Mark Your Calendar. Bold like Luther. October 1-15 Winter Outerwear Drive October 4 Wednesdays October 8 Sundays Lutheran Handbook Study begins

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1 Mark Your Calendar October 1-15 Winter Outerwear Drive October 4 Wednesdays October 8 Sundays Lutheran Handbook Study begins October 13 Taizé Prayer Service October 15 Flu Shot Clinic Pancake Breakfast Crop Hunger Walk October 16, 23 & November 6 One Hope Discussion Group October 22 GENEROSITY Sunday October 28 Congregational Health Screening October 29 Reformation Sunday October 30 & November 13 New Member Orientation October 31 Covenant Renewal Service Bold like Luther By Pastor Saïd Ailabouni Dear Friends, For the past 500 years, Lutherans throughout the world have celebrated Martin Luther s boldness and resolve in reforming the church to redirect their vision to the Generosity of God s incredible Grace. At Grace, we have taken bold steps to commit to sharing God s amazing grace and generosity with all generations. In February, the congregation showed a continued commitment to this vision and approved a budget that would require stronger levels of financial giving than in previous years. The October newsletters are filled with examples of how the lives of children, youth and adults are being changed because you care. You give of your time, talents and financial resources to make a difference in people s lives both here and far away. Thank you! October 22nd has been designated Generosity Sunday. The Summer Giving Gap has put us $65,000 behind in financial giving thru the end of September. On Generosity Sunday, we will be asking each of us who share in the life of Grace to be bold and give beyond whatever financial

2 gift you might ordinarily offer on that day. If you ordinarily do not give, please consider making an offering on Oct. 22. Every contribution-no matter the amount-makes a difference. If you ordinarily give cash from what is in your wallet or purse, please consider writing a check or giving online for a larger amount than usual. If you are not able to be here on October 22, please make your contribution in advance or give online. It is easy! Visit: If you already are giving an amount that is at the full extent of your capabilities, we sincerely thank you for your generosity In Second Corinthians 9:7, we are reminded, give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. In advance, thank you for your generosity. Blessings, Pastor Saïd So what is this Lutheran thing all about? Based on "The Essential Lutheran Handbook," this 4 week study will take a lighthearted look at why we do the things we do and what we think it means to be a Christian in the Lutheran church today. Afraid to ask, but wondering: Why do Pastors dress like that on Sunday? How do I take Communion? Why is the building shaped this way? Wednesdays, October 4-25th 10:00 am with Pastor Ben in Luther Room Sundays, October 8-29th at 11:00 am with Alice Oscarson & Mary Lynn Van Dyken in Kensington Wing Room A You are changing lives in our midst and around the world! Grace Preschool has enrolled 230 children in the past 3 years and the program is full. Families are grateful for the love and care their children are receiving, especially during weekly Chapel time. It has been wonderful to see that many preschool families have begun to join us in worship on Sundays. The Caring Team made nearly 3,000 visits this past year. The team serves communion monthly at local nursing homes, as well as, visits hospitalized and homebound members. This compassionate team includes staff & volunteers. Fall programing for Children and Youth kicked off earlier this month with a Bang! Nearly 150 children, youth and leaders participated in the first week. We are excited about the expansion of Grace Place Kids to the 11:00 hour, helping busy families worship at a time that best fits their schedule.

3 Covenant Renewal Service Reformation Day, October 31 at 7:00 pm Holy Name Cathedral, Chicago For over 50 years, Lutherans and Catholics have been on a journey from conflict to communion. With joy, we have come to recognize that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. We share the essential pattern of worship, and much liturgical renewal in the last decades has included partnership between Lutheran and Roman Catholics. Both ancient and contemporary hymns binds us as Christians. On this journey, mutual understanding and trust have grown. Christ is the way, the truth and the life. He is our peace, who breaks down the walls that divide, who gives us, through the Holy Spirit, ever-new beginnings. Catholics and Lutherans embrace each other as sisters and brothers in the Lord. Together they rejoice in the spiritual gifts that they both have received and rediscovered in various ways through the renewal and impulses of the Reformation. Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29 th Commemorating 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation As the commemoration brings joy and gratitude to expression, so must it also allow room for both Lutherans and Catholics to experience the pain over failures and trespasses, guilt and sin in the persons and events that are being remembered. We lament that even good actions of reform and renewal had often unintended negative consequences. Music often is the way forward, bringing peace and harmony in situations where mistrust and discord may prevail. Our actions speak louder than words. When we foster visible unity and reconciliation, we witness to God s mercy and forgiveness. On Reformation Sunday the choirs of Grace and St. Francis will join together in leading traditional worship at Grace. We re fortunate at Grace to partner with our Catholic brothers and sisters in several ongoing activities throughout the year. We look forward to Reformation Sunday when all services will commemorate these continuing unifying relationships. Commemoration of the Reformation & celebration of Covenant Renewal, will continue a commitment that Lutherans and Catholics have made together for 28 years working together for the common good and in joint ministries. A limited number of tickets are available for this free event, visit for more information. One Hope: Two Congregations in Conversation Mondays 7:00 pm Oct. 16, 23 & Nov. 6 Unity Hall, St. Francis Xavier Led by Pastor Saïd and Father Bill Tkachuk Jesus prayed "that all may be one." (John 17:21) These words are at the heart of our mission in Christ. As we commemorate the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's call for reform in the Church, we invite you to gather with our brothers and sisters from St. Francis Xavier for three nights of conversation and fellowship. We will use the book "One Hope," a collaborative effort of Lutheran and Catholic scholars, to guide our conversation. The group will converse about shared values that lead us to deeper unity as disciples of Christ. Consider participating in the October 13th Taizé Prayer Service with St. Francis (hosted at Grace Lutheran at 7:30 pm) as a prelude to the discussion group. Register online or for more information, contact Karen Janik at k.janik@gracelg.org

4 Winter Outerwear Drive October 1 15th Fellowship Hall Coats, Hats, Mittens, Scarves and Boots Walking with refugee families as they work to build a better life! Congratulations to Grace & Reed The Grace Church Music Apprenticeship-Scholarship Program, now in its 14th year, seeks to build future leadership by mentoring, encouraging, and preparing high school musicians for lifelong participation in worship. Recipients for the school year are Genesis Teens, Grace Gersch and Reed McKay. They have begun sharing their amazing talents in both the traditional and contemporary worship services. Grace is a sophomore at Riverside Brookfield High School. A choral singer since elementary school, she has been a member of the Spirito Singers for the past two years. She looks forward to adding her voice to the worship and music life of this community. Reed has been studying viola for six years and has been active in school orchestras. He enjoys playing for worship and looks forward to serving the church and growing as a musician. A service of Song Scripture Prayer Silence & Candlelight Taizé worship allows us to step away from our busy lives, quiet our minds and listen for God s voice. It also serves as a visible sign of reconciliation among those of differing faith traditions promoting healing in the world. Please join us at Grace: Friday, October 13 7:30 pm It s hip to clip Did you know that in the past 30 years the Box Tops for Educa/on program has generated over $800 million dollars for educa/on? Grace Preschool is collec/ng Box Tops as part of the con/nued playground enhancement. Have you seen our renova/ons? Stop out back and see the awesome new sandbox, storage sheds and sidewalk. Do you love children? The Preschool is currently seeking subs/tute teachers. For more informa/on regarding registra/on or Grace Preschool happenings, please contact Director Heather Grant at h.grant@gracelg.org. Parent Link Discussion Group 9:30 am Grace Place Kids Worship Parents are invited to join Grace Place Kids Worship service at 9:30 in Bernard Lounge. Following worship, students move to small group activities in the classrooms. Parents are invited to stay for: Parent Link Discussion Group Led by a facilitator, the group explores how the Bible story featured in worship applies to their real life experiences and their children's. Each week this 30-minute discussion group allows parents to connect with each other and God. Drop in and join the conversation!

5 Sunday Mornings Preschool 3 6 th Grade Genesis Teen Ministry s outreach, retreats and activities guide students toward a life lived as the hands, feet, heart and voice of God in the world. Friends are always welcome! Contact Genesis Director Keith Vedmore for more info at k.vedmore@gracelg.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Genesis High School Sundays at 10:30 Genesis Confirma1on (7-9th Grade) Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 pm Grace Place Kids in 1st - 6th grade will be taking a look at Stewardship this month. Stewardship is taking care of what you have because it ALL belongs to God. Jesus put stewardship into action. He used what He had from bread and fish, to dirt and spit to perform miracles, helping people see and eat. Everything Jesus did showed us how we can take care of God s stuff by using it the way that points people to God and fulfills the mission God has for us. Whether it is our time, our gifts, or our money we are to give to glorify God with a happy heart. Pancake Breakfast October 15 th 8:30-11:00 am Proceeds from the September breakfast will benefit the Lutheran World Relief Quilt Ministry Grace Place Kids PK will learn about the life of David this month. Even when his life zigged one way then zagged another, God was there to help. David faced lions, battles and a difficult situation with his best friend and God was by his side. Our preschoolers will learn that we can praise God because He helps us.

6 In this divisive world, it is easy to recognize differences. True joy, however, is found in connecting with people as people and seeking the things we share with one another. On November 12, Grace Lutheran Church will host an Interfaith event, aiming to bring together Muslims, Christians and Jews as we explore each other s faiths and learn from one another what it means for all of us to be children of Abraham. Come see how we can rise above and live stronger lives TOGETHER. FOR THE LOVE OF An Interfaith Event A Holy City for Three Faiths Sunday November 12 1:00-3:30pm Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange Come explore what Jerusalem means to Jews, Christians and Muslims Please RSVP by November 9th at or more information or questions, please contact Pastor Ben at b.sloss@gracelg.org Rabbi Brant Rosen Rev. Mark Swanson Sheikh Hassan Aly

7 Come and Grow with Us Grace welcomes all to join our community of faith as we grow together. Thinking about becoming a member of Grace? Find out what Grace is all about and how you can more fully participate by attending a two-session New Member Orientation. Whether you re considering membership or just want to learn more about Grace s beliefs and values and how you can get involved, we d love to have you join us: New Member Orientation Mondays, October 30 & November 13 7:00-8:15 pm (Childcare available) Register online or Karen Janik at k.janik@gracelg.org Looking forward to exploring with you what God can do in us when we follow him together! OPUS Older People Up To Something For more informa1on on monthly lunches, trips and ac1vi1es please contact Alice Oscarson at a.oscarson@gracelg.org Stage Kiss October 7 at 2:30 pm We ll a=end the Theater of Western Springs produc/on of Stage Kiss, featuring Grace member Kelly Winters Tickets $23 Just Lunch Country House Clarendon Hills Thursday, October 26 12:30 pm Open House Chicago Architecture Biennial Sunday, October 15 Join us for this opportunity to view a variety of Chicago s amazing buildings that are not typically available for public view. Fall Health and Wellness Events Flu & Pneumonia Vaccines sponsored by Mariano s Pharmacy will be held in Grace Café on Sunday, Oct. 15 th from 8:30-11:30 Cost for the flu vaccine is $20 and is typically covered by most private insurance companies or FREE for Medicare Part B recipients. In addition, Shingle Vaccine Insurance Copayment Review will be offered during the shot clinic. Annual Congregational Health Screening: Saturday, Oct. 28 th from 7:30-10:15 am Registration is required. See Welcome Center for more details. Thank You! he has filled the hungry with good things Luke 1:53a. In commemoration of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation, the ELCA Chicago Synod challenged it s congregations to raise $1 Million toward World Hunger. Thank you for the overwhelming response! Grace families have raised over $10,100 in the past year. Your generosity will not only feed the hungry, but will also provide training for nurses, medical supplies and care for at-risk children.

8 Traditional Services Worship Schedule Grace Lutheran Staff Senior Pastor: Saïd Ailabouni (emergency: ) Associate Pastor: Benjamin Sloss Pastor of Caring Ministries: Leland Albright Parish Nurse: Ann Gornik, RN MSN 8:15 & 9:30 am Contemporary Service 11:00 am Grace Place Kids (Preschool 3 6 th Grade) Grace Preschool, Director: Heather Grant h.grant@gracelg.org 9:30 & 11:00 am Worship Services Stream Live every Sunday morning at: Weekly Sermons Available Online Whether you missed a week, need to hear it again or share it with someone you care about, weekly messages are available at : Visit for addi/onal staff informa/on. Mission of Grace Lutheran Church To celebrate in community God s gias through worship and educa/on, inspiring us to be the heart, hands, feet and voice of Christ in the world. Church Office Monday Thursday 9:00-5:00pm Fridays 9:00-3:00pm Preschool Open Weekdays 6:45am-6:15pm Grace Lutheran Church 200 N. Catherine Ave. La Grange, IL