April 27, 2025
Second Sunday of Easter
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Readings and Psalm
Acts 5:27-32
The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus
Psalm 118:14-29
You are my God, and I will exalt you. (Ps. 118:28)
Revelation 1:4-8
Jesus Christ, the firstborn of the dead, is coming
Luke 24:13-35
Eating with the risen Christ
Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaimed and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.
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Worship Support
Presiding Minister: Pastor Chris Repp
Assisting Minister: Claire Vail
Cantor: Claire Vail
Reader: Elizabeth Mazurak
Deacon: Jim Anderson
Ushers: Dave & Carol Larson
Greeters: Bob & Emily Dorsey & Family
Livestreamer: Jim Anderson
Sound Technician: Kevin Vail
Music Director: Nicholas Pierle
Organist: Dana Robinson
Guitar Service Musicians: Dave Brown, Michael Miller, Pastor Chris Repp,
Claire Vail, And Jack Wilkie
Coffee Hour: Dave & Carol Larson
Chancel Flowers: Please see the Sunday Bulletin for the list of Easter Lily and
Hydrangea donors and dedications.
For the upcoming Worship Support schedule, see the spreadsheet found here on Google Drive.
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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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This Week: Adult Sunday School - April 27 at 11:00am
Public Funds for Education – Cuts and Consequences
Children in Illinois and throughout the United States are supported by public funds for their education. This includes general K-12 education, as well as education for young children (ages 0-5) and individuals with disabilities ages 0-21. Some funding for education goes toward direct staff and services (such as costs for operating schools and paying school staff), but significant funding also supports the larger infrastructure of public education. This includes things like educational research, teacher preparation programs, and scholarships for college students majoring in education at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Many of the funding streams supporting public education have been cut or drastically reduced already in 2025, while more remain on the chopping block. This Sunday school session will provide information about various funding streams and their current stability. We will discuss potential consequences of those cuts and strategies for advocating for funding stability.
Led by Emily Dorsey
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Lenten Service Project Thank-you
For the last six weeks, families served by the Grace Food Pantry have enjoyed an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. This was possible by the generosity of members of Grace and Trinity Lutheran in Urbana.
Thank you for giving well beyond what was requested. Totals:
- Apples - 130 lbs.
- Cabbage - 83 heads
- Potatoes - 260 lbs
- Oranges - 162 lbs
- Carrots - 68 lbs
- Onions - 122 lbs.
May the blessings of the Easter season fill your hearts and minds.
With sincere gratitude, Grace Social Ministry Committee
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Meg Loven Stamping Event - April 28, 2025
Card Stamping for Lay Ministry - It’s time to make some anniversary and birthday cards! No experience with card stamping is necessary. All materials and instructions will be provided.
Come join the fun on Monday, April 28, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Narthex
You are welcome to bring a brown bag lunch!
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Farewell Gathering for Dana Robinson
Please join us for a farewell gathering for Dana Robinson (Grace Lutheran Church's long time Organist) on Friday, May16th, from 5:30-7:30pm at the Traugott's house in Urbana (address in the Directory or provided upon request to the Grace Office).
Appetizers and drinks will be provided - just bring yourselves to give thanks and wish Dana well!
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End of the Year Recitals for
Erica Ancell (Grace Lutheran's Soprano Choral Scholar) and
Nick Pierle (Grace Lutheran's Music Director)
Erica Ancell’s Recital:
Saturday, May 3 at 7:30pm
Smith Memorial Room
Nick Pierle’s Recital:
Saturday, May 10 at 3:00pm
Chapel of St. John The Divine
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Celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday
Sunday May 11
One way that ELCA members celebrate Good Shepherd Sunday is by supporting Lutheran Social Services. Lutheran Social Services of Illinois is one of the largest statewide social service providers in the state. Their mission is: “Responding to the Gospel, LSSI brings healing, justice, and wholeness to people and communities.”
LSSI offers Foster Care and Family Support services, Mental Health services and Substance Abuse treatments, affordable Senior Housing and many more programs assisting people in need throughout the state. Last year LSSI served over 56,000 people with 92% of the clients having an annual income below $25,000.
LSSI believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full, God-given potential and reminds us that our support and partnership help make those opportunities a reality. Once again, this year an anonymous donor will match all donations made to Good Shepherd Sunday 2025 up to $5000 for each of the ELCA synods in Illinois.
Please consider making a gift by donating online at lssi.org or by sending a check to the LSSI offices at 1001 E. Touhy Ave, Suite 50, Des Plaines, IL 60018.
Thank you for choosing to make a difference!
~Social Ministry Committee
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Blanket Sunday/Mother's Day - May 11:
The Social Ministry Committee will again provide the opportunity to honor or remember your mother and other special women in your life with the gift of love and caring for the homeless, refugees, and those who have lost so much due to natural disasters. Each donation of $10 provides one blanket for someone in need. You can make your donation on April 28, May 5, and May 11 in the Narthex. If paying with a check, please make it out to Church World Service. Cards to send to honorees will be available.
Call Helen Repp with any questions.
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Church Women United's May Friendship Day - May 2, 2025
Join the women of Church Women United on Friday, May 2, 2025 from 6-8:00pm at the Bethel AME Church (401 East Park Street, Champaign, IL). The focus of the event will be "friends love at all times" from Corinthians 3:12 which says, "Since God chose you to be holy people He loves, you must clothe yourself with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.
6:00pm for fellowship and refreshments, 7:00pm for the program and presentations of the Outstanding Young Church Women awards.
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This Thursday - 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.
Plan to join for future dates on: May 1 & 15 (and 29 if we need it to finish the book.)
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Mary Magdalene; The Tower
Adult Sunday School: May 4 and May 11
Mary Magdalene is a central figure in the story of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. During these two sessions we will be exploring the life and legacy of Mary Magdalene, who Christians have come to know through all four of the biblical gospels, especially the Gospel of John. According to the author of John’s Gospel, Mary Magdalene was the first person to see the risen Jesus and then became the first apostle spreading the gospel message.
One aspect of the class will be to reflect upon the work of Dr. Elizabeth Schroeder Polczer; professor of New Testament at Villanova University. Her recent research has led her to draw some fascinating new theories about the role of Mary Magdalene in the early church.
You are invited to come and join the discussion on Sundays May 4 and May 11 in the Hoffmeister Room at 11:00. Together we will explore the ministry of Mary Magdalene and ponder what her witness means for us in the church today.
Led by Janet Lepp
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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 in the Narthex. The group will gather to enjoy each other's company and engage in card and board games. The upcoming dates for Game Night are Thursday, May 8th and Thursday, May 22nd. If you are interested, please let Jim Fleming know. Come and join us, and feel free to bring along your favorite game!
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Stitch & Craft, Meeting Tonight!
The last Stitch and Craft meeting date in April will be tonight, Friday, April 25th, 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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Organ Tuning - All Day
10:00am Food for Seniors (Fellowship Hall)
11:00am Card Stamping with Meg Loven (Narthex)
6:30pm Wood Carving Group (Kitchenette)
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7:30pm Erica Ancell’s Recital:
Smith Memorial Room - University of Illinois Campus
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Organ Rededication - GLC Building Reserved for the Day
9:30am Worship - In Person & Live Stream (Sanctuary)
10:45am Property Committee Meeting (Chapel)
11:00am Adult Sunday School (Hoffmeister Room)
12:00pm Women's AA (Hoffmeister Room)
4:00pm Organ Rededication Concert and Reception (Sanctuary, Narthex & Fellowship Hall)
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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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