Peace Notes - Amazon S3 · Peace Notes Prince of Peace Anglican Church September 2015 Sabbatical...
Transcript of Peace Notes - Amazon S3 · Peace Notes Prince of Peace Anglican Church September 2015 Sabbatical...
Peace Notes Prince of Peace Anglican Church
September 2015
Sabbatical Notes
Thank you so much for your prayers and support for my 6-week sabbatical. I did a lot
of writing on grief and hope, and am progressing well on finishing the final paper for
my degree. I also had some time to travel to the Memorial Prayer Chapel at Honey Rock
Camp in Wisconsin for the 6th anniversary of Alex’s Homegoing. The whole family was
together there for the first time in a year and a half. Evenings were often spent cleaning
the basement, attic and garage, and getting rested for the fall ministry at Prince of
Peace.
I want to give a big “thank you” to Pastor Greg, Pastor Bob, and
Pastor Philip, along with our excellent Vestry and Staff for their extra
work in covering for me during this past month and a half. They are
all gifted and able to lead and minister in so many ways and we are
so blessed for their work and care among us.
In my writing and study, I have looked specifically at the grief of King
David as he mourned the loss of his infant son who he had with
Bathsheba, and the later loss of his son Absalom, who rebelled against his
father and tried to take over the throne of Israel. In addition, I did an in-
depth study of Jesus’ grief at the tomb of Lazarus, and then his weeping
and sadness in the Garden of Gethsemane. I’ve seen that in all the grief mentioned in
the Bible, the theme of hope is not only a counterbalance to grief, but a much stronger
thread of Good News that helps us remember Psalm 30:5, “weeping may remain for a
night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” As we weep for our sin, we remember Jesus
died on the cross to take away the guilt and eternal consequence of that sin, so that we
can live now with the hope and promise of eternal life in heaven.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you
may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
~ Pastor John
The Word of the Lord for September 2015
Sept. Old Testament Psalm New Testament Gospel
5/6 Isaiah 35:4-7a 146 James 1:17-27 Mark 7:31-37 12/13 Isaiah 50:4-9 116:1-8 James 2:1-18 Mark 8:27-38 19/20 Isaiah 26:1-6 54 James 3:16-4:6 Mark 9:30-37 26/27 Num. 11:4-29 19 James 4:7-5:6 Mark 9:38-48
Remember in Your Prayers: Martin and Statler families, Chuck Matthews, Christine (Chuck & Carol Matthews daughter), Dwyer family, Cosnek family, Vicki Leininger, Cindy Lang, Edward Bottomley, Jim Miller, Robenski family, Blanche Heidengren, Nate Heidengren, Adelia Peters, Dougherty family, Matthew, Tristan Holt, Ruth Williams, Deacon Dennis Wilson, Marion Morgan, Sharon Morgan, Kristen Steiner, Gaby, Dick & Dee Fuller, Stacey Androlli (Diane Dougherty’s niece), Mike Labasik III, (Lynne Dwyer’s father-in-law), Phil Mertens, Florence Daugherty. Our Homebound: Susan Cipriani, Evelyn Hoffman, Alice Miracle, Josephine (Jill) Bull and Vera Matusiak.
Please keep the Cosnek family in your prayers. Paula's mother, Victoria Mellott, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 9.
Remember also in your prayers the Martin and Statler families in the death of June’s father, John L. (Jack) Martin who went home to be with his Lord on August 20. A memorial
service for Mr. Martin will be held at Prince of Peace Church on Sunday, September 13 at 4:30 pm., and will begin with military rites. The memorial service will be led by Pastor Bob Richard, with the homily given by Pastor Rich Herbster from Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church in Raccoon Township. Refreshments will be served in the downstairs Fellowship Hall following the service.
Farewell to Pastor Greg and Stephanie!
Thank you to everyone who helped with Pastor Greg and Stephanie McBrayer’s farewell receptions on August 22/23—especially Susan Hovanec, Darlene Miller and Ellie Ruttner. Their new address will be: The Rev. Greg & Stephanie McBrayer, 4716 McBreyer Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76244. Our best wishes and prayers for his new ministry go with them as they settle into their new home. Please see the insert included with this newsletter about Pastor Greg and the amazing journey in ministry that he started here in this area and is continuing in Texas.
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Wing Fling Thank You
A special thank you to all who helped and participated in making our
second annual Wing Fling a success! We were blessed with a
beautiful day. 400 pounds of wings were cooked and served! There
will be an outreach committee wrap up meeting on Monday,
September 14th at 6:30 pm at the church. ~ Susan Hovanec
Katie’s Address
Katie is studying abroad with Uganda Studies program at Uganda Christian University
from August 21st until December 16th. She is living with a large loving family of a priest
who attended Trinity School for Ministry about 10 years ago. She is studying the
language and religions of Uganda from a Christian point of view. She would love to have
a note from folks in the church saying ‘hi’ if they feel so led.
Katie Heidengren, Uganda Studies Programme Uganda Christian University P. O. Box 4 Mukono, Uganda
Thank you from C.A.S.T
C.A.S.T. (Churches Are Serving Together) sends its thanks for all
donations to the shoe fund, backpacks and the outfits purchased for
the area children so that we could send them back to school
prepared to learn. ~ Cheryl Glus
The Sunday Adult Christian Education class will begin the fall term on
September 13, at 9:15 a.m. The Sunday Morning Adult Class will continue its study of
Isaiah begun last spring. Part 2 will begin with Isaiah 11. All you will need is your Bible,
and a notebook if you like to take notes.
Isaiah was written in the 700's B.C. during the time of the kings of Judah, but his prophecies span those years and all the years to the end of time and beyond--a story of destruction and peril, but one also of grace and rescue that moves the heart to rejoicing and everlasting song. Come and join us on the journey! ~ Barb Linville
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Weekend Classes for Children
Our 6:00 Saturday evening and 10:30 Sunday morning classes for children will continue at their usual times. Classes and child care are available during the worship services. Make sure that
Christian Education is a strong part of your child’s life. There is no better foundation for an adult than a strong grounding in Scripture!
Wednesday Night Spiritual Growth
Wednesday night dinner and spiritual growth classes will begin
September 30 from 6-8 pm and continue to November 18 (8
sessions). One course (Financial Peace University) will begin
the week before on Sept. 23.
We will eat together at 6:00pm, each person bringing a part of the meal (please sign up
each week!), and then going to our classes at 6:45 pm in different parts of the building.
Another course (How to Read the Bible from 35,000 Feet – An Overview) will give
each person the whole Bible story in an easy to remember format. Other courses
offerings are pending and will be announced soon.
Financial Peace University Course Details
Financial Peace University is a life-changing program that teaches you how to make the right decisions with your money. You'll be empowered with the practical skills and confidence needed to achieve your financial goals and experience true financial peace! Each of the 9 Lessons deals with a different topic that will change the way you think about personal finance. Dave teaches about how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving.
The class will be part of our Wednesday evening dinner and instruction series and begin September 23 (one week earlier than the rest of the classes). The class will meet from 6:45-8:15, preceded optionally by supper at 6:00
beginning September 30. The cost of the materials is about $99.00. You may enroll by completing a registration form at the church, contacting the church office (724.375.5351) or going online to the church website: http://www.pop-church.com/message2.php?topicID=21522
If you have any questions, contact Pastor Bob Richard at [email protected]. Or 724 318-8429.
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Other Educational Opportunities
The men of Prince of Peace meet for Bible Study each Tuesday morning
at 6:30 am. All men are invited to attend…it is a great way to start your
day. The men are currently enjoying a video series that requires no
preparation, and no homework! The class meets in the upstairs conference room and
has a chair reserved for you! Just come and enjoy the fellowship and class time.
Monday Afternoon Women’s Bible Study
This September the Monday Women’s Bible Study will begin a new
study—1 and 2 Peter. As we finished our study of the Gospel of John,
we noticed that the Apostle Peter was having some difficulty
matching his actions to his words…as much as he wanted to be brave
and follow Jesus, he kept failing in that ambition. But Jesus forgave
his friend, and after Pentecost Peter became a bold evangelist for
Christ. So we are going to study what Peter wrote and see how he changed and how he
helped to change the world. No registration is required.
This study will begin on the third Monday of September, the 21st, and then will meet on
the first and third Monday of each month at 1:00 pm in the upstairs conference room.
There is no homework, and all materials are provided. All women are welcome! For
more details, see Bev McKee or contact her at 724 457-7105.
Wednesday Morning Woman’s Study Group
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study will begin meeting on
September 23 at 9:45 am and will conclude the session in the middle of
November. The title and all detail about this series will be announced
within the next few weeks. The group meets in the upstairs conference
room. A sign-up sheet is in the back of the church on the table. All
women are welcome! Please see of contact Blanche Heidengren for more details.
Women’s Christmas Party
The Women’s Christmas Party will be on December 12 at Noon—save the date! Bring a dish to share and a $1 grab-bag gift. A sign-up sheet will show up in October. Start thinking of a guest you would like to share love and hospitality with! Entertainment, games, favor, fun and fellowship—you won’t want to miss this one! Everyone is welcome! Volunteers are needed to make this a party a great success. Contact Nancy Hessler to volunteer.
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2015 CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Dear Church Family,
We are excited to announce that we have requested Lifetouch Church Directories to prepare our 2015 PICTORIAL CHURCH FAMILY ALBUM.
Photography will take place in the education hall downstairs: October 13-14 Tuesday-Wednesday 2:00-9:00 pm
Each family photographed will select a pose for the directory, and receive FREE: A. 8 x 10 Portrait of the Directory Pose in a new Blue colored background B. Church Directory C. $5 Coupon toward any purchase on photo day when they bring nonperishable
items to be donated to a food pantry.
For your convenience, you will be able to view your portraits immediately after they are taken. There is no obligation to purchase portraits. Yet at this time, you will have the opportunity to order more portraits. Please bring your credit card, cash or checkbook.
Seniors over 60 and active military get 20% off orders. If you are a multigenerational family (e.g. grandparents, adult children, in-laws, grandchildren), you may sign up together and have a generational picture taken along with your individual family pictures. You can also bring a meaningful item like a musical instrument, sports paraphernalia, or even a PET!
All friends of the church are welcome to have this professional portrait and will receive the complimentary 8x10 photo, but only church members will receive the directory. So invite other family members and friends for photos. Sign up ASAP to lock in your preferred date.
Plan to be here about an hour for the portrait sitting. Please be prompt but don’t come early.
Your appointment time is your check in time, not your time in front of the photographer.
SIGN UP THREE CONVENIENT WAYS
1) Schedule online at: pop-church.com/page/photo directory
2) Look for sign up tables before and after service 3) For assistance, call Rebecca 724-457-2005
Our Pictorial Directory will not be complete without you!
Thank you for your support Fr. John Heidengren
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August Youth Update
Hello Prince of Peace Family!
Our youth group has had quite a busy summer! We took a trip
to Kennywood and played some more mini golf together,
trying out a different course and enjoying some outdoor fun
while the weather is good. We also went to the Uncommon Grounds café to do some
community service and stuck around to watch the movie Megamind (every Friday night
the café has a family/kids’ movie night). A few of us helped out with the Vacation Bible
School as well: Kylee Martelli was one of the group aides, Nate and Nick Heidengren
led the games, and I was the photographer.
We continue to meet each week on Sunday from 6-8pm for games,
snacks, fellowship, Bible study, and prayer – all youth in 5th through 12th
grades are welcome! Over the summer we concluded our study in the
Gospel of John, and we are now studying the books of Philippians,
Colossians, and 1st & 2nd Thessalonians. Please continue to pray that our youth will grow
in their knowledge and love of the Lord!
In Christ,
Jason Waller
Project Updates
Three new LED recessed lights were installed directly above
the pulpit, holy table and lectern by Bill Hovanec and Jeff Smith.
The center speaker and the two spot lights directed at the holy table were removed. The
new lighting is much brighter and efficient as the energy saving is equivalent to a 100
watt incandescent light bulb.
More exciting news! Change has come upon Prince of Peace once again.
The Sacristy Project has started and is underway. There will be a
vesting robe closet with six panel oak doors. The Altar Guild will get a
designated space as well that includes new cabinets, granite counter top
and double bowl sink. If you wish to contribute to this project, use the
building fund or other envelope and mark “Sacristy Project” and those funds will be
earmarked for this much needed improvement. Our thanks to Bill Hovanec, Jeff Smith
and Phil Adkins for their work on these renovations.
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Bowling League Starts September 10
Come join a casual and very fun bowling league at Economy
Lanes in Ambridge – just a few blocks from Trinity Seminary.
The league starts Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6:45 pm and runs
weekly until mid-April. Three games is $9.00. Shoes are $1.00
if you need them. Economy Lanes is owned and operated by
Christians and is smoke-free. Questions, call The Rev. John Heidengren, a
league member and bowler for 49 years!
Homeschoolers on Wednesday
This fall, please welcome a group of Christian homeschoolers
who will be using our Education Hall and a few classrooms on
Wednesdays. These 20 kids and their parents and tutors are
part of a group called “Classical Conversations” whose goal it
is to: “support homeschooling parents and students along the
journey of homeschooling by cultivating the love of learning through a Christian
worldview in fellowship with other families”. You can find out more about this program
on the web: www.classicalconversations.com
COMING IN
Special One-Day Grief Workshop
Pastor John will be holding a one-day Grief Workshop on Saturday
morning, October 24 from 10 am-12 noon. This class is for everyone in
the parish, since everyone has experienced grief at one or more times in
their life and everyone would like to learn more about dealing with grief
in a healthy way, and experiencing more Christian hope in their life.
More details will be appearing in the weekly service leaflets in the
weeks ahead.
Annual Pet Blessing
Our Annual Blessing of the Pets will take place on Saturday, October
3 at 11 am in the back yard of the church. Put it on your calendar, and
tell your friends and family to bring their pets, too!
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AARP Safe Driver Course Persons over 50 may take a Safe Driver Course offered by AARP from 9 am-1 pm on two Saturdays, October 10 & 17. We will meet across the street at the Hopewell Volunteer Fire Department in the classroom on the top floor to the left of the fire engines. The fee for materials is $15 for members of AARP and $20 for non-members. Upon completion you may be eligible for a discount of at least 5% on your auto insurance. There is no driving and no tests. Pastor Bob Richard will be teaching this course. To register, complete the form at church or contact the church office. During the course your will learn:
to avoid driving hazards
new traffic laws
defensive driving techniques, and
much, much more.
The Fall “Feasts of the Lord”
The Feast of Trumpets begins on September 13; the Day of
Atonement is on September 22; and the Feast of Tabernacles runs
from September 27 to October 4. Remember to give thanks during
these days that the Lord has “brought us out of judgement into
life” through the shed blood of the Messiah, Jesus; and that we
have a future banquet to look forward to with the LORD and with
all the saints!
And please PRAY for Jewish people as they celebrate these “High, Holy
Days”. Pray especially against antisemitism which is increasing exponentially in
Europe and the United Kingdom. Pray also for those organizations seeking to share the
good news of the Messiah with the Jewish People, especially The Church’s Ministry
among the Jews (CMJ) and the US National Director, Canon Daryl Fenton.
- Pastor Philip
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Missions in Focus Weekend
Our Missions-in-Focus Weekend will be held on October 17 and 18. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to understand the scope and dedication of missions and missionaries that spread the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. More information about the Missions Weekend will be available soon. Meanwhile, check out the Missions
Table that is in the upstairs conference room—there is much printed material that will help you to see how our church is reaching out in our own country and beyond.
SAMS 40TH ANNIVERSARY
A Global Vision from the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro
2016 will mark 40 years since the founding of SAMS-USA. Originally
named the South American Missionary Society (after the parent
organization in the UK), it ministered only in South America. But it
expanded to Central America in 1981, then to the Caribbean, and in 1991
to Spain. An invitation in 2004 to become involved in mission in Africa
led to a development beyond Latin American and Spanish-speaking
cultures to a global vision. Consequently the society changed its name (but not the
acronym “SAMS”) to the Society of Anglican Missionaries and Senders.
However, the Society has felt that they need to do more to raise awareness of SAMS’
new name and global vision. Hence, the “Pathway to a Global Vision” project.
Seven SAMS missionaries and senders, including the Rev. Jeff Rawn, who was a
seminarian at Prince of Peace, are trekking to, and attempting to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
in Tanzania between September 6 and 14. Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest stand-alone
mountain in the world (19,340ft). In support of this project and in celebration of SAMS’
40 years, they have called for 40 days of prayer begun on August 6 and concluding on
September 14.
Copies of a devotional booklet, Christ, the Solid Rock are available on
the Missions Table in the Conference room. Also available are copies of
SAMS’ newsletter, The Messenger with a 40-day prayer calendar for
this project, separate copies of this calendar, biographical papers of the
7 “trekkers”, and other SAMS’ literature. Please take these, read about
and PRAY for Todd, Jeff, John, Stewart M., Guy, Mike, and Stewart W., and the
“Pathway to Global Vision” project.
- Philip & Sylvia Bottomley
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Side by Side ~ Pastor John and Blanche Heidengren
One of the joys of marriage is ministering together. Blanche has been
a wonderful helpmate and fellow minister who helps me and walks
with me through the good times and the hard times in parish ministry.
Her patience and encouragement is such a blessing as we serve
together side-by-side.
In a similar way, Pastor Greg has been a wonderful colleague and fellow minister who
has helped me in countless ways during his over three years at Prince of Peace. He will
be greatly missed. Like Pastors Philip and Bob and Deacons Diane and Dennis in years
past, Greg has been a sounding board, a cheerful encourager, a dependable leader and
a faithful servant. He has left many seeds planted in our congregation, both in the lives
of those who are struggling to gain victory over temptations and hardships, as well as
in the ministry initiatives, like the Wing Fling and A.A, which touch the hearts and lives
of those in the community.
Please keep Greg and his wife, Stephanie, in your prayers as they begin a new chapter
of ministry in Texas. And give God thanks for Greg in the words of St. Paul: “I thank
my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray
with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being
confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion
until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:3-6) ~Pastor John
Do you know that Jesus is passionate about His love for you, and that He would enjoy nothing more than to have five or more sweet minutes with you fully focused on Him? He wants to hear from your heart, and then He wants to speak personally right to your situation that He knows ALL about. Pretty amazing, huh?
How do we connect with Him and actually hear His voice speaking to us? I have a wonderfully simple way to do this and it doesn’t cost a penny, but it’s an investment of time and attention that pays back a hundred-fold!
First, go to somewhere quiet and alone. Take a notebook, pen and Bible with you. Secondly, select an inspirational Bible verse. Yes, just one verse. It you don’t have inspirational Bible verses marked in your Bible that have blessed you in the past, you could buy a Bible Promises little book to go with your Bible that you can go through one by one. Here are a few examples. >>>
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1. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) 2. “My God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus”. (Philippians 4:19) 3. “Cast your cares on Him for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Look at each word and ask the Holy Spirit to make it come alive for you that day, sharing from your heart as to how this speaks to you. Then wait for the Lord to speak to you, writing down all that comes to mind and heart in your notebook or journal. You may be amazed at what you hear Him saying. The more time you spend, the more encouraging words you'll receive from Him. He is waiting for you!
~ Blanche
Annual Letter
The following is taken from the annual letter from The Most Rev. Robert
Wm. Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh, to the Anglican Churches in the Diocese
of Pittsburgh. The entire letter is available on the table at the back of the
church.
During 2015 we have been remember the 150th anniversary of the organization of our
diocese. Our Sesquicentennial Eucharist and Banquet will be held as a part of the
Diocesan Convention on Friday evening, November 6th, at St. Stephen’s Church,
Sewickley, beginning at 5 p.m. The dinner and service are open to everyone, with
reservations for the buffet handled along with the Convention registrations (available
in September.)
A Three rivers Prayer Summit is scheduled for 10-12 September. I want to draw
special attention the Friday evening event at Point State Park (open to all)…consider
joining me there!
One of the traditional prayers for a diocese gives thanks for calling us into “a goodly
fellowship.” What we share together is a great gift of Almighty God, especially in this
Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh. We share an amazing past and a bright future. As
our nation and the Western World disconnect from the Christian values that made
them possible, gospel proclamation is as crucial as ever. As we become more distinct
from the society around us, the need for Jesus, the need for one another and the need
for our witness [Greek work is martyr] only increase. May the Lord bless us all
mightily in our worship, in our discipleship and in our mission in the year ahead.
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+ Christian Symbol +
Nimbus – The nimbus is a halo of light often shown in art behind the
head of a religious figure such as Mary, Joseph, the disciples, the four
evangelists and so forth. Through often just a simple circle, one with
three rays symbolizes the Trinity, so this style of nimbus – or a triangular
one – may be seen behind Christ.
From a newsletter in Richmond, Virginia:
Will the students spell everything correctly on Thursday?
+ Bible Quiz +
When Jesus was on his way to heal a young girl, who touched his clothing, and why?
A. The girl’s father, to urge Jesus to hurry.
B. A boy; he was in awe of Jesus and just wanted to meet him.
C. Many people; they couldn’t help it because it was so crowded.
D. A woman in the crowd; she hoped that doing so would heal her.
Answer: See page 15
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School Spelling Bee On Thrusday
The Ponder Page
Job Description for a Christian
As a follower of Jesus, you’ll share his love and gospel with everyone. Kindness and
humility are vital as you speak about your hope in him. To battle evil, you’ll receive a
complete set of armor. Use it to defend against attacks by a prowling lion or the
temptation to place self above other.
Preferred qualifications:
complete surrender to God
a desire to follow his commandments
a servant heart
a courage to face fiery furnaces or shipwrecks
Everyone’s welcome, and training and support are provided. Though you can expect
persecution and adversity, the rewards are life changing—and eternal!
- MaryAnn Sundby
Bible Humor
We take Scripture seriously, of course, but God also gave us the ability to laugh—and
it’s healthy to do so! Enjoy these Bible-based riddles:
Q. Who was the fastest runner in the Bible?
A. Adam. He was first in the human race.
Q. Where is baseball played in the Bible?
A. Genesis 1:1 reads “In the big inning.” Then Eve stole first and Adam stole second.
Cain struck out Abel, and soon everything was rained out.
Q. Who was the best financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh’s daughter. She went to the Nile bank and pulled out a little prophet.
Q. What was Boaz like before he got married?
A. Ruthless
***
We must remember throughout our lives that in God’s sight there are no little people
and no little places. Only one thing is important: to be consecrated persons in God’s
place for us, at each moment. —Francis Schaeffer, No Little People
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Answer to the Bible Quiz on Page 13: D (See Mark 5:25-29.)
The deadline for the October issue of Peace Notes is Friday, September
18. Please email your articles to Bev McKee at [email protected] or
call her at 724 457-7105. Articles may also be given to our Parish
Secretary, June Statler, at the church office.
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Worship
Saturday - 6:00 P.M.
Sunday - 8:00 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.
Prince of Peace is part of the Anglican diocese of Pittsburgh, the Anglican Church in
North America, and the worldwide Anglican Communion, and is part of God’s one
holy catholic and apostolic Church.
Vision Statement
We the members of Prince of Peace Church are called to...go into the world, caring for
people with God’s love, inviting people to follow Jesus, and then teaching them to obey
Jesus in all they do.
Mission Statement
Our vision is fulfilled as we intentionally train followers of Jesus to...
Worship God passionately,
Care for each other graciously,
Study God’s ways diligently,
Give to God sacrificially,
Connect purposefully with outsiders,
Serve God’s church whole-heartedly...so that those separated from God would experience Jesus and follow Him.
Prince of Peace Anglican Church
1314 Gringo Rd.
Aliquippa, PA 15001
Pastor John M. Heidengren
Phone 724 375-5351
Website
www.pop-church.com