Announcements
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October 2025 Schedule
Council Highlights
Grace Lutheran Church
Congregational Council Highlights
September 15, 2025
· Jane Sheckard reported that people are giving graciously. The renovation loan balance is below $440k thanks to generous giving to the capital campaign. Our net income for the general fund this year is only $10K or so behind YTD which is expected at the end of summer.
· Pastor updated the council about several property-related matters:
· On the HVAC issues that we have been experiencing in our renovated basement for the last 5 years – we have entered into a warranty claims process and Donald Main and his staff from
MMArchitects are taking the lead on organizing the process.
· It has been 20 years since any work was done on the Bell Tower and we need to address some wear and tear issues with our largest bell. There will be a moratorium on ringing the bell during
worship until financing and repairs can be approved and completed.
· With the 250th Anniversary of the national independence coming next year, we are exploring ways to care for our historic “Liberty Bell,” with a goal of taking care of the bell while finding a place where all could admire it and learn the history.
· Homeless Neighbors: Pastor continues to enforce behaviors and consequences with those who are using our property carelessly. Council discussion emphasized that while doing much to serve our neighbors in need, we must protect our campus from misuse, provide safety for the children in our daycare, and for all members, staff and neighbors who use the campus. Pastor emphasized that the problem is not so much safety or crime as it is disorderly behavior and trash. Council encouraged Pastor Steve to be clear that we will enforce misbehavior and call the police if necessary.
· Council discussed staffing needs in the future and are going to take steps toward being prepared to address our future needs. Funds were approved for a part-time assistant sexton position, to be filled ASAP.
· Jane Sheckard reminded everyone that 2026 budgets are due by the end of September.
Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia Reifsnyder
In-person Book Group
Monday October 27 at 1:30 p.m. in the Nolt Auditorium. Please join us for our discussion of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhorn
A compelling, historical fiction about the life of an eighteenth century
midwife named Martha Ballard. The story opens with intrigue as a man was found dead in the Kennebec River in Maine. Since there were very few doctors in the area, midwife Ballard was called to examine the dead man. She concluded that the man had been murdered. Midwife Ballard continued to keep a daily record of each day of her married life. Her ability to read and write was fostered by her husband, who taught her to read and write.
The Frozen River adeptly pulls the reader to follow the trial of a prominent town leader, who was accused of raping and impregnating a local woman. Normally, in those days, a woman had no rights to speak in court, but because Midwife Ballard had served as a medical examiner of the murdered man, she was able to bravely testify the truth in the court. Author Ariel
Lawhon utilizes the subjects of childbirth, midwifery, the joys of a supportive husband, and the challenges of very few available medicines in the eighteenth century. All these events make for a powerful, fast-paced read!
If you have any questions please contact Arlene Volk, Nan Yoder, or Joyce Loiseau.
Communion Assistants
We need your help—we need a few more communion assistants for the 10:30 service . We would love to have at least three more folks sign up on a regular basis. If you have any questions please contact Angie Rabbe or Keith Miller.
Flowers and Candles
A reminder: If you would like to honor/remember your loved one(s) on significant dates, such as birthdays,
anniversaries, or date of passing, please contact: Donna Weidman @ dweidman52@gmail.com or
717-201-6180
A nominal fee of $20 for flowers and/or $5 for candles helps defray the cost of the altar flowers & candles in our budget.
Outreach
Grocery Cards
Grocery cards are available at both services on Sunday mornings. You may order cards by calling Duane and Kitty Weiss. Remember all purchases of cards realizes 5% in cash back to Grace. These funds are used to support our many ministries. Grocery
Christian Formation
Adult Christian Formation —Fall 2025
October 5: Prayer: Does it make any difference?
October 12: Prayer: Does it make any difference? Led by Kurt Strause
October 19: Prayer
October 26: Prayer (Last Session) Reformation Sunday
November 2: Compelled by the love of Christ, The Deaconess Community of the ELCA: Sister Dr.
Dottie Almoney, Directing Deaconess of the Deaconess Community of the ELCA
November 9: Finding Your Anchor – an exercise in Resilience Led by Jane Horan, EdD
November 16: Adults: Contemplative Prayer Led by Tom Santosusso
Highschool Youth’s turn to experience “Finding Your Anchor” Led by Jane Horan, EdD
November 23: Advent Fair!!!!!! Fun and crafts for all ages
November 30: Traveling with the Deaconess Community: Sister Dr. Dottie Almoney, Directing
Deaconess of the Deaconess Community of the ELCA
December 7: Congregational Meeting!!!
December 14: Contemplative Prayer Led by Tom Santasusso
December 21: Please support the children by attending their Christmas Play “Wow!”
December 28: TBD
Adult Sunday School—November 9
The Art of Resilience: Finding Your Anchor; join us for a fun reflective session that blends art and guided conversation to explore what keeps you grounded in times of change. Using creative
expression and thoughtful reflection you will uncover your personal resilience anchors and leave with renewed clarity and calm. No artistic experience needed just bring an open mind, an open heart and a dash of curiosity.
Youth Group–Update on Fall Foliage Day
We will meet after second service, have pizza, then head to camp, and be back between 6:45 and 7 pm.
A word of Thanks from Kath
Sunday, at the 10:30 worship we had new faces from all corners of Lancaster! Pearl Sieber introduced a friend from her work who was “seeking”; The Sourite called another couple to return; one new L-Hands neighbor invited the children of another new neighbor to come to Sunday School and worship; Jeannette and Ivine brought a young friend who was curious. Praise God! Fishbowl was a bit chaotic, but thanks to help from Cameron, Lindsay, Nina (all youth) and Amanda McComsey, it was a success. Mary Gensler and Nan Yoder helped with the visiting children during worship. It surely takes a village and I’m thankful for all of you. Chaos and noise reflect “life” in our worship and building. May we all feel the “urge” to invite, to welcome and to accompany those who come to encounter God.
PS: A question I’ve heard: Why do some youth attend Fishbowl time during worship?
They enhance the conversation, help with the projects, grow beautiful relationships with the young children and keep everybody “seen”. The youth are truly a blessing. Peace, Kath
Our Grace Family
Our Sympathy
We give thanks for the life and witness of Dale Dombach. Dale was a long time member of Grace, attending Saturday evening worship with his wife Cindy Reifsnyder. He served as chair of our Property Committee for many years and we give thanks for his years of faithful ministry. Please keep Cindy and the entire Dombach/Reifsnyder family in your prayers.
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