August 22, 2021 Newsletter

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

~Philippians 4:13

A letter from Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity

Dear Friends at Grace Lutheran Church,

You are bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope in Lucas County! Thank you for choosing Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity for your  generous gift.

When people have a decent place to live, they will find dignity, hope, and a better future for themselves and their families! You are changing the odds for families in our community and they will know success because you helped them find it!

Every person has something to contribute and something to gain when creating strong supportive communities. Your contribution of $568.48 from Vacation Bible School donations will go right to work in the effort to provide decent housing and critical home repairs for people who need a safe and healthy place to live.

Your investment in our community is putting God’s love into action and all of us gain from your support. You are building hopes and dreams for families in Lucas County!

With Deepest Gratitude,

Erin McPartland

Development Director

And Erin adds “You are putting God’s love into action – thank you!”

Congregational (Church) Council Meeting Highlights – Tuesday August 10,2021

1. Chris Csurgo welcomed to position of Church Treasurer. David Charvat will be working with Chris to teach her different aspects of this role.
2. Bev Clark removed from church membership. She passed away in April 2021.
3. Discussed Brenner Hall table and chairs being used off church campus. Vote taken and approved reaffirming of current policy that Brenner Hall table and chairs are not to be removed from campus. Decision was based on challenge in maintaining enough for unanticipated gatherings such as funerals and need to have an individual who would monitor use and care of tables and chairs.
4. Replacement of Chapel windows discussed by Greg Schafer. Estimate for replacement of windows with glass and film in process. Funding of repair or  replacement would come from the Jacobs Fund. This fund has been designated for this purpose. Discussed that WELCA has been very involved with this project and that information needs to be presented to WELCA. David asked that Greg obtain an estimate to repair or replace the current windows with stained /leaded glass be brought to Council.
5. Discussed Grace’s current committees that are active and those listed in Constitution that are inactive. Fritz Gooch and Bob Haaf will be working on this project. Gretchen Hiatt is working on updating the Constitution and reviewing the policies to ensure they are current.
6. Council was asked to think and pray about the priorities for Council and the Congregation in the weeks, months and years ahead. Three general areas were identified – spiritual, service and support.
7. The Audit Committee report was accepted.

Next Church Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 14 at 6:30 pm. The meeting is open to members of the congregation to attend. Minutes of the meeting are placed in notebook in the library.

Behind the scenes at Grace …by Gretchen

1. Thanks to all our lay people for providing worship during pastor’s vacation – Bob Haaf, David O’Brien and Fritz Gooch. Wonderful job!
2. Thanks to Jim Bischoff for the wonderful music while Debby was on vacation.
3. On Sunday our big (really big) red tail hawk was sitting on the fence in front of church and then roosted on the roof outside the chapel. He is not skinny whatsoever so must be finding something scrumptious to eat on the church campus.
4. With all the rain many of our gardens are loaded with beautiful flowers. Think about bringing a vase to grace the altar on Sundays.
5. WELCA will be holding a Bake Sale on Election Day. Yes, it is early but gives everyone the chance to pick a recipe and get the ingredients. More information coming in the next couple of weeks.
6. As you are pulling blankets and quilts out for the fall if you have some that you do not want – we are still collecting for Tent City. They can be placed outside Gretchen’s door.
7. No new recipes are showing up on the Community Board? Zucchini and tomatoes are coming in so please feel free to post and share with others.
8. Remember: Grace is not the building but the people of Grace!

Try and fail, but never fail to try (Jared Leto)

Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value. (Albert Einstein)

What is ugly, can make you sick and can be prevented?

No, it is not a rotten zucchini, but it could be if you don’t find a great recipe to make something with.

If you second guessed, it is the FLU then you are correct. The flu season is   coming sooner than we think. The CDC tracking system is still showing minimal outbreak for the week ending on August 3^rd, but the general thought it will not stay that low.

The best protection against the flu is getting the vaccine. Check with your MD  office or Pharmacy as to when they will have available and sign your self up. The recommendation is that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. It is especially important if you have medical conditions that put you in the high-risk category such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma/lung disease.

People often argue that even though they received the vaccine they became sick, but the vaccine can make it less severe.

August is National Immunization Month so get your flu vaccine and Shoo The Flu !

Getting Ready for a Doctor’s Visit (Continued)

Medications

It is important that your primary care MD knows what medications you are taking. This includes not only prescription medication but over the counter medications like Tylenol and also vitamins and herbal medications. They also need to know any medications like CBD cream or other medication you apply to your skin.

Not only is a list of the medications and over the counter medications important but the dose and when you take the medication.

Why is all this important?

1. Some medications do not mix well with over-the-counter medications, herbs and vitamins and cause side harmful effects.
2. Some medications are more effective if taken at a certain time of the day.

If you see specialists, it is also important for them to know what medications you are taking for the same reasons. If a specialist prescribes a new medication make sure that you give that information to your primary care MD.

Questions to ask the MD about medications.

1. What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention to?
2. When or how long does the medication take to work?
3. What should I do if I miss a dose?
4. Should I take it at meals or between meals? Do I need to drink a whole glass of water with it?
5. Are there foods, drugs or activities I should avoid while taking this medication?
6. Will I need a refill?

No matter how many medications you are taking please keep an updated list. Keep it in your billfold. Keep a list at home. Let your family know where a list is. Take it to the MD’s office each time you go.

If you should be in a situation where you are unable to communicate and have no family with you EMS will be looking for a list of your medications. It is also a great idea to add any allergies and type of reaction you have to the list.

Misc.

By Grace Peterson

For the past few weeks, I’ve been virtually trapped inside my house; we have been having blistering heat and fierce thunderstorms. I haven’t even gone down to the river to look for critters. The water in the river is too high for us to wade in it. Hopefully, that will change soon. August tends to be a bit dryer, and the river level will go down.

But there is excitement on the horizon! The German American Festival is less than two weeks away, and we are gearing up to entertain the crowds. The Toledo Swiss Singers and the other singing groups are going to combine in order to have a really big choir to sing at the church service on August 29 at 10 AM.

Venues will be spread apart more than usual in order to not have congestion. A few of the food sales will be in the chalet, instead of in the Swiss Haus. We will still be selling meals in the Swiss Haus, including German potato salad, sauerkraut, and ham hocks, etc.

We have to clean up the buildings and feed the workers. We’ll make sure all the food is delivered, and ready for the crowds. Please come, but use caution and social distancing!

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

~Psalm 118:24