Mark Your Calendar. Growing Deeper Roots. October October 7 Mental Health Sunday New Members Received October 12. October 14.

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Mark Your Calendar October 1-14 Refugee Winter Outerwear Drive October 7 Mental Health Sunday New Members Received October 12 Taizé Prayer Service October 14 LWR Quilt Blessing

28 Reformation Sunday October 29 & November 12 New Member Orientation Growing Deeper Roots Dear Friends, by Pastor Betty Landis Many of us breathe a sigh of relief as Fall

Dennis Cole, one of our dedicated custodians, reminded me why he appreciates Fall. He said, As a gardener, I get to plant new perennials because their roots can grow deep.

What I see at Grace are many ways we are following Jesus teachings, keeping the temperatures cool enough for the workers as well as partnering with the Holy Spirit to take

1 Mark Your Calendar October 1-14 Refugee Winter Outerwear Drive October 7 Mental Health Sunday New Members Received October 12 Taizé Prayer Service October 14 LWR Quilt Blessing Prayer Shawl Ministry Celebration Jazz Worship 9:30 & 11:00 October 21 Pancake Breakfast Crop Hunger Walk Continuing the Vision Appeal October Genesis Teens Retreat October 28 Reformation Sunday October 29 & November 12 New Member Orientation Growing Deeper Roots Dear Friends, by Pastor Betty Landis Many of us breathe a sigh of relief as Fall arrives. Although I m not eager for wintertime, I welcome the beauty, breadth and depth of Autumn. Dennis Cole, one of our dedicated custodians, reminded me why he appreciates Fall. He said, As a gardener, I get to plant new perennials because their roots can grow deep. In some ways, these things we do together as disciples or followers of Jesus Way* are a perpetual Autumn. What I see at Grace are many ways we are following Jesus teachings, keeping the temperatures cool enough for the workers as well as partnering with the Holy Spirit to take advantage of the warmth of the soil. Creator God nourishes growth in us and all things and, like the roots of every perennial, what is planted must go deep to bear fruit. May the Grace ministry opportunities you read about in this newsletter, encourage you to give of your time, talents, and financial resources in deep and meaningful ways. As this

congregation kicks off the Continuing the Vision appeal later this month, I pray that you will use this opportunity to connect with the work God is calling us to do.

In Christ s grace and peace, Pastor Betty Song Scripture Prayer Taizé *The earliest followers of Jesus weren t called Christians, they may have been called followers of the Way.

Fuel up on pancakes and then join Genesis Teens and their families to End Hunger One Step at a Time. Sunday, Oct. 21 1:15 pm For more information contact Genesis Director Keith Vedmore at k.

Annual Congregaonal Health Screening Saturday, November 3 7:30-10:15 Register at the Welcome Center or contact Parish Nurse Ann Gornick at a.gornik@gracelg.org What is an Interim Pastor?

2 congregation kicks off the Continuing the Vision appeal later this month, I pray that you will use this opportunity to connect with the work God is calling us to do. May you find one or more ways to grow deeper in faith, in community connections, and in service to God s world using your heart, hands, feet, and voice. In Christ s grace and peace, Pastor Betty Song Scripture Prayer Taizé *The earliest followers of Jesus weren t called Christians, they may have been called followers of the Way. Silence Candlelight 7:30 pm October 12 Grace Lutheran Pancake Breakfast Oct. 21 8:30-11:00 am Grace Men s Ministry is flipping pancakes to help in the fight against hunger both locally and globally. Fuel up on pancakes and then join Genesis Teens and their families to End Hunger One Step at a Time. Sunday, Oct. 21 1:15 pm For more information contact Genesis Director Keith Vedmore at k.vedmore@gracelg.org Preventative Health Screening is one of the most important steps you can take to manage your health! Annual Congregaonal Health Screening Saturday, November 3 7:30-10:15 Register at the Welcome Center or contact Parish Nurse Ann Gornick at a.gornik@gracelg.org What is an Interim Pastor? An Interim Pastor serves as a Bridge, giving a congregation time to value the past, plan for the future, and minister in the present. The interim time allows church communities to work together, process the emotions of a beloved pastor's departure and be open to the next pastor God is preparing to send. Because an interim pastor is not available to be considered for the regular-called Senior Pastor, it is not a "lease to buy" experience. This allows for the greatest degree of openness, authenticity, and trusteven though, in terms of pastoral tenure, it is a relatively short period of time. Our interim pastor, Pastor Betty will work closely with Council, Team Leaders and Staff to continue the mission and vision set forth by the congregation. Thank you for welcoming Pastor Betty as our interim pastor, upholding her in prayer, and continuing your faithful participation in the many ways Grace welcomes, connects and serves.

A better life for her children When Khadijeh couldn t afford to pay for the hospital delivery room, a stranger offered to buy her newborn son.

Even her extended family let her down, encouraging her to accept the stranger s offer so she could support her other children. Someone at the hospital recommended she talk to the United Nations.

After six months, Khadijeh was elated to learn she would be moving to the U.S. She was confident her children would have a better life here, even though she d never heard of Chicago.

3 A better life for her children When Khadijeh couldn t afford to pay for the hospital delivery room, a stranger offered to buy her newborn son. As a 33-year-old Afghan woman living in Iran, she was incredibly vulnerable. Her husband had just passed away, and she alone was caring for their three children and her sick mother. Even her extended family let her down, encouraging her to accept the stranger s offer so she could support her other children. Someone at the hospital recommended she talk to the United Nations. Soon, the UN helped her family move to Slovakia, where they waited to relocate to a country that could take them permanently. After six months, Khadijeh was elated to learn she would be moving to the U.S. She was confident her children would have a better life here, even though she d never heard of Chicago. From the moment she arrived, Khadijeh worked hard in RefugeeOne s English classes and was consistently at the top of her class. After only four months in the U.S., she applied for a job at Five Star Laundry and was hired on the spot. It s a physically demanding job with a 90- minute commute on public transit. Khadijeh is an amazing example of a woman determined to do whatever it takes to provide for her children. She was very nervous her first days at work but that didn t stop her, says Stacey Tsibulsky, RefugeeOne s Employment Manager. Today, Khadijeh is very happy that all of her children can go to school, especially her 17-year-old son who would need to have a job if they were still in Slovakia. RefugeeOne staff met the family at the airport and took them to their new apartment. Living in Slovakia prepared them for Chicago winters, but the family had given away most of their possessions. Khadijeh is grateful to RefugeeOne for finding an apartment for her family, giving her and her children coats and boots. Kjadijeh and her children are grateful to RefugeeOne Exploring Grace Come explore what God can do in us when we follow Jesus together. Find out what Grace is all about and how your can more fully participate by attending a two-session orientation. Whether you re considering membership or just want to learn more about Grace s beliefs & values and how you can get involved, join us! New Member Orientation Mondays October 29 & Nov. 12 7:00-8:15 pm Register Online or contact Karen Janik for more information All are welcome to join our community of faith as we grow together.

Apprenticeship- Scholarship Recipients The Grace Music Apprenticeship-Scholarship Program, now in its fifteenth year, seeks to build future leadership by mentoring, encouraging, and preparing high

Olivia is a Junior at Lyons Township High School where she sings in the choir and studies vocal technique. She has sung with the Grace Praise Band, the choir, and has sung a duet on Christmas Eve.

We are more together than the sum of our individual selves. These attributes of Christian community are also true to jazz.

Trumpeter, jazz musician, and educator, Jon directs the Luther College Jazz Band, Luther jazz combo program, and teaches improvisation, jazz theory and arranging, jazz history, and studio

4 Apprenticeship- Scholarship Recipients The Grace Music Apprenticeship-Scholarship Program, now in its fifteenth year, seeks to build future leadership by mentoring, encouraging, and preparing high school musicians for lifelong participation in worship. The recipient is Olivia Janik. Olivia is a Junior at Lyons Township High School where she sings in the choir and studies vocal technique. She has sung with the Grace Praise Band, the choir, and has sung a duet on Christmas Eve. Music is one of her passions and she loves sharing her gifts with others. In January, Jack Butters, who plays Viola and Trombone will begin his participation in the program. Look for details in an upcoming newsletter. Please congratulate these students when you see them and listen for their participation in worship. Jazz Worship Services Sunday, Oct. 14 9:30 & 11:00 Jazz music is an audible expression of life in community. We listen to one another, build off what we hear, and sometimes move in unexpected directions. We are more together than the sum of our individual selves. These attributes of Christian community are also true to jazz. Pastor Don Wink, Lutheran Church of Atonement Jon Ailabouni (Pastor Saïd s son) will help us to experience jazz worship. Trumpeter, jazz musician, and educator, Jon directs the Luther College Jazz Band, Luther jazz combo program, and teaches improvisation, jazz theory and arranging, jazz history, and studio improvisation and trumpet lessons. He also performs with the Luther College faculty brass quintet. Under Jon s leadership, Grace musicians will play all of the music for the day in jazz style. Be sure to attend and bring a friend! A fast, fun way to connect! Join us Sunday evenings for active, real-time discussions. This online conversation will begin with an icebreaker question and then we ll talk about the days sermon and how it applies to our lives. Visit the Grace Facebook page and click on Events to join the party. The party will be live from 7:00-8:00 pm, join in anytime. Party guests can visit the Grace Facebook event wall thru Wednesday evenings to browse the discussion and leave comments. Join in the conversation!

Sunday Mornings Preschool 3 6th Grade 9:30 & 11:00 am Encouraging imagination, exploration and creativity, where children can learn and grow in a Christian environment.

Genesis Conﬁrmation (7-9 grade) Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:00 pm Small group sessions allow students to form deep relationships with peers & adult leaders and explore how God is at work in their

Check out what is coming up at Genesis: Cropwalk 2018 Genesis Teens and their families are stepping out to ﬁght hunger October 21. See page 2 for information on Ending Hunger One Step at a Time.

Register at www.gracelutheranlg.org/genesis-retreat-2018 Grace Place Kids WOW!! What an amazing start to fall.

A rainbow of colors helped our littlest friends learn that God always keeps his promises. Join the crazy fun at 9:30 or 11:00 and ﬁnd out just how much we are loved.

And even more than what we own, God can also provide what we need to face whatever happens in our life.

5 Sunday Mornings Preschool 3 6th Grade 9:30 & 11:00 am Encouraging imagination, exploration and creativity, where children can learn and grow in a Christian environment. Current openings in PreK & 4 Year Old Classes Genesis High School Sunday mornings from 10:30-11am Genesis High School provides students with a safe place to challenge, explore, and grow their faith. Genesis Conﬁrmation (7-9 grade) Wednesday nights from 7:00-8:00 pm Small group sessions allow students to form deep relationships with peers & adult leaders and explore how God is at work in their lives. Genesis Teen Ministry s outreach projects, 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! Check out what is coming up at Genesis: Cropwalk 2018 Genesis Teens and their families are stepping out to ﬁght hunger October 21. See page 2 for information on Ending Hunger One Step at a Time. Genesis Fall Retreat -an awesome overnight at LOMC, ﬁlled with fun, games, team building, campﬁres, and s mores! October Friends are welcome, cost is $50 pp. Adult chaperons needed. Register at Grace Place Kids WOW!! What an amazing start to fall. We aired some dirty laundry as we learned about Initiative and why it s important to take care of what needs to be done. A rainbow of colors helped our littlest friends learn that God always keeps his promises. Join the crazy fun at 9:30 or 11:00 and ﬁnd out just how much we are loved. Grace Place Kids Worship Grades 1-6 CONTENTMENT, deciding to be okay with what you have. Everything we have comes from God. And even more than what we own, God can also provide what we need to face whatever happens in our life. We can complain or become jealous of what others have, or we can choose to respond with contentment, knowing that God has a plan for our lives. PK (Pre3-K) GOD S GOT IT! There are a lot of things in life we just can t do. Sometimes we just don t have it. We don t have the answers, energy, wisdom, patience, solution, or way out of a situation. But, we do know the One who does and there s no need to worry. God s got it. That s what we re talking about with our preschoolers this month. No need to worry, be afraid, or feel alone. God s got it! We believe the Bible should never be boring. God s message of love is delivered in a way that is relevant to our children s lives. Join us each week at time that works best for your family. For the scoop contact Rebecca Simms at r.simms@gracelg.org

Erase the stigma domestic violence happens in every community, regardless of race, gender, class, religion, sexuality, and abuse is never the fault of the victim.

6 In the United States, 20 people per minute are victims of physical violence by an intimate partner. You can make a difference. Spread awareness that domestic violence includes physical, sexual, financial, emotional and verbal abuse. Erase the stigma domestic violence happens in every community, regardless of race, gender, class, religion, sexuality, and abuse is never the fault of the victim. If you or someone you know has questions or needs support, you can call the Pillars Community Health 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at Dear Grace Friends, Thank you for your generous donation to Constance Morris House. Your gift is greatly appreciated and helps ensure that local members of our community have access to the vital care and support they need when they need it. We strive to be a powerful catalyst for change, providing local children and adults with the comprehensive care and tools they need to overcome the wide array of challenges that they face in their daily lives. These people are our neighbors and your gift is a key component to their success. Be it through sheltering families from domestic violence, changing the conversation about sexual assault, counseling those recovering from opioid abuse, or empowering clients with mental illness, positive change is possible when we work together. We are grateful you have chosen to be a part of this mission. In Health, Angela Curran President and CEO New Christmas Giving Partner Founded in 1988, the Secret Santa program serves the pediatric patients of Pillars Community Health. Volunteers work throughout the year to stock Santa s Workshop to provide disadvantaged children in our community with new clothing, school supplies, books, educational games and toys. Today the program is operated by Rotary Club of La Grange and Santa s Workshop is housed at the Park District of LaGrange. The program s mission is to provide basic functional necessities for children whose parents have limited means of providing them. In many of these cases, the new warm clothing, books, school supplies and toys provided are unheard of luxuries for these families Holiday Giving Program details will be announced in early Nov. Are your ready to get in the Spirit of Giving? Join us for a sneak peak tour of Santa s Workshop & assisting Elves with sorting on Oct. 30 from 7:0-8:30 pm. Space is limited, register online or contact Karen Janik for more information.

OPUS Eggs, Veggies & a side of Hope Older People Up To Something On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been

For more information on monthly lunches, trips and activities please contact Alice Oscarson at a.oscarson@gracelg.

More than ﬁve million CROP Hunger Walkers have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone.

From seeds and tools to wells and water systems, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and

In addition, each local CROP Hunger Walk can choose to return a percent of the funds it raises to hunger-ﬁghting programs in its own community.

Bible Studies Lost Books of the Bible, led by John Hattle.

standard, and why others, including those "gospels" found in the last century, came up short.

Journey across the desert with the remarkable queen of Sheba. Her quest for wisdom will surprise, challenge and inspire you.

Tuesday, 10:15 am Women s Group OPUS Lunch October 10 at 11:30 am Join friends new and old for a special Halloween theme lunch and guest storyteller.

7 OPUS Eggs, Veggies & a side of Hope Older People Up To Something On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been the start of the hunger walks related to CROP and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger. For more information on monthly lunches, trips and activities please contact Alice Oscarson at a.oscarson@gracelg.org Currently, well over 2,000 communities across the U.S. join in more than 1,000 CROP Hunger Walks each year. More than ﬁve million CROP Hunger Walkers have participated in more than 36,000 CROP Hunger Walks in the last two decades alone. CROP Hunger Walks help to provide food and water, as well as resources that empower people to meet their own needs. From seeds and tools to wells and water systems, the key is people working together to identify their own development priorities, their strengths and their needs. In addition, each local CROP Hunger Walk can choose to return a percent of the funds it raises to hunger-ﬁghting programs in its own community. Six area food pantries will beneﬁt from 25% of the funds raised during the La Grange Crop Walk on Oct. 21. Bible Studies Lost Books of the Bible, led by John Hattle. Through Lost Books we will look at and study why some ancient writings failed to make the cut for inclusion, why other texts most deﬁnitely met the standard, and why others, including those "gospels" found in the last century, came up short. Tuesday, 7:45 am Men s Group Sunday, 8:30 am It s Good to be Queen It s good to be bold. It s good to be wise. It s Good to Be Queen. Journey across the desert with the remarkable queen of Sheba. Her quest for wisdom will surprise, challenge and inspire you. Led by Alice Oscarson, the study begins September 11. Tuesday, 10:15 am Women s Group OPUS Lunch October 10 at 11:30 am Join friends new and old for a special Halloween theme lunch and guest storyteller. All are welcome! Open House Chicago October 13 & 14 Join us in exploring some of Chicago's architectural gems during a special Open House Weekend Visit the Welcome Center for more information or to register I & M Canal October 18 9:00 am 6:00pm Join us in exploring the origins and history of the canal including Riverwalk Park and Canal Boat ride. Register at the Welcome Center The Storied World of the Bible The Bible can often be a mystery to those who read it. Often, people wonder how the various stories, poems, Gospels, and letters all ﬁt together. This video series will help to unpack some of the questions surrounding the meaning of the Bible. Join us in exploring stories of creation, Israel, David and his family and the Gospel story and how they tell the story of God s amazing love. Led by Pastor Leland Albright Wednesday, 10:00 am Luther Room

Traditional Services Worship Schedule Grace Lutheran Staff Interim Senior Pastor: Be;y Landis b.landis@gracelg.org (Emergency: 847-636-9846) Associate Pastor: Benjamin Sloss b.sloss@gracelg.

8 Traditional Services Worship Schedule Grace Lutheran Staff Interim Senior Pastor: Be;y Landis (Emergency: ) Associate Pastor: Benjamin Sloss 8:15 & 9:30 am Contemporary Service 11:00 am Grace Place Kids (Preschool 3 6 th Grade) Pastor of Caring Ministries: Leland Albright leland.albright@mac.com Director Outreach & Communicaon: Karen Janik k.janik@gracelg.org Grace Preschool, Director: Heather Grant h.grant@gracelg.org 9:30 & 11:00 am Worship Services Stream Live Sunday mornings 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 gi&s through worship and educa(on, inspiring us to be the heart, hands, feet and voice of Christ in the world. Church Office Hours 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

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

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