Saying GraceA PUBLICATION OF

SAVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

Saving Grace Lutheran Church is United in joy to share and defend God’s word.

BAZAAR BAZAAR BAZAAR SAVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH BAZAAR & BAKE SALE 9am - 2 pm Saturday, November 2nd, 2013

Featuring:

LEFSE LEFSE LEFSE LEFSE LEFSE

Homemade Caramel Rolls

Lunch Served by the Men of Saving Grace

The SAME Bazaar you’ve attended and loved for years...just a different location!!!

Silent Auction Baked Goods Old TreasuresKnitting/Sewing Christmas Crafts Sports Booth

October 2013

A Message from Pr. Rolf...Dear Friends in Christ,

Russ Kaul strikes again! Every once in awhile Russ cuts out a story from The Ad-Delite, and sends it to me. His most recent submission was a variation on an old theme. Still it made me laugh. It read as follows: Coming out of church, Mrs. Smith asked her husband, “Do you think that Johnson girl is tinting her hair?””I didn’t even see her,” admitted Mr. Smith. “And that dress Mrs. Davis was wearing,” continued Mrs. Smith, “Now really, don’t tell me you think that’s a proper outfit for a mother of two.” “I’m afraid I didn’t notice that either,” said Mr. Smith. “Oh, for heaven’s sake,” snapped Mrs. Smith, “A fat lot of good it does you to go to church!!” Pastor Mark Vander Tuig, the Service Coordinator of the Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ, was with us last month for Sunday morning services here at Eastridge. In his lively message he gave us a lot to think about. One of the underlying themes, in my estimation, begged the question of why we go to church. Admit it! There was a time, not so long ago, when many of us went to church with a complacent attitude. Oh, I’m not saying that any of us spent the majority of our time worrying about the tint of another worshiper’s hair. But creature comforts notwithstanding some of us may have been more concerned by a ‘dust bunny’ in the corner than we were by the quality of our time spent in the presence of God. All of that changed however both suddenly and dramatically back in the late weeks of April. We were cast adrift, forced to reassess by circumstance just exactly why we go to church. Is it merely to appreciate the social niceties of a comfortable place in the pew, and perhaps a rather bland and ineffectual message from the pulpit? Or rather is it to spend an hour a week being confronted by God’s radical claim upon our lives in Jesus Christ? I think the latter. At least that’s what I think I have learned from our experience, that, in all of it’s ramifications, God is doing a new thing. Clearly that’s what Pastor Vander Tuig had to say to us, in a word, as the Apostle Paul put it, to count it all as loss for the surpassing value of knowing God through Jesus Christ our Lord. And yes, as Pastor Vander Tuig reminded us, there is a reason why our new church body is called (continued on pg. 3) 2

(continued from pg. 2) Lutheran CONGREGATIONS in Mission for Christ. From our experiences we have learned the lesson of safeguarding congregational autonomy, that is to say, not to trust our future to be determined by Bishops or Synod Councils or Circuit Courts, but rather by the individual members and local leadership of Saving Grace. Yet that new affiliation also suggests we have a MISSION! It is a unique mission, suited only to us here at Eastridge in the city of Eau Claire, in this particular time and place. It is first of all to ask ourselves why we go to church, and then having discovered that Christ is the answer, to share that great Good News with anybody and everybody! A seaside village on the Maine coast was well-known for its ability to dispatch a rescue squad to ships in distress on the Atlantic Ocean. Many lives were saved. One day someone got the bright idea of buidling a luxurious rescue station for the rescue squad as a reward for their heroic service. On the event of the next emergency however, no one responded to the crisis. They were too busy enjoying the amenities of their new luxurious rescue station. We don’t have to worry about that. We know why we go to church! I mean, why do you suppose we decided to call ourselves SAVING GRACE? Now get out there and ‘save’ someone...

Sincerely in Christ,

Pastor Rolf

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WEEKNIGHT BIBLE CLASS: Have you ever wondered who wrote the Bible?

When the books were written? How were they preserved?

Join us for a new class - Bible 101! Beginning Thursday, Oct. 3rd,

@ 7:00 pm in the Fellowship Room, we will examine how the Bible

came to be the book we have today. This three week class is open

to anyone who wants to learn.

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A Message from Pr. Irgens...14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly be-lieved, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from child-hood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is in-spired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:14-17)

I was over a friend’s house many years ago and he wanted to show me the Bible he received for confirmation. I was looking forward to seeing it, what he had marked, what he had commented on, what he had studied when he came out he handed me a box, he said, “Open it.” I opened it and here was a pristine Bible the gilded edges crackled as I opened it. It was probably the second time it was ever opened. I looked at it for awhile and said, “Ya, that’s nice.” I put it back in the box and threw it back to him. He was startled, “And said, that’s the Holy Bible, and you just threw it.” I said, “Ya, I did, but that’s not the Bible it’s a translation. Here’s a Bible.” Then I gave him my Greek New Testament. “What good is it if you don’t use it?” “The word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account.” (Hebrews 4:12,13)

As much as we’d like to imagine ourselves in a game of “Hide and Seek” in which we are able to hide our sins from God, the only one we fool is ourselves, God already knows. Let me be very clear. God accepts us, because we ask for forgiveness, and promise to submit to his rule in our lives. He doesn’t accept us as we are, end of story. He calls us to repentance and to change through the power of the Holy Spirit. God makes us a new creation in Christ Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Jesus says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the an-gels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:10).

The amazing thing about the Word of God, Holy Scripture, is that it continues to change our lives. (continued on pg. 5)

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(continued from pg. 4) It is always applicable, it judges our thoughts and intentions, it conforms us to God’s will, if we will just listen to it. It should be the one book we wear out, and mark up, because “the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:24) In the very next verse Peter explains what the Word is; “That word is the good news that was announced to you.” The good news, what we proclaim and believe is that, “through Him (Jesus Christ) you have come to trust in God, who raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.” (1 Peter 1:21) It’s more than just trust in God. Through faith in Jesus Christ all the promises of God are revealed.

The Apostle Paul defines what the Gospel is, “Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved,” The Gospel is, “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scrip-tures, and that he appeared to Cephas,” then to the twelve disci-ples, more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, then to James, and all the apostles, as well as me (Paul), “so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 8b)

This is the Gospel, “for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he (Jesus) is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him.” (2 Timothy 1:12) That’s our hope, Christ is our strength, and the Word of the Lord shall never pass away. So use your Bible, wear it out, mark it up and memorize the scriptures. It will change everything. May Jesus Christ through His Word guide you and strength you to His glory.

In Jesus Christ our Lord,

Pastor David Irgens“continue in what you have learned and firmly believed,…you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

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PRESIDENT'S ADDRESSOn Sunday, Sept. 22, we welcomed Pastor Mark VanderTuig, Service Coordinator, from Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ to our pulpit. I hope that you were able to hear his address that Sunday morning or saw him on our television broadcast. He verbalized what many of us have been feeling: God set us into a good place to share the news of His wonderful Son, Jesus.

There are many who miss a “church”. They miss having a big organ and stained glass windows. Worshipping God in a mall doesn’t feel quite right. But when I experience a worship service at EastRidge, I am overwhelmed with the knowledge that God doesn’t live in a building with a bell tower. He lives with those who love Him – no matter where that may be. I am grateful to Pastor VanderTuig for pointing out to us what great opportunities we have worshipping in a mall. We are here for a reason. God’s wisdom brought us here. God’s vision and generosity will energize us for the work He has in store for us.

I spoke to my brother recently about all the blessings God has given us in our new home. I told him of the vibrancy, the energy, the hope, and the humor that swirl around all of us as we gather in praise to worship God in a business complex. He said, “Well, there’s only one word in response to all that: Mallelujah!!”May God continue to bless us all!

Anne Carter

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

October Bible Class – Same as last monthNovember Bible Class – November 7: Genesis 1&2 - The Beginning of Things November 14: Other Versions of the Beginning of Things November 21: Bible Trivia (continued on pg. 7)

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(continued from pg. 6)OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

At worship services the weekend of October 13 the new Opportunities to Serve form will be distributed to all members. Please consider how you can best serve our Lord Jesus in this new place with your time, talents and abilities.

NEW CONSTITUTION

Our Constitution Committee has been hard at work these past several months working on a new constitution for Saving Grace Lutheran Church. We are close to completion of this project and look forward to your input and approval late in October.

Great work on your Rally Day, we heard it was a wonderful success. We are happy to have an active tenant that brings new faces and new life to our EastRidge Center. Anne Carter and I will keep working together to make your efforts as effective as possible in spreading your story and bringing more people into your church. We will have some new outdoor signs coming soon to replace the old yellow and grey colors of our advertising. Please don’t think we can’t share a color scheme, this has been in the works for months. Perhaps think of it as us not stealing your thunder. ;-) Every week I have a new person touring the center, interested in space to start their own business, relocate their offices, or upgrade their presence in the area. It brings me energy every time, and I would be glad to work with any individual looking for an opportunity to grow. As a final note, I am sorry I missed your events over the September 7th weekend. I will be sure to be ready for the lefse! Andrew Martin, Leasing Agent

GOLDRIDGE HOLDINGS LOCATIONS: Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Rice Lake

CURRENT GROSS LEASABLE AREA: 380,000+ SF

RANGE OF SUITE SIZES: 240 SF - 28,355 SF

CONTACT US ANDREW MARTIN

715-832-5575 ext. 107 715-864-2414 (cell) amartin@goldridge.com

WWW.GOLDRIDGECOMPANIES.COM

EastRidge Center News

it’s here... the NEW SAVING GRACE website!

www.saving-gracechurch.comcheck us out today!

HELP OUT AT BEACON HOUSE! Saving Grace is serving at Beacon House

November 17th-23rd, the week before Thanksgiving.

Mark your calendars...we will need many people

to serve dinners and stay overnight! Thanks!

a message from education...SAMARITANS PURSE ~ OPERATION SHOE BOX1. Shoe Box...Use an empty shoebox (standard size) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.2. Boy or Girl...Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by down-loading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.3. Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page. Please include at least one item a child can immediately embrace such as a stuffed toy, doll, ball or toy truck.4. Include $7 Donation...Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.5. We are collecting the shoeboxes on November 10th!

Family Devotion: God’s Purpose for Things...Think of some of the unique things God has given you. In a show-and-tell format, take turns sharing about some of the gifts you treasure. Show your favorite items and explain why they’re valuable to you.

Going Deeper...It’s exciting to explore the things God’s given to us. It’s even more exciting when we understand that everything — even our belongings — has a purpose in God’s plan. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells a story about three servants, each one entrusted with a valuable talent of money. Two of the servants were faithful and put their money to work for their master, using it to accomplish his pur-poses. And they were rewarded for their efforts when their master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” It’s the same for us. As we use the things God’s given us to work toward His goals, like blessing others, we’re sharing in God’s happiness.

Talking to Each Other: How has God met your needs with something He has given you? How can God meet the needs of those around you through some of the things He’s entrusted to you?

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)by Janine Petry and Focus On The Family

Looking ahead...Christmas Program Practice is Sat., December 7th, 10 -11:30 am!

Jayme Silber, Education Director 8

My name is

Margaret Crandell & I Love Saving Grace

Lutheran Church

Of course I also loved Grace Lutheran at 202 E. Grand. The main reason I decided that I would continue to worship at this church was the fact that it maintained its strong Bible oriented heritage, and I followed the wonderful Pastors and many friends that I have established over the years. I am now 87 years young, and was born on November 22, 1925 in Brackett, Wis. On April 8, 1951 I married the only love of my life, Russell Crandell at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Eau Claire. In June of 1951, I became a member of Grace Lutheran, which was Russell’s church.

I have 4 grown children, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Since joining Grace Lutheran, I have been a member of the World Service Unit, joined the ladies aide in 1951, and became President in 1987. I have been a continuous member of a circle at church. In 1977, I was honored with the award of “Woman of the Year” by the Men of Grace. I joined the Reading Club in 1989 and have been its President from 2010 until the present. In about 2006 I donated some handmade articles to be sold at the annual Bazaar and was encouraged to join the Craft Group. The first year I was in charge of a booth at the Bazaar that sold antiques (does that say anything about my age?) and since then I’ve attended weekly meetings of the Craft Group and worked at the Bazaar in the knitting booth which is my passion. Up until the change to Saving Grace, I was a faithful member at the 7:30 service where I ushered, was a communion assistant, and was on the Altar Guild. Since that time, I have been a greeter and have attended the 8:30 service at the Eastridge Center of Saving Grace Lutheran Church.

Most people at Saving Grace know me as a spry, sassy lady. SAVING GRACE is now my HOME and I love you all. In closing, I’d like you to know that the three most important things in my life are faith, family, and friends. 9

member of the month...

SAVING GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH2124 EASTRIDGEEAU CLAIRE, WI 54701

Saving Grace Lutheran Church A member of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ

2124 EastRidge Center, Eau Claire, WI 54701

Telephone (office) 715.514.3552 or (emergency cell) 715.797.1020Office Hours: M-TH, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

Saving Grace Lutheran Church: www.saving-gracechurch.comLutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ: www.lcmc.net

Worship: Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 8:30 & 10:40 am Wednesday 6:00 pm

Fellowship: Sunday 9:45 am Rolf Nestingen, David Irgens, Pastors Christine Finn, Office/Communications Director Jayme Silber, Director of Education Joanne Horan, Emily Klotz & Chelsey Christ, Susan Knaack, Financial Administrator Music

E-mail: Pr. Rolf Nestingen........prolf@saving-gracechurch.com Pr. David Irgens.............prirgens@saving-gracechurch.com Anne Carter..................president@saving-gracechurch.com Christine Finn...............chris@saving-gracechurch.com Jayme Silber.................jayme@saving-gracechurch.com Joanne Horan...............joanne@saving-gracechurch.com Susan Knaack..............susan@saving-gracechurch.com

Saying Grace

October2013

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