Grace Notes
Grace Notes
THE NEWSLETTER OF GRACE LUTHERAN CHURC H
Dear Members and Friends,
March 2013
The way the calendar falls this year March includes most of Lent, all of Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Each has its own character and each deserves its own newsletter article but Ill try to say what I have to say in just one. Easter is the most special day in the church year. The world loves Christmas but as far as the Christian faith is concerned its all about the resurrection. Holy week is our opportunity to walk with Jesus through his final week of teaching, arrest and crucifixion. Here we come to appreciate what he has done for us and the lengths that God went in order to offer forgiveness and eternal life to us. During Lent we heed the words of the prophet and return to the Lord once again making a conscious effort to let God be the center of our lives. Its a little like taking the car in for an alignment only it is ourselves who arent centered properly. All of this preparation enables us to sing out with joy on Easter for we see more fully the contrast of resurrection with the sin and death that permeates so much of life. We are a resurrection people and we will offer a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service as well as our festive 10:15 service. The you group will offer breakfast at 7:30. Come join the celebration. In the name of the Risen Christ, Pastor David Almleaf
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Holy Week
Palm Sunday begins with the procession of palms and banners. The reading of the passion will take the place of the Gospel. The prelude will be the debut of the bell choir directed by our own Darlene Pollack. At 7 p.m. the Palm Sunday Concert will be held at St. Johns Episcopal Church, Johnstown directed by Bob Hallenbeck. We have several members of our choir participating. Morning Prayers - Monday March 25th - Friday March 29th at 8:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday a meal of soup and sandwiches will be served in the fellowship hall prior to the service. The worship service will include Holy Communion, washing of feet and stripping of the altar while the 22nd psalm is chanted. Good Friday Tenebrae Service will be held at 7 p.m. with the reading of the seven last words of Christ followed by the Stations of the Cross presented by Vic and Marion Pellegrino, Anna Butez and Greta Davis. Easter Egg Hunt will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 30th. This will be held in the park on Main Street in Johnstown and is hosted by the Council of Churches. Easter Sunrise Service and lighting of the Paschal candle and Holy Communion will be at 6:30 a.m. followed by breakfast served by the youth at 7:30 a.m. Festive Easter Service with procession of banners and Holy Communion will be at 10:15 a.m. Prelude by the Bell Choir under the direction of Darlene Pollak.
EASTER LILY ORDERS ARE DUE MARCH 17th
Due to limited space in the sanctuary to place them, we have ordered 24 lilies so it will be on a first come first served basis. You may bring your own or if you wish to just donate in memory or honor of your loved one and have it published in the Easter bulletin you may do so and your donation will go to the general fund. Please make your check out to Grace Lutheran Church and return it with your order form. Thank you. If you plan to take your plant, you may do so after the 10:15 a.m. service or during the week following Easter.
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Altar Flowers March & April
Mar. 3 - Kathy VanValkenburgh Mar. 10 - Marlene & George Slingerland Mar. 17 - Marlene & George Slingerland Mar. 24 - Linda & Dick Bumpus **Palm Sunday Cross - Maryland Warner Mar. 31 - Joan Longfritz April 7 - Open April 14 - William Fensken April 21 - Nancy & Karl Blanchard April 28 - Anna Butez Altar flowers are $33.00 unless you share a Sunday then they would be $16.50 each vase. If you wish to place a special arrangement in the Sanctuary the cost would be whatever you would like to spend. Nancy Blanchard (762-4234) and Linda Bumpus (725-1927) are the Altar Flower coordinators.
Bread Bakers March & April
March 3 - Peggy Niforos March 24 - Audrey Rulison March 28 - Peg Niforos (Maundy Thursday - 2 Loaves) March 31 - Cindy Walsh (Easter - 2 Loaves) April 7 - Helen Schreivogl April 28 - Audrey Rulison Please find someone to replace you if you cannot bake bread the Sunday you are scheduled and whenever possible, tell the church secretary so the bulletin can reflect the change. Thank you, Peggy Niforos
Counters for March & April
03/03 - Darleen Gaugler, Charlotte Petersen, Bonnie 03/10 - Nancy Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie 03/17 - Nancy Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie 03/24 - Nancy Demarest, Ron & Jackie Hollenbeck 04/07 - Nancy Demarest, Ron & Jackie Hollenbeck 04/14 - Darleen Gaugler, Charlotte Petersen, Bonnie 04/21 - Darleen Gaugler, Charlotte Petersen, Bonnie 04/28 - Nancy Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie
(I) - Intinction Sunday (R) - Rail Sunday March 3 (R) - Peg Niforos March 10 (I) - Nancy Demarest March 17 (I) - Kathy VanValkenburgh March 24 (R) - Joan Longfritz March 28 (R) - Bonnie Olendorf March 31 (R) - 6:30 a.m. - Marion Pellegrino 10:15 a.m. - Darleen Gaugler April 7 (R) - Don Phelps April 14 (I) - Peggy Niforos April 21 (I) - Nancy Demarest April 28 (R) - Kathy VanValkenburgh Please find someone to replace you if you cannot make the Sunday you are scheduled and whenever possible, tell Bonnie so that the bulletin can reflect the change. Peg Niforos, Altar Guild Coordinator
Prayers of the Church
Please notify the church office when your prayers have been answered so your prayer concern can be removed from the list that Pastor raises up to God on Sunday morning. Thank you.
Prayer Chain Ministry
If you know of anyone in need of daily prayers for the healing of body, mind or soul, please call Bobbi Nigro (725-6781) or Nancy Demarest (725-8704). If requesting in person, please submit the name(s) in writing and add your name at the bottom. To further assist, please reconnect with that member of the Prayer Chain within 2 weeks to verify the condition of the person(s) receiving prayer. All requests are held in confidence unless otherwise designated. Thank you.
In the case of a bad snow storm please tune your radios into WENT 1340 am for church closings.
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Remember Our Shut-Ins
At Home:
Eleanor Achzet Eileen Spawn Florence Sandner Ruth Seiler Helene Keach
Nathan Littauer Nursing Home:
Donna Mae Batty Ruth Brownell
Wells House:
Geraldine Moldt
Pineview Commons:
Shirley Snyder
Willing Helpers:
Lorraine Muller Dona Frey
Prayer Concerns
Marianne Jones Ella Congdon Sue McGrattan Tina Aldonis Raymond Rulison Kevin Kane Christine Hahn Holly Cook Becky Kamminski Marion Pellegrino Michael Everest Ginny Cameron Anna King Vicki James Genee Chapman Rick Hennessey Donald Wright Steve Grandstaff Nancy Almleaf
All those who have served and for all those who are now serving in the armed forces, especially:
Scott Bumpus Brandon Caldwell Tony Clemente Brad Coody John Ferrara Kevin Funk Zachary Goot Jordan Keeling Lance Corporal Corey Lincoln Denise & Jacob Lockwood Thomas Szumowski And for our enemies
Please pray for NOAH, the food pantries of Johnstown & Gloversville and for those in need of them. Please pray for those who are out of work and searching for jobs. Please pray for the homeless, especially in the colder weather.
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February Council Notes
Air Conditioner Old Business 1. Council reviewed decision of going green Update with the newsletter. It seems to have been received well by the congregation. 2. It was felt the congregational meeting was The cost to do the air conditioning is $28,500 well attended and went well. and electric for it $3,260 for a total of $31,760. 3. There are still issues with (mainly one vehicle) using the parking lot even after receiving To date we have received $4,601.85 towards the air conditioning and $3,806.25 for the electwo notices. Council agreed that if necestric leaving a balance of $23,351.90. If you wish sary, it would be towed. to contribute to this project you may place your donation in the offering plate or drop it off in the New Business church office. Be sure to mark the envelope that 1. Air conditioner fundraisers were approved. its for the air conditioning. April 28th - covered dish dinner following worship $5.00 per person. Co-chairs for this fundraiser will be Linda bumpus and Joan Longfritz. Marion Pellegrino will be in charge of a basket raffle. First weekend in May - Ladies of the church will hold a rummage sale. Any items left over will be offered to the youth if they participate in Johnstowns city wide garage sale. 2. Worship & Music reviewed all activities up and through the last day of Sunday School in June. 3. In-reach requested to purchase a 60" TV for their movie days. Alison Martin recommended a different type of media. Council gave approval for Alison to explore the different options and if In-reach agrees, to purchase it. 4. Joan Longfritz again expressed the need of the food pantries in both cities. Get ready with your snacks Movie Sunday
Next Committee meeting - March 5th Next council meeting - March 14th Grace is scheduled to host the Foothills Spring Assemble on April 27th. Respectfully submitted, Kathy VanValkenburgh, Council President
is coming on March 10th. Feature Presentation is:
Facing the Giants
Price of admission is a snack and/or soda. Sign up Sheets are in the narthex, please sign up so we know how many are coming.
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Congratulations To...
To the Congregation Vicky and Harold Edick on the birth of their With many thanks for all your thoughtfulness first grandchild. Their daughter Andrea and it was very much appreciated. son-in-law Bradley Coody welcomed Thaddeus Catherine Eaton of the Foothills Food pantry David into their home on January 27, 2013 at 5:30 p.m.. Thaddeus weighed 7 lbs. oz. and was 21 long. To the Bereavement Committee Bob and Judy Rhodes welcomed their grandson, Tyler John on January 12th weighing 7 lbs. 5 oz. and 21 long. Tylers mom and dad are Matthew and Jennifer Rhodes. May God bless these little boys and their families. It is during a time like this that we come to know how much friends and family really mean to us. Your kind expression of sympathy will always be held in grateful remembrance. Thank you so much for the funeral luncheon. The family of Warren Bartlett Diane, Rebecca (Bartlett - Grandstaff) and Cara
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Food Pantry shelves are bare........
This has been an extremely hard year on the food pantries of Johnstown and Gloversville. Any and all donations would be greatly appreciated. Please bring your non-perishable food items to the church and place them in the narthex. If you would rather and are able, you can give a monetary donation. Make your checks out to Grace Lutheran Church and be sure to mark the envelope Food Pantry. We will divide any monetary donations between the Johnstown and Gloversville food pantries.
DO YOU HAVE RETURNABLE BOTTLES AND CANS
that are clogging up space in your home? Do you hate the thought of taking them to the store to return? If so, just bring them to church and leave them in the box next to the side entrance. Someone from the Youth Group will return them to help defray the cost of their trip to Detroit in July 2015. Thanks for supporting them!
The Youth Group is continuing to collect old and used cell phones. There is a box in the narthex where you can leave them.
March 10th Daylight savings time begins. Dont forget to set your clocks ahead one hour. Spring is just around the corner!!!
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A Note From Susan...
To Extended Church Family Members at Grace Lutheran Church, Thank you so much for your Happy Birthday wishes as I turned 52 on February 4th! I hope you all had a Happy Valentines Day and that Lent helps to strengthen our faith as we reflect upon the journey that we pursue in our lives and His teachings so that we can better serve Christ, our Lord and Savior. We continue to be fed by God's Holy Word and are comforted and strengthened by His almighty power. Especially in hard times, our faith in Him who lifts us up becomes more meaningful as we know with our trials, we grow in Jesus. He is the Great Physician, healer of all who believe in Him. Through Him, prayers have been answered and we are blessed even through our pain. We and others continue to pray for our children, William (age 14) and Leah (age 11) and the doctors who strive to apply advanced medical technology to diagnose and treat their symptoms as a result of their ongoing battle with cystic fibrosis. All the while, the Lord continues to hold them in the palm of His hands with His everlasting, abiding love, comfort and healing. I started writing this letter in Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) where both William and Leah were admitted Mon., February 18th after our follow-up visit here on the 13th revealed lower pulmonary functions tests (PFT's) in both children even after their prior hospitalization in the middle of January. Of course, this is the season for respiratory ailments for many. The doctors prescribed 2 weeks of IV antibiotics and airway clearance based on their sputum cultures and PFT's. They are to be discharged on March 4th. The children have a private room across the hall from one another so they can interact. Unfortunately, during the first week Leah spit up some blood and that changed treatment/diagnostic procedure plans. After a lot of praying from a lot of people, the doctors did an endoscopy and bronchoscopy and found no active bleeding at his point, but diagnosed her to have (for you medical people) portal hypertension gastropathy related to her ongoing CF related liver disease. The liver transplant team is in the process of evaluating Leah for a probable future liver transplant. In addition, William had a little blood in his urine and it was determined that he has very small kidney stones. Having Will drink a lot of liquid is the game plan for that. Also, his blood sugars are being watched and his insulin intake adjusted as his CF related diabetes continues to be a challenge to manage. An insulin pump is on the horizon as he needs more coverage for carbs in between meals and obviously doesn't like to stick himself so many times a day. Still, the children are in relatively good spirits, (after dealing with some teenage rebelliousness from William) and with the help of the Lord's gracious love and guidance, they are learning to set a good example by inspiring others to have a positive attitude. They know God and we pray as a family for healing for all diseases in all people. We are very thankful that Jesus lifts us up each step of the way on this journey. William and Leah agreed to let me go home for the weekends during their 2 week stay. At home, 10 lambs had been born from 5 mama sheep and a ram at the end of January into the beginning of February which we have delighted in watching grow along with our 3 (not little anymore) pigs, 3 dogs and 4 kitties. We've had some nice breaks in the cool weather. Greens are flourishing in the greenhouse and we are getting ready to plant some cool weather seeds outside like radishes, beets, spinach, potatoes, and onions. We're looking forward to the whole family being home together. We are enjoying the church services, Bible study, and fellowship events. The children's schools have been flexible and understanding of our circumstances. We are blessed with some monetary compensation for Steven's work as a handyman and I as the church music minister. Praise God, our Kentucky home seems to be working well for us. But we do miss our friends and family up north and send you our love and best wishes for health, happiness, an early spring and a joyous Easter season. God Bless Y'all from, Susan and all the Gleeman Family
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Easter Lily Order Form
Deadline: Sunday, March 17 , 2013 Approximate cost $20.00 each
Name: ________________________________Phone: ___________________________
Amount of Donation: ____________________ Envelope No. ____________________
In memory of: ___________________________________________________________
In honor of: _____________________________________________________________
To the Glory of God ______________________________________________________
I will deliver a plant to a shut-in _____________________________________________
(Shut-ins name)
Due to limited space in the sanctuary to place them, we have ordered 24 lilies so it will be on a first come first served basis. You may bring your own or if you wish to just donate in memory or honor of your loved one and have it published in the Easter bulletin you may do so and your donation will go to the general fund. Please make you check out to Grace Lutheran Church and return it with this order form. Thank you. If you plan to take your plant, you may do so after the 10:15 a.m. service or during the week following Easter.
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March Birthdays
1245Cynthia Baird Mackensie Rohrs Gabrielle Smith Charles Schwab Terry S. Bills Richard Kowalczyk Avery Rubilotta Scott Bumpus David Slingerland Nevin Smith Melissa Bedell Jamie McGrattan Brian Miller Sr. Daylight Savings Time Begins Rachel Lee Snyder Cathy Wallace Barb Frederick Richard Morrison Ron Sparks Barbara Petersen Meghan Dwyer Katherine Flint Delbert Bradt Michael Van Valkenburgh Zachary Hulbert Lisa Hale Doris Clo Dorothy Hayes Mia Elizabeth Martin Todd Hollenbeck Karen Reid Patricia Wilder Gordon Demarest Walter Carlson 19 20 Nancy Gillmore Brian DiPasquale Spring begins yeah! Katherine Bradt Eric Elzenbeck Joanne Bradt Zachary Ropeter Bill Haldeman Edward Robbins Penny Cinelli Kelly Ruf Priscilla Mitchell Melvin Hayes Sharon Smith Lorraine Hale Melanie Seiler Brian Sparks Carol Humphrey Robert Paxton Erah Kilmer Donald Achzet Megan Simonds Hornbeck Megan Elizabeth Hallenbeck Barbara Albrecht Veronica Peck Joshua Rhodes Pat VanSlyke Richard Bumpus Jr. Maryland Warner Robert Wilson Chad Akey
67810 12 13 -
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April Birthdays
1234George Slingerland Jr. Crystal Mitchell Kneeland Robert VanSlyke Sara Stortecky James McGrattan Vickie Edick Kathleen Van Valkenburgh Lorraine Seiler Ian Chamberlaine Melissa Baker Thomas Bradt Elizabeth Coppernoll Tiffany Smith Ruth Seiler Sandy Jackson Karriann Ruggiero Jeremy Bradt Sherry Warner Jamie Bradt Dylan Miller Stephen Craig Helga Fensken Kimberly Hohler Milton Dorn Cody Brown Chris Rohrs Rhyleigh Bills Nikki Hathaway Grady Shea Robert Warner Raymond Peck 13 14 15 Haley Claes Donald Wicksell Robert Walters Patrick Paxton William Fensken Heather Ruf Ed Hill Theodore (TJ) Bradt Erica Elzenbeck Karen Williams Toni Hubley Kimberly Baird Betty Younglove Joyce Robbins Mary Alice Gaudens Wendy Hollenbeck Ross Snell Kimmie Sutton Matt Flint Sandra Goderie Tyler Unislawski Justin Unislawski Jaye Evangelista Louis Blanchard Timothy Snell Jr. Casey Van Valkenburgh Christine Petersen Anna Butez Jessica Robbins Barbara Rhodes John Healy
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