Grace News June 13, 2023

Christian Formation

VBS 2023

Soul Food: How God Feeds Us
A time to unplug and gather around the table
June 14, June 28, July 12, July 26, August 2
6– 8 p.m.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Kathryn Verkouw (verkouw@gmail.com) or Megan Supeck (pmsupeck@gmail.com) or call the church office at 717-397-2748.

We will begin each evening with dinner together! There will also be time for teens and adults to play some fun games together. Let the laughter begin! Of course we will also provide the great VBS activities for our Pre-K through 6th grade age groups. Babies, toddlers through high school are welcome for summer evenings of fun and learning together. Children younger than elementary age should have a parent planning to stay with them. Dinner will be served! Please RSVP with Kath!

Adult Summer Sunday School

Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Nolt Auditorium


June 18: Tom Santosusso — Praying the Psalms
June 25: Dr. David McConnell —Why We Do What We Do In Worship
July 2: Dr. David McConnell— What is the big deal about J.S. Bach?
July 9: TBD
July 16: Dr. Karl Moyer — Faith and Order in Grace Church’s History
July 23: Joseph and Erin Longenecker — Our Mission in Burkina Faso
July 30: Sandy Morris, Greg Gable: —Views from our Palestinian Pilgrimage*
August 6: Sandy Morris, Greg Gable:  Views from our Palestinian Pilgrimage
August 13:Bradden Weaver —Christian Nationalism: Driving Forces and Leading Personalities
August 20: Bradden Weaver—  Christian Nationalism: Driving Forces and Leading Personalities
August 27: Bradden Weaver—Christian Nationalism: Driving Forces and Leading Personalities
September 3:Bradden Weaver — Christian Nationalism

For these sessions it would be good to read Blood Brother’s by Elias Chacour and Faith in the Face of Empire by Mitri Raheb

Blurb from Bradden Weaver on his 4-week series

Christian Nationalism is a term that constantly appears in the news and public conversation. For some brands of churches, Christian Nationalism’s tenets have become deeply woven into their faith convictions, religious identity, and understanding of how America’s renewal must proceed. For other types of churches, Christian Nationalism is a dangerous political ideology based on a false Gospel and a warped understanding of Jesus, leading America to an authoritarian theocracy.  While much has been reported on the ideas of Christian Nationalism and its potential outcomes, far less is understood about the persons and forces driving this movement. This 4-week series will investigate one of the major
religious movements promoting Christian Nationalism: the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). The NAR’s loose network of churches and its leaders exert incredible influence in fostering Christian Nationalism in the hearts and minds of millions of evangelical and charismatic Christians.  It’s time to take a look at the NAR’s theological concepts, identity formation, and church governance practices that are behind this radically polarizing worldview that seeks to remake the culture and politics of our
constitutional republic. 

If you have any questions please contact Kathryn Verkouw

Outreach

Donations Needed for the  Food Hub

The Food Hub as put out a request to local congregations for the following items:

  • NEW Socks (men, women, and children)
  • NEW Underwear (men. women, and children)
  • Laundry Detergent—32 oz. or smaller. (Please no bulk sized items)
  • Feminine Hygiene Products — pads with wings and tampons with applicators (Please no scented products)
  • Hygiene Products—shampoo/conditioner, body wash/soap, deodorant
  • (Please no bulk sized items)

Items can be dropped off in the Narthex or in the collection area in the Nolt Auditorium. We will begin collecting items this Sunday. Our collection will end on Sunday July 16th. If you have any questions please contact Angie Rabbe at gracechurch517@gmail.com or call the church office at 717-397-2748.

Weekly Reflection

“Christ did not only die and rise again. He also lived and taught and healed, and called to discipleship in this life. Moreover, there were two days between his crucifixion and his resurrection…and the resurrected Lord rules a church that lives out a history. God’s saving work does not collapse time; it makes and takes time.”

—Robert Jenson, Lutheran Slogans Use and Abuse, American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, pg. 36.
 

Our Grace Family