“You can leave the checkbook at home! Starting next week, Grace will offer eGiving. You’ll be able to give from your bank account or credit/debit card by internet, smartphone app, or even text message – or stop by the office and Denise will take care of you. You can even set up convenient, automatically recurring offerings. Watch for more details!”

NEXT SUNDAY IS OUR FLU SHOT CLINIC.  Next Sunday, Rite Aid will be here at Grace after worship to provide flu shots.  Most insurances are accepted.  We hope you take advantage of this convenient opportunity to receive your flu shot! 

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  We ask that you include these two local schools in your prayers, and consider donating to help them meet the rising cost of providing a quality Christian education to our students.  We are blessed at Grace to have the option of these schools for our families, especially in today’s world where Christian values are rapidly losing acceptance and behaviors that are clearly contrary to God’s Word are too often celebrated and encouraged.  We currently have member families and teachers at both schools.  Feel free to talk with Marla Crawford, Jane Schulz, or Katelyn Schulz if you have questions about either school.

CHOIR:  It’s not too late to join the choir.  We are in need of new members.  A seat is saved for you!  If you enjoy singing praises to God, Wednesdays at Grace are the place to be!  Practices last an hour or less.  Ability to read music is not required.  And what if you would like to come, but can’t make every single Wednesday?  That’s okay–just attend practice as often as you can.  Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee would be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please prayerfully consider if this is a way God is leading you to serve.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEETING TODAY:  There will be a committee meeting after worship today in the Ladies’ Lounge.  New members are welcome!  A light lunch will be served during the meeting. 

GRACE LADIES will be meeting on Tuesday, September 24^th at 6:30 PM here at Grace.  Please note new time.

Registration forms for the upcoming LWML EASTERN DISTRICT’S FALL RETREAT, “Listen, Look, Leap” based on Provers 3:5-6 can be found on the glass display case.  Author of “Pew Sisters” Katie Schuermann will be the guest speaker.  Event to take place September 20^th – 22^nd at Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center, Inc.

SUMMIT LIFE OUTREACH CENTER is hosting their 14^th Annual Fundraising Banquet “Celebrate Life” and you are invited!  Doors open at 6:00 PM on Friday, October 4^th at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel at 401 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY.  Seating is limited, please contact the center at (716) 298-8600 or www.summitlifecenter.com for tickets and additional information.

God expects to be FIRST AMONG EARTHLY PRIORITIES IN THOSE created in His image. While opposing forces pull human hearts in divergent directions, the Holy Spirit comforts believers with Christ’s forgiveness, giving ability to honor our highest significance. Does your lifetime and estate plan reflect this? For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

The ALTAR FLOWERS are placed to God’s Glory to celebrate John Loss’s 79^th Birthday today.  Thanks be to God for this blessing & Happy Birthday, John.

PLEASE PLAN TO STAY AFTER WORSHIP TODAY for a picnic as we celebrate the start of another year of Sunday School and Bible Class.  All are welcome to join in for good food and fellowship.

THANK YOU FOR your for your generous support of our summer mission project to provide school supplies, socks, and underwear for children in Niagara Falls.  All of your gifts will be delivered to Harry Abate Elementary School, one of our inner city schools, where the need is great.  Their teachers and school nurses will distribute these items directly to the children as they become aware of their needs.  The staff is always grateful for our partnership with this annual project.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  We ask that you include these two local schools in your prayers, and consider donating to help them meet the rising cost of providing a quality Christian education to our students.  We are blessed at Grace to have the option of these schools for our families, especially in today’s world where Christian values are rapidly losing acceptance and behaviors that are clearly contrary to God’s Word are too often celebrated and encouraged.  We currently have member families and teachers at both schools.  Feel free to talk with Marla Crawford, Jane Schulz, or Katelyn Schulz if you have questions about either school.

YOUR DONATIONS of $129 in your August mission envelopes, plus designated funds from the Social Ministries budget, enabled us to send $450 to the Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty to support our church’s efforts to protect religious rights in America.  If you would like to know more about this initiative, please visit www.lcrlfreedom.org.

FLU SHOT CLINIC:  Two weeks from today, on September 22, Rite Aid will be here at Grace after worship to provide flu shots.  Most insurances are accepted.  We hope you take advantage of this convenient opportunity to receive your flu shot!

CHOIR PRACTICE will resume this Wednesday, September 11, at 7 PM.  We are in need of new members to join the group.  A seat is saved for you!  If you enjoy singing praises to God, Wednesdays at Grace are the place to be!  Practices last an hour or less.  Ability to read music is not required.  And what if you would like to come, but can’t make every single Wednesday?  That’s okay–just attend practice as often as you can.  Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee would be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please prayerfully consider if this is a way God is leading you to serve.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEETING:  Next Sunday there will be a committee meeting after worship.  New members are welcome!  A light lunch will be served during the meeting.

Next gathering of the GRACE LADIES will take place on Tuesday, September 24at 6:30 PM here at Grace.  Please note new time.

REQUESTED: Old purses in good condition.  A group of ladies from the congregation are putting together care bags for women in the community in need of personal care items.  We hope to deliver shampoo, combs, feminine products, deodorant, razors, etc.  Please see Robin Stevenson for more information.

The ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in honor of Bruce & Alice Moll’s 49^th Wedding Anniversary, September 5, 1970.    

CONFIRMATION INTRODUCTORY MEETING for all 6^th & 7^th Grade Parents & youth, this coming Tuesday, September 3^rd at 6:00 PM.

REQUESTED: Old purses in good condition.  A group of ladies from the congregation are putting together care bags for women in the community in need of personal care items.  We hope to deliver shampoo, combs, feminine products, deodorant, razors, etc.  Please see Robin Stevenson for more information.

NEXT SUNDAY IS THE LAST CHANCE to participate in our summer mission project.  We are accepting donations of all types of school supplies to help Niagara Falls school children get off to the best possible start to their year.  Your gifts may be left on the tables available in the chapel or narthex.  Thank you for your generous support of this annual mission project.

NEXT SUNDAY IS ALSO THE LAST DAY to donate to our sock and underwear collection.  Our inner city children are in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help. 

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SPONSOR A STUDENT.  This year we are offering an alternative option for supporting Niagara Falls school children in need.  School supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  Purchase ALL the supplies on the list, place the items in a paper bag (or book bag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on (or under) the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school. Your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to a local student that they know has a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  We ask that you include these two local schools in your prayers, and consider donating to help them meet the rising cost of providing a quality Christian education to our students.  We are blessed at Grace to have the option of these schools for our families, especially in today’s world where Christian values are rapidly losing acceptance and behaviors that are clearly contrary to God’s Word are too often celebrated and encouraged.  We currently have member families and teachers at both schools.  Feel free to talk with Marla Crawford, Jane Schulz, or Katelyn Schulz if you have questions about either school.

FLU SHOT CLINIC:  Mark your calendars for September 22^nd.  Rite Aid will again be offering flu shots after worship on that day.  Most insurances are accepted.

RALLY DAY AND OUR CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC IS NEXT SUNDAY!  Sunday School and Bible Class will resume on that day, and there will be a picnic after worship.  All are welcome.  Hamburgs, hot dogs, and drinks are provided.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share and plan to stay after service for good food and fellowship. 

CHOIR PRACTICE will resume on Wednesday, September 11^th, at 7 PM.  We are in need of new members to join the group.  A seat is saved for you!  If you enjoy singing praises to God, Wednesdays at Grace are the place to be!  Practices last an hour or less.  Ability to read music is not required.  And what if you would like to come, but can’t make every single Wednesday?  That’s okay–just attend practice as often as you can.  Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee would be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please prayerfully consider if this is a way God is leading you to serve.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEETING:  Two weeks from today (on September 15^th) there will be a committee meeting after worship.  New members are welcome!  A light lunch will be served during the meeting. BIBLE SALE.  Information regarding sale can be found on table in Fellowship Hall.  Now through Sunday, September 22^nd. 

Today we celebrate with Gregory Stenzel II and Tracy Conte the BAPTISMS of their sons, Gregory Lyle Stenzel III and Alexander John Stenzel .  Gregory’s baptismal sponsors are Bruce Stenzel & Amanda Stenzel.  Alexander’s baptismal sponsors are Jeromy Allsop & Lauren Allsop.

CONFIRMATION INTRODUCTORY MEETING for all 6^th & 7^th Grade Parents & youth September 3^rd at 6:00 PM.

BULLETIN BOARD.  Grace recently received a thank you card from Leslie Merlin on behalf of her mother Geraldine for the beautiful birthday cards she received for her 102^nd birthday.

ONLY TWO WEEKS REMAIN for our summer mission project.  We are accepting donations of all types of school supplies until Rally Day to help Niagara Falls school children get off to the best possible start in September.  Your gifts may be left on the tables available in the chapel or narthex.  Thank your for your generous support of this annual mission project.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO SPONSOR A STUDENT.  This year we are offering an alternative option for supporting Niagara Falls school children in need.  School supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  Purchase ALL the supplies on the list, place the items in a paper bag (or book bag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on (or under) the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school. Your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to a local student that they know has a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR:  Our inner city children are also in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO DONATE TO OUR AUGUST SPECIAL MISSION, designated to support the LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (LCRL).  To support LCRL, please place your gift in today’s offering plate.  If you choose to use the convenience envelopes located in the pews, please clearly mark them for “SPECIAL MISSION”.  Nearly two centuries ago, immigrants that would form the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) came to the U.S. seeking religious freedom.  Today, the freedoms they sought are eroding.  That is why LCMS has recently established the “Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty” in Washington, D.C.  Your donations will support this group as they work to protect our religious rights.  If you would like to know more about this initiative, please visit www.lcrlfreedom.org. 

FLU SHOT CLINIC:  Mark your calendars for September 22^nd.  Rite Aid will again be offering flu shots after worship on that day.  Most insurances are accepted.

RALLY DAY AND OUR CONGREGATIONAL PICNIC IS ONLY TWO WEEKS FROM TODAY on September 8!  Sunday School and Bible Class will resume on that day, and there will be a picnic after worship.  All are welcome.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks are provided.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you are able and plan to stay after service for good food and fellowship.

CHOIR PRACTICE will resume on Wednesday, September 11, at 7 PM.  We are in need of new members to join the group.  A seat is saved for you!  If you enjoy singing praises to God, Wednesdays at Grace are the place to be!  Practices last an hour or less.  Ability to read music is not required.  And what if you would like to come, but can’t make every single Wednesday?  That’s okay–just attend practice as often as you can.  Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee would be happy to answer any questions you may have.  Please prayerfully consider if this is a way God is leading you to serve.

If you see a new face in the choir loft this morning, please wave HI!  Jeffrey Crane is our guest organist and is filling in for Maye Smith today.

THREE WEEKS REMAIN for our summer mission project.  We are accepting donations of all types of school supplies until Rally Day to help Niagara Falls school children get off to the best possible start in September.  Your gifts may be left on the tables available in the chapel or narthex.  Thank you for your generous support of this annual mission project.

SPONSOR A STUDENT:  This year we are offering an alternative option for supporting Niagara Falls school children in need.  School supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  Purchase ALL the supplies on the list, place the items in a paper bag (or book bag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on (or under) the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school. Your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to a local student that they know has a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR:  Our inner city children are also in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help.

THANK YOU to Wendy Coleman, Ron & Jane Schulz, the Bahr Family and the Bahr’s friend William for helping to get The Gleanings, signed, sealed and delivered!!!

AUGUST SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support the LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (LCRL).  Nearly two centuries ago, immigrants that would form the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) came to the U.S. seeking religious freedom.  Today, the freedoms they sought are eroding.  That is why LCMS has recently established the “Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty” in Washington, D.C.  Your donations will support this group as they work to protect our religious rights.  If you would like to know more about this initiative, please visit www.lcrlfreedom.org.  To support LCRL, place your special mission envelope in the offering plate during August.

GENTLY USED PURSES ARE NEEDED for a mission that Social Ministries is working on in cooperation with the Magdalene Project.  Your old purses will be filled with toiletries and feminine products and gifted to homeless and destitute women in Niagara Falls.  A box for your purses is located in our Donation Center in the coatroom near the parking lot door.  Please see Robin Stephenson with questions.  Robin is also looking for some volunteers to help fill the purses.  If you are interested, please speak with her.

FLU SHOT CLINIC:  Mark your calendars for September 22^nd.  Rite Aid will again be offering flu shots after worship on that day.  Most insurances are accepted.

RALLY DAY is on September 8^th, only three weeks from today!  Sunday School and Bible Class will resume on that day, and there will be a congregational picnic after worship.  Hamburgers, hot dogs, and drinks are provided.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you are able and plan to stay after service for good food and fellowship.

CHOIR PRACTICE will resume on Wednesday, September 11^th at 7 PM.  We are in need of new members to add to the group.  A seat is saved for you.  Please plan to join us and have some fun singing your praises to God.

Registration forms for the upcoming LWML EASTERN DISTRICT’S FALL RETREAT, “Listen, Look, Leap” based on Proverbs 3:5-6 can be found on the glass display case.  Author of “Pew Sisters” Katie Schuermann will be the guest speaker.  Event to take place September 20^th – 22^nd at Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center, Inc.

ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Richard Krull, who passed away 25 years ago, by the Wendt, Krull and Syuwrs families.

Dear People of Grace,

Thank you so much for helping us celebrate both our 60th wedding anniversary, which coincided with my emergency hip surgery. We are grateful for God’s blessings and for all the people He has put in our life and family to join in praise and thanksgiving. Thank you for welcoming our family and friends on that special day.

Gratefully,

Jane and Pastor Brese

Today we celebrate with Christopher Gordner and Brandi Seiwell the BAPTISM of their son, Christopher William Gordner Jr.  Christopher’s baptismal sponsors are Raymond Gordner and Julianne Reusch.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  We are accepting donations of all types of school supplies to help Niagara Falls school children get off to the best possible start in September.  Your gifts may be left on the tables available in the chapel or narthex.  Thank you for your generous support of this annual mission project.

SPONSOR A STUDENT:  This year we are offering an alternative option for supporting Niagara Falls school children in need.  School supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  Purchase ALL the supplies on the list, place the items in a paper bag (or book bag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on (or under) the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school. Your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to a local student that they know has a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR:  Our inner city children are also in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help.

AUGUST SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support the LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (LCRL).  Nearly two centuries ago, immigrants that would form the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) came to the U.S. seeking religious freedom.  Today, the freedoms they sought are eroding.  That is why LCMS has recently established the “Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty” in Washington, D.C.  Your donations will support this group as they work to protect our religious rights.  If you would like to know more about this initiative, please visit www.lcrlfreedom.org.  To support LCRL, place your special mission envelope in the offering plate during August.

GENTLY USED PURSES ARE NEEDED for a mission that Social Ministries is working on in cooperation with the Magdalene Project.  Your old purses will be filled with toiletries and feminine products and gifted to homeless and destitute women in Niagara Falls.  A box for your purses is located in our Donation Center in the coatroom near the parking lot door.  Please see Robin Stephenson with questions.  Robin is also looking for some volunteers to help fill the purses.  If you are interested please speak with her.

The ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in honor of Jim and Aimee Wolf’s 16^th Wedding Anniversary. 

CHURCH OFFICE:  Please note that the church office is closed today and will re-open on Thursday, August 8^th at 5:00 p.m.

The FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR today are given by Pastor and Jane Brese to thank God for their 60 years of married life.  After the service, all are invited to remain for a celebration with Anniversary cake, punch and coffee.

WELCOME Rev. Dr. Joel Elowsky, a professor of Historical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO.  Dr. Elowsky will be participating in today’s worship service along with many of the Brese’s family and friends.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL – ATEHNS UPDATE:

We had a fantastic week of praising God and join Paul on his dangerous journey in Athens!  Check out the upcoming Gleanings for more details.

THANK YOU to EVERYONE who contributed time, money, and prayers to Vacation Bible School.  You have been a blessing to so many families!

SCHOOL SUPPLIES:  We are accepting donations of all types of school supplies to help Niagara Falls school children get off to the best possible start in September.  Your gifts may be left on the tables available in the chapel or narthex.  Thank you for your generous support of this annual mission project.

SPONSOR A STUDENT:  This year we are offering an alternative option for supporting Niagara Falls school children in need.  School supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  Purchase ALL the supplies on the list to support a “virtual student”, place the items in a paper bag (or book bag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on (or under) the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school. Your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to our local students that they know have a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR:  Our inner city children are also in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help.

AUGUST SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support the LUTHERAN CENTER FOR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY (LCRL).  Nearly two centuries ago, immigrants that would form the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) came to the U.S. seeking religious freedom.  Today, the freedoms they sought are eroding.  That is why LCMS has recently established the “Lutheran Center for Religious Liberty” in Washington, D.C.  Your donations will support this group as they work to protect our religious rights.  If you would like to know more about this initiative, please visit www.lcrlfreedom.org.  To support LCRL, place your special mission envelope in the offering plate during August.

A SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF MEETING will be held next Sunday, August 11^th following worship.  Meeting to include making plans for Rally Day (9/8/19) and the upcoming school year.

FUNDRAISER:  All are welcome to come out and support Pamela Carr-Simcox today, Sunday, August 4^th from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at The Bakery located at 3004 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, NY.  Funds raised will go towards renovating her home bathroom to be handicap accessible.  $20 per ticket with cash bar.  There will be entertainment, 50/50 and baskets.  Food will be served starting at 3:00 PM.

GOLDEN AGERS.  Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center will be hosting a “Golden Agers” event August 26^th thru August 29^th.  Come for a day or for the whole retreat and experience a faith-filled and fun time.  Contact Pioneer for all the details . . . (716) 549-1420 or www.pioneercamp.org.

THE GLEANINGS.  Please note that the August/September edition will be arriving on your doorstep by the 15^th of August.  You may be asking . . . . “Why the late arrival?”.  This will allow us to include a feature on VBS which ran thru August 2^nd.

The next AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE to be held at Grace is scheduled for Saturday, August 24^th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  In appreciation of your donation, Amazon is thanking donors with a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card.  Donors must provide a valid email address.

TIME IS MANNA. God’s covenant people received daily nourishment during their wilderness journey from slavery. Like them, we also fail to thank God for manna. You can testify of gratitude to God in your estate plan, so your loved ones see your recognition of God’s provision in each moment. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427. 

CHURCH OFFICE:  Please note that the secretary will not be in the office on Sunday, August 4^th. The office will re-open on Thursday, August 8^th from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

AUGUST CALENDAR:  With the August/September edition of The Gleanings arriving after the 1^st of the month we didn’t want you to miss any upcoming events.  Please find a copy of August’s calendar in the bulletin today.

THEY’RE HERE!  The school supply lists for Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School are now available in folders on the donation tables in the chapel and narthex.  Feel free to take a list from the grade of your choice.  You can purchase any of the supplies on the list and bring them back to the donation table.  OR you can purchase ALL the supplies on the list to support a “virtual student”, place the items in a paper bag (or bookbag), attach the list to the outside of the bag, and leave the bag on the table.  There is a critical need for supplies at this inner city school.  School supply donations of all types are appreciated.  All of your gifts will be distributed by the teachers directly to our local students that they know have a need.  Thank you for your generosity toward our children.

PLEASE NOTE:  Several of the school supply lists request ear buds or ear phones.  Hint–there are nice models available for $5 or less at Five Below in the strip plaza located in the Walmart shopping complex.  You may be able to find them even cheaper than $5 if you watch the sales.

SOCKS & UNDERWEAR:  Our inner city children are also in need of socks and underwear for the coming school year.  While these items are taken for granted by most of us, they are considered a luxury by families that are struggling to provide the basics needed for everyday life.  Grace members have given generously to this annual mission project for several years, and our school nurses have come to depend on us as partners as they try to provide for the dignity of the children in their care.  Boxes are available in the chapel and narthex to accept your gifts.  Thank you for your help.

TODAY IS THE LAST SUNDAY to donate to support LCMS Disaster Response as they continue to work at various disaster sites around our country, including recent earthquakes and floods.  LCMS is often one of the first agencies to respond to disasters with needed resources and volunteers to help meet immediate needs, and teams often provide long-term support to help residents rebuild their lives and homes.  If you would like to support our church’s work at disaster sites throughout our country, please place your July Special Mission envelope in the offering plate or use a convenience envelope located in the pew and clearly marked “LCMS Disaster Response”.

Please join the Brese’s following worship next Sunday, August 4^th in celebration of their 60^th WEDDING  ANNIVERSARY.  Anniversary cake, punch and coffee will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

FUNDRAISER:  All are welcome to come out and support Pamela Carr-Simcox on Sunday, August 4^th from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at The Bakery located at 3004 Niagara Street, Niagara Falls, NY.  Funds raised will go towards renovating her home bathroom to be handicap accessible.  $20 per ticket with cash bar.  There will be entertainment, 50/50 and baskets.  Food will be served starting at 3:00 PM.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE – CONTACT:  LACEY BAHR 525-5134

THIS WEEK IS VBS! Please keep our volunteers and participating families in your prayers.

TODAY is the decoration setup.  If you are able to help, even for a short time, please stay after service to help us prepare the building for the week-long event.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER! Friends, family, neighbors: follow up with invitations you’ve made, or extend new ones.  Registration forms are at both entrances or can be downloaded at gracenf.org/vbs.

GOLDEN AGERS.  Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center will be hosting a “Golden Agers” event August 26^th thru August 29^th.  Come for a day or for the whole retreat and experience a faith-filled and fun time.  Contact Pioneer for all the details at (716) 549-1420 or www.pioneercamp.org.

GOD’S WAY IS BEST. This truth is known to those who follow God’s Spirit, revealed in Jesus. God’s love wants everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of truth. Our own last words to the world can also reflect God’s truth, balancing love for God and others.  For help creating your statement, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

THE SALES HAVE STARTED ALREADY!  Continuing until Rally Day on September 8, Social Ministries has tables available in the chapel and narthex to accept donations of socks, underwear, and school supplies for our Niagara Falls school children in need.  Stores are already having fantastic sales on school supplies with many items under $1.  Please remember this much appreciated mission project as you do your summer shopping.  All of your gifts will be distributed by the teachers and school nurses, which ensures that your gifts will be placed directly into the hands of local children that are most in need. 

SOMETHING NEW THIS YEAR:  Soon we will have school supply lists available by grade for those who may wish to supply all needed school supplies for one or more Niagara Falls school children.  If you would like to “adopt a virtual student”, you will be able to pick up a list from the donation tables for your preferred grade, purchase everything on the list, and bring the items back in a paper bag (or book bag) with the supply list attached to the outside.  These bags will be distributed by our inner city teachers in September to a child who would otherwise not have the supplies needed for a successful school year.

NEXT SUNDAY IS THE LAST WEEK to donate to support LCMS Disaster Response as they continue to work at various disaster sites around our country, including recent earthquakes and floods.  LCMS is often one of the first agencies to respond to disasters with needed resources and volunteers to help meet immediate needs, and teams often provide long-term support to help residents rebuild their lives and homes.  If you would like to support our church’s work at disaster sites throughout our country, please place your July Special Mission envelope in the offering plate by next week.

This week the 67^th LCMS Convention will be held in Tampa, FL.  Pastor Bahr will be in attendance as a delegate representing our Niagara West congregations.  The LCMS convention determines the parameters by which we agree to walk together.  The resolutions of note include the relationship of laity and clergy (especially regarding the service of Deacons), the authority of the Synod President, and much more.

Please join the Brese’s following worship on Sunday, August 4^th in celebration of their 60^th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.  Anniversary cake, punch and coffee will be served in the Fellowship Hall.

SAVE THE DATE:  There will be a Sunday School Staff Meeting after worship on Sunday, August 11^th.  Meeting will include making plans for Rally Day (9/8/19) and the upcoming school year.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE – CONTACT:  LACEY BAHR 525-5134

SAVE THE DATE:  Sunday, July 28^th.  After worship service we will transform the church for VBS.  Please plan to give of your time to help us set up.

PRE-REGISTRATION helps us prepare for the children coming.  Download the form at gracenf.org/vbs or call the office at 716-283-1843.  Forms are also available at the church entrances.

THE BALANCE OF PLANNING YOUR ESTATE with your intent to care for the people you love, and to bless the ministries you care about, can be achieved with the guidance of a charitable gift planner. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.the cross. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

HOLY COMMUNION SCHEDULE CHANGE.  Please note thatHoly Communion will be on the 28^th of July and not on the  21^st.

The 67^th LCMS Convention will be held in Tampa, FL July 20-25^th.  Pastor Bahr will be in attendance as a delegate representing our Niagara West congregations.  The LCMS convention determines the parameters by which we agree to walk together.  The resolutions of note include the relationship of laity and clergy (especially regarding the service of Deacons), the authority of the Synod President, and much more.

The GRACE LADIES Summer Picnic is scheduled for 6:00 PM on Tuesday, July 23^rd at the home of Jane Hughes.  Please bring a dish to pass along with a small white elephant gift (placed in a bag) to be used for some fun games!  A sign-up sheet can be found on the glass display case.

THE GLEANINGS.  Please note that the August/September edition will be arriving on your doorstep by the 15^th of August.  You may be asking . . . . “Why the late arrival?”.  This will allow us to include a feature on VBS which runs July 29^th thru August 2^nd.  Please notify the office should this cause any conflicts.  Please submit your submissions for this edition to the office as soon as possible.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL UPDATE – CONTACT:  LACEY BAHR 525-5134

NEW ITEMS are on the VBS needs board.   See if there is anything you can contribute.  Please bring in items by Sunday, July 21^st (aka NEXT Sunday).

THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who came to help prepare props and decorations for VBS!  You are an important part of the program.

NEEDED:  simple costumes made for adults. If you can sew simple costumes and are willing, please let me know!

SAVE THE DATE:  Sunday, July 28^th.  After worship service we will transform the church for VBS.  Please plan to give of your time to help us set up.

PRE-REGISTRATION helps us prepare for the children coming.  Download the form at gracenf.org/vbs or call the office at 716-283-1843.  Forms are also available at the church entrances.

Please continue to PRAY for the volunteers preparing for VBS, and for the families who will attending.

TRIANGLES CREATE TENSION by pulling forces of similar strength in opposing directions. Many of life’s decisions present both risk and opportunity. Wisdom is knowing the difference between God’s will and ours. Planning your gifts to family and ministry is a discovery of this tension under the cross. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.