Greetings from Grace!

Transcription

1 Greetings from Grace! Monthly Newsletter February 2017 Reverend Benjamin J. Kifer, Pastor 1776 N. Market St. / P. O. Box 2505 Washington, NC Grace Supports Iron Eagle Chef Competition in Big Way! Pastor Ben, a member of the Eagles Wings Food Pantry s Board of Directors, volunteered to organize a fund raiser for the organization. He borrowed from the format of The Iron Chef TV show. Local chefs; Danny Morrissey of The Meeting Place, Chrislyn Wedderien of Carry Out by Chrislyn and Ann Marie Montegue, the Director of Eagles Wings, faced off to create winning entrée dishes based on the "secret ingredient" - black beans - for a panel of celebrity judges as well as the ticket holders. Eagle s Wings supplied appetizers and dessert. A silent auction and a wine auction were also part of the event. Lee Chevrolet Buick of Washington was the major corporate sponsor and WITN s weatherman, Matt Engelbrecht, served as the event s announcer. Three interesting presentations of black beans were served. Everyone got to vote for their favorite dish which was won by Chef Danny Morrissey. The celebrity judges selected Chrislyn Wedderien creation and Ann Marie s Eagles Wings Food Pantry Iron Chef Competition Cajun concoction also won an award. Grace was well represented with nearly half of its congregation in attendance. Several members worked as servers and Pastor kept things running smoothly from behind the microphone. It was a great event! See event pictures on pages 12 and 13!

2 In this issue Pastor s Message 3 Special Announcements 4-5 The Laughing Lutheran 6 Church Council Contact Info 6 Committee Reports Fellowship 7 Worship and Music 8 Christian Education 9 Outreach 10 WELCA 11 Eagles Wings Fundraiser Prayer Concerns Doris Hofmann Update 15 Birthdays/Anniversaries 16 Financial Reports 16 Our Vision: Growing in faith and discipleship and sharing the Gospel in word and deed. Covenant Groups 18 Ruth s House 19 Lutheran World Relief 19 Febuary Calendar of Events 20 Martin Luther Monk, Professor and Church Reformer It has been 500 years since Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. It was an event that changed the world.

3 Pastor s Message February 2017 In our Sunday School series called The Mission of Jesus we have been learning fascinating parallels between the Gospels, which tell about the life and death of Jesus, and the wider known world in the 1st century. It has been a good reminder about one aspect of the ministry of Jesus as told in the Gospels: It was dangerous. This should be obvious to us after all, John was beheaded and Christ nailed to the cross for the things that they were saying. Obviously, their message about the coming Kingdom of God stepped on the toes of the powerful and threatened the mighty, and so they paid the price for it. But following Jesus did not cease to be dangerous after He died. For centuries, those who confessed Christ as Lord were persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, and killed for their faith. The Gospels emphasized details about the life of Jesus that were especially dangerous as the influence of the Roman Empire continued to spread and gain influence. For example, Mark s Gospel (the earliest one written) begins by saying this is the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Simple and straightforward enough, right? Well, consider this: the Romans considered the Caesar to be the Son of the Gods literally, and in their language. And when the Caesar would issue a decree or royal ordinance, it would be titled The Good News of the Son of God. Do you see how the Gospel intentionally flew in the face of the empire? There are many other examples of distinct, intentional details included in the Gospels, and told in a particular way, that made the ongoing spread of the Church dangerous to its participants. Those days are, generally speaking, thought of as the glory days of the church the fledgling Church fighting an uphill battle against the powers of the world that sought to destroy it. Steve Smith will be leading 2 Sunday School lessons (February 19th and 26th) about the early Church, leading discussion on the tough realities that our ancestors in the faith faced. I will follow that up with 6 Sundays (through Lent) focusing on the Martyrs of the early Church. I hope you will come and share this time of learning about resolute and dangerous faith. As I m sure you know, Christians are oppressed, imprisoned, and martyred still today in great numbers. Faithful believers in places far away refuse to deny their faith, even in the face of violence and hardship. All these thoughts lead me to wonder: What does our faith cost us? Sunday mornings? Money to the church? A couple of days of service per year? As we get nearer to Lent, and contemplate the example of sacrifice of Jesus, I hope you hold this question in your heart. I am more convicted now than ever that faith in Jesus Christ, and following Him is supposed to be dangerous. Pastor Ben's office hours are: Monday is 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. Page 3

4 Special Announcements! Celebrating New Members Several new members will be welcomed into the congregation during the service on Sunday, February 5! A reception will follow after the service in the Fellowship Hall. What a joyous occasion! Prayer Group Every believer needs prayer to survive. It is our powerful connection with God, and with each other. Whether you can use extra prayers, or have some to give - please plan to join our prayer group. They will meet twice this month, on Wednesdays, February 8 and 22 at 5:30 in the Fellowship Hall. The group prays together and then breaks into small groups to pray for one another. The best part is the continuing prayerful and supportive connection you will maintain with your group! Ask Pastor or Becky Morse any questions you might have. NC Synod Leader School For those wanting to delve deeper into the faith and engage in a meaningful learning experience, the North Carolina Synod is offering a weekly opportunity to gather to be a part of their Leader School. They begin meeting at 6:30 p.m. on February 9th, and will meet weekly into April. Cost for the class is $90, and will meet at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Greenville. Please ask Pastor Ben if you have any questions. Valentines Day Event The Lutheran Men in Mission are hosting their annual Valentine s Day outing for the members of Grace on Saturday, February 11, at Rib Eyes Steakhouse in Williamston. This fun event is a great way to enjoy friendship and fellowship with one another while enjoying a great meal and compete for coveted prizes during Erwin Meier s famous Valentine s Trivia challenge. The meal is Dutch treat and Tom Volk is handling the reservations. You must let Tom Volk know by February 9 if you will be attending. If you need a ride from Washington to Williamston, please let Judy Jennette know. Rib Eyes is located at 1056 Cantle Court (directly across the street from the Senator Bob Martin Ag Center.

5 Lent through Easter Schedule is set Young Adult Group Special Announcements! Service Modifications In order for the choir to better lead the congregation during the singing of the communion hymns, the following practice will begin on a trial basis: The 1st row of the choir will commune during the 1st communion table. The 2nd row of the choir will commune during the 2nd communion table. The communion bread made by Hillary Brooks will be used on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (as applicable) Sundays of each month. Communion wafers will be used on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. Following the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at 6 pm on February 28, the Ash Wednesday Service will be held on March 1 at 6:00 pm. The theme for each Lenten service will be the Lenten Catechism Series led by rotating Pastors from the Coastal Plain Conference of the NC Synod. The series will cover the five parts of Luther s Small Catechism. A soup and sandwich meal will precede each Wednesday service with time to be coordinated with the Fellowship committee. Maunday Thursday Service is set for April 13, at 6:00 pm, the Good Friday Service will be held on April 14, at 6:00 pm (One service only this year) and Easter Service on April 16, at 10:30 am and Easter pot-luck breakfast will precede the worship service. Youtherans Movie Night Lutheran youth will enjoy a movie and fellowship on Saturday, February 25. Contact Pastor Ben for details. Calling all young adults (no age limit - you know who you are!)! The group is now meeting once per month at Pastor Ben and Stacey's house to discuss matters of faith, life, culture, and more. Currently, they are 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!

6 The Laughing Lutheran! My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo and I said, "No, how are we alike?'' "You're both old," he replied Church Council Liaison To Telephone Number Address Rev. Benjamin Kifer, Pastor Evangelism kiferben@gmail.com Sue Dawson Outreach sue_bob_dawson@suddenlink.net Tom Volk Christian Ed TOMSACRE@aol.com Jean Richardson, Vice Pres. Outreach jarson2002@embarqmail.com Judy Jennette, President jjennette@suddenlink.net John Johnston Stewardship giraffe0613@outlook.com Linda Turner Property lsturner69@yahoo.com Anne Myers, Secretary Fellowship annmyers@embarqmail.com Eileen Gustafson donleen@embarqmail.com Bonnie Smith, Treasurer Finance bonniejo.smith@gmail.com Page 6 Jerry Snapp, Financial Secretary Worship & Music; Finance snapp49@embarqmail.com

7 Committee Reports Fellowship Committee Deb Johnston and her committee continue to keep the food and events coming! Great job everyone! Please check the sign up sheets to see what you can contribute to the effort! WELCA GLC s chapter of WELCA met last month and elected officers for Please remember that money from the loose change jar in the Fellowship Hall is used for WELCA projects. If your wallet is getting heavy, drop your excess change in the jar. All women of Grace are invited to participate in the WELCA meeting on February 4. The guest speaker will be a representative from the Coastal Pregnancy Center in Washington. She will talk about the organization s mission and current needs. Please plan to attend at 10:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall on the first Saturday in February to welcome this guest speaker. Page 7

8 The Worship and Music Committee met on January 15 and made the following plans: Ash Wednesday Service will be held March 1, at 6:00 pm. Wednesday evening Lenten services will begin March 8 as the Lenten Catechism Series. They will begin at 6:00 pm and be led by rotating Pastors from the Coastal Plain Conference of the NC Synod. The series will cover the five parts of Luther s Small Catechism. A soup and sandwich meal will precede the service. The Fellowship committee will coordinate the meal time. Maunday Thursday Service will be conducted on April 13, at 6:00 pm Good Friday Service will be held on April 14, at 6:00 pm (One service only this year.) Easter Service is scheduled for April 16, at 10:30 am. An Easter pot-luck breakfast will precede the worship service. The Fellowship committee will announce the time for the breakfast. A volunteer list will be put together for all special services throughout the year in order to better facilitate planning. Pastor Ben is still seeking additional persons to be Assisting Ministers. If anyone is interested, please contact Pastor Ben. The communion bread made by Hillary Brooks will be used on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th (as applicable) Sundays of each month. Communion wafers will be used on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. New worship registers have been developed. Ways to distribute them among the congregation are being investigated. The new worship registers will replace the existing ones found in the Sunday bulletin. In order for the choir to better lead the congregation during the singing of the communion hymns, the following practice will begin on a trial basis: The 1st row of the choir will commune during the 1st communion table. The 2nd row of the choir will commune during the 2nd communion table. Please mark your calendar with these important dates. Next meeting: February 12, 2017 after the worship service and fellowship time. Worship and Music Committee Members are: Lois Hoot Chair Pastor Ben Allison Vanderslice Tom & Bette Volk Pam & Jerry Snapp Hillary Brooks and Lyle Carlson Page 8

9 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES Adult Sunday School Hour 9:00 10:00 a.m. each Sunday 2017 Adult Sunday School continues with the Ray VanderLaan video & discussion series called The Mission of Jesus. Members of the Christian Education Committee will take turns facilitating. On February 19 & 26, Steve Smith will present a study of The Early Christians. Children & Youth Sunday School 9:00 10:00 a.m. each Sunday Young Adult Bible Study! Please see Pastor Ben or Stacey Kifer if you would like to join in and for more information. CONFIRMATION CLASSES Currently, Pastor is instructing three youth! If you know of any youth who may be interested in this instruction toward Confirmation, please see Pastor Kifer. ADULT EVENING BIBLE STUDY on Sunday Evenings at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is invited and welcome to attend at any time! LENDING LIBRARY! Are you looking for some Lenten or Easter reading? Remember to check out Grace s Lending Library bookshelf in the Fellowship hallway by the telephone. Many interesting choices are there for you! Book donations are always appreciated! Announcing 2017 VBS at Grace! Hero Central Discover Your Strength in God! Dates & further information will be forthcoming! ~ Christian Education Committee: Lois Hoot, Pastor Ben Kifer, Becky Morse, Jean Richardson, Kathy Russman (Chair), Bonnie Smith & Tom Volk (Council Liaison). Page 9

10 Zion Shelter (homeless shelter for men) (on going) On the third Wednesday of the month, (February 15 ) members of Grace will prepare and deliver a meal for Zion Shelter clients. Contact Jean Richardson if you would like to help or donate food. Eagle s Wings (local food pantry) (on-going) Eagle s Wings continues to ask for: toiletries, like 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. You may place your donated items in the container marked Eagle s Wings located in the Fellowship Hall. All items are collected on the first Sunday of each month and delivered to Eagle s Wings. Transportation services (on-going) A number of Grace's members have offered to drive others who may not be able to drive themselves to doctor appointments, errands, or evening church events. If you are available to drive, 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, Ruth s House (a safe house for victims of domestic violence) (on-going) The current and on-going needs for Ruth s House are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. There is a collection bin in the Fellowship Hall. Please place your donated items in the bin marked Ruth s House and it will be delivered to those in need. Ruth s House also operates an Antique Store. Donations of antiques, furniture, glassware, collectibles, etc. are very welcome! Red Cross/Disaster Relief: Ron Hermany is over seeing 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 create prayer shawls (for anyone in need) as well as hats and scarves for Zion shelter. As winter sets in, please remember the homeless. They need hats, scarves and socks. Also, Skip Keim, delivers the bosom buddies pillows to cancer patients. These are small pillows, 8-12 inches, any shape. If you have any questions please let Jean know. The Coastal Pregnancy Center will be our outreach project for the 2017 Lenten Season. I will Page 10

11 Covenant Groups Nite Owls Dinner Group Meets for dinner on the 1st Thursday (February 5) of the month. Host assignments change each month, per mutual agreement. The host (s) 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. Dutch treat. Carpools can be arranged, if needed. Lutheran Men in Mission (LMIM) Silver Threads Meet for lunch on the last Tuesday of each month (September through May). Their next meeting will be Tuesday, February 28th at noon. (Place to be announced.) LMIM extends the hand of friendship with an invitation to all men of Grace Lutheran Church who wish to bring hope through Christ. The following activities will be sponsored in February: On Saturday, February 11, LMIM will host their annual Valentine Dinner, at 6 pm, at Rib-Eye s Restaurant in Williamston. They will also sponsor a Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 28, at 5:30pm in the Church Fellowship Hall. The next LMIM meeting will be on March 18 at the Open Hearth Kitchen on Bridge street in Washington. For more information, contact the LMIM president, Rich Mahler at hatteras_clipper@juno.com WELCA (Women of the ELCA) WELCA will hold its monthly meeting on Saturday, February 4 at 10 am in the Fellowship Hall at Grace. The February meeting will feature a guest speaker from The Coastal Pregnancy Center in Washington. Contact Sandra Mahler for more information. Page 11

12 Pastor Ben and Matt Engle brecht Deb Johnson Matthew, Stacey and Scott Jean Richardson Ginger Mainwairing Lois Hoot Pat and Lyle Carlson Page 12

13 Jerry Snapp John Johnson and his Mom Pam Snapp Sue Dawson Agnes Beacham Skip Keim Eileen Gustafson Page 13

14 Prayer Concerns Eileen Baxter Betty Beacham Family of Jenna Belunis Aria Faith Blackburn Family of George Bland Family of Kathy Burns Josephine Cheplic Larry Chrismon Christine Clark Family of Mary Cook Cheryl Davis Pastor Davis Family of Tom Dittrich Karen Eckard Frances Gladson Grace Lutheran Church Patricia Gregory Doris Hansley Doris Hofmann Stephanie Holder Diane Hornyak Jim Husebo Carol Keech Skip Keim Eric Kersten Marylin Mainwaring Everette Martin Family of Virginia McCall Flo Meier Pat Mills The Morse Family Family of Dick Nilson Gail Norris Page 14 has ALS; friend of Lyle & Pat Carlson health problems; cousin of Lawrence Beacham Jenna passed away in early August; grand-daughter of Carol Trueman greatly improving after multiple procedures to treat a very rare form of eye cancer; three-year old grand-daughter of co-worker of Judy Jennette George passed away on December 13th; extended family of Becky & Bobby Morse Kathy passed away in late September; friend of Agnes Beacham medical problems; friend of Agnes Beacham friend of Lois Hoot recuperating from double mastectomy on November 16; daughter of Skip Keim s cousin Mary recently passed away; cousin of Becky Morse recuperating from September 21st hip replacement; sister of William Brooks health problems Tom passed away on June 1 in New York; son of Agnes Beacham diagnosed with serious kidney disease; niece of Randy and Annette Sipe diagnosed with cancer for spiritual and physical growth, and for discernment on our path forward fractured arm; friend of Shirley Stokes health issues; mother of Annette Sipe member now living in Texas; health issues young mother with cancer diagnosed with colon cancer; extended family of Kathy Russman member diagnosed with cancer; mother of friends of Bonnie &Steve Smith member; recuperating from major back surgery in late November serious health concern; family friend of William Brooks grief after losing her mother health concerns; friend of Annette Sipe Virginia passed away on Jan. 24; sister of Bette Volk member; on-going health concerns health issues; friend of the Beachams Becky, Bobby and their family recently lost a beloved family member Dick passed away the last week of December; brother-in-law of Lyle Carlson former member; suffering from cancer

15 Ann O Mally undergoing treatment for breast cancer; friend of Ursula Glisson Mason Overton young child undergoing cancer treatment Mike Proctor recovering from brain surgery at Duke on January 31st; friend of Lois Hoot Jody Robertson recovering at home per Ann Myers Jakob Schnaekel and Family Virginia Lee Smith renewed health concerns; 92-year-old aunt of Steve Smith Rob, Kelli, and Kinley Smith Rejoicing at the birth of William Travis Smith; grandson of Steve and Bonnie Smith Family of Woodrow Smith Woodrow passed away on November 22 Steve Spang diagnosed with lung cancer; nephew of Ursula Glisson Sharon Steinbacher suffering from cancer; friend of the Schnaekels Family of Rachael Stucker Rachael passed away October 8th; mother of Ginger Mainwaring's daughter-inlaw Family of George Trueman George passed away on December 7th. Husband of member Carol Trueman. Stephanie Tucker now living in New York City Jack Weisnhorn recovering from December 12 open heart surgery; extended family of Ann Myers Charlotte Woolard & Family member; health and other concerns While in Texas, Stacey, Kaylee and Pastor got the pleasure of seeing Doris Hofmann! She is doing well and is settling in to her new home north of Houston. She enjoys living near her daughters, and is thankful for the great medical care close to home. Pastor states, As always - it was such a blessing to see her! She sends her love to her whole church family here at Grace! Page 15

16 February Birthdays and Anniversaries Birthdays 2 Don Turner 13 Becky Morse 18 Bette Volk 19 Erwin Meier 21 Kim Meier 22 Linda Turner Anniversaries 20 Lawrence and Agnes Beacham GLC Year-to-date Financial Report for 2017 Page CHURCH OFFERING PLEDGES: $ 77, PLEDGES TO DATE: $ 12, % PLEDGES: 16.4% PLEDGE PERIOD COMPLETED: 9.43% NON-PLEDGED OFFERING $ CHURCH OFFERING TOTAL: $ 13,432 CHURCH OFFERING REQUIRED TO MEET GENERAL FUND BUDGET: $99, CHURCH OFFERING TOTAL %: 13.5% 2017 YTD Offering Surplus/(Deficit) = $ 4,043.51

17 Ruth s House HAVE YOU VISITED RUTH S HOUSE ANTIQUES & MORE? Located at 228 W. Main Street, Washington NC Open on Thursdays from 11 am - 3 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays, 11 am - 5 pm All funds raised are used to help the victims of domestic violence! DONATIONS OF ANTIQUES -- FURNITURE -- GLASS -- COLLECTIBLES -- ARE ALL WELCOME! Your support of this endeavor is deeply appreciated! Interested in volunteering for Ruth s House? Call (252) Coffee, tea, cocoa, candy and fruit snacks grown in developing countries are available for purchase in the fellowship hall. Your support improves the lives of small-scale farmers and their families through sustainable agriculture efforts. Checks may be made out to Grace - WELCA. Contact Lois Hoot for more info. Page 17

18 February Pastor in office 10:30 am - 5 pm Pastor in office 10:30 am 5 pm Needlers 1-3 pm 6 pm Nite Owls 10 am WELCA meeting Speaker from Coastal Pregnancy Center 5 9 am Sunday School 10:30 Worship Welcome new members after church! 2:30 Confirmation 6 Pastor s day off 5:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Choir 7 Pastor working from home Pastor in office 10:30 am - 5 pm 11:00 am Conference Clergy meeting hosted at Grace 5:30 pm Prayer Group meeting 9 Pastor out of office (Synod boundary training) Needlers 1-3 pm pm LMM Valentines Day Party at Rib Eyes in Williamston am Sunday School 10:30 Worship Worship & Music Committee meeting Pastor s day off 5:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Choir Pastor working from home Zion Shelter meal preparation Pastor in office 10:30 am - 5 pm Needlers 1-3 pm Young Adult group meets at the Kifers 2:30 Confirmation 5 pm Bible Study 19 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship 2:30 Confirmation 5 pm Bible Study 20 Pastor s day off 5:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Choir 21 Pastor working from home Pastor in office 10:30 am - 5 pm 5:30 pm Prayer Group meeting 23 Needlers 1-3 pm Youtherans Movie night 26 9am Sunday School 10:30 Worship Church Council meeting 2:30 Confirmation 5 pm Bible Study 27 Pastor s day off 5:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Choir 28 Pastor working from home Silver Threads - 12 noon (TBA) 6 pm Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper March 1 6:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service