GRACE S GOOD NEWS. August Volume 20 Issue 8

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1 GRACE S GOOD NEWS gracelutherannc.org Check us out on FaceBook! August Volume 20 Issue 8 GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Reverend Benjamin J. Kifer, Pastor 1776 N. Market St. / P. O. Box 2505 Washington, NC Tel: August 7, 14, 21 AND 28 10:30 a.m. ELW Worship 5:00 p.m. Bible Study Calendar Additions Every Sunday this month - Regular Worship at 10:30 a.m., 5:00 Bible study Saturday, August 13th - New Member Class at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 14th - Welcoming New Members Monday, August 15th - Wednesday, August 17th - Pastor gone for continuing Education. Sunday, August 21st - Blessing for Amber Wade during Worship Sunday, August 28th - "Old Time Hymn Sing" at 4:00 p.m. with dinner and games provided afterward! In this issue: Birthdays/Anniversaries pg. 2 Lutheran Men in Mission pg. 11 Social Ministry pg. 8 Christian Education pg.12 Lutheran World Relief (LWR) pg. 10 Women of Grace pg. 10 Community Outreach pg. 11 Pastor s Message pg. 5 Worship & Music pg. 9 Evangelism Prayer Concerns pg. 13 Youtherans! pg. ETC. pg. 4 President s Message pg. 6 Stewardship pg. - Financial Reports pg. 7 Ruth s House pg. 6 Fellowship pg. 8 1

2 August Birthdays August Anniversaries 8 Skip Keim 16 Linda and Don Turner 10 Amber Wade 17 Carol and George Trueman 18 Carol Trueman 18 Sandra and Richard Mahler 12 Treva Inzerillo 20 Ann and Leo Myers 20 Ralph Dramstad 24 Pam and Jerry Snapp 24 Ann Myers 26 Bonnie and Steve Smith Special Announcements! VBS We had a wonderful time at VBS the week of July 18th! (see pictures) Thank you so much to all of the volunteers who made this such a special week for our church, and for the kids who came to participate! The theme was "Surf Shack - catching the wave of God's amazing love!" 25th Anniversary Celebration Remember: Please circle Sunday, November 13th on your calendar! Grace Lutheran is celebrating 25 years of ministry! It will be a wonderful day - including the Bishop of NC, Tim Smith, here for the Sunday School hour to answer any questions you might have and preaching during Worship, a special worship service, a catered meal afterward, and speakers from Grace's past. Please be sure you come and join in the festivities of that important day for our church! (The 'history committee' still needs more pictures for their displays. If you have any pictures or news clippings of Grace, please let Tom Volk, Lois Hoot, or Pastor know!) 2

3 VBS Red Cross blanket At VBS, we also made a blanket for our local Red Cross chapter - thanks to all the kids and adults who helped to put this together! "God Sends" us to do good things for our community! Adult Sunday School In the Lutheran Church, we consider the Lutheran Confessions to have authority in our faith and life. How much do you know about the Lutheran Confessions? When is the last time you checked them out? Wait - don't answer! Just come and learn about these important statements of faith that shape our tradition and our church. Pastor Ben will lead 8 weeks of study on The Lutheran Confessions this fall beginning Sunday, September 18th at 9:00 a.m. Blessing for Amber Wade Please be sure to join your worshiping family on Sunday, August 21st during our regular worship service as we bless and send Amber Wade on to the new adventure of College at Old Dominion! Confirmation Pastor Ben will begin teaching another confirmation class in August, again with 2 students! Your prayers are welcomed as we begin the 2-year journey toward confirmation, a journey through the Bible, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and other tenants of the Lutheran expression of the faith! Young Adult Group Calling all young adults (no age limit - you know who you are!)! We will start meeting once per month at Pastor Ben and Stacey's house beginning this month to discuss matters of faith, life, culture, and more. We will begin by watching a few of Rob Bell's Nooma videos - a helpful series for discussing just these types of things! Please share with any young adults in your life - all young adults are welcome! * Agnes and Lawrence would like to thank the congregation for all the cards and prayers and also for your support at the Remembrance Service on July 16th for my son Thomas Dittrich. What a wonderful Church Family we have. 3

4 2016 Liaison To Telephone Address Church Council Number Rev. Benjamin Kifer, Pastor Evangelism Sue Dawson Outreach Bill Schnaekel Ron Hermany, Acting President Property John Johnston Stewardship Doris Hofmann, Secretary Becky Morse Christian Education Anne Myers Fellowship Bonnie Smith, Treasurer Finance Jerry Snapp, Worship & Music; Finance Financial Secretary E t c. In addition to special announcements, submissions of Lutheran/Christian anecdotes, jokes, uplifting/inspirational thoughts and stories are also welcomed. Simply them to: bmorse122@yahoo.com A Small Laugh God warned a man named Lot to take his wife and flee out of the city, said the Sunday school teacher, but Lot s wife looked back and was turned to salt. A curious boy then asked, What happened to the flea? Our Vision: Growing in faith and discipleship and sharing the Gospel in word and deed. 4

5 Pastor Ben s Message One night I dreamed a dream. As I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, One belonging to me and one to my Lord. After the last scene of my life flashed before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand. I noticed that at many times along the path of my life, especially at the very lowest and saddest times, there was only one set of footprints. This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it. "Lord, you said once I decided to follow you, You'd walk with me all the way. But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life, there was only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me." He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you Never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you." I know that you have all heard or read this poem before. It is called Footprints in the Sand, and was written by Mary Stevenson (although some have claimed that the text originally came from one of Charles Spurgeon s sermons.) Some of us may even have the poem framed somewhere in our home complete with a scene of a sandy bank and a set of footprints heading toward the horizon. There is a reason that this poem is so popular: because it resonates with our faith that God is with us during difficult times. And this is so true. At the times that we are not able to carry the burdens that the world has cast upon us, God is there not only to help us carry the load, but to carry us as well. This is such an important theme in Scripture as well so many of the stories of the Bible tell us that when things get tough, God is working His hardest to make them right again and God is with His people to see them through. Whether grief, confusion, hardship, worry, or anything else seem to distract you from fullest joy each day, please remember that God is carrying us toward a brighter future. This is true of each of us individually, and together as a church. I ll close with the lyrics of a song that came out recently by Lauren Daigle. If you haven t heard it (or even if you have!) look this song up it is quite inspiring! When You don t move the mountains I m needing You to move When You don t part the waters I wish I could walk through When You don t give the answers as I cry out to You I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You! Pastor Ben's office hours are: [Monday will be his Sabbath / day off.] Tuesday (from home), Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m. Feel free to call his cell phone anytime to schedule an appointment. 5

6 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> President s Message <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< While you are all staying inside, in the air-conditioning, you can begin thinking about all the upcoming activities and opportunities at Grace Lutheran! Vacation Bible School is a thing of the past for this year and all put away. Thank you again, one and ALL, for the many ways in which you helped to make a difference for 16 children, 4 teen helpers and 11 adults! Our annual Community Hymn Sing returns on August 28, Pastor and Stacey are starting up a Young Adult Bible Study group. Rally Day God s Work Our Hands Sunday is scheduled for September 11. Fellowship with refreshments returns in August after a month off in July. Sunday school for all ages starts on September 18. Stewardship Sunday and Reformation Sunday will be observed in October, we hope to participate at Washington s Smoke on the Water/Dragon Boat Races in October, our Women of Grace host a regional Lutheran women s event in October, and our 25 th Anniversary celebration occurs in November. And then it will be ADVENT!! This fall will pass quickly, so please read all the communication that comes your way, and ask questions if you have them!! Officer positions on Council have shifted a bit as we bid a heartfelt farewell to Stuart Everett as our Treasurer for the past 25 years, effective August 1, I have volunteered to fill this position, and as such, cannot also serve as Council President. Council accepted and approved me as Treasurer. Vice-President Ron Hermany will serve as Acting President through the end of this year, when his Council term expires. Council also accepted and approved Steve Smith s volunteer offer to serve in a support capacity as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Financial Secretary; Steve has been part of the Audit team for the past few years. Jerry Snapp remains our very capable and excellent Financial Secretary. Please continue to pray for all of us as we move forward with our mission and vision for Grace Lutheran Church and our community! Peace be with you all, and thanks be to God! Bonnie Smith As your begin your spring cleaning (!), save your usable unwanted items for the Annual Yard Sale on May 7 th and/or any beach-themed items for Vacation Bible School in mid-july! Bonnie Smith, for the Congregation Council of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Report on Ruth s House ~ submitted by Jean Richardson HAVE YOU VISITED RUTH S HOUSE ANTIQUES & MORE LOCATON: 228 W Main Street, Washington NC? All funds raised will be used to help the victims of domestic violence. The current / on-going needs for Ruth s House are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Please place your donated items in the bin marked Ruth s House in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks so much for supporting Ruth s House!!! FOR DONATIONS TO RUTH S HOUSE ANTIQUES & MORE SHOP: ANTIQUES FURNITURE -- GLASS -- COLLECTIBLES. We deeply appreciate your support! This is an ever evolving list to meet the needs of Ruth s House. Interested in volunteering for Ruth s House? Call (252)

7 REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES & GROUPS Treasurer Report as of June 30, General Fund Budget Accounts YTD income $55221 is 53% of annual budget $ 88,947. YTD expense $47261 is 41% of annual budget $ 90,885. YTD income less YTD expense = $ 7960 Financial Secretary Report as of June 26, General Fund 2016 Building & Asset Replacement Fund 2016 Church Offering Pledges $79, $ 11, Pledges to Date $42, $ 5, % Pledges 54% 47.1% Pledge Period Completed 50% 50% Non-pledged Offering $ 9, $ 1, Church Offering Total $ 45, $ 6, Offering required to meet the Budget $ 95, $ 10, Church Offering Total % 48.1% 64.6% 2016 YTD Offering Surplus (Deficit) $ 5, $2,

8 Covenant Groups at Grace All are Welcome! SILVER THREADS meets on the last Tuesday of each month from September through May. Their next meeting will be Tuesday September 27 th at Noon. (Place to be announced.) THE NEEDLERS, a group of ladies who knit, crochet, sew or quilt. The women meet each Thursday from 1 P.M. until 3 P.M. from September through May. Anyone interested in crafts of any sort is welcome to attend NITE OWLS Dinner Group (monthly dinners out) meet the 1 st Thursday evening of the month.nite Owls host assignments will change each month, per mutual agreement. The host(s) will select the restaurant, make a reservation, communicate that information to everyone, take names of those wishing to attend, and confirm the number attending with the restaurant. Meals are to be paid for by separate check. Carpools can be arranged, if needed. SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE: Eagle s Wings (on-going) Questions? Please call Joanne Dramstad at Eagle s Wings has requested: toiletry supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, deodorant, shampoo, etc. There is a special need for baby items such as disposable diapers and baby wipes. The times are tough for everyone right now, but our help is needed. We will collect items on the first Sunday of each month. You may place your donated items in the container marked EAGLE S WINGS located in the Fellowship Hall. Transportation services offered (on-going) A number of Grace's members have offered to drive others who may not be able to drive themselves, either to doctor appointments or other errands, or to evening church events. If you are available to drive someone in this way, please put your name and telephone number on the sign-up sheet on the narthex bulletin board, and indicate whether you would be willing to drive at night. Also, if you are in need of a ride, you can make a note of that on the right-hand list, or contact the Social Ministry Committee through Eileen Gustafson, FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE: Fellowship with refreshments took a vacation during the month of July but returned with our 5 th Sunday Fellowship Potluck on Sunday, July 31 st! We say good bye to two of our Fellowship team members as they begin new life adventures by leaving the Washington area: Joanne to Greensboro and Antje to Delaware. We will miss them both! Our annual Old Time Hymn sing and picnic returns on Sunday, August 28 at 4pm. Mark your calendars! Fellowship committee members: Agnes Beacham, Judy Jennette, Deb Johnston, Jean A. Richardson, Bonnie Smith 8

9 WORSHIP & MUSIC ~ Lois Hoot, Chair Favorite hymns Sung in July This is My Song O Beautiful for Spacious Skies Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult O God Our Help in Ages Past Be thou My Vision My Hope is Built on Nothing less O God of Mercy Faith of Our Fathers All Hail the Power of Jesus Name For the Fruit of All Creation O Worship and King We Give Thee But Thine Own Summer Hymn Sing-We will have a community old time hymn sing again this year on Aug. 28 at 4:00. This will be followed by a hot dog and ice cream picnic. Come and join us to sing your favorite hymns. Rally Day Rally Day/Potluck lunch will be September 11 after the 10:30 service. Come and join us for lots of good eating and to hear about all the programs that Grace has to offer. September 11 service we will be using Setting 1 again starting on September 11. Assisting Ministers We are looking for folks who are willing to become assisting minister. The job is not hard and you do not have to fill out any applications or take a test. You don't even have to audition. Check with Pastor Ben if you are interested. Training for ushers and assisting ministers. Pastor will schedule training for ushers and assisting ministers Lovefeast Mark December 11 on the calendar for the annual Lovefeast. It will begin at 4:00 with lots of great music and singing. Guest Registers We will be purchasing guest register books to be used for special services such as funerals, weddings, etc. Choir and Bell choir please let Annette or Lois know if you are interested in singing in the choir or playing in the bell choir. No auditions are necessary. New members new members will be received into membership on August 14. Flowers-Don't forget to sign-up on the flower chart for your special Sunday to provide flowers to the Glory of God. Please let Lois Hoot know if you want anything special put in the bulletin. 9

10 Grace Lutheran WELCA: Grace WELCA met Saturday, July 2 at 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall. Our devotional was "Making Hope-Filled Choices" and generated a good discussion. During our business meeting, minutes were read and accepted. Our project for providing educational toys and games for needy children was discussed and solutions for delivering our items. Food was discussed for the Eastern Coastal WELCA meeting to be held at Grace Lutheran on October 22nd. It was decided to use crock pots so no one would have to miss any of the meeting information. Everyone was reminded that we will meet before our Bazaar to bake cookies (Flo's recipe) that sell very fast each year. Under New Business, it was suggested that we look into possible staffing needs at the local Pregnancy Center. Our August meeting will be held August 6th at 10:00 AM in the fellowship hall. All women are welcome to come and joins us for fellowship for one hour. Sandra Mahler, President LWR (Lutheran World Relief) Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, Candy & Fruit Snacks Check out the rack for coffee, and chocolate bars! (Checks payable to Grace-WELCA ) Thank you for supporting LWR! ~ Lois Hoot WELCA Equal Exchange Coffee $8.00 Whole Bean Coffee $8.00 Large Candy Bar $3.50 Small Candy Bar $1.00 please continue to SAVE the following for Lois Hoot, and put them in the kitchen. Clear plastic or glass gallon jars..any used ink cartridges..box Top labels for Education Coffee We now have some new whole bean coffee as well as your favorite regular and decaf coffee. We also have mint tea and cocoa. Check out the coffee and tea and let me know if you would like to try some new flavors. Go to the Equal Exchange website. 10

11 Community Outreach Committee: We are thankful for all who contribute to our outreach ministry. Check out the articles in the newsletter under Zion/Blind Center monthly meal; Ruth s House; and other programs. A little more information on the lunch meal. We have a standard meal of kielbasa, green beans, scalloped potatoes, apple sauce and cookies. Even though there will always be a signup sheet, it may be helpful if we start a small pantry so those who wish to do so, at their convenience, can bring green beans, scalloped potatoes, apple sauce (sweet and unsweetened) and cookies. (The 28 oz. cans of green beans are easier to open than the extra-large cans.) Also, donations of the aluminum pans, large and small, would be appreciated. Leave them in the fellowship kitchen and marked as Zion/Blind Center. Our next lunch is scheduled for August 17 th. Please always keep filling the boxes that are in the Fellowship hall for Zion, Eagles Wings, Ruth s House, Zion s shelter, and bosom buddies. Some people are not aware of the items needed for Eagles Wings and Ruth s House. For Eagles Wings and Ruth s House: canned goods, soaps and hygienic products, paper products, diapers, cleaning supplies, etc. The goods don t need to be industrial sizes but what you normally buy for an average size family. If it is helpful there will be a designated week of each month for Ruth s House and Eagles Wings to bring your goods and put in the boxes in the fellowship hall. The second week of each month will be Eagles Wings and the third week of each month will be Ruth s House. Red Cross/Disaster Relief: Ron Hermany is overseeing this outreach and he will keep us informed on forthcoming information. If you would like to become a volunteer, please see Ron. For those who want to give blood, I will be posting the Red Cross blood drive schedule, as they become available, on the bulletin board. Prayer Shawls, Hats & Scarves, etc.: The needlers do the prayer shawls (for anyone in need); and hats, scarves for Zion shelter. As the weather begins to change please remember to think about the folks in the homeless shelter; for the hats, scarves and socks. Also, Skip Keim, takes the bosom buddies to oncology for cancer patients. These are small pillows, 8-12 inches, any shape. If you have any questions please let Jean know. Cancer Center: The Marion Shepard Cancer Center uses are fellowship hall for special lectures on helping cancer patients cope with their illnesses. These are helpful not only to the patients but also for the care givers. Please look for the date and time of these lectures and tell anyone you know who may be going through cancer treatments. These talks are not just for us at Grace Lutheran, but for the whole community. God s Works Our Hands: I will be finding a project for us for God s Works our Hands Sunday which is in September. If anyone has a special project that they would like for us to do, please let me know and I will be happy to work and help organize the activity. Also if anyone has a special outreach they would like for us to do, please let me know. Thanks, Jean Richardson Lutheran Men in Mission: On, July 23, LMIM held the quarterly road cleanup, and there is was an excellent turn out. Many thanks also to Jean and Lois for their assistance too. June 11, 2016 the men met at No Wake Zone. One important top[c coming in November was discussed on supporting the churches 25th anniversary celebration and sharing the expense for the Bishop's hotel stay. Our new election of officers was held. Richard Mahler is taking the President position, Stuart as Treasurer, and Tom as Secretary. Next meeting is scheduled for 9/10/16. Next highway clean up scheduled for October; (TBD). Best regards, Richard 11

12 over. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE Next meeting: Wednesday, October 19 th at 11:00 a.m Vacation Bible School is Sixteen children, fourteen helpers and eleven adults had an AMAZING time at the Surf Shack this year. The donated items of single-serve foods were a big hit and supplemented every day s lunch!! Special thanks to the Volks for Monday s lunch, Lois Hoot & Jean Richardson for the Tuesday lunch and to Agnes Beacham for the Wednesday lunch. The Collaborative Project this year was a hand-tied fleece blanket, which was blessed at the July 24 th worship, and will be donated to our local American Red Cross. The Mission Project of donated school supply items will be used by school children AND teachers in Washington. THANK YOU, Grace Lutherans! NEW! Young Adult Bible Study! Hosted by Pastor Ben and Stacey Kifer, this will begin in August! More details forthcoming. CONFIRMATION CLASSES to begin in August! Please see Pastor Kifer if you know of any youth who may be interested in this instruction toward Confirmation. ADULT EVENING BIBLE STUDY on Sunday Evenings at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend at any time! Led by Pastor Ben Kifer, participants are currently studying Zechariah. SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES Adult Sunday School Hour will resume on September 18 th from 9:00 10:00 a.m. each Sunday. Leading off in September, for 8 weeks, will be a study of The Book of Concord, led by Pastor Ben Kifer. NC Bishop Timothy will join us on November 13 th with a Q&A session. An Advent study follows in late November and early December, ending with our famous Advent Jeopardy on December 18 th. Please make plans to join in for as many of these as you can! Children & Youth Sunday School curriculum TBD at this time. LENDING LIBRARY! (Donations are always appreciated!) Are you looking for some SUMMER reading? Remember to check out Grace s Lending Library bookshelf in the Fellowship hallway by the telephone. Check it out! Many interesting choices are there for you! ~ Christian Education Committee: Lois Hoot, Pastor Ben Kifer, Becky Morse (Council Liaison), Jean Richardson, Kathy Russman (Chair), Bonnie Smith & Tom Volk. 12

13 PRAYER CONCERNS TRAVEL MERCIES Agnes Beacham Betty Beacham Aria Faith Blackburn William Brooks Kathy Burns Christine Clark Barb Cocchi Mary Cook Pastor Davis Family of Tom Dittrich Liliana Claire Donovan Dwain Edwards Jean Finkenstadt Ursula Glisson Grace Lutheran Church Doris Hofmann Stephanie Holder Diane Hornyak Family of Judith Husebo Wilbo Jones Amy Keim Pastor Lee Kinney Everette Martin Virginia McCall Flo Meier Billy Mills Pat Mills Family of Pr. Jimmy Moore Family of Mark Oaks Family of Raymond Peace The Poag Family Sheena Powell Bill Schnaekel Jakob Schnaekel and Family Virginia Lee Smith Woodrow and Carol Smith Steve Spang Sharon Steinbacher Family of Billy Stocks Jimmy & Judy Taylor Carol & George Trueman Stephanie Tucker Joshua Werner Larry Wheeling Robert Williams Charlotte Woolard & Family for all our traveling Grace Lutherans Agnes s son, Tom Dittrich, passed away on June 1 st health problems; cousin of Lawrence Beacham suffering from multiple procedures to treat a very rare form of eye cancer; Not- quite-3-year old grand-daughter of co-worker of Judy Jennette member; currently deployed to Afghanistan; husband of Hillary & father of Imogen. health problems; friend of Agnes Beacham diagnosed with breast cancer; 29-year-old daughter of Skip Keim s cousin health concerns; sister of Sue Dawson health problems; cousin of Becky Morse health problems Tom passed away on June 1 in New York; son of Agnes Beacham newborn grand-daughter of visitors Dee & Jean Donovan born week of April 24 th recovering from triple bypass surgery; friend of Eileen Gustafson member; recent health concerns for spiritual and physical growth, and for discernment on our path forward member; vision issues young mother with cancer colon cancer; extended family of Kathy Russman Judith passed away on March 18; please keep husband Jim Husebo in prayer recovering from complications from recent appendectomy; close friend of Ann Myers recovering from recent surgery and awaiting a second surgery; cousin of Skip Keim, and mother of Christine Clark (also on our prayer list) serious health concerns; pastor of First Presbyterian Church Washington health concerns; friend of Annette Sipe health issues; sister of Bette Volk member; on-going health concerns suffering with cancer; brother of Lynda Pelusio, recent visitor to Grace health issues; friend of the Beachams recently deceased Pastor of 1st Baptist Church, Washington Mark passed away on May 19 th ; uncle of Pastor Ben Kifer Raymond passed away in early May. prayers for recovery; sister of Becky Morse recovering from recent hip displacement multiple health concerns; 92-year old aunt of Steve Smith dealing with dementia and other health concerns recently diagnosed with lung cancer; nephew of Ursula Glisson suffering from cancer; friend of the Schnaekels Billy passed away on July 12 from a tragic diving accident; young father & husband; friend of Meredith Cutler (daughter of Don and Linda Turner) health concerns; family of Lawrence Beacham on-going health concerns now living in New York City prayers for his recovery following successful major back surgery on April 5th; Fifteen-year-old grand-son of Sue & Bob Dawson has MS and is improving after suffering a stroke; uncle of Annette Sipe currently incarcerated; per Pastor Ben member; health and other concerns 13