December 2018 CrossRoads

We are the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus — in the heart of Orlando.

CrossRoads

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

DECEMBER 2018

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2018

MINISTRIES 4

Affinity Groups

6

Family & Youth Ministry

7

Preschool

10 Search Team Update

OTHER 8

Upcoming Events

9

Our Life Together

11 Board of Directors Snow fell on the PoP Campus on Saturday, December 1, as we celebrated WinterFest for the first time!

FEATURES

3

PASTOR’S FEATURE Getting Ready for The One

8

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP Join us to worship the King!

This newsletter is published monthly as a service to members and friends of:

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church & Preschool

1515 S Semoran Blvd. Orlando, Florida 32807 Contact Us: Church (407) 277-3945 Preschool (407) 275-6703 Fax (407) 380-1802 Email staff@poporlando.com

Worship on Sundays: 8:15 am - Traditional 10:45 am - Contemporary 11:00 am - Servicio en español

Submitting material to the PoP Crossroads...

Submissions must be sent via email to crossroads@poporlando.com no later than the 20th of each month (early submission is encouraged).

2 DECEMBER 2018

SPONSORSHIP Sponsorship is a wonderful way to honor a memory or celebrate a joyful occasion! If you’d like to sponsor an edition of the CrossRoads, please contact Ely Cirino at (407) 277-3945 or ely.cirino@poporlando.com.

The average monthly cost to produce, print, and distribute the CrossRoads is $100.

getting ready for

THE ONE PASTOR KEN GREEN

In this December article I want to use the phrase, “the one” in two different ways.

THE ONE: The prophesy from Isaiah 9 focuses on Jesus as THE ONE that had long been promised. He would be THE ONE that would set things right; THE ONE to heal the relationship with God that had been shattered by the fall of mankind; THE ONE who redeemed humanity through His being born for us to live and die and rise again. These Sundays as we prepare for Christmas, we will look at the titles given Jesus, “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” and consider how these titles bring us hope and strength and peace as we live today. Jesus is most certainly THE ONE God sent for all people. the one: As in, who will be “the one” (i.e the one person or one family) that you introduce (or re-introduce) Jesus to this Christmas season? Have you been praying about that? Do you believe that God has someone He has chosen for you to link up with THE ONE this Advent and Christmas?

I’ve been reading a lot of publications that highlight how, in our “Post-Christian” context, Christmas remains as perhaps the last place where the rhythm of life in our society and in the church overlap: Christmas is, by and large, the focus for this time of year for the majority of people.

An opportunity to invite: A 2014 survey of adults by Lifeway Christian Research found that nearly 2/3 of adults agreed that Christmas should include a trip to church. This signals that there is great opportunity to invite someone to worship at Christmas.

People (including non-Christians and nominal-Christians) are more likely to come to worship at Christmas than at any other time of the year. Christmas is a time for families to come together. People love the sentiments associated with Christmas. They know and like the sacred songs of Christmas. And they long for the hope that comes through the Prince of Peace. (You can read more about inviting people to Christmas at Thom Rainer’s blog: https://thomrainer.com/2016/12/five-reasons-christmas-eve-service-reaches-unchurched/.)

I urge you to pray and listen for the voice of THE ONE. He will lead you to the one He wants to draw to the manger. Then be bold and confident in your invitation, for the love of God’s Son will be the difference maker this Christmas, and for all eternity.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

— Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

Pastor Ken Green Senior Pastor DECEMBER 2018 3

out to LU NC H JOANNE H AH N

LU BURCHFIELD

December is always a busy month for Lutheran Women because we have several projects we are working on.

First of all, we will have our annual Holiday Cookie Sale on Sunday, December 16, between services. Each plate will have about 2-dozen homemade cookies, wrapped in festive cellophane with a bow and a crocheted angel for only $7. What a great gift! We also will sell decorated quart-jar soup mixes for $10. A wonderful gift for the person who is so hard to buy for! We will have homemade peanut butter dog treats made with oatmeal flour and oatmeal in a pint-jar with a tennis ball on top for $5. Great Christmas present for your furry one! Our decorations and ingredients are provided by Thrivent Financial with all the money we collect being sent to missions to be decided at our April meeting. We hope you will support this project!

Time to mark your calendars for the first 6 months of the 2019 Out to Lunch schedule!

LWML will also be having a Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 19 at 10:30 in the Family Life Center. As in the past, we will continue to provide special, thoughtful items and goodies for six women confined to their homes from our congregation. We also will celebrate with yummy appetizers made by our women. Every woman is invited to come! Beverages and tableware will be provided.

The 2019 schedule includes:

• • • • • •

Thursday, January 10 — Longhorn Steakhouse at Fashion Square Mall, 3101 E Colonial, Orlando Thursday, February 14 — Celebrate Valentine’s Day with us at Olive Garden, E Colonial, Orlando (hopefully the new one will be open!)

Tuesday, March 12 — Perkins Restaurant, University Drive, Winter Park Thursday, April 11 — La Fiesta Mexican Grill, 3000 W Curry Ford Rd, Orlando Thursday, May 9 — Cheesecake Factory, Winter Park Thursday, June 13 — Bahama Breeze, N Alafaya Trail, Waterford Lakes

RSVP to Lu by email at luburchfield@gmail.com or text Wendell Feggans at 407.488.6997. Keep watch for any changes and bring your friends! We take this time to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A very merry Christmas to all of our Lunch Bunch participants!

In January we will make a Blessing Basket for our preschool staff. Watch for more on that later.

An update on Mite giving will be provided in the January issue. Please continue to bring your filled Mite Boxes to church and take an empty one home to fill again. All mites go to Florida-Georgia District and National LWML mission grants.

Monday, December 31 • 6:00 pm Family Life Center 4 DECEMBER 2018

KATHY MCCARTIN

L U B U R C H FIE L D

It is that wonder-filled time of year again! The Advent season is almost here and Young at Heart will be providing the evening meal on Wednesday, December 5 at 5:00 pm. We will be serving turkey sliders, chips, and dessert. Please join us prior to the 6:00 pm Service Project.

The Angels are crafting like crazy getting last minute items ready for WinterFest, Winnie and Arnold Palmer Hospital Christmas events, and donating warm winter hats to our homeless shelters. We will also be sending Christmas themed items to our soldiers and their families at the Walter Reed Hospital for the babies spending Christmas in the NICU.

At our November meeting, we collected 12 sets of towels for the SeniorsFirst Christmas drive. We are also finalizing our peanut order and looking forward to selecting how we will spend our mission money.

We will have our annual Christmas party in the Family Life Center for our regular meeting on Wednesday, December 12 at 11:00 am. Please bring your favorite appetizers or dessert. Our entertainment again this year will be a sing-along of the best songs of the season.

This year we are going to share our blessings with the Orlando Rescue Mission. We ask that you bring any of these items to share with them:

• • • • • • • • • •

Looking for a unique, handmade gift this Christmas?

We will have a few items for sale between services on Sunday mornings until December 16 in the Family Life Center.

We take this opportunity to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas whether you are in Orlando or other parts of the world. Each day is a blessing and to behold the greatest event of them all—a Savior who was born to bear our sins—is most humbling. Merry Christmas to you all!

Small bottles of shampoo Washcloths Tooth paste Tooth brushes Small soaps Underwear (Men and Ladies) T-shirts Deodorant Handi wipes Gallon-size zipper bags

We invite you to join us and bring a friend as we share the joy of the season and may the holiday season find you rejoicing in God’s love and faithfulness!

Ladies from the Angel Ministry set up shop at WinterFest on December 1 to sell their handmade goods!

DECEMBER 2018 5

CROSSTRAINERS SUNDAY SCHOOL MINISTRY KATHY HUDSON Blessed December to all!

During the month of November, the CrossTrainers found themselves decorating Thanksgiving postcards to send out to those on our PoP Prayer List. After decorating the postcards, a prayer was said over each of the cards wishing God’s blessings and the very best for each recipient.

This month, the CrossTrainers will be busy learning songs and rehearsing for their Christmas Program which will be held during the 10:45 am Contemporary Service on Sunday, December 16th! We would love to have you attend as we share the story of the first Christmas Day! The Sunday School students will be performing in an original Christmas play, which tells about the birth of the Christ child using a different perspective. We look forward to seeing you there!

There are a lot of events going on at PoP this month, so be sure to watch the CrossRoads and the weekly CrossWalk for more information. There is something for every one!

A very Merry Christmas!

Sunday, De c embe r 1 6 10:45 am • Family Life Center

6 DECEMBER 2018

ANDRÉS SOLER-GARZÓN God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. – Psalm 46:1 NIV From November 2-4, we had the opportunity to participate in the Florida-Georgia District Middle School Youth Gathering at Lake Yale Baptist Conference Center. More than 350 kids from the district gathered to praise the name of our Creator. Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz middle school students and adult leaders enjoyed twoand-a-half days of wonderful experiences, good music, activities, and excellent conferences that fortified our spirit and inspired our life to rejoice as we trust God as our refuge. We encourage youth and parents to participate in the gatherings that our District provides as they are excellent tools to cultivate and fortify your personal relationship with God.

Youth Group Schedule December 2 December 9 December 16 December 23 December 30

No Meeting 6:00 pm • Family Life Center No Meeting No Meeting No Meeting

Sonny’s Spirit Night

Tuesday, December 11, is Youth Spirit Night at Sonny’s BBQ - Lee Vista. Come and enjoy a delicious meal while supporting our Youth Ministry. Don’t forget to bring the flyer found in Sunday’s Crosswalk or on the Prince of Peace Facebook page.

Other Upcoming Events

WinterFest - Saturday, December 1 Food Pantry - Saturday, December 15 Advent Dinner - Wednesday, December 19 Taco night!

LOAVES

&

FISHES

C H R ISTM AS

K ATHY HUDSON

FROM A TEACHER’S PERSPECTIVE

November was a busy month for our Food Pantry! We not only had our monthly distribution of food on November 17, but also hosted a Food Drop for the community on Thursday, November 8!

LOREN RAMIREZ

The Food Drop on November 8th, was expected to be much like the other food drops we had hosted at Prince of Peace. However, when the truck with over 28,000 lbs of food arrived from Second Harvest, the hydraulic lift gate wouldn’t work! This left us with several scenarios: try to get the lift gate to work, cancel the food drop and reschedule, or unload all of the food by hand! Try as they might, they were unable to get the lift gate to function, which left the other 2 options! There were too many people already waiting for the food to cancel, so they unloaded all of the food by hand in a “bucket brigade” type of line!

Volunteers, as well as the people waiting for the food, all joined in and helped unload the truck! To say the least, it was a very exhausting day for all involved!

We were able to feed 345 families which equates to 1,219 individuals with the food from Second Harvest!

Due to Thanksgiving, the Food Pantry was open on the 3rd week of November instead of the traditional 4th Saturday. We had 10 volunteers from the Colonial High School Key Club and 10 volunteers from Orlando Meet-Up through the Greater Orlando Kiwanis Club who helped us serve a record high amount of people for distribution day: 361 families for a grand total of 1,581 individuals!

It was incredible! This would not have happened without the help of everyone involved—whether helping with the pre-packaging, taking the food to the cars, or helping distribute the food!

Our next Food Pantry for December will also be early due to Christmas! We will be distributing food on Saturday, December 15. If you are interested in helping, please contact the Church Office. We can always use food donations of peanut butter, canned meats, chunky-style soups that don’t need to be diluted, and canned pastas like Beefaroni or Ravioli. We also accept monetary donations to offset the cost of food purchased at Second Harvest!

I came back to Prince of Peace because I had always loved working here. The church has always been sweet and caring and that is what stood with me for the three years that I was away!

Being with the kids at Christmas means a lot to me. It means joy and a time to reflect on that our Savior was once a child that was brought to this world to save and give peace and joy and life. Spending time with the kids at Christmas shows me—through the joy on their faces and that peace of a carefree life— that everything will be well in this wonderful season!

Loren currently works as a Toddler Assistant and Floater in the Prince of Peace Preschool and CDC. She recently reapplied and was hired again at PoP after three years of working in another school.

Pictured at left: Many men gathered to help load-in a new refrigerator from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida on November 29.

DECEMBER 2018 7

COMING UP...

ADVENT DAYS OF SERVICE WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 5, 12, 19 • 5:00 PM FAMILY LIFE CENTER All are invited as we gather together to prepare for the coming Christmas season by intentionally seeking to give of our time and effort to help others.

Each Wednesday, we begin at 5:00 pm with a time of fellowship and breaking bread together, followed by a short Advent devotion, some carols, and a Service Project (Campus decorating, Christmas caroling, Angel Tree Gift Wrapping).

CORAL CLAVE DEL SOL CHRISTMAS CONCERT SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 • 5:30 PM SANCTUARY Enjoy an evening of Christmas carols en español and other trdaitional Spanish music with the Hispanic Communtiy Choir, Coral Clave del Sol, directed by Andrés Soler-Garzón.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 • 10:45 AM FAMILY LIFE CENTER The CrossTrainers Sunday School will present their annual Christmas program during the Contemporary worship service on Sunday, December 16.

PRESCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 • 11:00 AM FAMILY LIFE CENTER All are welcome to attend this year’s Preschool Christmas Program as the children tell the story of Christ’s birth and sing joyful songs!

NEW YEAR’S EVE NIGHT OF WORSHIP MONDAY, DECEMBER 31 • 6:00 PM FAMILY LIFE CENTER As we look back over the year behind and look forward to the year ahead, we thank God for all He has done, all He is doing, and all He will do. We praise and honor the One who was, who is, and who is to come with a special night of worship, especially focusing on prayer and the healing of God’s people.

For more details and to see other upcoming events, visit www.poporlando.com/events.

8 DECEMBER 2018

Christmas Eve Worship

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 5:00 pm • Family Contemporary Worship • FLC This service includes modern Christmas music and many traditional favorites led by the worship team, a kid-focused message, and a kid-friendly glow-stick Silent Night. This service lasts approximately one hour.

5:30 pm • La víspera de Navidad • Templo Worship en español at la víspera de Navidad. Celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with Christmas carols and beautiful hymns—all with a Latino flavor—and a meditation on God’s Word.

Venga y celebre con nosotros el nacimiento de nuestro Señor y Salvador Jesucristo, con cánticos, villancicos e himnos con sabor latino, incluyendo una meditación basada en la Palabra de Dios, el día 24 de diciembre a las 5:30 pm. Invite a su familia y a sus amigos. Los niños son bienvenidos.

7:30 pm* • Traditional Candlelight • Sanctuary This service celebrates the birth of Jesus in a joyful, traditional setting. This worship service includes the scriptural telling of the Christmas story, Holy Communion, and many traditional Christmas hymns and carols led by the organ and choir.

10:00 pm • Service of Lessons & Carols • Sanctuary Join us for an all-new Service of Lessons and Carols on Christmas Eve. This service brings the greatest love story of all time to life by weaving together Scripture and song. Traditional carols and hymns are sung throughout, with special music from the parish choir and string ensemble. Holy Communion will be celebrated during this service as well. * Free Childcare is provided in the Nursery from 7:00 to 9:30 pm on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day Worship

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25 • 10:00 AM SANCTUARY Give glory and praise to the newborn King on Christmas morning at our English Traditional worship service.

This service follows the order of the Divine Service and includes traditional carols and hymns led by the pipe organ, a Christmas message, and Holy Communion.

Our Life Together 1

Debbie Downling

19

Sal LoBue Cloris Vazquez Luis Vazquez

3

Patricia Cunningham Juan Pichilla Doug Polkosky

21

Teresa Jordan Fanny Strube

4

Bob Hahn Vicky Stork

22

Marisa Beaubien Russell Becker Yalianis Luna-Roman

5

Laurita Franco-Morales Gregory Michael Ashton Segarra

23

Chad Swanson

6

Amancia Jimenez

24

Chris Ivanic

7

Ligia Borges

8

Richard Armstrong Emma Hughes

25

Marlene Browne Perez Natividad Betty Wienrich

10

Barbara Hill Susan Montalvo

26

Migdalia Barbosa Matthew Wiegand

11

Noah Reynolds Marilyn Scott

27

Ron Spohn

13

Kathie King

14

Cleopatra Morillo

28

Bonnie Custer Sandra Driver Karen Williams

15

Aricelis Alvarez

29

Kendall Holysz

16

Bill Jordan Alyssa Wessel

30

Suzanne Foster

18

Emma Del Rio

31

Ron Becker Michael Halstead Tate Tackett Joe Vega

Ongoing Prayer Concerns: Janet Bothast, Kristin Calado, Bonnie Custer, Al Dicks, Linda Dicks, Dottie Dreves, Ellie Dreves, Sandy Driver, Michael Halstead, Steve Hardesty, Diane Hoeksema, Linda House, Bill Jordan, Kathie King, Carlene Lemcke, Kathy McCrary, Joanne Monroe, Annette Royal, Marilyn Scott, Cindy Sibly, Nancy Spohn, Michael Vokovich, Noelle Vokovich, Roger Vokovich, Joyce White, Bob Zamsky Hospitalized/Outpatient in October/ November: Connie Lerchen, Kathy McCartin, Betty Schroeder Sympathy to: Family and friends of James Scruggs, son of Connie Lerchen Family and friends of Jeff Schroeder, brother of Ellen Boogher

Staff Christmas Gift The 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 contribute toward a Christmas gift for our staff (Pastor Ken Green, Pastor Adolfo Borges, Pastor David Ludwig, Deaconess Ligia Borges, Andrés Soler-Garzón, Austin Wessel, Julianne Wiegand, Alicia Stafford, Russel Becker, and Ely Cirino), there are special envelopes available in the Narthex and Family Life Center. You may also use another envelope—just mark it “Staff Gift.” Contributions toward the gift may be made online at www.poporlando.com/staffgift.

We are blessed to have these servants of the Lord ministering to God’s people here at Prince of Peace!

DECEMBER 2018 9

being the

Face of Christ

Sharing Hope in Tangible Ways through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” — Matthew 6:3-4 Rich* had difficulty entering the church office. Hunched over, in obvious pain, using a walker. It was hard to believe that he was only in his 40’s.

Rich shared the story of how he was on disability after years of working hard for paving companies. He now had several degenerative disks in his back. Rich also was a single parent with three children between the ages of 9 and 13. His wife had died 18 months ago.

Rich was delinquent with on his electric bill. He had sought help other places. Some had turned him away; others could take on a little of the burden. He was passing by Prince of Peace, so he stopped in. It couldn’t hurt.

We were able to provide some modest assistance with the power bill for Rich’s family ($75 is generally our limit, and the funds go directly to the utility provider). But it was the compassion, conversation, and prayer that Rich encountered

from Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz people that made a real and substantial difference.

Essentially, we were able to “pour hope” into Rich by demonstrating not only that people care, not only that the church cares, but that God truly cares. His eyes welled up with tears as he told his story.

He talked about many blessings God had given in the midst of the challenges. He clutched our hands as we prayed for God’s restoration of health, strength to move forward, and emotional healing for him and his family in their grief.

Helping people like Rich isn’t just something that the church office or staff does. It is something that you take part in through your generous donations to the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund.

On behalf of those we serve, we wish to thank all of those who have made donations to the Pastors’ Discretionary Fund this past year.

Your gifts open doors for ministry to take place, for the Gospel to be demonstrated, and for hearts to be touched by God’s compassionate care. * Ed. Note: Names have been changed to protect confidentiality.

give online at www.poporlando.com/give or text GIVE to 407.543.1011 10 DECEMBER 2018

Search Team (Ministry to Families and Youth) Conducts Interviews A year-end update on the work of the Search Team for Ministries to Families and Youth.

Below is a summary of their progress to date:

•

•

•

•

•

•

The job description for a Director of Ministry to Families and Youth has been revised to reflect the unique opportunities for growing that ministry through outreach to our community.

Three professionals in ministry to families and youth have been interviewed and the Search Team is in the process of scheduling interviews with two other candidates.

Other professionals had been researched and approached to participate in the interview process but declined for a variety of personal or family reasons.

Our search has included both individuals on the roster of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as well as those who have responded to online postings of the position in other churchwork databases.

The position of Director of Ministry to Families and Youth has been funded in the 2019 budget.

We are confident in God’s plan, and so we continue to pray for God’s guidance to lead us to that dynamic individual who is passionate about their faith in Jesus who will help lead Prince of Peace/Príncipe de Paz in creating a vibrant outreach to families and youth. Please join us in those prayers.

Board of Directors Minutes October 15, 2018 BOD Present: Don Mathews, Lindee Owens, Tom Zehnder, Rick Ackerman, Katie Abercrombie, Kurt Bickel, Daryl Flynn, Jen Hoge, Jim Nocks, Pete Spudich, Zaida Torres, Rev. Ken Green (ex-officio) BOD Absent (excused): Kathy Hudson Staff Present: Julianne Wiegand Welcome Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm • Approval of Today’s Agenda Don M M/S/C to approve • Approval of Minutes - September meeting Don M M/S/C to approve Devotion

Jim N

Discussion Topics • Senior Pastor Report Pastor Ken PK is working with Jim Reynolds to assist with our Stewardship Committee to help highlight the various ministries active at PoP. President Kieshnik emailed PK after preaching yesterday and spoke positively about the spirit and energy here at POP. What 3 things are we going to focus on as a board in 2019? Refinance our mortgage, capital campaign, and Youth & Family Ministry.

• Property Report Don M To include roof repair, painting, solar proposal, LED lighting, and other needed items. Comment that the center stair rail in the Sanctuary needs repair.

Proposal for speaker upgrade to be funded from Restoration to be emailed for board approval.

Mortgage Refinancing and Financial Report Don M Reviewed YTD financials. Expenses are slightly over budget at $3,900 while giving income is approximately $61,000 below budget YTD. Preschool is slightly favorable YTD. We will be discussing a potential capital campaign in the spring.

• WinterFest updates Kurt B 1st organization meeting was held earlier today.

There will be several different fundraisers that day for different ministries at PoP. • Family ministry update Pastor Ken We had two new names come to our attention recently. One backed out due to other changes at their current congregation. We had a long conversation (90 minutes) with another potential candidate from California. We are publicizing the position requirements in various websites that focus on Christian candidates for ministry.

• Staff Reports Some questions about transition from EasyTithe to Breeze.

• Rummage Sale Lindee O Plans are progressing for this event on 12/1.

Old Business • Next Meeting: Monday, November 26, 2018 Executive Session Adjourn - Prayer • M/S/C to adjourn at 8:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted by Rick Ackerman, Secretary, BOD

FINANCIAL UPDATE (as of October 31, 2018) Church Income

Actual $545,472.77

Budget $574,891.01

Difference $-29,418.24

Preschool Income

$299,643.99

$313,426.04

$-13,782.05

Total Income

$845,116.76

$888,317.05

$-43,200.29

Church Expenses

$609,793.66

$608,680.25

$1,113.41

Preschool Expenses

$290,683.17

$321,756.53

$-31,073.36

Total Expenses

$900,476.83

$930,436.78

$-29,959.95

Net Income

$-55,360.07

$-42,119.73

$-13,240.34 DECEMBER 2018 11

1515 S Semoran Blvd. Orlando, FL 32807 (407) 277-3945 • www.poporlando.com RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED