Interim Grace Notes for November 18, 2022

Stewardship Campaign Update

On Wednesday I sent a Stewardship Campaign Update Mailchimp message to the congregation which explained the distribution of our Stewardship Packets (including booklet and intent card) during worship and via US Mail. I hope you all received yours and if you are available for worship this weekend, will bring your completed form with you. At staff meeting we decided that we would empty the baptismal font, and have members bring their intent cards when they come forward for Holy Communion, and place the envelopes in the baptismal font. This seems to me like a good reminder that our financial gifts are a part of what it means to live in the covenant of our baptism. I am planning to increase my weekly offering intent, and hope that you do as well. I am hoping for 100% participation from congregational leadership -- Council and Call Committee, as well as increased participation from members.

Great Hymns of Faith Concert Was Inspiring

The Great Hymns of Faith program returned to in-person concert mode after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. Over 40 singers from several congregations joined their voices to present this year's concert, again under the direction of area music leadership professional Michael Shirtz. The concert lasted about 40 minutes, and included the Randall Thompson classic, "The Last Words of David" (I remember singing this anthem in college choir back in 1971-73!), an organ solo by Tom, a congregational Thanksgiving hymn "Come Ye Thankful People Come," and the well known gospel hymn "I Sing Because I'm Happy." The choir's performance was excellent, and we look forward to doing it again next year.

Update on Portraits and Picture Directory

Grace's own Dave Casperson, who photographed members of the congregation in October for a new picture directory, has delivered digital images of all the photography sessions to the church office. Heather Hawn, Grace's Youth Minister, will email you your images as attached files. Watch for an email message from Heather - heatherrhawn@gmail.com.

Once you have received your image files, you are free to make prints or post them to your social media accounts, as Dave has released the copyright at no cost to you. You may wish to pay Dave's generosity forward with a monetary gift to Grace, or send a thank you note to Dave at davec1403@yahoo.com

Those who do not have email addresses will be able to view and order pictures from Heather Hawn during several sessions at the church. You will find Heather

• Saturday, November 19 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in the Dining Room
• Sunday, December 4 and December 11 immediately after both 7:45 and 10:00 am services in the Activities Office (Sunday School Hallway)
• During the week by appointment by calling the church office at 419-332-1558

Heather will take your order and email your images to the photo print provider of your choice .

All the images of Grace members and families will be compiled into a directory, which we plan to make available in a pdf (digital) format, as well as a printed directory. We are not yet sure of the details of when these directories will be completed, or the cost, but we expect it to be done in early 2023.

If you have any questions, you can call the church office at 419-332-1558.

ELCA Youth Gathering Update

A new issue of GNews has been published - the official newsletter of the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering scheduled for July 16-20, 2023. Learn how the gathering theme "Created to Be" was discerned, and other interesting stuff about next year's gathering, at which we hope a number of Grace and LIFT youth will be attending. You can read the latest issue HERE.

Conference Pastors

On Thursday morning, Eastern Conference Pastors meeting at Grace Lutheran Church in Castalia hosted members of St. Paul Lutheran Congregation in Sandusky. The occasion for this gathering was the impending closing of the congregation in a special service this weekend. The congregation sold their buildings and property last year to another congregation, and began worshiping in other available spaces in Sandusky, most recently The American Legion, where Sunday's service will be held. Since St. Paul has been a member congregation of the Eastern Conference, we felt that inviting them to come and tell us their stories of what St. Paul has meant to them would be a good thing.

Nineteen members of St. Paul's came to the gathering, and you can see a picture of the group gathered at Grace Castalia HERE. Many memories were shared, most notable about the decades-long ministry of a monthly meal that was served at no cost and to which the community was invited. Members also spoke of other outreach ministries early in the history of St. Paul, when the community was beginning to change culturally and racially. They were very appreciative of the opportunity to share this time of sadness in the closing of their congregation.

December Grace and Truth

The December issue of Grace and Truth was mailed yesterday, and you also likely received the digital version via email. ICYMI, you can read the digital version HERE.

LIFT Notes

You can read the latest edition of LIFT Notes HERE.

Just Three Things

Just Tree Things arrives faithfully every Friday morning -- thanks to Linda for her excellent work on this communication piece. ICYMI, you can read this week's issue HERE.

Bishop Daniel's Email

You can read Bishop Daniel's November 14 email HERE.

ELCA Links

• November 2022 Seeds Monthly - Resources for congregational leaders
• ELCA Advocacy Action Alert - Describes current legislation and offers suggestions to take action on vital issues affecting our communities right now.

Toledo Symphony Committee Plans Continue

Less than two weeks from now, the Toledo Symphony will resume their Christmas themed concert at Grace that has been on hiatus for the past two holiday seasons. The Concert is scheduled for Friday, December 2, 2022 beginning at 7:30 pm. The Concert Committee met this past week to make sure that all the details are in order for a successful concert. Tickets are still available - call or visit the church office to reserve or purchase your tickets.

The Osterholm Update - Covid-19

Episode 118: A Time to Be Thankful but Alert
November 17, 2022
In this episode, Dr. Osterholm and Chris Dall discuss the trajectory of the pandemic in the United States and around the world, a recent study on COVID reinfections, and how RSV and influenza are overwhelming hospitals throughout the country. You can stream or download the episode HERE.