N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 3 G r a c e E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h

Wester vi l le, Ohio

The Voice of GraceGrace Stewardship Ministry has welcomed Edythe, Howard, Betsy,

Ted, Carol, and Edythe’s Guardian Angel back to reflect on the bless-ings shared through the various ministries of Grace.

Last year Edythe was new to Grace and was just discovering the gifts of worship and ministry. She spent considerable time reflecting on her personal Estimate of Giving and response to God’s blessings.

This year she is chair of the Stewardship Ministry Team and, through the assistance of her Guardian Angel, she encourages the team reflect on the blessings shared through the outreach and many ministries of the Church.

Choir members were “Back-Ups to the Heavenly Voice” and were led by Lora Moore and accompaniment by Linda Hoch. Merl Breen and Steve Miller served as Narrators/Directors and Chris Banks and Eric Bush aided with sound direction. Pastor Will and Kathy Snead adapted the skits to fit our congregation.

Pictured below right: On October 27th, as an act of wor-ship, members placed their Estimates of Giving for 2014 on the Altar. Anyone who has not submitted their Estimate of Giving may still do so by dropping it off in the office or placing it in the offering.

In the picture directly below, acolyte and torch bearers led the choir and pastors in the Gathering and the Sending of both services.

L to R - The Ministry Team: Edythe (Patti Barb), Howard (Randall Saunders), Betsy (Joanne Figge, Ted (Ted

Ray), and Carol (Vanessa Stewart) At left is Edythe with

her Guardian Angel (John Hicks)

Grace Thespians are “Blest to be a Blessing”

Estimates of Giving for 2014Received at the Altar

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 2

The Pastor’s ColumnDear Sisters and Brothers in ChristIt is an interesting time to be “church.” People who

study these things point to a huge shift in the way the established (mainline) churches must see the world if we are to be effective in reaching out in mission beyond ourselves. Over the centuries following Con-stantine’s actions that made Christianity an official – legal - religion (4th century), and especially after the Reformation (16th century), the Church’s pattern fol-lowed the “steps” of believe, behave, belong. Partici-pation was by a person’s “belief” (insert label: Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, etc.) made vis-ible in the person’s “behavior” (fish on Friday, music, frequency of Communion, sign of cross or not, etc.) that assured the person “belonged” to a particular faith community. This is not a criticism. It is simply a description of reality.

We now live in what is called a post-modern, post-Christendom culture. Experts note the fast-est growing “denomination” in the USA is the “NONES”, those who are not simply without particular affiliation but who have little if any iden-tity with religion at all. In this context the pattern for effective church outreach is shifting from the classic believe, behave, belong to belong, behave, believe. What this means is hospitality and welcoming are the primary front door into a church. Church’s with effec-tive outreach are adept at welcoming and accepting a person as she or he is. The welcoming church allows plenty of time for the person to learn the church com-munity’s expected behaviors. And, as has long been known, behaviors lead to belief. So, for example, a child “belongs” to a family simply by birth. The child then grows into the family, learning the family’s cul-ture, practices and ways of behaving. “Belief” in the family’s values and behaviors comes later, often after the person leaves to start his or her own family.

Memories of loved ones are like songs

in our soul.

Margaret Wakeley

Carol OttesonDied in Christ 9/22/13Funeral and Inurnmentat Grace 9/28/13

Ronda MillsDied in Christ 10/4/13Funeral at Grace 10/12/13

In this new context, hospital-ity, welcoming and patience are central ingredients in the “proc-ess” of belong, behave, believe. Put another way, far too many established, mainline churches continue to provide answers to questions most visitors are no longer asking, e.g., “How soon can I get involved with your committees? Will you please single me out in front of all the people during worship this morning? Will you please send some ‘callers’ by my house and interrupt me while I try to fix dinner? I need more pa-

perwork in my life! Can you give me glossy pamphlets with denomi-national statements of belief?” Con-trast this to the way Jesus reached out. He first said “Follow me” (you belong in my group) “and I will make you fish for people” (new be-havior is taught and learned). Only later did the disciples come to be-lieve Jesus is the Son of God! Most

people who enter the doors of a church are first look-ing to find a community of compassion who will ac-cept them as they are before trying to change them!

All three “B’s” in the above pattern are essen-tial. However, we live in a time when their order has changed. I invite you to consider the ways you can help Grace reflect this new reality in how we welcome others into our mission and ministry to the glory of God.

“And Jesus said, ‘Follow me and I will make you fish for people.’”

(Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17)With you reaching out with the love of Jesus to

grow disciples and serve our community, Pastor Will

“...far too many established, mainline churches continue to provide answers to questions most visi-tors are no longer asking...”

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Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church100 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081

PH: (614) 882-3026 Web: www.grace43081.orge-mail: office@grace43081.org

Rev. William A. Hartfelder, Senior Pastor VM 11 w.hartfelder@grace43081.org Rev. Richard O. Walston, Visitation Pastor Cell (614)832-9159 rjwalston@msn.com Lora Moore, Director of Music MinistriesLinda Hoch, Organist

Kathy Snead, Office Administrator VM 18 k.snead@grace43081.org Marjie Penn, Receptionist/Secretary

Jack Pfeifer, Property Manager glcjack@outlook.com Paul Hotchkiss, Custodian

Jocelyn Shuman, Preschool Director; VM 14 littleblessingspreschool@grace43081.org

Katharine Circle will meet in Rose Gar-den #1 Tuesday, December 3 at 7:15 p.m.

This year the Circle is studying “The Sermon on the Mount,” The lesson: The Importance of Obeying God’s Law will be lead by Karen

Bale. If you are interested in joining us or have a question, please call Margie

Cepek at 882-7126.

KatharineCircle

Blood DriveThe next blood drive

at Grace.

Make plans to donate!

If it seems like it’s been a long time since Grace began a search for an associate pastor, it is. Church Council ap-pointed the Call Committee in July 2012 and immediately set to work. At that time our current Southern Ohio Synod Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt was serving as Assistant to then Bishop Holloway. It was her responsibility to work with our congregation in the process of calling a pastor. We worked with her to define the process then moved forward as a committee to develop an information package about Grace that could be forwarded to potential candidates. The Committee also developed interview questions specifically designed to determine the suitability of candidates for an associate pastor position at Grace.

Over the following ten months the Synod forwarded our paperwork to potential candidates seeking a call in our area. If a candidate was interested their Rostered Leader Profile (an extended resume) was sent to Pastor Hartfelder for consideration. If the candidate’s paperwork reflected the beliefs and qualifications we were looking for, Pastor Hartfelder followed up with either an in person or phone interview. When it appeared that the candidate was well qualified and a positive working relationship with Pastor Hartfelder could be established, an invitation to interview with the Committee was extended.

Pastor Hartfelder spoke with a number of candidates and forwarded three names to the Committee. One candidate withdrew. The Committee interviewed two candidates. Although both candidates offered gifts and talents, the Committee determined they did not demonstrate the quali-ties we most needed at Grace.

In May of 2013, concerned at the limited number of qualified applicants, the Committee met again with Pastor Dillahunt who informed the committee that few candidates are currently available. Follow-ing our meeting we expanded and updated the paper-work that the synod office forwards to perspective candidates. It then happened that Pastor Dillahunt was elected Bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod. The following months were a period of transition. We have been informed Pastor Ed Williams, Bishop Dillahunt’s assistant, will now work with us in the call process.

In August, we began communication with Pastor Williams. He has also stated the candidate pool is very small. Our congregation is not alone in the long wait time before finding a qualified pastor. Both ELCA and our Southern Ohio Synod have seen a de-cline in the number of people entering and complet-ing seminary. Even expanding the search beyond the Southern Ohio Synod has led to only a few candi-dates for consideration. As of this writing no inter-views are scheduled.

Please keep the Associate Pastor Call Committee in your prayers. We believe the Holy Spirit continues to guide us. We also remain committed to finding the best choice for Grace’s mission and ministry.

Lisa Kuhar-Chair, Larry Beckwith, Erin Bopp, John Hicks, Sue Monroe, Molly Oakleaf, Amy Quinn, Tom Seamon

Associate Pastor Call Committee Update

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when

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The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 4

L O V E and THANKSGIVING“Honor the Lord with your substance and the first

fruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9)

Reaching out with the love of Jesus to grow disciples and serve our community.

Next FIRST FRUITSis November 3

and then December 1

Did you happen to read the September 24 devo-tion from Christ in Our Home? It emphasizes the message from Paul to the church at Corinth. Paul is taking up an offering for the famine-stricken congre-gation in Jerusalem. The church at Corinth in all of their abundance promises to have a big gift ready for Paul, but when Paul arrives, there is no gift. So Paul writes to the Corinthian people about genuine love.

In this letter, Paul does not talk about the needs of the hungry, nor does he command them to give. In-stead he talks about love. It is important to realize that we don’t give to others out of a need to do so or because we have to. What we do is because of our genuine love for God and for our neighbors.

The children’s song: “Love, love, love, that’s what it’s all about. ‘Cause God loves us, we love each oth-er.............. Everybody sing and shout, ‘cause that’s what it’s all about…….” says this very message so simply.

Food/Hygiene = 1,828/2 poundsMonetary = $3,593

Food/Hygiene = 213.6 poundsMonetary = $235

Totals to date in 2013

October’sFirst Fruits

PLEASE NOTE: Grace no longer collects used clothing,

bedding, small appliances, etc. for redis-tribution.

Place connect with Volunteers of Amer-ica, Amvets, Kidney Foundation, etc. for such donations.

Thank You! Jill Morrison

ThankYou!

November 28 is the Country’sCelebration of Thanksgiving.

See page 5 for how to particiapte in the 2013 W.A.R.M. Thanksgiving ‘Hand-Up’ Project!

In closing, think on this prayer from that September 24 devotion: “Lord of love, open our hearts to love generously and supply the needs of your saints.”

From Jill Morrison, “A Blessed Thanksgiving to All”

Choice Dollars Doubledwith Thrivent Financial for

LutheransThrivent is excited to announce the launching of

Thrivent Choice Double Direction Church Cam-paign that runs from October 1 to November 30, 2013. If you are a Thrivent member and have Choice Dollars to designate, consider directing those dol-lars to Grace Lutheran Church, Westerville, Ohio. Choice Dollars directions made to enrolled church-es (which Grace is) will be doubled during this time or until $15 million has been awarded, whichever comes first. Questions may be directed by email to Box Thrivent Choice Info or call customer service at 800-847-4836 and when prompted say, “Thriv-ent Choice” When prompted again, say “Choice Dollars.” Act today. Submitted by Jill Morrison

A lack of a daily tonic of gratitude results in an anemic soul, which, in turn, contributes to a

physical sense of listlessness.A grateful soul, on the other hand, is vibrant andanimated and so permeates your body with zest

and with an enjoyment of a life littered with gifts.-Edward Hays

Prayer Notes to a Friend,Forest of Peace Publishing, 2002

The VOICE of Grace November 2013- Page 5

Stewardship CornerTen Principles forGraceful Giving*

This is the final installment in a series of ten principles for the Chris-tian disciple’s graceful giving. Each principle is reflected in St. Paul’s words (2nd Corinthians, chapters 8 and 9) to the new Christians in the prosperous, hustling and bustling first century Greek city of Corinth. Scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version.

Principle Ten: - Christian giv-ing is an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God.

St. Paul writes: 11You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will pro-duce thanksgiving to God through us; 12for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also over-flows with many thanksgivings to God. 13Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, 14while

they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:11-15)

What is the crucial test deter-mining whether or not our giving is authentically Christian? It is when our giving leads people not only to thank us as donors but also to give thanks to God and see in our gift an expres-sion of God’s gift of Jesus Christ. In this way our giving expresses our thanksgiving for what we have first received by God’s grace. We see this in the words of St. Paul.

Four times in the concluding paragraph of 2 Corinthians 2:8-9 St. Paul proclaims his confidence that the result of his collection in Corinth on behalf of the needy in Judea will be the increase of praise and thanksgiving to God:

v. 11 – your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us

v. 12 – this ministry not only

supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God

v. 13 – through the testing of this ministry you glorify God

v. 15 – thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Christian giving is far more than what some are tempted to minimize as merely a transfer-ring of money, a collection. Two of the words St. Paul uses are the words from which we get Eucha-rist (thanksgiving) and Doxol-ogy (praise). Generous Christian giving is more than money as it meets both spiritual and physical needs. Our giving is ultimately an expression of our thanksgiving and praise to God from whom all blessings flow!

*Based on John Stott’s “Ten Princi-ples of Christian Giving” Copyright © 2002 John Stott

Our giving is ultimately an expression of our thanksgiving and praise to God from whom all blessings flow!

WARM Thanksgiving “Hand-Up” Project Grocery bags and lists were available for us on October 27 by our Social Concerns Committee to use to pro-

vide food items so that 350 of our area’s less fortunate families will have more than just the bare minimum of food for their tables this Thanksgiving. Out of love, obtain one of these bags to fill and have it returned to the east end of the Gathering Space by November 17. The foods collected will then be repackaged into a two bag combination of items and taken to W.A.R.M. on November 18 for distribution to their clients starting November 23. The Boy Scouts will bag the items on November 14. We will seek volunteers to bag the remaining items on Sunday, November 17. Volunteers will also be needed on Monday morning the 18th to help transport the product to over to W.A.R.M.

Any food items brought to the church after November 17 will be sent to W.A.R.M. with our First Fruits offer-ing and be placed on W.A.R.M.’s grocery shelves.

An optional check of $35.00 in lieu of shopping can be placed in the offering plate (made out to Grace and marked Thanksgiving Food Drive in the memo line). There will also be a designated basket on the table in the Gathering Space or you may give your check to Mark Will or a member of the Social Concerns Committee.

The monetary donations are also needed so that perishable items may be purchased for this special outreach. After November 17, write “for WARM” in the memo line.

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 6

11/01 Larry Rhodebeck Patrick Hensley Trey Sabo Claudia Seitz Charles Oakleaf11/03 Raymond Petit Matt Hughes Sara O’Neil11/04 Marian Engel Rex Harris Christine Spangler11/05 Morgan Heilmann11/06 Joel Ridge Nicholas Kuhar Scott Kuhar11/07 Karen Bale Jude Dugan Jeni-Ann Schorling Kaitlin Berry11/08 Mark Will Brant Peters Nathaniel Haynes11/09 Brad Clark

11/09 Thomas Warrell11/10 Abigail Kotik11/11 Connor Swanson Theresa Roll Vaughn Place Tyler Landacre11/12 Diana Hager11/13 Mark Heimrich Laura Warren11/14 Jonathan Begeny11/15 Tatyana Warbritton11/16 Janie Detrick Roman Himes11/17 Ted Ray Philip Ulrich Christina Motika11/18 Mary Todd Robin Lease Kathy Estrada Danny Drakulich11/19 Kristin Cashman Ashley Reyes Madison Schroeder

11/19 Katherine Stoll11/20 Aaron Singleton Tony Oakleaf11/22 Jeff Brenning11/23 Laurie Jones Moore Hanna Hoffman11/24 Chris Goodman Megan Banks11/25 Ray Bertelsen Susan Miller Jeff Reedy Gwendolyn Peters11/26 Virginia Stauch Paula Washburn11/28 Bob Bower Mary Ross Matthew Dove11/29 Jack Pfeifer Kathy Reedy Coleen Champoux Lenix11/30 Julie Hawkinberry Bryce Althoff Addie Gurgiolo

NOVEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

11/01 Gregg & Heather Soster11/02 Kevin & Susan King11/04 Michael & Laurie Althoff Seth & Kelly Rowe11/07 Dewey & Marcella Barr Dale & Patti-Sue Simpson

11/10 Walt & Sandy Newcomb11/11 Murphy & Theresa Anderson11/18 Damon & Mary Taylor11/22 Dennis & Diana Hager11/23 James & Patricia Adcock Jim & Jean Claflin

“I have never understood why anyone would roast the turkey and shuck the clams and crisp the croutons and shell the peas and candy the sweet

potatoes and compote the cranberries and bake the pies and clear the table and wash the dishes and fall into bed exhausted when they could just as

easily sit back and enjoy a hamburger or a pork sandwich.” —The Turkey

Westerville Grace Dartball

November Schedule

11/07/13 at Christ 11/14/13 at Reynoldsburg 11/21/13 Bye

11/24 Hal & Gwen Holland Michael & Erin Gest11/26 Roberto & Laura Casline Nelson & Gretchen Sharfman11/27 Danny & Amy Haegele11/29 Michael & Amy Quinn

November Supper ClubNovember 20th will be at the Olive Garden on Polaris Parkway - Sign up at the Welcome Center in the Gath-ering Space. There will be no supper club in Decem-ber as it falls too close to Christmas. Look forward to January at the Polaris Grill.

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 7

Concert

Series

Sunday, November 10, 7:30 p.n.The Mark Flugge Trio

The Mark Flugge Trio is a mainstay in Central Ohio jazz. They’ve performed many regional venues, in-cluding a 13 year stint at Hyde Park Restaurant on Old Henderson, the Columbus Jazz and Ribs Fest, with Ron Jenkins and the First Community Church Chan-cel Choir, and at countless concerts, restaurants, and private events. Visit markflugge.com for more infor-mation.

.The Joyful Noise! Concert Series brings many mem-ber of our community to Grace. We are in need of volunteers to help direct the parking of cars, greet our visitors and take up the freewill offering. If you would like to help, contact Carolyn Martin at (614) 206-8678 or email martin1529@sbcglobal.net.

Please consider helping make a visit to the Joyful Noise! Concerts an enjoyable experience for our

guests. Thank you!

Sunday, December 8, 5:30 p.n.Scioto Valley Brass

and Percussion CompanyWhat would Christmas be

without a concert by the Sci-oto Valley Brass and Percus-sion Company, led by our own Chris Hoch.

Parking is at a premium for this concert. Good commu-nity hospitality suggests that Grace members who are able park in the shopping center by the bank in order that our visitors can park in our lot.

Ruth Circle Schedule for November and December On Monday, November 11, 2013 the Ruth Circle women will meet in the Rose

Garden @ 1:00 p.m. Ruth Circle is using the book on “Parables,” The current lesson is #8 - The Wise

and Foolish Virgins. Matt. 24:36 - 25:13.In December the Circle will being dining at a restaurant to be announced. The date

is Monday, December 9, at 1:00 p.m.For more information call Joyce Strung at (614) 523-3663.

Miss a Sermon or Wish to Hear it Again?It is easy to hear a sermon you may have missed or

you might wish to hear again or recommend to an-other simply by going to the Grace website at: www.grace43081.org. When you arrive at the website you: 1) click on “worship” on the left of the screen; 2) click on “Sermons” on the lower right; 3) click on “Listen to a Sermon” in the middle of the screen; 4) choose your sermon from the menu. Music...gives wings to the mind,

a soul to the universe,flight to the imagination,

a charm to sadness, a life to everything.Plato

The Lutheran Men in Mission held their 1st annual state confer-ence at Lutheran Memorial Camp on Saturday, Oct 12. The three Ohio synods were represented by

36 men. Pastor Will Hartfelder, Doug Dietz and Jeff Brenning represented Grace. The keynote speaker Todd Gongwer, author of Lead for God’Sake, gave a great presentation on leadership in the church. The day included worship, praise music, a bible study, small group sessions, the keynote speaker and even a Chris-tian juggler.

Three Grace Men Attend Lutheran Men in Mission

State Conference

Todd Gongwer

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 8

Grace Sunday School News

The Youth and Family Ministry and Learning Ministry wants to empha-size that all children are welcome to participate at any time throughout the year. If your child is only able to participate once or sporadically through the year, we still welcome his/her involvement.

OperationChristmas Child

Abigail Kotik is overseeing this project with the assistance of the 6th/7th/8th grade Sunday School class. Stay tuned for more information.

Youth and Family is sponsoring a Christmas

card fundraising project. Examples are available for review and ordering in the Gathering Space.

Proceeds will be used to fund youth-oriented

events.Cards will be

original designs byKurt and Megan

Hartfelder.

The Youth and Family Ministry will be hosting a Shop and Drop fundraiser on Fri-day, November 15th. Parents can drop off children of all ages at Grace between the hours of 6:00-10:00 that evening. Dinner, entertainment and crafts will be available for all children. This free night will give parents an opportunity to get started on Christmas shopping or even grab some “me” time. RSVP is requested, but not required. Please contact Erin Bopp at 614.523.2467 or erinbopp@gmail.com with any questions or RSVP.

For the month of November, the Sunday School classes will be talking about the following: PRESCHOOL - The preschool class will

be finishing a series of lessons on “God created me” and then move on to Advent related activities .

PRE-KINDERGARTEN/KINDERGARTEN/FIRST GRADE - This age group will learn about the friendship between Jonath-an and David; the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego; and begin some Advent related activities.

SECOND/THIRD GRADE - Lessons for the second and third graders will focus on Samson and Delilah, Ruth and Naomi, and King David. The season of Advent will also be dis-cussed.

FOURTH/FIFTH GRADE - This class will be finishing a series of lessons on the kings and judges of Israel and Judah; Elijah, Mt. Carmel, and the chariot of fire; Job; and the season of Advent

SIXTH/SEVENTH/EIGHT GRADE - The middle school group will be working on a timeline of events of the Old and New Testaments.

HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE - This class utilizes the week-ly FaithLens by the ELCA

Due to practice for the Christmas Eve play, Sunday School will be on hiatus for the month of December. We will resume on January 5, 2014

Christmas Eve Children’s ServicePlanning for the Christmas Eve Children’s service is un-

derway. This year’s performance is entitled My Dear Lord Gave to Me.

There are parts for children of all ages. Rehearsals will be 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 and 12/22 during the Sunday School hour at 9:25-10:45. Dress rehearsal is 12/23 at 10:00 and is mandatory.

If you have or know of a child that would like to partici-pate, please contact Erin Bopp at erinbopp@gmail.com or 614.523.2467

The Advent Wreath – A Tradition for HomeHere is a set of prayers that may be used to accompany the lighting of Advent candles. Some people light

their wreath only on each Sunday of Advent, often at the time of the main meal; others do it on each weekday as well. Whatever you may choose, the important thing is that this practice help you prepare in mind and

spirit for the “real” reason for the season: Jesus!

The Lighting of Advent Wreath CandlesFirst week of AdventLight one candle. Each time you light it say: “The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who live in a land of deep shadow, on them a light has shined.” Isaiah 9:2

Prayer: Almighty God, grant that the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, may so light our whole lives that we need never again walk in darkness. Amen.

Second week of AdventLight two candles. Each time you light the second one say: “There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came to bear witness to the coming of the light so that all might believe through him.” John 1:6-7

Prayer: O God, help us to be ready for the coming of your Son, the light of all who love him, by making room for him in our hearts. Amen.

Third week of AdventLight three candles. Each time you light the third one say: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eter-nal life.” John 3:16

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your great gift of love to us. Help us through Jesus, to love you more. Amen.

Fourth week of AdventLight all four candles. Each time you light the fourth one say: “Lord, my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all people — a light to bring light to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32

Prayer: Dear God, let the glorious light of Jesus’ love shine in our lives and proclaim the Good Tidings to everyone we meet.

The Christ CandleAdvent Wreaths usually have a center candle called “The Christ Candle.” This is not to be confused with the Paschal Candle in Church. The Christ Candle is lighted on Christmas Day. Some families have the oldest member of the family light this candle. Others created their own family tradition. May you enjoy this special Advent season as a time to prepare for the Birth of Christ, the light no darkness can overcome!

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 9

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 10

Mark your2014 calendar.

LOMO is scheduled to be at Grace the week of July 13-18, 2014

“Living in God’s Time”Daily Themes and Stories

Day 1: Living in Advent - John the BaptistDay 2: Living in Christmas - The birth of JesusDay 3: Living in Lent - The crucifixion of JesusDay 4: Living in Easter - The resurrection of JesusDay 5: Living in Pentecost - The Holy Spirit

LOMO Day Camp 2014

“We’re so glad you asked…..”...a response to questions and concerns on a variety

of topics. If you have a question, please put it in writing and deliver it to the Church Office or email it to: office@grace43081.org. Questions must be signed.

Question: Why are the prayers in Sunday worship so short? It often seems to me we pray about things that are not in our own neighbor-hood or about our own members and church?

Response: Prayer takes many forms. It may be for-mal or informal, silent or spoken out loud. Prayers can be finely crafted and well thought out. They may be hastily said on the way to work, in the hallway before going into class, next to the bed of a loved one lying ill or near death.

Prayers can be said alone or in a crowd. They may be offered up on behalf of others (intercession), as thanks-giving, or in time of personal need, confusion, and help-lessness. Prayer can be a simple talk with God. What-ever its form or location, its volume or content, in every case prayer in the name and spirit of Jesus joins our hearts and voices with the hearts and voices of Chris-tians of every time and every place.

The prayers we offer during Sunday worship are spe-cifically intended for use in the Christian assembly. In addition to the Prayer of the Day that follows the Hymn

of Praise, we have the prayers of intercession after the Creed. These are intended to be brief prayers we of-

fer up for the whole Church, the nations, those in need, our congregation, and special concerns.

It is also the time when the assisting minister includes thanks for all the faithful depart-ed, especially for those who recently have died. It is appropriate to this type of corpo-rate prayer that each portion conclude with

words spoken by the congregation, for exam-ple, “hear our prayer” or “your mercy is great.”

Later in our worship service we pray the offertory prayer (after the offering has been received), the Eucha-ristic Prayer, the Lord’s Prayer, and the post-communion prayer. When we gather in sacred assembly in worship our prayers reflect a prayer tradition formed over many centuries of Christian practice and experience. But this is not the only way, time, and place for our prayers.

Prayer is a fundamental part of our daily diet as disci-ples of Jesus. St. Paul encouraged the believers in the church of Thessalonica that they were to “pray without ceasing” (I Thessalonians 5:17).

I call upon you, O LORD; come quickly to me;give ear to my voice when I call to you.

Let my prayer be counted as incense before you,and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice.

(Psalm 141)

Stay up-to-dateon the ministries of Grace.Log on to www.grace43081.org

QR Code for WebsiteThis is the QR (Quick Response) code for Grace. Scan this code with your iphone and it will take you directly to the Grace Lutheran Website.

GRACE IS NOW ON FACEBOOKhttp://www.facebook.comGraceEvangelicalLutheranWesterville

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 11

GraceEvangelical

Lutheran Churchhas been serving the Westerville Community for more than 100 years. Grace supports local minis-tries such as the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, Westerville Partnership Habitat for Human-ity, Red Cross Bloodmobile and Westerville CROP Walk. Grace also supports Lutheran Social Services programs like Faith Mis-sion and provides weekly meeting space for a Boy Scout Troop and

three AA groups.

November 24th “Footsteps of St. Paul” Interest Meeting

An 11-Day (including 3 day cruise) Tour ofAncient Greece and Turkey

October 15-25, 2014 (dates to be confirmed)Pastor Will Hartfelder is hosting an information

meeting between worship services (9:45-10:45 am) on Sunday, November 24th in the Fellowship Hall about traveling with him on a very special tour of ancient Greece and Turkey.

St. Paul’s missionary journeys took him great distances through Turkey and along the Greek coast. This historical and spiritual trip will fol-low in his footsteps and retrace the roots of early Christianity. The 11-day tour includes round-trip airfare, hotels, in-country transportation, all en-trance fees, all breakfasts and dinners and most lunches, 6 days touring on land and a 3-day cruise to the Greek islands and Ephesus and more. The estimated cost is $3,349* per person (double-oc-cupancy hotel room). At this time there is room for 30 participants. There is also the possibility of a 3-day trip extension to Rome.

Questions? Contact Pastor Will 614-882-3026 w.hartfelder@grace43081.org Date of Interest Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 24thTime: 9:45-10:45 amLocation: Fellowship Hall*price does not include gratuities, visas to Tur-

key, optional travel insurance and airport tax and fuel surcharges which are subject to change until tickets are issued.

Grace walkers and bike riders took part in the annual Westerville CROP Walk on Sunday, October 13. Begin-ning at the Westerville Community Church of Christ at the corner of County Line and Spring street, the course took us south on Spring to Schrock, West to Otterbein where Carolyn Gibbony and Rachael Gan-gestad manned the half-way snack station in the Grace parking lot. The walk continued north on Otterbein to County Line where the walkers returned east back to Spring. Some of the walkers took the shorter route by walking west on Walnut rather than Schrock.

The walkers from Grace pic-tured below: Marissa and Chris Banks, Matthew, Robert and Joy Longfellow, Julie Hartfelder, Juanita Martin, Linda Hoch. Not Pictured - Alex and Nick Smith.

CROP WALKERS

Linda Hochcollected pledges several Sundays before the CROP

walk.

M.O.G. Begin Basic Training All men of Grace are invited to particpate in a new video series: “Basic Training for a Few Good Men,” on the 2nd and 4th Sundays each month. Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Place: Rose Garden # 1. The course provides guidelines for be-coming a strong leader in family, work, community, and church settings. The Series Began on October 27. If you didn’t attend the first session, it is not too late.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran ChurchCouncil Meeting: October 10, 2013

Minutes

2013 Church CouncilPresident ..........................................................Bill Kulju Ph: (614) 898-8314 ............................ kuljub@att.netVice President ............................................Julie Abrams Ph: (614) 865-0503 ......... julieanne26.2@gmail.comTreasurer .......................................................John Hicks Ph: (614) 264-6317 ................. johnmh3@gmail.comSecretary ................................................... Joanne Figge Ph. (614) 207-1061 .....................jcfigge@gmail.comSenior Pastor .......................................... Will Hartfelder Ph. (614) 882-3026 .....w.hartfelder@grace43081.orgMembers at Large:Jeff Brenning ..........................................jbrenni@att.net Ph: (614) 218-7977Angela Hughes .....................angelajustine@gmail.com Ph: (614) 882-2932Vanessa Stewart .....................................vsrnc@aol.com Ph. (614) 889-1525Randy Stoll.............................rstoll3@columbus.rr.com Ph. (614) 882-2962

Members present: Bill Kulju (President), Julie Abrams (Vice-President), John Hicks (Treasurer), Vanessa Stew-art, Ron Hoch, Randy Stoll, Jeff Brenning, Pastor Will Hartfelder. Also in attendance, Glen Alexander.President Bill Kulju called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM.Devotions: Joanne Figge, from Between Heaven and Ground Zero by Leslie Haskin. Approval of September, 2013 meeting minutes Upon consideration of the minutes from the September, 2013 meeting, Vanessa Stewart, moved to accept the minutes, supported by Jeff Brenning with a second. Motion passed.Topic 1Glen Alexander presented and update and new informa-tion to council about the Columbarium in the Remem-brance Garden. He offered a new form for ordering the faceplate engraving and a revision of the policies and rules governing the Columbarium and asked for ap-proval. He asked that the new policies and guidelines and the new faceplate engraving form be approved. He also asked for approval to print a new brochure which will cost about $285. Glen provided a recap of expen-ditures and receipts for the Columbarium, which has paid for itself. Future sales will provide maintenance for the Columbarium and Remembrance Garden and will go toward the purchase and construction of the second Columbarium, when it is needed. Glen asked for ap-proval to let an amendment to the contract for the irriga-tion company for additional work by the gardener of the Remembrance Garden. Discussion was had about pur-chasing urns that would fit properly in the Columbarium and having them available for purchase when the family of a member of the congregation who is to be inured. After much discussion all of Glen’s recommendations were combined and motion was made by John Hicks, seconded by Julie Abrams, to accept Glen’s report and to approve his requests and move forward. Motion passed unanimously.Topic 2Pastor Will shared that the call committee for assistant pastor continues its search.Topic 3The consensus of council is that the annual business meet-ing for the Grace congregation will be held on November 17, 2013 immediately after the 11:00am service.

Required ReportsMonthly Report: Pastor Will Hartfelder submitted his monthly report earlier in the week. Statistical Report: Pastor Will Hartfelder submitted his monthly statistical report for September, 2013. Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer John Hicks reviewed the financial report. Growing People of Faith pledges total $573,332. Pledges collected through September 2013 were $341,331 (60%). The 2014 budget process was be-gun with ministry and lay leaders at last Sunday’s minis-try meeting in order to estimate spending for 2014 prior to stewardship Sunday, October 27, 2013. Approval of required reportsRon Hoch made a motion to accept the required monthly reports, and was seconded by Jeff Brenning. Motion passed unanimously.Adjournment with prayerJoanne Figge offered a prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.Next Meeting - The next church council meeting is No-vember 14, 2013. Pastor Will is responsible for devo-tions and closing prayer.Respectfully submitted,Joanne Figge, Secretary

The VOICE of Grace November 2013 - Page 12