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.

NEEDED: Thanks to the generosity of Grace Ladies, we now have the ability to record our services and take them to our shut-ins for viewing. However, we need to purchase several DVD players at a cost of $30 each to be loaned to our shut-ins as needed. If you would like to purchase a player for this ministry, perhaps in memory or honor of a loved one, please place your donation in an envelope marked “DVD player” in the offering plate. If your donation is in memory or honor of someone, please include a note with the information.

The Flower Chart for 2012 is posted in the narthex. If you would like to order flowers simply write your name next to the date. So far prices have stayed the same as last year- $35 for a center piece or $45 for two vases.

If you have a key to church that you now longer need, could you please return to the church office. Thanks!

Special Mission envelopes for January and February are designated to help Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry of Niagara Falls. This mission runs both a soup kitchen and food pantry. The need during the winter months is especially great, and your donations will help feed our neighbors in need.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting
7:00 p.m. Elders’ Meeting

TUESDAY
Pastor will be out of the office.
7:00 p.m. Diabetes Assoc. Meeting

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

SATURDAY
9:00 a.m. Youth Lock up @
First Trinity

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service

NEEDED: Thanks to the generosity of Grace Ladies, we now have the ability to videotape our services and take them to our shut-ins for viewing. However, we need to purchase several DVD players at a cost of $30 each to be loaned to our shut-ins as needed. If you would like to purchase a player for this ministry, perhaps in memory or honor of a loved one, please place your donation in an envelope marked “DVD player” in the offering plate. If your donation is in memory or honor of someone, please include a note with the information.

The Flower Chart for 2012 is posted in the narthex. If you would like to order flowers simply write your name next to the date on chart. Prices are $37 for a centerpiece and $48 for two vases.

Prayer Bookmarks can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

Our pictorial directory has arrived! If you had your picture taken, see Jane Schulz in the chapel for your copy. Extra copies can be purchased for $8.00.

Camp Pioneer is holding Reconciler Training February 7-8, 2012. The Coaching Practicum prepares leaders – pastors, elders, teachers, administrators, and parents to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one. Almost everyone can benefit from this training, since most of us give advice to others on responding to conflict. More information and registration forms are located on the glass case in the chapel.

Special Mission envelopes for January and February are designated to help Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry of Niagara Falls. This mission runs both a soup kitchen and food pantry. The need during the winter months is especially great, and your donations will help feed our neighbors in need.

Camp Pioneer is having Winter Family Fun Days! Bundle up your family and come to Pioneer for a little winter fun on February 11 or March 3. Come and Go as you please; Activities will run from 1-4pm. Activities include: ice skating (bring your own skates), snowshoeing, snacks, crafts, snowman and snow castle building, snow art, devotion time and more. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per family. Please call 549-1420 for more information or to register.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Comm. AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Grace Ladies Party

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
6:00 p.m. Simple Supper
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbreakers’ Bible
Study at Ruth Kumm’s

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

Please stay after worship today for our Annual Report Meeting. The head of each Board will present their yearly report and you will have a chance to ask questions and submit ideas for next year. A light lunch will be served.

The Flower Chart for 2012 is posted in the narthex. If you would like to order flowers simply write your name next to the date. So far prices have stayed the same as last year- $35 for a center piece or $45 for two vases.

Prayer Bookmarks can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

Our pictorial directory has arrived! If you had your picture taken, see Jane Schulz in the chapel for your copy. Extra copies can be purchased for $8.00.

Camp Pioneer is holding Reconciler Training February 7-8, 2012. The Coaching Practicum prepares leaders – pastors, elders, teachers, administrators, and parents to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one. Almost everyone can benefit from this training, since most of us give advice to others on responding to conflict. More information and registration forms are located on the glass case in the chapel.

Special Mission envelopes for January and February are designated to help Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry of Niagara Falls. This mission runs both a soup kitchen and food pantry. The need during the winter months is especially great, and your donations will help feed our neighbors in need.

St. John Lutheran School’s Parent Teacher League is having their Annual Turkey Dinner on Sunday, February 12th from 4-6 pm. Tickets are $9.00 for adults and $4.00 for children 5-10 years of age.

Camp Pioneer is having Winter Family Fun Days! Bundle up your family and come to Pioneer for a little winter fun on February 11 or March 3. Come and Go as you please; Activities will run from 1-4pm. Activities include: ice skating (bring your own skates), snowshoeing, snacks, crafts, snowman and snow castle building, snow art, devotion time and more. There is a suggested donation of $5.00 per family. Please call 549-1420 for more information or to register.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Cong. Report Meeting

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

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

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. SS/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

Our pictorial directory has arrived! If you had your picture taken, see Jane Schulz in the chapel for your copy. Extra copies can be purchased for $8.00.

2012 Offering Envelopes are out on the glass case. If you are in need of envelopes and don’t see yours there, contact Jon Lehning.

There will be a Congregational Meeting next Sunday, January 22 after the Worship Service. A light lunch will be served and the head of each Board at Grace will give a report for 2011 and plans for the coming year. Good things are happening at Grace, please plan on attending to hear all about it!

Camp Pioneer is holding Reconciler Training February 7-8, 2012. The Coaching Practicum prepares leaders – pastors, elders, teachers, administrators, and parents to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one. Almost everyone can benefit from this training, since most of us give advice to others on responding to conflict. More information and registration forms are located on the glass case in the chapel.

Special Mission envelopes for January and February are designated to help Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry of Niagara Falls. This mission runs both a soup kitchen and food pantry. The need during the winter months is especially great, and your donations will help feed our neighbors in need.

The next newsletter deadline is January 20. If you have any information you would like included, you an email it to the church at secretary@gracenf.org

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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. Choir Practice

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Sunday School/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Report Meeting

Prayer Bookmarks can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

Our pictorial directory has arrived! If you had your picture taken, see Jane Schulz in the chapel for your copy. Extra copies can be purchased for $8.00.

2012 Offering Envelopes are out on the glass case. If you are in need of envelopes and don’t see yours there, contact Jon Lehning.

There will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 22 after the Worship Service. A light lunch will be served and the head of each Board at Grace will give a report for 2011 and plans for the coming year. Good things are happening at Grace, please plan on attending to hear all about it!

Camp Pioneer is holding Reconciler Training February 7-8, 2012. The Coaching Practicum prepares leaders – pastors, elders, teachers, administrators, and parents to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one. Almost everyone can benefit from this training, since most of us give advice to others on responding to conflict. More information and registration forms are located on the glass case in the chapel.

Special Mission envelopes for January and February are designated to help Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry of Niagara Falls. This mission runs both a soup kitchen and food pantry. The need during the winter months is especially great, and your donations will help feed our neighbors in need.

The next newsletter deadline is January 20. If you have any information you would like included, you an email it to the church at secretary@gracenf.org

Are you thinking you would like to become more involved at church in the New Year? Check out the insert for a list of opportunities to serve.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. S.S. / Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic
11:30 a.m. Pack up Christmas
Decorations

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting
7:00 p.m. Elder’s Meeting

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

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

Prayer Bookmarks can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

Our pictorial directory has arrived. If you had your picture taken, see Jane Schulz in the chapel for your copy.

There will be a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 22 after the Worship Service. The head of each Board at Grace will give a report for 2011 and plans for the coming year. A light lunch will be served. Good things are happening at Grace, please plan on attending to hear all about it!

The Niagara County Diabetes Education Program will hold its next diabetes class on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3RD. AT 7:00 pm in the upstairs lounge. The evening’s program will feature Destin Rader, LAC, Dipl. Ac, an accupuncturist who will discuss “IT’S A NEW YEAR–ARE YOU READY FOR A NEW AND IMPROVED=YOU?”. Maria Wolcott, RN, CIPT, is the patient education program director. Coffee will be served. For further information, please contact 283-9034. The meeting is open to the public.

Social Ministries meets this Wednesday, January 4 at 6:00 pm to make plans for the New Year. Please join us.

The Elders Meeting for January has been rescheduled. They will meet on Monday, January 9.

Irene McFadden, the Mission Chairperson for the Eastern District writes, I bring you good tidings of a different joy. It was such a blessing to be able to meet the needs of every ministry that requested funds in 2011. As a district we were able to support campus ministries in Pittsburgh, Rochester and Buffalo, ministries to children in Pittsburgh, Rochester and Buffalo, as well as Camp Pioneer. This was accomplished through the generosity of you, the members of the Eastern District, as your churches pledged and sent funds. ‘Praise God from Whom ALL blessings flow!’”

Camp Pioneer is holding Reconciler Training February 7-8, 2012. The Coaching Practicum prepares leaders – pastors, elders, teachers, administrators, and parents to guide other people in their conflicts through coaching one-on-one. Almost everyone can benefit from this training, since all of us at all times give advice to others on responding to conflict. More information and registration forms are located on the glass case in the chapel.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
7:00 p.m. Diabetes Assoc. Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 p.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
6:00 p.m. Social Ministries Meeting
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

FRIDAY
Choir Party @ Andrews house

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbreakers’ Bible Study

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service

Please join the Elders and Youth this afternoon as we go caroling to our
Shut Ins. We’ll have a quick soup lunch at 12:30 and then head out. Everyone is welcome to join us no matter what your singing voice is like – The more the merrier!

OUR ADVENT GIVING TREES are set up in the chapel and narthex. If you care to participate in this social ministry project, please take a paper ornament off the tree and purchase the item requested. Bring it back unwrapped and place it on the table under the tree. Donations will be delivered after Christmas. We are working with the MAGDALENE PROJECT on Falls Street (group of Christian volunteers who are out in a van every Friday and Saturday night bringing food, toiletries, and God’s love to the homeless on our city’s streets), and SUMMIT LIFE OUTREACH on Pine Avenue (another group of Christians working with teens and young women from Niagara Falls in crisis pregnancies.)

The planter on the altar today is given to the Glory of God in honor of the memory of Joe Hoffman on what would have been his 22nd birthday this Tuesday, by his mother Cathy Hoffman.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

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

SATURDAY – Christmas Eve
5:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship
11:00 p.m. Candlelight Worship

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

OUR ADVENT GIVING TREES have been set up in the chapel and narthex. If you care to participate in this social ministry project, please take a paper ornament off the tree and purchase the item requested. Bring it back unwrapped and place it on the table under the tree. Donations will be delivered after Christmas. We are working with the MAGDALENE PROJECT on Falls Street (group of Christian volunteers who are out in a van every Friday and Saturday night bringing food, toiletries, and God’s love to the homeless on our city’s streets), and SUMMIT LIFE OUTREACH on Pine Avenue (another group of Christians working with teens and young women from Niagara Falls in crisis pregnancies.)

“THE BEST GIFT OF ALL” “THE BEST GIFT OF ALL” is our Sunday School Christmas program to be presented next Sunday, December 18 at the 10:30 a.m. service. Join us and our “angel with attitude” as we learn what the best gift of Christmas really is. Rehearsal for all Sunday School students, teachers, and choir members is this Saturday, December 17, from 10 a.m. – noon, with pizza to follow.

HELP WANTED: The LADD SHOP on Buffalo Avenue is in need of a volunteer to take extra things to the Salvation Army or Community Mission once or twice a week. If you would like to volunteer or need more information, see Janette Lemley or Ursula Zimmerman.

DECEMBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES: The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road anticipates over 250 people will request help from them during the Christmas season. We have designated our special mission envelopes for December to help their pantry. Your special mission envelope donations will be sent to them to help them restock after the holiday. Hunger will not go away when we put away our Christmas decorations. Please consider a donation during December to help St. Vincent volunteers continue to meet the need in our community after the holidays.

Join the Elders and Youth next Sunday as we carol to our Shut Ins. We’ll have a quick soup lunch at 12:30 and then head out. Everyone is welcome to join us no matter what your singing voice is like – The more the merrier!

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

December 18 10:30 Childrens’ Program

December 24 5 &11 Christmas Eve
Candlelight Worship

December 25 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day
Communion Worship

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. S.S./Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Voters’ Meeting
12:30 p.m. Caroling on the Steps

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

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

SATURDAY
10-12 Pageant Rehearsal

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. S.S./Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Childrens’ Pageant
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
12:00 p.m. Lunch for Carolers
1:00 p.m. Caroling to Shut Ins

THANK YOU for your donations to our annual Harvest Food Collection. We have restocked our pantry, and were able to deliver 23 boxes and bags of food to the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road. They anticipate feeding over 250 people over the Christmas season. They were very appreciative of our help in meeting the needs of the poor and struggling in our own neighborhood.

OUR ADVENT GIVING TREES have been set up in the chapel and narthex. If you care to participate in this social ministry project, please take a paper ornament off the tree and purchase the item requested. Bring it back unwrapped and place it on the table under the tree. Donations will be delivered after Christmas. We are working with the MAGDALENE PROJECT on Falls Street (group of Christian volunteers who are out in a van every Friday and Saturday night bringing food, toiletries, and God’s love to the homeless on our city’s streets), and SUMMIT LIFE OUTREACH on Pine Avenue (another group of Christians working with teens and young women from Niagara Falls in crisis pregnancies.)

“THE BEST GIFT OF ALL” “THE BEST GIFT OF ALL” is our Sunday School Christmas program to be presented on December 18 at the 10:30 a.m. service. Join us and our “angel with attitude” as we learn what the best gift of Christmas really is. Rehearsal for all Sunday School students, teachers, and choir members if Saturday, December 17, from 10 a.m. – noon, with pizza to follow.

HELP WANTED: The LADD SHOP on Buffalo Avenue is in need of a volunteer to take extra things to the Salvation Army or Community Mission once or twice a week. If you would like to volunteer or need more information, see Janette Lemley or Ursula Zimmerman.

DECEMBER SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES: The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry on Military Road anticipates over 250 people will request help from them during the Christmas season. We have designated our special mission envelopes for December to help their pantry. Your donations will be sent to them in January to help them restock after the holiday. Hunger will not go away when we put away our Christmas decorations. Please consider a donation during December to help St. Vincent volunteers continue to meet the need in our community after the holidays.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE – Our proof copy was received this past week, it was proofed and sent back to be printed. We plan on receiving our finished copies this month and distributed by Christmas to all who had their pictures taken.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Class
6:30 p.m. Comm. AA Meeting
7:00 p.m. Elder’s Meeting

TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Grace Ladies Party

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

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. SS/ Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Voters’ Meeting