Please WELCOME Rev. Bob Spilman as our guest preacher today.

NEXT SUNDAY IS THE LAST SUNDAY to donate to our annual HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION.  We will also accept donations at our Thanksgiving Eve service. Your help is needed.  Our partner, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry on Military Road, has already received numerous requests for assistance from our neighbors in need, and they anticipate that their pantry will be depleted after their Thanksgiving deliveries.  They are grateful that we plan to deliver our donations on Thanksgiving weekend, which will be a huge help in restocking for the Christmas season.  We have tables available in the chapel and narthex to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  All gifts are appreciated, but especially needed to restock their pantry are peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and canned fruit.  Thank you for your generosity toward this project.

OUR FREEZER IS EMPTY!  We are accepting HAMS AND TURKEYS to help the Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners provide holiday meals for the poor and homeless in Niagara Falls.  The sales have started!  If you choose to support this mission and need help with carrying to our downstairs freezer, please ask an usher for assistance.

NOVEMBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated for “Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc.”  Help and Hope is a local charity working with homeless, or near-homeless, individuals and families that have a true desire to improve their situation, connecting them with the help they need to become productive and self-sufficient.  We encourage you to speak with the following members of Grace:  John Loss (founder and board President), Sue Loss (board secretary), or Robin Stephenson (board member) about Help and Hope’s efforts to assist the homeless in our community.  If you wish to support this organization, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of November.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES to Crystal Michel, who is now our oldest member.  Crystal will turn 99 on Thanksgiving Day.  If you would like to help her celebrate, you can drop off a greeting card in the office by next Sunday and we will make sure it is mailed to her.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY:  The Niagara Gospel Rescue Mission is in need of volunteers to help with their upcoming community Thanksgiving meal.  They need volunteers to answer phone lines, assist at “pie parties”, prepare the meals, serve the meals, and deliver meals.  If you are interested in helping, please call Chaplain John Bornhoeft at 940-3054.

On Tuesday, November 19^th the Grace Ladies will be hosting a WINE & CHEESE PARTY at 6:30 PM.  Don’t’ forget to bring a memory item to show and tell.  In preparation for their next fun event, their annual Christmas Party, a sign-up sheet can be found on the glass display case.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES will resume on Tuesday, November 26^th at 6:00 PM.

SIMPLE SUPPER sign-up sheets can be found on the glass display case.  Dinners will be held Wednesday, December 4^th, 11^th and 18^th starting at 5:30 PM followed by worship at 6:30 PM.

Order forms for CHRISTMAS FLOWERS can be found in today’s bulletin.  The Grace Ladies are offering members of our congregation the opportunity to purchase poinsettia plants.  Plants may be picked up after the 10:30 AM Christmas Morning Service.  Orders are due no later than Sunday, December 8^th. 

2020 POCKET CALENDARS with an inspirational verse are available on the glass display case and in the narthex.  Help yourself.

GIVING MADE EASY by electronic gift giving.  E-giving is fast and secure.  If you would like to give electronically, please refer to the “E-GIVING” card found in the pew envelope holder or contact the church office.

THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH GERMAN SETTLEMENTS IN WNY will meet at 7:00 PM on Thursday November 21^st at the Wheatfield Community Center.  This promises to be a very interesting meeting as Jeremy Hogan from the Barge Brewing Company will be the speaker.  He will update us on the newest plans for the old Meeting Place which the brewery has purchased, as well as their plan for restoring the old truck hall and bringing it back to its original glory.  He is eager to answer all our questions on the Brewery and Restaurant project.  Everyone is welcome to attend.  Join us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!  With the holidays fast approaching, below are a few important dates for your calendars:

• Wednesday, November 27^th – Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, December 4^th – Simple Supper 5:30 PM / Advent Service 6:30 PM
• Sunday, December 8^th – Voter’s Budget Meeting / Help Decorate the Church / Flower Orders Due
• Wednesday, December 11^th – Simple Supper 5:30 PM / Advent Service 6:30 PM
• Wednesday, December 18^th – Simple Supper 5:30 PM / Advent Service 6:30 PM
• Saturday, December 21^st – Christmas Pageant Practice – Lunch Provided
  • Sunday School Students – 10:00 AM
  • Adult Choir – 10:30 AM
• Sunday, December 22^nd – Christmas Pageant 10:30 AM / Christmas Caroling to our Shut In’s
• Tuesday, December 24^th – Lessons & Carols Service 5:00 PM / Candlelight Service 11:00 PM
• Wednesday, December 25^th – Christmas Day Service 10:30 AM

The ALTAR flowers are offered to the Glory of God and in memory of loved ones by the Crawford and Strasburg families.

Please WELCOME Rev. Dr. Chris Wicher as our guest pastor today.  Pastor Wicher is the President of the Eastern District of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. 

ONLY TWO SUNDAYS REMAIN to donate to our annual HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Your help is needed.  Our partner, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry on Military Road, has already received numerous requests for assistance from our neighbors in need, and they anticipate that their pantry will be depleted after their Thanksgiving deliveries.  They are grateful that we plan to deliver our donations on Thanksgiving weekend, which will be a huge help in restocking for the Christmas season.  We have tables available in the chapel and narthex to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  All gifts are appreciated, but especially needed are peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and canned fruit.  Thank you for your generosity toward this project.

HAMS & FROZEN TURKEYS:  We are accepting hams and turkeys, which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  They will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners for the poor and homeless in Niagara Falls.  The sales have started!  If you choose to support this mission and need help with carrying, please ask an usher for assistance.

NOVEMBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated for “Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc.”  Help and Hope is a local charity working with homeless, or near-homeless, individuals and families that have a true desire to improve their situation, connecting them with the help they need to become productive and self-sufficient.  We encourage you to speak with the following members of Grace:  John Loss (founder and board President), Sue Loss (board secretary), or Robin Stephenson (board member) about Help and Hope’s efforts to assist the homeless in our community.  If you wish to support this organization, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of November.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)

SOCIAL MINISTRIES COMMITTEE will meet after worship today.  New members are welcome to join us in the Ladies Lounge.  Our meetings last about one hour and a light lunch is available during the meeting.

Flowers on the ALTAR today are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Arlene and Earl Luick, by daughter Kathy, grandsons Stephen and Eric and families.

The CHURCH OFFICE will be closed today but will reopen on Wednesday, November 6^th from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM.

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  We have tables available in the chapel and narthex to receive donations of non-perishable food items for our fall mission project, which will continue until Thanksgiving.  Donations will be distributed locally by St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road to provide meals for families in need over the upcoming holiday season.  All gifts are appreciated, but especially needed are peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and canned fruit.  Thank you for your generosity toward this project.

HAMS & FROZEN TURKEYS:  We are accepting hams and turkeys, which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  They will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners for the poor and homeless in Niagara Falls.

NOVEMBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated for “Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc.”  Help and Hope is a local charity working with homeless, or near-homeless, individuals and families that have a true desire to improve their situation, connecting them with the help they need to become productive and self-sufficient.  We encourage you to speak with the following members of Grace:  John Loss (founder and board President), Sue Loss (board secretary), or Robin Stephenson (board member) about Help and Hope’s efforts to assist the homeless in our community.  If you wish to support this organization, please place your special mission envelope in the offering plate before the end of November.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)

SOCIAL MINISTRIES REMINDER:  Our last committee meeting of this calendar year will be held next Sunday after worship.  As usual, a light lunch will be available and new members are welcome.

Our YOUTH FOR TRUTH students (Grades 6^th – 12^th) are returning today from a Jr./Sr. High Fall Retreat held at Pioneer Camp & Retreat Center.  The retreat was an opportunity for youth to come together for a weekend of meaningful worship, relationships that blossom and grow, service projects, and fun games.

The ALTAR FLOWERS, week by week, are a welcome offering to our worship. Flowers are alive. They are of God’s creation. They are a fragrant offering to the God who created them. They are a symbol of new life in Christ. For all of these reasons, we give thanks to everyone who is moved to give flowers on a particular Sunday. People have given flowers in thanksgiving to God for a family member’s birthday, wedding anniversary, or other blessing. They are also given in memory of a departed loved one or friend.  A flower chart is located in the narthex where available Sunday dates are listed.  The church office will then contact you to obtain your preference in color(s), size (centerpiece/$43 or two (2) vases/$54) and your personalized bulletin announcement.

TODAYS REFORMATION WORSHIP SERVICE is being led by Elder Dick Crawford, the Sunday School Staff, and Sunday School students. We thank Amy Folmsbee for preparing/directing this worship and hope you learned more about Martin Luther, the Reformation, and our Reformation banners.  We also hope you enjoyed hearing about our Sept./Oct. Sunday School lessons – The Fruit of the Spirit. NEXT WEEK our worship will be led by Elders, Mark Andrews and Randy Broeker.

TODAY IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools with your special mission envelopes.  If you use the convenience envelopes located in the pew, please mark them clearly as “special mission”.  If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online anytime before the end of October.  We are blessed at Grace to have the option of these two 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, Lacey Bahr, or Katelyn Pantano if you have questions about either school.    

THANK YOU TO ALL who participated in yesterday’s Trunk or Treat by handing out candy and gifts, serving snacks, running the games, donating goodies, or praying for our safety and success during this community outreach activity.  We couldn’t have done it without your help!

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Our fall mission project has begun.  We have tables available in the chapel and narthex to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  Donations will be distributed locally by St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road to provide meals for families in need over the upcoming holiday season.  All gifts are appreciated, but especially needed are peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and canned fruit.  Thank you for your generosity toward this project.

HAMS & FROZEN TURKEYS:  We are accepting hams and turkeys, which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  They will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners for the poor and homeless in Niagara Falls.

PLEASE JOIN YOUR FRIENDS for fellowship and snacks during Coffee Hour following worship today.

GIVING MADE EASY by electronic gift giving.  E-giving is fast and secure.  If you would like to give electronically please refer to the “E-GIVING” card found in the pew envelope holder or contact the church office.

DESIGNATED OR UNRESTRICTED is a big consideration when leaving estate gifts to ministry. You may have specific ministry intent to designate, or you may trust ministry leaders. Both can be a blessing or a bane. Why not talk about it with someone who represents ministry? Contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427 for more information.

ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God by Luann Pyska and in memory of Steven Pyska, who entered Gods heavenly kingdom two years ago go today.

The LUTHER’S ROSE, to observe Reformation today, was donated by Elaine Timm.  The design is representative of Martin Luther’s Theology as printed in the front of the bulletin.

TODAY’S SERVICE will be led by two members of our Board of Elders, Jim Wolf and Gary Krull.

PLEASE WELCOME St. John and Holy Ghost school administrators, Katie and Kevin Gundell.  Both schools are being supported by our September/October special mission envelopes.

LAST OPPORTUNITY:  Next Sunday is the last chance to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools with your special mission envelopes.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)  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 Pantano if you have questions about either school.  

TRUNK OR TREAT IS THIS SATURDAY, October 26, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM.  If you are participating, please plan to be here by 2:45 PM.  It is not too late to sign up on the glass case in the chapel.  The event will be held rain or shine (we will move inside if the weather does not cooperate).  Approximately 100 children attend this event, so if you have signed up to help or donate, please know we appreciate you and are counting on you!  If you have questions, please speak with Amy Folmsbee.

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Our fall mission project has begun.  We have tables available in the chapel and narthex to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  Donations will be distributed locally by St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road to provide meals for families in need over the upcoming holiday season.  All gifts are appreciated, but especially needed are peanut butter, jelly, tuna, cereal, pasta, spaghetti sauce, applesauce, and canned fruit.  Thank you for your generosity toward this project.

HAMS & FROZEN TURKEYS:  We are accepting hams and turkeys, which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  They will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners for the poor and homeless in Niagara Falls.

SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS will be participating in our Reformation worship service NEXT SUNDAY at 10:30 AM, with our monthly coffee hour to follow the service.  You won’t want to miss this special service as our children help us understand the changes that Luther brought to the church 502 years ago.

The GRACE LADIES will be meeting this coming Tuesday, October 22 at 12:00 PM (bring a bag lunch).  Your hosts will be Gerry Miller and Janette Lemley and mites will be collected.

ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in memory of Brenda’s sister, Shari by Brenda and Ken Boyd.

Please WELCOME Rev. Alex Knowles as our guest pastor today.  Pastor Knowles has been the executive director of Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center since 2011. He also recently retired from chaplaincy in the United States Army.

CAKE & FELLOWSHIP AFTER WORSHIP TODAY:  We hope you will join us in the chapel after service as we wish Pastor Bahr safe travels and God’s blessings on his training, as well as God’s care and keeping for his family while he is gone.  Enjoy a piece of cake and some fellowship before you leave for home today.

TWO WEEKS LEFT:  September and October special mission envelopes have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)  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.

TRUNK OR TREAT IS ONLY TWO WEEKS AWAY:  Please sign up on the glass case in the chapel if you are planning to participate in Trunk or Treat or wish to donate candy.  Trunk or Treat is being held here at Grace on Saturday, October 26, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM.  We need many volunteers to make this a fun event for the neighborhood and member children who attend. 

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Our fall mission project has begun.  We have tables available to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  All of your donations will be used to help provide meals for local families in need over the upcoming holiday season.  We will also be accepting HAMS & FROZEN TURKEYS which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  Non-perishable items will be distributed by St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road.  Turkeys and hams will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners in Niagara Falls.

SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS will be participating in our Reformation worship service at 10:30 AM on October 27.  This will include a skit, staring Dr. Martin Luther, an explanation of our Reformation banners, Children’s message, Sunday School choir, and all “regular” parts of worship.  It is important that students be in attendance at Sunday School for the next two weeks as we prepare for this special day.  A coffee fellowship will follow this worship service.

SUNDAY SCHOOL SNACKS:  As mentioned in our recent Gleanings, we would appreciate donations of snacks for our Sunday School students.  Please bring donations to the chapel and place on bench near the water cooler.

SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS will be participating in our Reformation worship service at 10:30 AM on October 27^th, with a coffee hour to follow the service.  It is important that students be in attendance at Sunday School for the next few weeks as we prepare for this special day.

PLEASE DON’T FORGET:  September and October special mission envelopes have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)  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 Pantano if you have questions about either school.  

TRUNK OR TREAT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Please sign up on the glass case in the chapel if you are planning to participate in Trunk or Treat or wish to donate candy.  Trunk or Treat is being held here at Grace on Saturday, October 26, from 3:00 – 4:30 PM.  We need many volunteers to make this a fun event for the 100 or so neighborhood and member children who attend.  Please consider joining this fun activity.

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Our fall mission project begins next week (October 13).  We will have tables available to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  All of your donations will be used to help provide meals for local families in need over the upcoming holiday season.  We will also be accepting frozen turkeys and hams which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  Non-perishable items will be distributed by St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road.  Turkeys and hams will be used by Community Mission and the Lord’s Day Dinners in Niagara Falls.

PEW SISTERS resumes October 10^th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  Our new book is God is in the Laundry Room.  If you and/or a guest are planning to attend and have not told Lacey Bahr, please contact her at 716-525-5134 (call or text).

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Altar Care.  If interested, please contact Erika Tuscher.

The American Red Cross will be hosting their next BLOOD DRIVE at Grace on Saturday, October 19^th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.  For an appointment, please call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org.  Walk-ins welcome.

GIVING MADE EASY by electronic gift giving.  E-giving is fast and secure.  If you would like to give electronically please refer to the “E-GIVING” card found in the pew envelope holder or contact the church office.

The Annual Dinner for the HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF NORTH GERMAN SETTLEMENTS will be Saturday, October 26^th.  Carol Rogers, Environmental Educator in the Regional Programs office at the NY State Parks, will present her program, “Niagara Wonders.” She will tell us about unusual natural aspects and historical events of Niagara Falls and the Gorge.  The dinner is at 5:00 PM at Holy Ghost School at Niagara Rd and Luther St in Bergholz, in the Town of Wheatfield.  Tickets are $25 each, please contact Dianne at 716- 731-9763 by October 19^th.

LWML NIAGARA ZONE FALL RALLY DAY please join us on Sunday, October 13^th. Our host is Mt Olive Lutheran Church, 6965 Ridge Road, Lockport.  Registration ($5.00) 1:00 PM – Meeting starts at 2:00pm.  After an opening devotion we will hear from our guest speaker Joanne Lorenzo of the Magdalene Project. Her topic will be about that ministry and in reaching to women in our Local prison. Afterwards there will be a business meeting and installation of officers.  Please RSVP to your church LWML rep by October 11^th.

YOUTH EVENTS

OCTOBER – ALL MONTH Youth, grades 6-12, are selling candy bars and treats throughout the month of October in order to raise money for the Jr./Sr. High retreat at Camp Pioneer.  Would you like to help?  Work with a youth to bring a box to your place of work!  See Virginia Markel with questions.

OCTOBER 7^TH – MONDAY

Christian Skate Night, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Rainbow Roller Rink
• $6 for stakes, $7 for blades.
• A parent must sign the youth in and out.
• Grades 4-12

OCTOBER 13^TH – SUNDAY

Youth For Truth Monthly Meeting, 11:30 AM

• Meet in the youth room after service.
• Grades 6-12

OCTOBER 18^TH – FRIDAY

Pre-Teen Youth Event, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Play Minute to Win It and get ready for the year!
• Grades 4-6

Today we celebrate with Jennifer Maines the BAPTISM of Elias LeRowne Marcel Parmer.  Elias’ baptismal sponsors are Blaine & Sherry Cassatt.

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to support St. John and Holy Ghost Lutheran Schools.  (If you have signed up for the new e-giving option, you can donate to special missions online.)  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 Pantano if you have questions about either school.  

TRUNK OR TREAT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:  Please sign up on the glass case in the chapel if you are planning to participate in Trunk or Treat or wish to donate candy.  Trunk or Treat is being held here at Grace on Saturday, October 26^th, from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM.  We need many volunteers to make this a fun event for the 100 or so neighborhood and member children who attend.  Please consider joining this fun activity.

HARVEST FOOD COLLECTION:  Our fall mission project is right around the corner.  Beginning in two weeks on October 13^th, we will have tables available to receive donations of non-perishable food items.  All of your donations will be used to help provide supplies and meals for local families in need.  We will also be accepting frozen turkeys and hams which can be stored in our downstairs freezer.  Watch for further details.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Altar Care.  If interested, please contact Erika Tuscher.

CALLING ALL LADIES AT GRACE!  Pew Sisters resumes Thursday, October 10^th, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.  We will be following the Bible Study God is in the Laundry Room by Susan Senechal.  Sign up on the glass case by September 29^thso a book order can be placed.  Invite a friend and enjoy Christian women fellowship!

THANK YOU!  Gladys Beningo would like to extend a thank you to Grace’s  congregation and the individuals who took the time to wish her a very happy 90^th Birthday.  She feels truly blessed that so many thought of her with cards and prayer.

ALTAR FLOWERS are offered to the Glory of God and in loving memory of Dolores Stenzel by Neil, Michele and Amanda Stenzel.

St. John Lutheran Church, 6950 Ward Road, North Tonawanda, will have its ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE on Saturday, October 12^th from 9:00 AM -1:00 PM.  You can fill a bag for $3.00 from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.

FIXED INCOME GIFT PLANS can provide attractive income and tax benefits to stewards in their retirement years. These arrangements (Charitable Gift Annuities or Annuity Trusts) pay donors fixed income for life and transfer remainder values to ministry. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

FLU SHOT CLINIC TODAY AFTER WORSHIP!  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 Pantano if you have questions about either school.

PURSE MINISTRY:  Thank you for donating toiletry items as well as gently used purses to this project.  A total of 46 purses have been filled and delivered to the Magdalene Project for distribution to the women in need that they work with.  Please see Robin Stephenson if you are able to assist with this project.  Helpers are needed.

Saturday, September 28^th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: PRE-TEEN YOUTH EVENT (Grades 4-6). Bring a snack to share!  Topics vary as we complete the God can questions of last year and make a final decision on the group name.  Games and craft included. Short parent meeting at 11:40 AM.

CALLING ALL LADIES AT GRACE!  Pew Sisters resumes Thursday, October 10^th, 6:00 PM -8:00 PM.  We will be following the Bible Study God is in the Laundry Room by Susan Senechal.  Sign up on the glass case by September 29th so a book order can be placed.  Invite a friend and enjoy Christian women fellowship!

GRACE LADIES will be meeting this coming Tuesday, September 24^th at 6:30 PM at Grace.

HELP AND HOPE FOR HOMELESS Fundraising Night is scheduled for Tuesday, September 24^th, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Texas Road, 900 Young Street, Tonawanda, NY  14150.  Come dine and support this cause. Present flyer and Texas Roadhouse will donate 15% of your total food & beverage to this fundraiser.  Flyers can be found on glass display case.

BIBLE SALE ENDS TODAY.  The church office will provide an invoice by next Sunday to those who have placed an order.  Payment is due at time of delivery.  We’ll let you know when your order has arrived.

SELLING APPRECIATED ASSETS typically causes capital gain tax. To manage shrinkage and reallocate income, contributors can make ministry gifts during life with these resources. Whether giving outright support, giving over time or receiving income from managed arrangements, we can help enhance benefits for you. For more information, contact Robert Wirth, LCMS Foundation Gift Planner @ robert.wirth (at) lfnd (dot) org or 716-863-4427.

“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.