December 22, 2024 | Fourth Sunday in Advent

Operation Christmas Child

Contact: Jeff Kranich (Family Life Educator)

Every November, Prince of Peace Church and School Families join together to pack brightly colored shoe boxes with fun and useful gifts for children of all ages.  These shoe boxes are gathered, blessed for their journey at our worship service, then delivered to an Operation Christmas Child sorting and distribution center where they are sent to children in remote places around the world who have never celebrated Christmas, or received a Christmas gift.  The boxes are given out with a clear Gospel message about Jesus and the Story of Christmas, and families are engaged to teach them more about the love and grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Community Garden

Contact: Chris Camplair

4 X 8 foot garden boxes are available to plant and manage for an annual registration fee of $30 / box.  Soil and Water is provided on-site.  Garden boxes are available to Church members, friends, and community neighbors, and are open and accessible at all times.  We ask that each Gardener contribute 10% of their harvest as a donation to our Food Pantry Ministry to help provide fresh produce to the families we support.

Food Pantry

Contact: Anne Seim & Leslie Swinford

This Ministry Team meets on a weekly basis to re-stock, sort, and organize our Food Pantry resources.  Maintaining fresh food resources is a constant and ongoing job.  We partner with our Community Garden donations to offer seasonal fruits and vegetables, and stock a variety of dry goods, canned goods, and other non-perishable food items to share with those in need in our neighborhood.  There is always a need for more volunteers to stock, sort, and distribute the blessings God provides!

Missions Ministry

Contact: Jeff Oltmann

Serving others is a key element of following Christ.  This team learns about the needs of our neighbors and explores and develops tangible ways to meet those needs.  It helps people at Prince of Peace serve by making them aware of needs and service opportunities and by sponsoring service activities.

We meet at various times during the year, and Anyone who is interested in reaching out to our neighbors in service is welcome to participate.

Hospitality Ministry

Contact: Kim Goudy & Stephanie Harmond

The Hospitality Ministry Team provides opportunity for extended fellowship after church services, celebration of youth and adult milestones such as first communion, confirmation, new members, etc., supports Family Events such as Oktoberfest and Progressive Dinner as planned to help enrich relationships among members and friends of our Church family.  The team is also available to help with church member memorial services and special occasions.

We meet two or three times a year to plan and schedule events, and typically host one event per month.  This Team is open to any Church member or friend, and is especially good for those who enjoy cooking, decorating, and event planning.

Craft Day

Contact: Church Office
office@princeofpeacelc.org
Office Phone: 503-645-1211

We meet weekly on Fridays from 9:00am to approx. 12:00pm in various locations (Church entry, Member homes, etc.). It’s a great way to meet new friends, get to know each other better, and share what’s happening with your life and family!  No need to sign up…just show up with some handwork (or not!) and have a chat! Contact the Church Office for this week’s location!

West Women’s Shelter

The “Quilting for Kids” ministry group meets monthly to sew quilts for the shelter. In 2019, we provided 75 quilts for abused and at risk women and their children. Some of our members come and work only at the monthly meeting, some work only at home and others work both at our monthly meeting and at home. We have work available for all skill levels, and even for those who don’t sew at all. We are willing to teach quilting as you work on a quilt for the shelter.

Day/Time:

Our meetings are usually the first Monday of the month January thru October from 10:00 – 4:00 at one of our member’s homes.

Get Involved:

Please contact / leave information with the church office if you are interested in joining our group.

Email: office@princeofpeacelc.org

Phone: (503) 645-1211

Coffee Corner

The Coffee Corner ministry is supported by the Pre-school board and Prince of Peace church. The goal is to develop stronger relationships with parents who have time for free coffee. The service is nicer than regular coffee, served from a quality machine with flavored syrups for additional choices.

Members of the church operate the coffee machine in pairs each Monday and Tuesday in the church lounge (narthex) for approximately 90 minutes. These servers are committed to engaging the parents in conversation. It is hoped that the ministry will encourage the participants to consider Prince of Peace as their church home. Children not yet in the pre-school are invited to play with toys from the church nursery while parents enjoy the coffee.

Alleluia Children’s Theater

The goal of A.C.T. is to put on 3 larger productions a year, as well as a number of smaller ministry and outreach events as the Lord provides opportunity. Eventually we will develop a smaller offshoot made up of our very best actors to form an outreach team called, “ACTing Out.” They will use their gifts in theater ministry to spread the Word of God using dramatic arts through skits and workshops. There is no charge to join any of A.C.T. ‘s ministries. We meet once a week for theater training and twice a week when a show is in production.

We also invite Moms and Dads to be a part of the team. Every show involves hours and hours of preparation and we could certainly use the help. Your involvement in the Alleluia Children’s Theater will provide you with a great opportunity to be involved with your kids doing something they love and that’s lots of fun for the whole family.

Adult Education

There are several Bible Studies that meet at various days and times during the week.  There is a Monday night study that meets weekly at 7:00pm in member homes, a 2:00pm afternoon study that meets weekly on Tuesdays for those who do not wish to drive at night, a 1:30pm study that meets weekly on Wednesday at a local care facility, a 7:00pm evening study for Young Adults that meets weekly in member homes, and a Saturday morning Men’s Breakfast Bible Study that includes a home-cooked breakfast and lots of bacon!

The Pastor leads a weekly Bible Study on Sunday mornings between our two worship services, often based on the Scripture Readings for the day.  This study also can include a themed video series, or a topical study lead by guest speakers from our local Lutheran University.

We are always open to and encouraging of more Bible Study opportunities.  If there is no study at a time when you can attend, or if you have a desire to start and/or lead a Bible Study, please contact Jeff Kranich, our Family Life Educator, to explore how to make that happen.

Youth Ministry

Our Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study often includes a Hot Breakfast along with stimulating study and discussion of faith topics and current issues facing teens.  The Youth Group is open to all Middle School and High School members and friends, grades 7-12. The Youth Ministry Team hosts a Fall Beach Retreat, a Winter Snow Retreat, and a Summer Lake Retreat each year.  They also sponsor regular service events, and support and participate in family ministry activities like our Annual neighborhood Trunk ‘n’ Treat, and our Fall Oktoberfest celebration.

Children’s Ministry

Sunday School

Our Children’s Ministry Team leads a weekly Sunday School Opening and classes for all ages of kids, from 3 years through 6th Grade.  We follow the stories of all the main Biblical Characters, and use a creative, hands on curriculum that allows kids to participate in the lessons and learn by doing.

Journey with Jesus

Each year we put on a family ministry event called “Journey with Jesus” which is an interactive experience that allows families to visit and learn about the final hours of Jesus’ life on earth.  There are several interactive stations to visit where kids and parents can engage in tasting the bread and wine (grape juice) of the Last Supper, praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Standing on the Pavement where Jesus was tried by Romans Authorities, experience the Empty Tomb, and the joy of Resurrection Butterflies.

Kids Easter Worship and Easter Egg Hunt

The Saturday before Easter at 10:00am we pull out all the stops and host a celebration Worship experience for kids and families, as they anticipate the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning.  Through songs, videos, and an interactive message, kids are reminded of the power of the Resurrection and the Forgiveness of sins Jesus won for us on the Cross. Afterward we gather in an outdoor space on our Campus where kids hunt for over 900 Easter Eggs.  It’s an amazing celebration. We hope you will join us this year!

Vacation Bible School

Every year in the Summer we host a community Vacation Bible School Program with Music, Videos, Bible Story Telling, Games, Themed Snacks, Recreation, and a Mission Project.  Kids from our Church, our School, and our Neighborhood join together to Learn about Jesus, and shine His light in our lives.

Milestone Ministry

 We celebrate regular milestone events in the lives of all our children at Prince of Peace.  We start with a “Prayer Cube” for the very young, celebrate with “Prayer Journal” and “First Bible” when they learn to read and write, “First Communion” so they can participate with their families in the Sacrament, and “Faith Chests” as they approach the age for Confirmation.  Each milestone intentionally involves and engages parents in actively participating to pass on their faith to their children.

Leader Team

The Leader Team at Prince of Peace works with the Pastor and Church Staff to oversee, support, and give direction to all the ministry activities of our Congregation.  They determine the overall ministry vision for our Church, set the annual operating budget, approve and manage ministry initiatives, and monitor the spiritual life of our membership.  Membership on the Leader Team is open to all committed members of our Congregation, both men and women, who have a heart for ministry and a desire to serve. Contact our current Congregation President, Sharon Kravitz, for more information on how to become a part of the Leader Team.

Contact Sharon Kravitz for more information

Our Doctrine

Christ as Savior and Lord

We believe, teach and confess that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Lord, and that through faith in Him we receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven and that all who die without faith in Him are eternally damned. We believe that those who believe in Christ will enjoy a blissful relationship with Him during the interim between their death and His second coming, and that on the last day their bodies will be raised.

Law and Gospel

We believe that the two chief doctrines of Holy Scripture, Law and Gospel, must be constantly and diligently proclaimed in the church of God until the end of the world, but with due distinction. The Law, as the expression of God’s immutable will, is to be used by the church to bring men to a knowledge of their sins as well as to provide Christians with instruction about good works. The Gospel receives the primary emphasis in the ministry of the New Testament, for it is the message that God forgives them all their sins through Christ, accepts them for His sake as God’s children, and out of pure grace, without any merit of their own, justifies and saves them.

The Mission of the Church

We believe, teach and confess that the primary mission of the church is to make disciples of every nation by bearing witness to Jesus Christ through the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments. Other necessary activities of the church, such as ministering to men’s physical needs, are to serve the church’s primary mission and its goal that men will believe and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Holy Scripture

We believe, teach and confess that all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God the Holy Spirit and that God is therefore the true Author of every word of Scripture. We acknowledge that there is a qualitative difference between the inspired witness of Holy Scripture in all its parts and words and the witness of every other form of human expression, making the Bible a unique book.

We believe that all Scripture bears witness to Jesus Christ and that its primary purpose is to make men wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. We therefore affirm that the Scriptures are rightly used only when they are read from the perspective of justification by faith and the proper distinction between Law and Gospel.

We believe, teach and confess that the Gospel of the gracious justification of the sinner through faith in Jesus Christ is not only the chief doctrine of Holy Scripture and a basic presupposition for the interpretation of Scripture, but is the heart and center of our Christian faith and theology. 

With Luther, we confess that God’s Word cannot err. We therefore believe, teach and confess that since the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, they contain no errors or contradictions but that they are in all their parts and words the infallible truth.

We believe, teach and confess that since the same God speaks throughout Holy Scripture, there is an organic unity both within and between the Old and New Testaments. While acknowledging the rich variety of language and style in Scripture and recognizing differences of emphasis in various accounts of the same event or topic, we nevertheless affirm that the same doctrine of the Gospel, in all its articles, is presented throughout the entire Scripture.

Original Sin

We believe, teach and confess that God, by the almighty power of His Word, created all things. We also believe that man, as the principal creature of God, was specially created in the image of God, that is, in a state of righteousness, innocence and blessedness.

We affirm that Adam and Eve were real historical human beings, the first two people in the world, and that their fall was a historical occurrence which brought sin into the world so that since the fall of Adam all men who are propagated according to nature are born in sin. We confess that man’s fall necessitated the gracious redemptive work of Jesus Christ and that fallen man’s only hope for salvation from his sin lies in Jesus Christ, his Redeemer and Lord.

Athanasian Creed

Whoever desires to be saved must, above all, hold the catholic faith. Whoever does not keep it whole and undefiled will without doubt perish eternally.

And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity, neither confusing the persons nor dividing the substance. For the Father is one person, the Son is another, and the Holy Spirit is another. But the Godhead of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit is one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Spirit: the Father uncreated, the Son uncreated, the Holy Spirit uncreated; the Father infinite, the Son infinite, the Holy Spirit infinite; the Father eternal, the Son eternal, the Holy Spirit eternal. And yet there are not three Eternals, but one Eternal, just as there are not three Uncreated or three Infinites, but one Uncreated and one Infinite. In the same way, the Father is almighty, the Son almighty, the Holy Spirit almighty; and yet there are not three Almighties, but one Almighty. So the Father is God, the Son is God, the Holy Spirit is God; and yet there are not three Gods, but one God. So the Father is Lord, the Son is Lord, the Holy Spirit is Lord; and yet there are not three Lords, but one Lord. Just as we are compelled by the Christian truth to acknowledge each distinct person as God and Lord, so also are we prohibited by the catholic religion to say that there are three Gods or Lords.

The Father is not made nor created nor begotten by anyone. The Son is neither made nor created, but begotten of the Father alone. The Holy Spirit is of the Father and of the Son, neither made nor created nor begotten, but proceeding. Thus, there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Spirit, not three Holy Spirits. And in this Trinity none is before or after another; none is greater or less than another; but the whole three persons are coeternal with each other and coequal, so that in all things, as has been stated above, the Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity is to be worshiped. Therefore, whoever desires to be saved must think thus about the Trinity.

But it is also necessary for everlasting salvation that one faithfully believe the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, it is the right faith that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is at the same time both God and man. He is God, begotten from the substance of the Father before all ages; and He is man, born from the substance of His mother in this age: perfect God and perfect man, composed of a rational soul and human flesh; equal to the Father with respect to His divinity, less than the Father with respect to His humanity. Although He is God and man, He is not two, but one Christ: one, however, not by the conversion of the divinity into flesh, but by the assumption of the humanity into God; one altogether, not by confusion of substance, but by unity of person. For as the rational soul and flesh is one man, so God and man is one Christ, who suffered for our salvation, descended into hell, rose again the third day from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father, God Almighty, from whence He will come to judge the living and the dead. At His coming all people will rise again with their bodies and give an account concerning their own deeds. And those who have done good will enter into eternal life, and those who have done evil into eternal fire.

This is the catholic faith; whoever does not believe it faithfully and firmly cannot be saved.

(The ancient text definition of “catholic,” means the whole Church as it confesses the wholeness of Christian doctrine)

Nicene Creed

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only‐begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

(“Us men” means all people)

Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen

Sunday Bible Study

Education Vision Statement:

To encourage and equip our members through Bible Study and Community Building to share their faith with their family and friends, and to prepare and equip our children through Bible Study and Community Building to be confident in expressing and sharing their faith with others.

Home Bible Study

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped or every good work.” Like any relationship, our connection to God is only as strong as the investment we make in it.  The more time we spend with Him in His Word, the stronger our relationship grows, and when we pursue that relationship in the context of community we deepen not only our relationship with God, but also our relationships with others in our family of faith! At Prince of Peace there are three opportunities for you to connect and engage with other friends in faith during the week:

Monday Afternoon Bible Study | 1:00PM

Contact:
Bev Peloquin   bevrodpeloquin@comcast.net
This Monday Afternoon Study has been established at Prince of Peace for several years, but they are always open to new friends.  The study meets at a member home on a weekly basis, Monday afternoons at 1:00pm.  If you would like to know more or are interested in joining this Bible Study Community please contact Bev Peloquin for location, directions and/or more information.

Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study | 2:00PM

Contacts:
Larry Gross   larrygross626@comcast.net
Sandy Gross   mysandcastle@frontier.com
This Tuesday afternoon Bible Study is held weekly at the Home of Larry and Sandy Gross.  It is also available to join virtually on ZOOM (See the Church Calendar for the Link) This opportunity is designed for those whose evenings and weekends are full, or for those who are uncomfortable being out or driving in the evening hours.  Anyone who is free during the afternoon is welcome to attend.  This study will meet on a weekly basis, Tuesday afternoons at 2:00pm.  If you would like to know more or are interested in joining this Bible Study Community please contact Larry or Sandy Gross for directions and/or more information.

Thursday Morning Women’s Bible Study | 10:00AM

Contact:
Mary Steinbrenner   ormastein@gmail.com
This Saturday morning IN PERSON Bible Study meets every week during the school year.  This opportunity is designed for women interested in going deeper in their relationship with God with a small community of friends.  This study will meet in person in the Church Fellowship area, Thursday mornings at 10:00am. If you would like to know more or are interested in joining this Bible Study Community please contact Mary Steinbrenner for more information.

Saturday Morning Men’s Breakfast Bible Study | 8:00AM

Contact:
Pastor Dan Haugen   pastor@princeofpeacelc.org
This Saturday morning IN PERSON Bible Study meets every week during the year.  This opportunity is designed for men interested in going deeper in their relationship with God with a small community of friends.  This study will meet in person in the Church Basement, Saturday mornings at 8:00am. (Delicious Pastries provided!).  If you would like to know more or are interested in joining this Bible Study Community please contact Pastor Dan Haugen for more information.

Room To Grow!

These Home Bible Studies are designed to be Small Group experiences, so it may be that the in-person studies quickly reach the capacity of their host homes.  In that case we want to continue to expand the opportunity for Home Bible Studies at Prince of Peace.  If you find that the study you are interested in has reached capacity, please contact the Church Office right away so that we can make plans to create another Small Group Bible Study in your area! If you are feeling led by God to open your home to a Home Bible Study and/or to lead a Home Bible Study we would also like to hear from you so that we can offer support, encouragement, and the means to spread the word to others who might be interested and looking for a Home Bible Study to join. We encourage you to contact the Church Office, Pastor Dan Haugen, or Family Life Minister Jeff Kranich to address any of these needs as they arise!
Church Office   office@princeofpeacelc.or
Pastor Dan   pastor@princeofpeacelc.org
Jeff Kranich   jeff@princeofpeacelc.org

Youth Retreats

Our youth go on a retreat each year to grow in their faith and build friendships with one another. The dates and locations are coming soon, but if you need further information, contact us.

Youth Bible Class

Youth Group meets every Sunday at 8:45am in “The Cave” – our Youth Area downstairs in the main Church Building. It’s a great place for hanging out, for learning, growing, and sharing faith.  We are currently engaged in a discussion about the validity of the Bible as God’s source of truth for the world.  If you are curious about the value of Scripture and whether the Bible has the ability to stand up under close inspection then come and join us, and bring your questions!!  This class is designed for everyone in Grades 7-12, and friends are always welcome!  See you this Sunday at 8:45am in the PoP Youth Cave!

Alleluia Children’s Theater

The Alleluia Children’s Theater is an amazing opportunity for children to grow in their talents and use them for the Lord!

For more information about the Alleluia Children’s Theater or to get involved, contact us today.

Milestone Minsitry

Milestone Ministry is designed to celebrate and mark important steps in a child’s journey of faith. Throughout the year, special celebrations and ceremonies are conducted to encourage and promote Christian faith in every child’s life.

For more information about Milestone Ministry or to get involved, contact us today.

Confirmation

In Ephesians 4:1 God encourages us to lead a life that’s worthy of the calling to which we been called.  In order for us to make that happen we have to know our calling, and the only way to know that is to listen to to voice of the One who is calling us – Jesus!

Confirmation provides a place where  kids come together to sharpen their listening skills, learn to recognize God’s still, small voice, and strengthen and grow their faith through a two-year course of study leading to a Personal Statement of Faith and the Rite of Confirmation.

We meet weekly as a whole group for study and reflection based on the Bible, and the Six Chief Parts of Luther’s Small catechism (10 Commandments, Apostle’s Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession/Absolution, Holy Communion). Classes are interactive and fun!

The classes happen weekly on Tuesday from 5:00-6:00pm, and include music, Bible study, workbook activities, and Catechism study.  After 10:00am worship on Sundays or other times during the week we can be available to answer questions, provide guidance, direction, and help on any part of the Confirmation Curriculum.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School is a weeklong event for children ages 3 through 5th grade at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. The week includes all kinds of fun and faith-filled activities for children. To learn more or sign up, contact us today!

Sunday School

Sunday School at Prince of Peace is a Rotational Model – which means that kids learn the weekly lessons in a variety of settings. One week they will go to “Storytelling”, another week they will do a special activity like cooking, or a learning game, another week they will do music, or a special Bible craft. All sections help tell and re-tell the details of God’s love in the timeless stories of the Bible!

For Service Projects, we seasonally collect various items for special initiatives like hygiene items for assembling care kits for the Homeless, non-perishable food items for our Food Pantry, warm blankets and other winter clothing items for cold weather support, neighborhood collections of shoes, clothing, sleeping bags, gloves for Homeless Youth, and more!

Classes begin each week with a special Devotional Opening at 8:45am in the Church Sanctuary for children’s classes that includes songs, special announcements, and more.  After the opening, at 9:00am, kids follow their Shepherds to various activities in a multi-age setting.  Join us each Sunday during regular Sunday School classes throughout the year –  from “Story Time” to “Bible Crafts” to “Faith Café” there is something for everyone!!  Plan to be a part of Sunday School this year, and spread the word to all your friends!

Chris Miller

Church Secretary

(503) 645-1211

office@princeofpeacelc.org.

Becky Kranich

Church Office Assistant

(503) 645-1211

assistant@princeofpeacelc.org

Jeff Kranich

Family Life Educator

(503) 645-1211

  jeff@princeofpeacelc.org

Tim Van Natta

Pastor

(503) 645-1211

  pastor@princeofpeacelc.org