SAME ORGANIZATION, NEW NAME:  The Magdalene Project has adopted the new name LIGHTHOUSE WOMEN & CHILDREN CENTER to reflect their increased ministry to children.  This charity is the recipient of our APRIL SPECIAL MISSION envelopes.  LIGHTHOUSE ministers to the physical, personal, and spiritual needs of women on the streets of Niagara Falls, as well as the homeless, and under supervised children.  They offer meals, warm clothing, Bible studies, and an after school program at their Falls Street location.  They also minister weekly at various inner city and senior housing locations, such as Packard Court, Jordan Gardens, and Wrobel & Spallino Towers.  If you wish to support their work, place your special mission envelope in the offering plate, send a clearly marked donation to the office, or donate online to special missions during April.

Vacation Bible School needs you!  If you or someone you know is willing to help with our virtual VBS, let us know!  Needs may include putting together family kits, recording and posting videos, and downloading premade videos and music.  Help us reach out to our community this summer in a way unique to Grace!  To help, contact Erin in the church office.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a BLOOD DRIVE at Grace on Saturday, April 24^th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

THE MAGDALENE PROJECT will be the recipient of your special mission donations during April.  Joanne Lorenzo began this project several years ago when she was moved to share the love of Jesus with women in Niagara Falls that she saw working the streets to support themselves and their children.  Many of these women are victims of abuse.  Joanne continues to reach out to them on the streets, praying with them and offering them Bible tracts and personal toiletry items.  Through the years, Magdalene has expanded to include offering meals, warm clothing, Bible studies, and an after school program for under supervised children in our inner city community.  Joanne continues to meet her clients where they are, on the streets and in motels.  If you wish to support her work, place your special mission envelope in the offering plate, send a clearly marked donation to the office, or donate online to special missions during April.

Vacation Bible School needs you!  If you or someone you know is willing to help with our virtual VBS, let us know!  Needs may include putting together family kits, recording and posting videos, and downloading premade videos and music.  Help us reach out to our community this summer in a way unique to Grace!  To help, contact Erin in the church office.

A Big Thank You to Capitol Cleaners who donated their services to launder the altar garments.

The American Red Cross will be hosting a BLOOD DRIVE at Grace on Saturday, April 24^th from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM.

TODAY is the last opportunity to donate to our MARCH SPECIAL MISSION to help Wings Flights of Hope.  Wings is a local 100% volunteer organization that is completely reliant on charitable donations.  They provide free air transportation to any person, any age, in need of medical attention at a specialized medical center.  Their pilots donate their time, planes, and all expenses so that this service is FREE to the patient and their family.  Considering that an air ambulance would normally cost in the vicinity of $20,000, Wings provides an important service to our community.  Their fundraising activities over the past year have been greatly impacted by the pandemic, and help is needed so they can continue their mission.  If you would like to offer your support, please use your special mission envelope or another clearly marked envelope, or donate on the Grace website under “special mission”.

LENTEN HYMN SING – WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM – Our final Lenten hymn sing will be this Wednesday at 6:30. Find the link (https://youtu.be/Z9qtYPdba00) on our YouTube channel or scan this QR code. How do we choose what hymns to sing? You ask for them!

NEXT SUNDAY is the last opportunity to donate to our MARCH SPECIAL MISSION to help Wings Flights of Hope.  Wings is a local 100% volunteer organization that is completely reliant on charitable donations.  They provide free air transportation to any person, any age, in need of medical attention at a specialized medical center.  Their pilots donate their time, planes, and all expenses so that this service is FREE to the patient and their family.  Considering that an air ambulance would normally cost in the vicinity of $20,000, Wings provides an important service to our community.  Their fundraising activities over the past year have been greatly impacted by the pandemic, and help is needed so they can continue their mission.  If you would like to offer your support, please use your special mission envelope or another clearly marked envelope, or donate on the Grace website under “special mission”.

TODAY is the last day to place your order for Easter flowers. If you are attending the service remotely and you would still like to place an order please call the church office. You can find the order form in the bulletin.

FLOWER CHART for2021 is hanging in the narthex. You may also sign up for a date by calling the office. Cost for a centerpiece is $45, or you can choose two vases at a cost of $56.

LENTEN HYMN SING – WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM – There will be another Lenten hymn sing this Wednesday (and each Wednesday during Lent) at 6:30. Find the link (https://youtu.be/ctz_GdxH-M0) on our YouTube channel or scan this QR code. How do we choose what hymns to sing? You ask for them! Last week’s requested hymns were: O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild; Beautiful Savior; Drawn to the Cross, Which Thou Hast Blessed; Lord of All Hopefulness; Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus; Jesus Loves Me; I Bind Unto Myself Today; A Mighty Fortress; The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want; My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less; When Peace, Like A River; Go to Dark Gethsemane; We Praise Thee and Acknowledge Thee, O God; Abide with Me.

MARCH SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to help Wings Flights of Hope.  Wings is a local 100% volunteer organization that is completely reliant on charitable donations.  They provide free air transportation to any person, any age, in need of medical attention at a specialized medical center.  Their pilots donate their time, planes, and all expenses so that this service is FREE to the patient and their family.  Considering that an air ambulance would normally cost in the vicinity of $20,000, Wings provides an important service to our community.  Their fundraising activities over the past year have been greatly impacted by the pandemic, and help is needed so they can continue their mission.  If you would like to offer your support, please use your special mission envelope during March, or donate on the Grace website under “special mission”.

THANK YOU for your generous donations to our February mission project of providing toilet tissue for our neighbors in need.  Your gifts, along with support from Thrivent, resulted in being able to donate 864 rolls of tissue to Heart, Love & Soul.  They will distribute these donations to their clients over the coming weeks.  It is one of their most appreciated items since it is something that is needed everyday but seldom available for distribution.

GRACE HISTORICAL TEAM’S next meeting is set for Saturday, March 20 at 1 p.m. We will look over any new items brought to the Team’s attention. Suggestions are always welcome. Stories are the most prized items. Contact any of the Team members: Ken Boyd, Marla Crawford, Elaine Timm, or emeritus Pastor Brese.  Items may also be left with our office manager, Erin.

Make sure you check the bulletin for the Easter flower order form. Deadline to order is March 21st.

MARCH SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES have been designated to help Wings Flights of Hope.  Wings is a local 100% volunteer organization that is completely reliant on charitable donations.  They provide free air transportation to any person, any age, in need of medical attention at a specialized medical center.  Their pilots donate their time, planes, and all expenses so that this service is FREE to the patient and their family.  Considering that an air ambulance would normally cost in the vicinity of $20,000, Wings provides an important service to our community.  Their fundraising activities over the past year have been greatly impacted by the pandemic, and help is needed so they can continue their mission.  If you would like to offer your support, please use your special mission envelope during March, or donate on the Grace website under “special mission”.

LENTEN HYMN SING – WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM – Since participants continue to request that we do another hymn sing, we will! There will be another Lenten hymn sing this Wednesday (and each Wednesday during Lent) at 6:30. Find the link (https://youtu.be/aOjXpc3g0uY) on our YouTube channel or scan this QR code. How do we choose what hymns to sing? You ask for them! Last week’s requested hymns were: Were You There; On Eagles’ Wings; Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain; My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less; How Great Thou Art; O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth; Amazing Grace; Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying; Alabaré; Great Is Thy Faithfulness; Lift High the Cross; and Just As I Am, without One Plea.

LENTEN HYMN SING – WEDNESDAY 6:30 PM – Our first ever live interactive Lenten devotional hymn sing went great, and participants heartily requested that we do it again. So we are! There will be another Lenten hymn sing this Wednesday at 6:30. Find the link on our YouTube channel. How do we choose what hymns to sing? You ask for them! Last week’s requested hymns were: When I Behold Jesus Christ; Christ, the Life of All the Living; Crown Him with Many Crowns; Amazing Grace; Be Still My Soul; My Song is Love Unknown; The Lamb; What a Friend We Have in Jesus; and I Know that My Redeemer Lives.

TODAY IS THE LAST OPPORTUNITY to donate to February’s Special Mission to support Young Life, a group with local chapters whose purpose is to bring teens to the knowledge of our loving Savior.  As with most non-profits, traditional fundraising has become a challenge over the past year because of the pandemic.  We have several members that have participated in Young Life activities over the years.  Dick Crawford has remained connected with this organization and would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their local work.  If you would like to support Young Life, you may use a convenience envelope found in the pews.  Please clearly mark it for “Young Life”.  You can also donate to special missions online at our church’s website.  

RED CROSS UPDATE: The blood drive last week saw 24 presenting donors and collected 21 donations.  Since each donation can help save up to 3 lives, the drive will go on to help up to 63 people!

FEBRUARY’S SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, a group with local chapters whose purpose is to bring teens to the knowledge of our loving Savior.  As with most non-profits, traditional fundraising has become a challenge over the past year because of the pandemic.  We have several members that have participated in Young Life activities over the years.  Dick Crawford has remained connected with this organization and would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their local work.  If you would like to support Young Life, please use your February special mission envelope or donate to special missions online at our church’s website.  

NEXT SUNDAY is the last opportunity to donate to our TOILET TISSUE MISSION PROJECT.  Tables are available in the chapel and narthex to accept donations of toilet tissue through the month of February.  Your donations will be distributed by Heart, Love & Soul to the clients they serve in Niagara Falls.  For our neighbors with financial struggles, buying toilet tissue is often an ongoing issue since it cannot be purchased with EBT cards (food stamps).  This is an item that is seldom donated, and therefore it is one of our most appreciated mission projects.  If you wish to support this project, please place your gifts on one of the tables by next Sunday.

FLOWER CHART for2021 is hanging in the narthex. You may also sign up for a date by calling the office. Cost for a centerpiece is $45, or you can choose two vases at a cost of $56.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS and calendars are available for pick-up at both sanctuary entrances.  Return to the Lord is provided free to you through the Board of Christian Education.  The devotions begin on Ash Wednesday (this week; February 17th).

FEBRUARY’S SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, a group with local chapters whose purpose is to bring teens to the knowledge of our loving Savior.  As with most non-profits, traditional fundraising has become a challenge over the past year because of the pandemic.  We have several members that have participated in Young Life activities over the years.  Dick Crawford has remained connected with this organization and would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their local work.  If you would like to support Young Life, please use your February special mission envelope or donate to special missions online at our church’s website.  

TOILET TISSUE MISSION PROJECT:  Tables are available in the chapel and narthex to accept donations of toilet tissue through the month of February.  Your donations will be distributed by Heart, Love & Soul to the clients they serve in Niagara Falls.  For our neighbors with financial struggles, buying toilet tissue is often an ongoing issue since it cannot be purchased with EBT cards (food stamps).  This is an item that is seldom donated, and therefore it is one of our most appreciated mission projects.  If you wish to support this project, please place your gifts on one of the tables before the end of February.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) plans are already in the works.  We have two immediate needs:

If you’ve secretly wanted to find out if you have the skill set to help organize VBS, this is the year to give it a try!  You would be working with a team of three veteran volunteers, one of whom has been coordinating VBS at Grace for the last three years.

VBS is in need of technology assistance this year.  If you know a tech-savvy friend, neighbor, or family member, help us get in touch! 

If you are interested in either, please contact Lacey Bahr at 716-525-5134.

FLOWERS on our altar this morning are placed to the Glory of God, in loving memory of Ron, and our parents (Pastor & Betty Herfurth and Harold & Janet Kroening), and in thankfulness for our Grace family and friends – by the Schulz and Folmsbee families.

FEBRUARY’S SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support Young Life, a group with local chapters whose purpose is to bring teens to the knowledge of our loving Savior.  As with most non-profits, traditional fundraising has become a challenge over the past year because of the pandemic.  We have several members that have participated in Young Life activities over the years.  Dick Crawford has remained connected with this organization and would be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their local work.  If you would like to support Young Life, please use your February special mission envelope or donate to special missions online at our church’s website.

DO YOU REMEMBER how you felt last year when the pandemic created a run on toilet tissue, and for weeks all we could find was empty shelves?  Social media was suddenly flooded with “sightings” of this item, followed by people running to the store to try to knab a package before the shelves were empty once again.  It certainly made us appreciate something we had always taken for granted.  For our neighbors with financial struggles, buying toilet tissue is often an ongoing issue since it cannot be purchased with EBT cards (food stamps).  Tables will be available in the narthex and chapel throughout February to receive donations of toilet tissue for distribution by Heart, Love & Soul.  Please consider purchasing an extra package or two during February to help those in need.

THANK YOU for your support of our January special mission.  Your generosity has enabled us to support Meals on Wheels of Niagara Falls with a check in the amount of $600.  This donation will be used by Meals on Wheels to continue meeting the nutritional needs of our sick and elderly neighbors who cannot prepare their own meals.  If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer in the kitchen, or as a cleaner, driver, or server, please contact them at 282-3468 or online at www.mownf.org (click “volunteer”).