Deadline for inclusion in the April 2019

GraceGram is March 17, 2019.

Send your articles to Wendy Kimble at:

parishadmin@grace-hastings.org

march

GraceGram 2019

March is known for:

• American Red Cross

Month

• Fire Prevention

Month

• Women’s History

Month

• Pi Day (3/14)

St. Patrick’s Day (3/17)

Saint Patrick was a fifth-

century Romano-British

Christian missionary and

bishop in Ireland. Known

as the "Apostle of Ireland",

he is the primary patron

saint of Ireland, the other

patron saints being Brigit

of Kildare and Columba. He

is venerated in the Roman

Catholic Church, the

Anglican Communion, the

Lutheran Churches, the

Old Catholic Church, and in

the Eastern Orthodox

Church as equal-to-the-

apostles and Enlightener of

Ireland.

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentle-

ness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Sisters and brothers in Christ, I was talking with Ethan this past weekend to congratulate him on being hired as a camp staffer for Lutheran Outdoor Ministry in Ohio at Camp Luther. His primary job, besides doing all the “normal” things a staff person does, will be lifeguarding and playing the guitar. While we were talking, Ethan talked about the brokenness of his current ministry at First English Lutheran Church, Columbus, Ohio and Rickenbacker Park After School Program. At First English and Rickenbacker there are poor people. Most of them are hungry, some of them are homeless and many cannot rub two coins together. He was sharing how he is being challenged to give up his position at Camp Luther, so he can possibly do an internship during the summer in order to serve the poor. Of course, I said, “Don’t let pressure sway you. Besides you can do an internship between your junior and senior year or even after your senior year.” After further reflection, I thought that Ethan’s purpose, value and meaning aren’t just in what he does, but in who he is as a child of God and a follower of Jesus. It got me thinking. It does not matter where we live, what our vocation, or what our economic status is in life. It does not matter if we have had a good day or a bad day. It does not matter if we are in a good mood or not. As followers of Jesus, the fruit of the Spirit rules how we live, work and play. I never thought a stainless steal sink would catch fire, as I threw a burning wick into the sink of the church sacristy, but it did. As the rubber around the drain caught fire, I was reminded of how easy it is to do something wrong. I was not intending to do harm, but I did. I am thankful that I did not harm anyone by my actions this time, but I certainly see how easy it is to do harm. I also hope that my statement to Ethan helps him see that no matter what he does he is a child of God. He is a follower of Jesus. Ethan has two great choices to share in the ministry of Jesus Christ, he just needs to ask the Holy Spirit where he can best serve. I have great confidence that the Holy Spirit will continue to rule Ethan’s heart…..I have great confidence that the Holy Spirit will rule yours and mine as well!

Serving God with you, Pastor Ken +

EMAIL PRAYER CHAIN

The Congregational Care Committee is starting an email prayer chain. Participants would be notified by email and would commit to praying for those in need as requests are received. This new program is intended to compliment, not replace, the ministry our Shepherd’s Ministry already provides to our members. If interested in being a part of this prayer chain, please contact Jane Secor at secorje@gmail.com.

New Member Class

The class will begin on Sunday, 10 March 2019 and will study Luther’s Small Catechism and take place during the Adult Forum hour.

All members are welcome to attend, as it is good for us to remind ourselves of God’s grace revealed through the gift of Holy Communion, Ten Commandments, Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, Apostles’ Creed and other materials.

If you are interested in joining the body of Christ here at Grace, please contact Pastor Ken. The class will meet each week until April 7th.

New Microwave Our church has a new microwave. It is larger, so it can accommodate large glass casserole dishes. Please help us keep it clean by covering food with wax paper or paper towels. If food does spill, please clean it immediately with warm soapy water.

No harsh cleaning products.

Easter Plant Sale

All Plants are only $10

Pick up date: Saturday, April 20 at

Grace Lutheran Church

TULIPS ~~ DAFFODILS ~~ HYACINTH ~~ EASTER LILIES

Pick them up or choose to leave them at church until after the second service on Easter Sunday. Any left after April 28 will be donated to Barry County Commission on Aging. Helps in 4 ways:

• Decorates the Church for Easter

• Can be displayed or planted at your home/work

• Can choose to donate to seniors in Barry County

• Proceeds will help to purchase the HVAC at Grace

Please sign up on the board by April 1st. Pay in the church

office in a labeled envelope.

Save the Date Date: Saturday, June 8, 2019 Location: Tyden Park in Hastings Time: 11:00a.m. - 11:00p.m. FREE for all to participate, all ages, survivors, and those who care for them; anyone who has lost a loved one to can-cer. TAKE A STEP TO

HELP FIGHT CAN-CER!

Military: Nieces / nephews of Burdicks

Alexis Kelmer (New Mexico)

Dylan Kelmer (Germany)

Austin Endsley (New Mexico)

Aaron Endsley (California)

Grandson of Freedlunds

Parker Stancil (US Army)

Daughter and Son-in– Law of Rob & Lisa Pohl

Kayla & Lance Champaco

Daughter & son-in-law of Cherie Clements

Myrina Crawford

Cody Crawford

Son-in-Law of Sandy & Matt Mikolajczyk

Zach Green (US Army—Africa)

Grandson of Gwen Hansen

Brady Rudesill

Homebound: Dave Bolton Carvath Village, Room 138 690 W Main St / Middleville

Dorothy Mayo Carvath Village, Room 149 B

Vivian Allerding Thornapple Manor, Sugarbush Rm 408 2700 Nashville Rd / Hastings

Opal Gillons 611 E Woodlawn / Hastings Mallard Pond Apt 217

Ilene Hilson 770 River Rd / Hastings

Jamie Coplin 109 E Grant St / Hastings

Mary Rider 611 Woodlawn Ave/Hastings Mallard Pond, Apt 109

Keith Moffit Woodlawn Meadows Vern Allerding 1821 N East St. / Hastings Elsie Merrow 937 Maple Circle Hastings

Let Us Pray: If you are aware of others that should be put on the lists, please notify the office.

March Birthdays

Luke Domke 3/2

JoLynn Leary 3/3

Tara Schoessel 3/3

Jeanette Markwart 3/4

Lance Ogden 3/8

Christopher Rounds 3/12

Danielle Drumm 3/13

Kayla Champaco 3/13

Brianna Neeb 3/19

Shayna Gibbons 3/22

Rick Palmer 3/23

Kim Domke 3/24

Lisa Pohl 3/26

Amy Poholski 3/26

Derrick Rosenberger 3/27

Paul Pruitt 3/31

March Anniversaries

Ed & Jeanette Markwart 3/9

Rob & Lisa Pohl 3/23

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m.

We would like to encourage our Grace members to come together to attend the play "Beauty & The Beast" present-ed at the new Arts Center at the Hastings high school.

The cost is $10 for general admission, $5 for students and seniors (55 or older). Ticket money is due by March 3rd. We can meet at the church and carpool to the school. Afterwards we can head over to the State Street Diner for dinner/coffee/dessert and a little fellowship! A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Gathering Space.

Both handbell choirs will share music at 10:45 on March 10th and at 6:50pm on Wed, March 13. You can also hear 10+ bell choirs ring together in Lansing on March 23 @ 4:00. Grace is sending 5 ringers...all are welcome for that FREE concert. Watch for more details please.

ELCA World Hunger Appeal Coin Boxes for Lent

If you missed an opportunity to support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal during the Souper-Bowl event last month you will have another opportunity this month. The Outreach Committee will be providing some coin collection boxes into which your loose change may be saved during the season of Lent. Whatever is received will be added to the $399 received during the Souper-Bowl lunch and then forwarded on to the ELCA. Watch for the boxes to appear on the literature table near the drinking fountain in the Gathering Place this month.

Changes Ahead for the Food Pantry

I trust that you had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to a healthy and happy new year.

2019 will bring some changes to the Hastings Food Pantry that I would like to share with you.

After 10 years volunteering as Pantry Coordinator, I am stepping down and passing the key on to

Tina Horrigan. Tina is the Executive Director of Barry County Cares, and is very familiar with the

needs of the community. We don’t anticipate any change in the day to day activities at the food

pantry. I have enjoyed this opportunity to serve, and appreciate your support. You can reach Tina

at Barry County Cares (269) 948-9555 or email her at tinah.bcc@gmail.com. ~ Marcia

Kitchen Inspection The Barry County Environmental Health will be inspecting our kitchen on March 26th. In preparation for that visit, I asked a few church members to help me clean and organize the kitchen. My thanks to Deborah Wilke, Bill Freedlund and the mystery woman, who tackled cleaning out the freezer. Can you guess who she is?

Please label food that you store in the kitchen, especially in the freezer or refrigerator. We found food that expired in 2004! I have made up labels to put on food. The labels may be found on the side of the refrigerator. The labels ask for your name, group, and the date you put them in the freezer or frig. For items such as salad dressings or other condiments, record the date that they were opened.

The small sink on the island is for handwashing only. Please do not use it for any other purpose, as that is a Health Department violation.

Please help keep our kitchen clean. Thanks! Jane Secor, Kitchen Manager

Presidential Pondering - Chris Bush

The other day, I was taking a trip down memory lane, going through the cards I had received during my cancer bouts. Perhaps it was the card itself that had lifted me, or the notes the person added to it. There were some sentiments that made me cry, even all these years later, while other cards were just downright funny. I thought about the people who had sent those cards: some hardly knew me, some have known me from my infancy, some I still see and talk to regularly, some are gone from my life. Each one, in their unique way, had shown love and support while Dennis and I were facing some scary challenges.

We have so many ways and opportunities of showing God’s love. During worship, we share the peace with friend and stranger. We welcome all to fellowship, whether it’s at a group event, like a potluck, or one-on-one at coffee hour. We provide financial and food support to Barry County Cares and Family Promise. We write cards and bring communion to our homebound. Perhaps we pray with someone and hold their hand during a low spot in their lives; perhaps we share in their celebrations with laughter and cheer. You may not know very well, or even at all, the person you are showing God’s love to, but your touch, your word, and your support can speak volumes to them. You may forget what you did or what you said, but that person may remember it for the rest of their life and may be changed because of it. Do not hesitate to be open to the Spirit leading you to reaching out and showing God’s love!

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Vacation Bible School will take place here at Grace Lutheran Church under the

theme ROAR: LIFE IS WILD. LIFE IS GOOD.

Youngsters from ages three through sixth grade are invited to participate.

Vacation Bible School features music, singing, crafts, class time study,

recreation and snacks! In other words, VBS remains much like Grandmas and

Grandpas remember it; a lot like parents remember it: a time in a fun way to

study the Word of God and to share in the Church of Jesus. Remembering

always that it is by grace that we are saved.

Come roar with us!

Vacation Bible

School

MA

RC

H 1

0T

H Pizza & Movie Nights

held in January & February were a success! We saw two very good and thought provoking religious based movies, and enjoyed all the food provided by members of the Social Activities Committee, and sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Thanks to everyone who participated!

REMEMBER

Grace 2019

Lenten Calendar

Join us Wednesdays

with a meal at 6:00 pm

Worship at 7:00 pm

Signs of Lent Ash Wednesday

6 March 2019

Soups, Salads and

Desserts

13 March 2019

Breakfast

27 March 2019 Mexican Dinner 3 April 2019 Soup & Potato Bar

10 April 2019 Pasta & Salad

If you cannot make the evening events, please come to the

ecumenical noon experiences.

March 13 @ Green Street United Methodist Church March 20 @ Grace Lutheran Church

March 27 @ Hastings Nazarene Church April 3 @ Emmanuel Episcopal or Green Street UMC

April 10 @ Hope United Methodist Church

Praising God with Puppets

Did you know that Grace once had a Puppet

Praise Ministry program? We have somewhere

between 20 and 30 puppets, along with a

moveable stage, that have been used for

Vacation Bible School, other special programs,

and even as the homily. Both youth and adults

have been puppeteers, and

many of the skits have been

written by Grace members!

It’s been some time since we

have heard from the

puppets. Is this ministry

calling you? Please let Chris

Bush know of your interest!

“Souper”–Bowl Sunday Results

On Sunday, February 3rd, thirty-two members and friends of Grace gathered in the fellowship hall for lunch featuring a tasty variety of soups, breads, salad and desserts. At the same time they voted with their monetary donations toward which NFL team they were rooting for to win the Lombardi Trophy as the championship team.

Our monetary votes favored the L.A. Rams to win with the New England Patriots and the “I don’t care who wins” buckets nearly tied for second. The N. E. Patriots won the game but the real winner was the ELCA World Hunger Appeal for which a grand total of $399 was raised.

Our Outreach Committee offers a sincere “thank you” to everyone who helped provide food for the luncheon and everyone who came out to eat it!

Mutual Ministry Committee Members

Brenda Teegardin, chair 616.560.5910

Pastor Ken Scheck, clergy 269.370.4632

Cindy Olson, Minister of Music 517.242.3725

Julian Kratochvil 806.336.0661

Carl Schoessel 269.838.8407

Clyde Watson 269.953.4928

Kristi Winick 269.953.6638

If there are any concerns, please contact any member. If you have a complaint, we ask that you share it with us. If you are uncomfortable talking directly with a member of the committee, please know you can share your concern via text message. The Mutual Ministry Committee is having a listening post on Sunday, March 10, 2019 at 9:30 am. Pastor Ken Scheck and Cindy Olson, our staff members, will not be present for this listening post. We want feedback and concerns given to the Mutual Ministry, so that our ministry can grow. If it is broken and we do not hear about it, we cannot address it. Thanks for your partnership in ministry.

Mystery Woman in the Freezer:

(from pg. 4) Chris Bush

Verse of the Month:

“As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you,

O God.” Psalm 42:2

Executive Committee:

President: Chris Bush

Vice President: Margaret Wood

Secretary: Kate Watson

Treasurer: Randy Teegardin

Church Council

Members/Liaisons

Derrick Rosenberger (Small Groups)

Sheryl Gorden (Worship)

Gary Golnek (Outreach)

Jan Schreiner (Congregational Care)

Shayna Gibbons (Children/Youth)

John Burdick (Property)

Carrie Duits (Stewardship)

Bill Freedlund (Social Activities)

Our Staff:

Ken Scheck II Minister of Word and Sacrament pastorken@grace-hastings.org

Cindy Olson, Minister of Music

Wendy Kimble

Parish Administrator Mon – Thurs 9 AM - 4PM

parishadmin@ grace-hastings.org

Kim Domke, Bell Choir Director

kdomke08@gmail.com

Nathan Freedlund,

Custodian

OUR MINISTERS:

THE PEOPLE OF GOD

- Martin Luther

PLEASE PLACE STAMP HERE

Grace Lutheran

Church 239 E. North Street Hastings, MI 49058

Website:

www.grace-hastings.org

Facebook:

Grace Lutheran Church– ELCA Hastings, MI

Phone:

269-945-9414

269-945-2645

Worship Committee: gracelutheranworship-committee@gmail.com

CHILDREN’S CHURCH 10:45 am

1st Sunday after Labor Day through May @ 10:45 a.m.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sunday @ 8:00 am

and 10:45 am

The North/West Lower Michigan Synod ELCA 2019 Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Synod Council, Consultation Committee, and Discipline Committee positions. These positions are available as follows: Synod Council

Synod Vice President (4-year term) Lay Female (3-year term) Lay Female (3-year term)

Consultation Committee

Lay Female (6-year term) Discipline Committee

Lay Male (6-year term) Lay Male (6-year term)

If you are interested, please let Pastor Ken know and he will get you the form to fill out. Deadline for nomina-tions is March 29, 2019.

Grace’s Land – Benefitting the Neighborhood Grace’s leadership would like to hear from our members, as well as our neighbors, regarding ideas for how we can use our undeveloped property that benefits the area. Should we have a nature path, a community garden, a prayer labyrinth, leave it as it is, or … ? We will be hosting two discussion sessions (dates below) and hope to hear from you. Watch for a reminder notice in your mailbox!

WEEKEND AFTERNOON: Sunday, March 24, 2—3:30 pm

WEEKDAY EVENING: Tuesday, March 26, 7—8:30 pm

PASTY SALE!

Grace Lutheran Church 239 E North St

Hastings MI 49058 -

by Thursday, March 14th for Pickup on Saturday, March 23rd Call 269.945.9414 to place your order

Monday—Thursday $6.00 Unbaked 9 am—4 pm $7.00 Baked

Church Cleaning on Saturday, March 16th

Sign up sheet in Gathering Area to help the Property Committee

spruce up Grace with some good ‘ole Spring Cleaning!

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