Council Notes FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK

Grapevine
Grace Lutheran Church
Easton, MD
A welcoming community of believers,
proclaims the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
equipping disciples to serve
our congregation, community, and the world.
Council Notes
Thoughts on Mission and Budget
Our congregation is busy as we live out our mission.
Lots of new choir members several of whom have
joined as members of the congregation. And it is apparent from the feedback that many of us receive
from you the members of the congregation that you
have noticed the beautiful and fuller sounds emanating from the balcony and occasionally from the front
of the chancel. Those of us who attended the first of
our concert series got to listen to some other magnificent sounds from the piano that sits in the front of
the chancel. This was made possible by the generous support of you the members of Grace.
Are you participating the in Bible studies initiated by Pastor Karen? Another new opportunity for
us all to engage in study, to listen to God and to our
fellow members of Grace. The Sunday morning
adult program has been growing and providing opportunity to engage the scriptures and to listen to
God and our fellow members.
The property committee has been busy and I
am sure you have noticed the shiny new coat of
paint on the exterior of the church.
The youth program has blossomed and we have
an enthusiastic group of young people that have
been participating both here at Grace and in synod
youth events. We have been noticed for our sizeable
contingent, well beyond the normal number from a
congregation of our size. Take a moment to talk with
our high school youth about their activities. Next
year we will have sizeable number attending the
ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit.
All of this has implications for our budget and
you have been generous in your support. As we put
the finishing touches on our budget proposal to be
presented for discussion at our November 9 meeting
between services. Your continued support is appreciated. Part of our budget discussions include your
pledged financial support. We have noticed a good
response on pledge Sunday and urge those of you
who have not pledged to do so as soon as possible
to aid in our budget planning.
Council Notes continues p 7
For every minute you are angry,
you lose 60 seconds of happiness
November 2014
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have
learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
Philippians 4:11
How well have we learned to be content in our
circumstances? Can we honestly say that we are content in, as Paul frames it,
whatever our circumstances? These are challenging ideas and questions. As
we look forward during this month of November to that holiday on which an
attitude of gratitude is focused, perhaps this would be a good time to take a
good read of our “contentment meter.”
Advertising and marketing agencies are paid big bucks to convince us
that we are, in fact, not content in our circumstances. Not all discontent is
bad, however. Discontentment can motivate us to pursue the education we
need to fulfill our calling. A healthy dose of discontentment may be just what
we need to energize us to make a needed change in our eating habits or exercise regimen. Deep-seated discontent with the way our spiritual lives are
heading can inspire us to adopt more consistent devotional practices or to
participate in a more regular worship experience. Nothing wrong with that,
right?
The discontent that drains us, leaves us convinced we are lacking fundamental elements for happiness and fulfillment which may only be “fixed” by
seeking material or external gratification, however, can lead us into dangerous
territory and the exact opposite of the contentment that Paul is alluding to.
The contentment Paul refers to comes to us through the gifts of the Holy
Spirit and the grace bestowed on us by a loving and merciful God. It involves
the recognition that whatever we have is truly “enough” and invites us into
that attitude of gratitude mentioned above. It cannot be supplied through acquisition of the latest iPhone or other gadget, a shiny, fast car parked in the
driveway, vacations to exotic places or any of the myriad things that we think
we “need.”
Rather, Paul’s contentment and ours comes through the realization that
God provides all we really need; that there is something much larger at work
here that anything we can “acquire” and that true contentment is deeper,
broader and higher than anything we “possess.”
Last month, I invited to you take on one new activity, study, or practice
during the year that runs September to May. This month, I would like to invite
you to an intentional “attitude of gratitude” activity. During November, start a
journal, and each day write down one unique thing for which you are grateful. And by “thing” I mean something that blessed you that day or that you
thought of that day which blesses you. It could be something as simple as the
smile of a stranger that somehow warmed your heart and made you feel
“connected.” It could be something as profound as a clean bill of health. You
decide. Let’s see if through an intentional daily focus on gratitude and contentment, we might change the way our hearts see God’s activity in our lives
every day.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Karen+
2
November 2
First-Sunday Adult Forum
A PASSAGE TO INDIA:
Dear Friends,
Thank You for all the thoughts, prayers and
cards after the loss of my mother. The Grace
family is truly special.
Michelle Bullock
Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering
Grace members are invited and strongly urged to participate in the Annual
Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering on Sunday, November 23, 2014
beginning at 7:00 p.m. Temple B’nai Israel will once again host the Annual Interfaith Community Thanksgiving Worship Service sponsored by the Talbot Association of Clergy and Laity (TACL). A reception with refreshments and time for
fellowship will immediately follow the service, in the social hall of the temple.
The Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service has grown in recent years, as a
multicultural gathering including time for word, song and prayer led by lay
members and clergy from a wide variety of faith traditions and congregations
throughout the area. It provides a perfect opportunity for us to participate in a
service of prayer with others in our community who practice diverse faith traditions. A free-will offering will be taken to benefit the Good Samaritan Fund,
which offers limited assistance to those in our community who are faced with
eviction or utility turn-off.
Annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering
November 23, 7:00 pm
Temple B’nai Israel
The Search for Footprints Left by My Grandparents
Annabel Lesher
In 1890 my grandfather, William Hamilton Hannum
(WHH), graduated from Union Theological Seminary in New York and embarked for the first of four
tours as a missionary to India. My early years were
filled with stories of India, where my mother was
born.
In December, 2013, second, third, and fourth
generation descendants of WHH and Annabel M.
Hannum embarked on our own tour of Bombay,
Ratnagiri, Kohlapur, Miraj, Vengurla, and Goa in
search of the footprints left by the Hannums. We
found a church Where he served and an over- thetop welcome from the congregation, a very vibrant
secondary school founded by my ancestor over a
hundred years ago, the residence of an exiled king of
Burma Whom my grandfather met, the graves of
young Hannum children who never survived to
adulthood, and a very friendly tour of a house once
lived in by the Hannums.
Join in for photos of India, then and now, accompanied by stories, then and now.
Pastoral Care
Pastor Karen will be out of town at First Call Theological Education, November 11 through 13.
Bernie Coates will cover pastoral care needs during that time. Please call him at 410-745-6534.
Grace Lutheran Church
Member Delaware-Maryland Synod, ELCA
111 Brookletts Avenue
Easton, MD 21601-2954
410.822.2904
[email protected]
www.gracelutheranchurcheaston.org
The Reverend Karen E. Larson, Pastor
[email protected]
Kevin Thomas,
Director of Music &
Coordinator of Youth Ministries
[email protected]
David Nicholson, Organist
Marilou Russ, Office Administrator
[email protected]
Grapevine is
produced by Grace Lutheran
Church for our members and friends.
September 2014
Dear Grace Lutheran Church
Friend of Lutheran World Relief,
Thank you for your generous gift of material resources for LWR’s distribution overseas. These gifts of your hearts and hands – Quilts and soap, plus
supplies for health, school and baby care – are beautiful expressions of
God’s grace and love to people all around the world. Your care and compassion makes it possible for families and communities to keep themselves
healthy, warm, educated and employed.
In the Philippines, Mission Quilts, School Kits and Personal Care Kits
were distributed to people displaced by conflict. One father, Joel Libradilya,
expressed gratitude that he could use his Quilt to cover his one-year-old
daughter at night. “This is much nicer than relief blankets – thicker and
more colorful,” Joel explained. “This will help because it's cold up in the
hills.”
On behalf of Joel, his young daughter; and countless others in villages,
schools, hospitals and refugee camps around
the world, I extend deepest thanks for your contribution.
In Christ,
Melanie W. Gibbons
Quilt & Kit Ministry Coordinator
3
Temple Talk, October 5
I
The BYOL Group of Alcoholics Anonymous meets Monday through Friday at 12:15 in the
c
h
a
tted
Fellowship Hall. “BYOL” is an acronym for “Bring Your Own Lunch,” since a number of
recently
with our
members attend on their lunch break from work.
The AA Preamble best describes the program:
friend Anne Dudley.
“Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience,
Anne was born in
strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and
Washington, D.C. but
help others to recover from alcoholism.
spent
most of her life in
“The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no
Montgomery
County. She has
dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization, or ina sister who is also in Montstitution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor
gomery County as well as a
opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alconiece, who happens to be her god
holics to achieve sobriety.”
child and her niece’s two adorable
BYOL meetings last an hour. Typically one or more members read a part of
children.
AA literature and how it relates to his or her life. The lead passes to the next perAnne was raised Presbyterian and
son, and the next, and so on. BYOL meetings are “open.” Anyone with an interest in alcoholism is welcome. However, they ask that the people who speak
went to Queen’s College in Charlotte,
share about their problems with alcoholism.
North Carolina. At the time it was an allBYOL first met in Easton in 1980 in a succession of meeting places. It setgirls school, and students were required
tled in 1991 at Grace Church. AA meetings are self-supporting, so BYOL pays
to
go to chapel twice a week.
monthly rent. The group voluntarily adds contributions to offset heating or
Anne
enjoyed her career as a French
cooling seasonal costs. BYOL expects to be a worthy tenant.
Likewise, Grace is a caring landlord. The renovation of Fellowship Hall
teacher in Montgomery County. She taught
was very meeting-friendly, with excellent coffee-making and other amenities.
at White Oak Junior High and Seneca ValPastors and staff as well as the members of the congregation have been very
ley High School in Germantown. She was
supporting.
also
a foreign language resource teacher
Grace members and their family members have attended BYOL. BYOL
and
a
consultant for a text book company.
members have participated in the life of Grace. We hope the two continue
Just recently she sponsored the class of
their mutual service.
Dave Kleinke
1979 and went to their 35-year reunion.
In 2005, she decided she needed a change
Temple Talk, October 12
of scenery and moved to Easton. She goes
Picking up our stewardship theme this year: we are a welcoming Christian
to the Western Shore to catch up with old
community in Easton, Maryland. Previously we have heard about our welfriends, she has made many new friends
coming visitors on Sunday morning that has resulted in new members. A part
here, as well. She really loves to go to conof our worship, our music in praise of God has in addition been a part of our
certs and musical theatre. She feels very
welcoming of visitors and has led to new members of our choir and the enfortunate that there is so much to do and
hancement of music outreach. Music helps define who we are.
Now I want to bring to our attention a Christian group that we have welexperience in Talbot County. It is so rich
comed here at Grace, a group we know as Palabra Miel. They have been meetin culture.
ing here at Grace for more than 8 years, praising God in word and music twice
In 2009, Anne joined Grace and bea week, typically on Wednesdays and Fridays. Their enthusiasm for Christ is
came
active right away. She has served
very vocal and I think most of us would say it resembles what we call Penteon the worship committee as well as
costal.
I was curious about Palabra Miel and how to translate this phrase. What I
the call committee and as a liaison to
found on the Internet was a longer title: Iglesia De Cristo Palabra Miel – I found
council on the worship life committhat translating the Spanish is not a straight forward exercise. For those of you
tee. She also enjoys doing the flowwho have studied Spanish you might guess that miel means honey. The Miel alers for Easter and Christmas.
most certainly in a neologism in Spanish created to acknowledge their origins here
In years past she traveled exin the U.S. in Miami. The Church of Christ, Word of God, Miami
Our local group was formed in a missionary effort from a Palabra Miel congretensively in Europe while she
gation in Washington, D.C. Reaching out to the local Guatemalan community here
was teaching but is content
in Easton and the surrounding communities. Today there are 35-40 members, not innow to stay close to
cluding children, in regular attendance at their enthusiastic worship here at Grace.
home.
In meeting with one of their leaders from the Washington congregation recently, he
told us that they cannot express their thanks adequately. They are very grateful to Grace
Profile prepared by
for the hospitality that we have shown them. They, too, like the our English-speaking visitors
Tina Baxter
on Sunday mornings, feel welcome here.
Ron Lesher
4
November
Commemorations & Festivals
On Sunday, October 5 at 3:00 p.m. Grace
Lutheran Church was fortunate to have Katelyn
Bouska perform a passionate piano program on
our newly acquired and now dedicated grand
piano. About 50 people enjoyed the program and
then afterward conversation with Katelyn about
her education and career as a pianist. Katelyn
commented that our piano at Grace is “a marvelous instrument that allowed me to play the nuances in the music that usually only larger
instruments would allow”. She remarked that we
are very fortunate to have such a fine instrument
to enhance our music program and that she
would love to return some day and play for us
again. Katelyn Bouska is a name to watch. She is
at the beginning of what will most likely be a shining career as a pianist and performer.
The “All Saints” concert, scheduled for Sunday, November 2 has been cancelled due to
scheduling issues with our choir. The next concert
in our series will be on Sunday, December 7, at
3:00 p.m. when we welcome the “Capital
Ringers.”
The Capital Ringers, Inc. is an auditioned
Delaware, Maryland and Virginia community
handbell ensemble based in Dover, Delaware.
The ensemble rings 6 octaves of Schulmerich
handbells (the largest set on the Delmarva Peninsula), and 5 and 1/2 octaves of Malmark handchimes. The program planned for December 7
titled “Traditions” will explore the traditions for
Christmas Festivals that hearken back to the time
of Charles Dickens. Special guest Ebenezer
Scrooge will play an important role in the story.
1 - All Saints’ Day…The custom of commemorating the martyrs of the Church
on a single day goes back at least to the third century. All Saints’ Day celebrates
not only the martyrs and saints, but all the people of God, living and dead, who
together form the Church, the mystical body of Christ. We remember them in
our prayers tomorrow, and we give thanks for their lives. We find strength in
their faith and the faith of all the saints both known to us and known only to
God.
2 - All Saints’ Sunday
23 - Christ the King.
Calling this Sunday Christ the King may elevate that image above all others. Currently on the world scene some nations have rejected monarchies, some maintain figurehead monarchs, and some, while not using the term “king,” maintain
heads of state with absolute, even ruthless, power over the people. The Bible
promises that God’s power and majesty differ radically from the reign of most
human monarchs. Thus we need to use the image of king as correcting the
image of king. Several hymns do a splendid job of playing the image against itself. As an example of how God’s reign differs from that of human monarchs,
the baptized saints receive riches and power from God. Some churches prefer
the phrase “the Reign of Christ” as stressing the activity, rather than the status:
unfortunately English has the problem of the homonym “rain.”
In the Bible, written within a culture that treasured its pastoral past, sheep
and goats are images of the life God gives to the people. Like sheep and goats,
we are created by God to live together and offer ourselves for others. It is an
urban prejudice to defame sheep as dirty and stupid.
Matthew’s parable, which forms the gospel reading for the day was depicted in sculptures over the main doorway and in wall paintings over the chancel of countless Christian churches, and one can imagine the fun that artists had
in shaping the monsters on the left side of Christ the judge. As this imagery becomes less important for some Christians, it is important not to lose the biblical
call that we saints are to live out the justice that God intends, serving each needy
person who is Christ-for-us.
As the first-century decades progressed, saints became an increasingly common term for the baptized people of God. The usual English translation of
“being personally holy,” the word saint is used differently by the several Christian
branches. In Ephesians, everyone who is enlightened is called saint, the meaning most Protestants have retained.
Hoping to celebrate the lordship of Christ in a world of increasingly secular
and non-Christian empires, Pope Pius XI inaugurated a Sunday dedicated to
Christ as King in 1925. Originally Roman Catholics celebrated Christ the King on
the last Sunday in October, to precede the feast of All Saints, but also to counter
the Protestant celebration of the Reformation. When the Roman Catholics proposed the three-year lectionary after the Second Vatican Council, Christ the King
was moved to the final Sunday of the liturgical year. The Revised Common Lectionary has retained the festival. Its emphasis on the eschatological majesty of
Christ leads well into Advent.
(from Sundays and Season, printed by permission).
30 - Andrew… was the first of the Twelve. As a part of his calling, he brought
other people, including Simon Peter, to meet Jesus. Andrew was a fisherman.
He became a disciple of the great John the Baptist, but when John pointed to
Jesus and said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” Andrew understood that Jesus was
greater. At once he left John to follow the Divine Master. Jesus knew that Andrew was walking behind him, and turning back, he asked, “what do you seek?”
When Andrew answered that he would like to know where Jesus lived, Our
Lord replied, “Come and see.” Andrew had been only a little time with Jesus
when he realized that this was truly the Messiah.
5
November
Lections and Service Hymns
11/2 All Saints Sunday
11/23 Christ the King
Rev 7: 9-17; Ps 34: 1-10; 22; 1 John 3: 1-3; Matt 5: 1-12
ELW 422
For All the Saints
ELW 728
Blest Are They
ELW 425
Behold the Host Arrayed in White
ELW 461
All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly
ELW 424
Ye Watchers and Ye Holy Ones
Ezek 34: 11-16; 20-24; Ps 95: 1-7; Eph 1: 15-23; Mt 25: 31-46
ELW 855 Crown Him with Many Crowns
ELW 430 Rejoice, for Christ is King
ELW 838 Beautiful Savior
ELW 658 O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts
ELW 434 Jesus Shall Reign
11/30 Advent 1
11/9 Pentecost 22
Amos 5: 18-24; Ps 70; 1 Thess 4: 13-18; Matt 25:1-3
ELW 436 Wake, Awake, for Night is Flying
ELW 441 Oh, Happy Day When We Shall Stand
ELW 362 At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing
ELW 494 For the Bread Which You Have Broken
ELW 244 Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
ELW 435
Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending
ELW 261 As the Dark Awaits the Dawn
ELW 789 Savior, like a Shepherd Lead Us
ELW 491 Come, Let Us Eat
ELW 439 Soon and Very Soon
12/7 Advent 2
11/16 Pentecost 23
Zeph 1:7; 12-18; Ps 90: 1-12; 1 Thess 5: 1-12; Matt 25: 14- 30
ELW 625 Come, We That Love the Lord
ELW 685 Take My Life, That I May Be
ELW 471 Let Us Break Bread Together
ELW 522 As We Gather at Your Table
ELW 785 When Peace like a River
Isa 40:1-11; Ps 85:1-2; 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
ELW 249 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist’s Cry
ELW 264 Prepare the Royal highway
ELW 488 Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness
ELW 254 Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus
ELW 259 Fling Wide the Door
Let Us Break Bread Together
Communion Hymn, November 16
This hymn is a traditional spiritual, probably from the antebellum
period in the American south. It may have been used by slaves
to signal a secret gathering, since such assemblies were illegal.
In that case, perhaps the original version of the song consisted
of only the final stanza and the refrain. Some writers are of this
opinion, and add that after the Civil War, the first two stanzas
were added in order to make it a Communion hymn. However,
an understanding of certain aspects of church history and tradition present another theory.
In the antebellum South, many slaves were required to attend church every Sunday at an early morning service, while
their white owners attended the later service. The song refers to
kneeling during Communion, which is common in certain liturgical traditions. It also refers to having one’s “face to the rising
sun.” It is an old tradition for Christian Churches to be aligned
on an East-West axis so that early morning communion was
always ‘into the sun.’ It is possible, then, that this song was sung
by slaves in Virginia for whom the experience of taking Communion would have involved kneeling toward the rising sun.
Bishop
Wolfgang Herz-Lane
to Visit
Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane, Bishop of the Delaware-Maryland
Synod, will be making a visit to Grace on Sunday, November 23, Christ
the King Sunday. Bishop Wolfgang will preach at both worship services,
and will conduct a question and answer forum at a reception between
services in the Fellowship Hall as well. All members, including all
youth, are invited to join us on this festival Sunday, when we
welcome our distinguished guest as we finish out the
liturgical year with festive music and
worship.
Adapted and abridged from
http://www.hymnary.org
6
2
9
15
16
23
30
Youth Group Activities
November
Corn Maze, Paintball, +
(after late service till 4)
No meeting
Talbot Humane Society, 1:00 p
No meeting
Meeting 2-4
Bake cookies, create cards
for shut-ins
Our middle school youth and high school LYO’ers traveled to Northbay Retreat
on for the weekend of October 17-19. During their stay they participated in
worship, small group bible studies, service projects and outdoor team building
activities. Over 300 personal care kits were assembled in part to our congregation’s generous gifts of towels and soap. The theme for the weekend was
“Breaking Good News” where the spotlight was on the gospel of Mark.
SNAP4U
High school youth have been gathering with the pastor and our
youth leader on Sunday evenings for a video, conversation and
fun. We follow the now-defunct television series “Joan of Arcadia”, about a high school girl who talks to God, who comes to
her in many ways and forms and asks her to trust and to obey,
God’s requests and commands. It’s a fun way to talk about God,
faith, and what it is like to live as Christians in contemporary
school and social settings.
November meetings: 2, 16, and 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Talbot Humane to host Youth Group
On Saturday, November 15 at 3:00 p.m. the youth group will
have a tour of the facilities at Talbot Humane and perform a service project while there. As another way of supporting such a
wonderful organization, the youth group will be doing a food
drive of canned and dry dog and
cat food. A marked box will be
in the narthex that you may
place any offerings you wish to
include. The youth will take the
collection of dog and cat food to
Talbot Humane November 15.
7
Welcome!
LYO Offering
A warm welcome to our newest member, Susan Wolfberg, who joined Grace
on October 12 through Affirmation of Baptism. Susan is married to Daniel Wolfberg, and they reside in Easton with their teenage son, Jeremy (and furry family
members – they are great lovers of animals and supporters of Talbot Humane
Society)! You might recognize Jeremy as the young man who frequently serves
as our cantor and soloist in worship on Sundays. Both Susan and Jeremy have
been singing in the Grace choir.
Susan is originally from Johnstown, PA but has called Easton home for several years. She assists and serves Alzheimer and Dementia patients and their
families in her position at The Pines here in Easton.
In her leisure time, Susan enjoys supporting Jeremy in his high school and
extracurricular activities, traveling, musical activities, hiking and kayaking.
You can contact Susan (and Daniel and Jeremy) at:
29674 Penny Lane
Easton, MD 21601
410-924-3577
410-763-8367
Recently we had a special offering collected to support
the LYO (Lutheran Youth Organization) which we have
3 youth from Grace as participants. Your generous donations yielded $405.00 that will go into a scholarship
fund to assist other youth who wish to participate in
LYO but whose families may not be able to make that
a reality. Thank you for your support of this wonderful
organization that lifts up youth as current and future
leaders in our church, synod and community.
Caroline & Elizabeth at North Bay
Knows not acrophobia!!
8
From the Stewardship Committee:
A Stewardship Reflection
Commit intentionally means making a statement
about your intent and following through. As members in the body of Christ, we are asked to make a
commitment of our time, talents, and resources as a
faithful response to God and as a statement of support for God’s work.
2 Corinthians 9:5 “… arrange in advance for this
bountiful gift that you have promised.”
(From the ELCA’s 10 Stewardship Principles)
Sustainability starts at home. When you choose
goods and services for your family, make sure they
are contributing to the well-being of communities
and fostering the long-term health of the planet.
Here is just one idea: Support renewable energy and
energy efficient technology. Choose Energy Star®
rated appliances, energy-efficient light bulbs and
consider installing a solar energy system.
Volunteers Needed
The Stewardship Committee is always ready to welcome new members. If you are interested in being
part of our committee, please contact Pastor Karen
or Rick Schiming. The more members we have, the
more we can do for the community of God!
Public Comment invited for
Gender-Based Violence Message
Harvest Display
Are you concerned about the epidemic of gender-based violence in the United
States and around the world? The ELCA churchwide organization is seeking
your input.
The draft of an ELCA Social Message on Gender-base Violence, written in
consultation with experts in the field, is now posted at ELCA.org/socialmessages. At the same address you will find an online survey form inviting your
comment and response.
Social messages are documents adopted by the ELCA Church Council on
behalf of the ELCA that draw attention to particular pressing mattes of social
concern.
Your participation in responding to the draft message on gender-based violence is strongly encouraged and welcomed. An online form is available on
ELCA.org September 15 – November 15, 2014.
The proposed message, revised in light of received public comments, will
be submitted to the Church Council for their approval in the spring of 2015.
It is possible to share questions and concerns about this work at any time.
Emails can be addressed to [email protected] and regular mail to
“Gender-Based Violence Writing Team” c/o Office of the Presiding Bishop, 8765
W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. All communication will be kept, read and
considered. Find more information online at ELCA.org/socialmessages.
A Harvest Display incorporating food donations
contributed by Grace members will be present in our
sanctuary on November 16 & 23. As we prepare for a
holiday of Thanksgiving from a bountiful harvest in
our homes, here in the church we will enjoy a visual
display of non-perishable foods which will then be divided between the Grace Food Pantry and local community food pantries. Of special need are chunky,
filling soups, meals-in-a-can, canned pasta meals,
cereal, peanut butter, canned meats,
fish and beans, etc. Let us share
generously from our
bounty!
Maryland State Boychoir in Concert
The Tour Choir of the Maryland State Boychoir will give a
thrilling performance of music, including sacred masterworks, contemporary, gospel, spirituals and folksongs at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Easton, on Saturday, November 8
at 7:00 p.m. This concert is free and open to the public. For
more information: 410.822.5665
MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW for a budget forum November 9 between services in the fellowship hall. This will be an opportunity
to see the proposed budget, ask questions and discuss prior to
the Annual Congregational Meeting November 16.
9
Grace Lutheran Church
The Reverend Karen E. Larson, Pastor
2014 Church Council
Members and Committees
Member
Ron Lesher
Rick Schiming
Pete Lesher
Ralph Romano
Karen McDermott
Linda Wieder
Becky Decker
Peter E. Corbin
Position
President
1st Vice President
2nd Vice President
Cecil Criss
Mariana Lesher
Committee
Facilitator
Stewardship
Worship Life
Outreach
Christian Education
Congregational Life
Evangelism
Property
Council Appointments
Financial Secretary
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Melissa Corbin, Altar Guild
Michelle Bullock
Kathy Bodey, Care Team
Craig Bester, Communication
November Worship Helpers’ Schedule
November 2
All Saints Sunday
November 9
Pentecost 22
November 16
Pentecost 23
November 23
Christ the King
November 30
Advent 1
Ushers
Brian, Susan Endzel
Brian, Susan Endzel
Brian, Susan Endzel
Brian, Susan Endzel
Brian, Susan Endzel
Assisting Minister
Melissa Corbin
Melissa Corbin
Melissa Corbin
Melissa Corbin
Mariana Lesher
Lector
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Craig Bester
Ben Corbin
Susan Endzel
Annabel Lesher
Jack Shaw
Susan Endzel
Mariana Lesher
Michael Mosely
Susan Endzel
Melissa Corbin
Annabel Lesher
Jenny Shaw
Susan Endzel
Jack Shaw
Susan Endzel
Ushers
Ruben, Tuti Dangin
Bernie, Nancy Coates
Bill, Lorraine Bruckner Eldon, Pam Behrens
Assisting Minister
Lector
Acolyte
Altar Guild
Sandy Banko
Roger Banko
Dan Banko
Nancy Coates
Dick Filbird
Gary Edsall
Linda Wieder
Eldon Behrens
Anna Lesher
Linda Wieder
Jay Kilbourne
Pam Behrens
Caroline Kilbourne
Ellie Filbird
Cecil Criss
Elizabeth Criss
Angela Criss
Susan Endzel
8:30 a
11:00 a
Dick Filbird
Rick Schiming
Ashlie Gould
Nancy Coates
10
Temple Talk, October 19
I Corinthians 16:1 “Now concerning the collection…
In probably the most abrupt transition in all of scripture, Paul goes from talking
about the power of the resurrection in I Corinthians Chapter 15 to the collection
of money for use in God’s kingdom in the very next verse. If that transition is good
enough for Paul, it is good enough for me.
We have had four enlightening and encouraging temple talks over the last
month about the role that hospitality and welcome play in our ministry here at
Grace. Now I get to talk about the details of the collection. Most people don’t like
to talk about money, but I spent 38 years as an economics professor talking about
money. So here it goes.
First of all, next Sunday is Consecration Sunday when we as a congregation
will be dedicating our pledges at the altar. Please remember to bring your pledge
cards with you next Sunday.
The Church Council has begun our budget deliberations for next year. As always, we have two choices: to shrink God’s mission for us here at Grace to what
we think we can afford or to challenge ourselves to grow our offering to meet
God’s mission for us. Believing that we really can’t outgive God since He has given
us all we have, we chose to accept God’s challenge for a greater mission for Grace.
That challenge is two-fold:
•1. If you have not pledged before, please prayerfully consider making a pledge
for next year. We depend on our pledged dollars as the faithful heart of our offerings each week.
•2. If you are currently pledging, please prayerfully consider increasing your pledge
for next year by 10%. For example, if you give $20 per week, consider increasing
your pledge by just $2 more.
If we have the same number of new pledges as last year for next year and
each pledge for this year increases by 10%, Grace will have over $25,000 in new
contributions to help meet God’s mission of welcoming, proclaiming, equipping,
and serving.
One final story: a little girl in Sunday School was drawing a picture. Her
teacher asked, “What are you drawing?” She answered, “God”. The teacher said,
“But we don’t know what God looks like.” The little girl said, “You will after I finish
my picture.”
In the same way, by the time we finish our picture of pledging, we will know
what God looks like in His mission for us at Grace, Easton, and around the world.
Rick Schiming
Advent Begins November 30
The promise of Advent is that God is always at work
in the world, bringing new beginnings and a new
creation to people and powers long bent on destruction. Yet, because we live in the generation that exists between the "already" of Christ's resurrection
and the "not yet" of God's full restoration of the creation, we cannot know when that final day will arrive. Instead of becoming preoccupied with the end
times, we are counseled to live our lives in a state of
preparedness—trusting that our home is God's
home and that God is coming once again to dwell
with us. That trust is the strength that sustains us as
we "wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ"
(1 Cor. 1:7).
Advent is those 4 weeks that begin the church
year and look forward to the new thing God is already doing in Jesus (the “now and not yet of God’s
gift of new life). We sing songs that reflect the reality
of longing, of hope, of joy, and of confidence that
God’s purpose will be met, soon and very soon.
November 9
Budget Forum
Last year, we held a budget forum in advance of the
annual congregational meeting and the response we
received was, “This was a great idea – let’s do it
again!” The church leadership heard you, and
agreed. That meeting will be held between services
on November 9. It will be an opportunity for you to
catch an early look at the proposed 2015 budget, ask
questions, and have conversation. All members of
Grace are invited and urged to attend. The adult
bible study will not meet on this day.
November 16
Potluck Dinner
Please join us for the potluck dinner on November
16 following the late service. The annual meeting
will immediately follow the dinner.
Ham and Fried Chicken will be provided for the
dinner. Members are asked to bring one of the following - please sign up on the list posted on the bulletin board in the narthex (or call the office):
green beans, potato salad, cole slaw, veggies and
dip, dessert, or drinks.
Please contact Linda Wieder if you have any
questions about the meal
Annual Congregational Meeting
All confirmed members of Grace are voting members, and your presence is needed at our annual
congregational meeting on Sunday, November 16th
following the late worship service. Children will have
care. Kevin will provide a music activity for kids 8th
grade and younger during the meeting portion of the
afternoon.
We will begin with a potluck meal right after the
service and will begin the meeting shortly thereafter.The main dish and beverages will be provided.
We are asking members to bring a side dish or
dessert to share.
Please direct questions about the meeting to
Council president Ron Lesher; about the meal, Congregational Life chair, Linda Wieder. Thank you!
Change in Choir Rehearsal Schedule
In September we had changed the choir rehearsal
schedule from Wednesday evenings to Thursday
evenings so that the choir could rehearse from time to
time in the sanctuary with the piano and/or organ
without interruption of music coming from the Palabra Miel service bellow. Due to scheduling issues, attendance has been affected greatly so we are now
switching back to Wednesday evening rehearsals with
Chime Choir at 6:00 p.m. followed by Adult Choir at
7:00 p.m.
11
In Our Prayers
Pictorial Directory
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the
peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
The Portrait Project for the Membership Directory
was a great success. As of October 28, we had 51
households consisting of 1 to 6 people scheduled to
participate. We are grateful for Becky Decker for her
organizational skills, time, and enthusiastic effort in
planning and execution of the project.
Thank you, Becky!
In our congregation: Lena Marie Cole, Marie Swartz, Elizabeth Schaefer, Lorraine Warner. Patrick Hechmer.
Homebound Members: Lena Marie Cole, Marie Swartz, Elizabeth Schaefer,
Lorraine Warner.
Our friends and family: David Douthat (Donald & Nancy Zepp’s brother-in-law
& Melissa Corbin’s uncle) Joyce Vagts (lung cancer), Julie Naugle, (friend of
Kevins-cancer); Dinah Sprouse ( Ray’s mother-stroke); Lori Morgan, Nolan
Clark (grandson of the Behrens); Pat Johnston (Sandy Banko’s aunt); Emily
Lantz; Lorraine Voss (cancer); Julie Todd, Maureen McDermott-Cannon (friends
of Kevin); Tyler Plunkard; Josie Grove, (3 years old—terminal brain cancer);
Arlie Miller, (Kathy Bodey’s nephew); Robin, (family of the Howarths); George
Moore (brother-in-law of Jan Krut); Belsey Rucker—heart trouble; Robert Miller,
(Kathy Bodey’s brother —kidney disease); Pat Burgemeister (friend of the
Zepp’s and Corbin’s) hospitalized.
Family and friends of: Shirley Bullock (Michelle’s mom), Chester Lantz (Beverly
Sprouse’s dad) Jim Goodyear (Becky Decker’s stepfather), Virginia Albert (Mariana Lesher’s mom).
The Church throughout the world and our bishops: Elizabeth Eaton (ELCA) and
Wolfgang Herz-Lane (Delaware-Maryland Synod).
Deployed to Middle East: The Rev. Cris Frigm.
Thanksgiving for the progress in healing: Lynn Kyper.
A very exciting study, “Hallelujah:
The Bible and Handel’s Messiah”
is being planned for the four
weeks of Advent, and will resume
with a six week study during
Lent. We will hear key pieces of
Handel’s oratorio, one of the
best-loved musical compositions
of all time, and explore the scriptural texts behind them as part of
our Advent and Lenten journeys.
NOTICE
November Council Meeting
Due to the upcoming Budget Forum and Annual
Congregational Meeting, the council will meet the
FIRST Tuesday of November, the 4th, at 7:00 p.m.
Christian Education
Becky Decker and Marilou Russ will co-teach the 4th
through 6th grade class. Helpers or substitutes are
still needed. Please contact the office if you can help!
The next Christian Ed meeting will be held following
the late service December 7.
The study of Jonah has provided an interesting
and fun look at one of the prophetic books of the
Bible, that not only “still” speaks to us today, but actually has a great deal of relevance for daily life. The
last Wednesday class will be November 5th. The
Monday class will wrap things up on November 10.
Watch for more information on our exciting Advent
study, during which we will enjoy pieces of beautiful
music from Handel’s Messiah, and consider the
scriptural texts behind them.
Property Committee
The painting on the exterior of the church has been
completed. Thank you to Pete Corbin for shepherding this project.
Property will be working on final repairs to the
wall in the hallway by the elevator downstairs. Property is also waiting on pricing for exterior brick work
and HVAC for narthex from their “wish list”. We
have received pricing for the windows in the Sunday
school rooms. Feel free to contact Pete Corbin with
recommendations and ideas for other projects for
the building.
Council Notes continued from p 1
All of this growth in programming has been
possible in part from your generosity and from
salary savings from a few years ago when we were
being served by Interim Pastor Wes. He led us ably
to grow in mission. Those savings have been well
spent, but we need to grow our income to sustain
our initiatives in fulfilling our call to God's mission.
Yes, we have a budget gap this year and will have a
budget gap between our regular giving and expenditures in 2015. Right now that gap is being filled from
the growth of our endowment. But we must grow in
current income to close that gap. Through your generosity we will close that gap over the next few
years.
Ron Lesher, President
Sunday
Grace Lutheran Church: November, 2014
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
1
Annual Community Interfaith
Thanksgiving Gathering
November 23, 7:00 pm
Temple B’nai Israel
• Office Open: Daily, Monday – Thursday,
10:00a–2:00p (except where noted)
• BYOL: Daily, Monday – Friday 12:15p
• Worship Folder Deadline: 12 noon, Wed.
2 All Saints Sun 3
8:30 Worship -Communion
9:45 First Sunday-Study
11:00 Worship-Communion
12:15 Mutual Ministry
12:30 Children’s Music
1:00 Youth Group
6:30 SNAP4U
9 Pentecost 22
8:30 Worship Service
9:45 Budget Forum
11:00 Worship-Communion
12:30 Youth Gathering Mtg
4
11:00 Candle Light Cove (PKL) 10:15 Staff Meeting
4:00 Jonah Study
7:00 Council
7:00 Palabra Miel
Bishop
Wolfgang Herz-Lane to Preach & Visit
at Grace, November 23.
5
6
7
9:30 Quilters
2:00 Jonah
6:00 Chimes Choir
6:30 Palabra Miel
6:30 Stewardship
7:00 Grace Choir
10
11
12
10:00 Communication Team
11:00 Worship Life
4:00 Jonah Study
7:00 Palabra Miel
10:15 Staff Meeting
2:00 TACL (PKL)
6:00 Chimes Choir
6:30 Palabra Miel
7:00 Grace Choir
Grapevine Deadline
5:30 Palabra Miel
8
5:30 Palabra Miel
13
14
15
1:00 Youth Group
to Talbot Humane
5:30 Palabra Miel
First Call Theological Education (PKL)
16 Pentecost 23
17
18
19
8:30 Worship -Communion
9:45 Christian Education
11:00 Worship-Communion
12:30 Annual Meeting
(Children’s Activities)
6:15 Confirmation
5:30 Outreach
7:00 Palabra Miel
10:15 Staff Meeting
12:00 TACL (PKL)
9:30 Quilters
2:00 Jonah Study
6:00 Chimes Choir
6:30 Palabra Miel
7:00 Grace Choir
23 Christ-King
24
25
26
8:30 Worship Service
9:45 Q & A with Bishop
11:00 Worship-Communion
12:30 Children’s Music
2:00 Youth Group
7:00 Interfaith Thanksgiving
7:00 Palabra Miel
10:15Staff Meeting
6:00 Chimes Choir
6:30 Palabra Miel
7:00 Grace Choir
30 Advent 1
December 1
2
3
8:30 Worship -Communion
9:45 Christian Education
11:00 Worship-Communion
12:30 Children’s Music
2:00 Youth Group
6:30 SNAP4U
7:00 Palabra Miel
11:00 Candle Light Cove (PKL)
10:15Staff Meeting
9:30 Quilters
6:00 Chimes Choir
6:30 Palabra Miel
6:30 Stewardship
7:00 Grace Choir
20
21
22
5:30 Palabra Miel
27
28
Thanksgiving Day
29
5:30 Palabra Miel
Office Closed
4
5
6
5:30 Palabra Miel