Grace News February 6, 2024

Announcements

From the Desk of Pastor Rustico

Dear Friends in Christ,

This past Sunday, January 28^th, I was installed by Pastor Verkouw to be Grace Lutheran Church’s new “Visitation Pastor.”  I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce myself, and the work I hope to do for our congregation.

I am Pastor Peter Rustico.  A little over a year ago I retired after 41 years as a parish pastor at two different congregations in the New York metropolitan area.  My wife Barbara and I moved to the Lancaster area, and after visiting many other ELCA congregations, we joined Grace Church last summer.  We have sons and granddaughters in California, Colorado, and Ohio.  We moved here because we like the area, and now we love Grace Church, our new church home.

Back in December I spoke to Pastor Verkouw about my interest in using my pastoral experience to serve Grace Church in some volunteer (non-paid) capacity.  We together came up with a plan for me to serve as your Visitation Pastor.  This is a position that Grace has had on and off in the past, but has not had for some years.  Our Church Council ratified this plan at their January meeting, and I have already begun my work.

My responsibilities include the visitation of our shut-in and homebound members, and bringing them Holy Communion whenever possible.  Some are living in nursing homes, some in assisted living facilities, and others still living in their own homes.  I will also be available for hospital visitations as well.  While I will be working “for free” I will not be a “free agent.”  I will be working under the direction and guidance of Pastor Verkouw.  He has already given me a list of names, and I have already begun my work.  I am sure that in time he will be adding names to my list of folks to visit.  I will report to him after my visits to share any information that may seem important for him to know.

It is my intention to give 4 to 6 days each month for this visitation ministry, scheduled in my own life around some regular visits out west to visit my family.  I also do one or two Sundays of supply preaching each month to help other congregations that need Sunday worship leadership, while still leaving other Sundays free to worship at Grace.

You need to know that Pastor Verkouw will continue to make his own visits, and has been his practice for 28 years.  We already have a few members who take the sacrament after worship on Sundays, and bring it to some of our housebound members.  I hope that this ministry will continue as well.  My goal is to supplement, not replace, the good work of our pastor, and others, in bringing the love of Christ, and the hospitality of Grace Church, to those who cannot get to church physically.

If there are people that you think might appreciate a visit, I invite you to reach out to me, or Pastor Verkouw with that information.  Give me a name, address, and perhaps a telephone number and I will do the rest.  You can reach me in person, or by phone or email.  I’m in the directory!

Our church motto is “Holy Worship.  Wholly Serving” We serve our Lord in a variety of ways within our daily lives, and within the ministries of our congregation.  Whether your ministry is assisting with worship, singing anthems, playing instruments, setting up the altar, mopping floors, teaching children or adults, working with youth, serving food at our Wednesday Community meal, managing money or property, whatever to do at Grace that advances our mutual ministry is “Wholly Serving” Christ and his people.  We to it all to “the glory of God.”  I thank you for the opportunity to serve our Lord through this ministry.

In Christ,

Pastor Peter Rustico

Grace Book Group: Books, Coffee, and Conversation

We are meeting next Tuesday (2/13) at 7 pm on Zoom to discuss our February romance books. If you would like to join our group please contact Brenda Hayasaka at bkhayasaka@gmail.com

Mardi Gras Lunch and Talent Show

We don’t need any more desserts—thank you everyone who signed up to bring dessert!! Your financial donations are respectfully requested in support of our Youth who are helping to prepare the day and their talents as part of their thanks for our support of their trip to the National Lutheran Youth Gathering this summer…  
If you have questions about the lunch or getting your act registered for the show, please call or text Kath.

Ash Wednesday February 14th

Join us for the imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. Services are noon in the St. Peter Chapel & 7 p.m. in the Nave

Christian Formation 

Please note that the previously advertised Sunday School class with Tom Santosusso has been postponed until the Easter season.

All materials are available for pick up in the solarium. If you are unable to make it to church but would still like one or more of the Lenten resources please let Angie know and she will email it to you.

Outreach

Grocery Cards

Our Grace Family