September 27, 2026
Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost
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Sunday Readings
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32
The fairness of God’s way
Psalm 25:1-9
Remember, O Lord, your compassion and love. (Ps. 25:6)
Philippians 2:1-13
Christ humbled to the point of death on a cross
Matthew 21:23-32
A parable of doing God’s will
Jesus’ parable about two sons who don’t do what they say reveals surprises in the reign of God. In the reading from Ezekiel the people claim the ways of the Lord are unfair, while God offers repentance and new life. Paul urges us to look to Christ as a model of humility, putting the interests of others above our own. Nourished by the broken bread and shared cup, we offer our lives for the sake of our needy world.
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Sunday Worship Support
Presiding Minister: Pastor Chris Repp
Assisting Minister: Marlys Scarbrough
Reader: Van Bowersox
Deacon: Van Bowersox
Greeters: Dennis & Allison Archer
Ushers: Bruce & Alicia Winter
Livestreamer: Meg Loven
Sound Technician: Kevin Vail
Organist: Mike Keeley
Music Director: Kyle Schrage
Coffee Hour: Cupboard Cookies
Chancel Flowers: Carolyn Pater, In memory of my mother-in-law, Myrna Boe
For the upcoming Worship Support schedule, please contact the Grace Lutheran Church Office.
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Please Note:
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If you are purchasing something for Grace Lutheran church (on account or that you will be reimbursed for), you must use the Tax Exempt Status Certificate, so that we do not incur sales tax. Please contact the Grace Office if you need a copy of the certificate, or need to know which stores we have a Tax Exempt Certificate on file with already. Thanks!
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Executive Committee Members, Council Members, Committee Chairs and Worship Support Contacts - please make sure that you are checking your mailboxes in the Grace workroom on a regular basis so that you don't miss anything!
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Cupboard Cookies
We are replenishing the stock of cookies in the kitchenette! These cookies are used for coffee hour on Sundays when no one is specifically signed up to host. Please consider donating (shelf-stable) cookies! Thanks in advance!
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Food Pantry Thank-you Luncheon
for the Congregation
This is an invitation from the Grace Pantry Board to join us (including family and significant others) on Sunday, October 11th at 10:45am in the Fellowship Hall for a free luncheon sponsored by the Pantry Board.
This is a small token to show our appreciation for all the prayers, donations and volunteer hours that all have put in to make the pantry what it is today.
We thank God for all of you & hope to see you on the 11th!
Grace Pantry Board
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“God’s Work; Our Hands” T-shirts
“God’s Work; Our Hands” T-shirts are printed and set to purchase in all sizes. They will be available in the Narthex on Sundays after Services for just $10 now (supplies are limited)!
Please contact Kathy Bowersox with any questions or to purchase one at another time.
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Adult Sunday School & September Book Club
Sundays, September 27, at 11 AM
Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End
By: Atul Gawande (2014)
Atul Gawande is a surgeon in Boston, professor at Harvard Medical School, and writer for The New Yorker.
“For anyone who has struggled to navigate… end-of-life care with a loved one, [this] book is a reminder… of the positive change that comes from the power of purpose.”
– Hospitals and Health Networks
The Grace Book Club will meet for the second session today, September 27, at 11 AM in the Hoffmeister Room. The discussion is open to everyone, and we hope you will join us!
– Eileen Herrstrom and Janet Lepp
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We are hosting our conference Synod Day
on October 4, 2026! Join the fun and fellowship!
There are many opportunities for pitching in to help - check the signup sheet in the Narthex:
- Set up on Thursday October 1 after food pantry
- Welcome table for registering and greeting participants
- Helping with dinner on October 4 (Set up, serving, clean up)
- Readers during the worship services
- And any other tasks not specified
Many hands make light and joyful work!
Please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex, or contact Mary Jo Erickson or Claire Vail if you will be joining the team. All are welcomed!
Don't forget to register to attend the East Central Conference:
https://www.csis-elca.org/news/synod-days-26/
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2026 CROP Walk
Sunday, October 4th at 2:00
Hunger and food insecurity continue to rise locally, nationally, and internationally. There are many ways that you can help:
1. By supporting our Grace Food Pantry with your money, donations, and time;
2. 2. By supporting ELCA World Hunger Appeal and ELCA Good Gifts; and
3. 3. By walking or supporting the annual CROP Walk.
Donations raised for the CROP Walk support Church World Services' hunger outreach programs. A percentage of the proceeds from the local walk stays in our community to support local programs addressing food insecurities.
This year's CROP Walk will be in Urbana, starting at the Unitarian Church on Sunday, October 4th at 2:00. If you are interested in walking or supporting this year's CROP Walk, please contact Sandy at (217) 621-9417 or Elaine at (217) 359-5421.
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Card Stamping Parish Life Birthday & Anniversary Cards, with Meg Loven
Monday, October 5 at 10:00am
Mark your calendar: we will be stamping birthday and anniversary cards with Meg Loven on Monday, October 5, beginning at 10:00am in the narthex. The cards we make go out to the congregation for special occasions throughout the year.
| | Get Ready! From Pastor Chapman at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church: | | |
Save-the-Date - Visit from the Bishop
Sunday, November 1st
Bishop Greg Busboom will be joining us for the Sunday Morning Service at Grace Lutheran Church, and will give a presentation in the Fellowship Hall following the service:
9:30am—Sunday Morning Service
10:45am—Presentation in the Fellowship Hall
Light refreshments will be provided after the service, in the Fellowship Hall. Please keep an eye out for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex if you would like to bring anything. Thanks!
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Grace Lutheran Game Nights, October 2026
Gather with friends and enjoy an evening together! Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month, from 6-8:00pm, a group meets for Games in the Narthex. The group gathers to enjoy each other's company and engage in card and board games. Mark your calendars!
The next dates for Game Night are Thursday, October 8th and Thursday, October 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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10:00am Food for Seniors (Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Bell Choir Rehearsal (Choir Loft)
| | | | 7:00pm Choir Rehearsal (Choir Room) | | | | 10:00am Food Pantry (Fellowship Hall) | | | | 8:00-11:30am Fellowship Hall RESERVED | | | | Synod Day Preparations (Full Building RESERVED) | | |
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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