Our Newsletter

“ . . . in mission to extend God’s kingdom”

COME, THANKFUL PEOPLE! Thanksgiving Day worship will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. Come, bring friends and neighbors! Respond to God’s goodness and grace made known in Jesus Christ. All are welcome to the Thanksgiving reception afterwards that will be hosted by Pastor John & Connie Schmidt, Jessica and Rebekah too, in order to help launch the holidays.

ADVENT, the four-week season of preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth begins this Sunday, Nov. 30. Based on the Latin adventus Redemptoris, meaning the “coming of the Savior,” this season originated in France over 1,500 years ago. Around the 13th century this season was also recognized as the beginning of the Christian Church Year. It continues today as a penitential time of anticipation and prayer — even though the secular world attempts to replace these themes with shallow, tinseled materialism. Advent is about the coming of the eternal God to be with us (Emmanuel) and for us in Christ — even as promised.

ADVENT DINNERS will be served at 6 p.m. each Wednesday in Advent. Free-will offerings will be received to defray expenses. Come, share fellowship together before the Vespers begin at 7:30 p.m.

A FINANCIAL NOTE from the President of the Congregation: “Due to the poor economy, members moving and passing a way, we are in a rough spot or close to an emergency situation. The numbers are in for October and our giving fell short of expenses by over $8,100. Our Executive Committee projects Nov. and Dec. to be negative as well. I have asked all Board and Committees to stop all purchases until we are able to meet our budget again. Please pray, talk to your Lord, and your families about your ability to increase your giving.” — Dan Legler (253-581-9835)

BAPTIZED last Sunday (Nov. 23) was Isaiah Das, the son of Zafar & Veronica Das of Lakewood and baby brother of Cheyanne. His Christian sponsors are Ron & Pramila Lazarus and POP’s, Doris Hall and Marj Green. Welcome to the Lord’s family!

NEW MEMBERS were welcomed last Sunday as well. Ray & Margaret Vander Vere of Lakewood were received by affirmation of faith. Steve Leimbach (a soldier at Ft. Lewis) by transfer from St Paul’s Lutheran in Kingsville, MD and Brienne Dieringer (a student at Seattle U) by adult confirmation. Steve & Brienne will be married in Battle Ground WA on Dec. 21. Trevor & Elizabeth Jorgensen (from Ft. Lewis) by transfer (Trevor from Hope Lutheran in Fondulac WI and Elizabeth from Bethel Lutheran in Menasha WI; Christopher & Hope Rose, and son, Jeremiah, of Lakewood by affirmation; and Harlan Moss also by affirmation. Welcome to all in Christ’s name.

CHRISTMAS Wreathes & Crosses ordered through the Valpo Guild will be distributed on Sun., Nov. 30.

BAZAAR Report: Thanks to all who contributed to this year. Funds generated for the Food Closet totaled $2,168. Special thanks to Jean Wright and Luci McGinty who raised over $400 in the “Christmas Cafe” and to Jan Averkamp whose “Christmas Cross” raised $100. POP’s Food Closet is being heavily used in this unsettled economy. The influx of funds will help a great deal. Thank you.

“IT’S A BOY!” Robert & Karen Humelbaugh and daughter, Brenna (members from Anderson Is.) announce the birth of Dexter Neil Humelbaugh, born Sun., Nov. 23 (7 lbs., 9 oz., 21 in.).

HOSPITALIZED: None! Chris Jacobson is now doing therapy at home as he recovers from hip surgery . . . Gary Quandt has been released from Tacoma Gen’l after being hit by a car near Lakes High School on Thursday, Nov. 20. Bernice Otterbein is now home as well.

WOMEN OF POP: The annual Advent/Christmas party is Tues., Dec. 2, at the Meadow Park Grill. Details are posted at church. Don’t forget to bring a wrapped Christmas ornament for the gift exchange. This Sun., Nov. 30, is the sign up “deadline.” The group will gather for a social time at 5 p.m. and order dinner about 5:30. You will be able to order from the menu, a copy of which is attached to the sign up poster in the narthex. There is no automatic gratuity. The Grill is located on the Meadow Park Golf Course on Orchard Street just north of 72nd and just past H&L Produce. Let's start the Advent/Christmas Season off with dinner together and a meaningful devotion. Numbers need to be turned in on Dec. 1. Please indicate on the sign up sheet at church if you need a ride to this event.

POP’s CHOIR is preparing for Christmas. Want to sing? If unable to commit for an extended time, come just for the month. Please talk to a choir member or come to the sanctuary on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. during Advent.

THE ADULT FORUM will begin a new three-week series on the Christian author, C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters etc.). Led by POP’s Brendon Keene, all are invited to the Fellowship Hall at 9:30 on Sunday mornings.

REMINDERS: Commodity assembly begins at 6 p.m. Mon., Dec. 1. Commodities will be distributed in the Fireside Room from 12 - 3 p.m. on Tues., Dec. 2. Any servant volunteers out there? Please call the office (584-2565). Thanks!

22 THANKSGIVING BASKETS were given out this year. Special thanks to June Lampson, Tom & Jean Wright, and Carol Cabe who did some shopping and to those who contributed money and or items to make it happen. The families are truly blessed. And so are all of us.

BECAUSE we have spent all we had set-aside in the budget for coffee hour, but we still seem to be drinking coffee and using sugar and creamer, would you consider donating a bag of sugar, a container of creamer, or even a can of coffee. Thanks!
– Judi Berthiaume, Fellowship Chair

ANNOUNCING! Ta-DAH! POP’s “50TH ANNIVERSARY” committee met on Tuesday evening, Nov. 25, to begin making plans. A theme for the “year” was chosen: “Sound the Trumpet” based on the text Psalm 150. Next is a logo. Any interested are invited to submit a possible logo to be used for the anniversary celebration. There are lots of creative people in this church. The committee would like to have possibilities to look at in January. You may submit your idea to the office either electronically or on paper.

The 2009 Lutheran Annual can be ordered now. Cost is $16. The Lutheran Annual is the accessible resource to help you quickly connect with up-to-date information about all the churches in the LCMS (stateside as well as overseas), a complete liturgical Church Year calendar and statistical information. Please call the office before Dec. 15.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS: On Nov. 30 the Sunday School students will study the story of David and Jonathan. Just as David’s and Jonathan’s brotherly love for each other reflected the love of God within their hearts, so, too, our love for others is the reflection of God’s love given to us through Christ. Parents could ask, “How did David and Jonathan demonstrate their love and care for each other? How does God demonstrate His love and care for us?”

During the month of November, the Sunday School is collecting non-perishable food items for the food closet in lieu of their weekly offerings.

• The Christmas Worship service will be December 21 during the 11:00 service. Rehearsals will be held Saturdays December 13 & 20 at 10 a.m., in addition to during the Sunday School hour. As we prepare for our Christmas Worship service it’s important the children are regular in attendance so that they can learn their parts & the songs.

• On Saturday, December 13, we’ll be celebrating our Jesus Birthday Party after rehearsal. Following the party, we’ll have crafts, games, and other activities until 2pm. (It’ll be a great time for parents to wrap up shopping.)

TACOMA SEAFARER’S! CHRISTMAS BOXES: Thank you to all for supporting this mission. Addie Stern and Barb Gates took enough boxes down on Nov. 25 to cover two ships (47 boxes). Special thanks to new members, the Horn Family, who made it a family project to collect items to fill 20 boxes!

PAPER FOLDERS – Thanks to those who have brought newspapers. There is still plenty of room for more! Another folding party is planned for early December.

THURSDAY MORNING WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY is “doing” the book of Hebrews. Come at 9:30 a.m. to the Fireside Room. In Hebrews, God gives us hope and courage in our discipleship so that we “will not grow weary and lose heart.” He directs us to Jesus “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross” on our behalf. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, the writer to the Hebrews speaks to us today concerning: Jesus, the supreme spiritual force; Jesus, our Savior, the author and finisher of our faith; Our response to Jesus as we encourage and are encouraged by the faithful.

INTERESTED in serving as a member at Prince of Peace? Please call Pastor John (584-2564) or jot an e-mail to the church office <office@POPLakewood.org> or send an email to Pastor John directly at Jubilate@comcast.net. New members will be welcomed once again on “Christ the King Sunday,” Nov. 23.

This year's Tacoma Symphony Orchestra performance of Handel's Messiah will be on Friday, December 19, at St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma. 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 each. To order, call the box office (253) 272-7264 or email your inquiry to tickets@tacomasymphony.org.

THE ANNUAL COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT at St. Luke’s Lutheran in Federal Way will be on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Three choirs and over 150 singers comprise this concert which has a history of over 30 years in the Federal Way area. Come early for preferred seating. St. Luke’s is located at 515 S. 312th Ave. in Federal Way.

“WONDROUS CHILD” is the title of this years’ Christmas Concert at Pacific Lutheran University. It will be performed at Olson Auditorium on the PLU campus on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. For tickets and information call 253-535-7787

A LIVING NATIVITY will be presented by Trinity Lutheran Church, Olympia at Sylvester Park (Corner of Capitol Way and Legion) on Dec. 13 at 5 p.m. and at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served. For more information contact Trinity Lutheran Church 360-357-6574

"SHARING VALUES — SHAPING LIVES” Committed to Christian Education, Prince of Peace is a member congregation of the Concordia Lutheran School Association. Concordia educates students from pre-school through the eighth grade. It is located at 202 East 56th Street (just east of Pacific Avenue) in Tacoma. Visit the website www.concordiatacoma.com or call 253-475-9513 for more information. This congregation is also a founding member of the Mount Rainier Lutheran High School Association. This fully accredited high school is centrally located near the intersection of 72nd St. and Waller Road. For information visit www.MRLH.org or call 253-284-4436.

PRINCE OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH is a member congregation of the Northwest District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Established in 1959, the congregation serves individuals and families who live in the South Puget Sound area. A special ministry includes outreach to the military personnel and families at the McChord Air Force Base and at the Fort Lewis Army Post. For almost 50 years, God’s people have gathered here around the Word and Sacraments to proclaim the Gospel — God’s love for all demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. All are welcome to share in this mission.