Grace News December 11, 2018

Upcoming Sunday School

Let’s Talk – Conversations on Controversial Topics Lead by the High School Sunday School

Please join the Sr. High Sunday School on Sunday, December 16 in the Fellowship Hall for the next installment of Controversial Topics. Inspired by their time at the Youth Gathering over the summer, our high school students will be leading a discussion on Gun Control.  January 6, 2019 is the date of our final discussion, LGBTQ* equality. We hope you will join us! 

Sunday  December 23
Christmas? Bah Humbug!  Dress Rehearsal at 9:00 a.m. in the Nave

Announcements

Young Musicians wanted for Christmas Eve!

We again invite young musicians to play in the prelude music for the 7:00 pm Christmas Eve service.  Ask your “young musician” NOW about doing this so there is time to prepare a piece. We prefer pieces based on familiar carol tunes.  This is a great way for children to “give back” and give glory to God.  Please call David or Vicki in the office: 397-2748.

Christmas Eve Services 

4:00 p.m.  Prayerful Eucharist

Our increasingly popular early service. All the Christmas basics –  Scripture, Carols & Pastor’s Christmas Sermon – with some musical gems as well.

7:00 p.m.  Holy Communion Family Service

Music and drama with the children bringing the Christmas message.

10:00 p.m.  Holy Communion Festival Worship – Prelude begins at 9:30 pm

One of Lancaster’s finest volunteer choirs leads our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for the Incarnation of our Lord.  A musical feast in the great tradition of Christmas praise from ancient to modern works by the Grace Choir, Gloria Bell Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Brass Quintet.  The service concludes with choir and congregation singing Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus.

Deborah Elizabeth Circle

The Deborah/Elizabeth Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 18th at 10:30 AM in the Round in the Muhlenberg Building on the Luther Acres campus in Lititz.  We will share in an Advent devotional entitled “Fear Not”, the words spoken to a perplexed Mary by the angel Gabriel.  Please join us for a time of reflection on dealing with our fears.  Just as Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds were told by angels not to be afraid, we, too, know that God’s promises are with us always.  At about 11:30 we will conclude with lunch together.  For further information please contact Joyce Saeger or Carol Main.

Winter Women’s Shelter

Hello Everyone, The Winter Shelter for homeless women will be opening on Dec. 3rd and running through April 7th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Vine Street.  As you are likely aware, volunteers play a key role in the overall operation of this much needed program. Click here to sign up.  Thank you. Gail G. Rittenhouse  M.ED CFRE Executive Director, Lancaster County Council of Churches

Recruiting Sunday School Teachers and Small Group Leaders

February 10 – March 17  We will be studying America’s Original Sin; Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis. There is a study guide available in the church office for anyone that is willing to teach. 

March 24 – June 2  We also need small group leaders to lead our Congregation Wide Book Discussion on Blood Brothers by Elias Chacour; The Dramatic Story of a Palestinian Christian Working for Peace in Israel. A discussion guide is also available in the church office for those willing to lead a group. We will also need someone to lead a group during the Sunday School Hour. Further information on the exact dates will be determined by the date of the Congregational Meeting in May. Small group meeting times and locations are determined by the small group leader. If you are planning on meeting at Grace please let me know so I can check the church calendar for space availability. 

Please let Angie Smith (graceelcaapd@gmail.com) know as soon as possible if you are interested in teaching and or leading a small group. 

A message from our Financial Secretary …

Do you need to catch up on your pledge?  Want to make an end of year donation? The Financial Secretary is asking that all end of year donations be in the office by Friday, Dec. 28 in order to be credited for 2018.  Donation received after Sunday, Dec. 30 will be credited in 2019.                                    Thank you  Judy Resch

Stewardship Snippets

Dec. 16, 2018 (3^rd Sunday of Advent, Year C)
Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Joy is the theme for the third Sunday of Advent. Philippians reminds us to rejoice – find the joy – in God. Always! Though we live in a world that has many troubles, we can always find joy, in God’s love. Joy is a way of life for steward/disciples.

Poinsettia Orders

Poinsettia orders are due Sunday, Dec. 16th.  Plants are $10.00 each.

Portals of Prayer & Christ in Our Home

Devotional Booklets for January, February, and March are now available!

Prayer List