FLU SHOTS TODAY:  Rite Aid will be at Grace after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted.  Only flu shots are being offered this year.

ENDING TODAY:  Our Envelope Fundraising project for the boiler will end today.  Feel free to take one (or more) of the remaining envelopes if you would like to use them to donate at a future date.

“CHANGE” THE BOILER FUNDRAISER:  Starting next Sunday and continuing through November, we will be offering another opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for our new boiler.  There will be boxes located in the narthex and chapel next to our fundraising thermometer signs where you can deposit your spare change.  You’ll be amazed how it adds up.  Our past Penny Wars resulted in well over $1000 in change most years.  If you wish to participate, start saving your change! 

COMING SOON:  Our annual Harvest Food Donation project will begin two weeks from today and run through November.  There will be tables available in the narthex and chapel to accept donations of non-perishable foods.  Your gifts will support our partners, St. Vincent de Paul, as they prepare to serve our neighbors in need during the holidays.  This year we will also accept donations of macaroni & cheese, which will be delivered to Potter’s Field to assist them as they provide meals to the group of under-supervised and neglected children that they mentor.

TRUNK OR TREAT:  Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 28.  Our Trunk or Treat event will be held in the parking lot from 3 – 4:30 pm.  A sign up sheet will be available soon for those who are interested in participating.

Your mission envelopes this month and next support our Lutheran Schools, St. John in North Tonawanda and Holy Ghost in Bergholz. In a world ever leading out children to its own sense of truth, let’s support the schools that still hold fast to THE TRUTH – Jesus.

FLU SHOTS NEXT SUNDAY:  Rite Aid will be at Grace on September 24 after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted (be sure to bring your card).  Only flu shots are being offered this year.

CHOIR:  Our first fall rehearsal will be THIS WEEK on Wednesday at 7 PM.  We will also rehearse on 9/27.  We plan to sing during worship on September 24. Please mark your calendars.  We hope to see all of our “old” members back, and welcome a few new voices.  Please consider joining us.  Ability to read music is not required.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES meeting that was scheduled for today has been postponed until further notice.

ENDING NEXT SUNDAY:  Our Envelope Fundraising project for the boiler will end next Sunday.  Feel free to take one (or more) of the remaining envelopes if you would like to use them to donate at a future date.

“CHANGE” THE BOILER FUNDRAISER:  During October and November, we will be offering another opportunity to participate in a fundraiser for our new boiler.  There will be boxes located in the narthex and chapel next to our fundraising thermometer signs where you can deposit your spare change.  You’ll be amazed how it adds up.  Our past Penny Wars resulted in well over $1000 in change most years.  If you wish to participate, start saving your change!  October is only two weeks away!

MISSION ENVELOPES this month and next support our Lutheran Schools, St. John in North Tonawanda and Holy Ghost in Bergholz. In a world ever leading out children to its own sense of truth, let’s support the schools that still hold fast to THE TRUTH – Jesus.

THANK YOU to all who generously donated to our school supply mission project.  All donated items have been delivered to Harry Abate Elementary School and Potter’s Field, where the teachers, nurses, and staff are handing out your gifts directly to the children in need.  Great work, everyone!

GRACE LADIES THIS THURDAY –  September 19^th at 6:30pm: Come join us for an evening of Sharing the love of aprons and their rich histories. Our guest speaker, Wanda Smiley, will give a presentation on the history of aprons. All aprons have a story to tell so please bring one with you to share it’s story. It may be your mothers, grandmothers, one sown or created for you or by you, one stained over the years from all your good cooking, one used for a certain holiday, etc, etc. you get the idea. Hostesses for the night are Wendy Coleman and Jane Schulz.

FLU SHOTS:  Rite Aid will be at Grace on September 24 after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted (be sure to bring your card).  

CHOIR:  Our first fall rehearsal will be THIS WEEK on Wednesday at 7 PM.  We will also rehearse on 9/20, and we plan to sing during worship on September 24. Please mark your calendars.  We hope to see all of our “old” members back, and welcome a few new voices.  Please consider joining us.  Ability to read music is not required.

NEXT SUNDAY the Board of Social Ministries will meet in the chapel after worship.  New members are welcome.  Join us for a light lunch and a meeting that lasts for about an hour.

ENDING SOON:  Our Envelope Fundraising project for the boiler will end in two more weeks.  Feel free to take one (or more) of the remaining envelopes if you would like to use them to donate at a future date.

AUGUST MISSION ENVELOPE donations for LCMS Disaster Response were matched by the Board of Social Ministries.  The donation was made through Thrivent, which matched $1 for every $2 donated.  Thrivent also paid all fees.  A final total of $1500 was sent to LCMS to assist in their disaster relief efforts.  Thank you for supporting this mission.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet after worship on September 17.  New members are welcome.

Next GLEANINGS deadline is Thursday, September 14^th.

Your mission envelopes this month and next support our Lutheran Schools, St. John in North Tonawanda and Holy Ghost in Bergholz. In a world ever leading out children to its own sense of truth, let’s support the schools that still hold fast to THE TRUTH – Jesus.

FROM THE GRACE LADIES: Come join us for an evening of Sharing the love of aprons and their rich histories. Our guest speaker, Wanda Smiley, will give a presentation on the history of aprons. All aprons have a story to tell so please bring one with you to share it’s story. It may be your mothers, grandmothers, one sown or created for you or by you, one stained over the years from all your good cooking, one used for a certain holiday, etc, etc. you get the idea. Mark your calendars ladies, Tuesday, September 19^th at 6:30pm.

CHURCH OFFICE will be returning to a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday schedule from 10am-2pm the week of September 10^th.

ATTENDANCE SHEETS found in the bulletin will assist us in making sure that all of our members are being cared for as needed during our vacancy.  Please fill them out EACH WEEK and place them in the offering plate.

THANK YOU for your very generous donations to our school supply and clothing summer mission project.  Everything will be packed up today and delivered after school starts.  The teachers and nurses are always very thankful for your gifts as their children return to the classroom and they determine what is needed to help them get off to a good start.

PICNIC NEXT SUNDAY:  We will be enjoying good food and fellowship together after worship next Sunday, which is Rally Day.  Hamburgs, hotdogs, and beverages will be provided.  Plan to bring a dish to pass (if you are able) and join in the fun.  All are welcome!

FLU SHOTS:  Rite Aid will be at Grace on September 24 after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted (be sure to bring your card).  

CHOIR:  Please mark your calendars.  The choir will have two rehearsals this month, on Wednesday, 9/13, and Wednesday 9/20.  We will sing during worship on September 24.  We hope to see all of our “old” members back, and welcome a few new voices.  Please consider joining us.  Ability to read music is not required.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet after worship two weeks from today, on September 17.  New members are welcome.

ENDING NEXT SUNDAY:  Our summer ministry project will end next Sunday.  It’s not too late to donate school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear to our donation tables.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to POTTERS FIELD 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provides mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to children in need by the teachers and nurses at HARRY ABATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Niagara Falls.  THANK YOU for your care and generosity in caring for our city’s children in need.

TODAY is the last Sunday to donate to AID FOR MAUI through LCMS Disaster Response, our August Mission Envelope designation.  If you wish to support our LERT teams (Lutheran Emergency Response Teams) working in Maui, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate today.  You can also donate online under “monthly mission” until August 31 (Thursday).

THANK YOU for your tremendous support of our Candy Sale Fundraiser.  All candy has been sold and the total profit will be available soon.  Thanks to Virginia Markel and Sherry Cassatt for their faithful supervision of the youth at the candy table.  Watch for another candy sale later in the fall.

RALLY DAY PICNIC SIGN UP:  There will be a congregational picnic after worship on Rally Day, September 10.  Hamburgs, hotdogs, and beverages will be provided.  Please sign up on the glass case if you will be joining the fun.  

FLU SHOTS:  Rite Aid will be at Grace on September 24 after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted (be sure to bring your card).  

CHOIR:  Please mark your calendars.  The choir will have two rehearsals in September, on Wednesday, 9/13, and Wednesday 9/20.  We will sing during worship on September 24.  We hope to see all of our “old” members back, and welcome a few new voices.  All are welcome.  Ability to read music is not required.

SOCIAL MINISTRIES will meet after worship on September 17.  New members are welcome.

TWO WEEKS UNTIL LABOR DAY!!  We are accepting donations of school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear through Labor Day weekend.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to POTTERS FIELD 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provides mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to children in need by the teachers and nurses at HARRY ABATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Niagara Falls.  There are tables available in the chapel and narthex for your donations.

ALMOST HALF of our Envelope Fundraiser envelopes have been taken from the white board in the chapel.  There are still plenty of opportunities to donate toward our new boiler by choosing an envelope and placing the filled envelope in the offering plate.  Please continue to support our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraising campaign as you are able.

AID FOR MAUI:  LCMS Disaster Response is responding with assistance to the many residents of Maui affected by the tragic fires.  Our AUGUST MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support LCMS DISASTER RESPONSE.  If you wish to support our LERT teams (Lutheran Emergency Response Teams), please place your mission envelope in the offering plate by next Sunday, or donate online under “monthly mission” by August 31.

RALLY DAY PICNIC SIGN UP:  There will be a congregational picnic after worship on Rally Day, September 10.  Hamburgs, hotdogs, and beverages will be provided.  Please sign up on the glass case if you will be joining the fun.  

FLU SHOTS:  Rite Aid will be at Grace on September 24 after worship to provide flu shots for those who desire one.  Most insurances are accepted (be sure to bring your card).  

CHURCH OFFICE will be open this week on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am – 2pm.

GLEANINGS DEADLINE is this Tuesday, August 15^th.

THREE WEEKS REMAINING:  We are accepting donations of school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear through Labor Day weekend.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to POTTERS FIELD 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provides mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to children in need by the teachers and nurses at HARRY ABATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Niagara Falls.  There are tables available in the chapel and narthex for your donations.

CANDY BARS are almost gone.  Thank you for your generous support of this fundraiser for our new boiler.  Check out the remaining selection in the chapel after worship today.

ALMOST HALF of our Envelope Fundraiser envelopes have been taken from the white board in the chapel.  There are still plenty of opportunities to donate toward our new boiler by choosing an envelope and placing the filled envelope in the offering plate.  Please continue to support our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraising campaign as you are able.

UPDATE:  To date, your generous support of our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraisers has resulted in donations totaling $4411.  That’s a great start, but we still have a long way to go to raise the $25,000 – $30,000 it is estimated that we need to replace the boiler.  Thank you for continuing to support our fundraising efforts.  You can check our progress on the thermometer posters in the chapel and narthex.  Watch the September Gleanings for additional opportunities to be offered over the coming months.

AUGUST MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support LCMS DISASTER RESPONSE.  With the increasingly devastating weather events throughout the country, our church continues to train LERT teams (Lutheran Emergency Response Teams) that are responding each week to areas affected by tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and derechos (fierce straight line wind and thunderstorms that cause tornadic level damage and floods).  If you wish to support these emergency teams, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during August, or donate online under “monthly mission”.

GRACE LADIES SUMMER PICNIC: Tuesday, August 15^th at 6pm at church. Sign-up sheet is on glass case in chapel. Come for an evening of food and fellowship. Enjoy sausage (prepared by Linda Broeker), hamburgers and sides. Hope to see you!!

GRACE LADIES SUMMER PICNIC: Tuesday, August 15^th at 6pm at church. Sign-up sheet is on glass case in chapel. Come for an evening of food and fellowship. Enjoy sausage (prepared by Linda Broeker), hamburgers and sides. Hope to see you!!

ATTENDANCE SHEETS found in the bulletin will assist us in making sure that all of our members are being cared for as needed during our vacancy.  Please fill them out EACH WEEK and place them in the offering plate.

AUGUST MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support LCMS DISASTER RESPONSE.  With the increasingly devastating weather events throughout the country, our church continues to train LERT teams (Lutheran Emergency Response Teams) that are responding to areas affected by tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes, and derechos (fierce straight line wind and thunderstorms that cause tornadic level damage and floods).  To support these emergency teams, please place your mission envelope in the offering plate during August, or donate online under “monthly mission”.

WATCH FOR SALES:  We are accepting donations of school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to Potter’s Field 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provide mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to children in need by the teachers and nurses at Harry Abate Elementary School in Niagara Falls.  There are tables available in the chapel and narthex for your donations.

CANDY FUNDRAISER:  Our youth are continuing to sell Niagara Chocolate candy bars after worship to help raise money for our new boiler.  The cost is $1.75, or two for $3.  Stop by the table and check it out.

ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER:  There are still envelopes available on the white board in the chapel if you would like to participate in our Envelope Fundraiser for the boiler.  Remove an envelope (or as many as you like), fill it with the amount indicated on the envelope (cash or check), and place it in the offering plate.  If all the envelopes are filled, we will raise $5050!!  Thank you for helping our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraising campaign.  

BOWLING FOR CHARITY – The 3rd Annual Rapids sponsored “NO-TAP” bowling event will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023.  “NO-TAP” gives you a strike if you knock down nine pins on your first ball.  There are two shifts to bowl – 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM.  The cost is $10.00 which gives you three games to bowl with your shoes included. There will be bumpers and a ramp for children to use to help them with their bowling.  Rapids, once again, is donating all 32 lanes for free to help our charity with this fundraising event.  Also, there will be many baskets and other items to purchase tickets to win them.  All the money raised goes 100% to helping the homeless in our area through our charity -Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc.  Recently we helped a 42-year-old woman by paying for her adult Licensed Practical Nursing class at ON-BOCES   In addition, we paid all of her State Board exam and licensing fees plus her review book. On June 8th she took and passed her exam. She currently is employed full-time for a healthcare facility on Grand Island.

Entry forms to bowl are on the glass case in the fellowship hall.   You can also go to Rapids Bowling Center. Com and click on EVENTS to download the entry form from there. Any questions talk to Robin Stephenson, Sue Loss, or John Loss. 

CHURCH OFFICE: Erin will be out of the office the week of July 30^th. If there are any concerns or issues that need attention during this time please contact either Dick Crawford or Mark Andrews.

LAST OPPORTUNITY:  JULY MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support WINGS FLIGHTS OF HOPE.  Wings is a local group of pilots that volunteer their time and their planes to fly patients, free of charge, to specialty hospitals to receive needed medical care.  Many of these patients cannot use commercial flights because of their health status or the need for special equipment.  If you would like to support Wings, place your mission envelope in the offering plate today or give online by tomorrow using the “monthly mission” option. 

WATCH FOR SALES:  We are accepting donations of school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to POTTERS FIELD 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provides mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to children in need by the teachers and nurses at HARRY ABATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL in Niagara Falls.  There are tables available in the chapel and narthex for your donations.

CANDY FUNDRAISER:  Our youth are continuing to sell Niagara Chocolate candy bars after worship to help raise money for our new boiler.  The cost is $1.75, or two for $3.  Stop by the table and check it out.

ENVELOPE FUNDRAISER:  There are still envelopes available on the white board in the chapel if you would like to participate in our Envelope Fundraiser for the boiler.  Remove an envelope (or as many as you like), fill it with the amount indicated on the envelope (cash or check), and place it in the offering plate.  If all the envelopes are filled, we will raise $5050!!  Thank you for helping our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraising campaign.  

SIGN UP SHEET:  Help providing snacks for our summer coffee hour is still needed.  If you are able to provide some goodies, please sign up for a convenient week on the glass case.

GRACE LADIES SUMMER PICNIC: Tuesday, August 15^th at 6pm at church. Sign-up sheet is on glass case in chapel. Come for an evening of food and fellowship. Enjoy sausage (prepared by Linda Broeker), hamburgers and sides. Hope to see you!!

BOWLING FOR CHARITY – The 3rd Annual Rapids sponsored “NO-TAP” bowling event will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023.  “NO-TAP” gives you a strike if you knock down nine pins on your first ball.  There are two shifts to bowl – 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM.  The cost is $10.00 which gives you three games to bowl with your shoes included. There will be bumpers and a ramp for children to use to help them with their bowling. Also, there will be many baskets and other items to purchase tickets to win them.  All the money raised goes 100% to helping the homeless in our area through our charity -Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc. Entry forms to bowl are on the glass case in the fellowship hall.   You can also go to Rapids Bowling Center.com.  Any questions talk to Robin Stephenson, Sue Loss, or John Loss. 

CONCERT TODAY:  Five14, a local Christian rock band, will be performing at Hoover’s Dairy in Sanborn today from 4:30 – 5:00 and 6:00 – 7:00 pm.  The concert is free.  Bring your own chair.

JULY MISSION ENVELOPES are designated to support WINGS FLIGHTS OF HOPE.  Wings is a local group of pilots that volunteer their time and their planes to fly patients, free of charge, to specialty hospitals to receive needed medical care.  Many of these patients cannot use commercial flights because of their health status or the need for special equipment.  If you would like to support Wings, place your mission envelope in the offering plate during July or give online using the “monthly mission” option.

SALES HAVE STARTED:  We are accepting donations of school supplies, craft supplies, socks, and underwear.  Craft supplies will be donated in September to Potter’s Field 99 on Highland Avenue, a group of Christian adults that provides mentoring and activities several times a week for children with limited or inadequate parental supervision.  School supplies and clothing items will be distributed to our inner city children by the teachers and nurses at Harry Abate Elementary School in Niagara Falls.  There are tables available in the chapel and narthex for your donations.

FUNDRAISERS:  We are continuing to sell Niagara Chocolate candy bars after worship to help raise money for our new boiler.  There are also envelopes available on the white board in the chapel if you would like to participate in our Envelope Fundraiser.  Remove an envelope (or as many as you like), fill it with the amount indicated on the envelope (cash or check), and place it in the offering plate.  Thank you for helping our “Warm Hearts, Warm Toes” fundraising campaign.

BOWLING FOR CHARITY – The 3rd Annual Rapids sponsored “NO-TAP” bowling event will take place on Saturday, August 12, 2023.  “NO-TAP” gives you a strike if you knock down nine pins on your first ball.  There are two shifts to bowl – 9:30 AM & 12:30 PM.  The cost is $10.00 which gives you three games to bowl with your shoes included. There will be bumpers and a ramp for children to use to help them with their bowling.  Rapids, once again, is donating all 32 lanes for free to help our charity with this fundraising event.  Also, there will be many baskets and other items to purchase tickets to win them.  All the money raised goes 100% to helping the homeless in our area through our charity -Help and Hope for Homeless, Inc.  Recently we helped a 42-year-old woman by paying for her adult Licensed Practical Nursing class at ON-BOCES   In addition, we paid all of her State Board exam and licensing fees plus her review book. On June 8th she took and passed her exam. She currently is employed full-time for a healthcare facility on Grand Island.

Entry forms to bowl are on the glass case in the fellowship hall.   You can also go to Rapids Bowling Center. Com and click on EVENTS to download the entry form from there. Any questions talk to Robin Stephenson, Sue Loss, or John Loss.