GRACE NOTES
June 1 - 8, 2021
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Council Comments - Sharing Good News!
At the end of every Council meeting, Council members share a 'takeaway' - something they're excited about that's happening at Grace, a place where God is working, which they hope to share with someone in the coming month. Recently, we decided we want to share this good news even more widely, and so, each week in the e-news, a different Council member will share a takeaway with us! Through these stories, we hope you'll see even more of what God is doing at Grace and through each of you!
This week, Dawn Hartman shares about our Outreach Partnership with Hope of Rock Hill
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My Church Council takeaway this week is Grace’s commitment to Outreach in our community. Now, more than ever, helping our neighbors is so important. I’m thankful that our church has chosen to partner with several essential Christian-based organizations in our area to do just that. I’d like to focus on one in particular today because it is now, literally, in our back yard. HOPE of Rock Hill is a wonderful organization that distributes food to anyone in need in our community. Additionally, they offer assistance to people who have been threatened with or have had their utilities shut off. All of this is done by a fantastic group of volunteers who work tirelessly to unload truckloads of food, pack up grocery bags with food and other items donated by local supporters, Second Harvest, and Amazon, and work with those who need assistance.
As you’ve probably noticed if you’ve been back to church lately (and I sure hope you have!) HOPE is now located directly across Aiken Ave. from Grace on Oakland Ave. Grace’s Outreach commitment reached across the street with our partnership pledge to HOPE this year. And several of our church members have recently started helping out at HOPE. Would you be willing to take some time to welcome some of your neighbors who come in for vital necessities – and a bit of HOPE? Please prayerfully consider how you can help support HOPE of Rock Hill and all of our Outreach Partners at Grace. One of the things I love most about our church is our commitment to looking outside of ourselves and helping our community.
Remember the words of our Savior to the righteous: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink’… Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?...’ The King will reply, ‘Truly, I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matt. 25:34-40
Dawn Hartman
Grace Council Vice President
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Growing the Reach of the Gospel
Sanctuary Camera Installed!
One of our 2021 Goals is "Growing the Reach of the Gospel". In 2020, we discovered how vital online worship opportunities are, and we dedicated ourselves to improving our technology to better share God's word in our building and beyond.
Recently, we took a big step in this goal! Our new multi-function camera was installed in the Sanctuary. Previously, we'd been recording worship on an iPhone. This is a major improvement in many ways. This camera, now tucked unobtrusively in the back, can record many angles, as well as zoom in and out, meaning we can focus in on various parts of worship, see much more of the beautiful space in which worship is happening, as well as see the community gathered together. While we're still learning how to use this technology, it's already made a difference - and, there's more to come!
We are so grateful for your support which allowed Grace to make this purchase and to move forward in our goal of Growing the Reach of the Gospel - Thank you!
Below are some of the great camera angles we're now able to use
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Click the video image for the
worship service for Holy Trinity Sunday, May 30.
Click here for the worship guide.
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Click the video image for the Children's Sermon |
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We invite you to "like", comment on, and share these videos! |
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Each Sunday we continue to worship together online. These services are posted on the Grace Facebook page and on our website.
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Worship Assistants at Grace
Worship Assistants return to in-person worship. If you are interested in leading us with a reading, creed, prayers, serving as a greeter, or usher, please click here to signup. All slots refer to in-person worship services at Grace.
Thank you for being a part of our worship experiences at Grace!
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RETURNING WITH GRACE
Council voted to approve an updated set of procedures for worship and building use at this time, utilizing health guidelines, recommendations from Committees, and the results from our congregational survey. You can click on the "Returning with Grace Plan" button below to read a letter from Pr. Gregg and view the current plan.
We also compiled the results of the survey, and you can review all of those responses by clicking on the "Survey Results" button below.
Thank you for your ongoing patience, care, & support of our congregation & one other as we continue to move forward together!
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Sundays with Grace
Our Sunday morning worship and fellowship opportunities are going strong!
Facebook Premiere worship begins at 11am
Facebook Live Coffee Hour starts at noon
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The Stewardship Committee appreciates and recognizes people and groups that are Growing Grace and Planting Seeds in Faith!
Click on the image to read the latest recognitions from the Stewardship Committee.
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We are partnering with Oakland Avenue Presbyterian (our neighbors across the street) to host a Blood Drive on June 21st!
If you'd like to give blood, please register by clicking here, searching for the zip code 29730, and scrolling down to June 21st. We hope to donate 42 units of blood, which is a substantial and impactful goal!
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Camp is open this summer! If you're interested in going to one of our local ELCA camps this summer, click here to check out the programs and register.
We have scholarship funds available to help pay for camp as well! If you'd like a scholarship application, please contact Pr. Rachel.
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2021 Altar Flower Sign-Up
There are several slots available to sponsor the weekly flowers to honor or in memory of family and friends. Click here to signup. Instructions and information about the flowers are on the signup page.
If you are uncomfortable using the on-line sign-up or do not have access, please contact the Church office (803-324-5295 or parishadmin@gracerockhill.com).
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Taking Faith Home carries the previous Sunday's themes throughout the week. These devotions include daily Scripture readings, prayers, hymn suggestions, milestones, conversation starters, service opportunities, and at-home rituals.
Click here for the week of May 30
Click here for the week of June 6
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Our Daily Bread Devotionals |
If you would like a copy of the June, July, and August devotional, please email the church office.
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Men's Bible Study
Join us for conversation about one of the more fascinating books of Scripture: Revelation.
Using an overview written by Max Lucado, we will be talking about some of the themes present in Revelation and how they impact our lives. The group meets Sundays at 9:30 for about an hour. Contact Pr. Gregg to be added to our group. |
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Click the image for
our current
Grace Prayer List
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Click the image for
our current
Memorials & Honor Gifts
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Click the image
for our
June Birthdays
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The Sanctuary Candle for the month of June is given by
Julie and Max Elder in memory of Hazel Bagley and Myrtle Rollins.
The Altar Flowers for Sunday, June 6 are given by Betty Sue and Wally Seigler to the Glory of God in celebration of their wedding anniversary.
If you would like to sponsor the Altar Flowers please click here.
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Covid-19 Information and Updates
Click here for information regarding local sources for the Covid-19 vaccines.
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Are you having trouble getting a COVID Vaccine appointment? Contact the church office, we may be able to help! |
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Offering Our Gifts to God
Part of our worship is offering our gifts to God. You can give in several ways:
- Give via the offering plate in the Sanctuary
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Give online by clicking here (and you have the option to offset the cost of giving online)
- Set up giving though your bank
- Mail your offering to the church office.
Thank you for continued faithful
giving!
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Gifts & Talents Pictures
Our worship has been enhanced by your photos of projects, experiences, and joys - thank you for sharing!
We would love to see more of what you're doing - please send photos to our Video Editor, Craig Allen by clicking here.
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Can We Help?
If you are in need of help (of any kind), or simply want to connect, please reach out to the pastors. We want to walk with you.
Please call or email us.
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April Giving and Expenses
April Received $56,408
April Expenses $42,049
Budgeted to Spend $57,902
YTD Received $204,223
YTD Expenses $196,731
YTD Budgeted to Spend $231,608
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Stay connected! Click on the links below! |
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In-person activities at
Grace Lutheran Church are beginning again. All in-person activities need to be scheduled in advance at this time.
Please contact the church office if you need to schedule an activity.
We are praying for the health and well-being of our community and world.
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GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
426 Oakland Avenue
Rock Hill, SC 29730
(740) 312-5774 (Pastor Gregg’s cell)
(864) 230-3816 (Pastor Rachel’s cell)
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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