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.

LCMS World Mission is pleased to share that Amanda Arnold, from the Eastern District, is entering into missionary service in El Paso, Texas with Ysleta Mission.
The Friends of St. Catherine’s Seminary Annual Golf Outing is Saturday, September 25 at Hyde Park Golf Course. Cost is $75 which includes golf, cart, beverages and those big juicy steaks. Please respond by September 17 there is a limit of 52 golfers. Save your spot by calling: John Rogers 418-0728,
Steve Puscheck 692-8508 or Les Fuerch 628-1031 or 695-2200

Our special mission envelopes for September are designated to support Christian education locally. The cost of providing quality education in a Christian setting continues to rise, creating challenges for our Lutheran schools, and making it increasingly difficult for parents who choose this type of educational setting for their children. Your gifts will be donated to the two Lutheran schools closest to Grace, St. John and Holy Ghost, to be used toward their tuition financial aid funds. Several of our congregation’s children attend, or have attended, these schools. If your prayers move you to support Christian education in this way, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate.

If you loaned the church office photos for the last directory and did not get them back, please check out the box in the chapel and see if any belong to you.

Ladies, mark your calendar for Saturday, October 9, 2010 and plan to attend the Niagara Zone Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Fall Rally at Immanuel Lutheran Church, City of Tonawanda.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Elders’ Meeting

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

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

NEXT SUNDAY –RALLY DAY!!
9:00 a.m. Sunday School and
Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:45 a.m. Congregational Picnic

Plan to join us for our Annual Rally Day Congregational Picnic, on Sunday, September 12 following the worship service. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, there is a sign up sheet in the chapel for salads and desserts.

We would like to stay connected to our young people attending college either locally or away. Please contact the church office or place a slip in the offering plate providing the name and contact information for your college student.

UNDERWEAR & SOCK COLLECTION: Next Sunday is Labor Day weekend and the last opportunity to donate to our summer Social Ministries project. We are collecting all sizes and types of undergarments and socks. After Labor Day, they will be delivered to Niagara Falls schools and the Community Mission to be distributed to those in need. Please help keep our neighbors warm this winter. Your generosity is appreciated!

Lutheran Campus Ministries is looking for persons interested in serving on their commission. This person should have a heart for college students and a desire to work with the committee for the next two years. They meet 5 times a year. Contact Pastor or the church office if you think this is something you would like to do.

Our special mission envelopes for August and September are designated to support Christian education locally. The cost of providing quality education in a Christian setting continues to rise, creating challenges for our Lutheran schools, and making it increasingly difficult for parents who choose this type of educational setting for their children. Your gifts will be donated to the two Lutheran schools closest to Grace, St. John and Holy Ghost, to be used toward their tuition financial aid funds. Several of our congregation’s children attend, or have attended, these schools. If your prayers move you to support Christian education in this way, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate.

Consider joining us for Breadbakers, a small group bible study that meets the first Saturday of the month at 5:00p.m.

“Equipping to Share”
Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Corner of Delaware Road and Chapel Road, Kenmore) is sponsoring “Equipping to Share,” a four-hour seminar conducted by Lutheran Hour Ministries on how we may more effectively share our Christian faith in everyday situations. The seminar will be held on Saturday, September 18th, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and lunch will be provided. There is no cost for the seminar or the lunch – we want as many as possible to participate! Sign up on the glass case in the Chapel.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:45 a.m. Confirmation Orientation

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Craft Group

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbakers Bible Study @ Sorensons’

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

We would like to stay connected to our young people attending college either locally or away. Please contact the church office or place a slip in the offering plate providing the name and contact information for your college student.

LCMS World Mission is pleased to share that Amanda Arnold, from the Eastern District, is entering into missionary service in El Paso, Texas with Ysleta Mission.

Lutheran Campus Ministries is looking for persons interested in serving on their commission. This person should have a heart for college students and a desire to work with the committee for the next two years. They meet 5 times a year. Contact Pastor or the church office if you think this is something you would like to do.

“Equipping to Share”
Pilgrim Lutheran Church (Corner of Delaware Road and Chapel Road, Kenmore) is sponsoring “Equipping to Share,” a four-hour seminar conducted by Lutheran Hour Ministries on how we may more effectively share our Christian faith in everyday situations. The seminar will be held on Saturday, September 18th, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and lunch will be provided. There is no cost for the seminar or the lunch – we want as many as possible to participate! Sign up on the glass case in the Chapel.
Our special mission envelopes for August and September are designated to support Christian education locally. The cost of providing quality education in a Christian setting continues to rise, creating challenges for our Lutheran schools, and making it increasingly difficult for parents who choose this type of educational setting for their children. Your gifts will be donated to the two Lutheran schools closest to Grace, St. John and Holy Ghost, to be used toward their tuition financial aid funds. Several of our congregation’s children attend, or have attended, these schools. If your prayers move you to support Christian education in this way, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate.

Grace Ladies picnic is next Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church. All ladies are welcome! Bring a dish to pass and join us.

This afternoon there will be a Summer Picnic in the backyard of Das Haus, 2549 Niagara Road, Bergholz, for members, guests and friends of the Historical Society of North German Settlements in WNY. Das Haus and the grounds will be open at 2 p.m. The Bergholz Band will play beginning at 2:30, please bring your own chairs or blankets. Hot dogs, bratwurst, applecake, and cold drinks will be available. Proceeds will benefit Haus-barn rebuilding.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Grace Ladies Picnic @ church

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Creating Our Future Meeting

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:45 a.m. Confirmation Orientation

There will be a Sunday School Staff meeting after the worship service next Sunday.

A Big Thank You to everyone that donated to and volunteered to help make another successful year of Vacation Bible School. We had some returning faces and some new ones too. Everyone had a great time!

Our first “Creating Our Future” meeting was held last month. At this meeting we talked about the process we would follow, the deliverables, and we began to dream. At our next meeting, on Thursday August 19th, we will be discussing our Core Values. Our Core Values are those timeless, critical values which form the foundation on which we perform all our work and guide our conduct. Please plan on joining us as we plan for our future at Grace.

Our special mission envelopes for August and September are designated to support Christian education locally. The cost of providing quality education in a Christian setting continues to rise, creating challenges for our Lutheran schools, and making it increasingly difficult for parents who choose this type of educational setting for their children. Your gifts will be donated to the two Lutheran schools closest to Grace, St. John and Holy Ghost, to be used toward their tuition financial aid funds. Several of our congregation’s children attend, or have attended, these schools. If your prayers move you to support Christian education in this way, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate.

Ladies mark your calendars! Grace Ladies picnic is Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church. All ladies are welcome! Bring a dish to pass and join us for food fellowship and fun.

Underwear and Sock Collection: We are collecting undergarments and socks through August for distribution in the fall. This is one of our most appreciated projects, since very few agencies receive these items. Many of the poor among us consider underwear and socks “luxuries” that they cannot afford and they are so grateful when they receive this clothing to keep them warm. Children’s sizes will be given to those in need at Niagara Falls schools, and adult or infant sizes will be distributed to our neighbors through the Community Mission.

Through the LCEF Joyful Response program our church can receive electronic payments directly from personal bank accounts or LCEF Steward Accounts. It’s simple, safe, convenient, and makes it easy to be a faithful servant when you are on vacation. Interested? Talk to Jon Lehning.

Grace Ladies Annual Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, October 2. Start saving your good “fleas”.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Grace Softball
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

NEXT SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
11:40 a.m. SS Staff Meeting

Thanks goes out to the men who helped taking down and putting up the scaffolding this week!

Looking for another opportunity to better understand what God is doing in your life? An opportunity to get to know other members better? Or just an opportunity to relax in a Christian environment? Please consider joining us for a small group Bible study called Breadbakers. Our next meeting is this Saturday, August 7 at 5pm at the Sorensons’ house. For more information contact the church office.

Our first “Creating Our Future” follow up gathering was held last month. The next two are scheduled for August 19 and 26 at 7:00 pm. Please plan on joining in helping Grace move forward.

Our special mission envelopes for August and September are designated to support Christian education locally. The cost of providing quality education in a Christian setting continues to rise, creating challenges for our Lutheran schools, and making it increasingly difficult for parents who choose this type of educational setting for their children. Your gifts will be donated to the two Lutheran schools closest to Grace, St. John and Holy Ghost, to be used toward their tuition financial aid funds. Several of our congregation’s children attend, or have attended, these schools. If your prayers move you to support Christian education in this way, please place your special mission envelopes in the offering plate.

Underwear and Sock Collection: We are collecting undergarments and socks through August for distribution in the fall. This is one of our most appreciated projects, since very few agencies receive these items. Many of the poor among us consider underwear and socks “luxuries” that they cannot afford and they are so grateful when they receive this clothing to keep them warm. Children’s sizes will be given to those in need at Niagara Falls schools, and adult or infant sizes will be distributed to our neighbors through the Community Mission.

Through the LCEF Joyful Response program our church can receive electronic payments directly from personal bank accounts or LCEF Steward Accounts. It’s simple, safe, convenient, and makes it easy to be a faithful servant when you are on vacation. Interested? Talk to Jon Lehning.

Grace Ladies Annual Flea Market is scheduled for Saturday, October 2. Start saving your good “fleas”.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

MONDAY
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. VBS
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. VBS

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. VBS

THURSDAY
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. VBS

FRIDAY
5:30 – 8:00 p.m. VBS

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbakers Bible Study
@ Sorensons’

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

Vacation Bible School is almost here! Planet Zoom starts Monday, August 2 with simple supper at 5:30 followed by the VBS program 6-8:00 pm. There are classes for all ages and lots of places for volunteers. If you would like to help out, contact Randy Broeker 731-5687 or the church office 283-1843. Enrollment applications can be found in the chapel or contact the church office.

The Vacation Bible School Donation Tree is set up in the Chapel. Tags placed on the tree are for donations to help defer some of the costs for our VBS. Each tag will ask for a specific type of donation (item or money) and have contact information if you have any questions. In the past we have been very successful because of your kindness and generosity. We look forward to another fun filled and exciting VBS.

Attn: Grace Ladies picnic has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
PAPYRUS CAMP: Our special mission for May and June was Papyrus Camp for foster children at Camp Pioneer in Angola. Our goal was to raise at least $390, which is the cost of sending one child to camp. Thanks to your generosity and God’s blessings on our project, we were able to exceed our goal with donations totaling $450! A child will learn of the love of Jesus because of your help. May the Holy Spirit bless the message of Christ that this child receives at camp!

TOILETRIES AND STUFFED CRITTERS: Our Social Ministries project for May and June was to collect toiletries and stuffed characters for distribution through Community Mission and Carolyn’s House. Both agencies deal with local homeless individuals who are in need of these items. This past week, we packed and delivered two large boxes of toiletries and 200 “stuffed critters”. Thank you for making the lives of our homeless and struggling neighbors in Niagara Falls a little bit easier!

July’s special mission envelopes are designated for a mission especially close to our hearts—OUR OWN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—to be held in August. Each year we are privileged to be able to share the Gospel message with our members, and neighborhood children, some of which do not attend church on a regular basis. In recent years, we have had several families join Grace because of their VBS contacts, and we have rejoiced that some of our VBS children have chosen to become baptized believers in Christ! A number of supplies and materials need to be ordered. If your prayers move you to support this year’s VBS in this way, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during July.

Through the LCEF Joyful Response program our church can receive electronic payments directly from personal bank accounts or LCEF Steward Accounts. It’s simple, safe, convenient, and makes it easy to be a faithful servant when you are on vacation. Interested? Talk to Jon Lehning.

It’s that time of year again:
The Vacation Bible School Donation Tree has been set up in the Chapel. Over the next few weeks, tags will be placed on the tree asking for donations to help defer some of the costs for our VBS. Each tag will ask for a specific type of donation (item or money) and have contact information if you have any questions. This year’s theme is Planet Zoom. Bee Bold. Bee-lieve. Be HIS. In the past we have been very successful because of your kindness and generosity. We look forward to another fun filled and exciting VBS. VBS will be held the first week in August. Enrollment applications can be found in the chapel or contact the church office.

NIAGARA ZONE LUTHERAN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY LEAGUE will enjoy a potluck supper at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Church Road, North Ridge on TUESDAY, JULY 20th at 6:00pm. Everyone is welcome! Bring a dish to share. A report on the recent Eastern District LWML Convention will be given by the Zone’s Young Woman Representative. Hope to see you there!!

Attn: Grace Ladies picnic has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

TOILETRIES AND STUFFED CRITTERS: Our Social Ministries project for May and June was to collect toiletries and stuffed characters for distribution through Community Mission and Carolyn’s House. Both agencies deal with local homeless individuals who are in need of these items. This past week, we packed and delivered two large boxes of toiletries and 200 “stuffed critters”. Thank you for making the lives of our homeless and struggling neighbors in Niagara Falls a little bit easier!

July’s special mission envelopes are designated for a mission especially close to our hearts—OUR OWN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—to be held in August. Each year we are privileged to be able to share the Gospel message with our members, and neighborhood children, some of which do not attend church on a regular basis. In recent years, we have had several families join Grace because of their VBS contacts, and we have rejoiced that some of our VBS children have chosen to become baptized believers in Christ! A number of supplies and materials need to be ordered. If your prayers move you to support this year’s VBS in this way, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during July.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

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. New Member Class

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

Exciting things are happening at Grace and we want everyone to be a part of them! We are following up on the Creating Our Future meeting/surveys from last year. The next meeting dates are July 15, August 19 and August 26. We will meet at the church at 7pm to work together on our vision of the future for Grace. Please plan on attending. Child care can be made available if you require, just call the church office 283-1843 and let us know ahead of time.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES MEETING: The committee will not be meeting in July or August. The next meeting is planned for September.

It’s that time of year again:
The Vacation Bible School Donation Tree has been set up in the Chapel. Over the next few weeks, tags will be placed on the tree asking for donations to help defer some of the costs for our VBS. Each tag will ask for a specific type of donation (item or money) and have contact information if you have any questions. This year’s theme is Planet Zoom. Bee Bold. Bee-lieve. Be HIS. In the past we have been very successful because of your kindness and generosity. We look forward to another fun filled and exciting VBS. VBS will be held the first week in August. Enrollment applications can be found in the chapel or contact the church office.

Attn: Grace Ladies picnic has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
PAPYRUS CAMP: Our special mission for May and June was Papyrus Camp for foster children at Camp Pioneer in Angola. Our goal was to raise at least $390, which is the cost of sending one child to camp. Thanks to your generosity and God’s blessings on our project, we were able to exceed our goal with donations totaling $450! A child will learn of the love of Jesus because of your help. May the Holy Spirit bless the message of Christ that this child receives at camp!
TOILETRIES AND STUFFED CRITTERS: Our Social Ministries project for May and June was to collect toiletries and stuffed characters for distribution through Community Mission and Carolyn’s House. Both agencies deal with local homeless individuals who are in need of these items. This past week, we packed and delivered two large boxes of toiletries and 200 “stuffed critters”. Thank you for making the lives of our homeless and struggling neighbors in Niagara Falls a little bit easier!

July’s special mission envelopes are designated for a mission especially close to our hearts—OUR OWN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—to be held in August. Each year we are privileged to be able to share the Gospel message with our members, and neighborhood children, some of which do not attend church on a regular basis. In recent years, we have had several families join Grace because of their VBS contacts, and we have rejoiced that some of our VBS children have chosen to become baptized believers in Christ! A number of supplies and materials need to be ordered. If your prayers move you to support this year’s VBS in this way, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during July.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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. New Member Class

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Creating Our Future Meeting

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

It’s that time of year again:
The Vacation Bible School Donation Tree has been set up in the Chapel. Over the next few weeks, tags will be placed on the tree asking for donations to help defer some of the costs for our VBS. Each tag will ask for a specific type of donation (item or money) and have contact information if you have any questions. This year’s theme is Planet Zoom. Bee Bold. Bee-lieve. Be HIS. In the past we have been very successful because of your kindness and generosity. We look forward to another fun filled and exciting VBS. VBS will be held the first week in August. Enrollment applications can be found in the chapel or contact the church office.

Thank you to Grace Ladies for providing funds for the installation of a new floor in the lounge.

Attn: Grace Ladies picnic has been rescheduled to Tuesday, August 24 at 6:00 p.m. at the church.
PAPYRUS CAMP: Our special mission for May and June was Papyrus Camp for foster children at Camp Pioneer in Angola. Our goal was to raise at least $390, which is the cost of sending one child to camp. Thanks to your generosity and God’s blessings on our project, we were able to exceed our goal with donations totaling $450! A child will learn of the love of Jesus because of your help. May the Holy Spirit bless the message of Christ that this child receives at camp!
TOILETRIES AND STUFFED CRITTERS: Our Social Ministries project for May and June was to collect toiletries and stuffed characters for distribution through Community Mission and Carolyn’s House. Both agencies deal with local homeless individuals who are in need of these items. This past week, we packed and delivered two large boxes of toiletries and 200 “stuffed critters”. Thank you for making the lives of our homeless and struggling neighbors in Niagara Falls a little bit easier!

July’s special mission envelopes are designated for a mission especially close to our hearts—OUR OWN VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—to be held in August. Each year we are privileged to be able to share the Gospel message with our members, and neighborhood children, some of which do not attend church on a regular basis. In recent years, we have had several families join Grace because of their VBS contacts, and we have rejoiced that some of our VBS children have chosen to become baptized believers in Christ! A number of supplies and materials need to be ordered. If your prayers move you to support this year’s VBS in this way, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during July.

Marie Koppenhaver would like to thank everyone for their prayers and cards during her recent recovery.

For those of you who were unable to attend the Voters Meeting last Sunday, Ron Schulz was elected Elder Chairman, the new flooring for the lounge was approved and it was deceided that the tree in the parking lot should come down, which should happen this coming week.

Exciting things are happening at Grace and we want everyone to be a part of them! We are following up on the Creating Our Future meeting/surveys from last year. The next meeting dates are July 15, August 19 and August 26. We will meet at the church at 7pm to work together on our vision of the future for Grace. Please plan on attending. Child care can be made available if you require, just call the church office 283-1843 and let us know ahead of time.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:30 a.m. Elders’ Meeting

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
7:00 p.m. New Member Class

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