Grace Lutheran Church

a congregation of The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod

736 Cayuga Drive
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
716.283.1843
The Rev. Matthew Sorenson, Pastor

We have been Sharing God’s Grace for over 100 years in Niagara Falls, New York.

Divine Service at Grace is celebrated:

• Sunday at 10:30 am.
• Sunday School for all ages at 9:00am

Grace Alone, Scripture Alone, Faith Alone

Being Lutheran, our congregation accepts and teaches the Bible-based teachings of Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone.

Grace alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable and save the ungodly.
Scripture aloneThe Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.
Faith alone
By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.

THANK YOU to the Craft Group for sponsoring the “simple supper” last Wednesday. This Wed., March 25th Alice Moll will sponsor the “simple supper” at 6:00pm. Come. Enjoy! Bring a friend! Worship with us at 7pm too!

CREATING OUR FUTURE for Grace Lutheran discussions are almost completed. The last one will be this Thursday, March 26th at 6:30 p.m. If you know of people who have not yet participated, please encourage them to do so. We will have a better future if & when we work together as people serving God!

The Youth are hosting a Pampered Chef demonstration next Sunday after the worship service. Everyone is invited to attend and bring friends. This is a great fundraiser. If you cannot attend, but would like to see a catalog or place an order, please see or call Cathy Hoffman 298-1174.

Thank you for your help in making our collection for Hannah House a huge success! We collected over 107 stuffed animals, and 270 toiletries for a total of 377 items that we were able to deliver to Hannah House. All of these items will be distributed by this privately funded outreach on Ferry Avenue in Niagara Falls, along with the message of God’s love and salvation. The toiletries are given to homeless and indigent women and the stuffed animals go to their children in foster care.

The 9:00 a.m. Sunday Adult Bible class is discussing “Great Chapters in the Bible!” There is room for YOU! Come!

Mr. Randy Broeker is teaching the Sunday morning youth confirmation class during this Lenten season! Thank you!

If you know of a fellow member who is hospitalized, has changed their phone number or address… please phone the church office immediately. Thanks!

Sunday School students are collecting change through Easter for the Penny War. Pennies earn them points, and they can put silver coins in other class banks to take away points. The winning class receives a reward and the total collected will be used for a mission project through Lutheran World Relief. Adults wishing to participate may do so by giving change to a Sunday School student, or placing change in containers available in the chapel and narthex.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… “The Widow’s Mite” serves as the focus of the Sunday School lesson for today. Just as the widow gave all she had to God, trusting Him to provide and care for her, so Jesus gave His all for us, who fail to trust in God for all things. Consider discussing, “How was the widow’s offering different from the others? How has God given us His greatest treasure?”

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP SCHEDULE
April 9 Maundy Thursday 7p.m.
with Holy Communion
April 10 Good Friday 7p.m.
April 12 Easter Sunrise 7 a.m.
Fellowship Breakfast 8 a.m.
Sunday School / Bible Class 9 a.m.
Festival Comm. Worship 10:30 a.m.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
9:00 a.m. Confirmation Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:45 a.m. SS Staff Meeting

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. Grace Ladies Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
6:00 p.m. Simple Supper
7:00 p.m. Lenten Worship
7:45 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY
6:30 p.m. Final Creating our Future T-Z

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
9:00 a.m. Confirmation Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
12:00 p.m. Pampered Chef Demonstration

CREATING OUR FUTURE for Grace Lutheran discussions started on Tuesday March 10th. There were 8 households represented, 14 people. Another group also met on Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 a.m. TODAY, after worship, the third of the 5 scheduled gatherings will meet in the chapel room. If you know of people who have not yet participated, please encourage them to do so on Tuesday, March 17 at 6:30pm OR on Thursday March 26 at 6:30pm. We will have a better future if & when we work together as people serving God!
The totals are in, our Youth raised $345.00 for World Vision through the 30hr Famine! Way to Go!
The Gleanings newsletter deadline is this Thursday, March 19. If you have any articles you would like included in the Gleanings, you can fax them or email to secretary@gracenf.org
The 9:00 a.m. Sunday Adult Bible class is discussing “Great Chapters in the Bible!” There is room for YOU! Come!

Mr. Randy Broeker is teaching the Sunday morning youth confirmation class during this Lenten season! Thank you!

If you know of a fellow member who is hospitalized, has changed their phone number or address… please phone the church office immediately. Thanks!

Many MAIL BOXES in the assembly room are full. Please check the names and take the mail and offering envelope boxes to anyone whose name you know. Thanks! Please help us all help them. Today!

If you would like to serve on the “new pastor Call Committee,” see or phone President Neil Stenzel, 298-0909.

Our Penny War is continuing through Easter. Sunday School students are collecting change. Pennies earn them points, and they can put silver coins in other class banks to take away points. The winning class receives a reward. The total collected will be used for a mission project through Lutheran World Relief. Adults wishing to participate may do so by giving change to a Sunday School student, or placing change in containers available in the chapel and narthex. Your help is appreciated!

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:45 a.m. Creating Our Future J-M

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Creating Our Future N-S

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
6:00 p.m. Simple Supper hosted by Ladies
7:00 p.m. Lenten Worship
7:45 p.m. Choir Practice

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:45 a.m. SS Staff Meeting

There is a Youth meeting after church next Sunday to make plans for future events.

Sunday School Staff meeting will be in the lounge following worship.

Our collection for Hannah House will continue through February. Donations of stuffed characters and travel size toiletries may be placed on the table in the narthex. Hannah House serves the homeless in Niagara Falls with meals, clothing and toiletries for all who visit. The stuffed animals are given to homeless women for their children in foster care. Please help us help this privately funded mission.

Lent is right around the corner. Ash Wednesday is February 25. We will again be having our Simple Suppers starting on March 4 at 6:00 p.m. before the 7:00 p.m. Worship Service. We are looking for groups and/or individuals to host a supper. If you can help please contact Elder Randy Broeker at home 731-5687.

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you have a friend who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home!  It helps everyone involved!  Encourage them to worship regularly with you too!

Interested in learning about, reviewing, the basic Faith of the Lutheran Church?  Do you have a friend who is interested in Adult Confirmation instructions?  Contact Pastor B. at any of the phone numbers listed on the front of the bulletin!   He would like to start a class soon!    Thanks!

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited by our Interim Pastor to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions…Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 9:15.  Give it a try!

Leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation are invited to write up, and send to the Church Office, news items for the February newsletter, Gleanings!  Help us keep one another informed about what is happening & being planned. Please send it by this Thursday, Feb. 19th.  Thank you!

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… The story “Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter” serves as the focus of Sunday School today. Just as Jesus by Word and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His Word and Sacraments, He kills and buries death and raises us to eternal life. Questions for discussion include, “How did Jesus heal this little girl? How does Jesus heal us from the sickness of sin?”

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Carolyn’s House is the special mission for the month of February. Carolyn’s House is shelter for homeless women and children who are in need of long-term, transitional, supportive housing. Located at 542 Sixth Street, Niagara Falls, NY and is owned and operated by the YWCA of Niagara.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service

11:30 a.m. Youth Meeting

11:30 a.m. SS Staff Meeting

MONDAY

6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY

9:30 a.m. Bible Study

10:30 a.m. Craft Group

7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY

7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study

@ Ruth Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Worship Service

11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

Announcements

There is a Youth meeting after church next Sunday to make plans for future events.

Sunday School Staff meeting will be in the lounge following worship.

Our collection for Hannah House will continue through February. Donations of stuffed characters and travel size toiletries may be placed on the table in the narthex. Hannah House serves the homeless in Niagara Falls with meals, clothing and toiletries for all who visit. The stuffed animals are given to homeless women for their children in foster care. Please help us help this privately funded mission.

Lent is right around the corner. Ash Wednesday is February 25. We will again be having our Simple Suppers starting on March 4 at 6:00 p.m. before the 7:00 p.m. Worship Service. We are looking for groups and/or individuals to host a supper. If you can help please contact Elder Randy Broeker at home 731-5687.

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you have a friend who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home!  It helps everyone involved!  Encourage them to worship regularly with you too!

Interested in learning about, reviewing, the basic Faith of the Lutheran Church?  Do you have a friend who is interested in Adult Confirmation instructions?  Contact Pastor B. at any of the phone numbers listed on the front of the bulletin!   He would like to start a class soon!    Thanks!

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited by our Interim Pastor to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions…Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 9:15.  Give it a try!

Leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation are invited to write up, and send to the Church Office, news items for the February newsletter, Gleanings!  Help us keep one another informed about what is happening & being planned. Please send it by this Thursday, Feb. 19th.  Thank you!

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… The story “Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter” serves as the focus of Sunday School today. Just as Jesus by Word and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His Word and Sacraments, He kills and buries death and raises us to eternal life. Questions for discussion include, “How did Jesus heal this little girl? How does Jesus heal us from the sickness of sin?”

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Carolyn’s House is the special mission for the month of February. Carolyn’s House is shelter for homeless women and children who are in need of long-term, transitional, supportive housing. Located at 542 Sixth Street, Niagara Falls, NY and is owned and operated by the YWCA of Niagara.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service

11:30 a.m. Youth Meeting

11:30 a.m. SS Staff Meeting

MONDAY

6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY

9:30 a.m. Bible Study

10:30 a.m. Craft Group

7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY

7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study @ Ruth Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Worship Service

11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

We welcome and THANK Pastor Erv Brese for teaching Bible class and for leading our worship today!   God bless you!  Pastor & Mrs. Belasic are on their 50th wedding anniversary Caribbean cruise this week … a gift of their son!

If you are in need of pastoral assistance while Pastor B is away, Jan 31 to Feb 8, please contact one of the Elders or the church office at 283-1843.

Our congregational Self-Study & Calling process is nearly complete, thanks to 22 fellow members who have helped.  President Neil Stenzel, is still looking for a few people (young, older, male, female, new member, long time member) who are willing to serve on the Calling Committee.  If you are interested, or can suggest someone, please speak to Neil today or phone him at 298-0909.  The completed Self-Study document will be sent to our Eastern District President soon!  Thank you!

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you know the family who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home!  We need to keep communication flowing!  Thank you!

Interested in learning about, reviewing, the basics of the Christian Faith and the Lutheran Church?  Do you have a friend who is interested in Adult Confirmation instructions?  Contact Pastor B at any of the phone numbers listed on the front of the bulletin!   He would like to start a class soon!    Thank you!

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions by our Interim Pastor … Wednesdays at 9:30a.m. and Sundays at 9:15.  Come! You’ll meet some friends!

Many thanks to the leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation for their news items for the February Gleanings.  It will be arriving in member’s homes soon!

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Carolyn’s House is the special mission for the month of February. Carolyn’s House is shelter for homeless women and children who are in need of long-term, transitional, supportive housing. Located at 542 Sixth Street, Niagara Falls, NY and is owned and operated by the YWCA of Niagara.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… The Sunday School lesson for this week focuses on the story of “Jesus and the Little Children.” In our sin, we are like small children: helpless, dependent, and needy. So Jesus came to bestow His love and eternal gifts upon us. Parents could discuss, “How did Jesus show His compassion on these little children? How does Jesus shower His compassion on us?”

Holy Ghost Lutheran School is sponsoring a Chiavetta’s Chicken BBQ on Sunday, February 22 starting at 11:30 a.m. This is a fundraiser for the Washington DC trip in May. Your support is greatly appreciated! See Karen Kumm for more information.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service

MONDAY

6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY

9:30 a.m. Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Craft Group

7:00 p.m. Confirmation

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY

7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study @ Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY

9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class

10:30 a.m. Worship Service

11:30 a.m. Sunday School Staff Meeting

2:00 p.m. Youth @ NU Basketball Game

Two weeks ago the Elders & Ushers distributed a “special hand-out,” survey page, provided by our Eastern District, as part of the preparation for our Congregational Self Study. If you completed it and brought it along, please hand it to an usher or Elder today … or, if you left it home, please complete the survey and mail it to the Church office tomorrow (address is on the bulletin cover) for use by the Self Study team. Copies are still available at the side entrance door. Thank you for your help! It is appreciated!

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you know the family who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home! It helps keep members informed! Thank you!

Interested in learning about, reviewing, the basics of the Christian Faith and the Lutheran Church? Do you have a friend who is interested in Adult Confirmation instructions? Contact Pastor B at any of the phone numbers listed on the front of the bulletin! He would like to start a class soon! Thanks!

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited by our Interim Pastor to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions … Wednesdays at 9:30a.m. and Sundays at 9:15. Try it! You’ll like it!

Leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation need to have their news items for the February newsletter, Gleanings, in the office or to Bev Mills by tomorrow! Help us keep one another informed about what is happening & being planned. Thank you!

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Food for the Poor is special mission for the month of January.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… In Sunday School today students learned the story “Jesus Calls Matthew.” We sinners rejoice, for we, too, have been called from our own pigsty of sin to dine with Jesus around His table, and to be a friend of the friend of sinners. Consider discussing, “How did Jesus call Matthew to be one of His followers? How and why does Jesus call us to follow Him?”

Don’t forget, the Youth and all others interested are attending the NU basketball game on Sunday, Feb. 8. Game time is 2:00 p.m. and the cost is $5.00 per ticket. If you have not signed up see Ron or Jane Schulz (283-3628).

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Cong. Self Study Meeting
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study @ Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service

Our congregational President, Neil Stenzel, is still looking for a few people (young, older, male, female, new member, long time member) who are willing to serve on the Self-Study and/or Calling Committee as we move forward in calling a new full-time pastor. If you are interested, or can suggest someone, please speak to Neil today or phone him at 298-0909. Thank you!

Last week the Elders & Ushers distributed a “special hand-out,” survey page, provided by our Eastern District, as part of the preparation for our Congregational Self Study. If you completed it and brought it along, please hand it to an usher or Elder today … or, if you left it home, please complete the survey and mail it tomorrow to the Church office (address is on the bulletin cover) for use by the Self Study team. Copies are still available at the side entrance door. Thank you for your help! It is appreciated!

“Thank you” to Laura Lehning for teaching the Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Bible class … and to Jane Schulz for teaching youth Confirmation Class this past week, while Pastor B was away. He returns from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund board meeting tonight.

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you have a friend who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home! It helps everyone involved! Encourage them to worship regularly with you too!

Interested in learning about, reviewing, the basic Faith of the Lutheran Church? Do you have a friend who is interested in Adult Confirmation instructions? Contact Pastor B at any of the phone numbers listed on the front of the bulletin! He would like to start a class soon! Thanks!

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited by our Interim Pastor to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions… Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. and Sundays at 9:15. Give it a try!

Leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation are invited to write up, and send to the Church Office, news items for the February newsletter, Gleanings! Help us keep one another informed about what is happening & being planned. Please send it by this Tuesday, Jan. 20th. Thank you!

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Food for the Poor is special mission for the month of January.
THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting
WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study
@ Ruth Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

Attn Youth: We will meet at church this Saturday, January 17 from 6-9 p.m. to take down the Christmas trees and also have a quick meeting to plan events for the New Year. Bring $3 for pizza and a 2 liter of pop and your ideas for activities you would like to do. If you have a board game that you like, bring that along too.

The Niagara University Men’s Basketball Game scheduled for January 17 has been rescheduled to Sunday, February 8, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. This game will be against Fairfield. Meet at the church parking lot at 1:00 p.m. to carpool, or meet us at the game. Call Lisa Dixon at the church office (283-1843), Jane Schulz (283-3628) or sign up on the glass book nook in the Chapel. Tickets are $5.00 and we need a final count and money by Sunday, January 25.

The Blood Pressure clinic that would normally be held today is being postponed to next Sunday, because of today’s Pot Luck luncheon. Stop by next Sunday to see Amy Folmsbee, R.N. in the chapel to have your blood pressure checked for free.

Women’s Cottage Bible Study begins again this Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Ruth Kumm. All women are invited. Call Ruth Kumm (283-8298) for info.

The 2009 Flower Chart posted in the narthex. If you would like to order flowers, simply write your name along side the date requested. Prices remain the same at $33.00 for a centerpiece and $45.00 for two vases which can be shared by two people.

Through you contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. Food for the Poor is special mission for the month of January.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… The Baptism and temptation of Jesus serve as the lesson focus for Sunday School this week. Jesus is baptized into and takes on our sin, and faces our temptations so we, in Baptism, would receive His goodness, His holiness, and His purity. Parents could ask, “Why is it important that Jesus was baptized? Why is it important that we are baptized?”

Our congregational President, Neil Stenzel, is looking for a variety of people (young, older, male, female, new member, long time member) who are willing to serve on the Self-Study and/or Calling Committee as we move forward in calling a new full-time pastor. If you are interested, or can suggest someone, please speak to Neil today or phone him at 298-0909. Thank you!

Today the Elders & Ushers will distribute a “special hand-out,” survey page, provided by our Eastern District, as part of the preparation for our Congregational Self Study. Please complete it in the next day or two, mail it to the Church office (address is on the bulletin cover), or bring it with you next Sunday and hand it to an usher for use by the Self Study team. Thank you for your help! It is urgently needed!

Our Interim Pastor asks Confirmation class parents to assist their children with their assignments each week. Working together helps everyone grow in faith and life with Jesus our Lord!

Please check your family MAIL BOX each week as you come to worship… and if you have a friend who has a “full mail box” please take those items along and deliver them to your friend on the way home! It is a Christ-like, caring thing to do! Encourage them to worship regularly with you too!

Next Sunday, January 18th, Pastor Erwin Brese will lead our worship. Come! Bring a friend! Pastor B will be attending a LCEF Board meeting out of town.

ALL members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church are invited by our Interim Pastor to take part in the weekly Bible studies & discussions … Wednesdays at 9:30a.m. and Sundays at 9:15. Try it! You’ll like it!

Leaders of Boards, groups & organizations in the congregation are invited to write up, and send to the Church Office, news items for the February newsletter, Gleanings! Help us keep one another informed about what is happening & being planned. Please send it by Jan 20th. Thank you!

Joanne Munro would like to thank all those for their prayers and support after her recent surgery and recovery. It was so greatly appreciated.

PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE:
St. John Lutheran School in North Tonawanda is scheduling two preschool ages 3 & 4 and Kindergarten open houses on January 20th from 6-7:30 pm and February 2 from 12:30-2 pm and 6-7:30 pm. Bring your child, meet the teachers, see the classrooms, review the curriculum, ask questions, and receive an information packet. Since Feb. 2 is Groundhog Day, we are inviting students in grades 1-8 to “shadow” for the morning. We look forward to seeing you.

SINGLE’S MINISTRY – St. Paul Lutheran Church, 453 Old Falls Blvd., in North Tonawanda, is beginning a new Single’s Ministry. We are inviting single adults to join us for fellowship and fun. Our “Kick-Off” Get Together is Sunday, January 25 at 6:30 p.m. with pizza! Bring a snack to share and a game to play with a small or large group! You are welcome to bring a friend. If you are single, of any age, and interested in a fellowship group with other single people, this is for you! For more information please call the church at 692-3255.
THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Pot Luck Luncheon

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Church Council Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
7:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study @ Ruth Kumm’s

SATURDAY
6-9:00 p.m. Youth Activities, taking down Christmas Trees

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic

2009 Offering Envelopes are available for pickup in the narthex.

There will be no bible study or confirmation on December 31. We will hold our next classes on January 7. Confirmation will be 7-8 p.m. ALL involved are asked to be present, one time, prepared, with study guide, Catechism and Bible! Parents are asked to take responsibility in this partnership with our Lord’s youth & His Church; and if you haven’t attended Wednesday morning Bible Class before we invite you to come 9:30-10:30 a.m.

Your attendance is encouraged for a Special Service on Sunday, January 11, 2009. Rev. Daniel Otto, (pastor of Grace from 1975-1983,) will be our guest worship leader and adult bible class leader. He will speak to us on behalf of his work with the interdenominational organization called FOOD FOR THE POOR. A free will door offering will be taken and a Pot Luck Luncheon will follow in the chapel. See your January mini Gleanings for more details.

ATTN YOUTH: Grace Youth, family and friends are invited to the NU basketball game on January 17 against Rider. The game begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets are $5. We can meet at the church to carpool at 5:45 p.m. or you can meet us at the game. NU will provide an autograph session following the game where we can meet some of the players. Let Ron or Jane Schulz know if you plan to attend, or sign up on the glass bookcase. We need a final count and money by next Sunday, January 4.

Through your contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. The Esala Family, Nathan, Sarah, Karissa, Annaka, Aili and Kofi serving with Lutheran Bible Translators in Ghana, West Africa, is our mission for the month of December. See www.lbt.org or esalas.org for more information about LBT and the Esala family.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… On this First Sunday after Christmas, the Sunday School lesson focuses on “The Presentation of Jesus.” In the Divine Service, we join with Simeon and Anna, the angels and archangels, and the great cloud of witnesses in heaven and on earth hailing Christ as the fulfiller of the Law. Parents might ask, “Where do we sing our praises to God? How has Christ fulfilled the Law for us?”

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 p.m. Coffee Fellowship

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service

Bring a dish to pass and join us for the last Potluck Simple Supper this week at 6:00 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. The theme this year is “Stirring Up Advent- Recipes for Relationships.

Attn Choir: There will be no choir practice this Wednesday, but we will rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9:45am -12 noon

Everyone is invited to join the Elders and Youth as they go caroling to our shut ins next Sunday, December 21. We will start out with a luncheon at noon before heading out. Come join us, no matter what your singing voice is like, the more the merrier!

Our MITTEN TREE has been set up in the narthex to receive your donations of sweat pants and shirts, mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats. All sizes are needed. We will continue to collect these items through Christmas. After the holidays, they will be delivered to local schools and community service agencies to be distributed in our own community. Please remember this project as you do your Christmas shopping. Your help is needed to make this a success again this year.

Through your contributions to the mission fund at Grace, we reach out and support different missions locally, nationally, and international. The Esala Family, Nathan, Sarah, Karissa, Annaka Aili and Kofi serving with Lutheran Bible Translators in Ghana, West Africa, is our mission for the month of December. See www.lbt.org or esalas.org for more information about LBT and the Esala family.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today… Today in Sunday School we studied “An Angel Visits Joseph.” Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaimed to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death. Parents could ask, “What important message did the angel give Joseph? What important message do we hear in God’s Word?”

All adults are invited to share with me and one another in the adult bible class and discussion groups on Wednesdays at 9:30 and on Sundays at 9:00 (two different topics!). Come! Learn, share and grow together.
-Pastor B.

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sunday, December 21 10:30 a.m.
Children’s Christmas Program

Wednesday, December 24 7:00 p.m.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Thursday, December 25 10:30 a.m.
Christmas Communion Service

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Congregational Voters’ Meeting
12:00 p.m. Charles Schultz Funeral Service

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
6:00 p.m. Potluck Simple Supper
7:00 p.m. Advent Worship Service
7:30 p.m. Confirmation Class

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Cottage Bible Study @ Kumm’s

SATURDAY
9:45 a.m. Choir Practice
10:00 a.m. Pageant Practice
5:00 p.m. Communion Worship Service

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
12:00 p.m. Luncheon for Carolers
12:30 p.m. Caroling to Shut Ins