Do not worry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~Philippians 4:6
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church?
Bob Haaf
Is this graphic an accurate representation of the congregation called Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Toledo, Ohio? A congregation with three overlapping emphases? A congregation that emphasizes worship for all—a congregation that emphasizes education for all ages—a congregation that emphasizes service, both outreach and inreach—a congregation that is centered on the Triune God rather than on personal preferences?
The answer is up to you.
Habitat for Humanity
Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity turned over the keys to Amber Tedrow during a recent home dedication ceremony of her new home. In the presentation, Executive Director Mike McIntyre reviewed the process by which Amber followed leading to new home ownership. In addition to her 250 hours of sweat equity working on the build and in the ReStore, Amber completed course work in home care, general maintenance and minor repair, insurance, and finance, allowing her to be comfortable taking on the responsibility of home ownership. The major sponsor of this build is Therma-Tru Doors along with many other much appreciated businesses and individuals who have donated time, talent and treasure. Among those who were invited to participate in the dedication, Ron Hiatt, a member of Grace Lutheran Church’s prayer ministry team offered the dedication prayer. About 15 people were on hand to celebrate the event.
Amber Tedrow, homeowner with Ron Hiatt
Sunday School Update
The Sunday school children and teachers had been scheduled to attend church service rather than Sunday school class on the third Sunday of the month to allow Sunday Schoolers and teachers to participate in church service and communion. It has been decided to change the third Sunday schedule for Sunday School teachers and children, considering that communion is now offered each Sunday and also those children who wish to take communion are dismissing from class to do so. For these reasons, the Sunday School children and teachers will be scheduled to be in Sunday School each Sunday.
Any questions, etc. please let me know. Thanks. Connie
The Christian Education Committee
Two more February Birthdays!!
Jamie Pelfry – February 17
Ryan Pelfry – February 23
The best thing to hold onto in life is each other
( Audrey Hepburn)
Council Highlights – January 11, 2022
A virtual meeting was held due to Covid concerns.
- Treasurer’s report and proposed budget for 2022 reviewed and accepted as temporary operating budget. Due to Covid and the postponement of the Congregational Meeting an approval for a temporary operating budget is required.
- Due to the increase in Covid cases a decision was made to cancel Fellowship Hour through and including February 6th. Council will reevaluate at the February 8th Council Meeting and determine when Fellowship hour will be resumed.
- Due to the increase in Covid a decision was made to require masks by all people entering Grace regardless of vaccination status. The mask requirement will be in place until reviewed at the Council meeting on February 8th.
- The Congregational Meeting will be postponed until May due to Covid.
- The Chapel windows were discussed but due to other pressing matters was tabled at this meeting.
Minutes of all Council Meetings are located in the library.
The next Council Meeting is Tuesday February 8, 2020 at 6:30 in Classroom 3.
Council Meetings are open to all Grace Members.
Hands
The Music and Worship Committee has decided to prepare worship services at noon and at 7:00 p.m. during Lent. Lent begins on March 2 this year.
We have adopted a theme: Hands. We have some ideas already about things to consider about God’s hands, and ours. For instance, from Psalm 145:
“The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand,
satisfying the desire of every living thing.”
Or, maybe, from Isaiah 58, a reference to our hands that’s appropriate for a season of fasting:
“Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high.”
The planning is still in the early stages. What comes to your mind when you think of God’s hands? What comes to mind when you think of God’s people’s hands?
Please let us know. We would like help with this. Will you give us a hand? (Ouch!) Thanks!
Mary Schneider, 419-262-0730, msschneider353@gmail.com
Fritz Gooch, 419-490-7183, fritzgooch@gmail.com
Pr. Howard, 419-474-6403, howardabts@yahoo.com
Behind the scenes at Grace …..by Gretchen
- Habitat for Humanity finished a home this last week on California Street. The dedication was Thursday and they asked for Grace to provide a prayer for the program. Ron Hiatt represented Grace and provided a prayer. Thanks Ron and it is so wonderful that Habitat is providing safe home for a family.
- Don’t forget the Food Pantry and Personal Needs collections. The cold weather and snow making it difficult for people to get out make these collections even more important.
- We had 50 people at our wonderful service this last Sunday in the Chapel! Emma Rubley provided a wonderful “Yea” at the end of the service – Thanks Emma!!
- Remember: Grace is the people not the building carrying out God’s Mission.
February and a Warming a Heart!
February is our “Wrap a Heart with Blanket” collection. New or gently used clean blankets will be collected during the month of February. Blankets are typically taken to Tent City in October but as this winter has been so cold, we will look to donate them during the month of February. They may also be given out from Grace as needed. A collection “blanket trunk “will be outside the office for donations starting February 1. As you crawl under your warm blanket at night please think about the people with no blanket.
Just a closer walk with Thee
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be
GRACE WINTER WEATHER POLICY
Snow Emergency Levels 1 and 2 – the church remains open, and services held.
Snow Emergency Level 3 – automatic cancellation of all church activities including services . The Church office will be closed.
Healthy People! Healthy Parish!
COLD >>>> BRRR>>>>> !!
It’s here and as of this writing not sure what the outcome of Groundhog Day is but it does not look like spring is coming anytime soon!
SO be prepared – keep moving to keep warm.
Watch the weather forecasts so you know how to prepare.
Dress in layers of loose warm clothing.
Wear hats that cover the ears warm boots and mittens vs gloves.
Drink plenty of warm liquids but avoid alcohol.
Avoid or limit outdoor activities when the temperature nears or dips below 5 degrees F.
Take frequent breaks indoors.
Frostbite and Hypothermia are the outcomes of this cold winter weather and are serious and preventable. People with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart conditions as well as infants and seniors are at greater risk.
Frostbite
Is freezing of exposed body parts such as the fingers, toes, nose and earlobes.
The affected areas are cold to touch, may appear cherry red, mottled, very pale and even white.
The skin may feel numb, “pins and needles” or is very painful especially when rewarming.
Hypothermia
Occurs when the body temperature cools to a life – threatening level and sometimes accompanies frostbite injury.
Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, shivering, weakness, confusion, drowsiness, and / or loss of consciousness.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call 911 and seek medical attention ASAP.
Don’t ignore shivering – it is the first sign that the body is losing heat – get indoors!
Remove wet clothing and wrap in warm dry clothing.
Warm the center of the body first using blankets and warm beverages if alert.
**** Not only should we watch for frostbite in humans – this also applies to pets!
Noses and pads are easily frostbitten so brief in and in and out trips to do their business is important.
The smaller the dog the less time out!
Coats are great but don’t cover the nose and feet.
Grace Anatomy!
Library
The library is located off the hallway on the right as you are going towards Brenner Hall. Did you know that we have quite an extensive book and DVD collection of adult and children’s books? The library was started by Helen Howard and has quite an extensive history – information on the library can be found just inside the door on the wall. Minutes from Church Council Meetings can be found in the notebooks on the shelves to the right. There is also information on the history of Grace located in the library. Small meetings of 6 people or less can be held at the table in the library.
Sunday School Office
Located down the hallway across from Brenner Hall. This holds the supplies for Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Christmas Child and a host of other items. It is also home to a First Aid Bag. This is also the location to find an easel .
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
~Psalm 118:24
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