Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. PURPLE is the color of Lent and is used in church settings from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday

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1 March 2014 TheVoice Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Westerville, Ohio Grace of PURPLE is the color of Lent and is used in church settings from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday Mid-Week Lenten Services - First Four Weeks of Lent March 4th March 26 First Week of Lent Shrove Tuesday, March 4 Ash Wednesday, March 5-6 p.m. - Sausage & Pancake Supper - 7 p.m. - Getting Lost At Home - 7 p.m. - Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes No Soup Supper Second Week of Lent Third Week of Lent Fourth Week of Lent Wednesday, March 12 The Prodigal Son: Sunrise or Sunset? - 6 p.m. - Soup Supper - 7 p.m. - Worship Wednesday, March 19 The Elder Son: The Coat Says It All - 6 p.m. - Soup Supper - 7 p.m. - Worship Looking Ahead to April Wednesday, March 26 The Father: Not Your Typical Parent - 6 p.m. - Soup Supper - 7 p.m. - Worship Wednesday, April 2 - The Mother: Where s Mom? - 6 p.m. Soup Supper - 7 p.m. Worship Wednesday, April 9 - The Servant: Can I Get A Witness? - 6 p.m. Soup Supper - 7 p.m. Worship HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday, April 13 - Procession with Palms on Palm Sunday Tuesday, April 15 - Holy Week Eucharist and Luncheon - 11 a.m. Thursday, April 17 - Maundy Thursday, Eucharist and Washing of Hands - 7 p.m. Friday, April 18th - Good Friday, Tenebrae (Service of Shadows) Closing the Distance - 7 p.m. EASTER SUNDAY, April 20 - Celebration of the Resurrection 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Catered Easter Breakfast between services

2 Reserved Parking for... Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ It s been something I ve been thinking about for a long time. After talking it over with Pr. Walston, on Sunday mornings he and I won t be enjoying the convenience of a Reserved for Pastor prime parking spot! Prior to Grace I d not served a congregation with Reserved parking for the pastor. On Sunday mornings it was my practice to park farthest away. After all, on Sundays I m among the first to arrive and the last to leave. Why not give a prime parking spot to someone else? It s a matter of hospitality. Plus, every study I ve seen indicates parking is a major factor in growing a church s worship attendance. Please notice I said a major factor. To be sure important things like the quality of music, biblical preaching and teaching, and spiritually genuine relationships are central to Sunday morning worship. However, in our automobile dependent age, we dare not overlook the parking lot! It s said one car now brings 1.8 persons to church compared to 4 people over 30 years ago! At a recent staff meeting we were talking about covering the Reserved for Pastor signs on Sunday and I ended our conversation by saying, Evangelism that s just talk is easier than evangelism that makes me walk. Yes, parking It s said one car now brings 1.8 persons to church compared to 4 people over 30 years ago! is also about evangelism. Again, those who study these things tell us when people look for a church home and can t easily find a parking spot, they get the impression there s no room in the inn and if there isn t any parking at all they drive away, most often to a restaurant or back home. As we begin another Lent, a time when we set our faces toward Jerusalem to journey with our Lord to the Cross of Good Friday and Easter s side of the church. Empty Tomb, I offer the following for your prayerful consideration. In addition to whatever your personal Lenten discipline may be, make the commitment to worship this Lent, Holy Week and Easter and park across Otterbein in the PNC bank parking lot (we can) or perhaps a spot on the far east Not only will it help make our already crowded parking lot more welcoming for our guests, chances are the walk will do you good, too. Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. (Hebrews 13:1-2) With you entertaining angels, Pastor Will Grace Youth Make the Best of Snow Emergency Dan George and Carrie O Neil took middle school, high school, and college youth sledding in January. The trip was supposed to be at Snow Trails near Mansfield, but the weather was so bad that day (Level 2 snow emergency) that the youth were taken to a sled hill in Westerville. Thanks to all the parents who let us quickly borrow sleds during our trip adjustment. After sledding they went to Krispy Creme doughnuts (because they don t get enough doughnuts at church), and got some energy pills. They then headed back to the church and hung-out in the youth room downstairs playing games, and eating lunches that they packed for Snow Trails. The VOICE of Grace March Page 2

3 Altar Guild Serving and Growing Thirty-one of the members (pictured above) participated in the breakfast meeting hosted by cochairmen Rachel Gangstead and Carolyn Gibboney. The Grace Altar Guild has grown to 52 members. They held their annual meeting on Saturday morning, February 15 to schedule and plan for the new year. Do you enjoy your work in the ministry(s) in which you participate? Would you like to try something new or change ministry? During the months of February/March we will be updating the ministries and this will be your chance to It s OK change from one to another or join a ministry. Since Grace is blessed with over To Try Something New 60 ministries, there are plenty of opportunities. Please contact Carolyn Martin, (614) or martin1529@sbcglobal.net to make your changes or join a ministry. If you need a list of the ministries, please contact the church office or Carolyn. People in Ministry Update Dartball Team Competes Pictured above is The Team: Back row L to R - Scott Matosky, Robert Bassett, Ben Vann, Dan Morrison. Front: Greg Matosky, Roger Wells, Cecil Budd, Jack Pfeifer. Missing from picture: David Quast, Kyle Bright, Garry Bright. The VOICE of Grace Above and far left: Robert and Cecil getting in a little practice before a match. Left: Roger displays the jug which holds donations acquired when team members miss the board. March Page 3

4 Serve God by Serving Others Honor the Lord with your substance and the first fruits Our Lord s birth, baptism, gathering of his disciples and the beginnings of his ministry are behind us already. Shrove Tuesday, Ash Wednesday and Lent are just ahead. The concept of giving something up for lent is so often asked. So why not me asking you, What will you give up? Whatever it might be, consider adding the giving up of one non-perishable food item each week and donate it all to W.A.R.M. In each small way we are serving God by serving others. Together our outreach in March and April to W.A.R.M. can be amazing. The Congress is scheduled to vote on the cutting of billions of dollars from the food stamp program which is included in the Farm Bill. Approximately 47 million Americans receive food stamps. Donations to food banks are declining. So, you say. The weak economy, the lack of job opportunities and the loss of government assistance have caused many individuals and families to seek additional support from food banks across the nation. It therefore continues to be part of our service to God to help those organizations who are contnually trying to aid everyone in our communities who find themselves in these trying times. Cut out this grocery list. If you are buying things for of all your produce. (Proverbs 3:9) all things are welcome. PLEASE CHECK EXIRATION DATES. Once expired items - items have to be thrown away. Pantries cannot put expired items on their shelves but are allowed to put some items with expired dates that are not too old on special tables that individuals may select from with a no-count against their allotted receivable quantities if they wish. This is ok, but the foods that are deemed being of good quality are definitely preferred. With extended shelf life, items can be rotated onto shelves that need to be distributed and others reserved that can be stored if they receive an overabundance of popular items like corn and beans, etc. February s First Fruits Contributions Food/Hygiene = 218 pounds Y.T.D pounds Monetary = Feb 2 -- $245 Y-T-D -- $505 Next FIRST FRUITS March 2 - then April 6. Cash may be given in envelopes marked for W.A.R.M., placed in the offering plate or into the wooden box located in the grocery cart for W.A.R.M. If donating by check please make it out to Grace Lutheran Church with a notation to W.A.R.M. February s grocery list: Contact Jill Morrison at FOOD: Crackers (any kind), 5445 if you would like to help on a ketchup, whole wheat pasta First Fruits Sunday at the service of and rice dishes, and canned your choice. pineapple. Our mission statement says it all: HYGIENE: Shampoo, diapers Reach out with the love of Jesus to (sizes 4,5,6) diaper wipes, hotel/motel hygiene products. nity. Serve God by serving others grow disiples and serve our commu- is definitely a significant part of our W.A.R.M., you will see what the mission. God s blessings to all who pantry is needing. If you are taking are participating in this vital designated by March 31, something from you own pantry, outreach The VOICE of Grace March Page 4 Thank You! Something to Remember for Thrivent Members An easy contribution to the playground fund Designations due by March 31, Whenever you would have the opportunity to use your Choice Dollars and choose to direct them to be sent to Grace Lutheran Church, consider designating them for a specific fund such as the upgrading of the chruch s playground. If specific designations are your wishes, please: Inform Kathy Snead (she is in charge of church finances) that you have designated your Choice Dollars to Grace Lutheran Church in Westerville, Ohio. Specifiy which fund you want your donation to go to (Playground Fund, Building Fund, Columbarium Fund, etc.) Indicate the exact amount of your Choice Dollars. Each time that you make Choice Dollar designations to Grace Lutheran Church, you MUST inform the church as to your wishes. Thrivent only sends a total amount from all individuals who have contributed their Choice Dollars to Grace Lutheran and the individual names of all who contributed. Once the church receivies this information and you have not made a specific request as to where you wish the money to go, it is placed into the Church Ministry Fund. Specific designations to any area of our church s life is welcomed. Remember to follow the above steps so that your wishes may be carried out. Any Choice Dollars remaining for you from 2013 MUST be

5 Seraphina Sisters: Climbing High On Saturday, March 8, 2014 the Sisters will be climbing! They will meet for lunch at Panera (Maxtown Rd. and RT. 3)... and then... At 1:00 p.m. head for the Westerville Community Center for a go at the Zenith Climbing Wall. Don t miss this adventure. Seraphina Sisters: Our vision is to ignite a flame of hospitality, support, and fellowship to women with the loving arms of Jesus, to grow in His Word, and to demonstrate His good works in the community. Supper Club Cap City Diner at Stoneridge off Morse Rd. near Hamilton in Gahanna is the destination on March 20th. Supper club will not meet in April since the third Thursday is during Holy Week. May 15th we will be back at the Polaris Grill, and probably looking at LaScala for June 19th. Continue to check the bulletins and the Voice for more information. Greece/Turkey Trip Meeting A trip meeting was held on Sunday, February 16th, following the 11 am worship service. Travelers were asked to use the registration form available at the Welcome Desk in the Gathering Space to submit per instructions your $ per person trip deposit. There are 17 travelers and deposits for the 11-day Footsteps of St. Paul trip thus far. Only six people have indicated they would like to add the threeday Rome extension. A minimum of 15 is required to make the Rome extension happen. Pastor Hartfelder needs to know soon how many want to be included in the Rome extension so that arrangements/plans can move forward. A firm commitment is needed. More information on the Footprints os St. Paul trip is available in the church office. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Pastor Will. This trip is not limited to members of Grace. I know what it is to be in need and what it is to have more than enough. I have learnt this secret, so that anywhere, at any time, I am content, whether I am full or hungry, whether I have too much or too little. I have the strength to face all conditions by the power The Men of Grace (MOG) The Men of Grace invites all men to participate in the series Basic Training for a Few Good Men. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Rose Garden #1. This course provides guidelines in becoming a strong leader in family, work, community, and church settings. Also remember that M.O.G. meets on the third Saturday of each month for breakfast and program. 8:00 a.m. in the Loaves and Fishes Cafe. Sunday Nights and Saturday mornings are a tough sell - we know that. But we also know that you, your family, and the church will benefit a great deal from your participation with other Men of Grace in these sessions. Give it a shot. Blood Drive- Friday, March 14, 2014 noon to 6:00 p.m.. The January Red Cross Blood Drive was very successful with 42 units collected. Thanks to all donors and volunteers. Let s do even better!! Miss a Sermon or Wish to Hear it Again? It is easy to hear a sermon you may have missed or you might wish to hear again or recommend to another simply by going to the Grace website at: www. grace43081.org. When you arrive at the website you: 1) click on worship on the left of the screen; 2) click on Sermons on the lower right; 3) click on Listen to a Sermon in the middle of the screen; 4) choose your sermon from the menu. QR Code for Website This is the QR (Quick Response) code for Grace. Scan this code with your iphone and it will take you directly to the Grace Lutheran Website. Stay up-to-date on the ministries of Grace. Log on to that Christ gives me. - St. Paul, Philippians 4:12 The VOICE of Grace March Page 5

6 3/1 Jeff Warbritton Jack Funk 3/2 Linda Miller Lindsey Bright 3/3 Lyle Barkhymer Beth Hahn Jeffrey Cohagen Carissa Schroeder 3/4 Charles Roll Wendy Stone 3/5 Nancy Kleberg Mandi Bell Aubrey Toler 3/6 Janis Boughton Rob Long 3/7 Bill Grossman Stephen Miller 3/8 Joshua Rockwood Trenton Hahn-Minor 3/9 Cynthia Fue 3/1 Mick and Karen Knisley 3/3 Nelson & Faye Miles 3/6 Tom & Nicky Rothmann 3/10 Randy Stoll 3/11 Eloise Collier 3/12 David Patterson Jessica Thomas Carson Schroeder 3/13 Ben Vann 3/13 Robert Longfellow 3/14 Jacob Singleton Katie Singleton Bennett Calland 3/15 Mark Miller 3/16 Susan Monroe Mark Moore Avery Rowe 3/17 Elizabeth Penn 3/18 Pam Finy Bruce Berry Laura Calland Kylie Gehringer Little Blessing Preschool is now in the process of enrolling for the school year! Please share this information with family, friends and neighbors who may be looking for a preschool for their 3,4,or 5 year old child. Encourage them to call to receive information and schedule a visit to Little Blessings. Our teachers provide an awesome experience and preparation for children prior to entering Kindergarten. Call for information. BIRTHDAYS 3/19 Fred Ulrich Linda Morelli Heather Soster Randy Cashman Emily Gorgias 3/20 Carole Smith Robert Clark Alicia Dunn Noah Rowe 3/21 Mike Wiese Ken Hagen Tami Stone Jonathan Dove Maren Traeger 3/21 Will Snead Jay Holland Forrest Workman Erin Okonak 3/22 Taylor Warren ANNIVERSARIES 3/14 Doug & Julie Fraser 3/23 Michelle Bosse Claire Jenkins 3/24 Rodney Smith Patrick Berry 3/25 James Ross 3/26 Phyllis Bale Eric Hartfelder 3/27 Louise Clifford James Newton Kim Harris 3/28 Mary Roll Bela Bernhardt 3/29 Sue Brown Nathaniel Rowe Sidney Skeie 3/30 Craig Weber Kelli Bogner 3/31 Pam Cooper Kathy Michel Amanda Bright 3/21 Rick & Sue Clark 3/25 Jim & Sue Monroe 3/25 Stephen & Sue Mahrt Aubrey Quinn Toler Baptized February 2, 2014 Daughter of Katie & Brad Toler Dear Friends, Your ongoing support of W.A.R.M. means so much to all the families in need in Westerville. Thank you from the bottom of our heart for all your generous donations. Sincerely, your friends at W.A.R.M. The VOICE of Grace March Page 6

7 Grace Sunday School News SUNDAY SCHOOL GATHERING TIME The Sunday School gathering for youth 5th grade and under is held in Room 202 from 9:25 to 9:45. It is led by Lisa Kuhar. After the gathering, the children are dismissed to their respective Sunday School classrooms. This gathering is for those students who do not participate in the Children s choir. The Sunday School lessons for March will include: Malaria Project Resumes The Sunday School youth are resuming the malaria service The Children Of Grace - project begun last year. with love of Reaching out The goal of Jesus to grow the project disciples and is to reduce serving our the number community of children in Liberia who die from malaria. The statistics on the number of children who contract malaria are disheartening, especially when the solution is so simple. Currently, a child in Africa dies every seconds from malaria! The solution to this problem is mosquito netting, medical treatment, and education. The offering contribution from the Sunday School youth will go toward purchasing mosquito netting for the children in Liberia so that they may enjoy preschool - Jesus heals a lame man, Jesus feeds 5,000, Jesus blesses the children, Jesus is a shepherd PreK/K/1st grade - The Golden Rule, What is a Christian, Jesus travels, Jesus performs miracles 2nd/3rd grade - the Parable of the Lost Coin; the Parable of the Prodigal Son; the Rich Man and Lazarus; a rich, young ruler 4th/5th grade - the Transfiguration, Spiritual Gifts, Saul s conversion, Paul s first mission 6th/7th/8th grade - women of the Bible, Lent and Easter preparations 9th/10th/11th/12th/college - FaithLens by the ELCA, joining the adult class for videos of different denominations SAVE THE DATE Preschool Vacation Bible School (VBS) and Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio (LOMO) Day Camp will take place July 14-18, 2014 here at Grace Lutheran Church. safe, peaceful slumbers. This is an easy concept for the children to understand: under the netting, safe; not under the netting, not safe. A visual representation of their progress will be maintained in either the Rose Garden lobby or the gathering space. Anyone who wishes to contribute to this effort may do so by placing a check with malaria project on the memo line in the offering plate. PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: As an effort to ensure the safety of all the children participating in any form of programming, as well as follow best practices, we request that each youth/child have emergency health and contact information on file. Forms can be found on the website under children and turned into the child s Sunday School teacher. Thank you for helping us maintain Registration opens on March 16th, At that time forms may be picked up at the church A loving heart is the truest wisdom. or online at -Charles Dickens The VOICE of Grace March Page 7

8 Concert Series Sunday, March 30, 7:30 p.m. Capital University BIG Band Under the direction of Dr. Lou Fisher since 1994, this eighteen piece, award winning jazz ensemble preforms both standard/traditional and contemporary repertoire. The BIG band is made up of Capital Universtiy undergraduated students. The Joyful Noise! Concert Series brings many member of our community to Grace. We are in need of volunteers to help direct the parking of cars, greet our visitors and take up the freewill offering. If you would like to help, contact Carolyn Martin at (614) or Please consider helping make a visit to the Joyful Noise concerts an enjoyable experience for members and guests. Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH PH: (614) Web: office@grace43081.org Rev. William A. Hartfelder, Senior Pastor VM 11 w.hartfelder@grace43081.org Rev. Richard O. Walston, Visitation Pastor Cell (614) rjwalston@msn.com Lora Moore, Director of Music Ministries Linda Hoch, Organist Kathy Snead, Office Administrator VM 18 k.snead@grace43081.org Marjie Penn, Receptionist/Secretary Jack Pfeifer, Property Manager Paul Hotchkiss, Custodian glcjack@outlook.com Jocelyn Shuman, Preschool Director; VM 14 littleblessingspreschool@grace43081.org GRACE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK GraceEvangelicalLutheranWesterville Preparation for First Holy Communion A First Communion Preparation class will take place at Grace this month. The first session will be held on Friday, March 14th at 6:30 p.m. The second session will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. The following questions can help parents determine the readiness of your child to receive his or her first Holy Communion. - Has your child been baptized? - Is your child asking questions about Holy Communion? - Is your child comfortable in various locations around the church, including the bema, ambo and the altar? - Will your child extend his or her hands when asked to do so? - Does you child recognize the Pastors and seem to be able to interact enough with them to receive the elements (Bread and Wine)? - Is your child aware enough of others in the congregation and their needs to show a degree of respect for their communion experience? - Are you prepared to help make the process positive? - Are you prepared to keep the promises you made at your child s baptism to bring him or her regularly to the Lord s Table? Only the first question requires a yes before your son or daughter can be considered ready to receive his or her First Communion. The other questions can be used to generate discussion and to plan, in consultation with Pastor Hartfelder or Pastor Walston, for your child s preparation to begin receiving Holy Communion. March 14 and 15, 2014 are the dates to put on your calendar. The Friday night session that begins at 6:30 includes parents or caregivers. The Saturday session is for the children starting at 9:00 in the morning and concludes after lunch at 1:30. First Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 16th. Before registering your child please consult with Pastor Hartfelder or Pastor Walston or contact the church office by phone or or office@grace43082.org The VOICE of Grace March Page 8

9 Blanket Month Success Every February our members have the opportunity to donate the cost of a blanket ($5.00) -or more - to a very worthy cause. The total collected was sent in our congregation s name to Lutheran World Relief. Pictured above is blanket clad Social Concerns member Robert Ayers with blanket donator Barbara Doll. An Adult Learning Opportunity Continues thru April 6th Reformation Roots: Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations? Ever wonder why there are so many Christian denominations and if there is really that much difference between them? The answers to this fundamental question lie in the dramatic and often violent times of the Reformation. The sessions are presented via DVD presentations featuring historians who have a passion for the church and its story. Participants are introduced to the characters and major events of one of the most interesting and important periods of church history. The introductory session was on Jan. 12. If you haven t attended and wish to, it is not too late as each session is self contained. Great presentation and discussion in Fellowship Hall between services. Facilitated by Pr. Hartfelder. Katharine Circle Katharine Circle meets in Rose Garden #1 monthly on the 1st Tuesday at 7:15 p.m. The Study is The Sermon on the Mount. On March 4 the lesson is: What s wrong with private sin? Juanita Martin will lead the discussion. On April 1 the lesson is Faithfulness in Marriage & Speech led by Jan Breen Come Join Us. Everyone Welcome! Ruth Circle - Parables On Monday, March 10, 2014 the Ruth Circle women will meet in the Rose 1:00 p.m. Ruth Circle is using the book on Parables, For more information call Joyce Strung at (614) Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church has been serving the Westerville Community for more than 100 years. Grace supports local ministries such as the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, Westerville Partnership Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross Bloodmobile and Westerville CROP Walk. Grace also supports Lutheran Social Services programs like Faith Mission and provides weekly meeting space for a Boy Scout Troop and three AA groups. The VOICE of Grace March Page 9 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.