grace notes June-July 2018 - gracelakeland.com · The Social Ministry of Grace Lutheran reaches out...

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Grace Notes Grace Lutheran Church 745 S. Ingraham Avenue Lakeland, Florida 33801 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Grace Lutheran Church is to Share God’s Love With each other, our community, and the world. Volume 61 June-July 2018 Number 6

Transcript of grace notes June-July 2018 - gracelakeland.com · The Social Ministry of Grace Lutheran reaches out...

Grace Notes

Grace Lutheran Church745 S. Ingraham AvenueLakeland, Florida 33801

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of Grace Lutheran Church is to

Share God’s LoveWith each other, our community, and the world.

Volume 61 June-July 2018 Number 6

In this issue

Features:

Page 3 - From the PastorPage 4 - Youth GatheringPage 5 - Saints Alive - Social MinistryPage 6 - QuiltingPage 7 - Birthdays & anniversaries - Out to Lunch BunchPage 8 - Council MinutesPage 9 - Serving in ChurchPage 10 - Obituary, Howard Heim

JuneFriday, June 1-3 - Synod AssemblyTuesday, June 5 - Out to Lunch BunchThursday, June 7 - Finance MeetingSaturday, June 9 - Book studyMonday, June 11 - Saints AliveWednesday, June 13 - Afternoon CircleSunday, June 17 - Father’s DayTuesday, June 19 - Quilting - Council MeetingWednesday, June 27 - Youth Gathering thru July 1

JulyTuesday, July 3 - Out to Lunch BunchWednesday, July 4 - Independence Day (Church office closed)Wednesday, July 11 - Afternoon CircleSaturday, July 14 - Book StudySunday, July 15 - Grace Notes info. due for AugustTuesday, July 17 - Quilting - Council Meeting

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Pastor’sNotes

As we move down the road to new ministry at Grace we musttake seriously the word discernment. Discernment means theability to judge well. For Christians there is the spiritual aspect.

“What is God’s will for us?” We ask the question for our churchbut also for our lives. We want to make our lives full in service to God. During Easter we have been reviewing the first ministry of the church as re-corded in the Book of Acts. The full title of this book of the Bible is: Acts of theApostles. This is the founding of the church. It is a story of the action of serviceto the world in the name of Jesus Christ. We are the inheritors of that church.That church is now in our hands. Many times when we are discerning what the mission of the church is, we willhear, “We have always done it this way.” Another statement is, “This is what myfamily and I expect in a church.” Or we may hear, “This is what I like.” Thenthere is the go-to statement, “This is what a church should be,” the underlyingmessage is “In my opinion.” All of these statements speak to our comfort level and what we personally seeand deem important in ministry for our church. While it is important that weserve the needs of our members with programs that fit into where we are as acongregation, we must also balance that with what we are called to be in theworld. This is very hard because we only have so much in the way of resourcesto do ministry and to be God’s presence in the world. We must choose wisely. But, we must follow both our needs and the world’s. We must balance ourown needs with evangelism. And, as we do so we find new and wonderful waysto be Christ to the hopeless and helpless of the world. We find a work so reward-ing that we grin ear to ear each day as we carry out what Christ wants us to do. Being the church, being a Christian, isn’t easy, but it is so rewarding. Spendingtime in Bible study and prayer to find our path is so very rewarding.

In Christ,Pr. Jeannine

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ELCA YOUTH GATHERING THEME

Our Youth Tim Blanchette and Family will be attending.

We are excited to share with you the theme for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering,“This Changes Everything.” Our primary scripture will be Ephesians 2:8 “For by graceyou have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Grace is a foundational and distinctive piece of the Lutheran faith. This gift, unde-served and freely given, changes lives and perspectives as people realize they are enoughbecause of what Christ has done and are called into the world to serve their neighbor andshare the good news. Our logo is a visual representation of our theme and the 2018 Gathering experience. Itincorporates the coming together of a mosaic to reflect the diverse host city of Houston,as well as the idea that we are a church where all are imperfect and incomplete, yet weeach belong in – and have an important place in – God’s masterpiece. The cross at thecenter of the logo is the focus – it is God’s grace, through Christ’s life, death and resur-rection, that changes everything for all people. In her book Woo: Awakening Teenagers’ Desire to Follow in the Way of Jesus,Morgan Schmidt identifies the three central desires of teens.All youth desire:

♦ Someone to become♦ Somewhere to belong♦ Something to do [that changes the world]

Throughout the 2015 Gathering and the evaluations and conversations that followed,we heard our young people echo these desires again and again. As young people desireand struggle to find someone to become, somewhere to belong and something to do, theGathering seeks to be a ministry that helps define some of that or at least open up pathwaysof discovery. Ultimately, we want youth to understand the fierce love that God has forthem, just as they are, and that by grace, through faith, they have been saved. Whenyoung people (or really any age person!) truly claim this reality, it indeed changes every-thing.

Daily Theme: Each day will reflect a theme, and how that changes everything. Thisyear is as follows: Wednesday – God's call changes everything (Exodus 3:1-16, Mosesand the Burning Bush); Thursday – God's love changes everything (John 4:1- 42, Womanat the Well); Friday – God's grace changes everything (Acts 8:26-40, Phillip and the Eunuch);Saturday – God's hope changes everything (Luke 24:13-25, Road to Emmaus); Sunday–Jesus changes everything (Mark 5:21-42, Hemorrhaging Woman/Raising of the LittleGirl).

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Saints Alive

June 11 will be our Saints Alive luncheon at noon with specialentertainment from Fred and Sharon Moore.

Their program “Retrospect” is a sing-alongprogram featuring nostalgic music from 1905-1941. Fred, who wasa high school teacher in Illinois for 33 years, includes an informa-tional component in all of his programs. He has always believedthat learning should be fun, and so he makes “Retrospect” a funway of looking back and remembering details from years past andthen singing the songs of those years. The program features his wife, Sharon, atthe keyboard and old “Uncle Fred” himself. Fred brings his 27 years of experi-ence during musical theatre to this program, and you won’t get untouched!

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊There will be NO Saints Alive during July and August. Plan to join us again inSeptember on the second Monday at noon in the fellowship hall.

Social Ministry News

Thanks to all who contributed to the Rez House Migrant Ministry and to therefugee family. A check for $643.00 was sent for the refugee family. Both ofthese were very appreciative for the donations. In June we will be collecting school supplies for Oscar Pope ElementarySchool, our backpack school. Watch for back to school sales and help us assistthe children that are most in need of assistance. Basic supplies such as #2 pencils, crayons, wide-lined notebook paper, andfolders with prongs are needed. The school will send an official supply list and itwill be posted in the fellowship hall. The Social Ministry of Grace Lutheran reaches out to help many other minis-tries and organizations in our area and we are so thankful for your willingness tohelp. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in myname because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward. Mark 9:41

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QUILTING INFORMATION

A letter was received dated April 27, 2018, from Melanie W.Gibbons, Quilt & Kit Ministry Manager, Lutheran World Relief. Be-low is excerpts from the letter. “Because of your support, LWR is able to share the tangible love of Christ with thou-sands of people through your quilts and kits. Last year, LWR and partners Children’sGift Ministry (CGM) and OLAM* were busy distributing school kits in Honduras, tochildren whose families are vulnerable due to lack of access to the most basic necessi-ties. Parents of these families often have to choose between feeding their children andsending them to school. School kits were distributed to more than 28,000 Honduranchildren to help them get back to or stay in school. In addition to being practical, thesekits provide a source of comfort, security and hope to those who receive them.Your quilts and kits provide important necessities to our neighbors around the world,and serve as reminders that they are not alone or forgotten. We also shipped quilts andkits to Georgia, Angola, Thailand, Pakistan, Mali and Burkina Faso, last year.”

Anchor House Ministries in Auburndale, Florida,recently sent a letter of thanks for our support.Here are a few comments from the letter:

“We are eternally grateful to you for believing in this ministry and in helpingus with your love and support of these young men. Thank you for your recentdonation of food and personal hygiene items on April 3, 2018. We are thankful for your supporting Anchor House Ministries. Our youngmen are experiencing God’s love and grace through those of you who help sup-port us. Your gift helps us reach young men from disadvantaged situations inlife. Please remember to pray for us daily as we try to reach these young men withGod’s love.

- Dr. Joe Davis, Executive director

* Established in 1989, Olam is today a leading global agri-business operatingfrom seed to shelf, supplying food and industrial raw materials to over 22,000customers worldwide. Our team of 72,000 employees across 66 countries hasbuilt leadership positions in several of our 18 platforms, including cocoa, coffee,edible nuts, spices, rice.

5 Anne Althouse Joan Rietze11- Dr. Karen Carlson Shawn Whidden19- Willow Morin20- Mabel Carreira Shannon Powers26- Brenda Potts27- Denah Mattson28- Vincent Diaz

1- David W. KinderEleanor Patterson

3- Wally Oestreich6- Marilyn Braatz9- Judy Washburn10- Reagan Ross Donna Sanko12- Laura Blanchette Fred Campbell13- Anne Guilford17- Cleve Hillman18- Sue Hillman19- Rita Buckley Walter Mattson20- Reese Moore21- Anne Calhoun Cassidy Mullis22- Eric Powers23- Janie Lineberger26- Brenda Hornickle Barbara White27- Steve McLaughlin28- Jo Iverson29- Lynda Mack

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11- Dan & Mabel Carreira Brownlee & Bonnie Urquhart13- George & Anne Althouse17- George & Marilyn Braatz20- David & Helen-Ann Kinder21- Dick & Mary Venable23- Richard & Carol Grzegorczyk

2- Dennis & Marnel Tomlinson3- Gary & Vicki Deierlein10- Kristen Storms & Jeff Tanner11- Michael & Francesca Ittleman17- Dr. John & Sarah Diaz18- David & Mary Thoresen19- Mac & Barbara McPeak27- Larry & Denah Mattson30- Wayne & Alice Schmidt

Out to Lunch Bunch will be dining atRuby Tuesday on South Florida Avenue onTuesday, June 5 at 3:30 p.m.

In July the dinner will be at Red Lobsteron US 98 North on Tuesday, July 3 at3:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited for a time of goodfood and fellowship. Contact Mary Flekkeif you have questions, 863-648-5189, [email protected].

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April 17, 2018 Council Meeting Highlights

The meeting began with all members present with the exception of Marty Lewis, whowas excused. Janet Morris provided the devotion.

The minutes of last month’s council meeting were approved.The financial report was presented with some discussion on the overall budget, build-

ing fund, and dedicated funds.Pastor’s report was given. Tim Blanchette will give a Temple Talk on May 6 about

the Youth Gathering. Pastor will have hip replacement surgery on April 23. Pastor Do-ris Cirillo will lead worship on April 29 and May 6.Old Business:

Wesleyan Group’s offer to work in the memorial garden did not work out. Help isstill needed.

A thank you was sent to Lakeland Flooring for new tile in the community room.Sanctuary hearing enhancement - decided to table the purchase.

New Business: Call Committee Process - The list of people interested in serving on the committeeis growing. A formalized procedure to select the Call Committee members is needed.Carla McGee, Phyllis Whidden, Sue Stark, Tim Dukes, and Kristen Storms will meet tocomplete the task. Breezeway - Peachee Construction of Lakeland inspected the site and is willing totake on the repairs. No specific start date or completion date has been determined. Finance Committee - They have classified designated accounts into flow through, ac-tive, and inactive categories. Will research account histories and decide which accountsneed to be merged or closed. Property Committee Security - have received complaints from a neighbor regardingtrespassers on the church property after hours. Was reported to the police. It was ap-proved to investigate strategies to better monitor campus security. Robert Mattson willtake the lead on this. Social Ministry - the service calendar is set for the year. The Ugandan lady has anew apartment and is thankful for the money donated. Mary Flekke mentioned HarborHouse in Orlando as a ministry request in help through the synod; with donations beingrequested for Synod Assembly. Adult Bible study - a group meets each Sunday in the fellowship hall to study thebook of Acts. Everyone is welcome. Prayer concerns - identified and closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

- Kristen Storms, Recording Secretary

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Serving in the Church in JuneAssisting Ministers:6/3 Naomi Thomsen6/10 Barbara McPeak6/17 Barbara Carpanini6/24 Kristen Storms

Greeters:Barbara Buskirk & Melanie Bizette

Ushers:Cleve & Sue Hillman

Altar Guild:6/3 Sue Stark & Barbara White6/10 Carla McGee & Susan Weller6/17 Stephanie Iverson & Janet Morris6/24 Kevin & Cheri Zarnstorff

Sound Technicians:Paul Tart & Ben Evans

Serving in the Church in JulyAssisting Ministers:7/1 Brenda Hornickle7/8 Pat Blanchette7/15 Stephanie Iverson7/22 Carla McGee7/29 Tim Dukes

Greeters:Susan Weller & Barbara White

Ushers:Desiree Evered & Kristen Storms

Altar Guild:7/1 Angela Moran & Phyllis Whidden7/8 Brenda H. & Larry Lawrence7/15 Sue Stark & Barbara White7/22 Carla McGee & Susan Weller7/29 Stephanie Iverson & Janet Morris

Sound Technicians:Paul Tart & Ben Evans

Afternoon CircleQuilting

June 13 & July 11

All are invited to joinin tacking quilts for

Lutheran World Relief. Noexperience needed.

Success is getting what you want;happiness is wanting what you get.

- Author UnknownChurch Bulletin Bits #2

George W. Knight, Compiler

Obituary for Howard HeimMarch 13, 1920 - May 11, 2018

Howard Heim died peacefully at the age of 98, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburn-dale, Florida, on Friday morning, May 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m.

Howard was a life-long musician and educator. He graduated from Syracuse Universityin New York. He played saxophone in the Army band duringWorld War II and traveled extensively throughout the UnitedStates with various big bands after the war. Howard taught music and band in the school system of Dela-ware and also served as guidance counselor. He was a faithfulChristian, rarely missing a Sunday worship service and contributinghis voice and instrumental talents to his church; most recently as amember of Grace Lutheran Church in Lakeland, Florida. He was along-time member of the Lakeland City Band. Howard will be dearly missed by his loving caregiver of manyyears, Mary, and by so many good friends and musicians.

He is preceded in death by his wife Pamela of many years. He is survived by a nieceand cousin.

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Independence Day – During the American Revolution, the legal separation of theThirteen Colonies from Great Britain in 1776 actually occurred on July 2, when the SecondContinental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence. After voting for in-dependence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statementexplaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jef-ferson its principal author. Congress revised and approved the wording of the Declarationtwo days later on July 4. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail: “Thesecond day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. Iam apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniver-sary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts ofdevotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows,games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent tothe other, from this time forward forever more.” Adams's prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on themuch-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolu-tion of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.

- www.wikipedia.org

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GRACE NOTESA monthly publication of

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH745 S. Ingraham Ave.

Lakeland, FL 33801-5601

Church office (863)686-5585Pastor’s e-mail: [email protected]’s e-mail: [email protected] & Design/Layout Sara AndersonThe staff reserves the right to edit all materialsubmitted.

Counting the days & hourstill your Grace Notesinformation is due on

July 15

May AttendanceDate Total5/6 845/13 705/20 675/27 65

The church office willbe closed on Wednesday,July 4 in observance ofIndependence Day.Have a safe and joyfilled holiday.

May Contributions

Date Total5/6 $7,708.005/13 5,632.005/20 3,544.00

Sign over a chaplain’s door: “If youhave worries, come in and let’s talkthem over. If not, come in and tellus how you do it.”

- author unknownChurch Bulletin Bits #4

George W. Knight, Compiler

The Council Representatives

President Carla McGeeVice President Phyllis WhiddenCorp. Secretary Sue StarkTreasurer Mary FlekkeFinancial Secretary Ruth NeidingerRecording Secretary Kristen StormsChristian Education Tim DukesFinance Phyllis WhiddenLong Range Planning Carla McGeeMemorials Wally OestreichOutreach Sue StarkProperty Robert MattsonSocial Ministry Janet MorrisStaff Support Carla McGeeStewardship Carla McGeeWorship & Music Marty LewisYouth

Church Staff

The Rev. Dr. Jeannine Sweet Interim Pastor Home phone 863-816-3555

Cell [email protected]

Sara Anderson Admin. Assistant863-858-1841

[email protected] Mack Bookkeeper

[email protected]

Mary Flekke Bell Choir Director648-5189

[email protected] Wright Choir Director

[email protected]

David Cannistraci Organist917-292-4024

[email protected] Lewis Worship Band Director

[email protected]

Church web site: www.gracelakeland.com