Many thanks to the children of Grace for sharing the Good News with us on Christmas Eve, they worked very hard to make this year’s play a very special part of our celebration!
Official Notice of Congregational Meeting & Renovation Update
Sunday February 10, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
Spring and Early Summer at Grace Church – Save the Dates!
· Youth MixerFebruary 17 at 12:00 noon in the Stafford Room—RSVP by Sunday Feb. 10.
· Adult Education Class – America’s Original Sin; Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America.Beginning February 17 at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. (see article inside for more information)
· Ash Wednesday – the beginning of our Lenten Journey
March 6th – Services at Noon and 7:00 p.m.
· Adult Education Class – “Blood Brothers”
Starts Sunday March 24 at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
· Lancaster Chamber Singers Concert March 24 at 3:00 p.m. in the Nave.
· April 6th Lenten Retreat 9:30 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Good ShepherdPlease join members of Grace Lutheran Church and The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on April 6th, 2019 for our Lenten Retreat where we will explore how we can have both a good life and a good death. Participants are encouraged to read Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, prior to the retreat. Copies of the book can be purchased through Grace Lutheran for $11 (please let us know by March 1st). A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Cost per participant is $10. RSVP to the church office.
· Palm Sunday April 14th
· Holy Week Services
Thursday April 18th, Friday April 19th, and Saturday April 20th
· Easter Sunday – The Resurrection of Our Lord
Sunday, April 21st. Breakfast will be served.
· Pentecost and the Rite of Confirmation
June 9th at the 10:30 a.m. service. Confirmands will present their projects at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
· VBS 2019 – Who Is My Neighbor
Sunday through Thursday, June 16 – 20th, starting at 5:45 p.m.
· Confirmation Camp 2019
For students entering 6th through 9th grades, June 23rd – 29th at Camp Kirchenwald
· H.S. Beach Retreat with St. Peter’s. July 4th-8th.
Grace Book Group – Tuesday, February 12, at 7 PM in the Parlor.
Join the Grace Book Group for this month’s discussion. A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Brimming with humor, a glittering cast of characters, and one beautifully rendered scene after another, this singular novel casts a spell as it relates the count’s endeavor to gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a man of purpose. Carol Main will lead the discussion.
Deborah Elizabeth Circle
“Meetings with Jesus”
The Deborah/Elizabeth Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 19th at 10:30 AM in the Round in the Muhlenberg Building on the Luther Acres campus in Lititz to continue its study, “Meetings with Jesus” based on John’s Gospel. In this session we will consider Jesus’ encounters with Nicodemus and with the Samaritan woman. Please join us for a time of study and conversation. At about 11:30 we will conclude with lunch together. For further information please contact Joyce Saeger or Carol Main.
Blanket Work Days in Fellowship Hall
We received a Thrivent Financial debit card for $250 to buy fleece for Lutheran World Relief blankets. We have the fleece, but now we need to work on the blankets! To qualify for this card, we are obligated to have a group workday. Because it is difficult to get a group for any given day, I have set up three days the week of February 18 (Monday from 9:30am to 12 noon; Tuesday from 11am to 1pm, and Thursday from 9:30am to 12 noon.) I have at least one person for each of these days but could use more. Please check your calenders (this is a one-time only commitment for any new people willing to work on one of these days). There are about 6 regulars working on blankets (LWR & Project Linus) through the year. They work at home and sometimes at the church. We also have fleece available for Project Linus to make braided toddler blankets. These go to local children where there is a need for a comforting blanket. The fleece for the Project Linus blankets we are currently making was provided by one of Grace’s members. If you would like to work on these, let me know; and I will show you how to make them. Barbara Slotter, 342-2654, or (cell) 300-0710
Grace Lutheran Community Meal!
As the saying goes…”It takes a Village to do big things” like preparing a Community Meal for those in need. On January 23rd, my family and I signed on for our second year to host and prepare the community Meal at Grace Church. It has proven to be a very rewarding experience and certainly not as overwhelming as you might think. I recognize that those wanting to host may be a bit hesitant, however please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I would be happy to pass along all the information I’ve gleaned and work with you and assist wherever needed. I know you will find the same renewed hope that we did in the power of a Church Community joining together to share God’s love. Many thanks again to Craig & Angie Schaum, Tom & Becky Schaum, Jeff & Joan Schaum, Mike Ault, Ray & Carol Dennis, & Ann Ross!
God’s Peace
Jim & Sue (Schaum) Pacelli
(717) 872-7967 or cell: (717) 468-5458
Stewardship Snippets
Feb. 10, 2019 (5th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C)
Luke 5:5,6 –Simon answered Jesus, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.Jesus’s instructions make no sense to Simon, but following them leads him to make an enormous catch of fish. Steward/disciples often find that God’s guidance leads to greater abundance. When have you seen this in your life?
Souper Bowl Sunday was a success!
Special thanks to our youth! We delivered 388 pounds of food collected to the Council of Churches. $154.00 in monetary donations were collected as well! Great job!
Upcoming Sunday School
America’s Original Sin; Racism, White Privilege, and the Bridge to a New America
Beginning February 17th at 9:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
America’s problem with race has deep roots, with the country’s foundation tied to the near extermination of one race of people and the enslavement of another. Racism is truly our nation’s original sin. Copies of the book are available by calling the church office or emailing Angie at graceelcaapd@gmail.com The cost is $13.00.
gracelutheranchurch.com 