Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
GRACE’S † GOOD † NEWS
http://www. gracelutherannc.org Check us out on FaceBook !
February 2 0 1 6 Volume 20 Issue 2
GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
Reverend Benjamin J. Kifer, Pastor
1776 N. Market St. / P. O. Box 2505
Washington, NC 27889 Tel: 252-975-1988
February 7, 14, 21 & 28
9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. ELW Worship
5:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study
Special Announcements! Call for Help for Eagles Wings food pantry Grace Lutherans - we do a great job of partnering with our local food pantry, Eagles Wings - helping them feed thousands of hungry people in our community each year. This March, Eagles Wings is holding a "find your pot of gold" auction, an event that hides extravagant gifts (timeshare weekends, art, jewelry, etc.) and simple gifts (manual labor, gift certificates, etc.) alike in bags of all kinds. Participants bid on bags without knowing the contents, and are surprised with the gift inside! How we can help: We need gifts, both extravagant and simple, and bags to make this a success. If you think you could help, please see Pastor Ben!
Midweek Lenten meals and Worship Lent begins early this year - and brings a great and unique opportunity for our church! For 5 Wednesdays beginning February 17th, we will gather as a congregation at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for a meal together. Soup and sandwiches will be arranged by the Fellowship Committee. Then, at 7 p.m., we will worship in the Sanctuary, led by a visiting Lutheran Pastor from elsewhere in our Conference. Please consider attendance to observe important Lenten themes, and to support visiting clergy!
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
2
Lenten Art Sunday School series The most beautiful and profound art ever created has been inspired by the last days of Jesus Christ. Beginning February 14th, Pastor will begin a Sunday School series focusing on Christian art with Lenten themes. We will talk mostly about finding deeper faith through the work of classic European artists. Unlock the mysteries of Da Vinci's Last Supper, see Michelangelo's Pieta like never before, and so much more. 9 a.m. each Sunday starting the 14th, and continuing on to Easter Art next month. A Look Ahead: First Presbyterian Church downtown in Washington will be hosting the community Lenten worship and lunch series this year. This will take place each Wednesday at 12 noon. Grace Lutheran Church is scheduled to provide preaching (from me!) and lunch (from you!) on Wednesday, March 2nd. Please consider helping in any way that Deb Johnston needs, as it supports us as a viable ecumenical partner here in Washington. Deb will have more information about the lunch portion - thank you! Peace - Pastor Ben
In this issue: Birthdays/Anniversaries pg. 2 Lutheran Men in Mission pg. 7 Social Ministry pg. 10 Christian Education pg.13 Lutheran World Relief (LWR) pg. 9 Women of Grace pg. 7 Community Outreach pg. 12 Pastor’s Message pg. 4 Worship & Music pg. 11 Evangelism ------ Prayer Concerns pg. 14 Youtherans! pg. 7 ETC. pg. 3 President’s Message pg. 5 & 6 Stewardship pg. - Financial Reports pg. 8 Ruth’s House pg. 9 Fellowship pg. 9
February Birthdays February Wedding Anniversaries
13 Becky Morse 20 Lawrence and Agnes Beacham
18 Bette Volk
19 Erwin Meier
21 Kim Meier
2015 Church Council
Liaison To Telephone
Number E-mail Address
Rev. Benjamin Kifer, Pastor Evangelism 235-8901 [email protected]
Sue Dawson Outreach 401-300-9738 [email protected]
Bill Schnaekel 833-4940 [email protected]
Stuart Everett, Treasurer Finance 927-4821 [email protected]
Ron Hermany, Vice President Property 214-1732 [email protected]
John Johnston Stewardship 262-497-7488 [email protected]
Doris Hofmann, Secretary 975-1951 [email protected]
Becky Morse Christian Education 702-2500 [email protected] Anne Myers Fellowship 975-3059 [email protected]
Bonnie Smith, President 946-8618 [email protected]
Jerry Snapp , Financial Secretary
Worship & Music; Finance 975-6427
3
“ E t c. “ In addition to special announcements, submissions of Lutheran/Christian anecdotes, jokes,
uplifting/inspirational thoughts and stories are also welcomed. Simply email them to: [email protected]
1. The businessman dragged himself home and barely made it to his chair before he dropped, exhausted. His sympathetic wife was right there with a tall cool drink and a comforting word. “My, you look tired,” she said. “You must have had a hard day today. What happened to make you so exhausted?” “It was terrible,” her husband said, “The computer broke down and all of us had to do our own thinking.” 2. Lost on a rainy night, a nun stumbles across a monastery. She's just in time for dinner and is treated to the best fish and chips ever. After dinner, she goes to the kitchen to thank the chefs. She is met by Brother Michael and Brother Charles. She thanks them and asks who cooked what. Says Brother Charles: "I'm the fish friar." She says to Brother Michael, "Then you must be..." He replies, "Yes, I'm the chip monk
Submitted by Tom Volk
4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
† † † Pastor Ben’s Message † † †
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“If the only prayer you say in your entire life is thank you – that would be enough.”
This is a quote from Meister Eckhart – a theologian who lived about 200 years before Luther. It is a
good reminder that the most important thing to be in your life is thankful – and that, if you live
your life in a way that says “thanks” to God every day, it would be a life well lived. We are not only
to live in thankfulness to God, but also to other people, as we do not take this journey of life alone,
but in the company of brothers and sisters in the faith. The past few months have been overflowing
with blessings in our household, and I am profoundly thankful for all of the ways in which we have
been not only ‘church,’ but really family together recently. I know that Stacey and I will be sending
out personal ‘thank-you’ notes where appropriate, but I wanted to take this time and space to list a
few things I have been meaning to say:
First and foremost, Thanks be to God who brings us together and provides everything.
Thank you Grace Lutheran for going the extra mile to support our family during and since
the time of Kaylee’s birth.
Thank you church family for being flexible with meetings, studies, and office hours the past
2 months – things should settle in gradually.
Thank you for your generous Christmas bonus gift., an awesome and useful surprise.
Thank you to those of you who have provided meals for us recently – they have been much
needed and delicious.
Thank you to each one of you who spend time working on committees, or on church
council, or providing things for the church on Sundays, or working behind the scenes to
make things go smoothly.
Thank you for continued prayers for one another.
I recently sent out a list of things we did together last year – the Year in Review for 2015 – and it
was quite a list, though not totally comprehensive. It is a good reminder that we work well together,
and that for a “small” church, we do “big” amounts of ministry collectively. I look forward to
another stellar year this year as we continue to find ways to grow our faith and our church…and we
continue to build toward living each day at Grace Lutheran Church in a way that simply
says…thank you.
Pastor Ben's office hours are: [Monday will be his Sabbath / day off.]
Tuesday. Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Feel free to call his cell phone anytime 252-235-8901 to schedule an appointment.
5
Report on Ruth’s House ~ submitted by Jean Richardson
HAVE YOU VISITED RUTH’S HOUSE ANTIQUES & MORE LOCATON: 228 W
Main Street, Washington NC?
All funds raised will be used to help the victims of domestic violence.
♥ The current / on-going needs for Ruth’s House are posted on the bulletin board in the narthex. Please place
your donated items in the bin marked “Ruth’s House” in the Fellowship Hall. Thanks so much for supporting
Ruth’s House!!!
FOR DONATIONS TO RUTH’S HOUSE “ANTIQUES & MORE” SHOP:
ANTIQUES – FURNITURE -- GLASS -- COLLECTIBLES. CALL 975-6309
We deeply appreciate your support!
This is an ever evolving list to meet the needs of Ruth’s House.
TELEPHONE (252) 940-0007
Interested in volunteering for Ruth’s House? Contact Kim Etheredge at 946-0709.
Ruth’s House Board Meetings future dates are posted on the narthex calendar.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Outgoing President’s Message
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Hello All
Peace be with you and Happy New Year!
As always this has been a busy month for Grace Lutheran. We have reached a milestone recently as we have paid off
our loan on the Fellowship Hall (yeah!!) and installed new council members. With that, Bonnie Smith is our new council
president and I have taken the job of vice-president. There are other changes as well and are noted in this issue of
Grace's Good News. Thanks to the council and congregation for their support over the last twelve months please give
Bonnie your full support.
In all that we do, thanks be to God
Ron
6
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
President’s Message
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Dear Grace Lutherans,
At the January 24th Council Meeting, officer elections were held with the following results:
President: Bonnie Smith
Vice President: Ron Hermany
Secretary: Doris Hofmann
Treasurer: Stuart Everett (off Council)
Financial Secretary: Jerry Snapp
The Council thanks both Ron Hermany and Sue Dawson for their excellent work in 2015….Ron as
out-going President and Sue as out-going Secretary.
Council is grateful for their continued support and efforts in the coming year.
Additionally, Council/Committee liaison positions were agreed to as follows:
Christian Education/Youth Becky Morse
Fellowship Ann Myers
Finance Jerry Snapp
Outreach Sue Dawson
Property Ron Hermany
Stewardship John Johnston
Worship & Music Jerry Snapp
Recipients of our 2015 Special Offerings (total amount = $1,630!) were agreed to as follows:
Eagles Wings, Washington NC
Ruth’s House, Washington NC
Zion Shelter, Washington NC
We are off to a busy start in 2016! Ash Wednesday is February 10th, and there will be on-going
news about mid-week Lenten opportunities, both at Grace and in the community. Look for
information soon.
Your Church Council continues to be informed about future projects (Memorial Garden, Building
Committee, Outreach Opportunities, new Sunday refreshment schedule, etc) as well as planning for
their annual Council retreat and annual audit of the church’s finances. Worship & Music informed
us that two new, white banners have been ordered; this was made possible from Memorial Funds in
the past year.
As Grace Lutherans, your continued support, suggestions, questions, etc. are always appreciated.
Please do not hesitate to contact any Council member with your ideas. Working together in pursuit
of our Vision and Mission is a true blessing.
To borrow from Ron…if I may… IN ALL THAT WE DO, THANKS BE TO GOD!
Bonnie Smith
7
REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES & GROUPS
Youtherans news!
In January, the Youth group got together to go ice skating! We had a wonderful time - most of the kids had never been ice skating before, and we were all sore the next day! In February, we will head to the bowling alley for some bowling fun! Please talk to Pastor Ben or Stacey if you'd like to join us!
Lutheran Men in Mission: LMIM will be hosting a pancake supper on Tuesday, February 9, at 5:30pm for the
start of Lent.
LMIM Valentine’s Day Dinner - Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 6:00pm at the Hitch N Post Restaurant in Williamston.
This will be Dutch treat
Grace Lutheran WELCA: WELCA met January 9th at 10:00 AM with 6 members present. A short
devotional was shared followed by our quarterly regular business meeting. Ann Meyers volunteered to
assume the duties of the treasurer upon Geneva Thompson's resignation. We voted to give the 2016 proceeds
of our "Pennies" jar (located in the kitchen - Donations are welcome) A suggestion was made to develop a
questionnaire to be distributed in the vestibule for women to fill out asking when they would like to see our
meetings and ask for suggestions to make our membership stronger. We also voted to host a "Thank You"
brunch in the spring for all the ladies who have helped in our projects during the last year. Watch your bulletin
and newsletter for more information. We encourage all women to join us once a month for a one hour
gathering as we discuss our work and lives and share God's word.
OUR
V I S I O N :
By Grace, through faith, we are God’s children
g rowing in faith and discipleship
and shari ng the Gospel in word & deed.
8
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Treasurer Report as of November 30, 2015. .
General Fund Budget Accounts
YTD income ($101518) is 110% of annual budget ($ 92,146). YTD expense ($84754) is 110% of annual budget ($ 77,130). YTD income less YTD expense = $ 16764
Financial Secretary Report as of December 31, 2015
2015 General Fund
2015 Building & Asset Replacement
Fund
2015 Church Offering Pledges 90,587.00 $ 11,105.00
Pledges to Date $92,455.00 $ 11490.00
% Pledges 102.1% 103.5%
Pledge Period Completed 100% 100 %
Non-pledged Offering $ 8968.30 $ 51777.00
Church Offering Total $ 101423.30 $ 16,667.00
,
Offering required to meet the Budget
$ 77,330.00 $ 10,560.00
Church Offering Total % 131.2% 157.8%
2015 YTD Offering Surplus (Deficit)
$ 24093.30 $ 6107.00
9
Fellowship Committee report for December
Change is in the air for Sunday Fellowship with Refreshments!
Our 1st change is the introduction of the 5th Sunday Fellowship potluck! What a great way to share our talents
by bringing a dish to share with our church family. For 2016 there are three 5th Sunday Fellowship potlucks for
us to bring a dish—January 31st, May 29th and July 31st (October has a 5th Sunday but that is our OctoberFest
meal). This is an informal event with no sign ups, no specific dish. Just bring whatever you want!
During the Lenten season, Sunday Fellowship with refreshments will be coffee and tea and un-leaven bread
(on occasion). This is in keeping with the tradition of Lent, a time of fasting. The return of refreshments will be
our Easter Sunday Brunch Potluck.
The current Refreshment Volunteer List and assignment will be eliminated and a refreshment volunteer signup
sheet/form will be located in the Fellowship Hall starting in April. There will more information about this change
over the next couple of months.
As the year unfolds, look for more change to our Sunday Fellowship with refreshments!
LWR (Lutheran World Relief) Coffee, Cocoa, Tea, Candy & Fruit Snacks
Check out the rack for coffee, and chocolate bars! (Checks
payable to “Grace-WELCA”)
Thank you for supporting LWR!
~ Lois Hoot
WELCA Equal Exchange Coffee $8.00 Whole Bean Coffee $8.00 Large Candy Bar $3.50 Small Candy Bar $1.00
► please continue to SAVE the following for Lois Hoot, and put them in the kitchen.
Clear plastic or glass gallon jars……..any used ink cartridges………..Box Top labels for Education
Coffee We now have some new whole bean coffee as well as your favorite regular and decaf coffee. We also have mint tea and cocoa. Check out the coffee and tea and let me know if you would like to try some new flavors. Go to the Equal Exchange website.
10
SOCIAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
Eagle’s Wings (on-going) Questions? Please call Joanne Dramstad at 252-833-0223. Eagle’s
Wings has requested: toiletry supplies, such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products,
deodorant, shampoo, etc. There is a special need for baby items such as disposable diapers and baby wipes.
The times are tough for everyone right now, but our help is needed. We will collect items on the first
Sunday of each month. You may place your donated items in the container marked EAGLE’S
WINGS located in the Fellowship Hall.
Transportation services offered (on-going) A number of Grace's members have offered to drive others who may
not be able to drive themselves, either to doctor appointments or other errands, or to evening church events. If
you are available to drive someone in this way, please put your name and telephone number on the sign-up sheet
on the narthex bulletin board, and indicate whether you would be willing to drive at night. Also, if you are in need of a ride, you can make a note of that on the right-hand list, or contact the
Social Ministry Committee through Eileen Gustafson, 946-1497.
Covenant Groups at Grace – All are Welcome! SILVERTHREADS meets on the last Tuesday of each month from September through May. Their next meeting will be Tuesday January 26th at Noon. (Place to be announced.)
THE NEEDLERS, a group of ladies who knit, crochet, sew or quilt. The women meet each Thursday from 1 P.M. until 3 P.M. from September through May. Anyone interested in crafts of any sort is welcome to attend
NITE OWLS Dinner Group (monthly dinners out) meet the 1st Thursday evening of the
month.Nite Owls host assignments will change each month, per mutual agreement. The host(s)
will select the restaurant, make a reservation, communicate that information to everyone, take
names of those wishing to attend, and confirm the number attending with the restaurant.
Meals are to be paid for by separate check. Carpools can be arranged, if needed.
11
WORSHIP & MUSIC
~ Lois Hoot, Chair
Favorite Hymns Sung during January
Love Has Come The First Noel We three Kings Be thou My Vision What Feast of Love Love Divine I Want to Walk As a Child of the Light Blest Be The Tie That Binds O Master Let Me Walk With Thee Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee Ash Wednesday service February 10 at 6:00 Lenten services Feb. 17 and 24 March 2,9,16 7:00 Lenten suppers at 6:15 Worship and Music meeting is Feb. 21 Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season will begin Feb. 10.
Flowers The new 2016 flower chart is ready. Please sign-up if you are donating flowers during the year. Contact Judy Jennette or Lois Hoot if you have any questions. They can be flowers from the store, a florist, or from your yard.
12
Community Outreach Committee:
We are thankful for all who contribute to our outreach ministry. Check out the articles in the newsletter under
Zion/Blind Center monthly meal; Ruth’s House; and other programs.
A little more information on the lunch meal. We have a standard meal of kielbasa, green beans, scalloped potatoes,
apple sauce and cookies. Even though there will always be a signup sheet, it may be helpful if we start a small pantry so
those who wish to do so, at their convenience, can bring green beans, scalloped potatoes, apple sauce (sweet and
unsweetened) and cookies. Also, donations of the aluminum pans, large and small, would be appreciated. Leave them in
the fellowship kitchen and marked as Zion/Blind Center.
Our next lunch will be February 17, 2016. For the February’s lunch we will be doing a different recipe, ‘Chicken Delight’,
recipe is in the notebook in the kitchen. A sign up will be posted just like the one we have done for each month with the
kielbasa and potatoes.
Please always keep filling the boxes that are in the Fellowship hall for Zion, Eagles Wings, Ruth’s House, Zion’s shelter,
and “bosom buddies”. Some people are not aware of the items needed for Eagles Wings and Ruth’s House. For Eagles
Wings and Ruth’s House: canned goods, soaps and hygienic products, paper products, diapers, cleaning supplies, etc.
The goods don’t need to be industrial sizes but what you normally buy for an average size family. Now we are in the cold
weather, Zion shelter is in need of men’s socks, gloves, scarves and hats. If it is helpful there will be a designated week of
each month for Ruth’s House and Eagles Wings to bring your goods and put in the boxes in the fellowship hall. The
second week of each month will be Eagles Wings and the third week of each month will be Ruth’s House.
Red Cross/Disaster Relief: Ron Hermany is overseeing this outreach and he will keep us informed on forthcoming
information. If you would like to become a volunteer, please see Ron. For those who want to give blood, I will be posting
the Red Cross blood drive schedule, as they become available, on the bulletin board.
Prayer Shawls, Hats & Scarves, etc.: The needlers do the prayer shawls (for anyone in need); and hats, scarves for Zion
shelter. As the weather begins to change please remember to think about the folks in the homeless shelter; for the hats,
scarves and socks. Also, Skip Keim, takes the ‘bosom buddies’ to oncology for cancer patients. These are small pillows, 8-
12 inches, any shape. If you have any questions please let Jean know.
If anyone has a special project that they would like for us to for ‘God’s Works Our Hands’ Sunday, please let me know
and I will be happy to work and help organize the activity. Also if anyone has a special outreach they would like for us to
do, please let me know.
Thanks, Jean Richardson
13
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE Next meeting: TBD.
► ANNOUNCING!!! 2016 Vacation Bible
School at Grace Lutheran in mid-
July 2016;
exact dates TBD soon.
This year’s theme is “SURF SHACK: Catch the Wave of
God’s Amazing Love”
► ADULT EVENING BIBLE STUDY
on Sunday Evenings at 5:00 p.m.
Everyone is invited and welcome!
Led by Pastor Ben Kifer, participants are currently studying 3rd Isaiah.
► SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR ALL AGES
Adult Sunday School
The Christian Education Committee invites you to come and hear God’s word, plus enjoy some fellowship
before worship!
9:00 – 10:00 a.m. each Sunday; coffee and tea provided.
February 7 Fruits of the Spirit: PATIENCE
– Becky Morse
February 14, 21 & 28 Christian/Lenten Art
– Pastor Ben Kifer
LOOKING AHEAD………….
Through March 22: Christian/Lenten Art (presented by Pastor Ben Kifer)
April 3 - April 17: Easter Art (presented by Pastor Ben Kifer)
April 24: Inter-generational EARTH DAY event
May 1- May 29: Fruits of the Spirit – Part 2
Childrens’ Sunday School 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Childrens’ class: led by Lois Hoot
Youth/Teen class: co-led by Kathy Russman
& Bonnie Smith
► LENDING LIBRARY !
Donations are always appreciated!
Looking for some Lenten reading? Remember to check out Grace’s Lending Library
bookshelf in the Fellowship hallway by the telephone. Check it out! Many interesting
choices there for you to borrow! ~ Christian Education Committee: Lois Hoot, Pastor Ben Kifer,
Becky Morse (Council Liaison) Jean Richardson, Kathy Russman (Chair), Bonnie Smith & Tom Volk.
14
PRAYER CONCERNS
Prayer of Thanksgiving! Michael Gentile (who suffers from Guillain-Barre syndrome) continues to improve, is now walking with assistance
and returned home this past week; nephew of Joanne Dramstad.
Pat Austin experiencing health issues; aunt of Randy Sipe Donna Barnett niece of Ursula Glisson; Donna has MS and is suffering from acute kidney failure Betty Beacham health problems; cousin of Lawrence Beacham Steve Blaser advanced cancer diagnosis; uncle of Pastor Ben William Brooks member; currently deployed to Afghanistan; husband of Hillary & father of Imogen. Kathy Burns health problems; friend of Agnes Beacham Barb Cocchi health concerns; sister of Sue Dawson Mary Cook health problems; cousin of Becky Morse Pastor Davis health problems
Roberta Engebretsen member; health concerns
Grace Lutheran Church for spiritual and physical growth, and for discernment on our path forward
Family of Don Gustafson Don passed away on October 23, 2015; husband of Eileen Gustafson
Eileen Gustafson member; recovering and in re-hab from successful knee replacement surgery
McKenna Alexandria Hodges...newborn daughter of Jessie and Justin. Great-granddaughter of Ginger
Mainwaring. Health for McKenna; strength and guidance for new parents.
Stephanie Holder young mother with cancer
Judy Husebo member; still undergoing chemotherapy. Judy asks us to please keep her in your prayers.
Her husband Jim is a constant source of support and concern.
Kaylee Mae Kifer newborn daughter of Pastor Ben & Stacey. Health for Kaylee; strength and guidance for new parents. Baby Landon & Mother Landon is now in regular NICU. Born in August 2015 weighing 1.9 lb, he is growing & improving; request from H. Abarr via Kathy Russman Virginia McCall health issues; sister of Bette Volk Flo Meier member; on-going health concerns Pat Mills friend of the Beachams; health issues Pastor Jimmy Moore Pastor of 1st Baptist Church in Washington; recently diagnosed with cancer Raymond Peace undergoing cancer treatments Refugees in Europe health and safety for all those fleeing violence and persecution Family of Ester Rohner Ester passed away on January 9th at the age of 100; friend of Pastor Kifer Jakob Schnaekel and Family Virginia Lee Smith health concerns; 91-year old aunt of Steve Smith Woodrow and Carol Smith dealing with dementia and other health concerns Steve Spang recently diagnosed with lung cancer; nephew of Ursula Glisson Sharon Steinbacher suffering from cancer; friend of the Schnaekels Jimmy & Judy Taylor health concerns; family of Lawrence Beacham Carol & George Trueman on-going health concerns Stephanie Tucker now living in New York City Larry Wheeling has MS and is improving after suffering a stroke; uncle of Annette Sipe Robert Williams currently incarcerated; per Pastor Ben Charlotte Woolard & Family member; health and other concerns
