Grace Notes E-Newsletter OCTOBER 2016

Vol. 13The Newsletter of

HISTORIC GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH714 EAST CAPITOL AVE.

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62701

Find us on Facebook: Historic Grace LutheranHISTORIC GRACE LUTHERAN’S MISSION STATEMENT:

 As disciples in Christ, we support our faith community, encourage spiritual growth in everyone, and serve all creation with Christ-like love.

 

We accomplish this by:¨ spreading God's Word¨ building relationships¨ serving the community¨ reaching out to those in need

PASTOR'S FOCUS...Pastor ChristellMany times since Sunday, September 18, 2016, I have found myself thinking and smiling about our 175th Anniversary Worship. I keep rewinding that incredible worship in my mind. What an exciting day in the life of our congregation.I see and hear the procession from 6th and Madison to the corner of 7th and Capitol. I hear the brass and bells, the people singing and Ed Wollet inviting all the people we met on the way to come to Historic Grace and worship with us. I watched as the red flags raised and lowered as various overhead obstacles were encountered. I watched as Bishop Roth used his Shepherd’s staff to move tree branches out of the way so flags and banners could pass by. I remember seeing people out on the church steps excitedly waiting for the procession to arrive and enter the sanctuary.Finally inside I saw a packed church. God’s sanctuary filled with members, and soon to be members as well as friends of Historic Grace. There were men and women, girls and boys full of smiles bright eyes. There were the young and the old, the tall and the short, there were all kinds of ethnicities and life styles present.The service itself picked up right where the outside procession left off. Music abounded; brass and timpani, piano and organ, bells and guitars.The children came to meet with me and meet their two Bishops and to find out, just a little bit, what those pastors do for God’s people here at Historic Grace, in Springfield, around our country and our world.

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The Word of the Lord was proclaimed strong and loud as we heard the lessons read and as Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton helped us all understand clearly what it means to celebrate 175 years of mission and ministry without resting on the past, but allowing it to strengthen us and propel us into the future.As one family we gather around the Lord’s Table sharing the Living Bread of Heaven and the Cup of Blessing.When all was over; after the singing and music, the lessons and sermon, the gathering of the gifts, the Peace sharing, the Sacrament of the altar, after the smiles and laughter, the tears of joy and sadness, we had truly worshiped God in in all His splendor. We rightfully praised and thanked God for all his goodness and then were sent out continue our witness to the One whose love and grace makes us one and sets us free.

FOR ALL THIS WE GIVE GOD ALL THE GLORY AND PRAISE! AMENCongratulations & Peace Historic Grace, Pastor Tom 

175 th ANNIVERSARY  

School supplies still needed:Pencil sharpeners (enclosed in a case)

 

In October 2016 we will collect 175 cans of vegetables and 175 cans of fruit for the Grace Food Pantry. Please bring these to church when you come for worship and place them in the area designated in the Narthex. In November 2016 we will be collecting 175 undies and 175 pairs of socks for McClernand School. There will be boxes and baskets in the Narthex for those. November 6, 2016 - 2:00 pm Rededication of the Organ and Recital Benton Blasingame, Organist

Reception will follow. In December 2016 we will collect 175 hats, 175 pairs of mittens, and 175 scarfs for the mitten trees that will be given to various schools in District 186. May 14, 2017 (Mother’s Day) – 4:00 pm Bach Cantata that will include our choir, and guest chamber orchestra.Matthew Sheppard, conductor

There are also a number of events being planned as we move into 2017. Please check our website as dates are finalized for a guest choir concert and a Hymn Festival to dedicate the new Steinway Grand Piano

www.GraceLutheran-Springfield.com 

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ATTENTION: If entering the hospital, please let them know that you are affiliated with Grace Lutheran Church so that Pastor may call upon you, or at least Kim will know that you are in the hospital and can get prayers out for you.

A CEMETERY WALKING TOUR...on Oct. 9, beginning at noon until 3:30 pm. This event is sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society. The dead will come to life this fall at Oak Ridge Cemetery. This event has nothing to do with Halloween. The walk includes historic interpreters in period costumes portraying eight people who were instrumental in the development of Springfield and who are buried at Oak Ridge. Among the interpreters, will be the Rev. Francis Springer. 

PASTOR’S APPRECIATION...October is Pastor Appreciation month. Pastor Tom never draws attention to this observation, but he always appreciates words of encouragement and support. Let him know how much you appreciate him and keep him in your prayers.

PRAYING FOR PASTORP Personal life Walk with God—FamilyA Administration Counseling—LeadershipS Sermon Study Time-sermon preparationT Tests & Trials Grace–Strength-GrowthO Oversight Ministries Care for the flockR Resources Strength–Wisdom-Projects 

REFORMATION WEEKEND Oct 29/30Why do we wear RED clothing on Reformation Sunday? We invite everyone to wear the liturgical color RED, on October 29th and 30th, because RED represents the Holy Spirit. Luther believed that the Reformation was a direct result of the Holy Spirit moving him and others to action. This day is a celebration of the Holy Spirit that continues to move us toward the grace and mercy of God, even today.  

ALL SAINTS… We will have a Window of Remembrance again for All Saints weekend November 5/6. Begin thinking about a picture of those loved ones to be placed in church. More details will follow in the bulletins.   

From the Desk of Director of Music JB George… 

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Anniversaries are great times to look back and look forward too. We continue our yearlong celebration of Historic Grace’s 175 years of mission and ministry. It is certainly a time of thanksgiving and celebration. This month, we also celebrate the anniversary of all Lutheran churches on Reformation Day. We know well the narrative: 499 years ago, on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted his 99 Theses, which, though not Luther’s intent, started the Protestant Reformation generally, and the Lutheran Church, specifically. As we near the 500th Anniversary of this momentous event next year, we will plan together some special ways to acknowledge this milestone and think deeply about how we interpret it in our context today.We always sing hymns like “A Mighty Fortress” on Reformation, because a) Martin Luther wrote it, and b) it serves as a kind of Lutheran theme song. We might also sing other hymns like “Thy Strong Word” and “Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word,” because Luther emphasized the Word (both meaning the Scriptures, and Jesus Christ, the Word-Made-Flesh) as being, along with Faith, the only things necessary to be saved. We get all of that, and we celebrate it.In an anniversary of a long marriage, one frequently hears the couple acknowledge that there have been some “good times and bad times.” We see this as we look back on our own lives and the life of the church. Keeping that in mind when we sing “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” we are reminded that God is, in the text of one translation, “a bulwark never failing.” So, our Reformation might be more deeply meaningful as an anniversary if, rather than congratulating ourselves on our excellent theology, we might get a head start on November’s Thanksgiving by remembering with thanks all the ways in which God uses us in God’s kingdom, often in spite of our mistakes, our fear, our pride and our sin. “The kingdom’s ours forever!” Thanks be to God. 

 Servant Opportunities Help with 50+ Lunch Bunch Help assemble Grace Notes Assist with Sunday School Serve on Altar Guild Deliver Altar Flowers Present a topic at Adult Forum

 

Crop Walk: October 2, 2016at First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7th Street, Springfield

Register at 1:00 pm / Walk begins at 1:30 pm

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Each year, faith communities across the country put on their sneakers and join together to walk...they walk with the goal of ending hunger in our world- one step at a time. The funds raised during the walk will help to provide people throughout the world with adequate nutrition and with clean, accessible water. The Springfield Crop Hunger Walk returns 25% of the funds raised each year to local food pantries,

including our pantry right here at Grace! ALL YOUTH AND ADULTS of Grace Lutheran Church have a long tradition of participating in the Crop Walk each year. Following the event, the walkers gather together for a pot luck fellowship. Please

consider joining in on this year’s walk. To donate, please go online and donate with CROP WALK at

www.crophungerwalk.org/Donate Find the GRACE LUTHERAN YOUTH GROUP https://www.crophungerwalk.org/springfieldil

“We are a privileged people because we live to serve others, even as we are enriched by our symbolic walking with those near and far away who, like us, live as children of God, and strive for a world without hunger.” (Excerpt from CWS liturgy

on the Crop Hunger Walk) 

 Thank you…Thanks to Gene and Marilyn Blade for the lovely altar bouquet delivered by Mary Plymire.  The flowers were beautiful and lasted a whole week!!! I have had a small flower garden outside of my apartment this summer. I like my flowers--they listen, and/or don't talk back, and are so pleasant  to admire.  I believe most flower people will agree.  Blessings, Betty Fowler Thank you for all the time and effort put forth by all those leading worship, Serving the Assembly, preaching and helping in any way to make the 175th Anniversary worship service and reception an absolute joy!!! Praising God for all his goodness.  

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOUTHSUNDAY CHURCH SCHOOL

Join us each week on the Second Floor at 9:15 am!!We will have music and opening time with Mr. George at the end of the hall and

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prayers with Pastor Tom. Young ones are welcome in the Nursery with Kenzie Schlicht. Pre-K to 2nd grade with Kim Gietl in the room at the end of the hall. 3-6th

grades will be with Allison Klint in the large room to the right.

ADULT FORUM Pastor Tom will begin in October with a study of Pastoral Care and the many things that entails for pastors and lay people as well. Then, as the year goes on, we will have lay members teach some classes. Do you have a subject, study, informational program or Bible Study that you would like to teach? Please contact Kim in the office. This is a fun and educational way to get more involved. We are asking for a 2-4 week commitment, depending on the subject.

 Come and PRAY with us! Join us each week at 10:15 am Sunday in the

Fellowship Hall and pray as a community. ALL ARE WELCOME! 

CONFIRMATION CLASSES  

Sunday School Confirmation classes continue each week on Sunday at 9:10 am. These classes will focus on the Old Testament. Confirmation Classes that center on Doctrine and Theology will begin on Sunday, October 23. We will start with lunch together about 12 noon and end with brief worship at 3:30 pm.  

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY The very popular Brown Bag Bible Study continues the study of the Acts of the Apostles and engage in good conversation that, at times, can become very spirited. We begin at 12:10 pm. People can bring their Bible and a sack lunch and enjoy the informative and wide-ranging discussion. We conclude each week at about 12:50 pm. 

ELCA NEWSELCA approves Lutheran-Catholic Ecumenical Document(excerpted from ELCA press release 8/10/2016 )      NEW ORLEANS (Aug.10, 2016) – The 2016 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Churchwide Assembly took several significant steps moving forward the mission of this church as a church for the sake of the world. The assembly overwhelmingly accepted the "Declaration on the Way," a unique ecumenical

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document that marks a path toward greater unity between Catholics and Lutherans. Following the vote, an emotional assembly stood to applaud the momentous decision.     At the heart of the document are 32 "Statements of Agreement" that state where Lutherans and Catholics do not have church-dividing differences on topics about church, ministry and the Eucharist. More tentatively, the document also explores differences that remain.     "Dear sisters and brothers, let us pause to honor this historic moment," said ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton addressing the assembly following the vote. "Though we have not yet arrived, we have claimed that we are, in fact, on the way to unity. After 500 years of division and 50 years of dialogue, this action must be understood in the context of other significant agreements we have reached, most notably the 'Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification' in 1999."     "This 'Declaration on the Way' helps us to realize more fully our unity in Christ with our Catholic partners, but it also serves to embolden our commitment to unity with all Christians," said Eaton.    In another major consideration, the assembly voted 921 to 11 in favor of AMMPARO – the ELCA's strategy to Accompany Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportunities. The ELCA developed this strategy based on commitments to uphold and guarantee the basic human rights and safety of migrant children and their families; to address the root causes of migration in countries from Central America's Northern Triangle and Mexico and the treatment of migrants in transit; to work toward just and humane policies affecting migrants in and outside the U.S.; to engage as a church with all of its companions, affiliates and partners to respond to the migration situation and its causes; and to advocate for migrant children and their families.      The assembly also voted to accept the 2017-2019 budget proposal approved and recommended by the ELCA Church Council.      The assembly – the highest legislative authority of the ELCA – met at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans under the theme "Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500 Years of God's Grace in Action," the assembly's business included preparations for observing the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017.  

COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS The September Council meeting was held on September 20. Pastor Christell’s report was presented and accepted. Further information concerning Council action can be

seen in the Financial and Attendance statistics below. Committee reports were both spoken and written. 7 adults as well as 2 youth new members will be joining Grace. The service and

reception will be sometime in October.  A motion was made by Pastor Tom to approve new parking lot signs made by Ace

Sign Co. The amount for the signs and permits not to exceed the amount of $6000.00. An additional motion was made that the monies be taken from the Bersche Estate. Both were approved unanimously.

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 Another motion was made by the Property Committee that we have a feasibility sturdy done by an engineering company as we move forward with gathering information on the HVAC units in the building. The cost for this study will be $3100.00. It will show what is needed, components for the systems, and the life expectancy of our current system. The motion was approved unanimously. An additional motion was also made to take monies from the Bersche Estate, bringing that account to it’s conclusion.

 175th Anniversary worship and reception were a great success lots of smiles. Thank you all for their hard work. Bishop Eaton was awesome!

FINANCIAL/ATTENDANCE REPORT August 2016 August 2015Estimate of giving $35,337 Estimate of giving $34,054Actually given $24,778 Actually given $43,370

Month August 2016 Month August 2015Budget Income $35,337 Budget Income $34,055Budget Expense $35,042 Budget Expense $33,900Actual Income *$24,778 Actual Income *$43,370Actual Expense $29,342 Actual Expense $35,763 

* Includes offerings plus parking lot income, distributions from Trusts, etc.  

Attendance for August 2016 Attendance for August 2015 (4weeks) 452 (5 weeks with POLKA) 700 

2016 AVG. YTD 2015 AVG. YTD 137 146

Average attendance year to date this is the total number of worshippers divided by the number of weekends in the year to date.

(i.e. Total attendance 800 divided by 6 weekends=133 members in average attendance).

  

Community MinistryCOMMUNITY MINISTRY…Community Ministry has set up a table in the narthex to remind us all of the much needed items for our food pantry. Thank you for your donations of cereal in September. During the month of October we will continue our efforts by collecting cans of fruit and vegetables. Please place the cans in the basket under the table. Your continued support of our food pantry is a blessing! SUPPORT FOR MCCLERNAND…Thank you for your prayers and continued support of the students and families of McClernand. As we start the new school year, please continue to pray for the staff, children and families for a safe and enriched year. Thank you also for the school supplies that were taken there. You are a blessing! The Community Ministry Committee will be hosting an USBORNE BOOK FAIR in late October and early November to support the LSSI Prison Ministry Program. Volunteers travel to different prisons and assist inmates in reading, recording and sending books to their children.  As you may have heard, funds have been

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eliminated to support this program so it needs all of the help we can offer.  This book fair will give us a chance to purchase books to be used for the ministry and, you might even be able to get a jump start on some Christmas shopping!  Our Usborne representative is Francine Appleton.  More information will be coming about how you can participate in the book fair! 

 Long Range Planning

The Long-Range Planning Committee is currently working with the Property Committee and an ad hoc committee.  With the Property Committee, LRP is in the initial phase of gathering quotes on window replacement and climate control (heating and air conditioning) for the Fellowship/Education building.  Initial meetings with window contractors and with HVAC engineers have been held to ascertain the building needs and approximate costs of each project. Long-range planning is also working with an ad hoc committee that is reviewing and revising job descriptions for the church music director, church secretary, and church custodian. Each of these projects are a work in progress. Ed Wollet

 Fellowship Events 2016Please join us whenever possible and support local restaurants, drama performances and events that are going on in Springfield and the surrounding communities along with events here at Grace.  

 UPCOMING EVENTS:

 

October: Progressive Dinner – Saturday October 1, 2016 – If possible, we like to all meet at one location for appetizers and then split into groups of 10 or less for the entrée and salad. Then if possible, we like to all end up at one destination for dessert. To make sure there is not too much burden placed on any one individual for food preparation, the desserts, appetizers and salads will be split amongst all participants, and everyone will be asked to provide their own beverage. If you are interested in joining us, please sign up on the sheet located in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions please call Judy Wheaton weekdays at 529-2265, Ext. 274, or in the evening and weekends at 546-9592. This event is always so much fun, so we hope you can join us. November: Paint Night – details forthcoming

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 December: Advent Season Wednesday Suppers/Services – Wednesday, November 30 through December 21, 2016 – Fellowship will provide the entire meal on 11/30 and 12/21 6:00 pm supper prior to 7:00 pm services Caroling – Sunday 12/11/16 – time to be determined – carol to homebound members, with Fellowship to follow at the Wheaton’s 

*******************************************PRAYERS OF GRACE MINISTRY

 

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” Ephesians 6:18

There are a couple of ways to request prayers from the Prayer Chain. 1. Call the church office 522-3965. 2. Email Chris Venaas, cvksos4363@gmail.com, Sara Oehlert, soehlert@aol.com , or Pastor Christell, prchristell@aol.comIf you want to join the Prayer Chain just let Sara or Chris know and you will be added to the list. PRAYERS STILL NEEDED… for Erica Trinh, the young mother fighting brain cancer. You have the option of going on the internet and seeing daily updates at www.giveforward.com or the website that Ben Trinh has developed prayforericatrinh.com Please keep her, her husband Ben and daughter Sarah as well as Mike and Elaine Digiovanna and family and friends in your prayers.   

STEWARDSHIP NEWS 

PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER GROWING:Please use the next few weeks as a time of prayer as you consider how God has blessed you and what you can share in joy and delight for God’s gifts and rich grace in Christ.  As a guide in your giving, please prayerfully consider the tithe (sharing a tenth of your income) or growing by 10% or more over what you are presently giving as a financial gift to our ministry at Grace Lutheran Church.  To help you in your prayerful consideration, a “Growth in Giving” gift chart is included.  Please find your current level of giving on the chart and prayerfully consider growing your gift by at least 10% this next year.

We will be having temple talks in the last few weeks of October and early November. These talks will be for members of Grace Lutheran Church to share what it means for them to be members of Grace Lutheran Church and some of the ministries for which they are thankful.  We have all been blessed so much by God with our gifts of time, abilities and financial resources. Thanks be to God for the gift of grace in Christ and the opportunity of giving in grace as an expression of joy and thanksgiving for all of God’s blessings!

The Stewardship Committee

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 Lunch Bunch COOKS WANTED:  We are looking for cooks who are willing to share their kitchen abilities with their fellow parishioners for the rechristened 50+ to "The Lunch Bunch".  If you cooked for 50+ in the past and are willing to continue doing so, please let us know. Joanne Howe 899-6413 or Velma Lawson 971-5467.OCTOBER’S LUNCH The lunch bunch will meet on October 16 at 12:00 noon we will be serving lasagna, lettuce salad, garlic bread and apple pie. Please make reservations by Wednesday October 12th. A sign up sheet will be in Fellowship Hall. Any question call Velma or Joann. COOKBOOKS ARE HERE!!!!... This labor of love that so many have worked so hard on is finally here. We need your help to sell our cookbook. The books cost $15.00. It is a fundraiser for the Food Pantry and $6.00 from every book goes directly to the Food Pantry.

 Place a cookbook on your desk at work. Place your cookbook in your home where guests will see it. When you make a recipe from the book tell your friends on Facebook

about it.  

FOOD PANTRY R E PORT Helen Appleton

As Christ fed the multitudes, the mission of the Historical Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry is to feed the hungry.

 In August of 2016, we served 545 families composed of 1235 individuals compared to 373 families composed of 902 individuals in 2015. We served 900 individuals in August of 2014 and 1300 individuals in August of 2013. In 2012, we had so many referrals that we had to request that some agencies send us fewer people. 

Due to a number of reasons mentioned in last month’s Grace Notes, as well as the recent increase in the number of referrals, the Food Pantry has been spending more money than we bring in. Through the month of August, we have spent nearly $35,000 more than we brought in for monetary donations and grants. We have taken some steps to reduce costs and how much we offer people. Of course, our hope and prayer is that we will receive additional donations and funds. If we are not able to do this, we will further have to reduce the amount of food we offer or take other steps to be able to remain open. 

For September, Grace members were requested to bring in boxes of cereal, preferably those low in sugar content such as Cheerios, Kix, Special K, or the generic equivalent (try for 6 grams or less per serving) to the church. For October,

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Grace members are requested to bring in 175 cans of fruits and 175 cans of vegetables in honor of our 175th anniversary.  

St. John’s sent an additional gift of $500 to the Food Pantry in honor of our 175 th

anniversary. Thanks to all for your generosity! If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity we need you. Thursday’s especially.   You can donate your leftover Halloween candy to the Food Pantry. A container for the candy will be in the back of the church.  

SEW ‘N SOWERS STUFFED ANIMAL PROJECT...are making stuffed animals out of Halloween theme fabric. They will be given to five local agencies who serve children. They are on display in the Fellowship Hall. You may purchase them. The money will be used to purchase supplies to make more animals. We meet the second Saturday of every month from 9:00– noon. You can come as time permits. Cutting out and sewing can also be done at home. We are also in need of people to deliver the animals. Questions may be referred to Charlotte, 546-5573. We will meet Saturday, October 8 at 9:00 am.  YOUR HEALTH NEWS

Parish Nurse...Diana Weyhenmeyer 

Zika Virus 

I thought people would like more information on the Zika Virus since we've heard so much about it during the Olympics in Rio. I went out to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) web site for information. Here is what I've found.

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can bite at nighttime.

Many people infected by the mosquito with the virus won't have symptoms or if they do, they will be mild and won't affect them.

Pregnant women can transmit the virus to their unborn children. This virus can cause birth defects in unborn children. Many of the star golfers refused to go to the Olympics for that reason. While I was watching, one announcer said he hadn't seen a mosquito the entire time he had been there.

There is no treatment for it, nor vaccine. You can treat symptoms with Tylenol.

Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is associated with other pregnancy problems. Several countries that have experienced Zika outbreaks recently have reported increases in people who have Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS). Current CDC research suggests that GBS is strongly associated with Zika; however, only a small proportion of people with recent Zika virus infection get GBS.

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Prevention tips include:

Protect yourself from mosquito bites.Use insect repellent when outside for protection.Use gloves when gardening and long sleeves to avoid insect bites

 See the CDC website for more information. 

In Christ’s love, Diana 

REMEMBER TO HAVE YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKED THE THIRD WEEKEND OF EACH MONTH!

 

WELCAAll women of Grace are welcome at the Women’s Circle meetings

 and other WELCA  events. 

Please   note   the   following   schedule   for   what   is   happening :  

All women of Grace are welcome at the Women’s Circle meetings and other WELCA events.  The third quarterly meeting will be held October 15th. The WELCA board would like to extend a personal invitation to every woman in Grace Lutheran Church to our next Quarterly Meeting on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 9:00 am to

help finish school bags, fill the school bags and box them for shipping.  Breakfast will be served with a meeting before we get to work.  Many hands make for light work. 

Please come and see one of the mission projects in action.  Thank you.Faith/Grace Circle - October 5th at 12:30 pm at Grace in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any other questions, please contact Charlotte Blumle.Sew n’ Sowers - October 8th in the church basement from 9:00 am to noon. Contact person is Charlotte Blumle.Ruth Circle - Lutheran women have a long history of Bible study, discipleship, and a desire to deepen their spiritual life.  Please join us for Ruth Circle on Tuesday,

October 25 at 7:00 pm at Grace.   This month's devotions and program will center around strengthening our spiritual lives as we explore some of the tools available to us to discern God's hope and desires for our lives.  We encourage

everyone to bring their favorite book, magazine, or devotional to share with the group.  Who knows? Maybe there's even "an app for that"!   Please join us and

bring a friend!

WELCA will soon be taking orders for Butter Braids, Cookie Dough and Pizzas. Watch for the order form in the Fellowship hall.

The pastries will be available November 18 & 19.   

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 TWISTED STITCHERSThe Twisted Stitchers meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm except in December. October 4, Kristin Schattschneider 3241 S MacArthur Blvd, Springfield IL November 1, Cathy McGuire 1527 E Converse St, Springfield IL December TBA Debbie Rigg 125 Basswood Rd, Springfield, IL January 3, 2017 Sara Oehlert 45 Axline, Chatham IL 62629 

LIVING LUTHERAN MAGAZINE… recently had an article with suggestions on how to make people aware of what one’s church has to offer. The article suggested each member speak to one person a week. This is the suggested phrase you could say in normal conversation once a week with four different people in October: “My church just put together a wonderful cookbook with over 500 of our members and friends recipes.” $250...may be available for a project you are working on this year, e.g. Animal Protective League, Scouts, School Supplies, Grace Food Pantry, etc. If Thrivent approves your application for funds, you will receive a credit card for $250 to purchase advertising, supplies, etc. For further information contact Jackie Matteson at Thrivent Financial, 622-8114 EVENT POSTERS...If you know of any places where we can display posters about events at Grace contact Charlotte, 546-5573 CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE...The insurance company that covers Historic Grace has asked to request Certificates of Insurance from all staff and members who use their personal vehicles for church business. When using your vehicle for church business, your private insurance is the primary coverage for any, God forbid, accidents. Those volunteers who should provide this certificate would include: persons who pick up food for the food pantry, either from the Food Bank or from other stores, persons who might transport youth or adults for church activities, person delivering flowers after worship, lay communion ministers, etc.  TAX EXEMPT FORM...If you need a tax exempt form so you can make purchases for church tax free, secure a new form from the church office.  

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 COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE COMMITTEES THEY REPRESENTAdministration/Finance Tom Appleton, Susan LeMasters, Ben SchlouchChristian Education Chris VenaasCommunity Ministry Carolyn NelsonEvangelism Mark Anderson, Claudia Cross, Jim HobbsFellowship Mary SchofieldLong Range Planning Phil Galloway, Ed WolletMutual Ministry Ed WolletParish Life Bill HansenProperty Jack WheatonStewardship Jim TurnerWorship & Music Chris VenaasYouth Dustin Janssen REMINDER: Committee chairs and/or secretaries please stop at the work room every week so that you can sign off on transactions vouchers. Thank you for giving your time.

WORSHIP SCHEDULESeptember-May

Saturday 5:00 pm / Sunday 8:00 am and 10:30 amJune-August

Saturday 5:00 pm / Sunday 9:15 amOur church is ACCESSIBLE for wheelchairs and a Listening Device system is available.

A nursery area is available at all worship services.Please call the church office for any information.

Mon-Fri 8:30 am – 4:30 pmOffice...522-3965 (voice mail available); Fax...522-5841

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The Food Pantry operating schedule is:Mon, Tues, Thu 11:00-2:30, Wed 11:00-1:00…522-9707

 E-mail addressesprchristell@aol.com-Pastor cmjbgeorge@gmail.com–Director of Musick.gietl15@yahoo.com-Church Secretary rpgios@comcast.net-Custodian

 

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