The Explanation For Our Difficulties

By Oswald Chanbers

...that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us... --John 17:21

If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17. It will explain exactly why you are where you are--because Jesus has prayed that you "may be one" with the Father as He is.

Are you helping God to answer that prayer, or do you have some other goal for your life? Since you became a disciple, you cannot be as independent as you used to be.

God reveals in John 17 that His purpose is not just to answer ou prayers, but that through prayer we might come to discern His mind. Yet there is one prayer which God must answer, and that is the prayer of Jesus--"...that they may be one just as We are one..." (John 17:22).

Are we as close to Jesus Christ as that? God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn't ask, "Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?" No, He allows these things for His own purpose.

The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way.

The things that happen either make us evil, or they make us more saintly, depending entirely on our relationship with God and its level of intimacy. If we will pray, regarding our own lives, "Your will be done" (Matthew 26:42), then we will be encouraged and comforted by John 17, knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom, accomplishing what is best.

When we understand God's purpose, we will not become small-minded and cynical. Jesus prayed nothing less for us than absolute oneness with Himself, just as He was one with the Father. Some of us are far from this oneness; yet God will not leave us alone until we are one with Him--because Jesus prayed, "...that they all may be one..."

May the God who loves us more than life itself reveal himself to us more and more as we trust him.

Love in His mercy.

Pastor Rob

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Vision Update

Look for an update on our Pre-school in this Newsletter.

We still need a small group coordinator.

Work & Leisure is a Gift of God "Mauturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do."

For many people the Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer travels and activities. Summer does change the pace of life for many. And that is probably a good thing. Balance is important in life.

Work is a gift of God, though many may argue that point. Adam and Eve were given the work, or responsibility, of caring for the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15) before the fall into sin. Sin complicated the picture and made work more strenuous and draining and, yet, work is an important aspect of life. But all work and no leisure does not provide a good balance.

Leisure is also a gift of God. In the Old Testament, God established the Sabbath Day on which no ordinary work was to be done. It was to be a day of worship, rest, reflection and refreshment. Today we have lost much of the sense of the Sabbath Day, but our Sabbath, or Sunday, is still a good day for Christians to worship, rest, reflect and be refreshed. Sunday provides the opportunity for God's people to gather for worship and Christian education for mutual encouragement.

Vacations are often part of our summer activities. Even Jesus took a lttle vacation from his strenuous schedule andencouraged his disciples to do the same (Mark 6:31). Jesus and his disciples had become so busy they hardly had time to eat. They needed some balance and time away from their daily work. So do we.

June is also the month when we celebrate Father's Day. That's another reminder of the importance of family and the need to balance our time so that family remains an important part of our life.

Good stewardship involves a healthy balance of worship, family, work, leisure and vacation. A good balance of all these activities will provide more opportunities for us to enjoy and celebrate life and give thanks to God for all our daily blessings. Managing our time wisely is one of the marks of good stewardship. In this area of time management, maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do.

Bob Renner, Stewardship Director

Preschool: The Preschool task force has been meeting weekly since 24 Feb o5 and much planning and coordination has occurred. Alma Benson presented the Pre-School Committee's briefing to the Church Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, 19 May 05. The Board of Directors approved the following;

A school board will govern the pre-school and provide policy guidance to the school. The School Board will consist of a Chairman, Church member, Parent, Secretary and the Pre-School Director. The School Board Chairman will be an appointed member of the Church Board of Directors. A written amendment to the church's constitution to establish the School Board, will be presented at the Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, 25 May 05.

Starting dates for staff and school. The Director will start 1 June 05 for 8 hours per week to coordinate proparations for the pre-school. Teachers will start 29 Aug 05. School will start 6 Sep 05.

The financial accounting of the school will be a separate account from the chruch. Staff salaries were agreed upon.

Staff appointments;
Director - Jenni Abley
Teacher(3's class) - Lisa Knight
Assistant - Heidi Deal
A teacher is still required for the 4 year old class.

The Board of Directors discussed the modifications required to make the Family Life Center compliant with state fire codes for operation of a pre-school. Each room used for a pre-school classroom must have an exit door to the exterior of the building. The Property Director will obtain quites to install the necessary doors. There are funds available to pay for the building modifications and initial supplies required for the pre-school.

Rev. Mark Brink, Executive Director of Schools Ministries, FL/GA District, LCMS will bisti Prince of Peace in the first week of June 05 to meet with us and provide guidance as Prince of Peace moves forward establishing a pre-school.

Due to continuing health issues Bob Richards submitted his resignation as Property Director. Bob has served faithfully as Property Director since October of 2003. All of the congregation appreciate his hard work and dedication as Property Director. Bob and Jean will continue to be in our prayers for God's healing comfort.

Jim Benson has accepted the Board appointment as Property Director and was welcomed to the Board to finish the term as Property Director.

Bob Renner is faced with assisting his father in relocating within Florida and changes in his business that will simultaneously require his frequent presence in the New England states over the coming months. Bob submitted his letter of resignation as Director of Stewardship effective 1 Jul 05. Bob has been a faithful servant in this important position within our congregation. The Board od Directors is seeking someone who will volunteer for this peoition. Bob will continue as liason between the Board and Church Interiors as we consider sanctuary renovations.

Additionally Bob Renner has been changing the message on the sign in front of the church every week. The church will need a new sign person to change the message each week.

Vickie Hecht, who has done a wonderful job as Director of Christian Education, has submitted her resignation effective 1 Sep 05. We certainly all appreciate all the efforts she has put forth to coordinate the Christian Education ministry of our church.

God always provides and as he provided these servants to perform these tasks in his ministry at Prince of Peace, he will provide others. We are asking that you prayerfully consider volunteering to accept one of these positions. Our congregation is blessed with a wealth of talents and skills. As one servant needs a break, God asks other servants to step up to continue his ministry here in Douglasville. Perhaps God is asking you to apply your skills and talents in one of these positions to guide his ministry at Prince of Peace. Please contact Pastor Maulella or Chuck Engstrom regarding these positions.

Anticipation

Praise the Lord, Alleluia! Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him ye creatures here below, Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

The month of May has Ascension Sunday, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday. That's like having ticketes to the Fox theater, dinner atop that skyscraper downtown Atlanta (the restaurant that spins) and a limousine (stretch Hummer) to roll you there. All for free! Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving! And praise Him we do, at P.O.P.:)

So Pastor Rob gets this promo package from Lutheran Hour Ministries offering our congregation an opportunity to participate in a media blitz this fall when radio and TV ads are placed in our state outlining ministry in action. He says to me, "Yo" (just kidding) do you think we'd be interested in doing this? We then closely examine and scrutinize the particulars. "Sure," I say. All we need is some voluteers to get trained in September to answer some phones at their phone-bank in November. Praise God, finally something I can do, talk on the phone and let Jesus peek out and smile at a person who is reaching out for help. The campaign is titled, Living for Tomorrow. It has a follow up 6 week Bible study based on relieving Stress that we P.O.P.ers and the blitz recipients can engage in.

We also discuss the awesome (in my opinion) District President's Forum that will be held on September 28, 29, 30, 2005. I can't wait. P.O.P. is renting a 9 passenger van/bus and we are going to fill it with new people, experienced people, teens, adults, and drive to Orlando to listen/learn/talk with/and outline plans with some of the best and brightest minds on this continent, how we are going to bring more folks to know the Lord. Awesome!

When I was new to P.O.P. I was "un-churched" since my teenage years. My energy had no path or direction to follow. I have attended many such seminars since then often feeling "odd" or un-qualified. Missing one of these events is like skipping a family re-union to stay home and watch an old movie. What's up with that? Put it on your calendar and call me. Anyone can see that the Holy Spirit is here, now, at our church and woking in, around, with, and beside our parishioners. We are pro-active again. We are productive, not just busy. Folks are being saved and Baptized, serveral ner Bible classes are being taught, the Pre-School is just 3 months away from starting, our Music ministry is one of the best in the District, Pastors are being trained from our flock and everyone is pulling together to help the Holy Spirit carry out his tasks. God is using us! How is he using you?

We are also launching our Mission trip to Mexico in June, thanks to Melodie Copeland. We covet your prayers for our teenagers as they get a real look at what life is like for the majority of earth's inhabitants. Please look at their sign up list and be praying for them. Pick one attendee out and pray special petitions for that person (like a sponsor).

Outreach is just a decision away for each of us. We can reach out to family, co-workers, friends and most importantly to God. Can you imagine a life without Hope? Stretch your relationship to new lengths with our Lord as you open your heart to his will for your life. Remember this life is temporary. Help others to find a new eternal home.

Shalom,

Ken Panse

The families of koinonia would like to express our appreciation for another wonderful year at Prince of Peace. we have come to love those of you that we encounter each week and especially Pastor Rob and his family. A line from one of my favorite poems says, "I am drinking from my saucer because my cup overflows with friendship". Ours overflows with your friendship, generosity, love and peace through the Lord Jesus Christ. If every child is a living message that we send to a future we may never know... then you have authored part of that message. It will be of hope, joy, peace and generosity. May God bless your comings and goings over the summer.

We look forward to a new beginning in August.

Terri Latimer and the families of Koinonia.

Koinonia is proud to present the Gateway Advantage College 101 Seminar. July 20, 21, 22 can be the week to change you and/or your student's educational career and other Personal goals. Mr. Howard Berg, the world's fastest reader (Guinness, 1990), and a trained Psycho biologist, will present his Mega Speed Reading program that he developed as a tool for rapid knowledge transfer. Mr. Berg's programs have been endorsed by Berry Fowler, the founder of Sylvan Learning Systems, and, Maurice Thompson Jr., the former owner and CEO of Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics. Dr. Kuni Beasley, the dean and founder of Gateway Prep Academy, holds two doctorates. He is a retired Major from the Marines and 18-year college professor. Together these two men have developed and educationa program that can change your student's life. Gateway routinely graduates their high school students in 2.5 years with 45 college credits; they have 20 year olds entering medical school and more. College 101 is a seminar for the family with high school, college and/or adult students. Essential skills will be taught in accelereated reading, writing and advanced study and test techniques. Information will be presented on opportunities to earn college credit through Clep and Dantes exams, and earn degrees through accredited colleges. By attending College 101 you will be able to increase your reading speed and comprehension, receive strategies to learn better and faster, master test-taking tactics and learn how to write better and faster. Mark your calendars for this amazing opportunity to accelerate you and your student's reading, writing, studying and test skills. For more information or to register for College 101, contact Terri Latimer, Director or Koinonia at Koinonia333@yahoo.com or 770-489-3936. For more information on Gateway, go to www.Mrreader.com.

When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.
When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate. I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.

From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life. I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you... I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully. Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.

Support man as the rib cage supports the body.
You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be obove him.
You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.
You are my beautiful daughter. You have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart. Your eyes... don't change them. Your lips-how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands so gentle to the touch. I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep. I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you along with man, are most like Me. Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, and I was enough for him. But there was more I wanted him to experience. So everthing I wanted Adam to share and experience in another, I fashioned in you: My holiness, My strength, My purity, My love, My softness. You are special because you are an extension of me.

Man represents my initiation and protection, woman my nurturing and intuitiveness. Together, my image. So, man... treat woman well. Love her and respect her, for she is fragile but yet strong.

Fellowship:

Fellowship Chairman, Rhonda Case, is planning a church picnic celegrating The Fourth of July on Sunday July 3, 2005, after the 11AM Service. Sign up in the Narthex!!

Moving offices:

The church offices are moving! Actually they aren't going very far. * The church secretary will move into the corner office that previously was the library. * The library will move back into the commons area where is once was located. * The Pastor's office will be the office where the secretary was previously. * The office adjacent to the sanctuary will be a workroom for Church Officers with copier, storage for hadbells, and a place for elders, acolytes, and choir to robe for service. * This will provide a more efficient environment for all with greater flexibility while maintaining confidentiality for members personal information, which will be locked in the secretary's office. Additionally, both the Pastor and Secretary will have a better view of people and vehicles entering and exiting the church.

If you have a hammer:

The Men's group is going to build a handicapped ramp into Barbara Thobpson's house on Saturday, 28 May 05. We need your help. Thrivent is giving $300 in advance and an additional $300 when the project is completed for the materials. Contact Ken Panse for more details at 770-489-8807.

Lawn:

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 the narthex. See Jim Benson.

Summer Recess:

Thanks to our Choirs (Handbells and Adult Choir) for another great year! They will recess for the summer. Look for the Prince of Peace Pealers and Adult Choir after Labor Day!

New Bible Class:

The Gospel in the Zodiac. Taught by Junvanna Escher in Mid June. Sign up for materials in the Narthex ASAP.

VBS Date Change:

July 10-15, 2005 Volunteers needed. Safari Theme! See Melodie Copeland.

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.

New Members:

Please give a warm welcome to our new members:

• Jerry and Sandra Balkom (Georgia)
• Melvin, Heidi, Ashley and Ethan Deel (North Carolina)
• David, Robin and Wilson Moyar (Florida)
• Charles, Melissa and Owen Runge (New York)
• Barbara Westbrook (Georgia)

A letter from Alma Benson

Pre-Kindergarten News:
Exciting things are happening as Prince of Peace Learning Center is organizing! Watch for some changes in the building, Staff coming together, and registration opening. Our opening is scheduled for September, 2005.

Please remember this very ambitious endeavor in your prayers!!

As time goes along, we will be happy to receive names of those who may like to volunteer after school begins.

You will be gearing more about this soon.

Men!

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

Please plan to join us. Registration fee is $89. 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, plaese see or call: Mark Escher, Ernie Lara, Jim Wildt, or Pastor Rob.

Lutheran Women to Gather in Tampa

LWML NEWS

by Margie Smith
Communications Coordinator
Florida Georgia District LWML

Women from around the nation will converge in Tampa on June 16-19 for the 31st biennial convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary Leageu.

The convention attendees will focus on the theme Live Joyfully as Salt and Light, as expressed in Matthew 5:13-16. The women will participate in worship events, Salty Servant Events, and a joyful Jaunt along Tampa Bay. The participants will hear from mission speakers from as far away as Africa and Japan, and delegates will have the opportunity to vote on mission grants, which fund projects around the world.

The Mayor of Tampa, Pam Iorio, will address the convention along with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod President, Rev. Dr. Gerald Kieschnick. Award-winning author and lecturer Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, professor of Ancient History at Western University, Kalamazoo, MI. will serve as keynote speaker for the event.

Workers needed: It takes many, many workers to host this convention. Although the convention is only a month away, it is not too late to volunteer! If you can help, please contact Margie Smith at 863-619-2802 or smith.me@verizon.net.

Fall Retreat

Lutheran Women in Mission will meet for a weekend of relaxation and renewal September 16-19. The theme of this retreat is Living Stones, based on 1 Peter 2:4-5, "As you come to him, the living Stone -- rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him -- you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

The retreat will be held at beautiful Villas-by-the-Sea, located on Jekyll Island, GA. The accommodations ae one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas equipped with kitchens, living and dining rooms, located in the center of lush, natural landscaping with 2,000 feet of beach frontage. Recreation opportunities include a pool, children's playground, bike rentals, walking paths, trolley tours of the historic island, nearby tennis, water sports, fishing, shopping and more. Jekyll Island, near Brunswick, is easily eccessible from I-95.

More information, including registration forms have been sent to each congregation, and can also be accessed through our District LWML website: www.flgalwml.95mb.com.

LWML Scholarships

Scholarships for those studying to be pastors ar other full-time church workiers are available from the Florida-Georgia District LWML. The deadline to apply is June 1. Information has been to each congregation, or you can contact scholarship chairman Joanne Hahn at 407-891-1647 or email: bandjh@earthlink.net.

Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseeres ---not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; (1 Peter 5:1-3)

Serving God this month:

Acolytes:

• 6/5--8 AM Megan Chase
  ----11 AM Zack Panse

• 6/12--8 AM Anna Curtis
  -----11 AM Nikki Escher

• 6/19--8 AM Katherine Grieser
  -----11 AM Hayden Patton

• 6/26--8 AM Katherine Grieser
  -----11 AM Amanda Engstrom

Lay Readers:

• 6/5--8 AM Charles Runge
  ----11 AM Kitty Revelle

• 6/12--8 AM Bob Renner
  -----11 AM Peter Panse

• 6/19--8 AM Bob Richards
  -----11 AM Chuck Engstrom

• 6/26--8 AM Marianne Drake
  -----11 AM Susan Engstrom

Hospitality:

• 6/5 Jenni Abley & Linda Maullela
• 6/12 Kitty Revelle & Jenni Gerard
• 6/19 Kathy Jacob & Stu Drake
• 6/26 Rhonda Case & Monica Lara

Ushers:

• 6/5--8 AM Tom Clark & Bob Renner
  ----11 AM Leon Wildins & Tom Fern

• 6/12--8 AM Frank Kunz & Dan Zimmerman
  -----11 AM David Hughes & David Revelle

• 6/19--8 AM Ron Curtis & Jake Jacob
  -----11 AM Ernie Lara & Bill Drake

• 6/26--8 AM Bob Renner & Dan Zimmerman
  -----11 AM Jim Wildt & Tommy Clark

Greeters:

• 6/5 Stephanie Panse
• 6/12 Kathy Jacob
• 6/19 Marilee Kelley
• 6/26 Vickie Hecht

Elders:

• 8 AM Ken Panse
• 11 AM Stu Drake

Altar Care:

• Vickie Hecht

This Month:

Birthstone:

Pearl
"Pearls have been recognized as the emblem of modesty, chastity & purity, and have come to symbolize a happy marriage".

Flower:

Rose
"Beauty of Youth"

Birthdays:

• 6/4 Cris Escher
• 6/8 Kathy Jacob
• 6/8 Marianne Drake
• 6/10 Jonathan Billstrom
• 6/15 Glenda Kunz
• 6/21 Harrison Mitchell
• 6/22 Alex Case
• 6/29 Jim Wildt

Anniversaries:

• 6/12 Peter & Irene Panse
• 6/19 Dave & Deb Chase
• 6/19 Wally & Kelly Anderson
• 6/22 Ted & Marilyn Ziegert
• 6/27 Pastor Rob & Linda

Altar Flowers:

• 6/5 Toedt - in honor of the Toedt/Tanner Wedding
• 6/12 Please sign up
• 6/19 Case - in honor of Alex Case's 18th Birthday
• 6/26 Strecker - in memory of Edgar Strecker

The Preschool Task Force is in full swing. We are looking for Teachers and helpers, please call the church office at 770-942-4681 and leave a message for Holly or Pastor Rob if you are interested in applying or just helping out in any way.

The Deadline is...Sunday June 19th 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.