This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace in worship
and in ways to connect and serve.
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A Note From Pastor Delwayne Hahn |
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Dear Friends in Christ,
As I think about all for which I have to be thankful for in the wake of our national holiday and with the weather turning colder my thoughts turn, as they usually do at this time of the year, to the homeless in our midst--- approximately 15,000 on any given night in MN and that statistic is a couple years old. From this generic grouping my thoughts often narrow to Dave who destroyed a number of my assumptions about the homeless one night in Council Bluffs, IA where I was serving an interim pastorate in the closest thing to an inner city church of my career.
In our brief encounter I discovered that homeless persons can be complex individuals. as I experienced Dave--- a combination theologian, sociologist and economist.
As he approached me at my car Dave asked, "Does this church give away clothing?" and then announced, "It’s gonna get cold tonight and my heavy coat is in storage over in Omaha and I thought I might find one here or a blanket. You see I’m homeless and I sleep outside most nights.” Dear Lord, I thought, I don’t have time for this. Not tonight. I need to get on the road to pick up my wife at our camper and head to our permanent home. Then the recollection of Matthew 25:40 hit me (your assignment--- look it up)
I responded “some of the ladies make quilts for Lutheran World Relief, maybe we can find something for you to wrap up in tonight”. “Are you sure you won’t get into trouble doing that?”, he asked. “Yeah, I’m sure", I replied. “Well, what do they make these quilts for?”, he wanted to know. “They are sent to Lutheran World Relief and then they go to Africa for people in need there,” I told him.
“Oh, then someone in Africa is counting on the quilt you might give me...I couldn’t take that away from them. They need it!”--- Dave the theologian. Among the “makings” for quilts I discovered an old sheet blanket, destined to be a liner in one of those quilts. “Would this help you,” I said, laying it on the table. “This would be wonderful, but are you sure it’s all right?”, he asked. “Yeah, I’m sure.”
“Where do you sleep here in Council Bluffs?”, I questioned. “Oh, down between Walmart and Menards, they usually won’t run us out of there,” he responded. “But you gotta be careful, where you sleep because they’ve got in-ground sprinklers and if you don’t watch it you can get wet when they come on at 3:00 a.m.!” Dave the sociologist
“I’m going that way. I’ll give you a ride,” I offered. “That’d be nice, but it’s also a nice night for a walk. But thanks, if you’re going that way.” As we walked across the church basement I asked about financial resources. “Oh, a friend gave me $20 last week and I can stretch that a little longer.” Dave the economist.
On the short trip to Menards I learned about Dave the person— the book discussion group he sits in on, a friend on the faculty at one of the universities in Omaha, a recent trip to Minneapolis and the ups and downs of being homeless.
In the midst of it I also learned more about Dave the theologian. He said at one point, “I used to wonder if I am homeless because I’m not holy enough. I don’t wonder anymore. I’ve worked through that (I think he even said he had prayed about it) and I don’t believe God operates that way!”
It was then the second bit of scripture hit me. I should have thought of it sooner. It’s Hebrews 13:2— “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it
Before he closed the car door Dave said, “God bless you and greet the Mrs.” As I opened the door to the camper to get Marilyn for the trip to Alta [our permanent home in Iowa] a couple minutes later, I told her “Dave sends his greetings!” And then I told her the story you’ve just read.
In Faith and Friendship,
Delwayne Hahn
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It’s not too late to turn in your Statement of Intent for our 2021 Hopeful Expectations Stewardship Appeal. Help us meet our goal of increasing financial gifts by $85,000 and receiving 125 commitment cards. Remember just by turning in your card you are supporting the ministry of Grace because 7 families have pledged $10 each per Statement of Intent.
Update:
So far, we have received 75 statements of intent (as of Monday evening 11/23). It is not to late to fill out your Statement of Intent! Remember your Statement of Intent also enters you in to the raffle for some wonderful prizes. We will be holding the raffle early next week, so get them in to be eligible for the raffle by the end of the day on Wed., Nov. 25th.
Thank you for your support!
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Thanksgiving Eve Worship
November 25th at 7 pm
Thanksgiving Eve Worship will be at 7pm on November 25th on Zoom: Our theme is “Around our Table.” We invite you to join us for worship around your table as we give thanks to God for all the wonderful gifts given to us. We will be recording the Zoom worship and posting on YouTube following our worship service. Here is the zoom link:
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After Thanksgiving Eve Worship please stay with us on Zoom for a Thanksgiving Pie Social! We will be starting the social immediately after worship has concluded. |
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Virtual Service Availability
Throughout everything we will continue to provide worship online. We will be streaming worship through Grace's YouTube account. We encourage you to join us and listen to God's word through virtual services. Worship will be posted by 5pm on Saturday evening, allowing you to worship at the time you prefer.
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A Virtual Christmas Program
We are excited to announce this year we will be creating a virtual Christmas Program! Our program is called: Do Not Be Afraid! And centers around Jesus’ birth stories found in Matthew and in Luke.
Children’s Ministry and Grace’s Music Ministry are combining forces to tackle this year’s virtual program. The acting roles have been cast, but we are still working on gathering musicians and singers!
If you would like to participate musically in this year’s program, please email Jonathan Orwig at jonathano@graceandover.org
Program will air in worship on December 12/13. Invite your friends and family to attend Grace Virtual Worship that weekend. We plan to host a watch party as well via zoom!
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Advent Wednesday Worship
Beginning Dec. 2nd
Advent Mid-week Worship, Wednesdays at 1pm and 7pm: Join us on Zoom for an Advent Worship experience. We will be lighting the Advent Wreath, praying together and reflecting on the significance of waiting during this season. Here is the zoom link for both Worship opportunities:
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Grace Lutheran’s Christmas Eve Parking Lot Worship*
3:00 pm - Parking Lot Worship
4:00 pm - Parking Lot Worship
7:00 pm – Parking Lot Worship
*For each Worship service we will be singing Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas Story. After Worship, there will be an opportunity for family blessings.
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Grace Lutheran’s Virtual
Christmas Day Worship
10:00 am on Zoom
More details to come!
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Christmas Around The World
A Virtual Event on Tuesday, December 8th – 7:00 PM
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift of hope — Jesus. And that is true around the world – from Haiti to Guatemala to the Philippines and Uganda! Enjoy the re-telling of Jesus’ birth by guests from all four countries during this virtual event sponsored by Feed My Starving Children. We will see our partner organization in Rakai, Uganda, and we’ll hear our sponsored children sing “Joy to the World!” Please note that this event is free, but registration is required. To register, go to https://www.fmsc.org/christmas-around-the-world. Click on the link below to learn more about this virtual event!
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OK@Play Zooming through COVID
Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 pm
We have missed everyone! It’s time to get together “safely” through Zoom. We would love to have everyone join us for an online social time on:
Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 - 7:30 pm (or longer)
Don’t know how to Zoom? No problem . . . all you need is a computer, or an iPad, or your phone that has a camera and audio on it. You do not need to have the App on your device, all you need to do is click on the Zoom link below. If you would like to practice in advance, let Ann Lange know and I will send you a practice link, instructions, and walk you through getting into a Zoom meeting. It truly is very easy!
For Fun: Wear something Christmas related (i.e. antlers, hat, sweater, bells, etc.) Surprise us and make us laugh!
For Activities: We will do introductions and will have questions to get us sharing what has been going on in your life since COVID shut us down.
“Shout Out Time” Do you have any exciting news or announcement to share? Now is the time to share it! We will talk about other ideas to do on Zoom in the future - Movies, games, ?? Put your thinking Santa hats on! We are thinking of Zooming each month on the Second Thursday of the Month. We will talk about that. If we have enough people participating, we may expand to an afternoon social time and an evening social time on Zoom.
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“Practicing Self-Care through the Holidays”
Sunday, Dec. 13th – 6:30-8:00 PM via Zoom
Sponsored by Grace Lutheran’s Mental Health Team
The Christmas and New Year’s holidays can be stressful under the best of circumstances. But when we consider the particularly challenging environment we find ourselves in this year – specifically, a global pandemic with all its ramifications and the aftermath of a contentious national election – it’s safe to say that most of us are experiencing a considerably higher level of stress than usual. And not only stress, but feelings of profound disappointment, loss, grief, and anxiety, as well. This Zoom gathering is intended to acknowledge the complex feelings we are experiencing and to provide strategies and tools for coping with these feelings through the holidays. We hope you’ll join us!
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Christmas Caroling
Sunday, Dec. 20th at 10 am
CHRISTMAS CAROLING! Join us Sunday, Dec. 20th at 10 am in the church parking lot–we will meet to hand out caroling sheets, then drive (in separate cars!) to carol to some of our members and friends who have not been able to come to worship in person. Contact Jonathan Orwig jonathano@graceandover.org if you’re coming so we can prepare. If we end up with a really large group, we’ll split into two groups…. masks should be worn, and we will spread out widely to sing so we can be safe. This event will depend on current COVID-19 levels for the safety of all.
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Calling all Holiday Bakers!
It’s time for a cookie bake off! As you are baking your holiday treats this year, take a photo or two of your accomplishments and register in the first annual Grace Lutheran Holiday Bake Off. No need to bring in the cookies; just photos are needed.
Decorated delights, secret family recipes, traditional treats, unique and unusual cookies and more will be excepted! We will have PRIZES for kids and adults, so whether you are a beginning baker or a seasoned pro, YOU are welcome to participate! Registrations are due December 16th. Go to www.graceandover.org for more information and the entry form. Questions? Contact Pastor Maria Markman at MariaM@graceandover.org or Kristi Larson at KristiL@graceandover.org
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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The Sand Creek Elementary Kiddos Need Your Help!
Many of the children at Sand Creek Elementary are in desperate need of WARM winter mittens, gloves, and hats. Let’s see how many we can collect! For your convenience, you can place your donations in the bin outside of Grace’s KIDS ENTRY doors any time Monday-Thursday from 8-4 or on Friday from 8-noon.
Various sizes are needed for boys and girls in grades K-5. If possible, waterproof mittens and gloves are preferred so the kids can play in the snow to their hearts’ content. And please - NO light-weight mittens/gloves, as they just don’t keep the kiddos warm and dry. Any questions can be directed to Ann Lange 763-438-5623.
Thank you for your loving generosity
to the Sand Creek children in need!
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CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR STEPPING STONE
This year, Grace will once again be providing Christmas gifts to the residents of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing in Anoka. But instead of filling a red TARGET bag with personal care items as we have done in the past, we’re asking that you consider donating a Target or Walmart gift card ($25 value). The gift cards will be inserted into Christmas cards that will be distributed to each of Stepping Stone’s 66 residents a few days before Christmas. We’ll be collecting the gift cards (or monetary donations for purchasing the cards) through Friday, December 18th. Please mail your donation to Grace Lutheran Church (or feel free to drop it off during regular office hours).
Thank you for making Christmas a little brighter for those without a home of their own.
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FAMILY PROMISE WEEK!
Our Family Promise host week is coming up the week after Thanksgiving! Although Family Promise is still housing families in hotels with funds from a grant, Grace will provide hospitality bags and hot meals. There are still opportunities to help, whether it’s providing fruit or snacks, writing a note of encouragement to a family, or providing one hot meal (home-cooked or carry-out) for a family of 2-4 people. Items will be collected between 8am-4pm on Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st at church. (Ring the bell at the KIDS Entry doors and someone will let you in!) If you wish to provide a hot meal, it will need to be dropped off at Grace on Dec. 3rd between 4pm-5pm. Members of the Family Promise Team will deliver the meals to the families at the hotels that evening. To make a contribution, please sign-up using the link below:
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Noisy Offerings
Did you know that hunger causes nearly half of deaths in children under age 5 around the world? An estimated 6,200 die each day from causes related to undernutrition. Feed My Starving Children (FMSC), a Christian nonprofit that Grace supports, is dedicated to feeding as many children as possible, working with food distribution partners within communities to bring about lasting change. Noisy Offerings received over the next two weeks will be directed to FMSC.
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ADOPT A FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS!
Would you like to share God’s grace in a very tangible and REAL way this Christmas? If so, please consider “adopting” a local family who will be truly blessed by your generosity. Through our Faith & Community Partnership with Sand Creek Elementary School, we will connect families, individuals, or groups from Grace Lutheran with local student families in need.
If you choose to adopt a family, you will receive a list of family members, with genders and ages, but no names. Historically, adopters have shopped for gifts and added gift cards at their discretion. But this year, because of COVID-19, buying and distributing gifts will be risky. Therefore, we are asking adopters to purchase ONLY gift cards to whatever vendor and in whatever amount the adopter chooses. If you are interested in adopting a local family this Christmas, please contact Jan Margotto at 763-434-4617.
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Ways to Give Electronically |
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GraceLink
Consider electronic giving on GraceLink. It’s a convenient way to give consistently throughout the year. If you have any questions, contact Frances or Marie in the Church Office or Click on the GraceLink logo below.
If you are wondering where your giving is for the year, please log in to GraceLink. Find Giving on the tool bar. Then select My Giving History.
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Text to Donate
We’re updating our website to also include text and QR code as ways to give electronically.
For these, the system will request the user a ONE TIME SETUP to include their name, credit card # etc. – this will be required only the first time. After that, when the user texts to give or uses the QR code to give it will just ask the amount to confirm. The users will be able to select funds to allocate their giving to as well – operational, capital, noisy.
The number to give is 73256 – text key word: GRACEANDOVER
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BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT:
PLANNING GRACE’S FUTURE COURSE
Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
The Grace Building Committee met virtually Thursday, November 19th. Discussions addressed two topics. First, we ventured into the world of commercial real estate and property values. We need to know the market value of both of our properties; the church at Round Lake & Bunker and the Nightingale property 3 miles north of the church just off Crosstown Blvd. The second topic was a review of preliminary proposals we requested from 2 architectural firms and 2 design and build firms. Real estate values and building costs will help the congregation determine our path forward.
The congregation will have opportunities to engage in the property discussion with informational meetings scheduled for Sunday, January 17th and Sunday, January 24th. Information will be provided for both properties, and this time will also provide an opportunity to converse on how this decision will further our ministries. The Committee believes a final decision on property will be included as an item in our January 31st Congregational Meeting. Following that decision, congregational gatherings will be scheduled to discuss building decisions. Thank you, Charlie Wold (chasewold@yahoo.com) and Dennis Grabowski (dgrabowski@gmail.com)
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Prayers of the Church
You bring consolation to those who weep. Embrace those who feel far-off, excluded, or defeated. Accompany those living with chronic and invisible illness. Sustain the weak and weary. Refresh those who labor under the weight of pain or sickness Today we pray especially for Mike Burckhard, Baby E, Al Sanarud, Adam, BJ Scott, Jon Brooks, Chris Vitek, Richard & Annette, Paul & Michelle, John, Erin, Jan Anderson’s sponsored daughter in Rakai, Kim, Johnnie Tillery, Charlotte Montei, Rachel O’ Brion, Eric & Candace & their unborn twins, Bill, Sr. & Barb DeVries, Sue Barker, Linda Breyette, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, John Malecha, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, Judi Wold, and Colleen Wernimont. We pray for all those suffering from COVID-19 throughout the world, and we pray that the end of COVID-19 would be near. Lord, hear our prayer.
God of promise, grant comfort, peace, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection to all who grieve. We pray especially today for Bob & Debbie Jorgens and family upon the death of their brother in law, Steve. Lord, hear our prayer.
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Virtual Connections
During this time of high COVID-19 cases, we encourage you to connect with Grace and others! If you are looking for ministries and groups to connect with please visit our web site at www.graceandover.org and click on Church Online to see opportunities to connect.
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