December 2013

Now, that may seem to be an odd thing to hear from your new pastor in his first Crossroads article. Maybe the word “hate” is a little

strong. But it’s true. You can ask my wife, Peg—she’ll tell you. Change is not always my thing.I reminded God of my feelings regarding change this past summer. The Call Committee from PoP Orlando (“PoP South”) had contacted me, requesting that I interview; and requesting that Peg and I visit Florida in the heat of summer. I wrestled with all the changes this would bring, from the mundane to the monumental. My email address would change… there would be a loss of the familiar… hey, I love the people I serve and the people I serve with… it’s still not “the” time to sell a house… my littlest girl is in the “Butterfly Class” (Kindergarten at PoP Springfield’s preschool)… change of routines… change of expectations… change of address…. But You, Lord, You don’t change—You are the same, yesterday, today, and forever. This doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. How could You be doing this?God heard my every plea. He knew the anguish that goes with the change this would bring. He was unmoved. And He knew this would bring changes for both “PoP North” and “PoP South.” I wouldn’t say that God didn’t care, but He remained steadfast—these were His plans, even if they were not mine.

I hate change…And with change there can be pain—whether it be old wounds or new losses—for all of us. God will never leave nor forsake. He goes with us through the times of change. Not only is He here in the changes, but He is the one who brings about change.

Our GOd is in the transfOrmatiOn Business

He has set out to change you and me and to change Prince of Peace (both South and North—I know they are reading this, too) by His power and His grace. Every change He initiates He effects by His inestimable love. This is why Jesus descended from heaven to earth at His advent—to change everything through the power of His love.The winds of change are a blowin’—hang on—because our God has got incredible things in store for His people—and just as important, things in store for people who have yet to discover the greatness of our Lord’s love in Christ Jesus, and how that changes everything.Remember these things: Expect great things of God. Trust even in the face of challenges. And join God in what He is doing to change the world as we have known it.

Pastor Ken

• December 2013

Memorial Gifts

Please prayerfully consider sponsoring an issue of Crossroads

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

Hospitalized/Outpatient during October & NovemberJerry & Karen Bayless, Mary Chapman, Al Dicks, Will Hassold, Bill Jordan, Elda Kehr, Pam Koenig, Jean LaPointe, Billie Massarro, Ruth Mays, Kathy McCrary, Joanne Monroe, Jeff Powell, Matthew Powell, Donnie Reynolds, Benigno Santos, Karen Seyfert, Andres Soler, Audrie Stafford, Linda Stevens, Stacey Strom, Gwen Taliver, Harry Wahl, Brian Wambold, Jerry Warnock, Dave Weidner

Ongoing Prayer ConcernsBrynece Allen, Bonnie Anselmo, Lori Bachmann, Ernie Beckham, Vi Beckham, Emma Benjamin, Bryan Burns, Lynn Cheek, Linda Hardesty, Sarah Hassold, Jim Herrington, Barbara Hill, Mel & Donna Hoff, Lorraine Luebke, Harold Moore, Carol Robinson, Ruth Rendsland, Win Scheips, Lee Shirley, Cindy Sibly, Sue Sleeman, Michael Vokovich, Noelle Vokovich, Ralph Walck

CelebrationsBaptisms

Yalianis Enid Luna-Roman (10/27)Wesley Olin Wade (11/03)

Sympathy ToSteve & Kathy Hudson and family (death of Steve’s dad, Jim)Bob & Linda Cuilla and family (death of Linda’s brother-in-law, Larry Beymer)Lu Burchfield and family (death of her sister, Shirley Dunlap)Bill and Teresa Jordan and family (death of Teresa’s dad, William Behrman)Lori Bachmann and family (death of her mom, Puff Younkes)Matt Witthun and family (death of his grandmother)Ron & Linda Becker and family (death of Ron’s cousin, Billy Taylor)Family and friends of Edna Rusch

In loving memory of Bub Kennard

(Julie Gilbert’s uncle) by: Gene Fresk

•In loving memory of Jim Hudson

(Steve Hudson’s dad) by:Gene Fresk

Don & Louise LauherVokovich family

•In loving memory Larry Beymer

(Linda Cuilla’s brother-in-law) by:Gene Fresk

•In loving memory of

Linda Kiley by:Ron & Linda Becker

(Food Pantry)Gene Fresk

Jim & Pam Ingersoll (Food Pantry)

Don & Louise LauherEllen Ponsford (Food Pantry)Helen Seims (Food Pantry)

Vokovich family

•In loving memory of

Shirley Dunlap (Lu Burchfield’s sister) by:

John & Linda I’Anson

• December 2013

November Family FUNdayOur trip to Santa’s Christmas Tree Farm was fun. Several members showed up to bounce, glide, roast, pet, and even win “Chicken-Drop” bingo. Please join us

for our last Family FUNday on December 1.

december Family FUNday

Let’s wrap up this year of FUN where everyone can be a kid—Chuck E. Cheese’s! We will meet on Sunday, December 1 at the Waterford Lakes location (449 N. Alafaya Trail) at 12:30pm. Admission is free; cost is associated with food and token purchase. Purchase is not required. Email Tamara for information on coupons – tamara.reynolds5@gmail.com. We hope to see everyone there as we celebrate one year of Family FUNdays!! Family FUNday events are held the first Sunday of every month and are geared toward families of all ages. However, everyone at PoP is invited to join us! These social events are to encourage us to be a closer-knit congregation.

We are in need of a few volunteers to help plan FUNdays. Please contact Sarah – sarahvonbraun@hotmail.com or Tamara – tamara.reynolds5@gmail.com if you are willing to help at one of these events!

orlaNdo maGic Game – FaiTH & Family NiGHTCelebrate the Orlando Magic 25th Anniversary Season with ‘Faith & Family Night’ at the Amway Center on Friday, January 31.Watch the Orlando Magic take on the Milwaukee Bucks in a 7pm game, then stay for a special postgame concert by the Sidewalk Prophets. What a great opportunity to get together with fellow PoP family while watching some basketball and enjoying a concert!Tickets are $15 each (which includes your entry into the Magic game and the postgame Sidewalk Prophets concert). Please RSVP to DCE Emily by December 15 to reserve your tickets!

SecoNd aNNUal yoUTH WreaTH Sale If you ordered a Holiday Wreath/Swag from the Youth Group, they will be arriving the first week of December.DCE Emily will call and let you know when items are available for pick-up at PoP.

cHriST’S KidS’ clUb All 3rd-5th graders AND their parents, are invited to join the Youth Group Sunday, December 8, at the Gaylord Palms for the “Frosty the Snowman” Ice Experience. (See details on Youth Page.)

COnGratulatiOns GlOria – ChiCken drOp BinGO Winner!

• December 2013

Luke 2:15-16 When the angels went away from them into heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

The Angels and Prayer Shawl Ministries have received so many blessings this year and we are so grateful for your continued support. Many mini-afghans were given to the precious babies baptized in our services; prayer shawls were delivered to those who were going through difficult times; and a tremendous amount of crafted items were delivered to the Winnie Palmer NICU, Arnold Palmer Hospital, Hubbard and Harbor houses.Many hours and tired fingers crafted these items by a small group of dedicated ladies in our congregation. We applaud you and pray you continue this ministry in 2014.We will be selling many unique gift items at the “Breakfast with Santa” and hope you will come out and support both the Preschool and our ministries! If you have a special request, we will do our best to accommodate you. You can still view the many items in Lu Burchfield’s office or between Sunday services. If you would like to be a part of our ministry, just give Lu a call (407-277-3745).Merry Blessed Christmas – Happy Blessed New Year!

Lutheran Women in mission

Busy, busy, busy! What a month for Lutheran Women in Mission! First, we have over $2,000 in merchandise made by artisans throughout the world for sale one day only—Sunday, December 8, from 9:30-10:30am in the FLC. Many items are one of a

kind, so be sure to come early. All proceeds go to Lutheran World Relief.We are baking Christmas cookies for sale the following Sunday, December 15, for our annual Christmas cookie sale. The cookies will be on a plate, wrapped in cellophane, and tied with a ribbon and decorated with a hand crocheted angel. All profits will go to missions. If you would like to bake cookies for the plates, please let Carlene Lemcke know, because we can always use more goodies. There will be at least two dozen cookies on each plate and the number of plates will be limited. And finally, we will have our Christmas party with hors d’oeuvres on Wednesday, December 18, at 10:30am, when we bring six gifts to fill bags to take to our homebound sisters in Christ. All women are invited to attend.We pray your Christmas season will be filled with the love of the Christ child. May you share that joy with all you meet. PS: we collected $254.65 during our special collection on LWML Sunday, October 6. We exceeded the $100 a month goal again in September with $123.50. Remember, all mite money goes right to missions. Thank you for saving your mites and bringing them on the 3rd Sunday of each month.

“Godly expecTaTioN” – pop’S THeme For 2014As we begin a new church year, we are drawn by our Lord to have “Godly Expectation.” We lift our eyes to Jesus, and with awe we realize we can’t even imagine all He has in store for us—blessings beyond measure! What does God stir up in your heart as you ponder and peel your eyes to see all He is doing?“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)Are you artistic? Has God given you a vision of what He is doing in our midst? If so, Pastor Ken is asking that you paint, draw, sketch—or use whatever media you choose. We need a graphic and other works of art that help capture our theme of “Godly Expectation.” Email your thoughts or works to ken.green@poporlando.com.

• December 2013

GeT a FiNaNcial cHecK-Up aNd breaTHe a SiGH oF relieF We schedule time for annual checkups for our health and cars, but what about finances? When was the last time you met with your financial professional? If you haven’t reviewed your financial strategy recently, it’s time for a check-up.

even minOr ChanGes Can affeCt yOur finanCial health.Changes in your life, the economy, and markets can affect your goals and the path you take to reach them. That’s why it’s important to review your financial strategy at least once a year to stay on track with your goals. A financial check-up gives you and your financial professional the opportunity to look at where you are now, where you want to go, and how you can get there. If you find some adjustments are needed, you can discuss options to help you stay financially healthy.

Get a free finanCial CheCkup Schedule a free financial checkup today with a knowledgeable Thrivent Financial representative.

COntaCt:Rick Ackerman, ChFC, CLU, FIC, Financial Consultantrichard.ackerman@thrivent.com(407)650-0065www.thrivent.com/fr/richard.ackermanFor more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has been helping members be wise with money and inspiring them to live generously. Your Thrivent Financial representative can help you do the same. Find out more at Thrivent.com.Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. [Products issued by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans are available to applicants who meet membership, insurability, U.S. citizenship and residency requirements.] (website only) Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

For additional important disclosure information, please visit thrivent.com/disclosures.

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, MinnesotaThrivent.com • 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836

WiNTer cloTHiNG driveThe PoP winter clothing drive is taking place just before Christmas this year.Bring in any unwanted items in clean condition the week of December 15. We are looking for volunteers to help put the clothing on tables during the actual event December 21 from 7am-noon.Contact Sarah at sarahvonbraun@hotmail.com if you can help.

poiNSeTTiaS We will decorate our worship spaces with poinsettias for our Christmas celebration. Please consider donating toward this effort, perhaps in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special event. The plants are $13 each.You may use the special envelope enclosed with this newsletter. Place it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office by Monday, December 16.

cHriSTmaS caroliNGCalling all carolers… and vocally challenged! It’s time to spread Christmas cheer to our dear members who are homebound and in nursing homes. We will meet in the Family Life Center on Sunday, December 15 at 4pm to practice our carols and coordinate into groups. We also need several volunteers to drive to our various locations.After the caroling, we will enjoy a chili dinner, cornbread and homemade cookies in the FLC. We hope you will join us! The smiles on the faces of the homebound are truly a blessing!

• December 2013

Have you ever wondered where your money goes? Come learn how to better manage your money and your life.

Our church is hosting Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace class to teach God’s way of handling money. The class is Dave teaching on video followed by small-group discussion.

These principles apply to everyone—whether you’re financially secure or are struggling with debt. The class will show you how to really live like never before with lessons on saving, debt elimination, investing and real estate, to name a few. Over a million families have changed their family trees through Financial Peace, and we want to give you the opportunity to do the same.

For more information, contact Susan Fortini, susan.fortini@fastsigns.com or 407.925.4439

Tuesdays aT 7pm sTarTing January 14, 2014 aT prince of peace 9-week class ending march 11, 2014

$95 per family – includes course maTerials and lifeTime membership To fpuregisTraTion deadline: december 31, 2013

regisTer aT www.poporlando.com

• December 2013

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! That being said, while we can be ready for

Christmas on the outside, sometimes we struggle to fill ourselves with Christmas spirit and joy. There are many opportunities right here at PoP to make Christmas more meaningful for you and your family.It’s a wonderful feeling to help others have a Merry Christmas, and our Prince of Peace Angel Tree is a great way to provide the children of our Prince of Peace Preschool and Three Points Elementary families with a special Christmas. Our Angel Tree is available from November 24, and is an easy way to brighten a child’s Christmas and increase your Christmas spirit at the same time!If decorating is your thing, then help us transform the Sanctuary and FLC with our beautiful Christmas decorations. Join us Monday, November 30 at 10am. It’s a great way to have fun, fellowship and serve our Lord at the same time!Are you looking for an evening opportunity? Join us for a “free-will” Advent meal on Wednesday evenings at 6pm in the FLC. Advent services follow immediately in the Sanctuary at 7pm. Our Wednesday Advent Dinners will be offered on December 4, 11, and 18.Breakfast with Santa is a great way for the younger members of the family to get into the Christmas spirit (as if they need any help)! Join us on December 7, from 9-11:30am.

The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children.If music is your thing, then the “Festival of Lessons and Carols” is for you.

On December 13, at 7 pm in the Sanctuary, the choir will present a beautiful concert guaranteed to fill you with the Christmas spirit! On Sunday, December 15, during the 10:45 Contemporary Service, the Crosstrainers (Sunday School children) will present “Bethlehem Bound,” a Christmas program telling about the birth of Jesus. This will be followed by a punch and cookie reception in the FLC. Later that day, Prince of Peace will go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins, which will be followed by a chili supper in the FLC. The eagerness and anticipation of the shut-ins to hear the carols and receive visitors makes it a truly rewarding experience for all!On December 22, during the Sunday School hour (9:30-10:30am) we will celebrate Jesus’ birth with a Birthday Party! Join us for cake and birthday celebrations in the FLC!Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services are a must to attend! Check the bulletin for the services that will be offered to our Prince of Peace family and community!This Christmas, let’s get away from the emphasis on presents and place it on presence!Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!In His Name,

Kathy Hudson

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” John 1:14 There is something more to this wonderful time of the year. More than lights, tinsel, parties, cookies, and brightly wrapped packages.December 1 starts our path through four weeks of anticipation, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Savior. It is our season of Advent. Each day of Advent is a time for us to repent and believe that we are forgiven, and when He returns, He will give us eternal life because of the death and resurrection of the baby Jesus born so long ago in a lowly stable.On Wednesday, December 11, at 11am we will have our annual Christmas party in the Family Life Center.Austin will lead the Preschool children as they entertain us with songs of the season; we will have a carol sing-along, and play a fun game of Bunko. If you participate in the Bunko game, you are asked to bring a $5 exchange gift.We will also share our annual Christmas potluck lunch. The hosts will provide dessert. So dust off those favorite salad, side dish, and casserole recipes. We hope to see you as we share the joy of the season, and may the holiday season find you rejoicing in God’s love and faithfulness!

• December 2013

remember oUr HomeboUNdDuring this season, we would especially like to remember those who are unable to worship with us. Please keep them in your prayers and consider making a phone call or sending a card or note. Call the church office if you need addresses or phone numbers – and also let us know if we have missed someone.Byrnece Allen, Bonnie Anselmo, Ernie & Vi Beckham, Lynn Cheek, Frieda Cobble, Rachel Dierking, Mary Griffin, Sarah Hassold, Linda Hardesty, Jim Herrington, Mel & Donna Hoff, Bill Jordan, Elda Kehr, Mariko Krout, Nels Larsen, Loraine Luebke, Ruth Mays, Vera Pavey, Ruth Rendsland, Donald Reynolds, Carol Robinson, Win Scheips, Carl & Katherine Tiedemann, Ralph Walck, Joyce White.

Tickets: $5 for adults, $3 for children, Children under 2 FREEPicture with Santa (please bring your own camera)Free craft for the kids • Santa’s Gift Shop – $1 Gifts

Games and Activities • Hot Breakfast To order tickets, complete form below and return with payment to the

Preschool by Friday, December 6.Matching funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

Breakfast With santa

Family Name: _____________________________________________Number of Tickets: ________ Adults ________ Children

Make checks payable to Prince of Peace

saturday deCemBer 79-11:30am – family life Center

There are items ranging from $3 to $40 on our annual Angel Tree. Please select an ornament from a PoP Angel Tree and follow the directions on the back.Our Angels this year support PoP Preschool children, Three Points Elementary, Toys from Tyler, and a few local neighbors.Not in your 2013 budget? That’s okay! Prayer for our Angels is an awesome gift!

Come kick off the Christmas season with this beautiful service

The Christmas story will be narrated through the scriptures, each of which will be supported by music. There will be choral, instrumental, and congregational music woven throughout the story.

Please help spread the word by inviting friends and family!

Friday, december 13 at 7pm

• December 2013

NoTeS From THe mUSic maN“Fah who for-aze, Dah who dor-aze, Welcome

Christmas! Come this way!” Now is an appropriate time to begin ringing in the Christmas cheer. I can’t believe how early I have seen Christmas stuff in the stores (July, I believe?). I love Christmas just as much as the next person (or more), but come on. I like to have my Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving seasons totally set apart from Christmas. The carol is “The 12 Days of Christmas,” not “The 12 Months of Christmas!” However, shouldn’t we celebrate Christmas all year long? I don’t mean have your tree set up, lights and garland strung out, and gingerbread houses all over the place. That would get a bit old. But we should constantly celebrate the birth of the baby in Bethlehem. For without that first Christmas, the rest of the church year would be, well, non-existent really. Good Friday? Easter? You can’t exactly die and rise again if you aren’t born to begin with. So maybe next year when Christmas stuff hits the stores in, my estimation, June, just smile and think of what Christmas REALLY means for those who believe. If you haven’t heard about it yet, here is my necessary plug. Prince of Peace will be holding a “Festival of Lessons and Carols” on Friday, December 13 at 7pm in the sanctuary. This is intended to be a community Christmas event, not just one for our congregation (which is why it isn’t held on a Sunday morning). So invite your friends, neighbors, co-workers (even if they aren’t your friends)! Come one, come all! The Festival will tell the Christmas story through scripture readings—each of which will be supported by various music. There will be familiar carols as well as some not-so-familiar songs. It will be a beautiful way to get in the Christmas spirit! You know what would be an awesome Christmas present? Some guitar players and a bass player. End rant.Merry Christmas,

Austin Wessel

NeW year’S eve prayer ServiceOn Monday, December 31, we will have a prayer service in the sanctuary to seek God’s blessing on the new year and to thank and praise Him for the blessings of the past year.If you have a prayer request, please contact the church office – call 407-277-3945, email staff@poporlando.com, or stop in to submit your request. Please do so NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 30.

STaFF cHriSTmaS GiFTThe Christmas season is such an appropriate time to let our pastors and staff at Prince of Peace know how much we appreciate them.If you would like to make a contribution toward a Christmas gift for our ministry staff (Pastor Green, Pastor Borges, Pastor Ludwig, Emily Hente, Austin Wessel, Julianne Wiegand, Connie Murillo, Lu Burchfield, Russell Becker and Connie Sanders), there are special envelopes available in the narthex and Family Life Center. You may also use another envelope; just make sure it is marked for Ministry Staff Gift.We are blessed to have these servants of the Lord ministering to God’s people here at Prince of Peace!

adUlT WedNeSday bible STUdy ScHedUleThe Wednesday morning and evening Bible Study classes will not meet in December; both classes will resume on Wednesday, January 8.Please mark your calendar and make a New Year’s resolution to grow in your faith and love toward God by studying His Word.

• December 2013

midWeek advent WOrship sChedule: deCemBer 4, 11, 18Worship Theme: “The Light!”Each Wednesday: Advent Supper, 6pm Advent Worship, 7pm

speCial events

December 4 Midweek Advent Supper, 6pm Midweek Advent Worship, 7pmDecember 7 Breakfast with Santa, 9-11:30amDecember 8 LWML World Trade Fair, 9:30-10:30am Potluck Luncheon, 12 noon Semi-Annual Voter Meeting, 1pmDecember 11 Young at Heart Christmas Party, 11am Midweek Advent Supper, 6pm Midweek Advent Worship, 7pmDecember 13 Festival of Lessons and Carols, 7pmDecember 15 Sunday School Program, 10:45 Worship Service Angel Tree Wrapping Party, 12:30pm Caroling and Chili Supper, 4pmDecember 18 LWML Christmas Luncheon, 10:30am Midweek Advent Supper, 6pm Midweek Advent Worship, 7pmDecember 19 Preschool Christmas Program, 6:30pmDecember 22 Birthday Party for Jesus, 9:30am

Please join us throughout December for worshiP anD other sPecial events as we PrePare to welcome the christ chilD!

Christmas eve/Christmas day/neW year’s eve WOrship – stay tuned (With Great expeCtatiOn!)

As we prepare to celebrate the Birth, the season of Advent gives us a few moments to pause before approaching the manger. Stay tuned for service times for our amazing and uplifting Christmas worship services this year!With great expectation, I personally look forward to my first Christmas at PoP Orlando. While this edition of the Crossroads would typically publish service times for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, the submission deadline for this issue intersects with my Installation and the beginning of our mutual ministry.I ask for a little grace to evaluate service times for Christmas and New Year’s, consulting with staff and select lay people as

we look to set times that best serve members of our PoP/PdP/Preschool family, and the community at large. I invite you to look ahead with expectation—the way one looks forward to receiving a special Christmas gift—as we prayerfully ask God to guide us in setting the Christmas and New Year’s schedule in a way that best helps us all come to the manger to kneel before the Christ Child, and enables us better to invite all our friends and neighbors to join us there. I’m excited! I imagine you are, too!With great expectation in Christ,

Pastor Ken

• December 2013

SpoNSorSHipYou are invited to sponsor an issue of the Crossroads Newsletter. Please fill out this form and designate why you are giving your gift. You may then return the form to Prince of Peace.

Name: _____________________

r In loving memory of

__________________________

r In celebration of __________________________

r In thanksgiving for

__________________________

r To the glory of God

January February March

$100 _____ $50 ________$35 ______ $25 ________Envelope Number _________

SpiriT NiGHT Tuesday, Dec. 10, 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 from 5-9pm!

mUlTiplyiNG THe TaleNTSTo one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each accordingly to his ability. Matt 25:15 NIVAs each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace. 1Peter 4:10 ESVOn Sunday, October 13, we distributed to our congregation envelopes containing $1, $5, or $10. The purpose of distributing these talents to our members was to provide a simple illustration of stewardship in our day-to-day lives. The members were asked to use and multiply these talents to the glory of God. We closed the exercise on Sunday, November 3, with many of us sharing during the worship services how we multiplied and used the talents we received. In many cases, it was difficult to identify the return of the talents; however, those that could be accounted for more than doubled the talents distributed. Some of the funds were designated for support of Angel ministry, Food Pantry, Shara Cunningham’s missionary to Kenya, Florida-Georgia District, LWML and others. Some members of our congregation multiplied the talents they received by making and selling various goods, including:

Bakery goods • Jewelry • American Girl doll clothes • Knitted or • crocheted dolls and bags • Potted plants • Wooden puzzles shaped in the form of a heart

Others multiplied and used the talents they received in service to others in accordance with their needs:

Provided coloring books for young children undergoing treatment at • Arnold Palmer HospitalProvided transportation assistance to a neighbor in need• Provided financial assistance to a person in need • Purchased bibles for distribution in the mission field•

Some members shared that what they did for this exercise was no different than what they do in service to others every day. That is the challenge to all of us, as stated above, “as each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Thanks to God for all the good stewards of our congregation.

TrUNK or TreaT 2013 On Sunday, October 27, our campus was buzzing with people. The FLC was full of wonderful volunteers (a shout out to our Youth and Confirmation Students!!) who were running games and other activity stations.The parking lot had 10 decorated trunks for the approximately 300 people who attended. Thanks for another great annual ministry event!

• December 2013

We’ve had such a busy time in Preschool these last few months! During

November, we had Picture Day and did our best to smile pretty! We also had the opportunity to gather with our church family in fellowship at our annual Thanksgiving Feast. Thank you to all who participated in the event.As we look to the holiday season, we are excited to have Breakfast with Santa on Saturday December 7. It will be a fun time with a hot meal, crafts, games, and some time with a very special visitor. We will also be hosting vendors this year at the event. If you or anyone you know would like to have a table, please contact the Preschool office or see me. For more information, you can also go to the church website or visit our Facebook page: Prince of Peace Lutheran Preschool and CDC.In preparation of the celebration of the birth of our Lord, the Preschool children will be holding our annual Christmas Program on Thursday December 19 at 6:30pm. Please join us as the children present the Christmas Story as only little ones can. As we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, let’s not forget to take time to remember the reason for the season—our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! He is the best gift we could ever receive!Wishing you a happy and blessed holiday,

Julianne

Semi-aNNUal voTer meeTiNGsunday, deCemBer 8 at 1pm

There will be a potluck lunch at noon prior to the meeting

If your last name begins with A-G, • please bring a dessertIf your last name begins with H-S, please bring a side dish or salad• If your last name begins with T-Z, please bring a main dish•

Agenda items will include ministry reports and the 2014 budgetPlease attend – your presence and input are important!

“THe liGHT”This Advent season, we will reflect on the first coming of Christ and how we can proclaim it to the world. First, we will look at why His birth was necessary for our salvation. Why did we need a Savior?The following week, we will explore the many prophecies concerning a Savior for our fallen world.And finally, we will learn to reflect the holy light of Christ into our world. How can we be beacons of His love and His peace? Join us this Advent season to learn about The Light.

December 4 A World of Darkness Genesis 1:1-5 & John 1:1-5December 11 A Light for the Darkness Isaiah 9:2-6 & John 1:9December 18 We Reflect His Light John 8:12 & Ephesians 5:8

Advent Supper will be served in the Family Life Center at 6pm on these Wednesdays. Worship will follow in the sanctuary at 7pm.

• December 2013

if yOu have any questiOns, COntaCt dCe emily:

emily.hente@pOpOrlandO.COm Or 407-277-3945.

keep yOur eyes peeled fOr neW events and aCtivities!

BiBle Class OppOrtunities6th-12th grade – Sunday morning (9:30-10:30am) in the Bickel building with DCE Emily

NO Wednesday Night High School Bible study until January!!

spirit niGht Tuesday, December 10, 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! Don’t forget to bring your flyer with you when you come!!

yOuth COmmittee meetinG Tuesday, December 10. Meet at Sonny’s for Spirit Night @ 6:15pm.

yOuth Wreath saleWreaths will be in the first week of December. Once they are in, DCE Emily will contact all buyers! (All proceeds are going toward the cost of the 2014 District Senior High School Servant Event!)

acolyTe/commUNioN Helper ScHedUleSunday acolyte (8:15 Service) communion Helper (10:45 Service)December 1 Robby Cohen-Strom Sophia Ait DaoudDecember 8 Joey Emback Cheyenne ThomasDecember 15 Brennah Fussell Hunter StiefDecember 22 Kayle Holweck Tabitha MartinezDecember 29 Sarah Wiegand Lauren Wiegand

Christ’s kids’ CluB All 3rd-5th graders AND their parents, are invited to join the Youth Group on Sunday, December 8, at the Gaylord Palms for the “Frosty the Snowman” Ice Experience.

yOuth GrOup meal (fOOd feast)Sunday, December 1. This year we will have an After Thanksgiving Food Feast! Come and be thankful for the many blessings God has given us! (Bring a food dish to share with everyone!) We’ll eat some food and have some fun!

iCe experienCe What: “Frosty the Snowman” Ice Experience Where: The Gaylord Palms When: Meet at PoP at 4:30pm. We will carpool togetherCost: Adults (13+) = $20 Children (12 and under) = $10

Christmas party – sunday, deC. 22Come for food and fun with your fellow Middle & High School Youth members from 6-8pm! We will play some games, eat some food, and play the ‘Right, Left’ Gift Exchange game. Please bring a wrapped White Elephant gift (if you purchase something, please don’t spend more than $5).

advent dinner We will be serving the Advent Dinner Wednesday, December 11. Please be at church no later than 5pm and please stay to help cleanup after the meal. Keep an eye out for the list of food items we will be needing for donations!

yOuth GrOup sChedule Sunday, December 1 – Food Feast Sunday, December 8 – “Frosty the Snowman” Ice Experience Sunday, December 15 – Christmas Caroling w/congregation @ 4pm Sunday, December 22 – Christmas Party Sunday, December 29 – No Youth

• December 2013

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.)

December birthDaysScripS The last order that will be received in time for the holidays will be placed on December 9. So if you want gift cards for those special people in time for Christmas, place your order by December 8!The last Scrip order for 2013 will be placed on December 16 (these cannot be guaranteed for Christmas). After that, Scrip orders will resume in January 2014.Thank you for supporting your pop youth!

1 Debbie Dowling3 Patricia Cunningham

Douglas Polkosky 4 Bob Hahn 5 Laurita Franco-Morales

William Hassold Ramon Ortiz Hayden Tyler

6 Amancia Jimenez 7 Ligia Borges 8 Richard Armstrong

Donald Ude 9 Walter Wells 10 Barbara Hill

Susan Montalvo 11 Noah Reynolds

Marilyn Scott 13 Kathie King 14 Linda Stevens

Carolyn Robinson 15 Aricelis Alvarez

Rebecca Brokke 16 Bill Jordan

Angela Regas 17 Frieda Cobble

Lucila Garcia18 Emma Del Rio 19 Sal LoBue

Robert Shaffer Cloris Vazquez Luis Vazquez

20 Hunter Rothell Emily Sleeman

21 Teresa Jordan 22 Russell Becker

Numeena Otto 23 Patt McNear

Chad Swanson 25 Marlene Browne

Luis Martinez Betty Wienrich

26 Matthew Wiegand 27 Sandra Abreu

Nicole Cain Robert Cohenstrom Ron Spohn

28 Sarah Boogher Bonnie Custer Sandra Driver Kirby Holton Karen Williams

29 Kendall Holysz 30 James Fussell

Raymond J Pirino 30 Kelcy Foote 31 Ron Becker

Lew Fry Peyton Lewis Tate Tackett

THriveNT GiveS pop over $10,000Thrivent held its annual election at Prince of Peace November 10. Among the officers elected is Lu Burchfield from PoP, the new Records Director. Gift cards to Dunkin Donuts were given as door prizes with David House, Cherie Nocks, Ron Henderson, Sarah Browning and Bob Hahn the recipients.To date this year, PoP has received a total of $10,008 from Thrivent—$8122 in Choice dollars to the church, $540 Choice dollars to the school, $500 for VBS, $500 for campus work project, and $546 to the Youth.If you are a Thrivent member, please check your Choice account on the Thrivent website (Thrivent.com) and if there are dollars recorded, please direct them. If you have any questions about the site and viewing your Choice account, contact Rick Ackerman, 407-217-9257.

• December 2013

miNUTeS From ocTober 21, 2013 board oF direcTorS meeTiNG

BOD Present: Jason Seyfert, Kurt Bickel, Bob Zamsky, Jim Reynolds, Sonia Tellez, Linda I’Anson, Susan Fortini, Ed Estes, Brian Browning

Excused: Zaida Torres, David House

Staff Present: Julianne Wiegand, Austin Wessel, Emily Hente

Guests: Charlie Branneky, Doug Polkosky, Gene Fresk

Welcome/Opening Comments Jim R

Approval of Today’s Agenda M/S/C

Approval of Sept. 16, 2013Minutes M/S/C

Opening Prayer/Devotions

Old Business

Financials through September 2013: Linda reported that • the financials look good this month. We are ahead by $3k. 2014 Budget planning is well underway. A budget workshop is scheduled for Oct. 28. Financial reports approved.

Email Board Approvals Since last meeting – none•

Staff Reports

Computer purchase request: Pastor Borges has requested to replace his computer for a Mac. Linda suggested that the Thrivent grant for the Hispanic ministry be used for this purpose. The cost for a new Mac desktop is $766. Austin requested $749 to purchase a new presentation software for worship called ProPresenter. Request will be forwarded to the Endowment Committee for 2014.

Committee Updates

Charlie Branneky discussed the Outreach Initiative, • which is a communication program with the FL/GA District and the Lutheran Hour Ministries– future communications to parishioners will be through Facebook, Twitter, email, texts, etc. The next meeting is Jan. 11, 2014.

Assimilation – Oct. 26 Ministry Appreciation Dinner • 5:30 to 8pm

Childcare Committee – the 2014 budget needs to be • increased due to the number of events over the course of the year. The 2 main events to be covered will be the Ministry Appreciation dinner and one other event TBD.

Endowment – The fund is growing consistently and • is currently at $313,755. Most requests will come in January and February.

Preschool Oversight – Julianne reported the Preschool • hit 100% capacity today. 64% of the children receive government assistance/subsidies. This affects the amount of revenue being earned significantly. We have no PoP member children in the program at this time.

Properties – Gene Fresk reported that the Properties • budget is being worked on and that one AC will require a $3-4K repair early next year. Estimates will be secured.

Stewardship – The stewardship campaign money • originally used as seed money has already been replaced by the people participating in the program.

Youth – see staff report•

Final Approval of Committee List M/S/C•

New Business

The Young at Heart Door Collection for the Food Pantry • is Nov. 10

Update on the Pastor Green Installation Service • November 17

BOD will serve as ushers: Bob, Jim I, Jason and Kurt –(coat and tie required)

All available methods of communication, other than –direct mail, will be used to promote the service

All local pastors will be invited to attend; a friend of –Pastor Green will be preaching

Austin will look for a professional photographer and –is coordinating the music and worship elements; LWML will coordinate light refreshments

Organizational structure – Kurt presented an overview of • a possible shift in how the BOD operates in relation to the Sr. Pastor and staff

Financial Peace University – Susan presented a proposal • to host a session of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University in January 2014. Gene Fresk offered to provide the “seed” money needed to purchase, in advance, the 24 membership and Leader kit. Participants will pay for their kits when they register. Susan will work with staff for payment and setting up the registration process. Tentative start date will be the second week of January 2014. M/S/C

Next Meeting – November 18, 2013

Voters Meeting – Budget Approval, date set for Dec. 8

Adjourn – Prayer

Rev. Kenneth Green II – Senior PastorRev. Adolfo Borges – Associate PastorRev. David G. Ludwig – Pastor EmeritusEmily Hente – Dir. of Christian Educ.Ligia Morales – DeaconessAustin Wessel – Interim Minister of MusicAdministrationConnie Sanders – SecretaryLu Burchfield – Bookkeeper

Preschool & Child Develop. CenterJulianne Wiegand – DirectorConnie Murillo – Administrative Asst.Dolores Andujar – InfantsMaria Vasquez – InfantsNicole Harding – ToddlersLoren Ramirez – Toddlers/Lunch BunchAlissa Rivera – ToddlersNitzy Pacheco – 2sRobin Sukut – 3sKelly Bernhardt – VPK 3-dayYuko Crissey – VPK 3-dayMaria Bolanos – VPK 5-dayMary Kelly – VPK 5-dayAngela Johnson – AM Floater

MaintenanceRussell Becker

Return Service Requested

Non-profit Organ.U.S. Postage

PAIDOrlando, FL

Permit No. 3332

1515 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando, FL 32807-2997407-277-3945Email: staff@poporlando.com www.poporlando.com

The staff wishes you joy and peace as you celebrate the birth of Our Savior

CHRISTMAS BLESSINGSfrom Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and Preschool/CDC