Give a smile, And see the smile It’s Happening at February...

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Shines with Grace Lutheran Church News From the Pastor’s Desk The Give a smile, Get one back, Give a hug And see the smile... It’s Happening at Grace Lutheran! Inside this Issue February, 2013 Musical Notes..............................................6 Council News................................................2 Pastoral Acts.................................................3 Church Family News....................................8 Flu Season Tips.............................................5 Lenten Monologues.....................................4 Call Update...................................................2 Food Pantry Ministry...................................5 Grocery Gift Cards Fundraiser.....................9 Strangers in Kenya.......................................3 Calendar.................................................10 NewYear’s Eve Party a Hit.........................7 Stewardship......................................... 9 Easter Breakfast Planned...........................9 The Beacon has a Staff................................9 Birthdays & Anniversaries...........................8 When Christianity was new, still resonating with its Jewish roots, the year revolved around a Passover now renewed by Resurrection. The history of God’s saving ways, the ancient story of the release and rescue from Egypt was infused with this new chapter of God’s intervention in Jesus, the long promised Messiah. So Lent became the time of preparation for the greatest holy day of all – Easter. New believers were prepared in the weeks preceding the celebration of the resurrection to enter into the community of faith. Lent was a time, therefore, of awakening and emerging. In the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons of creation have under-girded this deep imagery. Lent has become a time to face the truth of our humanity, that God is. Our human limitations get us into all kinds of trouble, seizing up our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth itself. In our desperate be or in our fatalistic abandonment of the gifts God has given us, we deny our limitations and/or the miracle we are. Unable to hold these two polarities in tension, we wreak havoc in our relationships and on the earth. It is for this we need salvation by the one who is without limits and who also loves us beyond measure. Ash Wednesday begins Lent by forcing our eyes open to our failings. Whose interest do we really serve? Do we lose the bonds of injustice? Do we undo the thongs of the yoke? Do we let the oppressed go free? Do we share our bread with the hungry? Do we bring homes to the homeless? Do we cover the naked? If not, we serve our own interests, not God’s. Because we do not, our churches are bare; our vestments are black on this day. If we are to begin the journey toward life and be able to welcome the Messiah, we must begin in this place, clear about how far God must come to meet us. Our forebears remembered Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It was the one day t he Hebrew High Priest could enter the temple’s Holy of Holies, bearing in his body the repentance of the nation. It was the day to stand before God, vulnerable and stripped of pretense. It is how we begin Lent, the season of awakening. The coming Sundays will walk us along the path to Easter. First, we must remember our story, the history of our salvation. We can confess with our forbearers that heard God’s call. The story traces God’s faithfulness. We shamed. We are called to keep our eyes and ears turned toward God, not the many temptations around us. Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing ‘Monologues’ for Lent. In these monologues we focus on people remembered in the Bible for their importance to the story of Christ’s journey to the Cross. We hear from the paralytic Jesus healed, from Peter’s Mother-in-law, from Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Martha, and Lazarus. pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota. A Study Guide for each monologue will be available for use as a mid-week Lenten Bible Study by individuals or families. I would like to include a note about the Call process. By now most should know that conversations and prayer have led to the candidate’s decision to withdraw from the process. While this is disappointing it is not unexpected a candidate withdraw at this point than to have doubts about God’s Call to a particular place of service and plow on. Keep everyone in your prayers as they seek to move the process forward and trust that when the time and person is right, God’s will may be clear for all. Through our journey of Lent, may we be given grace to see ourselves as those needing renewal and direction in life. May we be honest enough to search for redemption in the story of our salvation in Christ. And may God bring to our congregation the strength to face not just Lent, but our journey of discovery His will for us at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Transcript of Give a smile, And see the smile It’s Happening at February...

Page 1: Give a smile, And see the smile It’s Happening at February ...gracelutheran.com/wp-content/uploads/newsletter/...3--First day of teaching as classes resume. Micah in new third grade

Shines with Grace Lutheran Church News������

From the Pastor’s Desk

The Give a smile, Get one back,

Give a hugAnd see the smile...

It’s Happening at Grace Lutheran!

Inside this Issue

February, 2013

Musical Notes..............................................6Council News................................................2Pastoral Acts.................................................3Church Family News....................................8Flu Season Tips.............................................5Lenten Monologues.....................................4Call Update...................................................2Food Pantry Ministry...................................5Grocery Gift Cards Fundraiser.....................9Strangers in Kenya.......................................3Calendar.................................................10NewYear’s Eve Party a Hit.........................7��������������� ������ ������������������Stewardship.........................................9Easter Breakfast Planned...........................9The Beacon has a Staff................................9Birthdays & Anniversaries...........................8

When Christianity was new, still resonating with its Jewish roots, the year revolved around a Passover now renewed by Resurrection. The history of God’s saving ways, the ancient story of the release and rescue from Egypt was infused with this new chapter of God’s intervention in Jesus, the long promised Messiah.

So Lent became the time of preparation for the greatest

holy day of all – Easter. New believers were prepared in the weeks preceding the celebration of the resurrection to enter into the community of faith. Lent was a time, therefore, of awakening and emerging. In the Northern Hemisphere, the seasons of creation have under-girded this deep imagery.

Lent has become a time to face the truth of our humanity,

�������������� �� ��������������������� �� ����������that God is. Our human limitations get us into all kinds of trouble, seizing up our relationships with ourselves, with each other, and with the earth itself. In our desperate ���� �� ������������ ���� ����������������� � ��be or in our fatalistic abandonment of the gifts God has given us, we deny our limitations and/or the miracle we are. Unable to hold these two polarities in tension, we wreak havoc in our relationships and on the earth.

It is for this we need salvation by the one who is

without limits and who also loves us beyond measure. Ash Wednesday begins Lent by forcing our eyes open to our failings. Whose interest do we really serve? Do we lose the bonds of injustice? Do we undo the thongs of the yoke? Do we let the oppressed go free? Do we share our bread with the hungry? Do we bring homes to the homeless? Do we cover the naked? If not, we serve our own interests, not God’s. Because we do not, our churches are bare; our vestments are black on this day. If we are to begin the journey toward life and be able to welcome the Messiah, we must begin in this place, clear about how far God must come to meet us. Our forebears remembered Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. It was the one day the Hebrew High Priest could enter the temple’s Holy of Holies, bearing in his body the repentance of the nation. It was the day to stand before God, vulnerable and stripped of pretense. It is how we begin Lent, the season of awakening.

The coming Sundays will walk us along the path to Easter. First, we must remember our story, the history of our salvation. We can confess with our forbearers that ��� ����� ����� ��� ���� ������������ ���� ��� �heard God’s call. The story traces God’s faithfulness. We ����������� � � ������� ��������������������� ����shamed. We are called to keep our eyes and ears turned toward God, not the many temptations around us.

Beginning on Ash Wednesday and continuing

������� ��� ������ �� �� � !� ����� �"��� � ������� ������‘Monologues’ for Lent. In these monologues we focus on people remembered in the Bible for their importance to the story of Christ’s journey to the Cross. We hear from the paralytic Jesus healed, from Peter’s Mother-in-law, from Mary Magdalene, Thomas, Martha, and Lazarus. #��� ��������� ��� ������ ��� $��%� � ���� &���������pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota. A Study Guide for each monologue will be available for use as a mid-week Lenten Bible Study by individuals or families.

I would like to include a note about the Call process.

By now most should know that conversations and prayer �� �� ������ ����� ��� ������������ ���'���'��������have led to the candidate’s decision to withdraw from the process. While this is disappointing it is not unexpected �� ��� '��� �������� ����� ��(����� ������ � ��������������� � �� �� �� ��� �� � ��� ��� '��� '���������'������ '������ �� ��� ���� �%� � ! � ��� ��� ������ � �a candidate withdraw at this point than to have doubts about God’s Call to a particular place of service and plow on. Keep everyone in your prayers as they seek to move the process forward and trust that when the time and person is right, God’s will may be clear for all.

Through our journey of Lent, may we be given grace to see ourselves as those needing renewal and direction in life. May we be honest enough to search for redemption in the story of our salvation in Christ. And may God bring to our congregation the strength to face not just Lent, but our journey of discovery His will for us at Grace E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n Church.

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#��� )*+0� ������� ������� �1����� �����elected at the January meeting. The new �1�������3�������4���������������� 5�6� ��7���������vice president; Cindy Christenberry, secretary; George McCallum, treasurer.

Two representatives were needed for Synod Assembly. Cora Sue Herbst and Jerry Heiss were named Grace’s representatives for 2013.

The Council members volunteered to assist with communion and the sign-up sheets for communion helpers were passed around.

The salary/compensation package for the pastoral ���� ��������������%��<����������������������a recommended compensation package. A base package was agreed upon and approved for use. The council president and one other council member will meet with the candidate to negotiate a salary/compensation package within the guidelines just approved. (See the Call Update article for the results of this meeting.)

Love Kids? VBS Volunteers

Needed

Do you love children? Do you have some extra time to volunteer this summer? Vacation Bible School (VBS) needs people to help this year. If you’re interested, please speak up now. We need your help!

A group of volunteers would be preferred, so that responsibilities can be shared. Those interested should volunteer as soon as possible, so that organization can begin early. About 20 volunteers are needed to help with various tasks throughout the week.

Dates for VBS can be chosen by the new director. It has been run in the past for up to 100 children, from age 3 through 12th grade, split into six classes. Leaders and helpers are needed for each class.

7���� ��"���� ��� Q6�� &���� ��� ���� ��� �� � ��X�years, will work with the new director, Maigan Gideon, every step of the way. Kendra has a template for the daily schedule, including an opening, class time, crafts, games, snack, and a closing.

$��������� �� ������� (����� ���� ��� ��������for these positions. If you love kids and have a desire to help, VBS needs you! Those interested in volunteering should contact 7������"��� �Z+Z[\+\[+]^0������"���������]_����%���%�

Call UpdateAs is reported elsewhere in Pastor

Bill’s message and in the council news, the candidate has decided to withdraw from consideration. By all accounts of those who have met him, he was a wonderful minister with great experience and a desire to rise to the challenge of bringing our church into a new way of being and worship. The candidate came from a

large and established church with a lot of resources. 4������X��������������������"��� � �����of programming, both contemporary and traditional. He also had 34 years of experience which was the blessing and the curse.

The ECLA has rules regarding compensation and they are tied to years of service. When the '��� '�������� ��� �� ����� ���� ��(������ ��� ������(��� ��� � ���� �� � � ��� �� ���� \� �� +\�years of experience. That was done so we could "���� ����������(������ ����� ���q'������������ ������� �� �� ����� �X��������� �� ���� �������has many challenges in all forms ahead of us. The Beacon has been told that the candidate was willing to negotiate, and in true Christian fashion, salary was not the reason he was seeking our call, but the requirements ultimately were too far from what is ����� ���������������%��

#��� '��� '�������� ����� ��� �� � ���� � ����candidate and begin the process again. Let us all ���� � � ��� ��� ������� ���� ��� ��� �X��������and desire to work with us in the challenging years ahead and is within our “budget.”

NewsGet to Know the Council Officers

����������� ������� �� ��������� � ���� ����������� ���������� ������� � ����� ��� � ��������� ��� � �������� �� ������ ������������ ���

��������� ������������ ������������������������������� ������������ �

��������%��4����������� ���� ����� ������������� ������and thought it was important to become more involved in the Grace Lutheran family. At his previous congregation, he served on the Church Council twice.

<��� ��� �� � +\� ������ ����� ��� ���|��� ���� }~�� ��Timonium, MD as a software architect. For hobbies, he enjoys exercising and loves everything outdoors, including hunting, riding motorcycles and four-��������������|��� ������� ������ ������������ �other, Karen. He lives in Winterstown.

����� ����� ������� �� �� 7��� �� ���� ���������������� ������ �� ���%� � 4�� ��� ��� ��� � ���%��One lives in York and is employed by Eastern Lift Truck, while the other lives in Maryland, working for Hi-Tech Business Systems.

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Strangers in Kenya

�� ������� �������������������� ����� ������������������� ������all, we wanted to let you know we're alive and well in Kenya. It's been a wild few weeks, but we've been blessed by God's sustaining hand as we wrapped up home assignment. Thanks for the prayers you've made on our behalf. Here are a few sound bites from the last month.

&�������324--Snow and ice made traveling to Pennsylvania Christmas Eve services exciting, �� ������� ��� ������������� ��$�������������� ������ � ���������)**Z�����real joy.)\[[����������� �%�'����� ��������%�� ����%�q��������%)Z[[~�|�������[��|�����������������[������������ ���\*��������� ����%��'���������������� �� � � �was provided for us in Pennsylvania free of charge.)�[[������������������ ��|� ������[�������� � ��������� ����~���������%�q����������������� �0���������� �������������� %)^[[�� ���� �������� ������������������������� ���}%�%���|� ��$�� �Q������������$Q��� �����[4� ����%�Ryan eats bad airplane food but makes it to the toilet in time.0*[[������� �$Q�� �)3**�%�%� �������������[���|������ �����|���%�$���� ��������%�q��������������� ���+*30*�%�%����� �������������"%�}��|�����������%�~���������������������������������0+�![���������� ��� ����$Q��� "%����X�� ������ ��� � � �����������'�������������)3**�%�%���\3**�%�%�4� ����also awake.

����3+[[������������ ��%�'� ��� � ���� ���|��� ������� ��� ���'�������������)3**�%�%���\3**�%�%�$�������|�%)[[��������������$Q��� ��� �%�'�������������)3**�%�%���\3**�%�%�4� ���������|�%3--First day of teaching as classes resume. Micah in new third grade class. Asher in new kindergarten class. Claire with new nanny for part of the day. Claire sleeps through the whole night, as do Ryan and Heather!�[[$���|�������� ��������� ����������|� ���%][[4� ����� "�� ����������������$������������ �� ���������!���'������������������ �%�������������Kenya style!Z����������������������������|�������� ������� ����������������������� ��� ��$Q��������� ��� ���� ����������week.�[[$�������������� ���������������� ��� ���%��� ����� ���� ������������������������ ��� ������������� �%10--Heather makes pizzas from scratch and we help high school counselors for junior high ROCK create a Bible lesson for Sunday night.11--Ryan and Heather help with sports night for Micah and Asher's school.12--First game of the season for Ryan's basketball team. A decisive win for a great group of guys.13--First junior high ROCK of the term. 80 amazing junior high students and 20 dedicated high school counselors.14--Faculty meeting with dozens of our new fellow teachers and former colleagues as well.+Z[[&��� �� �������� ��%�4� ������$������ ���� ������� ������� ���month. It's a privilege to be in leadership positions.+^[[$������|� ���� �������� �� ����� ����� ��� ������ ���� ����%20--Ryan and Heather recap a long month and email it gratefully to their awesome team of prayer supporters around the globe.

Thanks for your part in all of the above! We knew it would be full of challenges but we're grateful to be back in the center of our work at RVA.

Ryan and Heather

Ash Wednesday ServiceFebruary 13

Soup Supper from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.Service at 7:00 p.m.

Come celebrate the beginning of Lent

Pastoral ActsJanuary 13-Kay Mansberger was

received into membership.

January 28-Peggy Keener passed away. The service was held February 1 at Grace Lutheran.

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Monologue Studies for

Lent

Directory Updates are

Available

Children’s Church

Volunteers Needed

We have updated the church directory for 2013 and copies are now available. They have a neon green cover and are located on the table outside the sanctuary door and in the basement on the information table. The ������� ��� ������� �"� �� �pictorial directory until a new pastor is called. If there

��������� ���� ������������ ������ � � ����1��%��The Beacon will be updating the email list for digital ������� ��� ��� ��������%� � !�� ���� ��� � � � � �� ���emailed a link to The Beacon each month, send an email �3�������������_����%�������������� �\*+[��\)%

Help is needed for the junior church that is conducted for kids during the sermon. Ideally, we would like a person to volunteer for each week of the month and have some backup volunteers too. There is no experience needed, just a love of children. Teenagers are welcome to volunteer as well. If you volunteer for a week, the folder for that lesson is in the classroom and you need only to pick it up and prepare the lesson. It is a great way to help teach our next generation. Sign up in the 1st - 3rd grade classroom or contact Kendra ��"��%

Beginning on February 13, Grace Lutheran will present a series of monologue in lieu of the traditional ���������������������� ������ ������������������ �6������� ���� ���%� � ����� �"����� ����� ��� � �������discussion presented after the Spirit Cellar service. The monologues will be presented at each service and ��������� ��� ������ �������������������� ������the basement. Each character is meant to give a new perspective on the journey to Lent. Here are the cast of ���� ���3

February 13-’The Paralytic’

<�������+Z[�����Magdalene’

February 24-’Peter’s Mother-in-Law’

March 3-’Thomas’March 10-’Martha’�����+Z[�������

We hope you enjoy the presentation!

To break up those winter blues, Grace Lutheran will be hosting a winter picnic on Saturday, March 2 from \3**� �� ^3**� �%�%� � 4� � ����� �� ���������� ����� ���provided and everyone is asked to bring a covered dish for the meal. There will be games, karaoke, and activities for all ages to enjoy. More details will follow in the bulletins and online.

The Graceful Women Present...At the monthly meeting of the Graceful Women on February 7 at 7:00 p.m., the women are pleased to present Pastor Bill speaking about his recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Everyone is welcome to join the meeting to hear about his journey.

The Step by Step Shoe Bank is looking for new child or teen-size sneakers or monetary donations. The Shoe Bank serves all kids in need from infants to +Z���������%��#����������� ������ ��� ������ �������������� �� �����+*3**�%�%� ��+)3**�p.m. The Step by Step Shoe Bank is a ministry of Pleasant

View Church, located at 10384 Winterstown Road in $������%���������� � � �������������)��[]0)0��������� 3��� ����� �������|_����%���%

Christian Classifieds

�������������������������������� �������!��"��#�$%���"�����#���"�����&���������$������'�"��$(� �#� �� ��#����� �#� ���� �������!�� "�� (���� ��'�"��$(� �#� ����$"��#����#�"���$"�������#"���)

4

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Even though we constantly speak of the success of our food pantry, we wanted to give you a statistical report that really shows our success. For the year )*+)�� ��� ������� �� ����� +0Z)� �������� ������� �������� ���������� ��� ���� ���� �� ������� ���������help given at other times. In those families there were )0^�� ��� ��� +�)\� �������� �� )\0� ������ �� ����%��Our Christmas distribution was the largest we ever ����� ��)�Z�������������������������X����������goods, dry goods, perishables and a turkey. Thanks to generous donations from the American Legion, Emanuel Lutheran Church at Freysville, Windsor Manor Elementary, Pleasant View Elementary, LJM Elementary, Red Lion Area Senior High School, the Masons, St. Luke Lutheran Church and numerous individuals, we were able to cover the cost of food purchases with monies left to help with the Easter and June distributions.

Our next distribution will be on March 18. This is the Easter distribution. Registration for those who need ��������� ����������������\��������������8. Those who register late will be placed on a waiting list until after the regular distribution when they will be helped if adequate food supplies are remaining.

Statistics

Unlimited!

How to submit to the

Newsletter��� �������� ��� ����������� �� ��� ��������%��#��� ��������� ��� � ��� � ����� �� �|� ���� ������publicize an event you are planning in the church, tell people about something you or your family is doing, thank members, celebrate a victory. The ��������� ����������������#������������� ������������is to communicate between members in a clear and interesting format. If you would like to submit to the ����������������������������������� ���������3

*If you are comfortable with computers, you may ������������$������ 3�������������_����%com. Please make sure your document is either �%�������%�������%��!��������������������� ��artwork, make sure it is at least 300KB in size.

�!���������������������� �������"������������������ ��������X���|���������������� ����� ����1�������%��#��������X������located on a table across the hall.

Please keep in mind that the deadline for submission is the )* ����������� ������ �������������� ������������%��If you have pictures or graphics that complement your submission, include them along with directions or suggestions on their use. Please include your contact information in every submission so the editor can get in touch to clarify or fact-check. If you are interested in a monthly submission or article, we welcome that as well.

Seasonal Flu

Prevention

Tips

It’s that time of year when coughs, colds and seasonal �������� �������������%��<������ ������������ ���� ��avoid spreading illness this winter.

�� ���� ����� ���� ���(�� ��� ����� ����water and soap, scrubbing all surfaces for about +\[)*�������%��������������������������� �� ���hours on surfaces such as desks, phones and door knobs. When soap and water are not available, ����� �������� ����]*[^*��� ��������������isopropanol may be used.

�� ������ ������� ����� ����� ������ ���� ����clean hands. The eyes, nose and mouth are entry ��� ����������������%���

�� '����� ����� ��� �� �� �� � ���������� ������when coughing and sneezing. Dispose of tissues and wash your hands immediately.

�� ������ ������ ����� �� ������� � ������� � �%�%�Wipe down shared equipment such as phones and keyboards.

�� �� � ������ ������ �� ���� ����� � ����%�Lack of sleep and high levels of stress can reduce immune functioning, thus lowering the body’s ���� �� �������"�����������%

�� &��|������� ��%��������� �������� ���� ��during fall and winter, but it’s important to make sure you don’t get dehydrated. Consume at least 8 glasses a day.

�� �� �� � ����� �� �X������� ������� 0[��days a week. It will strengthen the immune system �� ������� ��� ������� ���� ���� �� �� ��� �infection.

�� q � ��� ������%� $�������� �� � � �������������� \[^� �������� ���� ��� ��� ���� �� ��vegetables.

�� ���� � ������� � |�%� �������� �� ���dehydrating which, in turn, may decrease your resistance.

�� <������ ��� �� �� ����� ����%� ������ ��� �����to see everyone at church, stay home if you have a ������������������%������������������������������faster if you rest and reduce the risk of infecting others.

#|�� ����3� � ���%���%���|����%������������������� ���%���%�������)*��)*+0

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Musical notes

]

“When in our music God is glorified…”

40 Days of Lenten Music In just a few weeks we enter into the sacred season of Lent. Forty days of fasting, prayer

and almsgiving, are a call to strengthen our faith and to help strengthen the faith of others. So what will change? In our own lives, will we just give up the same thing we gave up last ������������������������ |�� ��� ���� ������� ����� ����� ����� � �����������from Christ? Will we truly seek to put those things aside and be more closely united with Christ in his Passion and death? As music ministers and servants of the Church and its Liturgy, the Church calls us to be examples and role models of the scriptures.

During Lent, how will our Liturgies change? From the environment, to the music, will people

notice a shift in season when they enter into our churches this Ash Wednesday or will they just notice that we don’t sing Alleluia or the Glory to God? If these are the only changes they encounter then we’ve missed the mark. There should be an environment created that we are truly entering the desert with Christ for forty days. We also need to ask ourselves how our ministry at Grace Church will become more of a desert experience. Prayer for each other and prayer with each other is number one. If it’s not a common practice for everyone on each Sunday, we need to make it a priority. Pray that God will bless us as we journey together this Lent.

Lenten Blessings!��"������'�

Artistry in Music at Grace

Presents…

“The Singing Boys of Pennsylvania”������� ���� ���������� ���"��� ��������� �� ��

for an exceptional concert. Please join us on Sunday, ����� 0� � 03**� �%�%� ���� � ��������� �������������� �� ��%��#��|� ������+*%**�������� �����\%**�����students (through age 12). Tickets at the door will be �+)%\*%� � ~����� ���� ���� ����� ['������ ���� ��"����'��� ���� ��|� ��� ���� Z+Z[0�][^]�Z� ��� ����� ���� ��� ����������_����%���%

The mission of the Singing Boys of Pennsylvania (SBP) is to provide high quality music training and experiences for youngsters 8-14; to learn about music by singing and performing all kinds of choral music, ��������������������������������������� ������ ����by important composers, and folk music of the United States and other nations; to provide opportunities to perform for the widest possible audiences locally, regionally, nationally and internationally in recitals/concerts, recordings, and television; and to provide opportunities for travel, cultural exchanges, and experiences that promote human and intellectual diversity through music.

The Singing Boys of Pennsylvania was organized in +^Z*��� ���~�����6���������%�! ���� ������ ��������traveled choir in Pennsylvania. The membership of the singing Boys of Pennsylvania is drawn from Monroe, Northampton, Lehigh, and Warren Counties, with

occasional participation from students in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Berks, and Bucks counties. Students �� ����� �[�� ���� �������� ��������� �� ���� ��schools. Membership in the SBP is about 40 boys.

SBP is an arts organization with a track record of 30 years of training young singers producing successful concerts with critical acclaim, nationally known throughout the United States, and internationally known in Japan, England, Canada, and Mexico. Their organization serves youth, and is focused on character building that provides constructive activities for young people. First and foremost, SBP is a music school, providing high quality music instruction for students. It is an accelerated learning program in music that �X������� �����"��������������������� ���������%

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Z

New Year’s Eve Party a Huge Success

We had the best turnout ever for the New Year’s Eve Party! We were busy the entire four hours, with the ����� ������������ ������ ���������������������������� �� ������ ���� �������������� �� ��� ���$������%������[���[�[� ���"� ��"������������������������� ��������������� ���������%

Craft tables lined three sides of the basement, and included such activities as hat decorating, box decorating, and sand art. Musical entertainment was provided by the praise band in the basement and a bluegrass band in the sanctuary.

This event serves as great outreach to the Red Lion community. No church funds are used. It is funded solely ���������������|��������"������� ���������������������%��~����������� � ���������� �������� � �������so we can continue this popular event!

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8

Happenings in Our Church Family

‘The Beacon’���������� ���� ������� ���!� �� ��������"���������������� ���������������#��������$ ���� ����������������� � $ ��� ������������������%The Beacon.’

�� ����� ]�� ������the traditional service, Dr. Samuel S. Laucks was surprised by the Boy Scouts of America with being presented with the Lamb

Award for his exemplary and life-long service for Scouting. The Lamb Award is a national recognition bestowed on Lutheran adults (including laypersons, pastors, professional church workers, men and women) ��� ��� �� ���� '�������� �� '����� ��� �� ������Relationships (LCCYAR). The LCCYAR is formed by and responsible to the youth ministry departments of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). #��������������#��������������� ������3����� �� ��acknowledge the distinguished service of Lutheran adults in fostering the spiritual growth of youth through church and civic youth serving agency programs (Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., Camp Fire USA, and 4-H). Secondly, it is to increase the use and quality of the civic agency programs in Lutheran congregations as a part of their ministries with youth.

������������������ �������3

1. Be an active member of a Lutheran congregation.2. Have a minimum of 10 years of distinguished

volunteer service to the church.3. Have a minimum of 10 years of distinguished

volunteer service to one or more civic youth agencies.

4. Serve as a Christian role model and leader to young people encouraging them to participate in the spiritual life of their congregation.

\%� ~���� �� ��� ���������� ���� �� ��������� ���observance of Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or Camp Fire Sunday, chaplains and chaplain’s aide program.

]%�qX���� � ��������������������� ����� �� ���civic youth agency.

Z%�4���������������� ���� ��������������and neighboring Lutheran congregations.

8. Recruit youth and promote full involvement of members in the program.

^%� q������� �� �� �� ������ � ������ ��������projects in response to a community or congregational need.

&�%����|����� ����� �� ���������� ��%

February Celebrations

Wedding Anniversaries

01-Tyler Schell *0[������� �"����04-Stephen Germick 04-Beth Kollosch *\[7��������"���08-Abby Kuhn *^[�������4�����10-Pat Gohn 13-Charles Murphy 13-Camden Manahan14-Cohen Manahan +�[��������"���14-Barbara Slavinski+\[���������� ��+][���4��+Z[<����������+Z[������7����18-Marie Martin 21-Barbara Hartma 24-Donald Anderson )\[� ����$������)][~ ���������

*][~������������q������+\[��������������� ���18-Sandra and John Fishel )\[6������#���#� ��)Z['�������������������

$�*��+� �+���������,�� ��-� �2013

�����4���������~������ Beth Kollosch, Vice President

Cindy Christenberry, SecretaryGeorge McCallum, Treasurer

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^

The Beacon Has a Staff!

Last month, the editor made an appeal for a ����������%���� �������|������ ����� "������are fortunate to have the talents of Jamie Koons as a writer. She has a degree in writing and professional experience in reporting. Dick Rhine has agreed to be our proofreader. Mr. Rhine has educated at least half of the church of a certain age and has been a member for even longer. Connie Heiss has agreed to continue helping with the calendar, do name spelling checks and to be a collector of information. With this assistance all that we need now is material to write about, which is never in short supply at our church.

If The Beacon can get volunteers, perhaps everyone should think about ways they can put their talents to work in ���������%���!�|���!�������contribution very satisfying and fun. If you have an idea or talent to share, you can always tell Pastor Bill. He can point you in the right direction. I pray that 2013 is the best year ever for Grace Lutheran.

4�� ����������"�� ���your giving? Are you feeling guilty because you can't meet your pledge? Well, there are many other ways to practice stewardship �� ��� � ������ ����� ��your envelope! Here are

a few ways that you can still help Grace Lutheran Church to survive and actually thrive. If any of these ideas appeals to your soul and your schedule, jump right in - stewardship starts now with your action and �������� ��� ��������������������� ����������� ���of our commitment to Him. If you are interested, ����������q�������� �)��[�]])�������� ������ ���%

+%� Q��� ���� �� |�� � �� ������� �� ��� [��members.

2. Volunteer to pack food boxes on elected � ������������������3**�%�%�[�+*3**�%�%

3. Volunteer to provide snack foods and/or cookies for Spirit Cellar or the welcome center on Sunday mornings.

4. Volunteer to tidy the sanctuary following Sunday services.

\%�Q��� ���� ����� � ������|���|�������|��under the pews.

]%� Q��� ���� �� ����� �� � ��� �� ���� ���� ����‘yard sale ministry.’

Z%�Q��� ���� ��������� ��q� ���6���6��|�� �on March 23.

�%� Q��� ���� �� <��� )� �� ����� �|�� �������sandwiches for New Year’s Eve fundraiser.

^%�Q��� ���� ���� ���������������������out on Thursday night.

10. Volunteer to help with Vacation Bible School.11. Volunteer to pick up trash from church yard.I2. Volunteer to help with spring or fall clean-

up.!0%� Q��� ���� �� ����� �� �� ������ ��� �������

during the growing season.I4. Volunteer to put church announcements on

the outside bulletin board.

Hippitty, Hoppity, The Easter Bunny Is on His Way!

On Saturday, March 23, we will have our annual Easter Bunny Breakfast in the ����������� �������� ����'�����%��#�������� ����� ���3��^3**�%�%���+*3**�a.m., followed by an egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny. A hot breakfast will ������������� ��� �������������������������� ���� ����� ���������%��#����������also be time for you to take pictures of your child with the Easter Bunny. Prices for the breakfast are $3.00 per person or $10.00 for a family of four. Registration will ������������+)���������� �����������1��� �)��[\^�Z��#������ �������<������� ���� ������������+*3**�%�%���03**��%�%��~��� ���������� ������������the breakfast. Seating is limited, so call early!

d.

Way!

Giving Does

Not Always

Mean Money

Grocery Gift Cards Available

Gift cards to Giant, Weis and Jerry’s Great Valu grocery stores are available in the treasurer’s �1��%� � !�� ���� ����� � ��� ���more of these places regularly, please consider buying them, as a portion of the proceeds directly supports the church. Using a gift card for your shopping is a great way to stick to a budget and help the church at the same time. They could also be a useful gift

for others for special occasions.

To purchase cards, you may stop in the treasurer’s �1���������������� �����������&��� �)��[**�0�and she will have them ready for pickup the following Sunday. If you would like a denomination other than �\*�� �������������������������� ������|������the following Sunday. Make checks payable to, ‘Grace Lutheran Church.’

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