GRACE TO YOU - Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn
Transcription
GRACE TO YOU - Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn
Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn 493 Forest Avenue at Pennsylvania Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Permit #104 West Conference - Metropolitan Chicago Synod - ELCA Month of March 2016 1085416–03 Vol. 2014-15 No. 16-03 Grace To You is the monthly newsletter of Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn. more than three feet apart, they are less likely to sing because they hear only themselves. When people sit closer together, everyone sings more. (Like, you know, in a pub!) People are more willing to sing when they hear the whole more than their part—and the combined effect is huge and Worship is our primary evangelism event. wonderful. I have never, ever been in a large group of There’s a reason people come to church, people singing with their mediocre-to-poor voices and and there’s a reason worship is the top thought, “Wow, this singing is bad.” Quite the opposite. But draw. Worship connects people to God the singing simply doesn’t work if people aren’t close and to each other, and provides impetus enough to each other. to connect them to the world in a different way. —Sit up front, or sit in the back? Yes, I know the speakers What makes worship meaningful for a visitor? Well, the are twitchy and it’s sometimes easier to hear in the back. leadership matters, of course. People want to hear good But visitors don’t know that. So, what do we communicate sermons, and good music. But an often-overlooked factor is when the front half of the church is empty? the other worshippers. (That would be all y’all.) You have a tremendous impact on how newcomers experience worship. —Greet or give ‘em space? This isn’t hard, actually—greet. But you don’t have to overwhelm folks, or even try to Worship isn’t just the way you get your soul fed. It’s also a engage them in a lot of chit-chat if that isn’t your personaliprimary way you express what you believe and feel about ty. A simple, “Hi, I don’t think I know you! My name is...” is God. You are our most important evangelism tool. perfect. When they give their name, they might also say But don’t panic, even if you don’t consider “evangelism” something like, “Oh, it’s my first time.” Then you can follow one of your top spiritual gifts. There are very simple ways up with, “Welcome to Grace! Thanks for coming today!” If to enhance the evangelism of worship, which you may not you’re a more outgoing type, you can continue with, “Is have thought of. Here are some choices we all make that there anything I can help you with this morning?” Then can broadcast unspoken (and sometimes unintended) point them to staff, or introduce them to a friend if they messages, and may be worth paying attention to: seem like they’d enjoy meeting more people, or show them —Sit together, or sit spread out? Think about what a group where classes or fellowship are happening. (Please don’t communicates by the choices its members make when they assume someone else will do this.) choose seats. Are people glad to be together? Do they look It isn’t hard to get people to visit the church once. The tricky like they’re avoiding each other? How much of a community part is creating the experience that makes them want to is the community? Too tight together, and we can look come back. You’re a bigger part of this than you might intimidating and/or exclusive. Too spread out, and we look realize. On the other hand, creating worship that welcomes like we don’t like anyone! isn’t as hard as you might have thought. —Sing, or don’t sing? This connects with the point above, and really impacts the energy of worship. When people are From the Pastor: When visitors come to Grace, what’s the thing they are most likely to attend first? Worship. G RACE TO YOU Proclaim, Build, and Serve Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 2 Lent Plan on joining us during the Wednesdays of Lent for a simple meal followed by Holden Evening Prayer. Wednesday worship services will be 30-40 minutes . Month of March 2016 Mid-Week Lenten Meals Simple Suppers will be served in the fellowship room each Wednesday during Lent from 6-6:45 pm. Freewill donations will be gratefully accepted. Worship will begin at 7:00pm. Watch for more information on the menu for each week. Confirmation students will meet with Pastor Melody at 5:30pm every Wednesday in Lent. At 6pm they will break for dinner and preparation for this year’s presentation of The Last Days. WOW children will gather at 6pm for dinner and an “activity table.” Christ in Our Home January, February, March 2016 Mid-Week Lenten Schedule February 24: 6:00pm simple supper; 7:00pm Holden Evening Prayer March 2: 6:00pm simple supper; 7:00pm Holden Evening Prayer March 9: 6:00pm simple supper; 7:00pm Holden Evening Prayer March 16: 6:00pm simple supper; 7:00pm Holden Evening Prayer Holy Week Schedule March 20 Palm/Passion Sunday: 8:00am & 10:00am - Worship March 24 Maundy Thursday: 7:00 pm Worship with The Last Days March 25 Good Friday: 10:00am The Last Days (for children) 7:00pm Worship with conclusion of The Last Days March 27 Easter Sunday: 8:00am & 10:00am - Worship Flexible Seating in Sanctuary As was mentioned at the congregational meeting in January, we have removed the first three rows of pews on each side of the sanctuary and replaced them with the chairs from the overflow room. These rows provide additional leg room as well as the flexibility to be reconfigured as needed for worship and special services. In this issue of Christ in Our Home, our very own Pr. Melody Eastman is one of the featured writers. Pr. Melody provided the daily devotions for January 16-30. Christ in Our Home is a quarterly publication that can be found in the Fellowship Room. Palm Sunday Eco-Palms “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!” -Mark 11:9 This year Grace has ordered our palms from Lutheran World Relief. These ecologically friendly palms encourage sustainable harvesting, meaning better income long into the future for palm harvesters in Latin America, their families and communities. EcoPalms harvesters often earn five to six times more per frond than traditional palms, and a portion of the purchase price goes directly back to the community! Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 3 Social Committee Corner Breakfast at Grace continues on most Sundays between services in the Fellowship Room. Proceeds will be going to monthly mission partners. Look for more information on our partners on the food table. Lots of fun and good food was served at the 3rd annual spaghetti supper in January. Thanks to all who helped out with cooking, eating, cleaning, movie watching and a special thank you to all the young people who helped out. An Easter reception between services is being planned for Easter Sunday. Faith & Friendship Lunch All are welcome to join our monthly gatherings. We get together the 3rd Wednesday every month for devotions, fellowship, food and various activities. All Grace members and friends are invited to attend!! Our next lunch is Wednesday, March 16 at 11:30am in the fellowship room. Come join us!! Grace To You Article Submission Schedule Submit articles and photos to Barbara Sudds at [email protected]: April Issue Due March 2 March Issue Due February 3 Noses and Numbers 8am 10am Date Attendance Offering 1/03 xx 120 $7,843 1/10 36 90 $6,795 1/17 35 80 $7,728 1/24 26 128 $3,463 1/31 39 108 $4,952 Grace’s total income for January 2016 was $33,982 while expenses incurred were $45,420 leaving Grace with a deficit of $11,438 at the end of January. Two contributing factors to this deficit was a payment to the Synod of $5,000 and one to Church Mutual for $3,600. Our monthly mortgage payment is $8,409. Month of March 2016 Easter Lilies In celebration of Easter, we are taking orders for lily plants to be placed on the altar for Easter Sunday. Plants can be purchased “In Honor Of” or “In Memory Of” someone or something special in your life. The plants you order can be taken home after the Easter service. Watch the bulletin as we get closer to Easter to place your order. New Worship and Education Schedule At the January council meeting, Grace’s church council voted to approve a change in the Sunday worship and education schedule beginning in September. The new worship times will be 8:00 and 10:30, with faith formation for children and adults (Sunday school) taking place from 9:15-10:15. The change will allow for more options in adult classes, and provide time to include offerings like music, drama or free play for children in addition to the regular lessons. Making the change in September will allow our current teachers to continue with their plans this year without needing to make adjustments mid-stream, and give us an opportunity to invite any new ministry leaders who might be interested in joining our teachers and working with the new options. The church council is grateful to everyone who provided input, which was carefully evaluated with regard to preferences and the need for development of our ministry. While there was a wide variety of opinion expressed, Council felt this schedule best supported the congregation’s long-term goals (developed in the Holy Cow study) while addressing concerns expressed in the conversations. Lutherdale Confirmation Retreat Katie Anderson Danny Anderson Mark Hamilton Jr. Becky Ficarella Hannah LoGalbo Maddie Franklin Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 4 Food Pantry Continues Its Mission to Make Hunger History! The end of the year statistics are in and the Glen Ellyn Food Pantry continues to grow in its mission to feed the hungry in DuPage County. A few statistics for 2015: $2,534,063 worth of food was distributed That total included just under $820,000 of food donated by local grocery food stores The number of individuals served (28,310) and appointments (8,960) increased 30% Nearly 60,000 bags of food come through our doors and left with hungry families! Walk-in appointments for 2015 increased by 117%, primarily due to the abundance of produce and bakery donated by grocery stores. This is all the activity that many Grace members see in our Fellowship Room throughout the week. Food Pantry clients are allowed to make appointments to "shop" for all available goods once per month. Walk-in clients may come in once per week to pick up extra fresh items as available. Food Pantry Upcoming Fundraisers! Besides relying on food donations, the GE Food Pantry participates in many community fundraisers. Here are a few coming up! Saturday, March 12 Glen Ellyn Newcomers "Celebration of Tables" Cost: $15 advance, $20 door Tickets available at Food Pantry office or Blackberry Market This is an annual "feast for the eyes" of tablescapes put together by Newcomer volunteers. Get lots of ideas for entertaining or just enjoy the many themes. Tickets include a light buffet catered by Blackberry Market. For more information write to [email protected]. Saturday, April 30 Human Race 5K - 2 mile run/walk benefitting 50 local charities located at Esplanade at Locust Point in Downers Grove Cost: $35 5K, $30 2-mile; kids 13 and under free Sign up to participate or donate at www.dupagehumanrace.org Friday, May 6 Glen Ellyn Infant Welfare Housewalk Cost: $35 Tickets available at some Glen Ellyn businesses or by contacting www.glenellyninfantwelfare.org This is the 32nd annual Housewalk, held from 10am - 2pm and 5-9pm. Month of March 2016 Weekly Building Usage Sunday Sunday 8:00 & 10:00am 9:00am Grace Lutheran Worship Faith Formation Hour, Choir, Breakfast at Grace Sunday 5:00-6:00pm Support Group (WOW Rm) Mon-Fri 9:00-1:00pm Senior Service Center 3rd Monday 9:00-11:00pm Food Pantry Brd of Directors Monday 11:30-12:30pm Support Group (WOW Rm) Monday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients Monday 1:00 & 7:15pm Yoga Class (Narthex) Monday 5:30-8:30pm Highland Dancers (Gym) 2nd Monday 6:00pm Finance Ministry Monday 7:00-8:30pm Adult Ed Bible Study 1st Monday 7:00pm Property Ministry 3rd Monday 7:00pm Church Council Tuesday 9-11&1-3&5-7pm Food Pantry for Clients 1st Tuesday 9:30am Social Ministry 3rd Tuesday 10:00-Noon Sr. Ctr. Book Club Tuesday 4:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor Tuesday 4:45-9:00pm Spotlight Theater Wednesday 7:30-8:30am Bible Study 2nd Wed. 10:00-Noon Sr. Ctr. Bingo 2nd Wed. 2:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry 3rd Wed. 11:30am Faith & Friendship Lunch Wednesday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients 2nd Wed. 2:00pm Prayer Shawl Ministry Wednesday 3:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor 1st Wed. 5:30-7:00pm Confirmation/WOW 3rd Wed. 5:30-7:00pm Confirmation/WOW Wednesday 8:00-10:00pm Support Group (WOW Rm) Thursday 1:00-3:00pm Food Pantry for Clients Thursday 1:00-7:00pm Parish Counselor Thursday 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday 7:30-8:30pm Opa-Cize Friday 9-11am & 1-3pm Food Pantry for Clients Friday 6:30-7:45pm Support Group (WOW Rm) First three Saturdays of each month: Saturday 9:00-1:00pm Slanchogledi (WOW Room) Saturday 12:00-2:00pm Sunflower Dancers (Gym) Prayer Requests Kirk Odiet, Jan Hutzler, Cindy Carlson, Lynn Lisner, and Esperanza Garcia for healing and strength. Beth & Howard Bruning on their 56th anniversary (2/6). Prayers for our Homebound Members: Ardena Klenk – at home in Glen Ellyn Florence Kracke – living in Minnesota Julie Trout—at home in Wheaton Prayers for our member in the Armed Forces: Rodger Plant, Air Force Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn Grace to You Page 5 Singing in Worship “You don’t want to hear me sing!” People often say this, but singing together is a very important way of creating community—and it doesn’t matter how good you think your voice is. The most important thing is adding your voice to the mix—more voices means more energy, and any rough edges get smoothed out in the totality of the music. Singing welcomes visitors, helps them experience a worship service that has energy, and makes it more likely that they’ll want to come back. Singing has been part of worship ever since there was worship—so even if you’re a little unsure of your voice or the music, don’t hold back the gift of your song in worship! Let Your Light Shine! We have named our Faith Formation programs at Grace! Little Lights: Newborn through Age 3 Spark: Preschool Shine: K-Elementary Ignite: Confirmation Fusion: High School Prism: Adult Check out the bulletin board in the Fellowship Room to see what activities are taking place for you. Month of March 2016 Grace Lutheran Church of Glen Ellyn West Conference - Metropolitan Chicago Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 493 Forest Avenue at Pennsylvania Avenue Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 Office: 630.469.1555 Fax: 630.469.1561 Email: [email protected] www.graceglenellyn.org Every Member; Minister & Missionary! Melody Eastman, Pastor Bradford Thompson, Minister of Music Barbara Sudds, Office Manager Becky Ficarella, Children & Youth Coordinator Carole LoGalbo, M.S., LCPC Parish Counselor Church Office Hours Monday-Friday 9:30am - 3:00pm Spaghetti Supper Fun!!