Announcements
Deborah/Elizabeth Circle Advent Meeting December 17th
Watch, wait, create is a devotional, based on readings from Isaiah, that asks us to listen, reflect, and respond creatively. The author’s hope is that participants will find God’s word revealing Advent in new ways.
Please join us as we gather at 10:30 AM in the Round in the Muhlenberg Building on the Luther Acres campus. At about 11:30 we conclude with lunch together. For further info please contact Joyce Saeger or Carol Main.
“Grace Our Table” Cookbooks
If you ordered a cook book before December 2, your order is ready!
Orders can be picked up in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday December 15 & 22 between 8:30 and 9am. You can also pick up your order at the church office, but please call ahead to make sure we are here! Checks payable to Grace Lutheran Church, memo line– cook book.
It’s not late to place an order– please let us know ASAP.
If you have anu questions please contact Angie at graceelcaapd@gmail.com
Tree of New Beginnings
The tree is empty! Thank you to everyone who purchased gifts.
If you are still interested in helping with this project, please consider a cash donation or gift card to the family.
If you have any questions please contact Angie at graceelcaapd@gmail.com
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 SundayDec. 29 in order to be credited for 2019. Donation received after Sunday Dec. 29 will be credited in 2020. Thank you, Judy Resch.
Stewardship Snippets
December 15, 2019 (Third Sunday of Advent, Year A)
James 5:8 – You must also be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.
Patience is good stewardship! We know that Jesus is coming, not only in our celebration of Christmas, but also in the “kin-dom” of God both now and forever
Advent Fair 2019
This year the Dramabilty Works participants and their families joined us for a fun day of crafting, food, and fellowship. Kath Verkouw led the children’s choir in a very energetic song, which they taught to all who attended.
A special thank you to all who helped with the Advent Fair. Our craft leaders included Bruce Linton, Kim Burke, Brittany Platt, Doug Halter, Molly Rowen, Audrey Harman, Kath Verkouw, Joyce Loiseau, Brenda Hayasaka, and Stacie Main who prepared most of the crafts with Kim Burke. Our sloppy joe chefs were Molly & Michael Rowen. John & Joanne McSparran worked in the kitchen and helped to prepare the food tables. All enjoyed delicious sandwiches accompanied by salads and scrumptious desserts. Volunteers worked together to clean up, do dishes, and move tables. By 3:30 p.m. the room looked great!
Thanks again, Marianne Nolt
Christmas Eve at Grace
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 Worship Schedule
Tuesday, December 24 – 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.
Tuesday, December 24 – 7:00 p.m. Holy Communion Family Service
Music and drama with the children bringing the Christmas message.
Tuesday, December 24 – 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.
Important Worship Information!
Saturday, December 28 – 6:00 p.m. Communion Service in the Chapel Sunday, December 29 – 10:00 a.m. ONLY in the Nave (please note there will be no Sunday School or fellowship that morning)
R3 Update
Take Time To Pray
Each week we publish a list of persons who need our prayers. But do you take time each day to feel the presence of God in your life through prayer?
Daily morning devotions, beginning each meal with prayer (or “Grace”), or recalling all the ways God has been good to you this day before retiring for the night?
Take time to pray each day. It brings joy to the soul.
John Saeger for the R3 Team
Our Grace Family
Christian Sympathy
Dear Members of Grace,
We give thanks for the life and witness of Jeffrey Long, son of Lorraine Long, who died December 2, 2019.We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Lorraine, her family and friends.
We also give thanks for the life and witness of Linda Reidenbaugh’s mother Faith, who died December 1, 2019. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Linda, her family and friends.Please keep Faith’s family in your prayers.
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