Join us for the SERMON ON THE MOUNT special service for Week 2 of Lent. In this service we re-member that Lent is a season of prayer and fasting. We grow in our relationship with Christ by communicating with him, and we learn more about him and ourselves by giving up those things that can distract us from our connection to him.

Please join us this evening at 5:00 PM as Lyle Heggemeier with NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT will be presenting results of our church development survey.  This is an important first step of the Natural Church Development process.  All are welcome!

The Grace Ladies will be hosting a FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE event on Saturday, May 4^th.  Over the next few months please set aside any gently used articles you are willing to donate to the Grace Ladies for this large fundraising event (no clothing please).  These donations (please box and label “Donations”) may be left in the Ladies Lounge.

Save the date: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is set for Monday, July 29^th through Friday, August 2^nd, 6:00 – 8:00 PM for ages 3 (potty-trained) through entering 6th grade.

REMINDER:  If you have signed up to attend YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V on March 28^th but your plans to attend have changed, PLEASE let Dick Crawford know so that Young Life is not responsible for the cost of your dinner.

MARCH SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES will support our annual Penny War.  This year we are supporting FogQuest, a charity working in third world countries to provide clean water to remote rural areas.  This group builds special nets which condense the water droplets found in fog.  Each net produces 50 or more gallons of water each day.  FogQuest is an all volunteer organization.  Donations they receive are used to pay for the nets, and for travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  If you would like to help us raise money for FogQuest, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plates during the month of March.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITY:  Volunteers from Grace will be cooking and serving lunch at the Magdalene Project on Falls Street on the first Saturday of each month.  The menu and food is provided by Magdalene, and all cooking is done on site with supervision as needed.  If you would like to help cook or serve, please sign up for one or more Saturdays.  Sign-up sheets are available on the glass case.  Cooking begins at 9:30 AM and lunch is served at 11:30 AM. 

NEXT SUNDAY IS LOOSE CHANGE SUNDAY:  This annual event helps to support our Penny War.  Those wishing to participate are invited to “lose” their change or paper money donations onto the pews after worship.  Our Sunday School students will hunt for your donations and add what they find to their team banks.  Thank you for your support of FogQuest, as we raise funds to support this charity’s efforts to provide clean water for rural areas in developing countries.

NEXT SUNDAY IS ALSO SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICE SUNDAY:  Our Sunday School students will serve during worship as acolytes, ushers, readers, and singers.  We encourage all of our Sunday School students to join us that day and remind them that our Penny War Loose Change event follows the service.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS:  March 31^st is the deadline to designate your 2018 Thrivent Choice Dollars.  This is money provided to all Thrivent members that can be designated to a charity of your choice, including Grace.  Money not designated disappears after March 31^st.  Simply go online to your account and click Choice Dollars and the charity you wish to support, and the money will be sent directly to them by Thrivent.

NEEDED:  Alice Moll is in need of 5 x 7 picture frames for ministry work.  If you have any extra frames of this size, she would appreciate your donations.

Order forms for EASTER FLOWERS can be found on the glass display case.  Orders are due no later than Sunday, April 7th.

As a special thank you for Grace’s financial support to St. John Lutheran School’s tuition assistance fund, ST. JOHN LITTLE LAMBS choir will be singing during worship on Sunday, March 31^st.

Join us for the SERMON ON THE MOUNT special service for Week 1 of Lent. In this service we re-member that Christ calls us to be salt and light in this world of sin. We who have tasted and seen his great love for us on the cross can spend our Lent savoring his salvation and shining with his glory and grace in the places where he has put us.

Please plan to join us next Sunday, March 17^th at 5:00 PM as Lyle Heggemeier with NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT will be presenting results of our church development survey.  This is an important first step of the Natural Church Development process.

Save the date: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is set for Monday, July 29^th through Friday, August 2^nd, 6:00 – 8:00 PM for ages 3 (potty-trained) through entering 6th grade.

LAST CHANCE:  This Wednesday is the deadline for signing up for YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V, scheduled for March 28^th at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life, with an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  If you have signed up but your plans to attend have changed, PLEASE cross off your name so Young Life is not burdened with the cost of your dinner.

 MARCH SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES will support our annual Penny War.  This year we are supporting FogQuest, a charity working in third world countries to provide clean water to remote rural areas.  This group builds special nets which condense the water droplets found in fog.  Each net produces 50 or more gallons of water each day.  FogQuest is an all volunteer organization.  Donations they receive are used to pay for the nets, and for travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  If you would like to help us raise money for FogQuest, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plates during the month of March.

THANK YOU is expressed to Grace members Brian Miller, Luann Pyska, Elaine Timm, Sue Loss and John Loss for providing their time and talents to prepare and serve lunch to those at the Magdalene Project on Saturday, March 2^nd.  This is an open opportunity for any Grace member to participate in. We will be preparing and serving lunch the first Saturday of each month there. Sign-up sheet is on the glass case in the fellowship hall. Our next date to serve is Saturday, April 6^th from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

LOOSE CHANGE SUNDAY:  This annual event in support of our Penny War will be held on March 24^th.  Those wishing to support the Penny War are invited to “lose” their change or paper money donations onto the pews after worship.  Our Sunday School students will hunt for your donations and add what they find to their team banks.  Thank you for your support of FogQuest, as we raise funds to support this charity’s efforts to provide clean water for rural areas in developing countries.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SERVICE SUNDAY:  On March 24^th, our Sunday School students will serve during worship as acolytes, ushers, readers, and singers.  We encourage all of our Sunday School students to join us that day and remind them that our Penny War Loose Change event follows the service.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS:  March 31^st is the deadline to designate your 2018 Thrivent Choice Dollars.  This is money provided to all Thrivent members that can be designated to a charity of your choice, including Grace.  Money not designated disappears after March 31.  Simply go online to your account and click Choice Dollars and the charity you wish to support, and the money will be sent directly to them by Thrivent.

THANK YOU for supporting our Lutheran missionary in Belize, Pastor Duane Meissner, with your February mission envelopes.  With Social Ministries matching funds, we were able to send $675 to support his work in this Central American country.

MARCH 13^th is the deadline for signing up for YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V, scheduled for March 28^th at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

MARCH SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES will support our annual Penny War.  This year we are supporting FogQuest, a charity working in third world countries to provide clean water to remote rural areas.  This group builds special nets which condense the water droplets found in fog.  Each net produces 50 or more gallons of water each day.  FogQuest is an all volunteer organization.  Donations they receive are used to pay for the nets, and for travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  If you would like to help us raise money for FogQuest, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plates during the month of March.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet after worship today.  A light lunch will be served, and new members are always welcome!

MAGDALENE:  Specific dates and times are now available for those wishing to help serve a meal at Magdalene.  If you wish to participate, you will need to sign up on the NEW LIST available on the glass case for the specific date(s) you are willing to help.  If you have questions, please speak to John Loss.

THANK YOU to those who participated so generously in our toilet tissue project for Heart, Love, and Soul.  Your gifts, along with a grant from Thrivent, will enable us to deliver 792 rolls of tissue to help our neighbors in need.  This is a very appreciated item, and many will be helped over the coming weeks.

LET’S DO LUNCH:  As announced in the February/March edition of The Gleanings, Pastor would like to sit down with you, for one hour over a meal, to get to know you better.  Please fill out a “Let’s Do Lunch” card found on the glass display case and return to the office.

Order forms for EASTER FLOWERS can be found on the glass display case.  Orders are due no later than Sunday, April 7th.

Last Saturday’s AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE was a huge success.  They received a total of 24 donations which will go on to help save up to 72 lives.  This was the most productive drive since 2016!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 10^th at 1:30 PM for the first ever TASTE OF PIONEER at 9324 Lake Shore Road, Angola, NY  14006.  Bring your favorite dish, to be entered in a fun & friendly competition or skip the cooking and just enjoy some delicious dishes.  All opinions matter and your vote counts towards crowing the winner of the Taste of Pioneer.  Tickets for tasting dishes will be available at the door.  10 tickets for $5.  All ages welcome.

Please plan to join us on Sunday, March 17^th at 5:00 PM as Lyle Heggemeier with NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT will be presenting results of our church development survey.  This is an important first step of the Natural Church Development process.

Today we celebrate with Daniel and Melissa Tighe the BAPTISM of their son, Daniel Grayson Tighe.  Daniel’s baptismal sponsors are Ryan Tighe, Pat Tighe and Lauren Billotti.    

FLOWERS on the altar this morning are in loving memory of Fred Hanley, who passed away 25 years ago, by the Hanley, Chrestler and Tighe Family.

Think Spring . . . think FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE.  The Grace Ladies will be hosting this event on Saturday, May 4^th.  Over the next few months please set aside any gently used articles you are willing to donate to the Grace Ladies for this large fundraising event (no clothing please).

Lent & Easter Worship Schedule

PASTOR AND LACEY are at a marriage retreat in Rochester this weekend. They will return this evening.

MARCH 13^th is the deadline for signing up for YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V, scheduled for March 28^th at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO DONATE to our FEBRUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES, designated to support Rev. Duane Meissner, a Lutheran pastor serving as a long-term missionary in Belize, where he lives with his wife and four young children (3 adopted).  Belize is a Central American country on the southern border of Mexico.  Pastor Meissner is a former vicar of Pastor Bahr.  When he began his missionary work in Belize, there were no Lutheran churches in the country.  He has established one congregation and is now working to establish a second.  There is much work left to do in Belize, since most still follow a religion loosely based in Catholicism, but including the worship of deceased ancestors and the frequent sacrifice of animals. 

PEW CONVENIENCE ENVELOPES:  If you are using the donation envelopes located in the pews and wish for your donation to go to a particular project, such as the monthly special mission, please be sure to mark this information clearly on the envelope.

REMINDER:  Social Ministries is scheduled to meet after worship next Sunday.  A light lunch will be served, and new members are always welcome!

ATTENTION SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEMBERS:  The Lenten simple supper for March 27^th will be provided by Social Ministries.  Please sign up on the glass case or speak to Robin Stephenson if you are able to help.

MAGDALENE MEAL SERVERS:  There is a sign-up sheet on the glass case with specific dates for those who wish to help serve a meal at Magdalene.  If you have questions, please speak to John Loss.

The next GRACE LADIES gathering is schedule for Tuesday, February 26^th at 12:00 PM and will be hosted by Erika Tuscher and Sue Loss.  Mites will be collected, and Erika will present a LWML topic.

BAKED GOODS DROP-OFF is scheduled for Friday, March 1^st from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Grace.  These goods will be sold by the Grace Ladies at the American Legion’s In-Door Flea Market being held Saturday, March 2^nd from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.  Please stop by!  If you can’t get your baked goods dropped-off by Friday, feel free to bring them to the Legion on Saturday!

Next Sunday is the last opportunity to donate to our ANNUAL TOILET TISSUE COLLECTION for Heart, Love, and Soul.  Sister Beth, their director, has shared with us that they have come to look forward to our donations each year.   As we all know, this is an item that is used every day, and yet it cannot be purchased with benefit cards.  Your gifts will help our neighbors maintain their dignity as they deal with the many challenges they face.  Tables are available in the narthex or chapel for your donations.

YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V is scheduled for March 28^th at 6:00 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Rev. Duane Meissner, a Lutheran pastor serving as a long-term missionary in Belize, where he lives with his wife and four young children (3 adopted).  Belize is a Central American country on the southern border of Mexico.  Pastor Meissner is a former vicar of Pastor Bahr.  When he began his missionary work in Belize, there were no Lutheran churches in the country.  He has established one congregation and is now working to establish a second.  There is much work left to do in Belize, since most still follow a religion loosely based in Catholicism, but including the worship of deceased ancestors and the frequent sacrifice of animals.  If you wish to support his ministry, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of February.

The next GRACE LADIES gathering is schedule for Tuesday, February 26^th at 12:00 PM and will be hosted by Erika Tuscher and Sue Loss.  Mites will be collected, and Erika will present a LWML topic.

We are still in need of a few “groups” to help coordinate and provide LENTEN SIMPLE SUPPER.  Each group may pick from one of the following open dates – Wednesday, March 13^th, 20^th or April 3^rd.  A sign-up sheet can be found on glass display case.

“Visiting the Villages of our Ancestors” will be the program of the next meeting of the HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH GERMAN SETTLEMENTS on February 21^st.  Members will show photos of their trip to the Uckermark region of Germany in 2018.  The meeting will be at 2:00 PM at the Wheatfield Community Center, 2790 Church Road, Wheatfield.   The public is welcome, refreshments will be served.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a BLOOD DRIVE at Grace on Saturday, February 23^rd from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.  They are aiming for a goal of 16+ donations!

St. John Lutheran School will be holding their next OPEN HOUSE on Tuesday, February 26^th from 6:00 -7:30 PM.  Call 716-693-9677 today to enroll for Preschool 3 & 4 and Grades K-8.

BAKER’S NEEDED!  Homemade baked goods are needed for an upcoming Grace Ladies Bake Sale being held on Saturday, March 2^nd at the American Legion Post #1451 on Ward Road in Sanborn. Bakers please use the sign-up sheet on the glass display case if you can help bake some homemade goodies.

CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITIES can transition savings interest into a higher fixed income stream for people over 65.  The tax-free income plus an income tax deduction could put more money in your pocket.  For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

Change in OFFICE HOURS for this week only.  Wednesday, February 20^th and Thursday, February 21^st the office will be open from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM.

ANNUAL TOILET TISSUE COLLECTION for Heart, Love, and Soul begins and will continue through February.  As we all know, this is an item that is used every day, and yet it cannot be purchased with benefit cards.  Tables are available in the narthex or chapel for your donations.

YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V is scheduled for March 28^th at 6 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Rev. Duane Meissner, a Lutheran pastor serving as a long-term missionary in Belize, where he lives with his wife and four young children (3 adopted).  Belize is a Central American country on the southern border of Mexico.  Pastor Meissner is a former vicar of Pastor Bahr.  When he began his missionary work in Belize, there were no Lutheran churches in the country.  He has established one congregation and is now working to establish a second.  There is much work left to do in Belize, since most still follow a religion loosely based in Catholicism, but including the worship of deceased ancestors and the frequent sacrifice of animals.  If you wish to support his ministry, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of February.

THIS WEEK choir rehearsals will resume on Wednesday at 7 PM.  We are scheduled to sing next Sunday, so it is important that you attend this week if at all possible.  New members are welcome–we have saved you a chair!  Please see Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee with any questions you may have.

ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS:  If you have investments with Thrivent Financial, it is time to check your account for Choice Dollars that may be available to donate to a charity of your choice (including Grace).  All Thrivent investment members earn these dollars, and they will disappear if you do not designate them for donation.  The deadline for designating 2018 Choice Dollars is March 31.  Just log into your account online, click on “Choice Dollars”, and follow the directions.  It only takes a couple of minutes.

Please plan to stay after worship for a few minutes on Sunday, February 17^th when Lyle Heggemeier with NATURAL CHURCH DEVELOPMENT will be presenting results of our church development survey.  This is an important first step of the Natural Church Development process.

BAKER’S NEEDED!  Homemade baked goods are needed for an upcoming Grace Ladies Bake Sale being held on Saturday, March 2^nd.  Please use the sign-up sheet on the glass display case if you can help bake.

Robert and Doreen Herbst would like to extend a THANK YOU to the Christmas Carolers of Grace who visited them this past Christmas and for the beautiful poinsettia plant.

Please see the glass display case for info. on the many events taking place at ST. JOHN LUTHERAN SCHOOL.

HELP NEEDED:  If you would be interested in joining a group from Grace to prepare and/or serve a future lunch or dinner at the Magdalene Project on Falls Street, please add your name to the sign up on the glass case.  Once enough volunteers have signed up, you will be contacted with more details, including dates and times.  You can then make a final decision as to your availability.  If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with John Loss.

ANNUAL TOILET TISSUE COLLECTION for Heart, Love, and Soul begins today and will continue through February.  Sister Beth, their director, has shared with us that they have come to look forward to our donations each year.   As we all know, this is an item that is used every day, and yet it cannot be purchased with benefit cards.  Your gifts will help our neighbors maintain their dignity as they deal with the many challenges they face.  Tables are available in the narthex or chapel for your donations.

YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V is scheduled for March 28^th at 6 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

FEBRUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Rev. Duane Meissner, a Lutheran pastor serving as a long-term missionary in Belize, where he lives with his wife and four young children (3 adopted).  Belize is a Central American country on the southern border of Mexico.  Pastor Meissner is a former vicar of Pastor Bahr.  When he began his missionary work in Belize, there were no Lutheran churches in the country.  He has established one congregation and is now working to establish a second.  There is much work left to do in Belize, since most still follow a religion loosely based in Catholicism, but including the worship of deceased ancestors and the frequent sacrifice of animals.  If you wish to support his ministry, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of February.

BELIZE MISSION: Next week, February 10^th, during our normal Bible study hour (9AM), we will be welcoming Rev. Duane Meissner, missionary to Belize, via live internet feed. Please plan to attend and hear about the wonderful things God is doing with the first Lutheran mission in Belize!

CHOIR REMINDER:  Rehearsals will resume in another week on Wednesday, February 13^th, at 7 PM.  New members are welcome!  Please see Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee with any questions you may have.

MOTHERS RETREAT March 1^st-3^rd. Mothers of young children get away to Camp Pioneer for only $70 (plus food)!  Activities, Bible study, down time, and fellowship.  Invite a friend! Registration forms are at both entrances, and are due today.  Please contact Lacey Bahr if you need an extension or have any questions. 716-525-5134.

A sign-up sheet for LENTEN SIMPLE SUPPERS can be found on the glass display case.  We are asking that sign-up’s be done in “groups” (I.e. Choir, Elders, etc.) so that each “group” will be responsible for coordinating and providing that weeks supper.

Thrivent Financial local North Tonawanda Office is in need of a PART-TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR.  If you or someone you know may be interested, please call Ed Huber at 716-695-2200.

A PART-TIME POSITION OF FACILITIES MANAGER is open at St. Mark Ev. Church.  Qualifications include knowledge and competency with basic carpentry, plumbing, electrical and facilities maintenance; familiar with facilities’ operations; knowledge of health, safety, and environmental laws and regulatory requirements as required by NYS.  St. Mark does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, or citizenship status, disability, marital status, or partnership.  If interested, please email Mike Dolpp at President@stmarknt.org

ASSET TITLES establish property succession to others when life is complete. Joint tenancy automatically allows property to remain with the surviving tenants without need for another legal action. Sole ownership requires another arrangement. Reviewing asset titles with a guide helps minimize costs and coordinates intent.  For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

HELP NEEDED:  If you would be interested in joining a group from Grace to prepare and/or serve a future lunch or dinner at the Magdalene Project on Falls Street, please add your name to the sign up on the glass case.  Once enough volunteers have signed up, you will be contacted with more details, including dates and times.  You can then make a final decision as to your availability.  If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with John Loss.

YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V is scheduled for March 28^th at 6 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

JANUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, an international organization with local chapters.  Young Life is staffed by caring adults who introduce adolescents to Jesus and help them grow in their faith through a variety of social activities, camping experiences, mission trips, and school clubs.  Your donations in your January mission envelopes will help us support the local work of Young Life.  Please feel free to speak with Dick Crawford if you have questions about this organization.

CHOIR REMINDER:  Rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, February 13^th, at 7 PM.  New members are welcome!  Please see Maye Smith or Ross Folmsbee with any questions you may have.

MOTHERS RETREAT March 1^st-3^rd. Mothers of young children get away to Camp Pioneer for only $70 (plus food)!  Activities, Bible study, down time, and fellowship.  Invite a friend! Registration forms are at both entrances, and they are due this week.  Please contact Lacey Bahr if you need an extension or have any questions. 716-525-5134.

A new FLOWER CHART for 2019 has been hung in the narthex.  If interested in donating flowers for a particular Sunday throughout the year, please record your name on the preferred date and the office will contact you.

A sign-up sheet for LENTEN SIMPLE SUPPERS can be found on the glass display case.  We are asking that sign-up’s be done in “groups” (I.e. Choir, Elders, etc.) so that each “group” will be responsible for coordinating and providing that weeks supper.

HOLY GHOST LUTHERAN SCHOOL will be hosting an Open House on Tuesday, January 29^th from 6 -7:30 PM. Holy Ghost has been providing quality Christian education for 175 years from Pre-K – grade 8. Please come out and meet our staff and learn about our programs.

The phrase, ‘PLAN FOR THE BASICS’ conveys wisdom. A will and/or trust, assets titled with beneficiary designations coordinated to intent are important criteria to effectively transfer blessings to others. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

HELP NEEDED:  If you would be interested in joining a group from Grace to prepare and/or serve a future lunch or dinner at the Magdalene Project on Falls Street, please add your name to the sign up on the glass case.  Once enough volunteers have signed up, you will be contacted with more details, including dates and times.  You can then make a final decision as to your availability.  If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with John Loss.

YOUNG LIFE’S annual fundraising dinner at Classics V is scheduled for March 28 at 6 PM.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the glass case.  This is a free dinner showcasing the work of Young Life.  There is an opportunity to donate during the dinner if you wish to support this organization.  Dick Crawford would be happy to answer any questions you have about Young Life or the fundraising dinner.

JANUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, an international organization with local chapters.  Young Life is staffed by caring adults who introduce adolescents to Jesus and help them grow in their faith through a variety of social activities, camping experiences, mission trips, and school clubs.  Your donations in your January mission envelopes will help us support the local work of Young Life.  Please feel free to speak with Dick Crawford if you have questions about this organization.

MOTHERS RETREAT March 1^st – 3^rd, mothers of young children get away to Camp Pioneer for only $70 (plus food)!  Mom’s “time out” with activities, Bible study, down time, and fellowship.  Invite a friend!  Registration forms are at both entrances.

If you haven’t picked up your 2019 ENVELOPES please check the narthex on your departure today.  Need envelopes . . .  please notify the office. 

A new FLOWER CHART for 2019 has been hung in the narthex.  If interested in donating flowers for a particular Sunday throughout the year, please record your name on the preferred date and the office will contact you.

A sign-up sheet for LENTEN SIMPLE SUPPERS can be found on the glass display case.  We are asking that sign-up’s be done in “groups” (I.e. Choir, Elders, etc.) so that each “group” will be responsible for coordinating and providing that weeks supper.

THANK YOU’S:

Gladys Beningo would like to express her sincere thanks to the carolers from Grace, who visited her on December 23^rd and for the lovely poinsettia plant and also to the members of Grace that took the time to send Christmas cards.  It truly brightened her holiday spirit to know that she was thought of and she is grateful to be a part of such a caring congregation.

Linda Gullo would like to also express her thanks to the Grace Lutheran Church Choir.  “Thank you so much for caroling here – the music was amazing even more so because it was sung by my friends.  It was a highlight of my Christmas.  Thank you again.”

DONOR ADVISED FUNDS offer flexibility for contributors who wish to establish gifts that keep giving but desire to determine how to allocate portions of the gift over time.For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

JANUARY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, an international organization with local chapters.  Young Life is staffed by caring adults who introduce adolescents to Jesus and help them grow in their faith through a variety of social activities, camping experiences, mission trips, and school clubs.  Your donations will help us support Young Life’s annual fundraising dinner at Classics V on March 28^th at 6 PM.  If you would like to support the local work of Young Life, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of January.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet today after worship in the Ladies Lounge.

THANK YOU for your generous donations to our Giving Tree project.  Thirty large boxes were packed and on their way this week to Niagara Falls agencies, where your gifts will be distributed to those in need.  Many of our neighbors will be helped by your kindness.

Submissions for the February/March edition of THE GLEANINGS are due in the office by Tuesday, January 15^th.  Please send to office@gracenf.org.

2019 ENVELOPES are available in the narthex.  If you would like to request envelopes, please notify the office.

MOTHERS RETREAT March 1^st – 3^rd, mothers of young children get away to Camp Pioneer for only $70 (plus food)!  Mom’s “time out” with activities, Bible study, down time, and fellowship.  Invite a friend!  Registration forms are at both entrances.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH GERMAN SETTLEMENTS in Western New York will have its regular membership meeting on Thursday, January 17^th at 2 PM at the Wheatfield Community Center.  Martha Haseley will give her presentation on the 175th Anniversary of St. Peter’s Lutheran, Walmore.  The public is invited.

IDENTIFYING ‘RISKS’ and ‘OPPORTUNITIES’ are key to estate gift planning. Risks identify costs and perils that could shrink values. Opportunities illuminate a full spectrum of available options. Many see these in limited view without spiritual perspectives. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.