GRACE TO YOU. Proclaim, Build, and Serve

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1 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn 493 Forest Avenue at Pennsylvania Glen Ellyn, Illinois Return Service Requested West Conference - Metropolitan Chicago Synod - ELCA Month of December Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Glen Ellyn, IL Permit #104 Grace To You is the monthly newsletter of Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn. From the Pastor: I was at my dermatologist s office for my annual skin check. Just before I left he asked, Can I ask you a question unrelated to your visit today? Sure, I answered. I d like to know, he said, in your work as a minister, do you notice people being more stressed overall than they used to be? Absolutely, yes, I said. Do you? Oh my gosh, he answered. In all my years of practice, I have NEVER seen the level of significant, stress-induced skin conditions I am seeing this year. Never. And people just start dumping and venting as soon as they get in here. I was wondering if it was just me, or if this is really a thing everywhere. I think it s everywhere, I said. We agreed we d pray for each other. The time is drawing near when we welcome the Prince of Peace once again, and again re-dedicate ourselves to the practice of walking with him through the journey of discipleship that takes us to the cross, and to the resurrection. It seems like we need the Prince of Peace today as much as we ever have but we re sure struggling to experience the peace he brings. The gift of peace that Jesus brings isn t just the comfort of knowing that God saves us from death. It is also meant to be a real power that changes the way we re walking through this world. It should be changing the way we speak, and the way we act with each other. This peace doesn t just happen by default, though. It is a practice of discipleship. So in this tumultuous time, I invite you to welcome the Prince of Peace by re-dedicating your own speaking and acting to ways of peace. Here s a first, practical step: Don t call anyone names. Not anyone. Regardless of how you feel about their politics, or whether you think they deserve it, don t say so-and-so is stupid, heartless, corrupt, greedy, selfish, racist, homophobic, ignorant. (Not just the people you re talking to, by the way, but also the people you re talking about.) Just like you don t tell a kid they re a bad kid you tell them their behavior is a problem, and you explain why. If you want to talk about a politician s actions, talk about the action, and why you have a concern with it. As a nation, we seriously need to get over the name-calling, because that only results in more name-calling and fights and toxicity. A second (and obviously related) step: Practice intentional respect in all your conversations for everyone. Treat everyone with the respect you want to receive. Even if the person you re talking about is spewing the worst kind of vitriolic hatred, speak to them and about them as though they are better than what they are demonstrating. What good is it if we keep spewing hatred for hatred? How will we convince people to be respectful by disrespecting them? (Answer: we won t.) Maybe this isn t a very Christmas-y pastoral letter for December. But for heaven s sake, can you think of a better gift with which to welcome Jesus than by disrupting the stream of angry insults and dehumanizing toxicity? Christian discipleship has always been countercultural, and this is no exception. Today is a great time to re-dedicate ourselves to respect and peace. The world definitely needs it. And it ll make baby Jesus smile. GRACE TO YOU Proclaim, Build, and Serve

2 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 2 Month of December 2017 Christmas Worship Services There will be two worship services at Grace on Christmas Eve. 4:00pm will be a Family Service and 10:00pm will be a Traditional Candlelight Service. There will not be Sunday morning services on Christmas Eve. Grace Lutheran will not have a Christmas Day service. There will be Christmas Day services at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn on Butterfield Road at 9:30am; and Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Wheaton on Geneva Road at 9:30am for those looking for a house of worship on Christmas morning. Council Corner - Giving Thanks Have you ever looked in a snow globe and envisioned a story for the encased scene as snow gently alights on the characters? Might it be the same story the designer was thinking? What if we and our church were in that snow globe? What if we were all shook up and then surrounded by the gentle (snow) blessings from God? What story would be seen by a child looking in at us? By a senior citizen? A busy worker? A person living in the margins? A person feeling unloved? A person who doesn t know Jesus? A person comfortable in life? Our neighbors? God? Conversations about such questions are pertinent to topics at our January congregation meeting. Council encourages conversations and questions prior to our meeting. Cottage meetings will be in January. We look forward to these conversations. Sue Pagnoni Council President You are Grace-full New Years Eve Worship There will be two services at Grace on Sunday, December 31. 8am and 10:30am. There will be no Faith Formation classes that day. Social Committee Corner Faith and Friendship Christmas Party: Come to our annual Christmas gathering Wednesday Dec. 20 at 11:30. All are welcome to join in this festive event of food, fellowship and holiday fun. We gather for devotions followed by lunch and gift exchange. Bring a wrapped "white elephant" gift to share. Come share in some holiday cheer with Grace friends!!! Church Christmas Decorating: Help make the church beautiful for Christmas. Plan to stay after church on Sunday, Dec. 3 and Dec. 10 to help put up decorations. It goes very quickly if we all pitch in, and the church is so beautiful with all the lights!! Poinsettias for Christmas: We will have poinsettia plants available for you to order to decorate the sanctuary. You may take them home after Christmas Eve services. The plants are $15 and order must be placed by Sunday, December 10. Place your order forms in offering plate or church office. ESSE in December December is Grace's month to volunteer for ESSE at Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn. If you have a hobby, a pet, pictures from a trip you could share with clients, or would like to play games with clients please sign-up in the Fellowship Room. The clients also appreciate homemade treats. If you have some holiday cookies, sweets, or healthy snacks please also sign-up to drop them off at ESSE. Thank you, Doris Nelson

3 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 3 Month of December 2017 Children, Youth, and Family Ministry Music Opportunities in December We will not have a Lessons & Carols Youth Service this year due to Christmas Eve falling on a Sunday. Instead, our students will celebrate the season with music during the prelude of 10:30am service each week during Advent. Spark and Shine 1&2 groups will be singing or playing Krystal Bells for the music 10:30am service Prelude (very first thing) each Sunday in Advent: December 3 rd, 10 th, and 17 th. We are looking for 6-7 students to play Hand Chimes on December 17 th for the 10:30am service Prelude. Students will rehearse this piece on Sunday mornings, December 3 rd, 10 th, & 17 th from 9:15am-9:40am in the choir loft with Sandra Venturoni. Please let Becky know if you can attend these rehearsals and present the song on December 17 th. Any student that typically would present a solo, duet, or ensemble piece for the Lessons & Carols Service are invited to do so during any Advent Service or during 4:00pm Christmas Eve Service. Please let Becky or Bradford know if you would like to do so! Fusion High School Sunday Morning Study will meet December 3 rd & 10 th, 9:15-10:15am in the Fusion High School Lounge. Come join the Gospel Reading conversation with coffee and donuts. Ignite Confirmation Sunday Morning Study in the Ignite Youth Room, 9:15-10:15am December 3 rd, 10 th, & 17 th. Wednesday Night Study December 6 th & 20 th, 6:00-7:30pm Ignite Confirmation Bake Sale December 17 th between and after services. If you would like to donate a Bake Sale item, please let Becky know. Spark & Shine 1&2 Sunday Morning Faith Formation will meet December 3 rd, 10 th, & 17 th. 9:15-9:30am God s Wonderful World Craft; 9:30-10:00am meet in class; 10:00-10:15am Music with Mrs. Drager *After December 17 th, classes will not meet again until January 21 st. On January 7 th & 14 th there will be a movie shown and group activity while parents have the opportunity to meet with council to discuss the upcoming vote for the RIC process that will take place on January 28 th. Play Group will meet at Grace on December 8th, 15th, & 22 nd from 8:30am-10:30am. After these dates we will be on break, returning January 12 th. Open Gym Night will meet on Friday, December 8 th from 6:00-8:00pm. Bring your children to run around and play games while the adults enjoy fellowship. Kids are welcome to bring scooters and small bikes to ride as well. There will be an ornament craft available to make. Bring any appetizers, beverages, or snacks that you wish to enjoy with the group! Women of Grace will meet December 27 th at 7:30 at Reserve 22 in Glen Ellyn. Shaking The Cans Our students will be Shaking the Cans to raise money to purchase gifts for two local families in need. We are partnering with the Glen Ellyn Jr. Women s Club for this endeavor. Here are three ways you can help. Bring in your change on December 3 rd & 10 th to donate after 8 & 10:30am services Purchase a journal sold in the Narthex on December 3 rd & 10 th between services Purchase a cookie or soup jar kit in the Narthex on December 3 rd & 10 th between services Please contact me with any questions! With thanks! Becky Ficarella x17 bficarella@graceglenellyn.org

4 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 4 Month of December 2017 One Voice Outreach Choir To Perform at Grace Lutheran Grace Lutheran Church will one again host the One Voice Outreach Choir for a special Christmas concert at 3:00pm on Sunday, December 3. One Voice Choir is a unique musical experience. The choir is comprised of over 50 high school students from the Glen Ellyn and Wheaton area who represent several high schools and houses of worship. Together these teens give their time and lend their hearts to this special choir. One Voice performs around Chicago visiting Nursing and Retirement homes. The goal of One Voice Choir is to bridge the generational gap and create positive connections within their communities. All Grace members and friends are invited and encouraged to attend. Women of Grace November 29 and December 27 at 7:30pm Women of Grace is an evening gathering open to all women of Grace Lutheran Church. We will meet at Reserve 22 (Village Links Golf Course) in Glen Ellyn for drinks, appetizers, or dinner! Reverse Advent Calendars Grace will be participating in the Reverse Advent Project again this year. Grab a grocery bag from the Narthex and fill it with a new item from the list each day. All of the donations will be shared with the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry and DuPage PADS. Return your bag to either of the Christmas Eve Services for a blessing at the Altar or at any service after Christmas. Like Us on Facebook! Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn has a Facebook page and we would like you to like us! Stay in touch with events, ministries, ELCA news and check out the pictures! Grace To You Article Submission Schedule Submit articles and photos to the church office at info@graceglenellyn.org. January Issue Due December 6 December Issue Due November 1 Weekly Building Usage Sunday 8:00 & 10:30am Grace Lutheran Worship Sunday 9:15-10:15am Faith Formation Hour 4th Sunday 2:00-3:15pm Family Barn Dance Sunday 5:00-6:00pm Support Group (WOW) Mon-Fri 9:00-1:00pm Senior Service Center 3rd Monday 9:00-11:00pm Food Pantry Board of Directors 2nd Monday 10:00-11:00am Food Pantry (Gr. Room) Monday 11:30-12:30pm Support Group (WOW) Monday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients 2nd Monday 6:00pm Finance Ministry Monday 7:00-8:30pm Adult Ed Bible Study 3rd Monday 7:00pm Grace Church Council Monday 7:15pm Yoga Class (Narthex) Tuesday 1-3pm & 5-7pm Food Pantry for Clients 1st Tuesday 9:30am Social Ministry 1st Tuesday 11:00-1:00pm Sr. Center Exercise Class 2nd Tuesday 11:00-1:00pm Sr. Center Exercise Class 3rd Tuesday 11:00-1:00pm Sr. Center Book Club 4thTuesday 11:00-1:00pm Sr. Center Exercise Class Tuesday 3:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor 4th Tuesday 4:00-5:00pm Food Pantry (Gr. Room) Tuesday 6:00-7:30pm Pill Bottle Project 1st Tuesday 7:00pm Property Ministry Wednesday 7:30-8:30am Bible Study 2nd Wed. 10:00-Noon Sr. Center Movie 4th Wed. 10:00-Noon Sr. Center Movie Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients Wednesday 1:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor Wednesday 8:00-10:00pm Support Group (WOW) 4th Wed. 7:30pm Women of Grace (offsite) Thursday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients Thursday 1:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor Friday 6:30-7:45pm Support Group (WOW) First three Saturdays of each month 8:30-11:00am Sunflower Dancers 9:00-1:00pm Slanchogledi Language School Noses and Numbers Date Attendance Offering 8am 10:30am 10/ $13,977 10/ $ 6,690 10/ $ 4,244 10/ $ 3,769 10/ $10,136 Grace s total income through October 2017 was $334,703 while expenses incurred during that same time period were $383,141 leaving Grace with a deficit of $48,4389. If our end of year giving matches last year (remember the 1% Challenge) we could end the year in the black. We are grateful for your support in helping us reach a balanced budget.

5 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 5 Month of December 2017 Foundations Foundations is a monthly Wednesday evening gathering where we ll revisit Luther s Small Catechism but with adult questions and adult beverages! (Bring a libation of your choice, a dessert to share if you like, and a willingness to go ahead and ask the question you thought you shouldn t ask.) Our next session will be December 20 at 7:30pm. Shop At AmazonSmile Christmas is around the corner! Remember to shop at AmazonSmile when making purchases online. In order to browse or shop at AmazonSmile, customers must first select a charitable organization. Here is the link for Grace Lutheran: When you sign on, you will see Supporting Grace Lutheran Church in the upper left hand corner. Then just shop as you normally do. There is no cost to Grace or to you, the customer. The shopping experience is identical to Amazon.com with the added benefit that the Amazon-Smile Foundation will donate a percentage of your purchase amount to Grace. #Me Too Mondays Over the last few years there has been an increasing level of awareness and conversation about sexual abuse and harassment in our country. While the willingness to acknowledge the issue has been a welcome change for many women, it has also surfaced a lot of painful memories and emotions. And many women are feeling like they don t have a good place to process and work through that stress. Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn West Conference - Metropolitan Chicago Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 493 Forest Avenue at Pennsylvania Avenue Glen Ellyn, Illinois Office: Fax: info@graceglenellyn.org Every Member: Minister & Missionary! Melody Eastman, Pastor Bradford Thompson, Minister of Music Barbara Sudds, Office Manager Becky Ficarella, Children & Youth Coordinator Carole LoGalbo, M.S., LCPC Parish Counselor Church Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:30am - 3:00pm Pr. Melody and Becky Ficarella invite women of Grace to the first #Me Too Monday on Monday, January 8 from 7:00-8:30pm. This gathering is for women who would like a quiet, safe space to talk about how they ve been feeling in this current environment. We ll gather downstairs in the Youth Room for hot tea, cocoa, and supportive and encouraging conversation. (This isn t designed to be a therapy session, but simply an opportunity for women to be able to talk about their experiences and feelings, and hopefully lay aside some of the stress.) If you have questions, contact Pr. Melody or Becky Ficarella. Prayer Requests Elaine Roete, Greg Barber, Mike Pertle, Lois Pertle, Dorothy Stein, Laurie Huizenga, Donna Gerhardt, Joan Schonstore, Nancy Hubbard, Kay Mahnke, and Jack Dean for healing and strength. The families of Wilma Salyer, Ardena Klenk and Dick Whitecotton for comfort in grief. Prayers for our Homebound Members: Florence Kracke-at Laurels Peak in Mankato, MN Julie Trout-at Westbridge Asst d Living in Wheaton Prayers for our member in the Armed Forces: Rodger Plant, Air Force