Toledo Symphony Concert Ready To Go
Tickets for the Toledo Symphony have been sold out for about a week. Thanks to the members of the Concert Committee and everyone else who is helping to again make this event an overwhelming success! Post concert note: It was fantastic!!
Update on Stewardship Program
As of December 1, 72 Intent Cards have been received, totaling intended giving of $4,229 per week, or $219,895 annually. There are still intent cards yet to be tallied, but if giving from those units continues at last year's level, giving should total $7,480, or $388,960. Thanks to everyone for their amazing generosity!
Advent Services
On Wednesday, Pr. Paul and I met to discuss and plan details for our three LIFT Sponsored Midweek Advent Services on Wednesday Evenings, December 6, 13 and 20 at 6:30 in the sanctuary at Grace. We will be using Holden Evening Prayer as the musical setting and our theme will be "Ways We Encounter God," a resource prepared by the ELCA World Hunger Program. Here's a brief description from the program booklet that will form the message for each of the three Advent Services. The author is Ryan D. Cumming, Director of the Education and Networks unit of the Hunger Program:
Where and how do you encounter God? God, through the prophet Isaiah, urges us to take comfort, trusting that the “the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all people shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). At a time when our world bears the wounds of conflict, hunger and disaster, it can be challenging to uncover where and how God is at work. Yet we know in faith that God is actively working in the world, transforming, reconciling, sustaining and inciting us to ever-greater acts of justice and mercy.
Through reflection on the stories of our biblical past and the stories of ministries responding to hunger and poverty today, we will explore together the many ways “the glory of the Lord” is revealed in communities that have come together to confront deep challenges with strength, hope and longing for a just world where all are fed. Each session of this study will explore one way we encounter God, from revelation to proclamation.
Pastor Paul, Pastor Matt, and I will lead one of the three reflections based on this resource. A reminder that Spirit supper in the Dining Room will precede the service in the sanctuary. Supper will be served from 5:00 until the time of the service.
Update on Memorials and Bequests
I hope that everyone has seen and read the Message from the Executive Board that was printed on pages 11 and 12 of the December issue of Grace & Truth, and included as a bulletin insert this past Sunday. The message gives a thorough update on the recently received bequest of $1.2M, which has been deposited in an interest bearing, FDIC insured account at Croghan Colonial Bank, earning monthly interest ranging from $4,700 to $7,000 per month. The message explains that your thoughts, ideas and input will gladly be received. Please review this document and share your thoughts and drop in the offering plate or bring/mail to church office. You can view that message HERE.
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