News Letters:

You're Hired!!!

Prince of Peace Learning Center opens soon!

We are moving full steam ahead with plans for our Preschool this August. When the Public Schools announced the closing of their Preschool Program at the end of the school year 2004-2005, it seemed God had opened wide the door for us to begin our own Early Learning Center.

Plans are in the works to paint and furnish classrooms in the Family Life Center. Our hope is to serve the families of 2,3 and 4 year-olds in our community daily from 9-12.

Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him.
Psalm 127:3

A fire alarm system was recommended by the State/County fire Marshalls. One of the classrooms will contain a school office area.

Applications are coming in for teachers. Three staff members have been hired, including our new Director, Jennifer Abley.

Registration will open shortly and members of POP have first choice to enroll, at a discouted tuition, of course.

Our wish list (a copy is availabel on the bulletin board in the Narthex) contains everything from computers to toys. Thrivent will match any monetary donations as well. Matching forms will be available soon in the Narthex.

Meanwhile, thanks for all your prayers. Keep them coming for:

• Dedicated Christian Staff
• Open hearts for Jesus
• Building readiness
• Publicity into the community
• Wisdom for Jenni and the new School Board that will be formed.

The Gospel in the Stars

Lift your eyes and look to the heavens:
Who created all these?
He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.
Isaiah 40:26

What do the stars in the sky have to do with the Gospel?

Join us on Sunday Mornings at 9:30am or Wednesday evening at 7pm and discover:

• Virgo, the virgin with a branch in her right hand;
• Orion, the hunter who is about to slay satan;
• Leo, a kingly, majestic lion whose feet are about to land on the giant serpent.

"Maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do!"

When most Americans hear the word "July" their thoughts race to July 4th and the celebration of our independence as a nation and freedom as individuals. freedom is a wonderful gift from our gracious Father in heaven. And yet, we know that freedom is not free!

Many men and women have given their lives in defense of our freedom and we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. We also have the challenge of living responsibly with freedom. It is wrong to think that freedom means we are released from all responsibilities and obligations and can live our lives in any way we choose.

President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech in 1961 issued this challenge to all Americans: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!" True freedom means taking advantage of the abundant opportunities to use our freedom to make this world a better place in which to live. All of us together can make a difference as we live and work together to be kindere, gentler, more compassionate people. As that old song title says: "What a wonderful world this would be!" And it would be if all of us lived out our freedom responsibly.

Yes, our freedom as a nation and as individuals comes at great cost. So does our freesom as God's stewards. Left to our own selfish natures, we would grab for all we could get for ourselves and let others fend for themselves. Christ died to save us from a life of indulging only in earthly things. St. Paul in Galatians 5:13-14 wrote: "You, my brothers [and sisters], were called to be free. But do not use your freesom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Indeed, what a wonderful world this would be if we loved others as we already love ourselves. Sin keeps us from that freedom, but Christ by his sacrifial death and resurrection has broken the bonds of sin and freed us up for holy living.

That's why GIVING is so important for Christian stewards. It helps to break the bondage of keeping everything for ourselves without caring much about others or about the extension of the kingdom of God. In Christ we are not so much freed from, as we are freed for, that is, freed for service that honors God and blesses others. As maturing stewards we do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all we do!

Amendment to Prince of Peace By-Laws

As we prepare for the opening of a pre-school this fall we recognize the need to amend the By-Laws of our congregation. The LCMS web site provides extensive guidance and advice regarding organizing and governing a scgool. The amendment to our By-Laws is proposed only after carefully reviewig the LCMS advice and conferring with the FL-GA District Director of Schools Ministry. The amendment to the By-Laws will create a aBoard of Education to provide policy guidance to the pre=school. The Chairman of the Board of Education will be an appointed member of the Board of Directors of Prince of Peace. Additionally, the Board of Education will consist of the Chairman, a Church member, a Parent of a student, a Secretary and School Director(s).

The proposed Amendment is attached for your consideration. In accordance with Article VIII of Prince of Peace By-Laws, any Amendment must be announced three weeks pior to a meeting in which the amendment is voted on. A Voters Assembly is planned in late July or early August 2005.

DRAFT....Amendment to the By-Laws of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod Douglasville, GA

In accordance with Article VIII, the following Amendments are proposed to to the By-Laws of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, Douglasville, GA. The bold type indicates language that has been added or changed to the current By-Laws.

Change Article IV to read:

Article IV - THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

1. The Board of Directors shall consist of the Pastor, the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, the Secretary, the Treasurer, Chairman of the Elders, Financial Secretary, and Directors from the following committees: Property, Christian Education, Evangelism, Stewardship, Public Relations, and Social Ministry. Upon establishment of a school the Chairman of the Board of Education shall also be a member of the Board of Directors.

Change Article V as follows:

Article V - NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS

1. Elected Officers: Unchanged

2. Appointed Officers:
The Pastor and the officers elect shall meet during the month of October to appoint the following officers to serve on the Board of Directors: Director of Property, Director of Christian Education, Director of Evangelism, Director of Stewardship, Financial Secretary, Director of Public Relations, Director of Social Ministry, and Chairman of the Board of Education. The terms for these appointed offices and their committees shall be for one year and they may serve no more than two(2) consecutive terms in the same office.

Change Article VI as follows:

Article VI - DUTIES OF OFFICERS AND BOARDS

We are currently working on establishing a presence on the internet by creating our own web site for Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Our goal was to have this site up and running by the end of June, with a minimum amount of information that we will add to as we go.

We are looking for any suggestions or ideas that you may have for information that would be helpful to add to this site. In searching for this information, we are not only looking for information that may be helpful to our congregation members, but also information that could be used as a form of outreach to others.

Also, anyone with design ideas or if you would like to help with the creation and upkeep of this site, please feel free to contact either Ron Mintz or Pastor Rob with your suggestions.

You can contact either Ron Mintz or Pastor Rob with your suggestions. You can reach us by e-mail at mintz9157@bellsouth.net or pastorrobpop@bellsouth.net. Please be aware that this is a work-in-progress and will be changing as new information and ideas are received.

Be a part of our growth by becoming involved in the many activities we have going on hear at Prince of Peace. God has truly blessed this congregation with a wealth of talent in many areas and we are looking forward to the many blessings that He will bestow upon us as we make use of these talents in our efforts to reach out to others throughout our community and around the world by the use of the internet. The address is: www.princeofpeacelcms.org

Let's Play Ball

Behold, a team went forth to play a game of baseball. Just as the umpire was saying, "Batter up," the catcher for the home team arrived and took his place behind the plate. The center fielder didn't show up at all but sent his regrets. The third baseman likewise failed to come to the game, having been up late the night before. The shortstop was present, but left his glove at home. Two of the substitute fielders were away on a weedend trip but said they were there in spirit.

The pitcher went to the mound and looked around for his teammates. But his heart was heavy, for their positions were empty. The game was announced, the visitors were in the stands, and there was nothing to do but pitch the ball and hope for the best. But in addition to pitching, he had to cover first and third base, as well as short and center field.

When the absent players heard that their team had lost, they were very upset. They held a meeing and decided to get a new pitcher. Like a baseball team, all the team members must be playing the game. We need each other if we are going to win the game.

It's not about being in church.
It's about being in the game.
Let's play ball!!!

Everyone age 18 and over is invited to attend!

The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church "Silly Supper" to be held on Saturday July 30, 2005 at 6:00PM in the P.O.P. Family Life Fellowship Hall. The Theme for the evening is:

Take Me Out to the Ball Game.

This is not a covered dish dinner. It will be catered by some of the finest cooks in Douglasville. So invite all your friends.

The tickets are $6.00
They may be purchased in advance or at the door.

BE PREPARED TO ENJOY:

A Hearty Meal
lots of Laughter
plenty of Fellowship
there will even be Baseball Trivia

If you're GAME we will even award a prize to the best dressed baseball fan.

If you would like to be a HOST or HOSTESS, please indicate that by your name. The HOST or HOSTESS will decorate their table to represent the team they signed up for.
There will be a prize for the best tabel.

Be sure to sign up on the poster in the church commons area, so we have an idea on how much food to prepare.

Almost half of the students that start college don't finish

College 101

The Reading, Writing, Studying, & Testing Skills You Need To Achieve Success in College

• Learn to read 2-3 times faster with maximum retention
• Learn to take notes so the paper writes itself with a few mouse clicks
• Learn how to score higher on tests and still have time to play
• Learn how to make difficult material easier to learn

ALL OF THIS AND MORE IN TWO DAYS WITH DR. KUNI BEASLEY & HOWARD BERG
(the World's Fastest Reader)
Developers of the "Gateway Learning Advantage" System

When: July 20-21
Where: Douglasville, GA
Cost:$199

REGIStRATION DEADLINE: JULY 15

For location and registration information contact
Terri Latimer: 770-489-3936 koinonia333@yahoo.com

Please Join us and bring all Your Friends to a Safari Adventure!

July 11th - July 15th 6:00PM - 8:30PM

• Day 1 - Meet Stretch the Giraffe
  He'll teach us to Find the KING
• Day 2 - Meet Ellie the Elephant
  She'll teach us to Follow the KING
• Day 3 - Meet Rocky the Rhino
  He'll tech us to Know the KING
• Day 4 - Meet Stripe the Zebra
  She'll teach us to Believe the KING
• Day 5 - Meet King the Lion
  He'll teach us to share the KING

This is an Adventure for all ages!
Safari's provided for ages 2 - 200!

• Each evening will begin with a LIGHT SUPPER centered around the theme of the day and will be served at a cost of $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for children age 10 and under.
• There will be delightful Bible lessons and wonderful Bible activities.
• There will be joyful Music and fun Crafts.
• and of course exciting Games to play.

Please REGISTER NOW so that we can adequately plan for you and your friends.

Monetary Donations are needed so that we can purchase supplies.
The cost will be approximately $10.00 per child.

A ROARIN' VBS ABOUT JESUS!

L.W.M.L. News:

The 31st biennial LWML convention was held in Tampa, FL 06/16/05 - 06/19/05. There have been several questions asked concerning LWML, such as: What is it? Why should we become involved with LWML? Where do the MITES go? Etc.

So the best way I know to answer your questions is to send you to the Lutheran Women in Mission's website homepage and refer you to an article about the Women who served the Lord with gladness as our National President.

A note from Good Shepherd:

Your congregation is great! I have received so many e-mails from people who are willing to help. Thank you... Also, On Saturday, July 16(23rd in case of rain) our youth are having a car wash in our parking lot from 9-3... If your youth would like to join them please let me know... or e-mail Joan Larsen at jlarsen@bellsouth.net and she will be in touch with you. Or we could both have them, we do both have great locations...!!!! Have a blessed day...
Lisa

Support Pastor Mentz

We are partnering with The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and Thrivent to purchase a wheelchair accessible van for our dear brother, Pastor Mentz. Pastor Mentz was the Mission Planter of Prince of Peace 35 years ago along with 9 other LCMS churches south and west of Atlanta.

Donated items are being sought for an upcoming Silent Auction on August 27th 7pm-10pm. At this time we are not having a dinner, this might change.. At this point it is at Good Shepherd this also might change if we get a lot of people, we will be looking for someplace bigger. Items can range from jewelry, computer equipment, restaurant certificates, furniture, plants, artwork, a service(i.e. a homemade Italian Dinner, lawn service, a manicure, etc.)- anything someone might desire to purchase. Be creative. Ask around. The goal is $5-9,000. Can we do it? Yes we can!!

Look for more details in upcoming bulletins.

or contact Lisa Kilthau at (770)402-4939 or alisamk@comcast.net

President's Convocation in Orlando

Calling all church leaders: Teachers, Officers, Secretaries, Board Chairs, Childcare workers, Youth leaders, Elders, Musicians, etc. Join with another 1000+ members of the Lutheran churches of FL-GA September 28-30 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Inspiring speakers! Exhibits! Workshops! hospitality Hour! Worship with Holy Communion! See Pastor for details or go to www.flga-lcms.org. We will rent a giant van and carpool together! See you there!!

To a Special Angel:

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. The gift you left for me in the card could not have come at a better time. You are definitely my Guardian Angel.
God bless you!
Barbara Thompson

Campbell Soup Labels are MMM... MMM... good.

Stop!!! Don't throw away that can!!! Not until you have removed the label. We are collecting Campbell Soup labels so we can get a church van. All we need is 1.5 million labels to do this. So ask your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors to save their labels for you and bring them to church each week. Charlene Shanks will be keeping a running total that will appear each week in the bulletin.

Lawn Care Needed:

We need volunteers to help with maintaining our church grounds. Some may want to get a couple of guys together or a couple of families to mow the lawn. It is a great way to serve your Church. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in Narthex.
See Jim Benson.

(REAL) Men!

Promise Keepers is August 12-13, 2005 this year in Nashville, TN.

Please plan to join us. Registration fee is $89.00. Please go to www.promisekeepers.org to learn more about Promise Keepers and to register or call 1-800-888-7595.

If you would like to talk to someone at church about Promise Keepers, please see or call: Mark Escher, Ernie Lara, Jim Wildt, or Pastor Rob.

Financial Update:

Our Sunday offerings have been ranging from $1000-$2000 below budget each week in June.($5500 total for month of June)

As you enjoy the beautiful summer weather and family time please remember the Church relies on your consistent giving.

God loves a cheerful giver!! 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" is back for July 2005!

Interested in hosting or attending? Contact Melissa Runge at 678-840-8091

The Pregnancy Resource Center

will have its annual "Walk for Life" on Saturday September 17. Look for more details in the upcoming newsletters.

Bulletin Announcements:

Bulletin Announcements should be given by Wednesday for the following Sunday. Call the office or leave in Holly's box in the Narthex.

Newly Married, June 4, 2005!

• Lindsay (Ellis) & Adam Kirchen
• Denise (Toedt) & Ben Tanner

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27 New International Version)

Serving God this month:

Acolytes:

• 7/3--8 AM Megan Chase
  ----11 AM Chris Hughes

• 7/10--8 AM Anna Curtis
  -----11 AM Angelica Gerard

• 7/17--8 AM Katherine Grieser
  -----11 AM Christina Revelle

• 7/24--8 AM Katherine Curtis
  -----11 AM Gregory Gerard

• 7/31--8 AM Frank Kunz
  -----11 AM Matt Mintz

Lay Readers:

• 7/3--8 AM Alma Benson
  ----11 AM Jim Wildt

• 7/10--8 AM Ruth Curtis
  -----11 AM Juvanna Escher

• 7/17--8 AM Ricky Reyelts
  -----11 AM Mike Case

• 7/24--8 AM Frank Kunz
  -----11 AM Rhonda Case

• 7/31--8 AM Joy Haddon
  -----11 AM Vickie Hecht

Hospitality:

• 7/3 Ruth Curtis & Stephanie Panse
• 7/10 Debbie Clark & Marilee Kelley
• 7/17 Barbara Drake & Rhonda Case
• 7/24 Bickie Hecht & Frank Patton
• 7/31 Susan Engstrom & Melissa Runge

Ushers:

• 7/3--8 AM Tom Clark & Bob Renner
  ----11 AM Leon Wildins & Tom Fern

• 7/10--8 AM Frank Kunz & Jerry Balkcom
  -----11 AM David Hughes & David Revelle

• 7/17--8 AM Ron Curtis & Jake Jacob
  -----11 AM Ernie Lara & Bill Drake

• 7/24--8 AM Bob Renner & Tom Clark
  -----11 AM Jim Wildt & Tommy Clark

• 7/31--8 AM Jerry Balkcom & Ron Curtis
  -----11 AM Leon Wilkins & Tom Fern

Greeters:

• 7/3 Stephanie Panse
• 7/10 Kathy Jacob
• 7/17 Marilee Kelley
• 7/24 Vickie Hecht
• 7/31 Stephanie Panse

Elders:

• 8 AM Jake Jacob
• 11 AM David Revelle

Altar Care:

• Stephanie Panse

This Month:

Birthstone:

Ruby
(It is known as the "Lord of the Gems" because of its rarity and beauty.)

Flower:

Larkspur
"Open Heart"

Birthdays:

• 7/5 Carl Gamel
• 7/6 Jordan Wilson
• 7/9 Hayden Abley
• 7/11 Rebecca Zimmer
• 7/13 Durand Fosberg
• 7/13 Bill Boatman Jr.
• 7/15 Harley Hecht
• 7/16 Chelsea Lara
• 7/21 Joy Haddon
• 7/22 Sarah Kelley
• 7/22 Christina Revelle
• 7/24 Dennis Swanger
• 7/24 Charles Schlesnecker
• 7/28 Holly Wilson
• 7/30 Jean Richards
• 7/30 Dawn Robertson

Anniversaries:

• 7/1 Ken & Stephanie Panse
• 7/8 Richard & Donna Billstrom
• 7/8 Durand & Margret Fosberg

Altar Flowers:

• 7/3 Jum Wildt in honor of James Lewis Wildt's(Fathers) 80th Birthday
• 7/10 Open
• 7/17 Open
• 7/24 Open
• 7/31 Jean Richards

Cost: $25.00. Sign up on Secretary's door.

Prayer Chain

Need immediate, concentrated prayer? Call the Prayer Chain and have over 30 people praying for you.
Call Rickie (770)489-2650
or Charlene (770)949-8380
or e-mail Rhonda: case@co.douglas.ga.us

The Deadline is...Sunday July 22nd for the next edition of the newsletter. Articles and comments can be sent to Holly Wilson at hollywilson@charter.net or peace582@bellsouth.net. They can also be in written form and placed in the secretary's mailbox.