CHURCH. Vol. 49 November 2017

Transcription

1 Vol. 49 November 2017 CHURCH Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love endures forever. (Psalm 118:1) How good it is when someone simply and gratefully says, thank you. What can we do for God who so freely and lovingly does everything for us? Dr. Martin Luther wrote the following words about this verse from his favorite psalm: This verse teaches us what the proper sacrifice is that pleases God most; for we cannot perform any greater or better work for God; nor can we render Him a nobler service than thanking Him. The words of Psalm 118 have been spoken publicly to God for more than 3000 years and God never gets tired of hearing them. Do we get tired of people telling us thanks? Hardly! Being surrounded by grateful hearts and lips that convey thankfulness is always a blessed occasion. For, too often, we find ourselves in the midst of ungratefulness, thanklessness, and even total oblivion to the many good things God does for us. That s why God desired the words of Psalm 118 (which He inspired) to be written down and preserved through the ages. These words help us remember to be thankful and, sometimes, we simply need that reminder. Some verses of this Psalm are recited by God s people every Palm Sunday, other verses every Easter Sunday, and some verses every day like verse 118:24, This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it. Each day is a true gift from God; and when we begin each day by thinking of this verse, we are beginning the day with gratefulness and thanksgiving to Him. Pastor Charles Reich Teaching Thanks So often we recite the Lord s Prayer without thinking or thanking. The Small Catechism reminds us about the meaning of Give us this day our daily bread. What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land animals, money, goods, a devout spouse, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors and the like.

2 2 - November 2017 Grace Lutheran Church 2017 Schedule of Holiday Services November 22 (Wed.) December 2 (Sat.) December 3 (Sun.) December 6 1 st Week of Advent 7:00 PM - Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service 5:00 PM - Christmas Cantata 10:00 AM - Christmas Cantata 12:00 Noon - Advent 1 Devotional Service December 13 2 nd Week of Advent December 20 3 rd Week of Advent December 24 4 th Sunday of Advent December 24 Christmas Eve December 25 - Christmas Day (Mon.) December 30 (Sat.) December 31 (Sun.) December 31 - New Year s Eve Worship Service 12:00 Noon - Advent 2 Devotional Service 6:30 PM PK2-K Christmas Program 12:00 Noon - Advent 3 Devotional Service 7:00 PM Christmas Program 10:00 AM - Morning Worship 5:00 PM - Family Candlelight Worship 7:00 PM - Music for the Holy Night 7:30 PM - Festive Candlelight Worship* 10:30 PM - Music for the Holy Night 11:00 PM - Reflective Candlelight Worship* 10:00 AM Christmas Morning Worship Service* 5:00 PM - Evening Worship* 8:30 AM - Morning Worship* 10:45 AM - Morning Worship* 7:00 PM New Year s Eve *Indicates Services with Holy Communion

3 November Saturday, December 2-5 PM Sunday, December 3-10 AM The Worship Arts Ministry of Grace Lutheran will present Were You There on that Christmas Night? on Saturday, December 2, at 5:00 PM, and Sunday, December 3, at 10:00 AM. The Kidz Choir, soloists and narrators will join the Festival Choir in retelling the Christmas story through word and beautiful music, both traditional and original, arranged by world renown composer Lloyd Larson. If you are not already involved, it is not too late to participate in this wonderful annual event. Cantata rehearsals are taking place every Thursday evening at 6 PM in the Music Room where you will receive a music book and part specific rehearsal CD. For further information please contact Director of Music, Wynn Bonner. Coming this December 2 We are planning something very special for you CHRISTMAS BY CANDLELIGHT Following the Christmas Cantata, we are serving a sumptuous dinner (from Longhorn Steakhouse) in an atmosphere of Christmas splendor. Come, join us. Reservations only. Watch for details in the coming church bulletins. Voice of Grace is published monthly by Grace Lutheran Church 327 Avenue C SE Winter Haven, FL CHURCH PHONE: SENIOR PASTOR Charles Reich ASSOCIATE PASTOR Mark Harris VICAR Paul Radke CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR Sharon Wilson OUTREACH Jeff Wittcop DIRECTOR OF YOUTH AND FAMILY LIFE MINISTRY Leah Welter DIRECTOR OF WORSHIP ARTS Wynn Bonner ASSISTANT TREASURER Teri Ogle MEDIA ADMINISTRATOR Peggy Jo Griffin CUSTODIAL/ MAINTENANCE Alan Baker MEMBERSHIP/OFFICE SUPPORT Linda Aceto CHILDREN S MINISTRY Kathy Schelp SCHOOL PHONE: PRINCIPAL Michael Rottmann TECHNOLOGY Jon Peterson SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Susie Woods PRE-SCHOOL PHONE: PRE-SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Gillian McIntee

4 4 - November 2017

5 November Grace Lutheran Church and School invites you, your family, and your friends! Saturday, November 19 (1-5 PM) Grace Lutheran School Gym Ages 9 and up. Cost is $10, pre-sale tickets earn you a dog tag that can be leveled up. Food and drinks will be provided. Some Rival blasters (8V8 player) are available, but bringing your own will allow for more game play. Ball ammo will be provided. You may bring other Nerf Blasters, but we are not responsible for any lost or damaged blasters or darts. Tickets available from church office, school office, & classroom teachers. Spectator seating available for family fun!

6 6 - November 2017 OUTREACH & MISSION COUNCIL: Meets the 3rd Tuesday each month in the Mary Martha Room at 6:30 PM. It s primary emphasis is reaching out into our community to share Jesus. As the Going part of Grace for all Generations, we work to be equipped and to equip others to share Jesus with friends, neighbors, and family. We also share with our congregation missions in our community, state, nationally, and internationally which we support. If this is of interest to you and sounds like a place to use your gifts and talents please join us. MISSION SUPPORT THANK YOU: We would like to thank all our members and friends of Grace who participated in the collection canned and dry food for THE MISSION. Each week we delivered a SUV full of food supplies. They were so appreciative of the generosity of Grace and for our continued support. Remember you can help anytime you want by dropping food donations off at The Mission (corner of 2nd St, SE and Central). NOVEMBER S Collection will be to provide gifts for Children in Foster Care. TLC is the local organization for foster families in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Our Grace member, Cyndy Strickland, is currently the President of this group. For information and questions, or to volunteer, call her at or at dogwoman@tampabay.rr.com. TLC will have a Christmas Tree up in Trinity Hall during the month for you to pick-up a card and purchase a gift for a boy or girl or even both, if you choose, to make Christmas special for these special children and teens. The gifts will be collected in Trinity Hall and placed in the bins provided. All gifts must be turned in by Sunday, December 10. November 19 New Member Sunday On Sunday November 19, Grace Lutheran Church and School will welcome New Members to our Grace Family. The New Members will be taken in during the 10:45 AM service, but you will have the opportunity to greet and welcome them between services during our Fellowship Hour. Grace is, again this year, partnering with the TLC (Tender Loving Caregivers) Association for foster children this Christmas! Ages Infants thru Teens. MISSION PARTNERS For NOVEMBER 2017 THE MISSION THE HALEY CENTER And TLC GIFTS for FOSTER KIDS BOYS Sports equipment Tonka Toys Remote Control Cars Watches Socks Wallets Handheld games (please include batteries) Boys toiletry sets Teen backpacks GIRLS Dolls Arts and crafts Body & bath soap sets Shampoo/hair gift sets Clips & other hair accessories Nail polish & make-up sets Perfume, powder, lotions Purses Jewelry Teen backpacks Gifts for both Boys and Girls: Legos, See and Say, and Fidget spinners Please bring unwrapped gifts to the collection area in Trinity Hall no later than December 10. Thank you! TLC is the local organization for foster families in Polk, Hardee and Highlands Counties. Our Grace member, Cyndy Strickland, is currently the President of this group. For information and questions, or to volunteer, call her at or at dogwoman@tampabay.rr.com. THE HALEY CENTER 122 Central Ave Winter Haven, FL The Haley Center is a spiritual and medical outreach mission that provides health care for individuals and families in our community whose income is at or below Federal Poverty Level. Doctors and nurses volunteer their time to help our neighbors who are in need. All the volunteers at the Center share the gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ with those who are willing to listen. The Haley Center is a blessing to our community and we are blessed to support this mission.

7 November Grace Lutheran Church Children s Ministry invites you to 50 IN 5. It is time for us to start our 4th year of 50 in 5. Join us in Classroom Q (Across from the Youth Room) at 9:30 AM for an opening for all ages. Open to children from Pre-K through Grade 5 During the month of November, we will be learning about God giving us friends through the study of the Old Testament story of Ruth. In the second half of the month, we will see how God teaches us to pray just as He did Samuel. Come and join us for stories, games, science fun, cooking discoveries, crafts, and more! Volunteers : Would you like to help but don t want to commit to a year s worth of teaching? We have now structured our program into two-week sessions. Materials include Bible studies, games, science experiments, music videos, and much more. Talk to Leah Welter (lwelter@glwh.org) or Kathy Schelp (kjschelp@glwh.org) about signing on for a two-week session. Children s Church - You are invited to join us on Sunday mornings during worship services for the children s activities during the adult sermon time. We learn more about Jesus through games, craft projects, and learn how to better share our faith in Jesus. Nursery - A nursery is provided for infants through age 2 during Sunday morning worship services and the Sunday School hour. Volunteers are being sought to help in this service to our young families. Grace Lutheran Women s Ministry LWML BIBLE STUDY - FELLOWSHIP - SERVICE Ruth/Rachel Circle Naomi Circle Martha Circle November 7 November 8 November 9 7:00 PM 9:30 AM 1:00 PM Mary-Martha Room Mary-Martha Room Women s Center Board Meeting Nov. 1, 1:30 PM in Mary-Martha Room Our Fall Gathering is the perfect time to invite someone to join you for a morning with Katie Luther, by Jan Struck, a popular speaker who leads Bible Studies, workshops, and women s retreats. She was most recently a presenter at the National LWML convention this summer. The vision for her Struck with Laughter ministry is to celebrate the incredible love and grace of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, with laughter, gratitude, and joy. Looking ahead: We are inviting crafters to donate homemade items to be sold along with the baked goods at our annual Christmas Sale, Saturday and Sunday, December 16 & 17. Contact Pat Wittcop or Janice Peterson for more details.

8 8 - November 2017 High School Youth Night: High school youth will meet the first Wednesday of November. High school youth will be joining the middle school youth for an off-site youth bowling event November 22. November 1: 5:00-6:30PM November 22: 4:00-6:30PM: Crazy Bowling and pizza before the Thanksgiving worship service. Middle School Youth Night: Fourth Wednesday of each month 7:00-8:30PM (Meet in the Youth Room for games, devotion, food, and open gym) November 22: **Time change** 4:00-6:30PM Crazy bowling and pizza before the Thanksgiving worship service. Youth Sunday Morning Bible Study: Middle and high school youth Bible study will be offered in the Youth Room every Sunday morning at 9:45 AM. Come learn more about God and His word through video Bible studies designed just for you! November s Topic: Why Jesus: Answering Tough Questions About Our Savior. High School Summer Servant Event: Youth currently in 8 th -12 th grade may attend the weeklong servant event this summer! (This is an amazing chance to build strong friendships, see God at work as you serve others, and you will earn LOTS of service hours!) Here are the basics: Date: June 24 - June 30, 2018 Location: Leech Lake Reservation, MN Service: Help lead a sports camp, painting, and simple work projects or help lead a Vacation Bible school program for local children. Estimated Cost: $500 per youth. (Fundraising opportunities will be available to supplement the cost of this trip.) Information Meeting: Sunday, November 12, 2017 at 9:45 AM in the Youth Room. FL/GA Middle School Youth Gathering: Middle school youth and their brave chaperones from Grace will be headed to Eustis, FL November 3-5, Middle school youth will gather at Lake Yale Baptist youth center for a weekend of worship with the band Bread of Stone, great speakers, inflatables, fun, and a time to build great friendships! Youth will be serving breakfast during the December 10 Voters' Assembly to help raise money for this event. Thank you ahead of time for your support! Wholy Fit: Wholy Fit is a Christian alternative to yoga and is offered at Grace Lutheran! Join Leah Welter for a time to relax, improve flexibility, balance, and strength! While we exercise together, we will be moving to Scripture. during BOTH sessions! extra yoga mats available if you do not have your own.) Wholy Fit will take place in the Youth Center. Child care will be provided in the church nursery Please bring a yoga mat and water. (There are a few o Mondays: 5:30-6:15 PM o Wednesdays: 9:15-10:00 AM

9 November Capital Campaign BRIDGE Update Due to your generosity and commitment to the campaign, another hundred-thousand-dollar milestone was reached. As of the writing of this article, we have received $702, towards our $1.3 million-dollar goal. 100 Grand candy bars were distributed on Saturday, October 14, and Sunday, October 15, to express appreciation. To date, work on the elevator, Trinity Hall, and school facility improvements have been completed. An in-depth report on the progress of the campaign will be shared in November during each worship service. We asked for your continued prayers for a successful campaign. The Sunshine Club The SUNSHINE CLUB has some great activities planned that you don t want to miss. If you have never visited, come check us out. November 2 - Vicar Paul Radke will be visiting with us. He will reprise his presentation from his Welcome Reception. If you missed the reception or would like to know more about our vicar, plan to be there. Fellowship at 11:00, a Thanksgiving potluck lunch to follow. Think turkey, and you supply the trimmings. (The Club will supply the turkey.) December 7 - We kick off the Christmas season with a visit from our school children s chorus, and Tammi Straughn has assured us we will again enjoy her sugar cookies. We can t think of a better way to set the tone for the Season - Love. Fellowship at 11:00 AM; the Grace Children's Chorus, then our Christmas potluck lunch (note the change). Bring your holiday side dishes. The Club will supply the ham. We will again collect for The Mission & Senior Orphans; remember, this is the Holiday season, and we want ALL to enjoy it. We extend an invitation to anyone available who would like to enjoy the adult Christian fellowship of the Sunshine Club to come check us out. Bring your spouse, a friend and/or a neighbor and your favorite Pot Luck dish. All are welcome. Fellowship 11:00; Lunch 11:45; Business 12:30; Entertainment 12:45. (Coffee Socials are at 10:00 AM). We hope to see you there! Special Snowbird Gathering for all of our winter guests Please join us Wednesday, November 15 10:00 AM Trinity Hall Weekly Attendance Report Oct Oct Oct Oct VOTER S ASSEMBLY DECEMBER 10, :45AM- TRINITY HALL Breakfast sponsored by Amazing Grace Youth Parish Statistics Deaths Ted Beals 10/3/2017 Evelyn Blair 10/4/2017

10 10 - November 2017 Phone: SCHOOL WEBSITE: school.glwh.org Soon it will be time for Major League Baseball s World Series. The winning team will be awarded the Commissioner s Trophy symbolizing that it is the best team for the year In Philippians, we read about being a champion, but the topic isn t about being a baseball or football champion. Awards, certificates, trophies, and ribbons are good things. It is good to train hard and play well; but trophies, awards, and all of your accomplishments will not get you to heaven. Philippians 3:14 states, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Paul tells us that faith in Jesus Christ will get us to heaven. This is the greatest prize ever, better than any award or ribbon you or I will ever receive. The best prize of all was won as Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. We did nothing to earn it, but it is a gift from God. What a great message to know and share with others. Please do so today and always. Thank you for a great start to our annual Grace Kids Care Campaign. We wrapped up the family information huddles the week of October 9 and officially kicked off the campaign on Thursday, October 12, in the gym with the student body. The kids had a great time!! We reached our first goal of $10,000!!! We will have our first celebration with an In-School Dance Party; date and time are a surprise!! We pray God s blessings for our campaign. Serving Christ, Michael Rottmann, Principal MUSIC: Grace Middle School Bucket Band had fun playing for the Grace Kids Care Rally. The new 1 st quarter middle school music electives were a hit, playing hand chimes and making musical instruments. Ukulele and Praise Band will be offered later in the year. The school is getting ready for Christmas performances, Preschool-Kindergarten on December 13 and 1 st - 8 th grades on December 20. A Christmas program preview with be shared with the Sunshine Club on December 7. ATHLETICS: JV soccer has ended the regular season and placed 3rd in the CFLAA tournament October 14 at St. Paul Lutheran. The JV soccer team ended with 1 win, 2 losses, and 3 ties. ( CFLAA games) Our one win was against St. Luke s. Thanks to Coach Kemp for his help. JV volleyball ended their season at home on Thursday, October 12, against Resurrection Catholic School. They attended the CFLAA tournament at St. Paul's as the 6 th seed out of 13 and placed 3rd. The girls' season record is 4-3 (1-3 CFLAA). Thanks to Coaches Alan, Mya, and Aly Baker for their help. Varsity soccer has one more week and currently have a record of 3-4 (3-1 CFLAA). The record just got submitted to St. Luke s where they will play their CFLAA tournament on October 21. Varsity volleyball has one more week and currently have a record of 5-7 (0-6 CFLAA). They are attending the CFLAA at St. Luke s, Oviedo. We currently have 20 athletic booster members. Thank you to all who support our sports programs. SCHOOL CALENDAR: November: 8: Early Release Day 9: $2 N.U.T. Day (We Care of Polk County) 16: N.U.T. Day 20-24: Thanksgiving Break 27: School Resumes THE MISSION STATEMENT OF GLS: The mission of Grace Lutheran School is to provide its students and their families with a strong spiritual and academic foundation so that they know and understand God s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ and are also able to live lives appropriate to their positions in their families, churches, community, and country.

11 November Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 8:25 AM K-8 Chapel 9:15 AM Wholy Fit 2 9:30 AM LWR Quilters 11 AM Sunshine Club 3 w/pastor Meyer 4 1:30 PM WM Board 5-6:30 PM HS Youth 7 PM Confirmation 3 PM Kidz Choir 6 PM Jobs for Life 6 PM Christmas Cantata 7:15 PM Grace Chorale 6:30PM Square Dancing - MR MS Youth Gathering 5 PM Worship Svc MS Youth Gathering All Saints Day5 Daylight Savings Time Ends - Fall Back 8:30 AM Worship 9:30 AM Fellowship & Bible Study Hour 9:30 AM SS Video 10:45 AM Worship 12 PM Families in the Park - Gym MS Youth Gathering 12 8:30 AM Worship 9:30 AM Fellowship & Bible Study Hour 9:30 AM 50 in 5 9:45 AM God Connects 10:45 AM Worship 6 7:30 AM Staff Devos. 5:30 PM Wholy Fit 6 PM P.A.C.E. Mtg. 7 PM Elders Meeting 13 7:30 AM Staff Devos 5:30 PM Wholy Fit 7 8:25 AM PS Chapel 10:30 AM Admin Staff 5:30 PM Prayer Svc 6 PM Trinity Bells 6:30 PM Gathering Team 7PM Ruth/Rachel 7:15 PM Praise Band 14 8:25 AM PS Chapel 10:30 AM Admin Staff 12 PM God s Guys 5:30 PM Prayer Svc 6 PM Trinity Bells 7:15 PM Praise Band 8 8:25 AM K-8 Chapel 9:15 AM Wholy Fit 9:30 AM Naomi Circle 11:45 AM Early Release 1-3 PM Faculty Mtg. 5:30 PM Generations Night - TH 15 8:25 AM K-8 Chapel 9:15 AM Wholy Fit 10AM Snowbird Gathering-TH 5 PM HS Youth - YR 6 PM Stephen Ministry 7 PM Confirmation 9 9:30 AM LWR Quilters 1 PM Martha Circle 3 PM Kidz Choir 6 PM Jobs for Life 6 PM Christmas Cantata 7:15 PM Grace Chorale 16 9:30 AM LWR Quilters 1 PM Martha Circle 3 PM Kidz Choir 5:30 PM TLC Training 6 PM Jobs for Life 6 PM Christmas Cantata 7:15 PM Grace Chorale 6:30PM Square Dancing - MR w/pastor Meyer 6:30 PM Square Dancing - MR AM Women s Ministry Fall Gathering - TH 5 PM Worship Svc 18 5 PM Worship Svc 19 8:30 AM Worship Svc 9:30 AM Fellowship & Bible Study Hour 9:30 AM 50 in 5 9:45 AM God Connects 10:45 AM Worship 26 Christ the King 8:30 AM Worship Svc 9:30 AM Fellowship & Bible Study Hour 9:30 AM 50 in 5 9:45 AM God Connects 10:45 AM Worship 20 No School Thanksgiving Break 5:30 PM Wholy Fit 6 PM School Board 27 7:30 AM Staff Devos 5:30 PM Wholy Fit 5:30 PM Business Mgt. 6:30 PM Board of Dir. 21 No School Thanksgiving Break 10:30 AM Admin Staff 5:30 PM Prayer Svc 6 PM Trinity Bells 6:30 PM Going Team (Mission Council) 7:15 PM Praise Band 28 10:30 AM Admin Staff 5:30 PM Prayer Svc 6 PM Trinity Bells 6 PM Exec. Elders 6-8:30 PM Jobs for Life Make-Up Day 7:15 PM Praise Band 22 No School Thanksgiving Break 4-6:30PM Middle School Crazy Bowling 7 PM Thanksgiving Eve Worship 8:25 AM Chapel 9:15 AM Wholy Fit :30 AM LWR Quilters 3 PM Kidz Choir 6 PM Jobs for Life 6 PM Christmas Cantata No School Thanksgiving Break Offices Closed MM - Mary-Martha Room LR - Luther Room TH - Trinity Hall YR - Youth Room MR - Music Room WC - Women s Center VR - Volunteer Room 25 5 PM Worship Svc Weekly Music Schedule Praise Team Tues - 7:15 PM Kidz Choir Thurs - 3:00 PM Trinity Bells Thurs - 6:00 PM Cantata Thurs - 6 PM Grace Chorale Thurs - 7:15 PM

12 VOICE OF GRACE Grace Lutheran Church 327 Avenue C, SE Winter Haven, FL NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LAKELAND, FL PERMIT NO Please join us for our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service. Wednesday, November 22 7:00 PM