Friday, July 14, 2023

Interim Grace Notes for July 14, 2023

Successful Week of VBS

VBS 2023 went very well - we had about 40 K-6 children, and a strong contingent of youth and adult leaders and helpers. Held at St. Mark from Monday through Thursday, 6:00 0- 7:30 pm, we had plenty of open space for outdoor activities, which included welcoming and petting animals - a goat on Monday, chicks and chickens on Tuesday, and a goat, a pig and the chicks and chickens did an encore performance on Thursday. Our theme was God's Good Creation and was made available for no cost from the ELCA World Hunger Program. Our lessons centered around animals that can be raised and sold for food and income in our neighbor countries around the world. Our VBS offering will purchase one or more animals through the ELCA Good Gifts program. Pastor Paul put together a very nice video with highlights from our four day adventure. You can view the video HERE.

Pick Up Your Picture Directory After Worship

Beginning this weekend, we will make them available for pickup after worship on Saturday and Sunday. We had extra copies printed, while supplies last, you can purchase a copy. We are asking for a donation of $10 per directory which will cover the cost of producing the directory . Remember that there are two ways of viewing the directory online:

Remember that the PDF is password protected. If you need help remembering the password, you can email Pr. Mark at mark@bogen.org.

New Preschool Storage Shed Assembled

Noah's Ark Preschool has purchased and assembled a plastic storage shed, which will be placed in the northeast corner of the courtyard. The shed will store play activity equipment for the outdoor play session for the preschool kids.

Christmas in July Outdoor Worship Plans Continue

The planning committee for our LIFT worship service at Birchard Park on Sunday, July 30 met Wednesday to complete the many details for this service. There will be fellowship time at 10:00, the service is at 10:30, and a brief service project of park cleanup at 11:30. Be sure to bring a lawn chair and a non-perishable or hygiene item for Bridge of Hope food pantry At Grace we will still hold our 9:00 service, but we strongly encourage many to attend the joint LIFT service. You can view a shareable Facebook flyer of the event HERE.

LIFT Board Meets Sunday

The LIFT Board meets Sunday at 12:30 at St. John's for our regular bi-monthly meeting. You can view the August LIFT Newsletter HERE.

Ice Cream Social at St. Mark July 25

St. Mark Lutheran Church will hold its annual Ice Cream Social Tuesday, July 25, 2023. The Social will be held at the church, 902 East State Street, Fremont, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. The Social will be held on the church lawn, weather permitting. In case of inclement weather, the Social will be held inside the church. An elevator is available for the handicapped. The menu includes sandwiches – hot dogs, brats, shredded chicken, and sloppy joes; baked beans; homemade salads; homemade desserts; and Toft’s ice cream. A donation of non-perishable food will pay for ice cream. Half of the Social’s proceeds and all non-perishable food donations will go to the Sandusky County Food Pantry.

Bell Dedication on Sunday

The memorial service for Nancy Roddy will be Saturday, July 15, at 11:00 at Grace, with visitation beginning at 9:300. Maureen will preside at the service. On Sunday during worship, we will dedicate a "Silent Hand Bell" in memory of Nancy. Here is the prayer that we will use:

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, king of the universe. You have enriched our lives with every good and perfect gift; you have commanded us to show your splendor to our children and to praise you with lives of love, justice, and joy. Accept this Silent Bell, which we offer in thanksgiving for the gifts that Nancy Roddy brought to Grace as a founding and faithful member of the Bell Choir for 46 years, supporting our calling to worship you in spirit and truth. Bring us all at length to your perfect kingdom, where you live and reign with the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

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