April 13, 2025
Palm-to-Passion Sunday
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Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 50:4-9a
The servant of the Lord submits to suffering
Psalm 31:9-16
Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. (Ps. 31:5)
Philippians 2:5-11
Humbled to the point of death on a cross
Luke 22:14—23:56
The passion of the Lord
Today we follow Christ from triumphal entry to the cross, each waypoint of the journey marked by Jesus’ compassion for those who would betray, mock, accuse, or do violence to him. Though persecuted and beaten, Jesus the Son of God is not disgraced; instead, he asks forgiveness for those who put him to death. We have walked the Lenten pathway these forty days, each of us invited through baptism to “let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus.” We enter this holy week accompanying Jesus to the cross with both grief and thanksgiving in our hearts, trusting in God’s redeeming love.
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Worship Support
Presiding Minister: Pastor Chris Repp
Assisting Minister: Kathy Bowersox
Reader: Nancy Marshall
Deacon: Lois Wilken
Ushers: Jim & Kathy Eckstein
Greeters: Joe Meyer & Erika Bilger & Family
Livestreamer: Dave Brown
Sound: Kevin Vail
Music Director: Nicholas Pierle
Organist: Dana Robinson
Coffee Hour: Mary Jo Erickson & Gail Hug
Chancel Flowers: Flowers are not provided by Grace Members during the Lenten season.
For the upcoming Worship Support schedule, see the spreadsheet found here on Google Drive.
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From Kevin Vail:
I would like to thank everyone for their kind birthday wishes on my 70th birthday.
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This Saturday, April 12th! Spring Yard Clean-up Day!
The GLC Spring Outdoor Clean-Up date takes place this Saturday, April 12, 2025.
We'll aim to work outdoors between 8am - noon.
Please arrive to help during morning hours (between 8am-noon)..Stay for one hour, or more... Bring gloves to wear ..
Items remaining to be completed on Saturday, April 12:
1) Help re-install two wooden benches near north entrance.
2) Prune spirea shrubs along east foundation.
3) Prune ninebark shrubs near trash enclosure.
3) Remove leaves along Union Street curb and storm inlet at corner of Prospect & Union.
4) Remove dead weeds in river rock areas along south Sanctuary foundation.
5) Rake out leaves from base of shrubs.
6) Spread mulch piles evenly at base of shrubs and along foundation areas.
7) Sweep entry areas. Hose spray black mats.
Thanks!
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Please Note:
- The Next Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting is on May 18, 2025
Please plan to attend our next semi-annual Congregational Meeting on May 18th, at 10:45am (following the worship service). We will vote on positions of Secretary, Treasurer, at-large Council members, and Nominating Committee, as well as the 2024 Audit Report. The May 2024-2025 Annual Report will also be available. The meeting will be conducted in-person with a Zoom option to participate. ~Marlys Scarbrough, Congregational President
- Grace Lutheran Church Nominating Committee
The nominating committee is seeking volunteers to serve on the church council. We are in need of a new treasurer and a few at large positions. If you are willing to serve or would like to nominate someone, please contact Claire Vail, Meg Loven, Nancy Marshall, or Kathy Bowersox.
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The Last Sunday of 40 Days of Fasting -
40 Years of Grace Food Pantry
Lent is traditionally a time of fasting. The Grace Social Minstry Committee wishes to honor and support the Food Pantry's 40 years of giving to Champaign County residents with our Lenten Project.
We all have felt the increase in grocery bills and the Pantry is no exception. Fresh fruits and vegetables are necessary for a healthy diet, yet often are too expensive for those on limited budgets.
Social Ministry would like our Lenten Fast to supplement the Food Pantry with six weeks of healthy donations.
Please consult the chart below for the final food items and date:
April 13 - Onions - 3 lb bag
A container will be in the Narthex for your donations. Questions: Tina Fehrenbacher and Helen Repp. Thank you.
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ORGAN CONCERT
Sunday, May 4 at 4pm
Dana Robinson will give an organ concert here at Grace Lutheran on Sunday, May 4 at 4pm. This concert occurs on the 50th anniversary of the dedication of our Casavant tracker pipe organ.
Please invite others to join us for this festive occasion.
The concert is free and all are welcome with a reception to follow.
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Brown Bag Bible Study
Our bi-weekly lunchtime Bible study has resumed. It is held on alternating Thursdays, at 12:30 p.m. in the narthex on the dates below. We are studying the book of Romans.
Please Note - there is no Brown Bag Bible Study for the remainder of April due to Holy Week. Plan to join for future dates on: May 1 & 15 (and 29 if we need it to finish the book.)
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Grace Book Club April 24, 2025
Stars Beneath Us: Finding God in the Evolving Cosmos by Paul Wallace
The next book for the Grace Book Club has been selected. This book is for those who are tired of debates that pit the Bible against science or bored by arguments over the compatibility of Genesis and evolution and yet remain convinced that we have much still to learn about the positive relationship between science and faith. As a scientist, a theologian and an educator, Wallace reminds us how interesting the conversation between science and faith can be.
Paul Wallace received his PhD in experimental nuclear physics from Duke University and his MDiv from Candler School of Theology. His other books include Love and Quasars: An Astrophysicist Reconciles Faith and Science and 35 Questions Christians Ask Scientists.
We will discuss the book on Thursday evening, April 24, at 6 PM in the narthex at Grace Lutheran Church. Please bring your own sack supper. Beverages will be provided. We hope you will join us!
Note: For those who wish to read the book and attend the discussion, a limited number of free copies are available, thanks to the generosity of Thrivent Financial through their Action Team outreach program. Please contact Janet Lepp or Eileen Herrstrom if you are interested in receiving one of those books. Otherwise, Stars Beneath Us by Paul Wallace, published in 2015 by Fortress Press, is available through your favorite bookstore or public library.
~Janet Lepp and Eileen Herrstrom
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Game Night
There is a new opportunity to gather with friends and enjoy an evening together! Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, from 6-8:00pm, a group will meet for Games, usually in the Narthex. The group will gather to enjoy each other's company and engage in card and board games. The next date for this month is Thursday, April 24th. If you are interested, please add your name to the sheet in the Narthex or let Jim Fleming know. Come and join us, and feel free to bring along your favorite game!
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Stitch & Craft
The Stitch and Craft meeting dates in April will be tonight, Friday, April 11th and Friday, April 25th, both at 7:00pm in the narthex.
Start 2025 off right by starting a new project. We can help each other to make the best articles, mittens, scarves, hats, chemo hats, blankets, or anything you choose.
Sometimes a S&C meeting may be cancelled due to weather, conflicting dates, or a lack of members attending. In those cases an email will be sent out to those who have sent an RSVP email earlier. Also please send an email to Carol Larson if you are new to S&C to make sure there will be a meeting.
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10:00am Food for Seniors (Fellowship Hall)
6:30pm Finance Committee Meeting (Hoffmeister Room)
6:30pm Wood Carving Group (Kitchenette)
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7:00am Food Pantry Truck Delivery (Fellowship Hall)
10:00am Comrades of Art (Narthex)
7:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room)
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Maundy Thursday
10:00am Food Pantry (Fellowship Hall)
12:30pm Brown Bag Bible Study (Narthex)
7:00pm Maundy Thursday Service (Sanctuary)
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Good Friday
7:00pm Good Friday Service (Sanctuary)
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Easter Vigil
7:00pm Easter Vigil Service (Sanctuary)
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Prayer Requests
We have two formal ways of praying for one another at Grace. One is in the Sunday morning worship service, where we pray for people by name in the Prayers of Intercession. They will also be listed in the emailed and printed versions of GraceNotes, but not in the web version. Please send prayer requests for the Sunday-morning prayers to office@glccu.org. You may also submit prayer requests on our website at https://glccu.org/prayer-requests/.
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Using GLC Facilities
Our facilities are available for use by members and by outside groups. If you would like to use any part of the facility, please fill out a Facilities Use Request, found on the web site, and contact Karen in the office to ensure that it is on the calendar, so that the space is ready for you and that you are aware of how to adjust the appropriate thermostat.
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Pastor's Discretionary Fund
The Pastor's Discretionary Fund allows the church to offer financial assistance to people in our community. The office receives requests for help with rent, utilities, and other needs, and your donations make this important work possible! To donate to this fund, you can give online at https://glccu.org/donate/ or by mailing a check to the church office with "Pastor's Discretionary Fund" in the memo line.
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