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March 2019 | Vol 12 Issue 3
Articles are due the 15th of the
month preceding publication.
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Welcome to Grace Lutheran's eNewsletter!
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Click on the links at the right to view or print the
calendar
and
volunteer schedule
, plus you can go directly to our website, Facebook and sites in the ELCA family. If you have anything you would like put in the newsletter, send an email to me at dreamstar_00@msn.com.
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ASH WEDNESDAY
Join us
March 6th
at 6:00pm for a special Soup & Bread Supper to benefit homeless veterans followed by our Ash Wednesday service at 7:00pm. Each Wednesday during Lent we'll have a study group at 7:00pm.
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A Promise of Spring
“So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up.”-Galatians 6:9
A phrase I find myself repeating a lot lately is, “February is the shortest month of the year for a reason.” When winter first begins it is sort of magical. Watching snow fall for the first time fills us with a sense of peace. There are many holidays to look forward to like Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year. Opportunities for celebrating and gathering with family make the winter seem worthwhile. But February?! Well, February is just cold and, with the exception of Valentine's Day and my son's birthday, there is not much to celebrate. Not only that, it seems like it has been cold so long that we have forgotten what summer feels like. But as I ponder this reality, I can't help but think about how it applies to our spiritual lives.
One of the things that keeps us from moving to Florida is the promise of spring. Even on the coldest and darkest days we know the weather won't be like this forever. We move through the winter knowing that spring is on its way. There is something about nature's seasons that is so similar to our spiritual seasons. Like “winter seasons” in nature, there are “winter seasons” in our spiritual lives. There are days and moments where things just don't feel right. We don't feel the presence of the Holy Spirit every moment of every day. It's during these times where I think of the above verse. There are times when it is easy to follow God. When serving Him seems almost natural. But there are other times when it seems like work. I believe it is especially important during these times to remember that difficult emotions come and go. But the Lord lasts forever. If you are experiencing a spiritual winter know that Christ promises a spring for all of us. And that in God's time, we will be renewed.
.
In Christ,
Pastor Andy
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Ash Wednesday Service is at 7pm.
Prior to the Ash Wednesday service we will have a soup and bread supper from 6pm to 7pm. It is hosted by our confirmation students. Every single dollar will raised will be given to homeless veterans.
Midweek Series.
March 13th at 7pm we will be starting a series called "Explore God".
This will explore basic questions like "Does Life Have a Purpose?" and "Why Does God Allow Pain and Suffering". Conversations around these questions will help us reinforce our faith and be a better witness to others.
First Communion Class
: Pastor Andy will be leading a first communion class on
March 10th
at
10:45am
. Kids will have the opportunity to
receive their first communion at a special service on March 17th at the 9:30am service
.
To register for the class please contact Pastor Andy ASAP.
The church is going to be getting
new flooring
throughout the narthex and the fellowship hall.
We will also be replacing the carpet in the sanctuary.
Members will have an
opportunity to vote
on the color of the floor
March 3rd and March 10t
h. We ask each member to vote only once.
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"When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him."
Matthew 6: 7-8
“Thoughts and prayers.” We’ve all heard this phrase in the wake of recent national tragedies, particularly in regard to gun violence, in what has become the routine offering of condolences from public figures to victims and their families. Critics suggest that citing only “thoughts and prayers,” without committing to tangible plans, is an insufficient way to address complex issues. If our prayers aren’t accompanied by action, goes the argument, offering them becomes merely a platitude.
What then, is prayer’s place in our lives? A 2017 study from the Barna Group found that most prayer topics consisted of asking for help in some way. However, if we become too focused on needs, or if we begin to feel that God isn’t “granting” those desires, we miss the point of prayer.
When we pray, we should do so with a focus on God and a desire to strengthen our relationship with God. This requires a shift in thinking of prayer as a way to mold God to our needs to, instead, a practice focused on being shaped by God.
Our praying does not change God. Instead, it is a way for God to change us. Prayer allows God to change us into the people he wants us to be: those who praise and trust God, in our daily practice and when we come together in worship, regardless of what happens in life.
We pray not because God is there to grant our wishes or do what we want—or as a way to offer platitudes in times of tragedy. We pray because we want to see what God is doing in the world. We pray because we want to join with God and with others in living out God’s love. We pray because we want to be involved in how God works in people’s lives. We pray because we want God to be the center of our lives instead of ourselves.
Adapted from: Prayer Without Ceasing, by Kurt Lammi and John Potter, Living Lutheran Magazine, March 2019. The entire article and a study guide on prayer are available at
LivingLutheran.org
Stewardship: “Everything we do after we say I Believe.”
~ Ray Yoder
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Sunday School Service Project Report
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Thanks to our Sunday School and all of YOU for collecting over
300 pairs of socks
! Sunday School Superintendent Elaine Wagner delivered them on February 21st to much appreciation.
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Upcoming Events, How You Can Participate
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Northern Illinois Congregational Resourcing Event is Saturday, March 9th
. Keynote speaker, Bishop Jeff Clements, joyful worship and over 50 workshops to choose from. Continental breakfast and lunch included for the $30 registration fee. All members are welcome.
Click for more information.
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24th Annual Easter Breakfast Buffet
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Please make plans to join us for worship
Easter Sunday, April 21
st
and our
24
th
annual Easter breakfast buffet
. Serving from 7:00am until just before 2nd service at 9:30. Can't get there early? After 2nd service we'll have a continental breakfast for you. Bring your family and friends. All proceeds from the
free-will offering
benefit the local food pantries and PADS homeless ministry. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for their support of this activity so more money can be donated to these great causes.
We also will need LOTS of help to prepare, cook, serve and clean up, as well as provide fresh fruit and sweets. Many hands make light work - even an hour of your time will be a big help! Sign up sheets will be in the Narthex in a couple of weeks.
Live Generously!
Contact: Chris Bjorklund at dreamstar_00@msn.com or call 815-529-0789
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Please join us for our next Outreach Café on
Sunday, March 24th
from 8:30-9:30. All funds raised will be donated to PADS, Habitat for Humanity, Richmond Food Pantry and our Haiti Mission. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for their support to purchase food and supplies. To help out or donate food, see Tina Peterson.
We'd like to thank the congregation for your support of the Outreach Cafe.
We raised $4286.75 in 2018
which was disbursed directly to our ministries! Also, a
huge note of thanks to our team
for their dedication and good natured service, and for their donations of food. We also want to acknowledge Thrivent for providing funding to help purchase groceries. Continue to
Live Generously!
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Habitat McHenry - Projects and Progress!
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While it seems like winter just won’t relax its grip on us, work is in full swing at multiple Habitat projects. There are many with indoor tasks so you won’t have to deal with the elements!
There is a new construction duplex home in the works in Wonder Lake. During February, interior framing and insulation were completed on these homes and drywall is underway. I have to admit it was a last-minute decision on my part to volunteer for hanging drywall – I only did it because I procrastinated signing up for painting at another home and when I finally went to sign up, the site was filled.
The Project Manager wanted a group to hang ceiling drywall on the 2nd floor in one of the units. I was way out of my comfort zone and glad that at least I brought Kevin along who knew what he was doing! That crew went full steam ahead & completed the ceiling on that unit. I did some odds and ends of task trying to help out whatever way I could. Then, after lunch, I went over to the 2nd unit where they were hanging drywall on the walls. Nancy Kepple, who has been a volunteer for quite some time, showed me the process and then had me do everything by myself with her just overseeing. So, there’s hope for anybody…. Hahaha!
There are rehab properties in Wonder Lake, Woodstock and Crystal Lake as well as the new construction duplex home site in Wonder Lake.
A little inspiration, “
You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great”
―
Zig Ziglar
The new Community Outreach Coordinator for Habitat in McHenry, Sara Davis, is conducting a Volunteer Orientation & Information Session in MARCH at the Habitat Restore in McHenry (903 Front St., McHenry, IL 60050). Attendees would learn about Habitat’s history and mission, become familiar with the McHenry affiliate and learn more detail about the different volunteer opportunities. Session options are:
- Saturday, Mar. 9th @ 10:00 am … 1 hour
To register for the orientation, please email her at: volunteers@habitatmchenry.org or call the office at 815-759-9002, ext. 106.
Thank you for considering! If you are thinking about volunteering or for any questions or suggestions, please contact Rose McGuire at
springgrove.rose@gmail.com
or 815.245.0566.
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Bits and Pieces from the Church Mouse
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Happy
Spring
to all of my friends. Yes, believe it or not
SPRING
is just a few weeks away and that makes me very happy. The first day of spring
is
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
. I cannot wait to see signs of spring such as birds singing, grass turning green and the
daffodils
popping out. God makes our earth a beautiful place to live.
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The
Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday which is on March 6, 2019.
We welcome you to the
Lenten Services
.
Ash Wednesday only
, there will be a soup and bread supper from 6:00 -7:00pm hosted by the Junior High Confirmation class. All donations will go to the homeless veterans. Yumm… I like soup; and I like bread, so you will be seeing me there! Won’t you come and join us? Then there will be a service of Ashes at 7:00. Each Wednesday of Lent, Pastor will have Lenten devotions and discussion at 7:00 p.m. I would love to see you!
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Easter
is coming up fast…it is on
Sunday, April 21st
. If you would like to assist with the
Easter
Breakfast
, please contact Chris Bjorklund at 815-529-0789 or there will be a sign-up sheet coming up in a few weeks that will be in the Narthex. It is very good breakfast with a variety of tasty dishes and desserts! Hop on in as they start serving at 7:00 am.
The
WELCA Craft/Vendor Show and Bake Sale
is coming up. Get your calendars out so you can mark the date of
Saturday, April 6, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It is a good time and …and …you can get lunch and…and… there is a bake sale. Oh my gosh, I am running out of breath just telling you about it.
Remember,
Daylight Saving Time
begins on March 10
th
. So don’t forget to “Spring forward”.
See you next month and keep on thinking
Spring
.
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Women of the ELCA - WELCA
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Well, March has come out of hiding, but the weather has its own calendar. We are going to have another blast of Mother Nature the first week in March. Don’t put those warm clothes away yet.
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The WELCA women are still preparing for their
Craft/Vendor/Bake Sale scheduled for Saturday, April 6
th
2019 from 9:00am-3:00pm at the church
. We have finalized most of our advertising both in the local newspapers (flyers) and posted announcements in local establishments and signs on busy/local intersections. Word of mouth, the Sunday bulletin and the video screen should provide the information needed in order to come. No entry fee is charged to come and browse - only what you purchase from a vendor. A lunch can be purchased for a nominal fee. You can sit and relax for a few minutes and then continue to shop around. There will be a raffle for which tickets will be sold. Come and enjoy a few hours here at Grace. (Click the image at left to enlarge or print)
We are asking for donations of pies, cookies, breads, brownies, fudge, candy and cupcakes for our ‘bake sale’. You may drop off your donation at the church either Friday or Saturday. Please mark for Bake Sale. Also mark your dish or plate with a permanent marker so picking up or returning is easy. Do not use paper address labels - they come off and clog the dishwasher.
- It was voted that proceeds from the ‘Richter’s MarketPlace’ receipts be equally shared with the Twin Lakes and Richmond Food Pantries. Members reside in both communities. Genoa City does not have a food pantry and families go to the Twin Lakes food pantry for their needs. Hopefully, the monies shared will help all in need.
- Proposed changes in funeral luncheons and proposed meeting time changes have been tabled until a future meeting.
- The next WELCA meeting will be held on
Monday, March 11, 2019
at Grace Lutheran Church at 1:00pm. Our hostesses will be Carol Heuer and Chris Hammerstrom. They will be serving dessert and coffee/tea. Please bring your own soup, salad, sandwich or fruit as we will be sharing in comradery after our meeting has adjourned. Bring a new member along and introduce her to our WELCA women and what we do.
Contact Sandy Messick for more information. 815 354 6521
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Remember –
- WELCA women will help any committee if asked to do so
- There is still room on the coffee server calendar for you to sign up to serve coffee and treats after Sunday service. See Jan Heynis or Pat Peterson for more information.
- On-going collection of the following: 1) pull tabs from cans, 2) Richter’s MarketPlace store receipts – ask for Funds for Friends sticker put onto the back of receipt 3)empty pill containers for Haiti - These items are to be placed in the marked containers below the mailboxes in the hallway to the church office. 4) egg cartons, canned goods and staples can be put into the boxes provided upon entering the church. 5) a coin jar is located on the WELCOME COUNTER in the Narthex which is used to purchase canned goods and staples for the food pantry.
- Curt Bjorklund who heads PADS is collecting new items such as underwear, gloves, hats and scarves. (The Sunday School collected enough socks to last a while!) Also, $5.00 gift cards from McDonalds or Burger King provide food, beverage and a place to stay in comfort during cold or hot weather conditions. Clothing may be brought to Luther Hall and placed on the floor below the left freezer. Please do not donate any other clothing until further notice.
Thanks –
- to all the men and women of the church who donate their time, equipment, money and expertise to keep our church well maintained.
- to all who make our church a ‘home away from home’ with warmth and welcoming friendliness.
- to our armed forces personnel who serve our country – many away from families and loved ones and serving in foreign lands.
- to all our Veterans, past and present, who have, and are still serving to protect and preserve the
freedoms
we enjoy today. We will remember and will never forget the sacrifices you have made.
Dates to Remember in March–
March 6
th
Ash Wednesday – Soup & Bread supper 6:00pm – 7:00pm served by Jr. High Youth Group.
Ash Wednesday Service - 7:00pm – 8:00pm
March 13
th
, 20
th
27
th
, 7:00pm-8:00pm - Lenten series called "Explore God"
Sunday, March 10
th
– Daylight Savings Time Begins
Sunday, March 17
th
– St. Patrick’s Day
Wednesday, March 20
th
– First Day of Spring
Sunday – March 24
th
– Café Breakfast – 8:30am-9:30am
GOD BLESS AMERICA
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Bible Study and Small Group Opportunities
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Women's Friendship & Faith Monthly Bible Study
What:
We will use Max Lucado’s Life Lessons Series to study Romans. We will read about how the earliest Christians were lead by Paul to learn to make better choices. We will be reminded of the importance of a relationship with God to help us make better choices in our own lives.
Who
: Women who want to grow in faith and share fellowship with other amazing women
When:
Second Monday of the month at 7pm at the church
Where
: Grace Lutheran Church Library
Cost:
$7 for the book.
Please contact the church office or Thorey Ellis at (815)276-2456 to sign up so we have enough materials.
“
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who
love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
” Romans 8:28
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DivorceCare
is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. You are welcome to join at any time.
WHEN:
A new session began
in February and continues through May 23rd.
Time:
6:30-8:30pm
Contact: Linda Davis 815-347-5982
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GraceNotes
Quick notes, reminders, who to contact
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Electronic Giving is Easy
Download and print the form here.
Fill it out and return with a voided check to the church office. Forms are also available in the Narthex at church. Please note that if you wish to donate to the building fund or other specific causes you will need to write a check or use cash as before.
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People of Praise Rehearsals Mondays 7:00 - 8:00pm
Check the calendar for changes to the schedule in March.
Director,
Danielle Cairoli
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Sunday School at 9:30 for children age 4 through 5th grade.
The children start in the sanctuary with their families and after the children's sermon, they go to their classes and return in time for communion. Call the church office for more information. 815-678-3082.
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P.A.D.S. Homeless ministry at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. First Thursday of every month from October thru April.
Every week from October through April, St. Joe's hosts from 25-50 homeless individuals with a hot meal, sleeping arrangements, breakfast and a sack lunch. McHenry County PADS provides transportation. Different churches in the area sponsor each week with meals, set up, clean up and laundry services.
Contact Curt Bjorklund at chbjorklund@hotmail.com or call 815-529-7746.
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DivorceCare
is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. You are welcome to join at any time.
WHEN:
The current session continues through May 23rd.
Time:
6:30-8:30pm
Contact: Linda Davis 815-347-5982
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ALPHA
is our confirmation class open to 6th, 7th and 8th graders and is led by Pastor Andy. We meet Wednesday nights beginning with a meal at 5:30 and then enjoy a time of learning and fellowship. Register your children in the church office or contact Pastor Andy.
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January Giving: $21,971; Average Attendance per Sunday: 120
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