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!
It’s A Go! Highlights of the Congregational Meeting February 10th
Following a presentation with updates on all the meetings of the congregation’s Council, Renovation Team and Finance Team since the November congregational meeting, the congregation voted to approve the following recommendation from the Council:
To accept the bid from CH&E of $1,746,000 to begin work as soon as possible on the renovation of the basement and construction of the new entrance plus elevator as approved previously by the Congregation, contingent upon approval of a loan with favorable terms, for the above amount plus additional soft costs of $240,416 (less amounts already paid and/or raised), and,
To authorize a second campaign to raise funds for loan repayment, which shall be prepared in advance to secure pledges and income by the end of our current capital campaign period in May of 2020. The specific duration, scope and goals of this campaign shall be developed by our Capital Campaign Team with the assistance of a campaign consultant, with an estimated campaign cost not to exceed $20,000.
The vote was taken by ballot with 67 voting yes, 6 voting no, and 2 abstentions. So, you may be wondering, what happens next? Implied in the wording of the recommendation that mentions “a loan with favorable terms” is the acceptance of our application by the Mission Investment Fund of the ELCA, a financial institution whose mission is to provide both a savings vehicle for Lutheran congregations as well as loan products to support funding for large ministry projects, building projects, and renovations. A first task will be to complete all of the proper documents for the loan to be officially filed and extended to us. Next, on February 20, our Renovation Team meets with the team from CH&E to agree on the final details of the scope of work and the schedule. In the meantime, the asbestos abatement contractor will apply for their permit from the city and begin their work of safely removing the asbestos floor tiles and insulation from the church basement as soon as possible, most likely by early March.
More information on the construction schedule will be shared soon, and our Capital Campaign Team will begin its planning immediately for a second phase of fund-raising, to be integrated with the end of our current campaign period in May of 2020. Thanks to all who have supported this major project and campaign so far; stay tuned for more updates, and for the announcement of a ground-breaking celebration, coming soon! Finally, please keep our congregation, our leaders and our ministry in your prayers! Yours in Christ, Pastor V
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.
Save the Date! Saturday, April 6, 2019
“Preparing to be Dust” 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 750 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601
Please 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), available in e-book form, and available at the Lancaster County Library. We will be taking time to fill out Five Wishes Forms and funeral templates for our respective congregations. A representative from Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory will join us in the morning to speak about the services they offer. In the afternoon we will have a presentation from Hospice & Community Care titled “Making Your Wishes Known: A Living Will is Not Enough.”
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Cost per participant is $10.
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
Stewardship Snippets
Feb. 17, 2019 (6th Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C)
Luke 6:20 – Then Jesus looked up at his disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.”
Why are the poor “blessed” and entranced into the kingdom of God? Emphasizing how wealth can be an obstacle to discipleship, Luke’s gospel challenges us to rethink our relationship to money. What does this passage say to you?
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.
In America’s Original Sin, Wallis offers a prophetic and deeply personal call to action in overcoming the racism so ingrained in American society. He speaks candidly to Christians–particularly white Christians–urging them to cross a new bridge toward racial justice and healing. Whenever divided cultures and gridlocked power structures fail to end systemic sin, faith communities can help lead the way to grassroots change. Probing yet positive, biblically rooted yet highly practical, this book shows people of faith how they can work together to overcome the embedded racism in America, galvanizing a movement to cross the bridge to a multiracial church and a new America.
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 