Interim Grace Notes for October 28, 2022

Reformation Weekend

We observe Reformation Sunday this weekend -- my sermon is entitled "Reformation Truths." Hope you can join us as we hear traditional scriptures:

• Jeremiah 31:31-34
  I will write my law in their hearts, says the Lord
• Romans 3:19-28
  Justified by God’s grace as a gift
• John 8:31-36
  Jesus says, Continue in my word and you will know the truth

We are encouraging worshipers to wear red to add to make the day festive. Pastor Paul wrote an excellent Reformation reflection in the latest issue of LIFT Notes, which you can read along with other LIFT News HERE. Also, Tom on piano along with me on the guitar and violinists Helen and Barb will play a new Reformation Hymn of the Day by Jonathan Rundman called "Saved by Grace Through Faith."

Flyers from Pastor Paul on Bridge of Hope

• Bridge of Hope Bulletin Insert
• Reverse Advent Calendar

Death of Geri Shimer

We extend our sympathy to the family of Geri Shimer, who died on Tuesday morning. Visitation will be Friday, November 4, 2022 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Wonderly Horvath Hanes Funeral Home, and funeral services at Grace on Saturday November 5, 2022; 11:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, with an hour of visitation prior to the service at the church. You can read the full obituary HERE.

A Successful Fall Fest Event!

We had an incredibly beautiful day for our Fall Fest, and an incredibly outstanding lineup of activities, including a car show, trunk or treat, kids costume contest, parking lot DJ, lego car races, and 12 options of chili in the courtyard. Thanks to everyone who planned and carried out this event!! It was the best!!

Picture Directory Moves to Production Stage

Grace's supremely skilled professional photographer Dave Casperson completed the photography phase of a new picture directory for Grace last Sunday. Dave photographed over 100 individuals and families. We are also accepting submitted photos - just email them to Linda at gracefremont@yahoo.com. The next stage of this project will be determining how we will assemble, print, bind and distribute the directory. Remember how long you waited when the church directory companies did it? Usually it took several months. We hope it won't take that long, but it will take some work and we may be able to utilize some volunteers. Will keep you posted.

LIve Simply Midweek Email

Hopefully you received and opened the email we sent on Wednesday featuring the Live Simply logo and the intro to our Stewardship Campaign. I'll be sending this out every Wednesday during the campaign to emphasize the theme for the week, along with the "bulletin insert" content that weekend worshipers will see and read. In case you missed the email, you can alread read it HERE.

Why I Give Statements

A reminder about the "Why I Give" Statements that I have requested. As a part of our stewardship campaign which began last weekend, we are asking for congregation leaders (meaning everyone who receives this email) to write a one to three sentence stament that answers the question "Why I Give," meaning why I give to Grace. These statements will be included in the stewardship packet that will be distributed on November 13, and which will also include an "Intent" card. You can email your statement to me at mark@bogen.org.

Great Hymns of Faith Rehearsals Underway

Tom reports that at more than 50 persons have signed up to participate in the Great Hymns of Faith choir festival on Sunday, November 13 at 4:00 pm. You can read more about the rehearsal times in a Facebook page (that you can SHARE!) HERE.

ELCA Youth Gathering Theme

The ELCA Youth Gathering Planning Team has announced the theme for the 2024 event scheduled for July 16-20 in New Orleans: The theme is"Created to Be," centered on Psalm 139:14 — "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well." To read more about the gathering, including information about a young adult gathering that will be held in conjunction with the Youth gathering, go HERE.

Climate Care Social Message

The ELCA has drafted a social message on Climate Care. The drafting team is seeking input from those who may be interested in helping to form the document. You can read the draft document and learn how to offer your input HERE.

Osterholm Update

Dr. Michael Osterholm continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his bi-weekly podcasts. In the episode posted on October 27 entitled "Subvariants, Long COVID, and Influenza," Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the impact of the many sub variants that are currently circulating in the U.S. and around the world, the latest data on long COVID, and how the U.S. should prepare for the next pandemic. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Interim Grace Notes for October 21, 2022

Fall Fest is Around the Corner!

Fall Fest at Grace is Sunday from 4-7. Hope many if not most of you can make it. You can view a Facebook publicity page HERE that you can also share if you have a FB account!

Stewardship Campaign Update

Our 2022 Stewardship Campaign officially launches this weekend under the theme "Live Simply," along with the key bible passage from Paul's First Letter to Timothy:

As for those who in the present age are rich, command them not to be haughty, or to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but rather on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.
1 Timothy 6:17-20

This theme will be presented with four bulletin inserts, one each weekend, beginning October 22-23:

• Follow Jesus
  Scripture Focus: Matthew 6:25-33
• Face the Truth
  Scripture Focus: Psalm 51:10-12; Mark 4:37-41
• Act Together
  Scripture Focus: John 13:34-35
• Share Enough
  Scripture Focus: Philippians 4:11b-13

On Tuesday of this week, the Stewardship Team met toprocess and send the initial campaign letter, which included a giving statement for the first nine months of 2022.

Then, on Sunday, November 13, we will gather as a congregation at 9:15 am in the Dining Room for a time of simple morning refreshments, and a time to talk with one another about what Grace means to us. We will distribute a Live Simply packet which will include information about ministry at Grace, and will challenge us to live out our weekly themes: follow Jesus, face the truth, act together and share enough. Those unable to attend the November 13 event will receive their packets via US Mail.

This packet will also include an “Intent Card” which will let us as congregation leaders know members' financial commitment to the ministry at Grace for 2023. We are asking members to bring this card with them to worship on November 19-20, or a following Sunday, or to use the enclosed envelope to mail it to the church office.

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of your response to this campaign. Members of Council and Call Committee will receive their cards earlier, and we are hoping for 100% participation which we can use to motivate the congregation on November 13.

As most of you are aware, this year, without the significant boost in income from federal pandemic relief programs that we received in 2020 and 2021, our expenses continue to exceed offerings.

I plan to increase my giving to Grace in 2023, and I encourage you to join me, and “take hold of the life that really is life.” (1 Timothy 6:19) We have a God of abundance, not scarcity. God will continue to work through us at Grace using our hands, our feet, and yes, our giving.

Picture Directory Update

Our Picture Directory program got off to a good start last weekend, with photography sittings on Saturday and Sunday, and more on Thursday evening. There are two more sessions this Saturday and Sunday, with only a few more open slots available. If you haven't signed up yet and would like to, click or tap HERE and scroll down to find the few remaining slots. We have had well over 100 individuals, couples, and families scheduled for photography. Many thanks and kudos to Grace member Dave Casperson, who is donating his professional photography skills to help us complete this project!

ELCA Worship News

You can read the October, 2022 issue of ELCA Worship News [HERE](https://community.elca.org/emailviewonwebpage.aspx?erid=532806c6-e3a6-43e6-9288-ef77b3600f38&trid=532806c6-e3a6-43e6-9288-ef77b3600f38

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest issue HERE.

Interim Grace Notes for October 14, 2022

Picture Directory Photography Set to Go

Dave Casperson, photographer for our new picture directory, will be setting up tonight (Friday) to officially begin photography sessions tomorrow (Saturday). We still have a few slots available:

Total Slots: 108 Filled Slots: 98
Available Slots: 10
% Filled: 90.74%

To sign up for one of the available slots, go HERE.

Several Openings for Photo Directory Receptionists

This week we put out a Signup Genius page for receptionists for our church directory Photography appointments. These persons will greet people as they arrive, and make sure that we have their correct contact information. Shifts are for two hours -- we still have three opening -- If you'd be willing to help, go HERE.

"Live Simply" Stewardship Campaign Will Launch Next Weekend

The Stewardship Team will meet on Tuesday, October 18 to stuff the Campaign intro letter, which will include a statement of giving to date for 2022. We are also finalizing our plans for our congregation Stewardship Event which will be a simple continental breakfast and program in the dining room from 9:15 - 9:45 am at which we will distribute Stewardship packets with intent cards. You can read a preview of my November Grace and Truth Pastor Message, which describes our program launching next weekend, HERE.

Why I Give Statements

For the last couple weeks I have been asking for congregation leaders (meaning everyone who receives this email) to write a one to three sentence statement that answers the question "Why I Give," meaning why I give to Grace. These statements will be included in the stewardship packet that will be distributed on November 13, and which will also include an "Intent" card. You can email your statement to me at mark@bogen.org. I have received several, but could certainly use more. TYIA!

LIFT Leaders Meet

On Wednesday, LIFT Leaders held our monthly meeting. Pastor Paul brought us up to date on the several activities that LIFT is planning, including an Advent Devotional Resource called My Favorite Things: Advent Stories from LIFT. Here is how Pastor Paul describes it:

We are inviting members of LIFT congregations to submit a few paragraphs responding to one of the prompts below. We will create a booklet with a reflection for each day in the four weeks of Advent, and share a post each day on LIFT’s social media. We hope that this is both a chance for people in our congregations to get to know each other there better as well as an opportunity for prayerful meditation in the weeks leading up to Christmas. For the 28 days, we are seeking four responses to each of these seven prompts:

• My favorite Christmas carol is...
• My favorite Biblical character is...
• My favorite holiday memory is...
• My favorite Christmas tradition is...
• My favorite reminder of God’s love is...
• My favorite Bible verse is...
• My favorite gift given or received is...

Sign up for one of the themes HERE and email your finished submissions to Pastor Paul Bailie by November 13. Be sure to review other LIFT Activities in the latest issue of LIFT Notes which you can read HERE.

ELCA Advocacy Speaks for Us

From the ELCA web page that describes our ministry of Advocacy:

Connecting faith and public life

As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. God uses our hands, through our direct service work and our voices, through our advocacy efforts, to restore and reconcile our world. Through faithful advocacy, the ELCA lives out our Lutheran belief that governments can help advance the common good.

ELCA advocacy works for change in public policy based on the experience of Lutheran ministries, programs and projects around the world and in communities across the United States. We work through political channels on behalf of the following biblical values: peacemaking, hospitality to strangers, care for creation, and concern for people living in poverty and struggling with hunger and disease.

To read about the latest issues that the ELCA Advocacy Office is working on on our behalf, you can go HERE.

Osterholm Update

Dr. Michael Osterholm continues to deliver solid scientific analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic in his bi-weekly podcasts. In the episode entitled "A New Phase," posted on October 13, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the many new subvariants that are competing with BA.5, the Ebola outbreak in Uganda, and the challenges that will come with the next phase of the pandemic. You can listen to or download this episode HERE.

Advocacy Connections October 2022

Affordable housing and homelessness matter to many of us. Help be sure housing concerns have a place in the federal budget.  Many of us care deeply about housing concerns, personally and through our ministries. Today the NLIHC, in partnership with philanthropic organizations, housing providers, religious denominations and others, are making a push so phones ring and emails flood in,  urging lawmakers to pass a federal budget that includes needed increases to housing programs.     Use our Action Alert today, Oct. 12, to add your voice to the surge! Skyrocketing housing costs this year have made the prospect of staying securely in a home more challenging for many in our communities. Lack of available housing has become one of the main drivers of homelessness and has also significantly contributed to overall inflation in the last year. "This comes as many faith-based shelters and volunteer services report struggling to support the growing volume of needs in our communities," said Andrew Fuller, ELCA Program Director for Housing and Human Needs. "Many houses of worship and volunteers are exhausted and need support to address these crises." Why act now? Lawmakers are setting spending priorities for the coming year. Evidence-based programs to address housing issues should be a higher priority than ever. A temporary spending measure to fund the government until December 16 passed earlier this month, but it is just a stop-gap. Lawmakers must reconvene to pass a budget for the remainder of the federal fiscal year. Now, ahead of Election Day, is a critical time to contact your lawmakers and tell them that people of faith are concerned about the housing crisis impacting our communities.   Link here to Action Alert today to push for policy that will make a difference in people's lives. Remember, your own words and local experiences add strength to your message sent through the Action Center. Let?s make sure lawmakers make housing concerns a priority in the federal FY23 budget. Want to go further? Extra steps for taking action housing advocacy action are available in the new ELCA World Hunger housing resource and the Housed Fall & Winter 2022 Toolkit from NLIHC.

Interim Grace Notes for October 7, 2022

Last Call for Picture Directory Sitting Times

There still are lots of time slots to sit for a profesional portrait that Grace will use to create a new photo directory. The first sessions will be next Saturday and Sunday.

Total Slots: 108
Filled Slots: 69
Available Slots: 39
% Filled: 63.89%

If you haven't signed up yet, do so today, by clicking or tapping HERE.

If you'd be willing to serve a two-hour shift as a receptionist, let me know. Time slots were listed in last week's Grace Notes, which you can find HERE.

Why I Give Statements

As a part of our stewardship campaign which will kick off on October 23, we are asking for congregation leaders (meaning everyone who receives this email) to write a one to three sentence stament that answers the question "Why I Give," meaning why I give to Grace. These statements will be included in the stewardship packet that will be distributed on November 13, and which will also include an "Intent" card. You can email your statement to me at mark@bogen.org. Council members may also give their statements to me at the meeting this Monday night.

ELCA Hunger News

One area of ministry that the ELCA has done very well at is Hunger Relief, both in congregational resources to promote awareness and gioving to ELCA Hunger, but also in the rubber-meets-the-road ministry that helps to reduce hunger around the world. You can find an Action Guide for Congregations HERE, and the latest issue of ELCA Hunger News HERE.

Preschool Playground

What fun it was this week to hear children's voices, and look out the window into the courtyard and seeing Noah's Ark kids romping and running in the grass, and drawing chalk pictures on the sidewalk. A preschool grant provided funds for the fencing at the front of the courtyard facing State Street to be purchased and installed. The fencing is elegant, complements the building, and keeps the kids safe.

Stewardship Meeting

The Stewardship Team met on Wednesday to continue the plans for our Stewardship Campaign using the theme "Live Simply." Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 19, to stuff the Campaign intro letter, which will include a statement of giving to date for 2022. We are also finalizing our plans for our congregation Stewardship Event which will be a simple continental breakfast and program in the dining room from 9:15 - 9:45 am at which we will distribute Stewardship packets with intent cards.

Jarrod Installation

Grace was well represented at St. John in Port Clinto on Wednesday evening for the installation of their new pastor, Jarrod Schaaf. Grace member Peggy Door is the St. John's organist, and the St. John's choir was joined by members of the Grace Chance Choir, which provided a special anthem for the service. I attended, vested, and joined the procession opening the service. These occasions are always time of joy and remembrance for pastors and congregations. Grace can look forward to the day when you will install your new pastor.

LifT Notes

Inspiration for your discipleship journey for the week of October 6- October 12. You can read this latest issue of LifT Notes HERE.

Email from Pastor Mary Carmen

I received this email from Camino de Vida Pastor Mary Carmen this past week, an appeal for blankets, jackets, and warm clothes.

Dear Pastors.

I greet you in the Name of our Lord Jesus.

The cold season begins, and our migrant field workers need blankets, jackets, warm clothes. The harvest season is approaching, and they work in the outdoors.

The Bridge of Hope Pantry, led by Anne Garcia, has given around 25 blankets in the past week, and some jackets that people and family members have donated.

Can you please share this need to your congregation, by your social media or email?.

Anne and her husband Roger will visit the camps next week taking all the donations you got. It doesn’t have to be new; it can be used.

We know they will continue to work outdoors in the fields until the harvest is done, they can be here until the end of November, they do not have heaters in their homes, that’s why they need warm blankets.

Thanks so much for your support.

M.B.A. Mary Carmen Padilla Bridge of Hope Supervisor and Camino de Vida Church Planter Pastor Fremont, Ohio. Mobile 419 779 1467

Free Workshop: Using Story to Build Support

Jennif Wolf Smith, a consultant with GSB Fundraising, who was the leader of our last year's stewardship drive, will be leading a one-hour Zoom workshop in which we will "learn ways to unearth stories in your congregation and use them to build excitement for what God is doing." Members of the Stewardship Team learned some of these important concepts, and have begun to implement them with our monthly "Grace Stories." This will be a worthwhile workshop for all any any congregation leaders on Thursday, October 13, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. You can learn more, and find the Zoom link HERE.

Using Story to Build Engagement and Support

 

Using Story to Build Engagement and Support Thursday, October 13 7 pm - 8 pm

From crafting a narrative budget to conducting a successful stewardship drive, how we relay the impact of ministry significantly shapes the engagement and support of our congregations. Learn ways to unearth stories in your congregation and use them to build excitement for what God is doing.   GSB Consultant Jennie Smith will lead a 1-hour Zoom session for pastors, councils, and other church leaders tasked with fiduciary-related responsibilities of the congregation.

Workshop Flyer

Zoom Information Meeting ID: 868 3622 7087 Passcode: 442862 Dial by your location     +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Click here to join the Zoom Workshop!