Grace Lutheran Church & Preschool
Newsletter - February 2022
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17880 E. Covina Blvd. | Covina, CA 91722
Church Office (626) 332-4536 | Preschool (626) 967-5855
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Church Office Hours | Monday & Thursdays | 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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We've now returned to the Sanctuary for Worship! Join us for a blended, in-person service Sundays at 9:30 a.m.
We are streaming Sunday Worship on our Facebook page. If you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19, or have had contact recently with anyone with COVID-19, we ask that you worship safely with us online.
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Dear Grace Family,
Having just held our annual Congregational Meeting, I want to take a moment to offer my thanks to a number of people. First, I want to thank all of you who attended the meeting. I realize that annual meetings, or meetings in general, are not the most interesting or exciting activities. But, the annual meeting is not about the excitement or meant to entertain those that attend. It is about the life and future of Grace Lutheran. We hold these meetings not for the sake of passing along information, but making decisions about leadership, how we will utilize the tithes and donations we will receive this year, and the important reminder that we are a community as much as we our a congregation and that everyone who is a part of Grace has a voice.
I, as your Pastor, am not the CEO, or president, or the ‘boss’, though my role includes some features of those titles. My most important role is as your spiritual leader, encourager, and guide. So, I do not nor do I want to be responsible for every decision that gets made regarding the future of Grace. We hold these meetings and make decisions together with the understanding that we all play a vital role in the life and future of our community.
We recently read from 1 Corinthians chapter 12 on consecutive Sundays. This chapter might be referred to as the ‘Body of Christ’ chapter because in this chapter Paul describes how every Christian who is a member of the Church is like a part of the human body. And though each part of the body has a specific function or role every part is important and vital to the function of the body. No one part is more important than another. Christ is the head, or the Leader, but we all work together for the good of each part and for the good of the whole, and ultimately for the good of the Kingdom of God.
Our annual meetings are an expression of our unity and an affirmation that every part of the body plays an important role in our congregation and that we will all work together toward the common goal of being God’s witnesses and not thinking only about what we desire individually. For me it is a beautiful expression of our unity with God and with one another and why the Church of Jesus Christ has endured for almost two millennium. Powerful stuff!
I say all of this with the understanding that not everyone is able or has a desire to participate. And that’s OK because there are so many other ways and opportunities to be the Body of Christ and to use the gifts, talents, and treasures that God has blessed us with for the sake of the Body. So, I am not being critical or judging those of you who couldn’t participate. Every person who is a part of our congregation is important and vital at whatever level of participation one has, but knowing that you matter just as much as any other part of the body, perhaps you might be encouraged to be more active, or more involved, or more invested in the life of Grace.
The really amazing thing is that the more active, involved, or invested you are the more you bless the church, bless God, and in return the more blessed you will feel. It is a win-win in every possible way! Life is a mix of good and bad and doing it in isolation or alone is nearly impossible. God made us to live in community and I cannot think of a more life giving community to be a part of than the Body Of Christ! So, thank you all for being a part of my family at Grace! I am truly blessed by each and every one of you!
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Steve
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The Grace-Covina Facility Renewal Fund (FRF) plan will support significant campus capital improvements and upgrades like new doors, painting our buildings, replacing our roof and other major expenses.
Please consider helping us revitalize and renew our campus for the next 40 years of ministry. You can read more about the Facility Renewal Fund here!
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February Scripture Readings
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February 6, 2022
5th Sunday after Epiphany
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Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
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February 13, 2022
6th Sunday after Epiphany
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Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
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February 20, 2022
7th Sunday after Epiphany
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Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40
1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50
Luke 6:27-38
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February 27. 2022
Transfiguration of Our Lord
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Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12--4:2
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]
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Mary Ann Koval | February 5
Heather Adzovich | February 10
Carol Orrell | February 21
Melinda Fisher | February 28
Mateo Varela | February 28
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Marty & Mary Spradley
February 7
Ed & Judy McGee
February 26
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- If we don’t have your birthday or anniversary listed
- If you have a special announcement
- If someone in your family is sick or in the hospital
- If you move or change your telephone number
- If you feel the church can assist you in any way
- If you would like a paper copy of the newsletter mailed to you
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The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their cry – Psalm 34:15
Please pray for those with medical needs, including: Bud Peterson, Carolyn Wengel, Ryan Roset, Michele Rios, Nolan, Herb Westerfield, Patrick Putnam, Noa Buhler, John, Penny Batsford, Chris Constance, Bernie Nord, Sharon Kost, Kameren Putnam, Rose Marie Quesada, Roger Melendrez, Cindy Skolaski, Leo Fuller, Deanna Kellogg, Shannon Troop, Jaxson Turner, Lorraina Ruiz, Art James, Beverly Smith, Dakota Garske, Fern Hastings, Jan Sieber, Robert Boomsma, Robert Larsen, Trina Clay, Walter Hoke, Cody Umpleby, Connie Brown, the Davidson Family, Jamie Wilcots, Joan & Lee Juneau, Kari Watson, Ken Gillingham, Mike Spangler, Pam Elparin, Ed McGee, Ron Ott, Sarah Encabo, and victims of COVID-19.
Please pray for others in need of prayer, including: the family of Kevin Bergerson, the family of Tom Will, Karen Putnam and family, Katie and family, Tricia Henderson, Rocio Orozco, and our Grace neighbors.
Please pray for the men and women currently serving in the military, who are bravely protecting us and our country, including: Andrew Ranabarger, Cole Elliot (Marine Corps), Nathaniel Morgan (Army), and Christian Van Allen.
Please pray for all victims of natural disasters.
Please pray for those who are being faced with grief, and all who know violence and hate.
Please pray for our Grace Lutheran Church Congregation and partners in ministry.
Please pray for the teachers and children of our preschool and infant care program, and for the teachers and students of Ben Lomond Elementary School, our school districts, and all schools, that they and their families will be safe.
Please pray for hospital staff, all medical personnel and first responders, those in essential services, and the leaders of our world, state, country, and local governments.
Please pray for the ACTION Food Pantry, the clients that they serve, and all those in need.
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President | Brenda Noriega
Vice President | Johna Stienstra
Secretary | Diana Alley
Treasurer | Robert Ordonez
Members-at-Large
Cindy Skolaski | Dave Brown | Nancy Adzovich | Judy McGee
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STAY CONNECTED TO GRACE-COVINA
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