Announcements
CLICK HERE FOR THE CHURCH CALENDAR
MARCH 2026 Schedule–Worship Volunteers, Birthdays, & Anniversaries
Holy Week 2026
Join us for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday
Service times and details here
Council Updates
Council met on Feb. 16, 2026. Highlights of the meeting were:
- Approved Treasurer’s Report which showed a small ($7K) General Fund Deficit, a gratifying ($60) reduction of our Loan Debt and a very gratifying ($269K) net increase in our financial assets.
- Pastor informed us of a visit from our Lutheran World Relief representative who came to thank us for being one of the most generous congregations in the eastern US. Pastor Tim Krick from LWR will visit in person on a Sunday this fall to preach and say thanks to the congregation directly.
- We learned that our new Bishop Stephen Herr will be visiting Grace for worship on Reformation Sunday this coming October!
- Cindy Garcia presented to Council a report on our ELL Program – more info about ELL is on the Grace website.
- Lois Strause reported on the work of Mutual Ministry committee in support of Pastor Verkouw and our staff.
- Council acted to receive a solar power consultation from our energy broker, Richards Energy, to assess the potential benefits of investing in a solar array for Grace.
- Council received Pastor Verkouw’s report on some research from Natural Church Development that could serve as a template for planning to strengthen our ministries. This discussion will continue through the spring meetings of council.
– Cindy Reifsnyder, Council Secretary
2025 Giving Statements
2025 giving statements are available on Icon. If you need help getting into Icon or would like a paper copy of your statement sent to your home please reach out to Angie.
gracechurch517@gmail.com 717-397-2748
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 $25 for flowers and/or $5 for candles helps defray the cost of the altar flowers & candles in our budget.
Easter Flowers 2026
$12 per plant
Orders are due on Palm Sunday. You can download the order form below or pick up a hard copy at church. Orders are due Palm Sunday.
In-person Book Group
The Grace in-person book group will meet on Monday, March 23rd at 1:30 PM in Nolt Auditorium. We will be discussing The Boys in the Light, a nonfiction book by Nina Willner. The book tells the story of her father, Eddie Willner, a Jewish teenager who survived the Holocaust, and the American soldiers who rescued him during WWII. It explores themes of survival, faith, and the bonds formed in times of war. Glenn Weidman will be leading the discussion. All are welcome.
Spring Indoor Cleanup Day – Volunteers Needed!
Join us for our Spring Indoor Cleanup Day on Saturday, March 21, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. as we work together to care for and refresh our church building.
Volunteers will help with a variety of indoor projects, such as organizing storage areas, cleaning and tidying common spaces, and completing light maintenance tasks throughout the building. No special skills are required—just a willingness to help!
You’re welcome to come for the entire morning or for whatever time you are available. Many hands will make the work lighter and provide a great opportunity for fellowship while caring for our church home.
Thank you for helping maintain and improve our shared space!
Easter Egg Hunt @ Trinity Lutheran April 4, 2026 at 10 am
Trinity has asked for our help and participation with their annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday April 4th. Here are ways you could help:
* Participate in the pizza and egg stuffing party at noon, March 29th (Palm Sunday) at Trinity. Please RSVP with Kath so they order enough pizza.
*Volunteer the morning of April 4th: scattering eggs on the yard, egg protection from the squirrels before the hunt, interacting with the children. The total commitment of time would be 9-11 am!
*Bring your children and little ones to participate in the egg hunt – it is low-key with plenty of eggs!
Outreach
gracelutheranchurch.com 