2017 January Grace Notes

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Quilting dates:

Only one in January

On 18^th from 1:30 to 4 PM

Message from the Pastor:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can't believe it's already 2018!! Last year just flew by!

When it comes to faith, time is a very weird thing. If you have a Nativity scene, and you put it out at Christmas, think about what characters are in present. Of course, the Holy Family, Mary, Joseph & Jesus; likely shepherds and their sheep; the Wise Men from the East, their camels and their gifts; maybe some angels and a variety of other farm animals - all present and accounted for and looking upon the newborn baby Jesus. All under the light of a bright, shining star.

And yet, if we read Luke's gospel carefully, there is no mention of a star at all. The shepherds are greeted by an angel, who proclaims the good news that Jesus is born - and then a heavenly chorus joins in to declare glory to God and peace to God's people. The shepherds decided to listen to the angel and go searching for the babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger - but they are not following a star.

In fact, Luke never mentions a star, or Wise Men from the East - that is Matthew's gospel. And in Matthew's story of the birth of Christ, there are no shepherds! Likely because the Wise Men may have taken as much as two years to get to the Christ-child. It wasn't like they could get in a car and drive there. They had to walk from the far east, following a star that was probably difficult to see at times. We know that they shepherds left the manger to go and tell people about what had been told them. So, it is unlikely the two groups ever met.

But Matthew also tells us about Herod's attempt to prevent the prophecies of the Messiah from coming true - prophesies that seem to promise that he will lose his power to this new King. He called for the death of all children two years old or younger in the entire area - not only in Bethlehem, but in the surrounding area as well. Again - the age two was important because Jesus was likely around that age by now in the timeline.

And the texts for the first Sunday of Christmas usually focus on the story of the "Massacre of the Infants" - unless you do a Service of Lessons and Carols, like we do. So, we have the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve; the very next Sunday is the story of how his family has to flee Bethlehem for Egypt to avoid his death on Herod's orders. And then, the very next week - we get to Jesus' baptism. Which wouldn't be a big deal if Jesus had been baptized as a baby. But no. In the course of three weeks, we move from newborn to toddler to full-grown adult - like thirty years old.

When I was a little girl, I wondered how Jesus went from being a baby in a manger, to an adult, dying on a cross, in the matter of only a few months! We think time flies today!

The truth is, what is recorded in scripture is not always on a common-sense, day-after-day timeline. Throughout scripture there are moments that come up in more than one place, and other things that don't show up at all. There are bits and pieces that we never get to spend much time on. There are stories behind stories and reasons why different people might record the same event in different ways. There are times when scripture seems to push back against other parts of scripture (look up Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:20 or Deuteronomy 19:21; then look up Matthew 5:38-41, for instance), and places where we read things that seem somewhat irrelevant to us today.

But this story is still relevant - all of it - for us as we stumble through the world we live in. This is the story of salvation - the story of our salvation. The story of the lengths to which God was willing to go for us. The story of the sacrifices Christ was willing to make for us. The story of all the moments where God has broken into our world to be near us, to be by our side, to be God with us. And we all need to hear this story, to delve deeply into it, to understand what it means for us. Because no matter what our age or education level or how smart we are, when it comes to faith we all have unanswered questions. We all have things we struggle with and things that keep us up at night.

And at Grace, we have lots of opportunities for you to connect with others who can help you work through this stuff. Sunday school between the services; Tuesday Bible studies with Pastor; Men's Ministry; Craft and quilting groups; Third Sunday discussions on Social Justice Issues; get involved in Manna or Meals on Wheels. Or, if you've got a passion for a particular ministry - start your own small group!
You are welcome and invited to take part in any and all of the programming at Grace. The Spirit has gifted each of us, and we are called to share those gifts. And what better time than the "New Year" to start; to try something "new"; to push yourself outside your comfort zone a bit- for the sake of the Gospel? Ready...set...GO!

Living in God's amazing Grace,

Pastor Jenn

Craft Day - Monday, January 8 (note date change) from 1:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and join us for an hour, or longer, and enjoy the fellowship as we all work on our crafts. Please join us!

Craft Class - Saturday, January 13 from 10 am to noon in the Fellowship hall. Sallie Robinson will lead us in making cute clay miniature animals or maybe other items! There will be enough time for your creations to be baked and ready to take home with you. There will be another craft to do "yet to be named". We'll let you know about that in January. The sign-up sheet is in the Fellowship Hall. Samples of the items will be added soon so keep checking back at the sign-up sheet. Cost is $5 per person or $12 for a family. Refreshments and supplies provided.

The Men's Ministry group -

Men's Ministry meets every third Monday of the month for some hearty fellowship and discussions regarding projects serving Grace, individuals or organizations as needed. No climbing is required but we did ask ourselves at the last meeting how manymen of Grace does it take to screw in a light bulb which was answered by Bob Becker as he scaled great heights to shed some light on the answer!

If you have questions contact Nick Gandy [email protected]

Our December Blood Drive was a success!! Thank you from Barbara Ehlmann and from One Blood to all who donated and to those who attempted to donate. Let's do it again in February!!

3^rd SUNDAYS - DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR.

The next Third Sunday discussion will meet on

January 21st.

TUESDAY MORNINGS - DISCUSSIONS WITH PASTOR.

Please join Pastor Jenn on Tuesday mooring, from 11 a.m. - 12:30 for Textalk, an opportunity to look at how the word of God continues to be relevant in our lives. We'll meet in the Fellowship Hall - feel free to bring your lunch.

NOTE: THE TUESDAY MORNING DISCUSSION WILL NOT MEET ON JANUARY 2ND DUE TO THE HOLIDAY.

TWO NEW ADULT STUDY GROUPS will begin on Sunday, Jan. 7 during the Sunday school hour between services.

The first study group will be led by Jim Akin and will focus on the book LEAD LIKE JESUS by Ken Blanchard, Phil Hodges and Phyllis Hendry.

The other group will be studying a book entitled How to Read the Bible written by Harvey Cox and will be facilitated by Jeanette Sickel. Mr. Cox's book reconciles examining the Bible through scientific, historical and spiritual analysis to enhance and deepen our understanding of scripture. If you would like to participate see Jeanette, Linda Wolters or Sandra Schorr.

Souper Bowl Sunday is February 4, 2018, and we will be collecting donations for Manna on Meridian while we think of those who can't even afford a bowl of soup. Cash and checks made out to Manna on Meridian can be put in the large soup pot in the narthex. And as always, tuna and other foods can be put in the Manna baskets in the fellowship hall. Thank you for your support of this ministry to those in need in our community.

Hosting Early and Late Fellowship

HOST EARLY OR LATE FELLOWSHIP . Please sign up for a date and time to host. We hope everyone will participate. The sign-up sheet is next to the coffee urn. If questions, contact Christie Moore (877-7587) or Peggy Schneider (294-2251). Thank you to our hosts!

Calling all interested voices!

Come join us. Talk with Leslie, Anthony, or anyone in the Choir.

Who is that up the ladder?

MANNA ON MERIDIAN - THIRD SATURDAYS . To volunteer to help with food distribution, there is a new sign up link each month and the new link will be posted soon. Donations of cash, tuna, groceries and clothing are also needed. For more info or for help signing up, contact Kris-Tena Albers (850-566-3635 or [email protected]) or Burt Von Hoff (850-508-7793 or [email protected]).

Tuna cans - 148

Grace is the giver of MANY tuna cans (148) and the giver of other needed items for Manna on Meridian. This is depicted so well in the pictures taken by Priscilla and Mark Heidorn when their "trunk" was overflowing with generous donations from you, the people of Grace. Please know there is heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness for Grace's dedication to this wonderful community outreach. Every third Saturday of each month on distribution day, the tuna, other food items, cash and time given by Grace is reflective of your caring of others. For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Psalm 107:9

You can contact Burt Von Hoff if you have questions:

Phone 508-7793 or

Email: [email protected]

Food donations:

Our Church Counsel has recently made the decision to send all donations of food from our congregation to Manna on Meridian. Beginning November 1, 2017, any items you bring in for donation will be given to Manna, a ministry

in which our congregation had direct involvement.

Donations may still be left in the Fellowship Hall.

Thank you, Teresa Wooten

JANUARY 2018 SUNDAY MORNING

WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULE

Sunday Worship is at 8:15 A.M. & 10:30 A.M

Sunday School for all ages is held between services at 9:30 A.M.

If you are unable to assist on your designated date please make arrangements to switch with another assistant. If you would like the change listed in the bulletin, please notify the church office. If the bulletin has not been printed, we will be happy to list the change for you.

JANUARY 7, 2018

ALTAR GUILD: Abi Hudson

ASSISTING MINISTERS: (E) TBA (L) Kathy Sanguinet

GREETERS: (E) Rosalie Shupe, Paula Slade

(L) Jacqueline Curtis, Michelle Deyounks

ACOLYTE : (E) TBA (L) TBA

LAY READERS : (E) Burt Von Hoff (L) Abi Hudson

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: (E) Otis Chinn

(L) Dean & Kathy Gatzlaff, Lisa Hall, Janet McPherson, Jim Nelsen

USHERS: (E) Otis & Fannie Chinn

(L) Ed DeBardeleben, Tom Hall, Sue Homant

OFFERING COUNTERS: Kris-Tena Albers, Daryl Barowicz, Wendy Akin

REFRESHMENTS: (E& L) See signup in Fellowship Hall.

JANUARY 14, 2018

ALTAR GUILD: TBA

ASSISTING MINISTERS: (E) TBA (L) TBA

GREETERS: (E) Allison Wharton, Melinda Young

(L) Priscilla Craw, Nick Gandy

ACOLYTE : (E) TBA (L) TBA

LAY READERS : (E) Kathy Von Hoff (L) Brent Kallestad

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: (E) Fannie Chinn

(L) Frank & Sharon Piepmeier, Gary & Kathy Sanguinet, Paul Schneider

USHERS: (E) Gary Williams, David Brown

(L) Gerald Kurtz, Jim Nelsen, George Ohlin

OFFERING COUNTERS: Jon & Linda Ahlquist, Randi Buehner

REFRESHMENTS: (E& L) See signup in Fellowship Hall.

JANUARY 21, 2018

ALTAR GUILD: TBA

ASSISTING MINISTERS: (E) TBA (L) Joy Becker

GREETERS: (E) Sara Campbell, Sandra Schorr

(L) Marie Harington, Kathy Sanguinet

ACOLYTE : (E) TBA (L) TBA

LAY READERS : (E) Lynne Winston (L) Jim Nelsen

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: (E) Laura Brown

(L) Kristi Swartzman, Kris-Tena Albers, Daryl Barowicz, Bob & Joy Becker

USHERS: (E) Sue Homant, Kevin Lundgren

(L) Frank Piepmeier, Daryl Barowicz, Ed DeBardeleben

OFFERING COUNTERS: Jim Nelsen, Paul & Peggy Schneider

REFRESHMENTS: (E& L) See signup in Fellowship Hall.

JANUARY 28, 2018

ALTAR GUILD: TBA

ASSISTING MINISTERS: (E) TBA (L) TBA

GREETERS: (E) Otis & Fannie Chinn

(L) Brent Kallestad & Kathy Van Loo

ACOLYTE : (E) TBA (L) TBA

LAY READERS : (E) Melinda Young (L) Jan Peterson

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: (E) Lynne Winston

(L) Don & Judy Blancett, Susan Wessner, Linda Wolters, Randi Buehner

USHERS:. (E) Burt Von Hoff, David Brown

(L) Bob & Joy Becker, Tom Hall

OFFERING COUNTERS: Kris-Tena Albers, Daryl Barowicz, Wendy Akin

REFRESHMENTS: (E& L) See signup in Fellowship Hall.

If you know of someone who doesn't have computer access and needs to continue receiving Grace Notes by mail please send me their name - along with any suggestions you have for improving the newsletter.

Sincerely, Sara Straub, Editor - Grace Notes