prince of Peace, or have been with us for a while and would like to explore membership, we have several upcoming opportunities designed just for you! • Newcomers’ Reception on Sunday, January 17th, 2016 from 9:45-10:45 a.m. • DOORWAY class on Sundays, January 24th, 31st and February 7th from 9:45-10:45 a.m. • The Core: What We Believe, January 29th (7-9 p.m.) and January 30th (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) Please watch the Communicator for more details in January. If you have questions, please contact Lori Stillman, Community Outreach Coordinator. 703-451-5855
[email protected]
PoP Communicator
Youth Ministry
NO SUNDAY SCHOOL DECEMBER 27 AND JANUARY 3 Regular Sunday School 9:45-10:45am Living Water (Teen Praise Band) No Rehearsal: Dec. 23 Wednesday Night Bible Study Senior High Youth 7:00-9:00pm No meeting on Dec. 23 Resumes on Dec. 30 Family Ice Skating Event Saturday, Jan. 16 12:30-3:30pm Confirmation Lock-In Sunday, Jan. 17-18 6:30pm-10:00am Youth Prayer and Praise Service Wednesday, Jan. 20 7:00pm
For More Information:
[email protected]
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December 19, 2015
A Christmas Gift To You from Your Family Ministry Team Merry Christmas! We are always looking for ways to serve and equip you to live your faith throughout the week. We are inviting you to have a free account to an exciting new video library called RightNow Media. It's essentially the "Netflix of Video Bible Studies" because you will have instant access to thousands of great videos for kids, youth, parents, married couples and more. In the coming days you should receive an official "invitation email" to give you FREE access to this library. Simply find the email, click on the link, put in your name and a password and you're all set. ~John Durkin, Minister to Families and Children
Sunday School Rally Day January 10, 9:45am Sanctuary
This is a great way to get the new year started off right with an energetic opening full of prizes, songs, and fun! Volunteer: With all the kids we have coming we could use a few more helping hands! Don’t forget, adult studies begin on the same day. Please contact Joen Schultz if you’re interested in volunteering:
[email protected], 703-451-5855
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
PoP Lutheran Preschool Registration for 2016-2017 School Year In-House Registration:
In-House Registration begins Wednesday, January 13th for Current Families, Alumni Families and Church Members
Registration Information Meeting for Preschool and Kindergarten Tuesday, January 5th at 9:10 a.m. in the Youth Room and Wednesday, January 6th at 9:10 a.m. in the Youth Room Trying to decide what to do next year? Come and listen to our Principal, Cindy Deatherage, talk about the programs that Prince of Peace will be offering next year, and answer any questions you might have about registration.
Kindergarten Information Night
Monday, January 11th, 7-8 p.m. in the Kindergarten Room Please come and join us to learn about the Kindergarten Program at Prince of Peace Lutheran School. This “parent only” evening is designed for parents of children who are eligible to attend Kindergarten in 2016-2017 School Year. Please RSVP to the School Office or call 703-451-6177.
Community Open House: Saturday, January 23rd 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, January 29th 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. [First opportunity to register] Be sure to tell your friends and neighbors! For more information call Marcel Page at 703-451-6177 or email at
[email protected]
Family Ice Skating Saturday, January 16 12:30-3:30pm Fairfax Ice Arena 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, VA 22031 We will meet in the Youth Room for a short devotion and prayer and then carpool to Fairfax Ice Arena for ice skating. Cost $7.00. Joen Schultz 703-451-5855
[email protected]
PoP Communicator
A Community of Women Committed to the Call of Christ www.poplc.org/wow
Wednesday Mornings Fellowship Hall, 9:15am Next gathering Jan. 13
[email protected] Faith Shapers Soul-Tending Reading Meets monthly on Tuesday or Wednesday (see this page)
[email protected] Holy Comforters Makes quilts for charity Jan-May Thursdays, 9am to 3pm, Rm 27
[email protected] Keep the Faith Make and take faith projects
[email protected] For more information: DCE Stacey Tasler Crosson
Minister of Care and Outreach 703.451.5855 Website: www.poplc.org Email:
[email protected] Cell: 571.326.5580
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December 19, 2015
Tuesday, January 5, 7-9pm Home of Agnes Harris, 8409 Chillum Ct., Springfield Wednesday, January 6, 12pm at Milano’s Faith Shapers is an opportunity for women to explore literary selections that will grow and shape your faith through reading and discussion in community. We encourage participation by women of all ages and stages in their faith life and invite you to bring a friend or neighbor. This month’s selection is Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss. This journal-like account is a treasure of both Godly and womanly wisdom told with disarming candor and humility, yet revealing a deep heart’s desire to know God. Books may be purchased in the church office or online. February’s selection is the book of Esther. Gathering dates are Tuesday, February 9 and Wednesday, February 10 (to avoid a conflict with Ash Wednesday activities). To deepern your understanding of Esther, please join us for the Sunday Morning Bible study on the book of Esther – see page 10 for more details!
[email protected]
Join us for this year’s Women’s Retreat:
“Leading from the Heart!”
February 26-28, 2016 REGISTRATION CLOSES DECEMBER 20! At Meadowkirk Retreat Farm In Middleburg, VA (only an hour from Springfield) Cost is $100 - $140 depending on lodging selection. For more information and to register please visit http://www.poplc.org/register Scholarships are available.
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
Join us for an evening of inspiration from Natalie Grant and Charlotte Gambill at the Hylton Memorial Chapel in Woodbridge. We need 10 or more to get the group rate. More information at http://www.itickets.com/events/339534.html Mary Moore 703-505-6270
[email protected]
Contagious Disciple Making: An Interactive Workshop Saturday, February 6 St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria It is hard to deny that today’s world can seem apathetic toward Christians. Some may look down at their iPhones when we mention God, motion for the check when we bring up church, or casually change the subject when we talk about prayer. In a world full of people whose indifference is greater than their desire to know Christ, how can we dream of growing the church? Paul Watson will map out a simple method that has sparked an explosion of homegrown churches in the United States and around the world. We’ll look at strategies used by mission groups throughout the world today. This unique process focuses on equipping spiritual leaders in communities where churches are planted. In this interactive workshop, we’ll learn how disciple makers embrace lessons taught by failure, realize structure of community determines the strategy used to make disciples, understand the importance of obedience, be a disciple who makes disciples, engage the lost and find persons of peace. Registration opens January 1 at www.sjlc.com. Online registration at $30 closes on February 1. After that, registration will be on the day of the event for $35. Cost includes lunch. Pay online or mail your check made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Road, Alexandria, VA 22310. Write Paul Watson seminar in memo line. On the envelope indicate: Attention: Yvette Moy, Crescent Project. First 20 to register will receive a free copy of Contagious Disciple Making. Yvette Moy (703) 455-1066
[email protected]
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
Jingle and Mingle Groups Ring in the Advent Season! A total of twenty families, including eight from Prince of Peace, hosted Jingle and Mingle gatherings in their neighborhoods over the last few weeks to celebrate the season of Advent. Each Sunday, about 100 people enjoyed visiting with their neighbors, making new friends, and building community over warm drinks and cookies. This has led to opportunities to minister to others and share the good news of Jesus’ birth. Jingle and Mingle was developed as an iNeighborhood initiative to reach out to our neighbors with the joy, hope and peace of the Christmas season.
We thank Thrivent for supporting these events through its Action Team funds! Thank you, also, to all of the hosts and those who attended and supported the gatherings. Please watch for future community outreach events as part of iNeighborhood and join in! If you have any questions, or ideas for other activities, please contact Stacey Crosson, Minister of Care and Outreach or Lori Stillman, Community Outreach Coordinator.
[email protected] [email protected] 703-451-5855
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
START THE NEW YEAR OFF IN GOD’S WORD! Join us for Sunday Morning ALIVE Adult Education Classes, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. Esther (Room 24) - Begins January 10 Leaders: Nancy Boriak & Aivars Baumanis This study focuses on Esther, a young orphan woman - raised by an uncle, loved by a king, and led by her Heavenly Father to save His people. Esther contains all the elements of a good story. There is espionage, deception, an evil villain, and a lovely woman and in the end, it points to this simple, yet profound, lesson on leadership: We can trust God’s love and sovereignty in all circumstances.
Two-Week Special Class - January 17 & 24!
Real Science Reveals a Creator (Fellowship Hall – stage end) Leader: Jay Sonstroem Come and hear one man’s personal journey from evolutionist to creationist. This short course looks at the latest scientific findings that support creation theology, the biological wonders of living things, and how their complexity defies evolutionary origin. Prepare to be amazed! DOORWAYS: An Introduction to PoP (Room 21) - Begins January 24 Leaders: Lay Leaders and Ministry Staff This short course is for all newcomers and offers an orientation to the mission, vision, values, staff, and ministries of Prince of Peace. Christian Principles of the Founding Fathers (Fellowship Hall – south end) - Begins January 24 Leader: Jackie Faulhaber Have you ever wondered if there was a systemic way our Founders believed a nation should be organized and structured that would yield liberty, freedom, and innovation? What role did faith and religion play in our nation’s founding? In preparation for this election year, come join us to explore our Founders' basic principles for sustaining a republic such as ours. These OPEN Small Groups Meet on Sundays, 9:45-10:45 a.m. All are welcome! The MUG (POP School Lobby - downstairs), Leaders: Pastor Carl and Karen McLean This come-n-go group offers flexibility for the busy person or parent. This group begins each week with introductions and prayer requests. When time permits, a relevant bible topic is discussed. ESL Bible Study (Prayer Chapel - Room 23), Leader: Karen Salomon This group targets the ESL learner and will focus on reading the salvation message of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John. Acts of the Apostles (Room 30), Leader: T.K. Kearney This study focuses on the early church’s growth despite cultural opposition. Gospel of Mark (Library), Leader: John Storm This fast-action Gospel inspires the believer to take to heart the immediacy of Christ’s mission and ministry to reach out to nonbelievers with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
As you leave worship today, pick up your Winter 2015 Adult Education Catalog, and make plans to attend a class in the new year!
PoP Communicator
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December 19, 2015
Adult Education Classes Continued. . . REGISTER NOW for this NEW class starting Wednesday,
January 6!
New Testament (7– 9 p.m. in Room 21), Leader: Pastor Carl This in-depth church doctrine class provides the prerequisite requirement for the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) Program and for lay ministry training. This class is open to all. Homework and reading assignments are required. To register, please contact DCE Stacey Crosson at 703-451-5855 or at
[email protected].
GriefShare will resume January 4, 2016. GriefShare meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month (January thru April 4). GriefShare hosts two groups: 6–8 p.m. and 7 – 9 p.m. Both groups meet in Room 21. GriefShare is a support group designed to help you rebuild your life after the loss of a loved one. For more information on Grief Share or to register, visit www.poplc.org/support. A NEW DIVORCE CARE CLASS STARTS ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 24
Thank You… Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Sundays, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m. Begins January 24 (13 sessions) Room 13 (Safe Harbor Office) Do you know someone who is experiencing divorce or separation? Tell him or her about DivorceCare, a weekly seminar/support group featuring Biblical principles for healing from a divorce. Childcare is available.
Sundays, 9:45 – 11:15 a.m., Begins January 24 (13 sessions) Room 11 (downstairs) A DC4K group is a safe, fun place where children can learn skills that will help them heal from divorce. This group will meet weekly, simultaneously with Divorce Care. DC4K is designed for children ages 5-12. To register for these classes, visit www.poplc.org/divorcesupport
I wholeheartedly thank you all for the cards and help, and it is your prayers that I appreciate most! Thanks be to our Lord for answering your many prayers. He continues to bless my progress and recovery following my surgery! Knowing I have wonderful Christian friends and family who go to our Lord God in prayer, on my behalf, makes my recovery much quicker and easier. Thank you ALL once again for your loving concern, your wonderful help, and most of all - your prayers. May our Lord God, who gladly answers prayers, bless you and your families during this wonderful Christmas season, and throughout the many years to come! In Christ’s love, Jan Hill
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“It’s All About the Questions” Presented by Steven F. Arnold, PhD Saturday, January 9, 2016, 9am-noon, Room 26
For all laity, clergy, teachers, and trainers interested in Adult Faith Formation! Effective adult faith formation happens when the right questions are asked. Each decade of life brings a different set of questions. Different cultures bring different questions. Various life events create different sets of questions. It becomes really helpful to recognize that questions are unique to age groups and to individuals. This short course will explore the teaching style of Jesus, the Rabbi, the model teacher. Then, this teaching style will be explored through the questions of the generations with cross-generational small groups exploring the questions being asked. Finally, participants will explore how to develop a teaching setting that brings the faith, the questions of the generations, and the persons together. This learning event is free. To register please call DCE Stacey Crosson, Minister of Care and Outreach, 703-451-5855 or email her at
[email protected].
Setting up or changing your online giving: Navigate to the Prince of Peace website at www.poplc.org * Select "Giving Online" (bottom left corner in red). * Select "Give Online Now" (bottom center in green). * Follow the directions on the “Online Donation” page to: Create a profile Make a recurring donation once or twice a month Make a one-time donation Log-in to your current profile Change your previous settings If you have questions regarding setting up an electronic giving profile, contact the church office.
This newsletter is published weekly as a service to members & friends by Prince of Peace Lutheran Church & School 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA 22152-1695 • Church 703.451.5855 • School 703.451.6177 • Fax 703.569.0978 Worshiping on Saturdays 5:30pm, Sundays 8:15am & 11am, Sunday School & Adult Education 9:45am Submitting Material to the PoP Communicator: Submissions need to be sent via the web form page no later than 12pm on Tuesday (early submission is encouraged). www.poplc.org/communicator Please read through the “Newsletter Policies and Guidelines”
December 19, 2015
Board of Servant Leaders
[email protected] Erin Summers, Chair Kim Robinson, Vice Chair Leon Debolt, Secretary Julie Eichhorst Chris Martin David McLean ---------------------------------------------------Ministry Staff 703-451-5855 Carl Gnewuch Senior Pastor Tim Christenson Associate Pastor Meghan Benson Interim Director of Music Ministry John Durkin Minister to Families & Children Stacey Crosson Minister of Care & Outreach Jennie Smith Ministry Administrator Lori Stillman Community Outreach Coordinator Nancy Sinclitico Accountant Tiffany Sears Receptionist Tanya Tucker Receptionist Cindy Holliday Communications Assistant Joen Schultz Event Coordinator Families & Youth Dieter Stach Assistant Minister Families & Youth ---------------------------------------------------POPLC School 703-451-6177 Cindy Deatherage Principal Marcel Page School Registrar Lisa Long Administative Assistant To contact anyone on BoSL or staff please use their name in this format (no spaces)
[email protected]
PoP Communicator
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Special Events Christmas Services see page 2
Worship
Saturday, December 19 5:30p Worship Sunday, December 20 8:15a Worship (NonCommunion) 9:00a Nueva Vida 11:00a Worship (Communion) 11:00a Jesus First Korean 11:00a Grace Ethiopian 11:00a S. Asian Church of Christ 12:30p Grace Ethiopian 12:30p Jesus First Korean 12:30p S. Asian Church of Christ 5:30p Nepalese Worship Wednesday, December 23 7:30p Grace Ethiopian Prayer Time Thursday, December 24 6:30p Nueva Vida Prayer & Praise See page 2 for Christmas Eve Services Friday, December 25 10:00a Christmas Day Service 7:00p Grace Ethiopian Prayer Time Saturday, December 26 5:30p Worship Sunday, December 27 8:15a Worship (Communion) 9:00a Nueva Vida 11:00a Worship (NonCommunion) 11:00a Jesus First Korean 11:00a Grace Ethiopian 11:00a S. Asian Church of Christ 12:30p Grace Ethiopian 12:30p Jesus First Korean 12:30p S. Asian Church of Christ 5:30p Nepalese Worship
The master calendar can be found on our website at poplc.org/calendar
Regular Meetings
December 19, 2015
If you’re not familiar with any of the events listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us! 703-451-5855
[email protected]
Sunday, December 20 1:00p Football With Friends 4:00p Le Cercle Francais Monday, December 21 6:30p TOPS 7:00p Grief Share 7:00p Christian Healing Ministry 7:00p Seekers 7:00p Exploratory Team 8:30p Men’s AA Tuesday, December 22 10:00a ESL Wednesday, December 23 1:00p Safe Harbor 2:15p Girl Scout Troop 6617 6:30p Toastmasters 7:30p ESL Friday, December 25 PoP Office Closed for Christmas 10:30a Al-Anon 10:30a LaLeche 7:00p GEC Prayer
Bible Study Saturday, December 19 7:30a Men’s Bible Study 6:45p Small Group Monday, December 20 11:00a Senior Bible Study 7:00p Seekers Tuesday, December 22 7:00p Small Group Wednesday, December 23 9:00a no WOW until January 7:00p no FUEL Friday, December 25 6:00p Bible Study Saturday, December 26 7:30a Men’s Bible Study 9:30a Women’s Bible Study 6:45p Small Group
Music
Sunday, December 20 4:00p Junior Choir 5:00p HIMnals Tuesday, December 22 7:00p New Canticle Sunday, December 27 4:00p Junior Choir 5:00p HIMnals 6:15p Orchestra
