Pray for Christians in North Korea

The following paragraphs were copied from a press release issued by Open Doors, a ministry that works with Christians in the world's most oppressive countries:

On Sunday evening it was announced that Kim Jong-Il, the leader of North Korea, had died. North Korean news agencies reported that Kim Jong-Il had died of fatigue from “overworking to serve the people of North Korea.” Kim Jong-Il was 69 years old.
 
Because of possible ramifications of his death for North Koreans and the entire world, Open Doors is calling for prayer for the country and the suffering Christians who live there.

“Today marks a significant day in North Korean history,” says Open Doors USA President/CEO Dr. Carl Moeller. “Though this brutal dictator, who was responsible for so many atrocities, has died, the future is still unknown. Some speculate that his son Kim Jong-Un will be just as cruel to all dissenters.  Others suggest that he may be more lenient. We simply do not know the future of North Korea, but God does.”

“This is why it is vital that Christians around the world pray for North Korea during this transitional time. Pray especially for the brave Christians inside North Korea. They are fearful that they might face even more suffering. There are an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 Christians being held in North Korean prison camps where they face even more horrific treatment than other prisoners. People are starving to death. The people of North Korea are living a nightmare that never ends.”

For the past nine years, North Korea has held the No. 1 spot on the Open Doors World Watch List. The list ranks the top 50 countries which are the worst persecutors of Christians. The 2012 World Watch List will be released on Jan. 4 with North Korea expected to retain the top spot.

In North Korea, any form of worship to anyone other than the “Great Leader” (Kim Il-Sung) and the “Supreme Leader” (Kim Jong-Il) is seen as treason. North Korean Christians are often arrested, tortured or even killed for their faith in Jesus Christ.

We invite you to join Christians around the world as we pray for our Korean brothers and sisters in Christ.

To read the entire press release from Open Doors, click here.

Baby Clothes Needed

The Pregnancy Resource Center needs size 12-month baby clothes (for both boys and girls). They need sleepers, onesies, regular outfits, coats, snow suites -- anything in those sizes. Donations may be brought to Grace and placed in the PRC box located on underneath the mailboxes in the Grace offices.  Contact Ellen Dudney for more information.

Follow the Star

You are invited to the children's Christmas program, Follow the Star, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, in the Grace sanctuary.  Children will read the Christmas narrative from Luke. Christmas carols will be sung by all. A cookie reception will follow in fellowship hall.

Keep up to date with all the events of this Christmas season through the Grace website! Click here to connect.

Snowhill Child Needs a Christmas

The Student Support Facilitator at Snowhill School just sent us the following request:

I have a small favor to ask of you! I have a mom who called me today and is in desperate need of some help. Her husband is back in the state they just moved from. He was supposed to move here with them, got caught up in work back there. She is without a car and has 1 daughter. Her daughter is a sweet girl in 6th grade. Would you be able to provide some Christmas gifts for her? She needs pants and shirts size 12/14, would like to have the Monster High girl werewolf doll or littlest pet shop stuff for Christmas. If you are able to do any type of gift card to Walmart, Meijer, Target etc, that would help mom get stuff for the home like cleaning supplies etc. I am going to provide them with food we have collected here at school and a turkey for Christmas dinner.

If you would like to help, please coordinate your efforts through Tom Brodbeck (tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org).

Winter Coats

Our Young at Heart ministry is currently conducting its annual coat and blanket drive, now through December 4. We encourage you to contribute your gently used or new items for area families who need them this winter. You will find the brown collection container located just outside the Grace coat closet in our narthex. Your contributions will be given to Interfaith Hospitality network.

The need for coats in particular is great. We have heard from at least two other area agencies, telling us that their inventory is very low.

Reminder: Operation Christmas Child

Just a reminder that your shoe boxes for the Operation Christmas Child project are due on Sunday. Remember to indicate whether the gift is for a boy or girl and include the $7.00 for handling. Thanks for being a blessing to a child! 

Time Change Reminder

Please remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed Saturday evening. And then, well rested with that extra hour of sleep, join us in worship on Sunday morning. Services on Sunday will celebrate All Saints' Day and will include a special time of remembrance for all Grace members who have entered the Church Triumphant in the past year.

We will worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m., with Sunday School for all ages beginning at 9:15 a.m. Third grade parents will be meeting with Pastor Powell in the west elementary room during that time as well.



What does the number "38.8" mean to Grace? That is the rate at which the population of Grace children has grown since 1999.

Concert of Prayer

We would like to encourage you to attend the Concert of Prayer this Sunday evening at 6:00 pm in the Grace sanctuary.

The underlying concept behind this service is that our individual prayers are like a simple melody (picture playing the piano with one finger) but our collective prayers add harmony and instrumentation. The result, then, is that together we become a symphony of prayer.

This service will include times of silent prayer, small group prayer and individual prayers, along with prayers expressed through music.Your own prayers can be as private as you may wish them to be, or you can ask that others pray with you. The pastors will be available to anoint with oil any who may request it.

If you believe in the power of prayer, come. If you know individuals who are carrying deep burdens, invite them to come with you.

Operation Christmas Child

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas! Not outside perhaps, but soon it will be true in the Grace narthex. The Hope Guild is once again coordinating the "Operation Christmas Child" project, asking you to help share the love and joy of the Christmas season to children in desperate situations through the world.

Please find and fill a shoebox with small toys, stuffed animals, school supplies (not scissors), hygiene items, hard candy, gum and other small gift items. It can be for either a boy or a girl in the age groups of 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. Do not include toy guns, knives or war-related items, chocolate or perishable items, liquids of any kind, used items or breakables.

After filling the box, please enclose $7 (cash or check) to help defray shipping costs. Checks should be made payable to Samaritan's Purse. Then wrap the box in Christmas paper (wrapping the lid separately), and secure the lid with a large rubber band. Labels indicating whether the box is for a boy or girl can be found at the display in the Grace narthex.  Boxes are due back no later than Sunday, November 13.

Operation Christmas Child is a project of Samaritan's Purse, a Christian ministry led by Franklin Graham.


Learn more about Grace's efforts toward this Christmas project by clicking here.

Hammond Farm Fall Festival

Sunday (October 16) is our annual Fall Festival at the Hammond Farm (2:00 - 5:00 pm). We invite you to join others from the Grace family for an afternoon of hay rides, children's activities,  games, food and fellowship. Please bring a dish to share.

This event is designed for the entire Grace family. We encourage you to bring a guest with you. Grace has many people who have begun attending since last year's festival. This is a great time to get acquainted with one another. Please take the initiative to extend that invitation.

The Hammond farm is located at 405 E Hyde Road, Yellow Springs. Go through Yellow Springs to the flashing light just south of town. Turn right. You will go past E Enon Road, but if you get to W Enon Road you have gone too far.


Do you know what the number 110 means to Grace?  110% is the percentage of room capacity exceeded by 5th and 6th graders over the last two years.

Fifth Quarter

The Grace youth will be hosting a "Fifth Quarter" this Friday night in the Grace fellowship hall. Fifth Quarters are so named because they come after the "fourth quarter" of the high school football game earlier that evening. The event will provide space for area high schoolers to gather with their friends.

Our event will feature the movie "The Incredibles." It is open to all area high school students.

So if you have a family member or friend in that age group who might enjoy coming, be sure to pass the word along.



Do you know the significance of the number "124" to Grace? Groups larger than 124 cannot use our fellowship hall due to space restrictions.

Lay Ministry Sunday

Sunday (October 9) is Lay Ministry Sunday, a day on which we celebrate what God accomplishes through the efforts of His people. Our celebration will include a cake-and-punch reception during the fellowship time (10:15-10:35 am).

At Grace, we encourage each person in our church family to be actively participating in one outward-focused ministry. We believe that is a key component of your discipleship process, and ultimately a reflection of your faith in Christ.

If you would like to know more about how to get involved in one of Grace's 100+ ministries, talk with Tom Brodbeck (our Discipleship Coordinator). You can email him by clicking here.

See you Sunday!

Snowhill Family in Need

The Community Connector at Snowhill Elementary School sent us the following:

I spoke with a mother who is in need today. They lost their home, were living in a hotel but can no longer afford it. They are in need of kids clothing due to leaving all winter clothing behind when they had to leave their home. They have a boy who wears a 16 Husky in pants and size large in sweaters sweatshirts, a boy who wears a 6 in jeans and size small in sweaters and sweatshirts and a girl who wears a 14 in jeans or a 3 in junior size jeans and a large in sweater or sweatshirts. All 3 of them need a winter coat. They could use blankets. Are you able to help us with any of these items? They also need personal care items, laundry detergent etc.

If you have items to contribute, please bring them to the church and mark them to the attention of Tom Brodbeck. Thanks!

Thrift Store Needs

Last week we told you about the ongoing need for food at St. John's Food pantry. Today we expand that need list to include the Thrift Store at St. Johns. Especially now with the changing of the seasons, the need for warm clothing, blankets and coats is high. We will be placing a large tub in the fellowship hall next to the grocery cart for all of your clothing items. Thanks for responding to this need too!


Do you know what the number 55 means to Grace? 55 is the number of square feet being used to store Grace items in Pastor DeBord's basement.

St Johns Food pantry

Thank you so much for your generous support of St Johns Food pantry. The food you provided during September has been greatly appreciated ... and quickly distributed. The number of families needing food pantry assistance in our community continues to grow. 

Please continue to fill the grocery cart in the Grace fellowship hall with non-perishable items. (Note: On the first Sunday of the month, the grocery cart travels to the children's wing so the children can fill it with the items purchased from their Sunday School offerings. So if the cart isn't in the fellowship hall, place your items where it normally parks.)

Egg Cartons for Operation Rebirth

Over the last three months our adult Sunday offerings have supported Operation Rebirth, a ministry for young men needing a fresh start and a new focus. You have been generous in your financial support for this ministry. Another way you can continue to help is by bringing your empty egg cartons (both foam and cardboard) to the church. For now, we are collecting those in the receptionist's office (under the mailboxes).

Learn more about Operation Rebirth by visiting its website.

Email Issues

Ah, technology ... Wonderful thing when it works!

The Grace office staff is dealing with email issues today (Monday) due to a server glitch involving our website hosting company. We are able to receive what you send us, but our ability to respond has been severely restricted. So if you need a quick response, you probably need to call the office today.

We are working on this, of course. (Actually, our tech guy is doing the work.) Keep an eye on the Grace website (www.grace-nalc.org) for the latest information on our status. We are sorry for any inconvenience this might cause.

The Paper Plate Project

Are you familiar with the "Paper Plate Project." This project asks the clients of these agencies to write on a paper plate a description of their present life situation, how the current economic climate has impacted their lives, and what Ohio Foodbanks mean to them. The plates are then photographed. Organizers hope to collect 50,000 plates, which will then be taken to legislators at the Ohio State House.

Our Grace volunteers helped collect these plates while serving at St. John's Food Pantry and the Open Hands Free Store. Our plates are not posted yet, but you can view what clients wrote at other agencies across the state (including the Clark County branch of the Second Harvest Food Bank). Follow this link view photos of the plates that have been posted.

Many in our community and country don't grasp how vast the need for food is. Hunger is not only a problem in other parts of the world. People in Springfield are also starving. The stories you read are quite touching.

You can help by bringing non-perishable items with you to church. Place them in the grocery cart in the fellowship hall.

Have you RSVP'd for Consecration Sunday?

Have you RSVP'd for the Consecration Sunday dinner, held following the 10:45 worship service on September 25? The Grace Office needs to receive a yes or no answer from each Grace member by Sunday. Those not responding will receive a follow up phone call next week.

This dinner is a special time of fellowship for our Grace family. The meal will feature an Italian bake, salad, breadsticks and dessert. During the meal Pastor Powell will be sharing the total amount pledged by Grace members for the 2012 fiscal year.

You can RSVP right now by clicking here.

Talent Show for Malaria

Tickets are now on sale for "Grace Has Got Talent." This talent show fundraiser is happen on Sunday, October 2 All proceeds will benefit the Lutheran Malaria Initiative.

The cost for each ticket is $10 -- the same amount needed to purchase a treated mosquito net, train the recipients how to use it and even help build malaria treatment centers closer to where people live.

Each year there are 250 million new cases of malaria and nearly one million people will die from this treatable and preventable disease. Grace is pleased to be one of the leaders of efforts within Lutheran World Relief's goal of eliminating malaria worldwide.

A dinner will follow the show. Dinner tickets are also $10. Both show and dinner tickets are available at the table in the narthex on Sunday.

You can learn more about the Lutheran Malaria Initiative by clicking here.

You can learn even more about the Talent show by clicking here.

Blankets for a Family in Need

The Community Connector at Snowhill has asked if someone in our church might be willing to donate a blanket for a family in need. This family actually needs seven blankets, so donations of more than one would also be welcome. The mom in this family is going in for surgery and wants to make sure her children have the blankets before her surgery. If you can provide a blanket (or more), please let Tom Brodbeck know. Here is an email link for him.

Backpacks for Fifth Lutheran

We will be partnering with Fifth Lutheran again next school year (2012-2013) for their Backpack Ministry. Right now is a great time of year to be on the lookout for quality backpacks, many of which are on clearance sale and available to purchase for a great price. Margie Kuziak would be happy to store them until next year. Bring your purchases to church and place them on her desk or on the counter in the Christian Education win. Thanks to all who helped us collect 79 backpacks for the present school year!

St. John's Food Pantry

The shelves at St. John's Food Pantry need to be restocked. We are asking the Grace Church family to help meet that need by bringing non-perishable items with you when you come to church. Food and personal items of all kinds will be gratefully received, but according to Susan Kogler (the MTC for our Grace outreach ministry team) high protein items such as peanut butter and tuna would be high priorities. Other valued items include Mac 'n Cheese, rice and Spaghettios. Please place the items in the grocery cart located in the Fellowship Hall.

To learn more about this food pantry ministry, and Grace's involvement with it, you might want to read the recent article from page 13 of the August/September edition of the Grace Messenger. Click here to open a pdf version of the Messenger.

Motorized Scooter

Do you know anyone who might have need of a motorized scooter? It is approximately one year old. A family connected to our congregation no longer needs it, and would like to find a good home for it. Email Tom Brodbeck for additional information.

New Sunday Schedule

Our new schedule for Sunday morning officially launches this week (September 4). No need to reset the clock on your wall, but you might want to review the settings on your mental clock to make sure you are on time for all of the Sunday morning activities. Here is a review of the new times:

8:00 am      Worship service
9:15 am      Sunday School (concludes at 10:15 am)
10:15 am    Fellowship (concludes by 10:35 am)
10:45 am    Worship service

A new adult Sunday School class begins this week, too:  "Just Desserts."  Pastor Powell will be teaching this course, asking the question "Do people really get what they deserve?"

Remember ... you can always access the bulletin and all of the weekly announcement online. Those are usually posted by Friday morning (yes, two days before the service). Plus you can access Sign Up Central via the Grace website, too. Click here for the bulletin, here for the announcements and here for Sign Up Central.

Bed Needed for a Homeless Teen

Ryan Ray, youth pastor at the Salvation Army, is looking for a bed and a little bit of furniture for a homeless teenager. (You might remember Ryan from a recent Breakfast Break. He heads a ministry in the juvenile detention center.)

The complete story is complicated, but she became homeless after her parents moved without telling her. This young woman has a place to stay and a roommate, but that is really all she has. If you have any furniture (bed, dresser, couch, table, lamps) that you would be willing to donate, email Tom.Brodbeck@grace-nalc.org. He will provide you with Ryan's contact information.

Grace Bulletin Online!

The Grace bulletin is on the Grace website (http://www.grace-nalc.org). Go to the Worship and Music section under Our Ministries.

You also can view the announcements and Sign-Up Central under the News heading.

Don't have time to fill out Sign-Up Central in your pew on Sunday morning? Then, register for Grace events through Sign-Up Central on the Grace website. To make it even simpler, here is a direct link to Sign-Up Central. 

Special Presentation on Sunday

This Sunday two very special friends will be in attendance at Grace, updating us on their development work in Afghanistan. (We are not using their names here for security reasons, of course.) Their presentation will happen during the Sunday School hour. This will be a very meaningful time together, as we hear about their efforts in a highly volatile region of the world. On behalf of the Grace family, Pastor Powell will also share with them with a generous gift, affirming our continuing partnership with them. You will not want to miss their story!

Remember ... Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m. this week. The new Sunday morning schedule begins on September 4.

And also remember that all of our Wednesday evening activities resume on August 31. The adult Pathways course is "How We Got Our Bible." Dinner is from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm, youth and children activities begin at 6:45 pm, and the adult Bible study begins at 7:00 pm.

Habitat for Humanity

On Saturday (August 20) several from our Grace family worked on a Habitat for Humanity house. Here are a couple of pictures from that wonderful day of outreach ministry.

When our crew arrived on Saturday morning, this was an empty slab. All of the walls you see in the pictures were erected by our servants from Grace. This home is being constructed for a single mom with four children, two of whom have special needs.

On Saturday morning Pastor Powell presented the local Habitat chapter with a $2000 check from Grace, too.

Video Links for NALC Convention

This week's NALC meetings in Columbus, OH will be broadcast on the web, allowing you to "tune in" to see what is happening. 

The webcasts will be hosted on the NALC website. Scroll down on the home page to Convocation Central where you will find under the Media Center two links to access the webcast:

• Video (850 x 450)
• Video (520 x 320)

Choose either link to view the events live only at these times:

• Lutheran CORE Convocation, August 9, 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• "Salvation Today" - Theological Conference, August 10, 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. and August 11, 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• The NALC Convocation, August 11, 2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and August 12, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

More detailed information about each event, including a more specific time schedule, is available on the websites for Lutheran CORE and the NALC.

Baby Alert!

Grace is being blessed by a number of new babies. During worship services this past Sunday, we got to meet three babies who made their debut appearances at Grace. And a peek ahead shows that a number of baptisms will be held in the next few weeks, including three in August and several more to follow before the end of the year.

That blessing is reinforcing our current need for a few loving, caring adults to join the nursery ministry team. Servants are especially needed for the 8:00 am worship service. If you are able to serve in this way, please talk with Margie Kuziak in the Grace Office (399-6257, ext.104).

Cool, School and the Golden Rule

Three bits of information for you today ...

Cool: Because of the excessive heat this week, Grace Church is making its facility available for any of our members who might not have air conditioning. The building is open during normal business hours. We can't offer food, TV or any planned activities. And, of course, no pets allowed.

School:  Please remember that we are still collecting backpacks for our "Back to School" ministry, done in conjunction with Fifth Lutheran. Bring those on Sunday. We still need lots more!

The Golden Rule:  Do you know of anyone (perhaps you?) who might be willing to help a Grace family do some light cleaning? This family has a serious medical need, and any assistance would be appreciated. If so, please contact Pastor Beverly.

A Ceiling Fan for the Hannah House

The Hannah House, a local Christian non-profit agency that provides housing and support for unwed moms-to-be, has a ceiling fan that isn't working. They originally thought it needed a new motor, but it obviously is not the problem. They have asked if we might have someone with the skill set to fix this. Contact Tom Brodbeck at the Grace office (399-6257) or via email at tom.brodbeck@grace-nalc.org to volunteer or for more information.

Habitat for Humanity

You are invited to join with other Grace members in a Habitat for Humanity construction project on August 20. We have reserved that entire day, meaning that we will be responsible for supplying two crews. Each crew works a four hour shift (morning or afternoon). See Jack Sommers or Tom Brodbeck for more details.

Crazy Love Sunday School

If you are following along in the "Crazy Love" book, you will want to read chapter four in preparation for the June 26 Sunday School class.

"Shocking" News from the Grace Garden

We don't want you to be "shocked" by the new solar-powered electric fence surrounding part of the Grace Garden. Neighborhood critters have been helping themselves to some of our early vegetables, so the garden team erected the fence to allow the rest of us to enjoy the results of their labor. There are signs posted to remind you. But consider this to be your first warning!

Happy Father's Day!

Interesting, isn't it, that God chose to identify Himself as a "Father." That seems to indicate there is a special role and responsibility for humans who share that title as well. We are grateful for those men in our lives, our community, and especially our church, who have chosen to follow the model of the Heavenly Father as they take on the earthly role. Dad ... we honor you and thank you for living a life of integrity before us.