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TRANSCRIPT
Vol. 18 No. 30
July 25, 2015
www.poplc.org
Prince of Peace is a …
• Hub of spiritual transformation using God’s Word, Sacrament, and Prayer,
• Equipping us to build networks of vibrant Christian communities,
• Extending to our homes, to our neighbors, and beyond, making disciples of Jesus.
Inside:
Safe Harbor Counseling Center . . . page 2
Adult Education Classes . . . page 3
Members & Neighbors Needing Help . . . page 4
ESL Support Needed . . . page 5
An Open Letter to Josh Rusnak
Josh, as you leave for seminary, I’d like to share with you a couple excerpts I wrote about you when I recommended you for matriculation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where God is leading you to prepare to be a pastor. I wrote: “When Josh shared his intentions to enroll at the seminary with the entire congregation, the response was sadness to see him leave, but happiness for him personally. Josh is a devout man, who faithfully sets an example for godly living in an increasingly secular world… “Josh demonstrated his flexibility and leadership a couple years ago when he stepped up beyond his initial call to lead the Family Life ministry at Prince of Peace. From that point forward, in addition to his own duties, Josh inherited the work of two full time DCE’s, both of whom accepted calls elsewhere. During this transition period, Josh prioritized the numerous activities associated with the program, assembled a team of part-time staff, recruited lay leaders, and collaborated with them to stabilize the program with negligible loss in participation. Key areas of the ministry even grew under his leadership. One new program Josh led last fall, called “Do Something,” motivated several large groups of children, youth and adults to work together on spontaneous, creative service projects in the community… “Josh supports the mission of the church, genuinely cares for people, and encourages other staff members. He responds well to guidance and coaching. He communicates articulately and succinctly. He is mature, evangelical in approach and faithful to his calling. He works extremely well with youth and children, who personally like him and will miss him, along with their parents. He enjoys the respect of this congregation, which expects great things from its staff… Josh, I am confident that I am speaking with the congregation as I say this: You will make a wonderful pastor we’d be glad to “recall” for service here or anywhere we and our children will worship, until we meet in heaven. God bless you Josh, and keep you, until we meet again! Pastor Carl Gnewuch The Communicator is now emailed each week to POP members. If you have not received it
and would like to be included, please contact Tiffany Sears at [email protected].
PoP Communicator Page 2 of 8 July 25, 2015
Counseling Center Would Meet Need
for Affordable Care
Consistent with our theme at Prince of Peace this year, “Living Healthy, Loving Fully: A Time to Be Well,” Safe Harbor is making plans to open a counseling center at Prince of Peace later this summer. The counseling center would meet an identified need for affordable Christian-based clinical counseling. Safe Harbor will be located in Room 13 - just inside the lower level doorway on the east side of the building between the church and preschool entrances. The counseling center would not change how pastoral counseling takes place at Prince of Peace. Our pastors and staff would continue to provide short term, spiritually-focused care which delivers hope and the assurance of God’s forgiveness and love to troubled people. Safe Harbor would provide the important additional next step for people who need therapeutic mental health care, like hospitals that provide therapeutic physical health care. Some needs require doctors in addition to pastors. Stacey Crosson, our Minister of Care and Outreach, identified the need for affordable, Christian-based, clinical counseling when she began looking for therapists she could use when referring people for therapeutic mental health care. Stacey discovered that high rent costs for offices in the area prevent counselors from accepting military insurance plans or other plans with reduced rates. The high rates that mental health care providers must charge to cover rental costs prevent many members of the military and others from being able to access counseling. Stacey continued her search for a solution and found Safe Harbor. Safe Harbor works with local churches to set up offices for counseling at the churches. In lieu of rent, Safe Harbor accepts most insurance plans, offers reduced rates for church members who don’t have insurance, and offers a sliding scale for people in great financial need. Safe Harbor has built up a large network of providers all over the DC area since they started this ministry model over twenty years ago. Their counselors are carefully vetted, fully licensed, Christian counselors. Pastor Gnewuch and Stacey Crosson are available to answer questions about the counseling center and how it would benefit our members and other people in the community. We’d like to get the center up and running by the end of the summer. The need for quality, Christian, mental health care is great. Safe Harbor would meet that need in a caring way. Pastor Carl
¡Alabad nuestro
Señor en español!
(Praise our Lord in
Spanish)
Service on Sunday, August 2, 11am Fred Lynn Middle School 1650 Prince William Pkwy Woodbridge, VA 22191 Convoy from POP leaves at 10:25am
Have you ever worshiped our Lord in another language? Have you ever studied Spanish in school? Nueva Vida Lutheran Church, our daughter church that meets at Fred Lynn Middle School in Woodbridge, has bi-lingual worship services. We are organizing a “Flash Mob” from Prince of Peace to join Nueva Vida Lutheran Church in worship at their 11 a.m. service on August 2. This will be a wonderful way to support these new Lutheran Christians as they build their congregation. Whether you have any Spanish language ability, you will find this worship opportunity to be a beautiful experience. Robert Winston will lead a convoy from Prince of Peace departing at 10:25 a.m., or you can proceed direct to Fred Lynn Middle School, 1650 Prince William Pkwy, Woodbridge, VA 22191 (across the street from Grace Lutheran Church). Contact: Robert Winsston 703-789-3208 [email protected]
PoP Communicator Page 3 of 8 July 25, 2015
Join us for Summer
Adult Education Classes!
SUNDAYS 9:45-10:45am See Through the Scriptures (ends July 26) This survey course explores the Biblical narrative from Genesis - Revelation. Location: Fellowship Hall Leader: DCE Stacey Crosson Acts of the Apostles This small group study focuses on the early church’s growth despite the opposition of the opposing culture. How different is that today? Location: Room 30 Leader: T.K. Kearney New Classes Starting August 2 Equipping the Church for Crucial Conversations This course will help prepare Christians to feel more confident to engage in meaningful dialogue with others on difficult topics, such as the recent Supreme Court ruling. Location: Fellowship Hall Leader: Pastor Carl and DCE Stacey Crosson
Look forward to a variety of new Adult Education classes offered this Fall on Sunday mornings
starting September 13! MIDWEEK Adult Education Classes New Class Starting Wednesday, July 29: Christian Atheist Are you putting your whole faith in God but still living as if everything is up to you? Are you a cultural Christian from family upbringing? Do you believe in God but don’t know Him? Author Craig Groeschel makes this painful self-admission: Although he believed in God, he was living like God didn’t exist. Join us for this six week class as we get to know God better, heal from past hurts, forgive the unforgiveable, and change what seems unchangeable. Time: Wednesday, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Location: Room 26 Leader: Yvette Moy Cost: $10 (for the book) For more info on Adult Education contact: 703-451-5855 [email protected]
Board of Servant Leaders
Listening Forums
Sunday, August 2, 9:45am Main Office One of the key responsibilities of the Board of Servant Leaders (BoSL) is listening to the Stewards of the congregation (Policy Governance Manual, Section 2.2). We need and want to know your thoughts about Prince of Peace. Come share your ideas, concerns, and desires with members of the BoSL at monthly Listening Forums. These opportunities will be held the first Sunday of each month during the Sunday School hour (9:45-10:45 a.m.) in the Office of the Minister of Care and Outreach located in the main church office. The first Listening Forum will be Sunday, August 2. As always, please feel free to email the BoSL at [email protected]. Erin Summers
Congregation Affirms
BoSL Officers
A vote of affirmation was given by members of Prince of Peace in worship services July 18 and 19 to confirm as officers BoSL members Erin Summers, Chair; Kim Robinson, Vice Chair; and Leon DeBolt, Secretary for Fiscal Year 2016. 122 votes were cast. Compliments from members of PoP:
Excellent slate! Thank you for your faithful service!
Thank you to all BoSL for their service. Thank you for your hard work!
More Info: 703-451-5855 [email protected]
PoP Communicator Page 4 of 8 July 25, 2015
Youth Ministry
SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL: Jr. and Sr. High will meet together in the Youth Room. Rising 7th graders are welcome to join this group. TEEN GROUPS: In God’s Eyes – Teen Girl Bible Study Sundays – June 7 thru Aug. 9 – 9:45 a.m. Upstairs in the LIBRARY. Please note room change. This will be our permanent meeting place! This is a summer study for rising freshman to recently graduated seniors. We will be looking at who we are and what our purpose is in God’s eyes. Living Water (Teen Praise Band) Rehearsal Wednesdays, 6pm Wednesday Night Bible Study Senior High Youth are invited to join us for Bible Study on Wednesdays, 7-9pm at Prince of Peace.
Youth Small Group Tue. evenings; Contact Rob Urps ([email protected]) Summer WAVES Nights – Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. WAVES Nights are evenings of Fellowship and Devotion for 7th and 8th graders in the youth room. NOVA Students: Interested in NOVA POP Group? See page 5 FOR MORE INFORMATION: [email protected]
Don’t Miss Josh Rusnak’s Going Away Party Saturday Night, July 25th at 6:30 p.m.
PoP Care Bags for the Hungry
Please help the hungry by filling a sealable gallon-size freezer bag with:
* 16 oz water * 100% juice "box" * 2 paper towels * 2 napkins * Bar of soap * Small box of raisins
* Jiff Peanut Butter To-Go * 2 packages of cheese crackers * 1 granola bar * 1 package of pretzels
* or equivalent substitution
Please place your completed bags in the designated spot in the Narthex. Jesus said, "It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." --Matthew 20:26 -28 Contact Info: Pastor Karl Schuler [email protected] Tending the Flame Outreach Conference
The SED is now offering one-day rates for those unable to attend the entire weekend event in Richmond, VA. Friday, July 31 - $40 - workshops, welcome and speakers Saturday, August 1 - $50 - lunch, sessions and workshops Saturday Evening, Aug. 1 - $20 - 6 p.m. neighborhood picnic and evening concert at 7:30 with Lost and Found If you would like to attend any part or all of this conference, please register online at www.se.lcms.org/ttf2015 in advance (by July 21) or call Cathy Long at 800-637-5723, ext. 203.
District YOUTH Event at Tending the Flame
Did you know that there is an SED youth event each summer? July 31 at 1 p.m. - Aug. 2 in Richmond, VA Our theme is: Funellowship - Fun + Fellowship James and Robby will be leading this teen program with special time with George and Michael of Lost and Found. The weekend includes Bible study, talent shows, music, games, fun and fellowship. AND ... A neighborhood style picnic and concert on Saturday night with LOST and FOUND! All this for $35 registration fee - includes Saturday lunch, picnic and concert. Come for the weekend or just for Saturday. More info on our website at www.se.lcms.org/ttf2015.
PoP Communicator Page 5 of 8 July 25, 2015
Interested in NOVA Student
Group at POP?
We want to explore the idea of starting a POP NOVA Student Group that could meet regularly during the year for Bible study, some social activities, involvement together in activities at NOVA, and possibly car-pooling. We are willing to host a cookout at our home in early August if there is enough interest, and potentially being the host family for the Bible study activity. Please give us a call or send an email if there is interest, and if so, whether you would be available to meet August 1st or 8th. Bill & Eileen Douglas 703-644-6328 [email protected]
Thank you
Thank you, Prince of Peace family, for your financial support and prayers for the teens in our high schools and their families. On Saturday, students will leave for Young Life camp, and many will decide to accept God's gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Your partnership helps to make this possible. Blessings to all! Joleen Miller (Young Life Rep)
Finance Team Counters
Needed
The Finance Ministry Team is looking for volunteers for the counting team. We request one Sunday or one Monday a month and it normally does not take more than an hour to an hour and a half. We are also looking for someone to enter into the computer system. Contact: Tina Velt 703-508-6878 [email protected]
ESL Support Needed
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at PoP benefit the students, their families, and their instructors. The students learn English, which enables them to become good citizens and find higher paying jobs. Because they receive this instruction, they are also provided opportunities to learn about Jesus. The instructors receive the accolades of their very grateful students and the opportunity to share their faith in Jesus. Following are a few facts about ESL: • ESL classes were originally started at Prince of Peace by Karen Salomon and Rob Leonard 11 years ago. We now offer three to four different levels of classes in the daytime on Tuesdays and Fridays and in the evenings on Mondays and Wednesdays. Citizenship classes are also offered and an ESL Sunday School class, taught by Karen Salomon, will begin again this Fall. • This past year, about 125 students participated in the ESL program. This year, we had over 34 countries represented in the ESL program, including Egypt, Bolivia, Ethiopia, South Korea and Burkina Faso. Most of the students are not Spanish-speaking, but rather speak another native language, such as Farsi, Korean, Pashto, or Vietnamese. We invite your involvement in the ESL program in several ways. You can join our outstanding staff of ESL instructors, be a part of our leadership team, and/or financially support the program. You can learn about becoming an instructor or leader by contacting Lori Stillman, [email protected] or 703-451-5855. Unfortunaetly, the financial needs associated with the ESL program are significant. Although all of our instructors are volunteers, the books required for ESL classes are quite expensive. Individuals taking the classes pay a fee, but it does not cover the full amount for the books since many of these immigrant families have no, or very little, income. That is where we could use your help. Offering ESL classes is an effective way for Prince of Peace to share God’s love and message with our non-English speaking neighbors. However, we need additional funds to continue this heartwarming ministry. We would also like to replace the outdoor signage at Prince of Peace which provides the local community with information on the classes. If you would like to help, please leave a donation in the church office or in a pew envelope during worship services clearly marked “For ESL”. We appreciate your consideration of support for this very special and very important outreach ministry! Contact: 703-451-5855 [email protected]
PoP Communicator Page 6 of 8 July 25, 2015
A Community of Women Committed to the Call of
Christ www.poplc.org/wow
Wednesday Mornings Will begin again in September Fellowship Hall, 9:15am [email protected] Additional Women’s Bible Studies: Living Proverbs Saturdays, 7:30-9am, Rm 26 Faith Shapers Soul-Tending Reading; Meet monthly on Tuesday or Wednesday [email protected] Holy Comforters Make quilts for charity Jan-May Thursdays, 9am to 3pm, Rm 27 [email protected] Keep the Faith Make and take faith projects [email protected] For more information: DCE Stacey Tasler Crosson Minister of Care and Outreach 703.451.5855 Website: www.poplc.org Email: [email protected] Cell: 571.326.5580
This newsletter is published weekly as a service to members & friends by
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church & School 8304 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield, VA
22152-1695 • Church 703.451.5855 • School 703.451.6177 • Fax 703.569.0978
Worshiping on Saturdays 5:30pm, Sundays 8:15am & 11am,
Sunday School & Adult Education 9:45am
Submitting Material to the PoP Communicator:
Submissions need to be sent via the web form page no later than 12pm on Tuesday
(early submission is encouraged). www.poplc.org/communicator
Please read through the “Newsletter Policies and Guidelines”
Board of Servant Leaders
703-451-5855 Erin Summers
Kim Robinson
Julie Eichhorst
Chris Martin
David McLean
Leon Debolt
Ministry Staff
703-451-5855 Carl Gnewuch Senior Pastor
Tim Christenson Assc. Pastor
Wallace Horton Min. of
Worship and Spiritual
Transformation
John Durkin Minister to Families
& Youth
Josh Rusnak Minister to Families
& Youth
Stacey Crosson Min. of Care &
Outreach
----------------------------------------------------
Lori Stillman Community
Outreach Coordinator
Jennie Smith Ministry
Administrator
Marcella Schmidt Admin
Assistant
Erika Radke Comm. Director
Nancy Sinclitico Accountant
Tiffany Sears Receptionist
Joen Schultz Event Coordinator
Families & Youth
Dieter Stach Asst. Minister
Families & Youth
----------------------------------------------------
POPLC School
703-451-6177 Cindy Deatherage Principal
Marcel Page School Registrar
Lisa Long Admin Assistant
To contact anyone on
BoSL or staff please use
their name in this format
(no spaces)
PoP Communicator Page 7 of 8 July 25, 2015
Special Events
August 9 – 11a Blessing of College Students August 19 Communications Forum August 21 Ladies Night Out
If you’re not familiar with any of the events listed here, please don’t hesitate to contact us! 703-451-5855 [email protected]
Worship
Saturday, July 25 5:30p Worship Sunday, July 26 8:15a Worship (Communion) 11:00a Worship (NonCommunion) 11:00a Jesus First Korean 11:00a Grace Ethiopian 11:00a S. Asian Church of Christ 12:30p Grace Ethiopian 12:30p Jesus First Korean 12:30p S. Asian Church of Christ 5:30p Nepalese Worship Wednesday, July 29 7:30p Grace Ethiopian Prayer Time Saturday, August 1 5:30p Worship Sunday, August 2 8:15a Worship (NonCommunion) 11:00a Worship (Communion) 11:00a Jesus First Korean 11:00a Grace Ethiopian 11:00a S. Asian Church of Christ 12:30p Grace Ethiopian 12:30p Jesus First Korean 12:30p S. Asian Church of Christ 5:30p Nepalese Worship
Regular Meetings
Saturday, July 25 6:30p Josh & Elisa Farewell Sunday, July 26 9:45a Doorway Class Monday, July 27 10:30a Moms Club of Springfield 6:30p TOPS 7:00p Stephen Ministry 8:30p Men’s AA Tuesday, July 28 9:30a Infant Massage Class 7:00p Waves Night Wednesday, July 29 9:00a Infant Massage 6:30p Toastmasters Thursday, July 30 9:00a Infant Massage 7:00p GEC BoSL 7:00p Waves Summer Event Night Friday, July 31 9:00a Infant Massage 10:30a Al-Anon Saturday, August 1 9:00a Infant Massage 3:00p Wedding
PoP Communicator Page 8 of 8 July 18, 2015
The master calendar can be
found on our website at
poplc.org/calendar
Bible Study
Saturday, July 25 Bible Study Sunday, July 26 9:45a See Through the Scriptures 9:45a Teen Girl’s Bible Study 9:45a Summer Sunday School Tuesday, July 28 7:00p Small Group Wednesday, July 29 9:30a Bible Study 7:00p FUEL Saturday, August 1 7:30a Men’s Bible Study 7:30a Women’s Bible Study 6:45p Small Group Sunday, August 2 9:45a Teen Girl’s Bible Study 9:45a Summer Sunday School
Music
Tuesday, July 28 7:00p New Canticle Wednesday, July 29 6:00p Living Water