OUR LAST SUNDAY SCHOOL session is scheduled for two weeks from today on June 9^th.  Students will sing during worship on that day and will participate by ushering and reading during the service.  All are invited to a PICNIC AFTER WORSHIP with hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks provided.  Please bring a side dish or dessert to share if you are able.

TODAY IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY to donate to support our May Special Mission, Lutheran Braille Workers.  This organization works with the blind and visually impaired to provide Bibles, devotions, and other Christian literature in Braille, large print books, and audio materials throughout the United States and around the world. They recently developed a large print Bible with a specialized binding that meets prison safety standards so that they can respond to the daily requests they receive from prisoners reaching out to find hope and comfort.  They also provide LCMS devotions on audio through the Library of Congress, which makes these items available for free throughout the States.  If you wish to support this mission, the convenience envelopes found in the pews may be used, but please mark them clearly for “May Special Mission”.

BABY BOTTLE BANKS AND BABY ITEMS:  Banks are available in the narthex and chapel for those who wish to support Summit Life Resources’ annual fundraiser.  We are also accepting donations of diapers (sizes 1, 2, & 3) and baby toiletry items through Father’s Day (June 16).  Summit works with teens and young women in our city that are experiencing unplanned and crisis pregnancy situations, offering counseling, parenting, and childcare classes.  They maintain a boutique of necessary baby items.  Shopping in the boutique is done with tokens earned each time a client attends a counseling or class session.  If you have questions about Summit, feel free to speak with Alice Moll.

CELL PHONES AND PRINTER INK CARTRIDGES are being accepted for recycling.  All models of phones, old, new, or broken, are accepted along with phone chargers.  A box is available in the chapel for your donations of phones and cartridges.  SIM cards may be removed from phones before donating them if desired.  Please speak with Virginia Markel if you have questions.

SECOND YEAR CONFIRMATION STUDENTS please remember that you and your parents will be meeting with Pastor after church on Sunday, June 2^nd to make arrangements for your confirmation.  Please meet in the church office after the post-service greeting.

The LEWISTON CHORALEERS will be performing at Grace today, Sunday, May 26^th at 2:00 PM.  Admission is $5 and Children 12 and under are free.  A reception will follow with punch and cake served!  This group has been presenting seasonal concerts since 2007.  See Grace’s Bulletin Board for a listing of their upcoming performances or visit www.lewistonchoraleers.com.

The next meeting of the GRACE LADIES will take place this Tuesday, May 28^th at 7:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church.  Barbara Bidak, Executive Director of Summit Life Outreach Center Inc. will be the guest speaker.  This event will be hosted by Joyce Learned and Lin Matiasz

Mark your calendars for the VOTERS MEETING on Sunday, June 2^nd following worship to vote on the following officer positions:  President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.  Descriptions of these positions can be found on the glass case.

ALTAR FLOWERS today are offered to the Glory of God and in memory of our parents/grandparents 60^th wedding anniversary, May 24^th and our father/grandfather’s birthday, May 26^th by daughter Kathi Dubuque and granddaughter Tara Post.

NEXT SUNDAY IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY to donate to support our May Special Mission, Lutheran Braille Workers.  This organization works with the blind and visually impaired to provide Bibles, devotions, and other Christian literature in Braille, large print books, and audio materials throughout the United States and around the world. They recently developed a large print Bible with a specialized binding that meets prison safety standards so that they can respond to the daily requests they receive from prisoners reaching out to find hope and comfort.  They also provide LCMS devotions on audio through the Library of Congress, which makes these items available for free throughout the States.  If you wish to support this mission, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate.

BABY BOTTLE BANKS are available in the narthex and chapel for those who wish to support Summit Life Resources’ annual fundraiser.  We will also be accepting donations through Father’s Day (June 16) of diapers (sizes 1, 2, & 3) and baby toiletry items.  Summit is located on Pine Avenue near the City Market.  They work with teens and young women experiencing unplanned and crisis pregnancy situations, offering counseling, parenting, and child care classes.  They maintain a boutique of necessary baby items.  Shopping in the boutique is done with tokens earned each time a client attends a counseling or class session.  If you have questions about Summit, feel free to speak with Alice Moll.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet today after worship.  This will be our last meeting until September.  New members are welcome!  A light lunch will be served during the meeting.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DONATIONS:   Please check with superintendents Jane Schulz or Wendy Coleman before leaving donations of any type in the Sunday School office or on the table by the downstairs kitchen.  While we appreciate your generous intentions, please understand that items that we cannot use make extra work for our volunteers as we try to maintain an orderly, accessible storage system for our teachers.  Thank you for your understanding and support.

THANK YOU for your support of our April Special Mission.  Your generous donations, along with Thrivent’s offer to match funds, enabled us to donate $1200 to Orphan Grain Train’s work in Nebraska as they continue to aid in the recovery from the severe wind damage and massive flooding associated with the March winter hurricane.

The Berghloz Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a CHIAVETTA’S CHICKEN BBQ today, Sunday, May 19^th starting at 11:30 AM and held at Bergholz Fire Hall, 2470 Niagara Road, Wheatfield, NY.  Dinners are $11.00 and are available for take-out or eat-in.  All proceeds will go to support the Bergholz firefighters and help with the purchase of new equipment to better serve the residents of the Town of Wheatfield.

Grace Lutheran Church will be one of the polling places for the ANNUAL SCHOOL ELECTION/BUDGET VOTE of the Niagara Falls City School District.  Voting is in-regards to adopting the annual budget and for the election of Board members.  Polls will be on Tuesday, May 21^st from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

The LEWISTON CHORALEERS will be performing at Grace next Sunday, May 26^th at 2:00 PM.  Admission is $5 and Children 12 and under are free.  This group has been presenting seasonal concerts since 2007.  See Grace’s Bulletin Board for a listing of their upcoming performance or visit www.lewistonchoraleers.com.

The next meeting of the GRACE LADIES will take place on Tuesday, May 28^th at 7:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church.  Barbara Bidak, Executive Director of Summit Life Outreach Center Inc. will be the guest speaker.  This event will be hosted by Joyce Learned and Lin Matiasz

Looking for something to do with the whole family? Holy Ghost Lutheran Church would like to invite you to the BERGHOLZ 5K AND 1-MILE FUN RUN/WALK happening on Saturday, June 8^th at 9:30 AM. Participants are invited to a post-race party with awards, food, and refreshments on the Holy Ghost Lutheran School campus. Paper applications are available on the glass display case or register online at runsignup.com/Race/NY/NIAGARAFALLS/Bergholz5K.

Mark your calendars for a VOTERS MEETING on Sunday, June 2^nd following worship to vote on the following officer positions:  President, Recording Secretary, Financial Secretary and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Registration is now available for VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL!  You can register online at gracenf.org/vbs or pick up a paper copy and return it to the church office.

CHARITABLE GIFTS OF APPRECIATED ASSETS are economically effective in supporting the Lord’s Work during life. If given to ministry before selling, these gifts conserve taxable gain and provide deductible gifts valued at full market value. Contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427 to learn how a fellow believer can help you plan and direct your passion to give to your loved ones and ministries you care about through your estate and financial gift plans.

SUNDAY SCHOOL DONATIONS:   Please check with superintendents Jane Schulz or Wendy Coleman before leaving donations of any type in the Sunday School office or on the table by the downstairs kitchen.  While we appreciate your generous intentions, please understand that items that we cannot use make extra work for our volunteers as we try to maintain an orderly, accessible storage system for our teachers.  Thank you for your understanding and support.

MAY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Lutheran Braille Workers.  This organization works with the blind and visually impaired to provide Bibles, devotions, and other Christian literature in Braille, large print books, and audio materials throughout the United States and around the world. They recently developed a large print Bible with a specialized binding that meets prison safety standards so that they can respond to the daily requests they receive from prisoners reaching out to find hope and comfort.  They also provide LCMS devotions on audio through the Library of Congress, which makes these items available for free throughout the States.  If you wish to support this mission, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of May.

BABY BOTTLE BANKS are available in the narthex and chapel for those who wish to support Summit Life Resources’ annual fundraiser.  We will also be accepting donations through Father’s Day (June 16) of diapers (sizes 1, 2, & 3) and baby toiletry items.  Summit is located on Pine Avenue near the City Market.  They work with teens and young women experiencing unplanned and crisis pregnancy situations, offering counseling, parenting, and child care classes.  They maintain a boutique of necessary baby items.  Shopping in the boutique is done with tokens earned each time a client attends a counseling or class session.  If you have questions about Summit, feel free to speak with Alice Moll.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet next Sunday after worship.  This will be our last meeting until September.  New members are welcome!  A light lunch will be served during the meeting.

“SHARE YOUR MEMORIES – INTERESTING ARTIFACTS AND HEIRLOOMS” is the next program at the meeting of the Historical Society of North German Settlements on Thursday, May 16^th.  The meeting will be at 7:00 PM at the Wheatfield Community Center, 2790 Church Rd., Wheatfield.  All are invited to bring an item and tell us about it. Refreshments will be served.

Pre-Teen Event (Grades 3-5) “BEGINNINGS” Part 1 will take place this coming Saturday, May 18^th from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.  Lunch provided.  A brief parent meeting will take place prior to pick-up at 12:00 PM.  If you are able, $5 will help cover the cost of food.  Part 2 will come during the 2019-2020 school year.  Please contact Lacy Bahr at 525-5134 for additional information.

LWML – LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION:  Niagara Zone of the Eastern District cordially invites you to “A Spring Gathering” on Saturday, May 18^th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 67 Saxton Street, Lockport, NY  14094.  Registration is $5 from 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM and lunch will be provided.  Presentation topics include – Reaching Culture and Generations, Engaging and Maintaining Volunteers, Change is good . . . You go first.

CHARITABLE TRUSTS OFFER MULTIPLE BENEFITS. Created by the US Congress to avoid capital gain taxes when appreciated assets are transferred, they offer tax deductions while generating lifetime income and preserving remainder values to bless ministry. Contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427 to learn how a fellow believer can help you plan and direct your passion to give to your loved ones and ministries you care about through your estate and financial gift plans.

PASTOR BAHR will be on vacation and then training starting Friday, April 26^th and returning on Sunday, May 12^th.  If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Head Elder Mark Andrews at (716) 807-1758. 

The AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE which took place this past Saturday, April 27^th, collected a total of 30 donations which will go on to help save up to 90 lives!!!  This is the largest amount of donations at Grace since the start of these drives in 2012.

MAY SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Lutheran Braille Workers.  This organization works with the blind and visually impaired to provide Bibles, devotions, and other Christian literature in Braille, large print books, and audio materials throughout the United States and around the world. They recently developed a large print Bible with a specialized binding that meets prison safety standards so that they can respond to the daily requests they receive from prisoners reaching out to find hope and comfort.  They also provide LCMS devotions on audio through the Library of Congress, which makes these items available for free throughout the States.  If you wish to support this mission, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of May.

USED PRINTER INKJET AND LASER CARTRIDGES from your home and work can be dropped off in the box available in the chapel.  We are able to earn cash back for these items, and we are protecting God’s creation by recycling.  If you have questions, please see Virginia Markel.

BEGINNING NEXT SUNDAY we will have baby bottle banks available for those who wish to support Summit Life Resources’ annual fundraiser.  We will also be accepting donations through Father’s Day (June 16^th) of diapers (sizes 1, 2, & 3) and baby toiletry items.  Summit is located on Pine Avenue near the City Market.  They work with teens and young women experiencing unplanned and crisis pregnancy situations, offering counseling, parenting, and child care classes.  They maintain a boutique of necessary baby items.  Shopping in the boutique is done with tokens earned every time a client attends a counseling or class session.  If you have questions about Summit, feel free to speak with Alice Moll.

MAGDALENE PROJECT–Volunteers from Grace continue to serve a meal each month at the Magdalene Project in Niagara Falls.  If you wish to volunteer to help with a meal, please sign up on the glass case.  Questions should be directed to John Loss.

WILLS AND REVOCABLE TRUSTS are cornerstone documents for estate plans. Christian stewards can include a declaration of faith. Today, when assets increasingly transfer via beneficiary designations, guidance to coordinate assets and intent with transfer documents is essential. Contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427 to learn how a fellow believer can help you plan and direct your passion to give to your loved ones and ministries you care about through your estate and financial gift plans.

Pre-Teen Event (Grades 3-5) “BEGINNINGS” Part 1 will take place on Saturday, May 18^th from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM.  Lunch provided.  A brief parent meeting will take place prior to pick-up at 12:00 PM.  If you are able, $5 will help cover the cost of food.  Part 2 will come during the 2019-2020 school year.  Please contact Lacy Bahr at 525-5134 for additional information.

FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR today are placed to the Glory of God by Ron & Jane Schulz and Katelyn Pantano, and in memory of our dad and grandpa, Rev. Lawrence E. Herfurth, who would be celebrating his 100^th birthday today.  He was called to his heavenly home in Nov. 2011 at the age of 91.  All thanks and praise to our beautiful Savior!!

St. John Lutheran Church, 6950 Ward Road, North Tonawanda, will have a CHIAVETTA’S CHICKEN BBQ on Thursday, May 16^th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM (drive thru only).  Tickets are $10/person pre-sale (3:00 -5:30 PM) or $12 at the door.  The dinner includes chicken, au gratin potatoes, tossed salad, roll & dessert.  Proceeds will go toward travel expenses for St. John youth who will be attending the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis, MN this summer. 

The Bergholz Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting a CHIAVETTA’S CHICKEN BBQ on Sunday, May 19^th starting at 11:30 AM.  Event will be held at the Bergholz Fire Hall, 2470 Niagara Road, Wheatfield.  Dinners are $11.00 each for eat-in or take-out and include:  ½ BBQ chicken, choice of bake potato or homemade potato salad, chef salad, roll and butter, homemade dessert and ice tea or fruit punch.  Proceeds will support the Bergholz firefighters and help with the purchase of new equipment to better serve the residents of the Town of Wheatfield.  For more information, call 731-4848.

Grace Lutheran Church will be hosting a Flea Market & Bake Sale on Saturday, May 4th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Stop by, purchase a sweet treat from our Bake Sale and enjoy browsing the many tables of Flea Market items.

We hope to see you!!! Grace Lutheran Church is located at 736 Cayuga Drive, Niagara Falls, NY. Parking is available in Grace’s parking lot located on 88th Street.

PASTOR BAHR will be on vacation and then training starting Friday, April 26^th and returning on Sunday, May 12^th.  If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Head Elder Mark Andrews at (716) 807-1758. 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY on Sunday, May 5^th will be led by Pastor Brese on the topic of his choosing.  All are welcome to attend.  Pastor Brese will also be leading the 10:30 AM worship service.

Grace’s FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE is taking place next Saturday, May 4^th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM.  Please plan to stop by and stroll around the tables for some new-found treasures.

For those who have volunteered to bake goodies for the May 4^th BAKE SALE, items may be dropped-off the morning of the 4^th.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to donate to our April Special Mission to help those affected by the “bomb cyclone” (winter hurricane) that devastated Nebraska in March, causing severe wind damage and massive flooding.  Thousands lost their homes in the storm, and it will be many months before the roads and bridges are repaired.  Thrivent Financial is offering to match our donations to Orphan Grain Train’s work in Nebraska, as well as pay all transaction fees.  If you wish to support Orphan Grain Train as they work to rebuild homes and supply food and clothing, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate today.  The convenience envelopes in the pews may also be used, but please mark them clearly as “April Special Mission”.

USED PRINTER INKJET AND LASER CARTRIDGES from your home and work can be dropped off in the box available in the chapel.  We are able to earn cash back for these items, and we are protecting God’s creation by recycling.  If you have questions, please see Virginia Markel.

CHOIR REMINDER:  We will rehearse at 7:00 PM on Wednesday this week.  We will finalize our remaining spring schedule for rehearsals and singing at that time, so please do your best to attend.

PENNY WAR:  Donations to this year’s Penny War for FogQuest totaled $1623.03.  Nets built by FogQuest collect clean water from fog and rain in rural areas of developing countries.  Each net costs approximately $1000, and will supply enough water for up to 50 people for a minimum of 10 years.  Thank you for your support of our Sunday School mission project.  To God be the glory, great things He has done!

GRACE’S E-CONTACT LISTING is important with keeping our congregation informed and up-to-date.  If you haven’t shared your email address with us, please do so by filling out an e-contact form found on the glass display case.

IRA ROLLOVERS allow stewards over age 70 ½ to redirect up to $100,000 of annual reportable income from qualified Individual Retirement Accounts for exempt charitable purposes, thus lowering their taxable income.  For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.ALTAR FLOWERS today are in celebration of Ken’s 84^th birthday, in memory of my sister Shari’s birthday and in gratitude for blessings received by Brenda Boyd.

ATHENS UPDATE

• Summer Bible Adventure (VBS) is July 29 – August 2, 2019.  Tell a friend!
• There are new stickers on the boards at either entrance.  See how you can help!
• Please pray for the volunteers and the families who will be touched by this program.
• You can now register by paper form or online at gacenf.org/vbs.

APRIL SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to help those affected by the “bomb cyclone” (winter hurricane) that devastated Nebraska in March, causing severe wind damage and massive flooding.  Thousands lost their homes in the storm, and it will be many months before the roads and bridges are repaired.  The Social Ministries committee had agreed to designate ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN as our April Special Mission before this storm hit.  God’s hand was at work in our decision, as it turns out that Thrivent Financial is now offering the opportunity to donate through them to Orphan Grain Train’s work in Nebraska, and Thrivent will match our donations as well as pay all transaction fees.  If you wish to support Orphan Grain Train as they work to rebuild homes and supply food and clothing, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate before the end of April.

USED PRINTER INKJET AND LASER CARTRIDGES from your home and work can be dropped off in the box available in the chapel.  We are able to earn cash back for these items, and we are protecting God’s creation by recycling.  If you have questions, please see Virginia Markel.

THANK YOU to all of our Sunday School students who participated in last week’s Palm Sunday processional and sang their praises during worship.  Great job everyone!  And thank you to Dillon Deskovic, one of our 5th grade Sunday School students, for a great job on your first solo part.

BENEVOLENCE FUND envelopes are available as an insert in today’s bulletin for those wishing to support this fund.  Our Benevolence Fund is an ongoing resource available for Pastor Bahr’s ministry to be used by him when he encounters a brother or sister with an urgent need, such as emergency overnight housing, food, or transportation for specialized medical care. Donations can be placed in the offering plate or mailed to the office at anytime during the year.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a BLOOD DRIVE at Grace on Saturday, April 27^th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

Grace’s FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE is only a few weeks away . . . Saturday, May 4^th starting at 9:00 AM.  There is still time for you to donate!  Any gently used articles (no clothing please) may be placed in the Ladies Lounge (label “Donations”).  A SIGN-UP SHEET for baking volunteers can also be found on the glass display case.  This is a large fundraiser and we appreciate your help!!

Holy Week Services

Maundy Thursday 6:30 PM (with Holy Communion)
Good Friday Service of Prayer & Meditation: Noon
Good Friday Tenebrae: 7:00 PM
Easter Sunrise: 7:00 AM
Easter Jubilee: 10:30 AM (with Holy Communion)

APRIL SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to help those affected by the “bomb cyclone” (winter hurricane) that devastated Nebraska in March, causing severe wind damage and massive flooding.  Thousands lost their homes in the storm, and it will be many months before the roads and bridges are repaired.  The Social Ministries committee had agreed to designate ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN as our April Special Mission before this storm hit.  God’s hand was at work in our decision, as it turns out that Thrivent Financial is now offering the opportunity to donate through them to Orphan Grain Train’s work in Nebraska, and Thrivent will match our donations as well as pay all transaction fees.  If you wish to support Orphan Grain Train as they work to rebuild homes and supply food and clothing, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate before the end of April.

USED PRINTER INKJET AND LASER CARTRIDGES from your home and work can be dropped off in the box available in the chapel.  We are able to earn cash back for these items, and we are protecting God’s creation by recycling.  If you have questions, please see Virginia Markel.

Today is the last opportunity to use the donation jars in the narthex or chapel to support our PENNY WAR FOR “FOGQUEST”, a volunteer group that builds special nets in rural areas of developing countries to provide clean water from condensed fog.  Since FogQuest is an all volunteer organization, all donations will be used to pay for the nets and the travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  Today our Sunday School children learned about “putting on the armor of God” from Ephesians 6, as we continued to teach them what it means to serve in the Lord’s Army.  Thank you to all who have supported our Sunday School mission project so far.  Your help is greatly appreciated.  Final results will be announced next week!

THANK YOU:  On Saturday, April 6^th members from Grace Lutheran Church were part of a Thrivent Action Team to prepare and serve lunch to more than fifty people at Magdalene Project.  The following people shared their time and talents:  Jane Brese, Cathy Hoffman, Donna Hoffman, Sue Loss, Luann Pyska and John Loss.  Their efforts were appreciated by the recipients who enjoyed a wholesome and fulfilling meal that day.

DESSERT DONATIONS for Grace’s 8:00 AM breakfast on Easter morning are needed.  Sweet treats can be brought to the downstairs kitchen prior to 8:00 AM on Easter.

This year’s SUMMER BIBLE ADVENTURE (VBS) takes us to Athens to meet the Apostle Paul.  Come on the journey to Greece Monday, July 29^th – Friday, August 2^nd 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Registration forms are at the entrances or online at www.gracenf.org (VBS Page).  Invite family, friends, and neighbors!

FLOWERS on the altar this morning are in honor of my parents, Dorothy & Joel Kew’s 56^th Wedding Anniversary by Scott Kew.

Join us for the SERMON ON THE MOUNT special service for Week 5 of Lent. In this service we recognize that we build our lives on very shaky foundations, and then we are surprised when things start collapsing. Jesus reminds us in his teachings that the only solid foundation is himself, the Rock of our salvation. On him alone we build.

Last day to place your order for EASTER FLOWERS . . . order forms can be found on the glass display case.

NEXT SUNDAY is Palm Sunday, and our Sunday School students will be singing during our worship service.  They will also participate in a palm processional.  Mark your calendars and please plan to join us!

APRIL SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to help those affected by the “bomb cyclone” (winter hurricane) that devastated Nebraska in March, causing severe wind damage and massive flooding.  Thousands lost their homes in the storm, and it will be many months before the roads and bridges are repaired.  The Social Ministries committee had agreed to designate ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN as our April Special Mission before this storm hit.  God’s hand was at work in our decision, as it turns out that Thrivent Financial is now offering the opportunity to donate through them to Orphan Grain Train’s work in Nebraska, and Thrivent will match our donations as well as pay all transaction fees.  If you wish to support Orphan Grain Train as they work to rebuild homes and supply food and clothing, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate before the end of April.

USED PRINTER INKJET AND LASER CARTRIDGES from your home and work can be dropped off in the box available in the chapel.  We are able to earn cash back for these items, and we are protecting God’s creation by recycling.  If you have questions, please see Virginia Markel.

TODAY AND NEXT SUNDAY are the last opportunities to use the donation jars in the narthex or chapel to support our PENNY WAR for “FogQuest”, a volunteer group that builds special nets in rural areas of developing countries to provide clean water from condensed fog.  Since FogQuest is an all volunteer organization, all donations will be used to pay for the nets and the travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  Today our Sunday School children were excited to see what a $100 dollar bill looks like as they continue to learn more about missions and what it means to serve in the Lord’s Army.  Thank you to the generous anonymous donor, and to all who have supported our efforts so far.  Your support of our Sunday School mission project is greatly appreciated.

FACEBOOK–Check out the Grace Facebook page.  You will find numerous pictures of our Sunday School students, youth, and other activities happening at Grace.

THANK YOU to our members who supported the annual Young Life fundraising dinner on March 28^th.  Grace members filled three tables at the dinner, which supports the work done by Young Life with youth from our area as they bring them to the knowledge of the love of God.

PEW SISTERS next gathering is this Thursday, April 11^th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Chapters to be discussed are Chapter 10 “Gabriella” and Chapter 11 “Christine”.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  Church Clean-Up Day is right around the corner!  Please join your Grace friends for our annual Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 13^th starting at 9:00 AM.  Plenty to do both inside and out!  Please bring along your yard tools, dusting rags, buckets and sponges.  Many hands make light work!

DESSERT DONATIONS for Grace’s 8:00 AM breakfast on Easter morning are needed.  Coffee cakes, danish, brownies, cookies . . . any sweet treats!!  Items can be brought to the downstairs kitchen prior to 8:00 AM on Easter.

The Grace Ladies will be hosting a FLEA MARKET & BAKE SALE event on Saturday, May 4^th.  Over the next month 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.  A SIGN-UP SHEET for baking volunteers can also be found on the glass display case.

This year’s SUMMER BIBLE ADVENTURE (VBS) takes us to Athens to meet the Apostle Paul.  Come on the journey to Greece July 29^th – August 2^nd 6:00 – 8:00 PM.  Registration forms are at the entrances.  Invite family, friends, and neighbors!

Holy Ghost Lutheran School will be hosting an OPEN HOUSE on Tuesday April 9^th from 6:00 PM -7:30 PM for Grades Pre-School thru Grade 8.  Holy Ghost is located at 6630 Luther Street, Niagara Falls.

The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is offering a $500 SCHOLARSHIP for adults (residents of the City of Niagara Falls) who are entering or returning to a college, trade school or formal certification program.  Additional information and applications can be picked-up in the church office.  Application deadline is Friday, April 26^th by 4:30 PM. 

The 175th Anniversary of St Martin Church in Martinsville is the program at the next meeting of the HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH GERMAN SETTLEMENTS.  Dennis Sattelberg will tell about the establishment of the church and community in this section of North Tonawanda along the Erie Canal.  The meeting will be Thursday, April 11^th at 7:00 PM at the Wheatfield Community Center, 2790 Church Road in Wheatfield.  The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.

St. John Ladies Group invite you to a SPRING INTO WELLNESS! Luncheon on Sunday, April 28^th from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 6950 Ward Road, North Tonawanda.  The event includes a presentation by Sara Borgstede who will provide practical steps for renewed physical health, ways to guard your heart to stay emotionally healthy, and how to claim the free refills of spiritual renewal God offers.  The RSVP deadline is April 22; call the church office at 693-9677 or email churchoffice@stjohnnt.com.  A free will offering will be collected.  

THE BEST FINANCIAL GIFTS come from a heart of gratitude to God and are planned from the best assets that advance the Great Commission most effectively through ministries we cherish.  For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in memory of our Uncle Robert Cutts by Tara Post and Kathi Dubuque.

Join us for the SERMON ON THE MOUNT special service for Week 4 of Lent. In this service we recognize that we live in a very judgmental world, so Jesus’ advice not to judge sounds radical to our modern ears. When we leave all judgment up to God, we free ourselves to look at one another through fresh and forgiving eyes.

Join us in welcoming the ST. JOHN LUTHERAN LITTLE LAMBS choir and their families from St. John Lutheran School.  As a special thank you for Grace’s financial support to the school’s tuition assistance fund, the choir will be signing “This Little Gospel Light of Mine” and “Oh, He’s King of Kings” during worship today.

NCD SURVEY RESULTS: If you were unable to join us when Lyle Heggemeier presented our Natural Church Development survey results, Pastor Bahr will lead another presentation after worship today.

EASTER FLOWER orders are due next Sunday, April 7^th.  Order forms can be found into today’s bulletin and extras on the glass display case.

THANK YOU for your very generous donations to our Penny War’s Loose Change Sunday.  Your gifts left on the pews totaled $521.62!  This money was added to our students’ team banks, “Christian Soldiers” and “God’s Warriors”, and will support this year’s mission project, “FogQuest”.  We will be continuing to accept donations through Palm Sunday, as our children learn more about missions and what it means to serve in the Lord’s Army.

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to use your March special mission envelope, which 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 the travel expenses of their volunteer leaders.  If you would like to help us raise money for FogQuest, please place your special mission envelope (or an envelope clearly marked “special mission”) in the offering plates.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  Church Clean-Up Day is right around the corner!  Please join your Grace friends for our annual Cleanup day on Saturday, April 13^th starting at 9:00 AM.  Plenty to do both inside and out!  Please bring along your yard tools, dusting rags, buckets and sponges.  Many hands make light work!

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.  A SIGN-UP SHEET for baking volunteers can also be found on the glass display case.

The Niagara Falls Housing Authority is offering a $500 SCHOLARSHIP for adults (residents of the City of Niagara Falls) who are entering or returning to a college, trade school or formal certification program.  Additional information and applications can be picked-up in the Church Office.  Application deadline is Friday, April 26^th by 4:30 PM. 

‘As it is in Heaven,’ the petition from the Lord’s Prayer, helps us recognize that His Will is always best. Baptized believers live in the present with a view of eternity. PLANNING A CHRISTIAN WILL now is a good idea, even if you plan to live to 150. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

ATLAR FLOWERS are placed to the glory of God and in thankfulness for blessings received as they celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary by Ross & Amy Folmsbee.