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

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins.” Jesus, recorded in Mark 2:21-22

With the beginning of a new year, I gravitate toward themes of renewal and “newness,” like Jesus’ words about “new wine” belonging

in “new wineskins.” In its context Jesus is speaking about the new thing God is bringing about with the Son’s entrance into this world and the inauguration of His ministry. Jesus comes full of grace and truth, to extend God’s reign and reveal the heart of the Father. New wine… old wineskins… how does one apply that teaching of Jesus to our day and in our context? No doubt, to even a casual observer of faith and practice in the 21st century, seismic shifts have been taking place in the Christian church in North America. For the people in the pew, the uncertainty regarding the future

of the church in our context can produce anxiety, to say the least.

Jesus’ words about new wine not fitting in old wineskins invite us to reflect, rather than

become anxious. What might it mean to embody the “new wine” of what God is doing in our context? What would

ABOUT NEW WINE AND OLD WINESKINS

that look like? How might God’s people at PoP live that out? What represents the “old wineskins” that perhaps no longer fit?Worthy topics to discuss, I believe. Even more worthy of prayer and searching the Scriptures. Through prayer and study of God’s Word and listening to one another, God will be at work and His Spirit will lead and renew us. Some pastors and theologians have spoken of this new way of living out our faith as being “incarnational,” embodying the Risen Lord as we bring Him to people and they receive His blessing. Could it be as simple as observing where God is at work and joining Him? What would happen if we saw ourselves as “the blessing people,” conduits of God’s blessings everywhere we go?That certainly does fit our motto here at Prince of Peace, that we are “The heart, hands, and feet of Jesus—in the heart of Orlando.” Wherever we go—and in whatever context we find ourselves—we represent Jesus. We have opportunity upon opportunity to demonstrate His love, and we have occasion to tell His story. Pleased to share Christ along side you,

Pastor Ken

• January 2015

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

Memorial Gifts

This issue of Crossroads is sponsored by Elmer Schmidt in loving memory of his wife Claire and the years they spent working as “Holy Folders” at Prince of Peace. Love to all from Elmer!

Hospitalized/outpatient during november and december

Jerry Bayless, Wendy Branch, Sarah Browning, Wendy Churchville, Bob Cuilla, Sandy Driver, Jackson Hawkins, Kathie King, Peggy Kreps, Jim Lord, Joyce Miller, Raquel Puig, Lois Rouse, Alicia Stafford, Peggy Stafford, Shelley Veal, Roy Whittington, Jon Wiegand, Bob Zamsky, Norma Zorn

ongoing prayer concerns

Brynece Allen, Bonnie Anselmo, Diego Atilano, Lori Bachmann, Ernie Beckham, Vi Beckham, Emma Benjamin, Becca Boogher, Lynn Cheek, Al Dicks, Barbara Hill, Bill Jordan, Elda Kehr, Steve Hardesty, Will & Sarah Hassold, Jim Herrington, Mel & Donna Hoff, Sal LoBue, Lorraine Luebke, Ruth Mays, Michael McCarty,

Joanne Monroe, Harold Moore, Marie Raue, Carol Robinson, Donnie Reynolds, Lee Shirley, Cindy Sibly, Audrie Stafford, Peggy Stafford, Linda Stevens, Michael Vokovich, Noelle Vokovich, Ralph Walck, Joyce White, John Young, Junior Youtz

celebrations

Baptisms

Carlos Alberto Morales (11/30)Jade Catherine Fussell (12/17)First Communion

Tristan Browning, Rebekah-Joy Harding, Sarah Zehnder

sympatHy to

Family & friends of Bob GraberRon & Peg Henderson and family (death of Peg’s dad, Gene Cody)Donna Hoff and family (death of her husband, Mel)

In loving memory of Ralph Green (Pastor Ken’s grandfather) by:

Charlie and Mary Ellen BrannekyClerk of Circuit Court Office,

Clearwater, FLBob and Linda Cuilla

Gene FreskDolores Green

Ron and Peg Henderson

•In loving memory of Linda Hardesty by:

Don & Louise Lauher

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING On Sunday, February 1, millions of Americans will gather together with friends and lots of food to watch this year’s Super Bowl XLIX. At the same time, we at Prince of Peace will be participating in another nationwide event called the Souper Bowl of Caring. This is a weekend when our nation’s youth fight hunger and poverty in their local communities.The awesome thing about this nationwide youth fundraiser is that our own Prince of Peace Youth Group will be collecting money to help support one of our own ministries—the Food Pantry. Please help support your PoP Youth Group and on-site Food Pantry in this life-changing weekend of care.Please also keep the Youth Group and the Food Pantry in your prayers!

• January 2015

Chapel SChedule

We gather each Wednesday for Chapel in the Sanctuary at 9:15am. Please join us!Date Theme Bible Lesson LeaderJanuary 7 Epiphany Matthew 2:1-12 JulianneJanuary 14 Baptism Luke 3:21-23 Pastor LudwigJanuary 21 Joseph’s Coat Genesis 1:14-19 EmilyJanuary 28 God made the sun, Genesis 1:14-19 Mary moon and stars

Food program

We are excited to announce that Prince of Peace Preschool has been approved for the Food Program, pending final sign off from Tallahassee! The program should begin no later than February. What a blessing to be able to help our children in this way!

BreakFaSt With Santa

Everyone at our annual Thrivent-sponsored event had a great time. Families enjoyed a yummy breakfast cooked up by one of our teachers, and Santa came for a special visit. Thank you to all the staff who came out and made this a wonderful morning for our families!

ChriStmaS program

What a joy it was to hear the children share “Christmas Step by Step” with us! It is so wonderful to hear the Christmas Story told through the eyes of children. Thank you Austin Wessel for all your hard work with our kids!

re-enrollment

Enrollment for the 2015-2016 school year will begin on January 15 for our current families. Open enrollment will begin after February 15.

The Singles Dining Out Group will meet at Houlihan’s, 2600 East Colonial Dr., at 6pm Thursday, January 22.Call Wendy at 407-51-6463 for reservations.

INITIAL OFFERING ENVELOPESBy now you should have received your offering envelopes for the first quarter of 2015. The Initial Offering envelope covers the cost of the envelopes and the mailing (approximately $10).The Subscription envelope covers Portals of Prayer ($10) and Lutheran Witness ($13). If you want to receive Lutheran Witness for 2015, please indicate so on the Subscription envelope.

The Wednesday Adult Bible Classes (9:30am and 7pm) will resume Wednesday, January 7, in the Board Room of the Admin building.Please mark your calendar and make a New Year’s resolution to grow in your faith and love toward God by studying His Word

CHRIST’S KIDS’ CLUB Attention 3rd-5th Graders!!! Our next Club meeting is Sunday, January 18 from 12-1:30pm in the FLC. Bring a sack lunch!

• January 2015

ESTATE PLANNING MYTHSMyth #1: Only wealthy people need an estate plan.

Reality: If you have any assets at all, you need to plan carefully. Protecting a small estate is especially important because settlement delays or confusion can cost more and eat up any legacy gifts.Myth #2: Only someone with dependents needs to have a will.

Reality: Even someone with no children needs an estate plan if he or she has any property at all, and wants to control who really receives it. A wise plan can often reduce or eliminate delays, probate costs, unnecessary legal expenses, and unintended tax burdens for the estate.Myth #3: When people die without a will, state law usually distributes their assets in about the same way they would have.

Reality: Since there is no way for the state to know someone’s wishes, it distributes assets according to an “all-purpose” plan. Generally, children receive equal amounts, and no provisions are made for gifts to special friends or favorite ministries, like Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.Myth #4: A good estate plan, professionally made, rarely needs revision.

Reality: It is most important that your will or estate plan be reviewed every 3 to 5 years, because so many changes occur just as a matter of life. Children grow up; guardians are no longer needed. Beneficiaries and/or executors may predecease you, move away, or become unable or unwilling to serve. Estate values may increase or decrease, and different types of assets may change the way they are passed on. Tax laws change. Your charitable wishes may change as well.Robin Paris, our Gift Planning Counselor, has the backing of the LCMS Foundation and its trust officers and attorneys. She can review your current plan and notate where changes might be advisable. She can also show you where the wise transfer of particular assets into charitable gifts can bless your family, avoid unnecessary taxes, and benefit the Lutheran ministries you love.

You may reach her at her Lake Mary office at 407-333-0797, Ext 1103. Her email is Robin.Paris@lfnd.org, and her cell phone is 937-477-9713. Her services are free, as a ministry of our Lutheran Church. Why not give her a call? You will be blessed!…in fact, make it your New Year’s Resolution!

ring in the neW Year With FinanCial reSolutionS

With the New Year comes the opportunity to improve your financial well being. Here are five financial resolutions to get you started:• Establish your 2015 financial goals, including

your retirement and overall savings goals. Post them where you’ll see them often.

• Establish a budget based on what you spent last year, taking into account the variable prices of gas, air conditioning and heating, and food.

• Cut back on debt by paying off a credit card balance, foregoing unnecessary purchases or paying an additional amount each month to your mortgage payment.

• Prioritize upcoming large purchases and figure out how to pay for them out of your current income.

• Meet with a legal professional to review your will or estate strategy to ensure it reflects your current life situation.

For help achieving your 2015 financial goals, contact Rick Ackerman, Financial Consultant, ChFC®, CLU®, RICP® at (407)650-0065 or by e-mail at richard.ackerman@thrivent.com or visit Thrivent.com. Thrivent Financial and its representatives and employees cannot provide legal, accounting, or tax advice or services. Work with your Thrivent Financial representative and, as appropriate, your attorney and tax professional for additional information.

Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. They are also registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

• January 2015

January 4 Alison RamirezJanuary 11 Julianne WiegandJanuary 18 Zaida TorresJanuary 25 DCE Emily

Schedule

COMMUNITY SERVICE Join the PoP Youth Ministry Team the 3rd Tuesday of the month (January 20) as we serve dinner to the homeless in downtown Orlando.We will meet at 6:30pm in the parking lot next to the Church of St. George—24 N. Rosalind Ave. 32801—across from Lake Eola.

I am always bemused by the TV reporter who stands in front of the smoldering ruins of a house and asks the owner, “How do you feel about what has happened?” Our culture is more feeling than fact-oriented, so questions of this type I suppose are appropriate. When I had cancer in 2001, along with chemotherapy and the removal of my right kidney, I felt encouraged and thankful that members of Prince of Peace and others were praying for my recovery. We pray regularly for the sick and distressed in our congregation, as well as for our friends. Judy Finnie writes an email prayer letter that helps us to pray, not just on Sunday morning, but at all times. Do we look beyond our own sphere of influence? How would you feel if you were sick, and nobody prayed for you?How would we feel if members of our family were murdered just because they were Christians? What if nobody prayed for us? Archbishop Andrew White, Vicar of St. George Church, Baghdad, recently reported the murder of four Christian teenagers by ISIS members. They had been asked to say the Shahada, i.e., convert to Islam. One may become a Muslim (one who submits to Allah) by simply reciting the words: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah.” No confirmation class. No baptism. Just say the words. The four teenagers refused, saying, “No, we love Jesus.” So they were decapitated in the presence of their father—who later was comforted by Archbishop White. How would you feel if you were the dad?How would we feel if our church building were vandalized, or even burned down by people who hated Christians? On September 22, 2013 two Taliban Muslims detonated their bombs just outside All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, just as 600 worshippers were leaving the church on Sunday. Over 100 churchgoers were killed in that attack. Similar attacks like this have happened—and continue to happen—in Egypt, Syria, Nigeria and Indonesia. St. Paul wrote 13 letters to various churches and individuals. Every letter began with a prayer for God’s “grace and peace.” He cared about all those Christians, and prayed for them constantly in all their difficulties. Paul compares the church, the Body of Christ, to the human body when he says: “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Our brothers and sisters in Christ are hurting in Pakistan, Iraq, Egypt, Iran and Nigeria. Let us lift up our hearts and hands and pray for them.Bruce Lieske for the Missions and Evangelism Team

HOW WOULD YOU FEEL?

YOUTH WREATH SALE (YEAR 3)Thank you to everyone who purchased a holiday wreath this year!We made a $257 profit for the 2016 LCMS NYG!

SCRIPS

We will once again be taking Scrip orders on January 4.

• January 2015

With the cookie and mason jars’ sale, LWML made over $1,000, which will be given to various missions next month. Special thanks to Julie Kroeplin and Marleen Schmidt for organizing, buying, and decorating the mason jar project, as well as

Julie’s daughter, DeAnn Coffman, who made all the decorative labels for each jar.  Lorraine Barton provided the dog treat jars. We sold everything that was made.  Thanks to all the cookie makers, and our caller, Julie Fleming.  Also thanks to Thrivent Financial for the $250 in seed money to begin the mason jar sale. What a great supportive staff!In addition, we collected $135 in mites in November. 

Way to go!  We are exceeding our goal of $100 a month from PoP. Six Christmas bags with many unusual gift items were filled and delivered to the homebound women in our church.  Merry Christmas, wonderful sisters!The Lutheran Women in Mission wanted to honor our PoP staff with a Christmas gift so we purchased a goat from Lutheran World Relief in their name.  In parts of the world where food supply is precarious, a hearty goat can survive, giving milk that nourishes and sells. Each month we look for ways to support missions here and abroad.  Next month we will be making Hershey kiss roses and Mary Lou Nash will make more pottery mugs that will be sold strictly for missions right before Valentine’s Day. Great gifts for teachers!May you all have a Blessed New Year!

Lutheran Women in mission

TODAY I AM THANKFUL FOR…

• The mountains of items we were able to disperse to over 300 neigh-boring families on Saturday, December 20, in conjunction with our Food Pantry distribution. Thank you to all who cleaned out their closets and shared their clothing and bedding with those less fortunate. And heartfelt thanks to all the special Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz members who helped sort and distribute the donations. There are too many of you to list, but please know you were appreciated! It was a pleasure to head up this semi-annual clothing drive!

• Gene Fresk and the wonderful group of people who work so joyfully assembling, packing and distributing food. It is an impressive sight watching them share the love of Christ with so many people!

• Sarah Browning and the PoP Angel Tree mission. Sarah and her helpers spent many hours wrapping and distributing toys for over 50 children. Thanks to your generosity, their Christmas morning will be joyous!

How blessed I am to be a part of this awesome, generous congregation.Linda Cuilla

• January 2015

Do you ever wonder why the Three Wise Men are

usually included in manger scenes? Christmas cards, Advent calendars and even

Christmas programs depict the arrival of the Wise Men coinciding with the arrival of the shepherds to worship the Christ child. It wasn’t until my adult years—long after my children had grown—that I realized the Wise Men arrived approximately two years after they first observed “The Star,” and there they found a young Jesus toddling around the family home.One can imagine the dangers and obstacles the Wise Men encountered on their search for the King. They never faltered, but showed perseverance and faith in the unknown.The people of today are a people of immediate gratification. How often do we give up on things, no matter how worthwhile, if we don’t feel some satisfaction right away? What if Jesus had been born in our time? Would the Wise Men have given up on their search at the first sign of trouble, or if they couldn’t read their GPS? Or worst case scenario… would “The Star” even have been noticed?January is the month of resolutions and new beginnings. Why not make your 2015 resolution to be more like the Wise Men—steadfast and moving toward a life full of expectations, searching to become more like Jesus, no matter what gets in the way? Happy New Year to you and your family. I wish each of you a year filled with health and happiness.In His Name,

Kathy Hudson

THANK YOU!A big “thank you” to all the Crosstrainers who participated in our Christmas Program, “God’s Family Tree” on Sunday, December 14. Everyone did a fantastic job. We’re very proud of you.Thank You!Miss Kathy, Miss Karen, Mrs Kreps, Miss Julie, Miss Alison and Miss Mary

PERFECT ATTENDANCE FOR CROSSTRAINERSCongratulations to the following Crosstrainers for perfect attendance in November. You’ve earned an extra savings dollar for your K.I.D.S. Stamp Book: Isabella R., Matthew W., and Lauren W. Way to go!!!!

Our gracious LORD once again blessed the Prince of Peace Endowment Fund with solid earnings in 2014. Members of our congregation established the fund, which stands at $324,649 at the end of November 2014, with personal gifts from their hearts to support congregational ministry opportunities. The following grant distributions were made in 2014:

$ 750 Presentation software for worship

26 Advertising1,000 College Ministry1,400 Family Ministry3,000 Pastor Borges,

Educational Expenses (Ph.D. studies)

2,500 Spiritual Enrichment Fund (Why Pray and The Story, seed money)

2,500 Lutheran Counseling Service Fund

700 New microphones and receivers (worship)

700 Ministry to Men (seed money, Journey to Biblical Manhood)

500 Orange County Prison Ministry

$13,076

The Endowment Committee is now inviting grant applications in support of congregational and outreach ministry in 2015.

• January 2015

WHO ARE THE ANGELS?Well, the real angels are YOU! Without this congregation’s support, the magic of Santa just doesn’t come true for some less fortunate.  It’s true; we shouldn’t treat Christmas as a day of gifts and Santa. It should be focused on Christ our Lord at all times, but we must all realize how important traditions and freedoms are as well.And YOU gave 52 children a taste of more than Christ (because each home will receive a Christian Book and manger scene), but also love from a Christian through the receiving of a gift.  This is not just for the kids—as we grow up we realize Santa isn’t real magic, but it’s mom or dad. What you don’t see are the tears of appreciation these parents display on pick-up day.  I do and I thank you all.  This year we wrapped gifts for five families from Three Points Elementary School (18 children), five families from our very own PoP Preschool (13 children), and seven families from our pews (21 children). I hope your Christmas is a blessed one.  Sarah Browning, His servant through YOU—His ANGELS!

HELPING OTHERS—SPREADING HOPE(Your giFt to the “paStor’S diSCretionarY Fund” Can help!)

Through the ministries of Prince of Peace, people most certainly experience “the heart, hands, and feet of Jesus—in the heart of Orlando.” One way in which people experience this hope in real and tangible ways is through the “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.” This fund is the pipeline to provide assistance to individuals and families who come through our doors with acute, and sometimes critical, needs that are currently unmet in their lives. Examples of how this fund has helped people include: bus passes or gasoline for individuals who are conducting a job search or who recently have begun a new job; funds to help individuals secure birth certificates or other documents necessary to replace a lost ID; helping pay utilities for families who have had a life event that left a wage-earner unable to work for an extended period of time; partnering with other agencies in the community to help families secure the funds needed to put a deposit on an apartment as they emerge from near-homelessness. Helping these families and individuals in real, tangible ways gives us an avenue to demonstrate we care as we listen compassionately, opportunity to pray with those God leads to our door, and most importantly, occasion to share the Good News of the hope God gives us only through Christ.In the community we serve, the need is great; and the opportunities to demonstrate and speak of God’s love are limitless. Your gift to the “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” can help meet the acute, critical needs of some, even as our staff comes alongside to help individuals and families discover resources and strategies that can guide them to greater independence in the long term.

FIRST COMMUNION RESERVATIONS If you attended the First Communion Retreat with DCE Emily and PK on September 13, we look forward to meeting with you and celebrating this milestone with your child! Schedule your meeting with us today!

• January 2015

JANUARY 2015

Well we’ve made it through another joyous Christmas

season! I would like to extend a huge “thank you” to all

who participated in making so many special services, events, and outreach opportunities as excellent as they were. While this is the most wonder-filled time of the year, it is also hands down the busiest time of year. Thank you to all who helped make it so wonder-filled! Looking ahead to the New Year, there are always lots of things to get excited about—new opportunities, new changes, new growth. But despite all the “new” things we may take on, one thing never changes. That, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ. His Word, His faithfulness, and His grace remain constant, eternally the same.And while 2015 will bring numerous changes to our lives, it won’t bring a change in His message of salvation. And while His message never changes, perhaps our methods of proclaiming it do. How can we reach out to people and touch their lives with Christ in new and meaningful ways this year? How can we help them see the Lord who loves them and provides for them, even when they may feel totally abandoned? Methods that worked in the sixteenth century may not work today (or some may still)… methods that worked in 2014 may not even work today (or some may still). We, as Christ’s disciples, must deliver His message to those who need it in ways that perhaps we’ve never tried before. What methods do you see Christ pushing you towards in this new year?Wishing you a happy and blessed new year,

Austin Wessel

A BLESSED NEW YEAR! In the New Year, with all of its unknown events stretching out before us, it is right for us to remember just WHO is in control of time and eternity. Our Creator and Redeemer is at the helm. In His mercy and love, He has promised to be with us every second of every day AND the turning of the calendar. Remember the “Good news of great joy which shall be to all people.” Happy New Year!Our next meeting is January 14, at 11am, in the Family Life Center. Cheryl DeWitt from Redeeming Life Outreach Ministries will be our guest speaker. Redeeming Life Maternity Home is a safe, Christ-centered home in Sanford for single women in crisis pregnancy. These women find help, love, and support for themselves and their unborn child. Family, faith, and education are the backbone of this ministry.Invite a friend to join us. We will share a brown bag lunch with dessert provided. See you January 14, at 11am.ORLANDO MAGIC GAME—FAITH & FAMILY NIGHT

Let’s get together as a PoP family outside of our church building for some sports fun and a Christian concert!What: Orlando Magic vs New Orleans Pelicans and a

special post-game concert by Love and the Outcome! When: Friday, February 20 @ 7pm Where: Amway Center Cost: Tickets are $20 (includes entry to NBA game and Christian post-

game concert)

rSVp deadline iS SundaY, JanuarY 11❈(RSVP to DCE Emily to reserve your tickets—money is due then.)❈

• January 2015

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, January 13, 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, and don't forget to bring your flier when you come!

RESTORATION PROJECT a/C Work in Full SWing; Work on organ reStoration to Begin

The work funded by generous gifts received by the Restoration Project has begun. We thank all those who have made three-year pledges or one-time gifts, and we continue to invite those who have not yet had opportunity to participate in the Restoration Project to prayerfully consider being a part of what God is doing. We also thank those who have begun fulfillment of their pledges.A/C Update: As of this printing, funds from the Restoration Project have

been used to complete Phase 1 of replacing our aging and inefficient air conditioners. Six units were replaced during December at a cost of about $25,000. The Board of Directors has directed that Phase 2 of the A/C begin in January, not to exceed an additional $15,000. Bringing more efficient A/C units online before the new year will give us an opportunity to reduce our “carbon footprint” immediately and realize savings on our budgeted cost for electricity use

throughout 2015.Organ Update: The Board of Directors also approved work to begin on Phase 1 of the Organ Restoration. The first phase involves entering into contract for the “build” of a new, hybrid organ console. The total cost to build and install the console is $63,525, which is broken into three payments: the initial outlay at contract signing ($21,175), another payment when the console build is complete (timeline: roughly 6-8 months; $21,175), and a final payment when the console is installed ($21,175). Pledges for restoration of the Möller Pipe Organ totaled $65,167, with $37,936 of the pledged amount already in hand as of mid-December. Total cost for the organ restoration, including re-leathering, is $123,525.Our church has been blessed beyond measure by our Lord. Above all, we have been blessed spiritually in Christ through whom we have received God’s grace and favor; and His blessings are reflected in the sacrificial giving of its people. For this, we give thanks to God.

Ed. note: PoP/PdeP has 20 A/C units in all. A third phase of the A/C project was not prioritized as a part of the Restoration Project and its cost would be in the neighborhood of an additional $50,000.

• January 2015

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/StudY opportunitieS 6th-12th grade – Sunday morning (9:35-10:30am) for “The Story” in the Bickel building with DCE Emily.9th-12th grade meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month (January 14 and 28) from 7-8pm in the Bickel building with DCE Emily.

Youth group CommunitY SerViCe – Straight Street orlando 6th-12th grade will meet the 3rd Tuesday of the month (January 20)at 6:30pm in the parking lot next to the Church of St. George (24 N. Rosalind Ave. 32801 – across Rosalind from Lake Eola) to serve dinner to the homeless.

Spirit night Tuesday, January 13, 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!!

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

January 4 Ryan Zehnder Abby Seyfert January 11 Peyton Williams Lauren Wiegand January 18 Daniel Evangelista Tristan BrowningJanuary 25 Joey Embach Andrew Sito

Youth Committee meeting Tuesday, January 13. We will meet at Sonny’s for Spirit Night @ 6pm. YOUTH WREATH SALEWe sold 27 wreaths this year and made $257 in profit for the 2016 LCMS NYG.

diStriCt high SChool gathering – SaVe the date What: Theme TBA When: March 13-15Where: Westin – Lake Mary, FL

Youth group SChedule Sunday, January 4 – No Youth Sunday, January 11 – Bowling @ Three Points Lanes Sunday, January 18 – No Youth Sunday, January 25 – Games for the Dark (German Spotlight & Sardines)

Youth group BoWling Meet at the Three Points Bowling Alley (7470 Hoffner Ave., Orlando, FL 32822) at 6pm for youth group bowling fun! Confirmation students who will be bowling can ride over from PoP with DCE Emily and Debbie. Parents should meet at the bowling alley to pick-up their youth at 7:30pm. Cost will be $10 (which includes shoe rental and 3 games of bowling). Food is an extra cost if the youth want to get something from the kitchen.

ChriSt’S kidS’ CluB Attention 3rd-5th graders!! Our next Club meeting is Sunday, January 18 from 12-1:30pm in the FLC. Bring a sack lunch with you.

Souper BoWl oF Caring Get ready to help us Tackle Hunger in our own community on Sunday, February 1! We will be collecting money for our Food Pantry at the 8:15am, 10:45am, and 11am services.

• January 2015

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

January Birthdays

1 Phillis Lindsey 2 Jackson Fussell

Aiden Rosario 3 Riley Carey

John Wilson 4 Christina Francis 5 Kathy Hudson

Julie Lushetsky Harry Montalvo Dennis O’Neil

6 Tristen Perez 7 Brian Browning

Richard Lief 8 Krista Brathwaite

Elda Kehr 9 Eric Welch 10 Ernest Beckham

Austin Monroe Ellen Ponsford Urania Posada

11 Bill Pape Austin Stief

14 Willamine Peterson 15 Utica Melendez 16 Otto Krumpholc

Chase McNeely Kevin Montanez Mike Rodgers Noelle Vokovich

17 Jackie Gorbutt Ken Green

18 Brian Wambold 19 Izabella Alamo

Lori Bachmann Arturo Berroa

20 Julie Fleming Sophia Martin Evelyn Lopez-Segarra Kathy Rendsland

21 Chuck DeVries 23 Alison Del Rio

Michael Fernandez 24 Steve Klingbiel

Lana Lewis 26 David Julio Acuña

Paul Divan 27 Linda Burns 28 Jacqueline Cuevas 29 Brannon Fussell

Craig Koenig Carson Williams

30 Mariana Echeverri Martha Marcial

31 Ruth Brus Jonhed Echevarria

FROM OUR PARISH NURSEIt’s that time of year when we reflect on all those items we promised ourselves we would accomplish and realize—oops! we missed the mark. I think we refer to them as resolutions, either failed or forgotten, and now we debate on the value of making new ones.As a nurse and health care provider, my sole wish is for my family’s health and my health; to be given understanding and guidance when facing life experiences; and to face each day with a renewed enthusiasm.This, my brothers and sisters in Christ, is not accomplished through resolutions but through the opportunity to communicate with my Lord through prayer. The disciples asked that Jesus teach them to pray. He gave them the Lord’s Prayer; we have the opportunity to communicate at any moment we desire, He is always listening.Enter the New Year renewed in Christ; take each moment to thank Him for the blessings received. Pray for health, understanding, guidance and forgiveness—but most of all communicate with the Lord through prayer.Peace in Christ, Gerry Noss

Monday, January 19

• January 2015

MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 17, 2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

BoD Present: Jim Reynolds, Jim Ingersoll, Rick Ackerman, Kurt Bickel, Ed Estes, Kathy Hudson, Jason Seyfert, Sonia Tellez, Zaida Torres, Bob Zamsky, Rev Ken Green (ex-officio).BoD Absent: Linda I’Anson, Brian Browning Staff: Austin Wessel, Julianne WiegandCongregation Members: Charlie BrannekyWelcome Jim ReynoldsApproval of Today’s Agenda M/S/C to approve.Approval of October, 2014 Minutes M/S/C to approve.

Devotion Pastor Ken

• Senior Pastor Report Pastor Ken – PK reported on the Mission/Values/Vision/

Critical Targets. PoP is “The heart, hands, and feet of Jesus-in the heart of Orlando!” “A Christ-centered, multicultural church inspired by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament to engage the community with God’s grace and love.”

– Reported on the Restoration Project results through Nov 16. Pledges total almost $258,000 versus a goal of $230,000. Praise be to God! PK made 15 home visits as part of the Restoration Project and signed hundreds of letters with added personal notes.

– 17 new members received November 9. – PK has been elected Circuit Visitor for Orlando

East with term originally set to begin Summer 2015 but moved up to January 2015 due to the retirement of Pastor Jeff Moore.

– Working with Dave Weidner to complete a review of impressions a person may have on a first visit to PoP.

– Continuing to deepen the connection between the English and Spanish language congregations within PoP.

• Operational Reports/Staff Reports – New fee schedule introduced by Austin. M/S/C

to approve. See attached. – Julianne reported that PoP may start a school

lunch program in January. This is funded through various programs and will project a positive cash flow. We need 76 students to break even. Capacity as per our license is 176 and per staff/child ratio rules is 110.

• Finance report through October Linda I’Anson – 2015 budget update. M/S/C to approve

proposed budget as amended (additional $12,300 in envelope income and add $12,300 to Mission Outreach expense).

– Fundraiser update. $3000 total raised from Pumpkin Patch; Christmas Trees not as successful; only 8 sold.

Ratify email expenditures - NONE• Committee reports

– Properties – Endowment: no meeting in Nov; still have

$1100 left to allocate for 2014 – All others

Old Business

• Restore Project – see notes under Pastor’s report. • Thanksgiving baskets: 106 families from 6 schools

will be helped: Englewood, Dover Shores, Three Points, Ventura Elementary, Jackson Middle, PoP Preschool.

New Business

• Voters meeting agenda –December 7, 2014Executive Session

Next Meeting – December 15, 2014Adjourn – Prayer Pastor Ken M/S/C to adjourn at 9:37 pmRespectfully submitted: Rick Ackerman, Secretary, BoD