For many, December has traditionally been a month filled with Christmas lights, songs, and gatherings. But as you know, this year is looking a whole lot different. As I write this article the headlines are filled with reports of spikes and surges in cases of COVID-19. Health officials are urging us to maintain social distancing and to refrain from gatherings and parties. A month that many viewed as a month of joy and hope is not looking all that joyful. On a more hopeful note, a couple of companies have announced their vaccinations showing 90%+ effectiveness. I think we’re all hoping that we’ll be able to have vaccinations underway and end this pandemic in the near future. It’s certainly something we would all like to see!

But is a vaccine our real hope? Will

it be our cure-all? Of course not. It may be an immediate answer to prayer for temporary healing, a help to return to some level of pre-pandemic normalcy, but it’s certainly not the end-all, cure-all answer to our illnesses, sin problems, and mortality. That answer is found in no one but Jesus whose advent we celebrate this month.

While the rest of the world sees December as a month for shopping, giving and receiving gifts, family gatherings and parties – and will be depressed because many of those things won’t be happening this year – we Christians will still be joyful. Our reason for Christmas celebration is in the advent (coming) of Jesus. Jesus’ coming – His first coming at Bethlehem in the incarnation (in human flesh), and His second coming on the Last Day – is what gives us true joy and true

hope. He was born to live, suffer, die and rise again to save us from our sins, and He will return on the Last Day to fulfill His work of salvation by taking us to our heavenly home. That’s where our joy and hope lies and no pandemic can take that away from us!

Sure, things will be different from Christmases past, but “the reason for the season” remains the same – Jesus the Christ was born and He will come again! If anything, the pandemic gives us greater reason to focus on this truth more than ever. We give thanks for our Immanuel, God with us! May the Lord continue to fill your lives with the love, joy, hope, and

peace of Christ. Merry Christmas!! —Pastor Jason

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

1000 West Wilson Street Banning, California 92220

951-849-3232 office@glcbanning.org www.glcbanning.org

DECEMBER 2020

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM PASTOR

GRACE’S 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

MAY 23, 1920 - 2020

Some history of the church for you:

A few months after the reorganization Grace Church was erected at 2nd & Hays Streets and dedicated on October 25, 1931. The building cost $6,300 and was fully paid for. The congregation now numbered 44 souls, 22 communicants, and 5 voters. In all those years the congregation had grown little numerically. People constantly came and went. Banning was still a health resort to a large extent. Few members were able to help the pastor in his work or contributions. The district provided a $35 monthly subsidy. On September 17, 1939 Rev. R.F. Knaus became Grace’s first called permanent Pastor. He instituted a full synodical liturgy with a new set of fifty hymnals that were donated by members. The Ladies Aid provided a new mimeograph, baptismal font, choir loft curtains, and many other items. In 1942 Rev. Knaus accepted the call to First Lutheran in Fontana.

Just some of the ways God worked in the life of His Church!

And He’s still working today!!

WORSHIP SERVICES ONLINE

All Services will be video recorded and posted online at glcbanning.org Worship order, announcements and prayer page are sent via email or US Postal mail for those without email. Watch for information regarding the return of in-church worship.

DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 2

December BIRTHDAYS

4 – Harold Buck

4 – Susan Martinez

4 – Roger Moore

5 – Lois Hong

6 – Gus Acevedo

7 – Pat McCage

8 – Bill Hamlin

11 – Yvonne Horn

23 – Larry Middlesworth

29 – Elly Polchow

December ANNIVERSARIES

1 – John & Andie Arthurholtz

20 – Rob & Terri Little

27 – Jason & Lois Hong

DECEMBER CALENDAR

SUNDAYS - Worship Online

Mondays are Pastor’s day off

2,9,16,23,30 – Zoom James study at 10am

2,9,16 – Advent Services Online

10 – Board of Elders at 4pm

15 – Board of Directors at 10am

24 – Christmas Eve Service Online

25 – Christmas Day – office closed

27th - Holy Communion Drive thru from 9:30 - 10:15am

Called to Glory

We pray God’s peace, comfort, and hope be with family and loved ones as we remember:

Norma Ard

December 15, 1931 – November 10, 2020

TRUSTEE UPDATE: The completion of the fence

is in sight. Gates are scheduled to be delivered the week of December 7th and installed soon after.

PAGE 3 DECEMBER 2020

SUNDAY, ADVENT SERVICES AND

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE

Due to the rising cases and exposure to COVID-19, the Board of Elders agreed to shutdown ALL in-person services and activities at church. Services (including midweek Advent and Christmas Eve) will still be recorded and viewable through the church website (www.glcbanning.org). Bible studies will also continue on Zoom.

Our three midweek offerings (Dec 2,9,16) will be divided equally between two ministries – Mission support for our missionaries, Haragewen and Hailu Kinde in Ethiopia, and the Veterans of the Cross ministry of the LCMS. Veterans of the Cross helps retired church workers and their spouses in financial crisis. You may mail in your midweek Advent offerings using the special envelopes in your offering box.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A scheduled meeting of the Grace Lutheran Church Board of Directors was held by Zoom on November 17, 2020.

Pastor Jason commented favorably on the appearance of the Church's new fencing. Installation of the large drive-through gates encountered a delay due to a size error made by the construction company.

Jeannette Bailey, Chair, mentioned the final "Voters' Assembly Agenda" is posted in the Narthex. She will also provide a "Confirmation of Appointees" handout with the listing of term dates.

The Treasurer's job description is posted in the Narthex for review by the members who may be interested in filling the position or know a person that would be qualified. Greg Grose, Office Manager, will be filling that role until a new Treasurer is selected. Pastor asked that Jeannette Bailey bring up the open position at the Voters Assembly.

The Board decided that the three mid-week Advent offerings will be divided equally between The Ethiopian Missionary Fund and The Veterans of the Cross Organization as was done in previous years.

Due to the unusual circumstances brought about by Cov-19, the Pastor asked that an "Appreciation Letter for Christmas gifts" letter not be sent to the congregation this year. Jeannette Bailey will speak with our Deacon and Office Manager for their concurrence; with that, the BOD will place an article notifying members of the change for this annual practice in the December Newsletter.

Darryl Craft suggested that it might be beneficial to revisit the Church property's mortgage rate. Elder John Wright, Budget Chairman, will follow through with investigating the possibility.

For the Church to verify a quorum of voters is in attendance, there will be a list of names who have registered to attend worship service in the entryway. On arriving, the members' names will be marked and counted toward the quorum.

The next Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for December 15, 2020, 10 am. The meeting adjourned at 10:38 am, with the members reciting the "Lord's Prayer."

Respectively submitted, Linda Taylor, Secretary

A LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF

DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors has been advised by our Pastor

Jason, Deacon Gerry and Greg Grose, Office Manager

that they collectively would prefer to suspend this year’s

congregational gift. This has been the most unusual year

for all of us--with “social distancing,” “zoom meetings, &

Bible studies,” events that have been delayed, postponed,

many rearranged worship services and lack of social times

together.

So perhaps, this is a year for individual reflection of how

we can show our appreciation for the leadership or our

facility at Grace Lutheran Church (possibly the 100 year

anniversary fund). The choice is yours—and let us all

pray to our heavenly Father that next year will be one of

community gatherings once again.

We have indeed been blessed by our dedicated servants

in Pastor Jason, Deacon Gerry and Greg Grose, Office

Manager. Thank you for your constant care of your flock

at Grace Lutheran.

—Jeannette Bailey Chairman, Board of Directors

PAGE 4 DECEMBER 2020

GOD’S beautiful fall foliage handiwork at Grace. It’s worth your time to drive by. The maple tree was donated by George and Trudie Konrad several years ago.

$100,000

Celebrating

100 Years of

God’s Grace

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

$48,461

Mark you calendars for our celebration on May 23, 2021 and please continue to raise the thermometer to reach our $100,000 goal.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow, praise Him all creatures here below, praise Him above, Ye heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son & Holy Ghost. Amen

STATER CARDS

Stater Cards are available for purchase at the church office between 10-10:30 Friday mornings. Payment by check is preferred to limit risk of loss. Best to call and make an appointment with Greg.

MITES FOR MISSIONS

We’re still collecting Mites! Everyone is invited to participate in the LWML Mite collection. Mite boxes are available on the mail box cabinet. Put your spare change in it and when it’s full, drop it off at the church office. If you don’t have a box, a baggie will do, just put a note in it marked “MITES”.

CHURCH TREASURER

NEEDED If God has gifted you with the ability to work

with numbers, please prayerfully consider if you can fill the Treasurer position. A background check will be completed by the church for the one who fills the position. We hope to find someone inside the Church who would be willing to serve in this capacity or know a potential person to suggest for the role. If at all possible, we would like to avoid the expense of hiring an outside accounting firm at this time. A copy of the Treasurer's duties is posted in the narthex.

SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES

WEDNESDAY ADVENT SERVICES -

DECEMBER 2, 9, 16 ON WEBSITE

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE -

DECEMBER 24 ON WEBSITE

Teresa and I would like to express our thanks for all your letters of condolences since Terri’s Mother died on October 31. 2020. Its been a very complicated year, hasn’t it? Terri’s mother passed away peacefully at a hospice in Garden Grove.

Joanne was born June 20, 1932 along with her twin sister Jeanne, they were both adopted into a loving family. Jeanne passed away a few years back, but the two sisters were as close as twins can be. Joanne had three children, Michael, Terri and Lee, and enjoyed a loving relationship with each. A special thanks to the LWML for their especially nice card.

—Rob and Terri Little

LWML NEWS

The LWML Meeting was held on November 7, 2020. For a very rainy day we were happy to have 11 ladies in attendance. Thank you to Linda Anderson who provided individually packaged snacks. We wore face masks and social distanced.

Carolyn Moddelmog presented the new and remaining officers to be voted in as board members. Carolyn Moddelmog as Vice President, Sandy Beck continuing as Secretary, Dee Moore - Treasurer/Finance, Pat McCage - Inspiration, Gail Wright -remaining in Missions, and Connie Reinecker - Hospitality. Linda Anderson volunteered to be President but due to a medical issue she will have to put this off for awhile. The board was unanimously approved.

The Quilters have quilts ready to be donated to the veterans at March Air Base facility. We will present them to the speaker in January.

Haragewen Kinde was our mission speaker. She spoke of the Covid situation in Ethiopia, how the school is doing and how the Lord is working there. We always enjoy her informative presentations.

CHRISTMAS PARTY UPDATE

Unfortunately, due to the virus, we have to CANCEL our Christmas Party. Our hope now is to be able to have the January meeting on January 9th, the second Saturday of the month. If able, we will have Marilyn Olson of the U.S. Vets speak. Please continue to collect items needed for the veterans, and socks and care kit items for those in need.

Please remember your Secret Sister and those sisters in ill health with cards and prayers. We cherish our time together and ask for God’s care until we meet again.

Your LWML Board

ALTAR GUILD LOOKING FOR

HELPING HANDS

The Altar Guild is still at work. Not only are they cleaning the altar, they are also cleaning the sanctuary and restrooms since we don’t have a janitor service at this time. There are still a few vacancies, so if you are currently not serving but have an interest to do so, it’s not too late.

Due to the virus we are not having services so we will not be decorating the church for Christmas. But the cleaning continues to keep God’s house pleasing to Him.

If you have any questions, please call Linda

Anderson or Gail Wright.

God Bless you all and stay healthy.

PAGE 5 DECEMBER 2020

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Grace Lutheran Endowment Fund

(managed by The LCMS Foundation): $10,671

Mortgage Balance

(owed to Thrivent Financial): $73,949

General Fund finances as of November 15

Year to Date Giving - $193,837 Need - $217,626

Have a Blessed Christmas For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name

shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty

God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6