Vote #2 for Ministry Expansion Project

The second (of three) votes for our Ministry Expansion project is scheduled for Sunday December 16.  The congregational meeting at which this vote will occur begins at 9:15 and will be held in the Grace sanctuary.

This second vote will authorize:

• Our architect to prepare blueprints in order to receive formal bids from contractors
• A three-year capital stewardship campaign
• Our securing of a short-term loan for incurred expenses prior to the receipt of pledges (approximately $125,000 over a period of several months)
• Our leadership to schedule our congregation's third vote sometime in the late spring or early summer of 2013.

To be eligible to participate in this vote you must be on record as having contributed financially to Grace within the past 12 months and have received Holy Communion at least three times during that period.

We also invite you to visit the Ministry Expansion website for more information. You can access that website by clicking on this link:  http://growing.grace-nalc.org. 

Funeral Arrangements for Stew Haylock

Please remember the family of Stew Haylock in your prayers.  Stew passed forward early Thursday morning.  His funeral arrangements are as follows:

• Visitation:  4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 14 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
• Service:  1030 a.m., Saturday, December 15 at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 

Furniture needed

Tom Allen's daughter has moved here from Texas, and needs furniture for her new home.  If you have anything you might wish to share with the Allens, please contact Tom. 

Lutheran World Federation Q&A

Following Sunday School this weekend (November 4), Pastor Beverly DeBord will lead a question and answer session on the NALC proposal to join the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). 

The LWF is, by self-definition, “a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF now has 145 member churches in 79 countries all over the world representing over 70 million Christians.” 

Two-thirds of the member congregations of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC) must vote to ratify this recommendation of the denomination.  Grace members will be voting on this proposal at the November 18 congregational meeting.

The following link will direct you to a document on the NALC website addressing this proposal.  You may wish to read it in advance of Sunday's forum:  http://thenalc.org/documents/lwf/LWF-application-questions-answers.pdf.

 

Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief

The North American Lutheran Church has established a disaster relief fund to assist NALC congregations that have been affected by Hurricane Sandy.  Mary Woodward, the disaster recovery coordinator for the NALC, is in daily contact with FEMA and is assessing the needs of our congregations and people.

If you would like to volunteer, you should email Mary at mwoodward_1@msn.com or call her at (740) 509-1132.  Volunteers must be fully self-sufficient.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so online at www.thenalc.org.  Checks can be mailed to the NALC Upper Midwest Office (2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220, New Brighton, MN 55112-2202).  Please note "Hurricane Relief Fund" on the memo line.  In the event that contributions exceed needs related to NALC congregations, donated funds will be directed to general relief efforts related to Hurricane Sandy.

Calling All Bakers!!

Grace will host an election day bake sale on Tuesday, November 6.  Proceeds from the event serve to "jump start" the annual "Hands to Work, Hearts to God" charity auction.  Baked goods of all kinds are requested:  cookies, cakes, pies, breads -- whatever might be your specialty.  Items can be delivered to Grace on Monday, November 5.  In addition workers are needed to man the baked goods tables between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (two hour shifts).

Proceeds from the auction are designated to area outreach ministries.  This year the recipients will be the Children's Rescue Center and Agape Chaplain Services, so items you bake will be supporting these ministries as well.  

If you are able to bake for or work on election day, or if you have any questions about either the bake sale or auction, please contact Susan Russell at susan.russell@grace-nalc.org. 

PRC Needs Fall/Winter Baby Clothes

The Pregnancy Resource Center has need of a number of fall and winter clothing items for its clients.  Here is a list:

• Boy clothes of all kinds, 0-3 months (They currently have none)
• Girl clothes, 0-3 months
• Snow suits and coats, all sizes up to 2T
• Receiving blankets
• Bottles
• Toddler size socks (12 mos - 2T) 

Gently used items are fine, so if you are cleaning out closets - or know someone who is - please consider donating these items to a wonderful area ministry.

Items can be delivered directly to the PRC and should be dropped off at the back door.  The address is 2612 Elmore Drive, and the phone number is 525-3780.  (Elmore is located south of the old Community Hospital.  A Donatos pizza is within sight of the PRC.)\

Phone Difficulties

We are having difficulties with our telephone service today (Thursday).  We are not getting a dial tone on our primary line, and it does not appear that incoming calls are rolling over to the only working line at this point.  AT&T has been notified and will be addressing the problem sometime in the next 24 hours.  So, in the meantime, if you need to call the office, please dial 399-5942.

We are sorry for the inconvenience.  Thank you for understanding.

Funeral Arrangements for Helga Gibson

One of our dear friends, Helga Gibson, passed forward on Sunday, October 7. Our deepest sympathies are expressed to her granddaughter Katie and her family and to Helga's many friends, particularly those in Grace's Faith Guild.

The schedule for services is as follows:

• Visitation will be on Thursday (October 11) from 6-8 p.m. at the Littleton and Rue Funeral Home.
• Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.  Pastor Powell will be officiating.
• Burial will be in Ferncliff Cemetery.

Funeral Arrangements for Bo Maute

Our sympathies are extended to Pastor and Jill Powell and their entire extended family.  Jill's father, Bo Maute, passed forward on Sunday.  Both the visitation and funeral will take place on Thursday, with the following schedule:

• Visitation begins at 10 a.m. at the Conroy Funeral Home
• Mass will be held at St. Bernard's Catholic church at noon, with burial to follow at St. Bernard's cemetery on Home Road.

Funeral Arranagements for Celia Walker

Our sympathies are extended to Bev Ainsworth and her family on the passing forward of her mother, Celia Walker on Sunday.  The funeral will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, September 26 in the Conroy Funeral Home.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service (beginning at 12:00 noon).  Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery.  Pastor Beverly DeBord will be officiating.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the German Township Fire and EMS.

Funeral Arrangements for Burhl Glaze

We are saddened to announce the passing forward of Burhl Glaze, a 20 year member of Grace and long-time resident of the Villa Springfield care center.  His funeral arrangements are as follows:

• Visitation is on Monday from 5-7 pm and also on Tuesday morning from 9-10 am at the Conroy Funeral Home
• The funeral service will be held on at 10 am on Tuesday in the funeral home. Pastor DeBord will be officiating. 
• Burial will be in the St. Bernard Cemetery.

Clothing Items Needed

Our contact at Snowhill Elementary writes the following: 

We are in need of a couple of items for our students. Would someone in your church be willing to donate these items?  We could use little girl panties and little boy underwear for students in grades K-1. We could also use socks for little boys and girls.  We also need pants for little girls who have potty accidents (grades K-1).  Any help you can provide is greatly appreciated!  We look forward to working with Grace again this school year.

If you are willing to donate these items, please contact Tom Brodbeck at tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org. Donated items should be brought to the church office on Sunday or during regular business hours.  Thanks!

Walk Thru the New Testament

We still have a few spots open for those interested in attending Sunday's Walk Thru the New Testament event.  The session runs from 1:30-6:00 pm. There are breaks (with snacks!).  This is a wonderful way to cap off our summer emphasis on His Story.  Let Tom Brodbeck know if you are interested in attending.  His email is tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org and phone number is 399-6257, x106.

Ministry Expansion Project update

This blog posting reminds you that there will be an update on the Ministry Expansion Project during the Sunday School hour this weekend (August 26). This informational session will be held in the Grace sanctuary.

In addition to hearing brief reports from our Ministry Expansion teams, you will have the opportunity to meet Greg Eller (our architect) and G. C. Brown (our capital campaign advisor).  A time for questions and answers will also be included in this forum.

Last Call for Devotional Writerrs

Thank you to all who have responded to our previous request for writers for the 2012 Advent Devotional!  What a blessing you are, and how we look forward to reading what you will write!

We are still looking for a few more writers. If you have been thinking about volunteering for this ministry opportunity, please consider this to be that gentle confirmation for which you've been waiting.  Email Darci Jordan at jordancd@sbcglobal.net to let her know you are willing to be a contributor. Please do so before Monday, August 20.

Child Care

A Grace family is need of childcare for two boys, ages 3 and 5.  Times are 8:30 a.m. - noon on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Fridays.  Please have interested childcare providers contact Susan Russell by email at susan.russell@grace-nalc.org or phone at 399-6257.

Food for St. Johns

During the month of August, we at Grace are distributing the food at St. John's Food Pantry.  This is a reminder that we keep a grocery cart in the fellowship hall where you can place contributions of non-perishable food items for this ministry. Let's fill the cart over and over again this month!

Resignation of Bob Lezenby

It is with sad hearts that we announce the resignation of Bob Lezenby as organist at Grace Church, effective August 31.  Bob has resigned to accept a position at Trinity Lutheran Church.  We give God praise for Bob’s ministry at Grace.  He will be missed very much.  Throughout this month we encourage you to express your personal appreciation to Bob.

We also encourage you to pray with us as we seek God’s direction in the securing of a new organist.

Walk Thru the New Testament

Registration begins on Sunday for the Walk Thru the New Testament seminar on Sunday, August 26 at Grace.  The event runs from 1:30-6 pm.

If Grace is your church home, the cost is only $20 per person (with a $60 maximum amount for families). For all others, the cost is $30 per person (with an $80 maximum amount for families).

We encourage you to bring your friends and neighbors to this seminar.  What a wonderful (and fun) way to share your faith!

Let us know you are coming by emailing Tom Brodbeck at tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org or by visiting the table in the narthex on Sundays.

Seeking Writers for the Advent Devotional

Summer is quickly passing and before we know it the season of Advent will be upon us. Each year Grace publishes an Advent devotional booklet filled with writings from members of our congregation.

We are seeking writers to share their insights and fill the pages of the 2012 booklet. If you are interested in writing a brief devotional, or have questions, please email Darci Jordan at jordancd@sbcglobal.net no later than August 15.

We are also in need of a photographer to provide art for the cover. Please submit possible photos to the same email address. Thank you!

Funeral Arrangements for Candy Hixson

We are saddened to report that Candy Hixson passed forward early Monday morning. Her funeral arrangements are as follows:

• Visitation: Thursday, July 19, 5-8 pm, Littleton & Rue Funeral Home
• Service: Friday, July 20, 10:30 am, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

New Director of Communications

We are happy to announce that Laura Dotson has accepted the position of Director of Communications at Grace. She officially began her duties on Monday, July 16.

As Director of Communications, Laura is responsible for the production of our weekly bulletin and quarterly Grace Messenger. She will also manage our website and other social media communication strategies.

Laura can reached at laura.dotson@grace-nalc.org.

Family Needing Furniture

We have recently become aware of a large family that needs furniture all of kinds.  They will be moving into a home of their own some time this month and currently have, according to the father, absolutely nothing. The move could happen as early as this weekend.  If you have items that you might want to donate, please let Tom Brodbeck know (tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org).  We don't have a place to store them right now, but when the family moves in we will be in touch.

Staff Transition

Sadly, we need to report that Heather Maurer, Director of Communications, has resigned in order to accept a full-time position in the Dayton, OH area. She will be concluding her employment on June 30. We give God praise for her work here and for the joy she brings to our staff. She will indeed be missed.  Please express your own thanks to Heather when you see her at church in the upcoming weeks.

Her resignation means, of course, that we now have a vacancy on the staff to fill. The Director of Communications position is responsible for the production of our weekly bulletins and quarterly newsletter, managing the Grace website and other social media communications, and for working with the staff and leadership of the church to promote the church's ministries.

Anyone interested in applying for this position should contact Tom Brodbeck via email (tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org) or by phone (937-399-6257, x106). Application packet, including a full job description and application form, may also be found in the "Pick Up" box located in the Grace Office.  The deadline for all applications is June 20, 2012.

Walk Thru the New Testament

Grace will be hosting a Walk Thru the New Testament event on Sunday, August 26 from 1:30 - 6:00 pm. Mark the date on your calendar now. The publicity will be starting later this month, but we wanted you to get the word as soon as possible!!

This, of course, follows our Walk Thru the Old Testament event in May. That event kicked off our summer long emphasis on Scripture, called "Step into His Story."  The New Testament event will cap off our emphasis.

We have also made a slight modification in the pricing structure for the New Testament seminar. The cost for anyone who attends Grace Church will be $20 (per person), but we have added a Grace "great rate" of $60 maximum per family. That way, families with more than three people can come for no additional cost. Those who don't attend Grace can attend for $30.

If you didn't attend the Old Testament seminar, don't worry. These events are designed to work independently. You don't need one in order to attend the other.

Getting More From Social Security workshop

Will you get all you deserve from Social Security?

Join us for a free educational workshop

The Getting More From Social Security workshop is designed to help you understand more about the program so you can take steps now to ensure you’re reaching your retirement goals. The workshop will help you gain a better understanding of:

• The basics of the Social Security program.
• How to estimate your potential benefits.
• The best ways to optimize those benefits.

You’ll explore the various benefits provided through the program and learn how to verify that you’ll be receiving all of the benefits you’ve earned.

The workshop will be presented by Thrivent Financial representative Terry Powers.

When:       Saturday, May 19, 2012, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am

Where:      Grace Lutheran Church, East Elementary Room

                  A Lite Brunch will be served during the Workshop

Sign up for this free workshop today!

Call Darla at the Church Office 937-399-6257 or Terry at 937-660-9444

Funeral Arrangements for Sarah Hammond

Here are the funeral arrangements for Sarah Hammond:

Visitation will be at the Littleton and Rue Funeral home from 4:00-8:00 pm on Tuesday, March 6.

The funeral will be held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 7 at 10:30 am, with Pastor Daniel Powell presiding. A meal will be served immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. A private burial will be held later that afternoon.

As you share your condolences and prayers for the Hammond family, please remember as well the friends and family members of the other victims in this tragedy, including our own Lindsay Butterfield. One of Lindsay's closest friends was among those killed on Friday morning. Pray as well for all the students connected to our congregation as the spring break season begins.

Cleaning supplies needed

Our community connector at Snowhill writes to say:

We have a family that is need of cleaning supplies ... basic items like windex, soap, sponges, clorox wipes, fantastic spray. Store brands would be fine.

If you would be willing to contribute any of these items, please bring them to the Grace office marked to Tom Brodbeck's attention. We realize that a call like this could generate far more supplies than this family needs. If so, we will see that the extras make it one of the many other ministries supported by our congregation.

Thanks for being a blessing!