Grace Lutheran Church

Announcements for the week of June 12, 2011

There will be a VBS Planning Meeting next Sunday following the 10:30 worship. Many people are needed to make this another successful year. If you would like to help, but are unable to attend the meeting please contact Randy Broeker.

Thank you to all who have donated items from the VBS Donation Tree. If you have taken a card, please return the needed item as soon as possible since we are already making decorations for the big week! There will be more items on the tree as we finalize preparations, so keep watching. We appreciate your help!
VBS Registration Forms can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

NEEDED FOR VBS–We need the empty cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls or wrapping paper rolls. Please leave them on the VBS tree table in the chapel. We will let you know when we have enough. Thanks!

Our summer Social Ministries Project will be the collection of undergarments, socks, toiletries, and school supplies. A table has been set up in the narthex to receive your donations. All donations will be delivered in September to local agencies who have requested our help. Children’s sizes and school supplies will benefit students in need at the Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School. Adult sizes and toiletry items will be distributed by the Magdalene Project based at St. George’s Church on Falls Street, as they reach out to homeless women on the streets of our city in an effort to help them change where their lives are headed. And infant sizes will be used by Summit Outreach on Pine Avenue, as they work with teens and young women experiencing crisis pregnancy situations. Your help is appreciated!

Let There Be Light Conference presale tickets are available from the church only until June 30. Presale price is $10 for adults and $5 for ages 3-11. After the June 30 deadline tickets can be purchased at www.iTickets.com

Our FOOD PANTRY is running low. If you are able to help by purchasing a couple of non-perishable food items, please leave them on the table in the narthex or in the chapel. Thank you for helping our neighbors in need.

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Communion Worship
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. DuFour Baptism

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

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

THURSDAY
7:00 p.m. Grace Informational Class

NEXT SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Worship Service
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. VBS Planning Meeting

Announcements for the week of June 12, 2011

Summer Worship hours start next Sunday. There will be worship at 8:00 a.m. followed by Adult Bible Class and Worship at 10:30 a.m. We are in need of a coffee fellowship coordinator following the 10:30 a.m. service. Call the church office or contact Bev Mills if you can help.

The next “Creating Our Future” meeting is tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to attend, even if you haven’t been to one in the past.

Grace “Growing in Faith” classes started last week. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30p.m. This is for anyone who wants to know more about the Lutheran Faith, would like a refresher, or is interested in joining our church. It’s not too late to join us!

Our Sunday morning Bible Study started a new topic this week, “Answers in Genesis.” Each week we will be watching a 30 minute DVD and then discussing it. Everyone is invited to join us.

Get your “Let There Be Light” tickets at the presale price of $10 today in the chapel, or during the week from the church office.

As part of our congregational picnic today we will have a tree planting. After eating your picnic lunch, join us in our front yard as we plant a White Flowering Pear tree which is given in memory of Pastor & Betty Herfurth (parents of Jane Schulz) and Harold & Janet Kroening (parents of Amy Folmsbee).

VBS Donation Tree–It’s that time again!! We are preparing for Vacation Bible School, and we need your help. As we think of things we need, we will be placing our “wish list” items on the tree from now until VBS. If you are able to help, please take a card off the tree, purchase the requested item, and return it to the tree table the next Sunday. Our appreciation and a sincere “thank you” goes out to those who have already donated!!

NEEDED FOR VBS–We need the empty cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls or wrapping paper rolls. Please leave them on the VBS tree table in the chapel. We will let you know when we have enough. Thanks!

Our summer Social Ministries Project will be the collection of undergarments, socks, toiletries, and school supplies. A table has been set up in the narthex to receive your donations. All donations will be delivered in September to local agencies who have requested our help. Children’s sizes and school supplies will benefit students in need at the Niagara Falls Harry Abate Elementary School. Adult sizes and toiletry items will be distributed by the Magdalene Project based at St. George’s Church on Falls Street, as they reach out to homeless women on the streets of our city in an effort to help them change where their lives are headed. And infant sizes will be used by Summit Outreach on Pine Avenue, as they work with teens and young women experiencing crisis pregnancy situations. Your help is appreciated!

The flowers on the altar today are given to the Glory of God in celebration of 50 years in the ministry, by Pastor and Jane Brese.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

MONDAY
6:30 p.m. Creating Our Future
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

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

THURSDAY
7-8:30 p.m. Growing in Faith Class

NEXT SUNDAY
8:00 a.m. Communion Worship
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship
11:30 a.m. Coffee Fellowship

Announcements for the week of June 5, 2011

Let There Be Light Conference presale tickets are available in the church office only until June 30. Presale price is $10 for adults and $5.

Grace “Growing in Faith” classes start this Thursday, June 9. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 7-8:30p.m. This is for anyone who wants to know more about the Lutheran Faith, would like a refresher, or is interested in joining our church. Invite your friends!

Our Sunday morning Bible Study starts a new topic next week, “Answers in Genesis.” Each week we will be watching a 30 minute DVD and then discussing it. Everyone is invited to join us.

Summer Worship hours start June 19. There will be worship at 8:00 a.m. followed by Adult Bible Class and Worship at 10:30 a.m. We are in need of a coffee fellowship coordinator following the 10:30 a.m. service. Call the church office or contact Bev Mills if you can help.

Next Sunday is Sunday School closing and our Congregational Fellowship Picnic. Hot dogs, hamburgers and beverage will be provided. There is a sign up sheet in the chapel for salads and desserts.

Mark your calendar, the next “Creating Our Future” meeting is Monday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

VBS Donation Tree–It’s that time again!! We are preparing for Vacation Bible School, and we need your help! A donation tree has been set up in the chapel. As our teachers and helpers think of supplies they will need, donation suggestions will be added to the tree. If you are able to help, please take a card off the tree, purchase the suggested item, and return it to the tree table the next Sunday. The name and phone number of the person needing each item will be on the back of the card in case you have questions. We will be placing our “wish list” items on the tree from now until July, so feel free to keep checking to see what’s new. Thank you!!

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

The planter on the altar today is given to the Glory of God in loving memory of her son Joe Hoffman, by Cathy Hoffman. The flowers on the altar today are given to the Glory of God in honor of the confirmation of their children, by the confirmand’s parents.
THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
6:30 p.m. Community AA Meeting

TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Elders’ Meeting

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

THURSDAY
7-8:30 p.m. Growing in the Faith Class

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbreakers Bible Study @ Sorenson’s

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

Annoucements for the week of May 29, 2011

Ascension Day worship is this Thursday, June 2. We will be having our annual Chicken BBQ at 5:30 p.m. followed by worship at 7:00 p.m. There is a sign up sheet at the book nook in the chapel for salads and desserts.

This Tuesday, May 31st is the last possible chance to have your photo taken for our church pictorial directory. Call Olin Mills at 1-800-866-2263 or you can request a sitting time online at www.olanmills.com

Let There Be Light Conference presale tickets are available in the church office only until June 30. Presale price is $10 for adults and $5.

Grace Informational Classes will start next month on June 9. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 7-8:15p.m. This is for anyone who wants to know more about the Lutheran Faith, would like a refresher, or is interested in joining our church.

Summer Worship hours start June 19. There will be worship at 8:00 a.m. followed by Adult Bible Class and Worship at 10:30 a.m. We are in need of a coffee fellowship coordinator following the 10:30 a.m. service. Call the church office or contact Bev Mills if you can help.

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

VBS Donation Tree–It’s that time again!! We are preparing for Vacation Bible School, and we need your help! A donation tree has been set up in the chapel. As our teachers and helpers think of supplies they will need, donation suggestions will be added to the tree. If you are able to help, please take a card off the tree, purchase the suggested item, and return it to the tree table the next Sunday. The name and phone number of the person needing each item will be on the back of the card in case you have questions. We will be placing our “wish list” items on the tree from now until July, so feel free to keep checking to see what’s new. Thank you!!

The Social Ministries Committee has sent $200 from the budget to help with tornado and flood disaster relief in the Midwestern and Southern states. If you are looking for a way to help, you can donate to the LCMS relief effort on line at www.lcms.org/disaster/tornado, or by mail to LCMS World Relief and Human Care, Attn: Disaster Relief, PO Box 66861, St. Louis, MO 63166-6861, or by phone at 1-888-930-4438.

Pioneer Camp and Retreat Center will hold its 20th Annual Summerfest on Sunday, July 10, 2011 combining it with a welcome and recognition for military children and families participating in Take A Break Camp for Military Youth – an outreach program at Pioneer for children of deployed military personnel. Tickets for the all day event are only $10.00 for an adult and $5.00 for children 4-12, 3 and under are free. This is a Thrivent Financial Fundraising Event and all proceeds will benefit children attending the “Take a Break Camp” at Pioneer.

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

TUESDAY
2-9:30 p.m. Olin Mills Picture Taking

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

THURSDAY
5:30 p.m. Fellowship Chicken BBQ
7:00 p.m. Ascension Day Worship

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

Announcements for the week of May 22, 2011

Creating Our Future Meetings have started again! Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to join us even if you haven’t attended before.

Grace Ladies will be hosting their annual Potluck Dinner this Tuesday, May 24th at 6:00 p.m. A fashion show will follow with items from LADD shop. There is a sign up sheet on the glass case in the chapel. All women are invited, come bring a friend and join us in fun and fellowship.

If you haven’t signed up to have your picture taken for our pictorial directory yet, it’s not too late! The last photography date is Tuesday, May 31. Call Olin Mills at 1-800-866-2263 or you can request a sitting time online at www.olanmills.com

Let There Be Light Conference presale tickets are available in the church office only until June 30. Presale price is $10 for adults and $5.

Grace Informational Classes will start next month on June 9. We will meet on Thursday evenings from 7-8:15p.m. This is for anyone who wants to know more about the Lutheran Faith, would like a refresher, or is interested in joining our church.

Ascension Day worship is Thursday, June 2. We will be having our annual Chicken BBQ at 5:30 p.m. There is a sign up sheet at the book nook in the chapel for salads and desserts.

Summer Worship hours start June 19. There will be worship at 8:00 a.m. followed by Adult Bible Class and Worship at 10:30 a.m. We are in need of a coffee fellowship coordinator following the 10:30 a.m. service. Call the church office or contact Bev Mills if you can help.

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

PandaMania is coming to Grace! Vacation Bible School will be held July 25-29 from 5:30-8:00 pm. We will start out with a simple supper followed by bible study, crafts, singing and games. Invite your friends! We are always in need of volunteers to make VBS successful, if you would like to help in anyway, please contact the church office or see Randy Broeker.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today…In Sunday School, the children learned the story of Peter and Cornelius (Acts 10) and how like them the Good News comes to us. Talk about how in church we receive the Good News that, although we are judged unrighteous and deserving of death, God mercifully declares us holy, righteous, and innocent because of Christ. What does this mean for our daily lives is a good question to discuss as a family.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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

TUESDAY
6:00 p.m. Grace Ladies Potluck Dinner

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 and
Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Comm. Worship Service

Announcements for the week of May 15, 2011

Creating Our Future Meetings have started back again. We meet this Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to join us even if you haven’t attended before.

Grace Ladies will be hosting their annual Potluck Dinner on Tuesday, May 24th at 6:00 p.m. A fashion show will follow with fashions from LADD shop. There is a sign up sheet on the glass case in the chapel.

If you haven’t signed up to have your picture taken for our new pictorial directory yet it’s not too late! Call Olin Mills at 1-800-866-2263 or you can request a sitting time online at www.olanmills.com For those who have appointments this Wednesday, Olin Mills will be calling you to reconfirm your appointment. All calls will come from a 223 area code.

We would like to thank everyone who helped in various ways (setup, clean up, cooking, serving, shopping, promo, tickets sales, etc.) to make the May Fest a resounding success. Everyone had a great time as can be seen by the photo collage in the chapel. We hope to do it again next year!

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

Attn Youth: Our own Youth Alumni George Baum and Michael Bridges of Lost and Found are performing this afternoon at First Trinity Lutheran Church on Niagara Falls Blvd. We will be carpooling from church leaving at 1:15. Tickets are $5.00 please let Pastor know if you plan on coming so that we have enough vehicles. As always, friends are welcome!

The Samaritan Counseling Center of WNY invites you to Wild West Weekend, starring Phil Vassar and Cody McCarver at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls on this weekend May 20 and 21. Tickets are $75 and doors open at 7pm. Tickets are available at the theatre box office or call SCC at (716) 743-9117.

Today we welcome Christopher Joseph Ambrosia into the Kingdom of God through Holy Baptism. Christopher was born January 17, 2011 and is the son of Chris and Nadine Ambrosia. His sponsors are David and Cortney Ambrosia.

The June Gleanings newsletter deadline is this Friday, May 20. Please send any information you would like included to the church office at secretary@gracenf.org or contact Bev Mills.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Communion Worship Service
11:30 a.m. Ambrosia Baptism
1:15 p.m. Lost and Found Concert

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

TUESDAY
12-9 p.m. School Board Elections

WEDNESDAY
9:30 a.m. Bible Study
10:30 a.m. Craft Group
2-9:30 p.m. Olan Mills Pictures
7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

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

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

Announcements for the week of May 8, 2011

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Let There Be Light – Today we will have a special invitation from the group hosting the “Let There Be Light” conference on September 17th at the convention center in Niagara Falls.
They will be talking to us about a once in a lifetime opportunity to hear from world renowned experts on the truth and accuracy of God’s word particularly in Genesis. It is critical for us to understand that God speaks to us through all of His word – that it all points to God’s plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. So that we can recognize and follow Jesus’ cross. After hearing from them there will be an opportunity to help this important ministry by contributing to the door offering and an opportunity to learn more by visiting their informational table in the Chapel area. Tickets for this event will go on sale soon.

Due to an overwhelming response we have added an additional day, Tuesday, May 31 for sittings for our pictorial directory. We will be taking pictures from 2-9:20 p.m. A few sittings have opened up for May 18 as well. Check the sign up in the chapel. This will be the last day to sign up at church, after today, appointments can be made by calling Olin Mills at 1-800-866-2263.

Our SPECIAL MISSION ENVELOPES for May & June are designated for “Friends of the Seminary”, a volunteer group that assists our seminary students who may be struggling to pay bills, or buy necessities like clothing and food. Both Pastor Sorenson and Pastor Gaertner have become the shepherds of Grace directly upon their graduation from seminary. We would like to return thanks for this blessing by offering help to current Lutheran seminary students.

Open House: St. John Lutheran School is having an open house for preschool through grade 8 on Monday, May 9th from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Bring your child, meet the teachers, see the classrooms, review the curriculum, ask questions, and receive an information packet. We look forward to seeing you.

Attention Youth: Our own Youth Alumni Lost and Found will present a concert at First Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. We will meet at the church at 1:15 p.m. to carpool. Tickets are $5. Everyone is welcome to join us!

Ladies -Save the Date: Tuesday, May 24 is the Annual Grace Ladies Potluck Dinner. Look for a sign up sheet coming next week.
The Niagara Falls Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and the Greater Niagara Associates are sponsoring an Educational Seminar titled “The Consequences of Long Term Care on Your Family and Retirement Portfolio”. It will be held at the Freedom Run Winery, 5138 Lower Mountain Rd., Lockport, on Thursday May 12 at 6:30 PM. Guest speaker is Richard Kane of Rochester NY. Refreshments will be served. There is no cost for this event, but reservations are required. Please call 695-2200 and ask for Sharon to confirm.
THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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

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

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

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

Announcements for the week of April 10, 2011

You can have your blood pressure checked for free in the chapel after today’s service. Trish Andrews, a nurse practitioner will be available to take your blood pressure today. This is a service offered four times a year by our Board of Social Ministries. Stop by the chapel after church and look for Trish and her helper, Doreen Herbst (also a nurse).

We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will help us connect names with faces. The scheduled dates for photography are April 27 & 28 and May 18. There are sign up sheets for sitting times in both the chapel and the narthex or you can call the church office during the week at 283-1843.

PENNY WAR: Next Sunday is Palm Sunday, and the LAST Sunday to donate to the Sunday School Penny War. Winners will be announced in Sunday School on Easter Sunday. We hope to raise $530 which will provide 200 Lutheran World Relief health kits for refugees around the world. ALL forms of change (pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters) can be used to gain points for each team!!

Cookies made from mud to stop their hungry children from crying, dirty water to drink, cardboard boxes for housing–these are just a few of the hardships endured on a daily basis in the countries served by “Food for the Poor”. This agency is our Special Mission Envelope project for March and April. They dig fresh water wells, provide food, build houses, care for

orphans, and provide medical care in the poorest countries of the world. Please keep this agency in your thoughts and prayers, and consider a donation in your Special Mission envelopes to help them in their efforts. Your generosity is appreciated.

Please join us on Wednesday at 6:00pm for a Simple Supper before the 7:00pm Lenten Worship Service.

Next Sunday is the last week to bring in your wrapped bars of soap for LWML collection for Lutheran World Relief.

A Spring Cleanup is planned for church this Saturday, April 16 from 8am to 1pm. We will work inside and out (weather permitting). Please plan on joining us getting the church ready for Easter.

A May Fest is planned for May 7. It will be similar to the Oktoberfest we had a few years ago. There is a sign up sheet on the glass case in the chapel. Flyers and tickets are available in the church office.

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

The flowers on the altar today are given to the Glory of God in honor of their 25th Wedding Anniversary yesterday, by Randy and Linda Broeker.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

TODAY
9:00 a.m. SS/Adult Bible Class
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
11:30 a.m. SS Staff Meeting
11:30 a.m. Blood Pressure Clinic

MONDAY
6:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting
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. Lenten Worship
7:30 p.m. Choir Practice

SATURDAY
8-1:00 p.m. Spring Clean Up

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

Announcements for the week of April 3, 2011

Today is the last Sunday to order your flowers for Easter. Order forms can be found on the glass case in the chapel.

We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will help us connect names with faces. The scheduled dates for photography are April 27 & 28 and May 18. Look for sign up sheets for sitting times coming soon!

The pitcher of water in the front of church is there to remind us how lucky we are to be able to turn on our taps and get fresh, clean water whenever we need it. In the countries served by “Food for the Poor”, water is most often obtained from the nearest stream–the same stream used for bathing, washing clothes, and disposing of wastes. Many people suffer with diseases carried in this contaminated water source. “Food for the Poor” is our Special Mission Envelope project for March and April. This agency digs fresh water wells, provides food, builds houses, cares for orphans, and provides medical care in the poorest countries of the world. Please keep this agency in your thoughts and prayers.

LOOSE CHANGE SUNDAY IS NEXT WEEK: Our Sunday School students are continuing to battle against the devil and his evil ways of poverty and homelessness, while competing against each other in this year’s PENNY WAR. We hope to raise $530 which will provide 200 Lutheran World Relief health kits with basic hygiene items for refugees around the world, including Haiti and Japan. Next Sunday we will encourage those in church to “lose” their pocket change (and purse change) onto the pew cushions before the end of the service. Our Sunday School students have been invited to gather this loose change after church as a donation toward our Penny War goal. All change is welcome–pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters!!

LWML will be collecting wrapped bars of soap for Lutheran World Relief. Look for the drop box in chapel area. We will be collecting up to Sunday, April 17.

A Spring Cleanup is planned for church on Saturday, April 16 from 8am to 1pm. We will work inside and out (weather permitting). Please plan on joining us getting the church ready for Easter.

A May Fest is planned for May 7. It will be similar to the Oktoberfest we had a few years ago. There is a sign up sheet on the glass case in the chapel.

What We Learned in Sunday School Today…Today in Sunday School the children learned about Jesus healing a blind man (John 9). Jesus came into this world to forgive us and grant us faith–spiritual sight. He gives sight to our souls by forgiving our sins. In your family faith discussions discuss how sin blinds us in our life of faith. What ways does sin do that? How do the Word and Sacraments give us “eyes of faith” so that we can believe?

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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

TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. Elders’ Meeting

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

THURSDAY
5:00 p.m. Herfurth Memorial
Service

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

Announcements for the week of March 27, 2011

Please join us on Wednesday at 6:00pm for a Simple Supper before the 7:00pm Lenten Worship Service. This week’s dinner will be hosted by the Elders.

Giving Back to Military Families – Volunteer(s) are needed to help out in the youth room at a reintegration weekend for families of the 827th. This weekend is put on for military families who have recently had a loved one return from combat. It provides an opportunity for them to socialize in an organized setting with people who understand what they’re going through. This event is at the Buffalo Hyatt Hotel this weekend April 2nd and 3rd. You can serve one hour or several. They will provide games, crafts, snacks, etc. for the youth to enjoy. They just need people to chaperone so that mom and dad can enjoy each other and friends while their children have fun with other children. Please contact the church office if you are willing to help.

We are excited to announce that we are going to create a new pictorial directory of our church family. The directory will help us connect names with faces. The scheduled dates for photography are April 27 & 28 and May 18. Look for sign up sheets for sitting times coming soon!

The cardboard box you see in the front of the church this morning is a reminder of the type of homes the majority of people in Haiti have been living in since the earthquake last year. Food for the Poor is our special mission envelope project for March and April. Food for the Poor provides food for over 2 million people EVERY DAY! They also build houses, fund orphanages, aid educational efforts, and dig water wells in countries where poverty is a way of life. Please keep this organization in your prayers over the next couple of months.

LWML will be collecting wrapped bars of soap for Lutheran World Relief. Look for the drop box in chapel area. We will be collecting up to Sunday, April 17.

Thrivent Choice Dollars Deadline For 2010 Is Thursday, March 31, 2011. If you have not yet instructed Thrivent Financial who you would like your choice dollars sent to, you have until March 31, 2011 to do so. There are postcards in the narthex and chapel instructing you how to do this either by telephone or online. If you need further help you may contact Sharon Rosebrock or Les Fuerch at 695-2200. If you qualify for the Choice Dollars program, Thrivent has between $25 and $500 waiting for your instructions.

We are planning a Spring Cleanup at church on Saturday, April 16 from 8am to 1pm. We will work inside and out (weather permitting). Please plan on joining us getting the church ready for Easter.

A May Fest is planned for May 7. It will be similar to the Oktoberfest we had a few years ago. There is a sign up sheet on the glass case in the chapel.

April Portals of Prayer are available in the narthex and the chapel. Feel free to pick one up.

THIS WEEK AT GRACE

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

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

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

SATURDAY
5:00 p.m. Breadbreakers’ Bible Study @
Sorenson’s

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