All your works shall praise  you, O Lord,
                                     and your faithful ones shall bless you.

                                                                      ~Psalm 145:10

Pastor’s Thoughts

As I write this, we have just returned from New Orleans and the ELCA Youth Gathering. I am still processing the week and will be saying more, but …

What a joy to spend time with these young people! They embraced the theme  of the Gathering (Created to Be) and entered fully into the experience. We were called to be brave, authentic, free, and disruptive disciples!

It was brave to travel so far away for an event like this, for starters. Even more than that, the youth came to understand that brave followers of Jesus dare to live out their faith every day. And holding on to our faith allows us to be brave in the circumstances life can toss at us. We heard stories from people who have been brave enough to try new things and take new journeys.

Being authentic means being who you are and not let anyone take that away from you. Some of the speakers reminded us that each of us is exactly who we were created to be …. and to live our lives grateful for that gift. The speakers  offered us their authentic selves, and encouraged us all to share that gift with the world.

We talked a lot about these concepts in our  Final 15 (evening devotion) time.   It occurred to me that being brave and authentic is difficult for anyone, but even more so for young people. I hope and pray that what they learned about themselves, and their faith will help them to be brave and to be exactly whom they’re created to be.

Next week …. What does it mean to be free and disruptive disciples?

In Christ,

Pastor Brenda

Coming Soon!

Ragtime Rick at Grace!

On Sunday, August 4, Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland will be providing the service music at our last special service of the summer. 

The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall. Meat will be provided for the potluck so feel free to bring a side, salad, or dessert to share. 

The Worship and Music Committee hopes to see you there!

The Readings for Sunday July 28, 2024

2 Kings 4:42-44

Psalm 145:10-18

Ephesians 3:14-21

John 6:1-21

Schedule of Sunday Services August 4 – September 8

August 4 – Ragtime Rick – one service only at 10:30 a.m.

August 11 – September 8 – Traditional Service only at 9:30 a.m.

No Contemporary services at 11:30 until September 15

Meditation

by Vicar Dave

Have you ever wondered about the Psalms? Here in the middle of the Old Testament is this book of prayers and poetry. Seems a little out of place after all these stories about God’s people and their lineage. But it’s really much more than just poems and poetry. Being part of the “Word of God”, it’s not just the author singing God’s praises, or lamenting the bad things that have happened to him, or even his requests that he’s taken before God. The Psalter is also a conversation between the author and God.

It’s also a conversation between us and God. In the Psalms, God is telling us that He is our shepherd, and that He will protect us. He is with us through our sorrows and will see us through troubled times. When we sin, the Psalms tell us that God will show us the error of our ways and beckon us back to a right path before it’s too late.

When the nation of Israel was on a wrong path, they were sent into exile. There are several psalms of lament that appear to ask God to let them come back and be His people again (as if they ever really stopped being His people). The psalms tell us how, when Israel turned from their sin and back to God, He relented and brought them back. This promise extends to us as well.

Our nation has been on a bad path of escalating political violence in recent years. But it’s really nothing new. In ancient Israel, violence was often a part of the life of a king. Saul chased David around, trying to kill him because he was Saul’s anointed successor. David’s own son tried to kill him so he could become king. David even had Uriah, a loyal soldier of his, killed to cover up the fact that he had raped Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba. David laments these events in the Psalms, repents from his sin and asks God to take Him back. God shows David, and us, His steadfast love and forgiving nature in the Psalms and throughout the Bible.

A BIG Thank You

to Susan Overman and Nancy Johnson for their very dedicated help with Personal Needs every Tuesday. They are here no matter what the weather to hand out bags of personal needs items. They also have conversations with the people who come in, sometimes prayers, and give out an assortment of other things if needed. Always with a smile on their faces, I am sure they make the day for some! And behind the scenes is Ann Fleck, always here to pack up the bags and get things ready.

Thank you, Susan, Nancy and Ann!

Thank you, Cheryl, for keeping our garden weeded!!  You are appreciated!

Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time

In Fellowship Hall

July 28 – Grace Peterson and Sherry Hammond

Healthy People! Healthy Parish!

Word of the week! Scurryfunge!!! (See below what it is)

Friends!

Did you know that friendships can have an impact on your health and well-binging?

Good friends are really good for you health. They can help you celebrate the good times and provide support during bad times. Friends also help prevent isolation and loneliness and provide companionship.

Friends can also :

• Increase a sense of belonging and purpose
• Boost happiness and reduce stress – who better to have a great laugh with and who appreciates your jokes!
• Improves your self-confidence and worth – who better to tell you that you are doing well or not but, in a kind, supportive way
• Helps you cope with trauma like a divorce, illness, loss of a job or death of a family member – who better to help by sometimes just being there and listening to making your favorite Rice Krispie treats
• Encourages you to change unhealthy lifestyle habits like not such great eating habits, alcohol or drug use – who better to make a regularly scheduled time to walk

Friendships can take a back seat to things like raising kids or being a care giver. Developing and maintaining friendships is not without some effort. However, the enjoyment and comfort a friendship can provide makes the effort worthwhile.

Taking care of friendships involves some give and take. Sometimes you are the one giving support and sometimes you are the one who needs the support. It is important to let your friends know that you care about them. It is as important to be a good friend and to surround yourself with good friends!

So, what do you need to do to keep your friendships:

1. Be kind. One writer says to think of friendship as an emotional bank account. Every act of kindness and every expression of gratitude are deposits into the account, while criticism and negativity are a draw on the account!
2. Be a good listener. This is a hard one for many of us as we are thinking about what to say when the other person is still speaking. Talk about what is going on in your friends lives. Let them know you are paying attention by eye contact, body language, and making short statements like “sounds like fun”. With difficult times listen and be empathetic but don’t give advice unless asked.
3. Open up. Be willing to talk about personal experiences or concerns with your friend.
4. Show trust. Keep things confidential. Be on time and follow through on commitments you have made.
5. Make yourself available. Make the effort to see new friends and check in with them.

How to make new friends :

1. Attending community events -look for events that you are interested in. They can be found in the paper, TV and check websites.
2. Volunteer – there are so many different places to volunteer.
3. Extend or accept invitations – invite someone for coffee or if you are invited to a gathering go.
4. Take up a new interest – take a class, join a gym.
5. Join a faith community – check out all the things Grace has going on.
6. Take a walk – you never know who you might meet up walking.

July 30^th is the International Day of Friendship! Treasure your new and old this day and every day!!!!

Scurryfunge –

To rush around cleaning frantically

when company is on their way to your house!

(Although it really sounds like some kind of squirrel activity!)

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

~Psalm 118:24

The Lord is my shepherd;
                                           I shall not be in want.

                                                                             Psalm 23:1

Pastor Brenda is on the youth mission trip with the youth this week. They arrived safely in New Orleans on Sunday.

The Readings for Sunday July 21, 2024

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Psalm 23

Ephesians 2:11-22

Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

Meditation

 by Vicar Dave

Earlier this month, Cleveland Police Officer Jamison Ritter was killed while serving his community. When this sort of thing happens, it tends to affect people in law enforcement. Even though we’re not a part of his department, nor even in Cleveland, we feel as though we’ve lost a brother. Perhaps we feel that way because it could have just as easily been us. A shared tragedy often creates a deeper sense of community among people.

When we hear about a mass shooting, such as Sandy Hook or Las Vegas or Emanuel AME, there are very few among us that aren’t affected. News of hurricanes or tornadoes or wildfires devastating communities will have similar results. While I have some issues with the things that social media does, it can also get the word out across the miles and bring folks together. You’ll often see tweets or Facebook posts inviting all of us to assist the victims along with the various “thoughts and prayers” requests. Think of the reaction we had during and after the terrorist attacks of September 2001. The United States was even joined in their grief and lament by several other nations across the world. I was particularly moved by how people of many faiths joined hands, both in their lament and grief over the event as well as their condemnation of the subsequent threats to the Muslim members of our communities.

Publicly expressing grief after a tragedy is not only natural, but also healthy. It allows a community to find ways to heal. The Bible has several stories about lament, both communal and personal. Israel laments its sins and its exile as a people. David laments his troubles, first with Saul and later with his son. Even Jesus expressed His grief before and during His execution.

If it’s okay for God to lament tragedy, certainly it must be okay for us to do the same.

VBS 2024 Fun!!

Thank you, Bob, for all the great pictures!

Thank you to all who made possible Vacation Bible School 2024.

Sand, seashells and the sounds of Breaker Rock Beach were in the halls and rooms of Grace Lutheran Church on July 8 – July 12 for Vacation Bible School 2024. The week was spent learning that: truth comes from God, God’s plan is best, everyone needs Jesus, Jesus is the only way, and finally, to speak the truth in love.

This year’s program was opened to both adults and children meeting in the evening. Friday was outdoors with grilled hot dogs and soccer (for some) with time to chat and know each other.

Thank you to all who shared a part of the week’s effort to put the VBS program together: the crew who prepared a light meal for those attending, those who taught the Bible lessons, and the music, crafts, and missions rotation.

Thank you, also to those supporting the VBS program financially with your purchases of poinsettias and spring flowering plants to decorate the church.

Thanks to all who made happen –  The 5 Special Days of Summer 2024.

Christian Life Formation

Ministry Team

Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time

In Fellowship Hall

July 21 – Brenda Holderman and Gail Livingood

Ragtime Rick at Grace!

On Sunday, August 4, Ragtime Rick and the Chefs of Dixieland will be providing the service music at our last special service of the summer. 

The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will be followed by a potluck in Fellowship Hall. Meat will be provided for the potluck so feel free to bring a side, salad, or  dessert to share. 

The Worship and Music Committee hopes to see you there!

Grace Member’s Stewardship Response

The Lord’s Challenge       $4,231 (Congregation’s approved Weekly Offerings Budget)

Our Response                    $3,883 (Average weekly offerings year to Date)

Through June, Grace’s weekly offerings are $348 less than what is needed to support Grace’s Ministry and Mission plan for 2024 as approved by you the members of Grace.  Compared to the first half of 2023 our income in terms of offerings has gone up 4 ½% which is good, yet our expenses have increased over 13%.   Earlier in the year Grace incurred some unplanned expenses that while critical to our ongoing operations were not anticipated in formulating our annual expense budget.  These unplanned expenses win require your financial support.  Please look into your heart and ask yourself, “Is what I am contributing to Grace all that God has asked of me?” If Grace is important to your life and faith, please provide regular meaningful   financial support.

David Charvat Treasurer  

The SNAP, CRACKLE …. (pop) of Sunday services should be going away soon. During the 9:30 AM service on July 14^th we unfortunately experienced a great deal of unwanted noise coming from our sound system. This was frustrating to many, and thanks to Chaplain Greg and Victor Dave for making the best of the situation.  

Help is on its way. Our new soundboard is on order with installation planned for late July or early August. This is the 1^st phase of the project to enhance how we experience worship with our eyes and ears both in-house and online.   As a reminder we welcome and are seeking special contributions to support this project.   

Behind the scenes at Grace ……by Gretchen

1. Last Friday we enjoyed a great cookout with hotdogs and everyone’s favorite Rice Krispie treats!! This was to celebrate a great week of VBS! We also were lucky to have Tony Lockard play some great “campfire/cookout” music on his guitar! Thanks to all who helped and all who attended 2024 VBS!
2. Please remember after Coffee Hour to make sure that snacks are labeled or taken home. We have found some “science experiments” recently!
3. Our food collection and personnel needs collections continue through the summer. With kids off the need is even bigger for food! Mary Schneider is at church on Monday mornings to collect food and there are bins in the Graceful Giving Room (across from Classroom 3) for Personnel Needs and Food Collection.
4. Pray for the Youth and Pastor as they attend the Youth Gathering in New Orleans!
5. Remember: Grace is not the building but the people of Grace carrying out God’s Mission!

Healthy People! Healthy Parish!

Mosquitos and Ticks are out and about!

Skiters

Not only do they give aggravating itchy welts they can also carry serious diseases like West Nile virus.

What can you do to limit mosquito populations?

Get rid of breeding areas -stagnant or slow-moving water is their breeding ground.

Common breeding sites:

• Pools and ponds. If pools are kept clean and properly chlorinated this will help. If on vacation, make sure that someone is checking that the pool is still well chlorinated. Water accumulating on pool covers can also be a breeding spot. Empty kids wading pools when not in use. Ponds need to have fish to munch on mosquito eggs and larvae or need to be aerated.
• Rain gutters. Clogged or ones that do not drain properly are a nursery for eggs and larvae.
• Birdbaths and lawn ornaments. Wash weekly and empty saucers under ornaments or plants of standing water.
• Pet water dishes are also great nurseries and need to be emptied and cleaned on a regular basis.
• Garbage and recycling bins. Check lids to make sure they are tight and there are no dents that hold water on top. Empty ASAP if water gets in.  

Keep lawn cut and trim bushes. This eliminates resting places for adult mosquitos. When outside use a DEET – based insect repellent. Make sure you read and apply the repellent  according to instructions. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants if in an area with a high mosquito population. Citronella candles and mosquito coils are great when there is no wind as they produce an odor that makes it hard for mosquitos to find you.

Interesting fact; There is some research that states that people who are O+ blood type are preferred by mosquitos!

Ticks

Ticks can transmit West Nile Virus which lead to Lyme Disease. Lyme disease can have temporary symptoms or can lead to long term symptoms.

The best defense is to prevent tick bites!

 If you are in an area with tall grass and weeds or even hiking in the woods, take precautions. Wear long sleeved shirts and pants. Tuck pants into boots. Then wrap tape around  ankles and wrists – wrap the tape so the sticky side is out so when you are checking they are easy to see. Us insect repellents that contain DEET and apply per instructions. Ticks like to latch onto long hair so tuck it up into a hat. When done hiking or being out in the woods throw all the clothing in a dryer and “blast it” -heat will kill the ticks – high heat is best but low heat will work for 90 minutes.

Take a shower when done and do a tick check!

Not only humans need tick checks but also dogs -daily brushing and checking if they are outside.

What if you are bitten by a tick??

1. Remove it – gently and firmly remove the tick with tweezers as close to the skin as possible – try to avoid squeezing the body of the tick as it could enable the bacteria to get into your blood stream ..
2. Save the tick and talk with your family MD about getting it tested for Lyme disease.

It is often thought that a symptom of a tick bite is a “bull’s eye rash reaction at the site of the bite but not everyone has this. If you do have one, report to your MD ASAP. Other symptoms are -fever, joint  pain or swelling, muscle pain and weakness, irritability, headache.

These symptoms could be many things, so it makes it even more important that you take precautions and if you (or your pet) are bitten that you follow up with your MD (or the vet ) ASAP .

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

~Psalm 118:24

Righteousness shall go before the Lord
                             and shall prepare for God a pathway

                                                                                    ~Psalm 85:13

Pastor’s Thoughts:

      It is early Sunday morning as I write this. At this time next week, the group headed to New Orleans for the ELCA Youth Gathering will board a plane to head south on our week-long adventure!

I have been blessed to be a part of these trips as an adult leader since I was 21. I have traveled to Dallas, St. Louis, San Antonio, Atlanta, New Orleans, Detroit, and Houston with groups of youth and adults who were eager to learn more about Jesus and to share their time and gifts with the communities we visited.

This is the fourth time the ELCA has been to New Orleans for a Youth Gathering. While the group is different, the enthusiasm and energy are the same. We have been preparing for months: meeting together to hear about the city, learn about the theme for the week (Created to Be), and learn more about each other.

We will have some time before the Gathering starts on 16 July to do some sightseeing. We will take a riverboat cruise, see the St. Louis Cathedral on Jackson Square, and enjoy beignets at Café Du Monde.

We will have the incredible opportunity to connect with Lutherans from all corners of the United States and beyond. Our synod has arranged for youth from our companions in Serbia and Tanzania to be present, and we are eagerly anticipating the chance to meet these folks.

On Wednesday, 17 July, we will experience our Accompaniment Day, when we will be assigned a place to work in service to and with the people of New Orleans. On Thursday, we will be with others from our area during our Synod Day. This day will include a scavenger hunt, Bible study, and food! On Friday, we will be in the  convention Center for our Interactive Day, a time to enjoy fellowship, play games, learn about ELCA ministries (national and international), and strengthen our sense of community. Each day will conclude with the Final 15, a time for devotions and sharing about the day.

After the Gathering ends on Saturday, we will have the chance to experience the World War II Museum. On Sunday, we will travel back home, no doubt full of stories to tell!

Please pray for our safe travel and for our hearts, ears, and eyes to be opened to new experiences and new ways to witness to Jesus. Below are the names of the people in our group so that you can pray for us by name throughout the week.

Look for live updates a few times through the week on Grace’s Facebook page!

In Christ,

Pastor Brenda

Youth Gathering Participants:

Adults: Debbie, Wendy, Dave, Aiden, Pastor Brenda, Pastor Rebecca

Youth: Callie, Lauren, Katherine, Katie, Kyle, Alex, Holden, Griffin, Lily Mae, Wade, Abby, Jayden, Mia, Luke, Brady, and Zoe.

Behind the scenes at Grace …….by Gretchen

1. Another successful Burrito Blessing 419 was held on Saturday 6/29!!The construction crew form Grace, Memorial and the Jewish Federation put together 200 burritos and only 30 were left. About half are taken downtown and the other half are given out on the front steps of Grace. Canned goods and clothing are also available. This is a tough time for many families as schools are out and the kids are home. Many kids /families are able to participate in the breakfast and lunch programs during the school year. Come have fun with the construction  crew on Saturday July 27 – the crew gathers around 10:00 to start building!
2. Oh my! The rabbits have salads every day with the hostas by the office and they are picky – only certain Hostas.
3. If you missed Kim Kondalski’s Children’s Moment this last Sunday it was awesome one! It centered around 4 words! “How Can I Help”. She talked about 3 things about helping: 1) Jesus helped others – the sick and the blind, 2) By helping others it shows God loves others. 3) By us helping others God loves us!    So how are you helping???
4. The rain has brought beautiful flowers! Do you have some that would be beautiful on the altar on Sunday or would like to order some? Check the Flower Chart by the entrance to the big church.
5. The place was hopping this last weekend – between CRC and the Blood Drive and the Interfaith Gala and services it was very busy!
6. Hmm we must have an overproducing chicken on campus, or do we have someone who loves eggs?? Another dozen plus eggs has made an appearance in the Brenner Hall Refrigerator that are nameless. Not sure if raw or hard cooked?? 
7. Don’t forget that food and drinks need to be labeled with name and date. Some really interesting items have been found in the refrigerators and they lend new meaning to abstract art!
8. Remember: Grace is not the building but the people of Grace carrying out God’s Mission!

Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time

In Fellowship Hall

July 14 – Contemporary Team

Meditation

by Vicar Dave

“Do not judge, so that you may not be judged.” (Matt 7:1) Sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it? In reality, it’s a very difficult thing to not judge people. We make        judgments all of the time. All anyone has to do is drive down the road for a spell and observe how other people drive. Maybe you see two cars racing down Secor road, swerving in and out of traffic and traveling excessively fast. It’s very tempting to call them idiots or even something less kind.

Parenting experts will tell you that it’s important to not call your child “bad”. They say that will cause them to think of themselves as being someone that is bad, when what you’re trying to do is correct their behavior.

In my job, I have to make judgments all the time. Judgments about my personal safety when I’m going to someone’s house to meet with them, or about the risk they may pose to themselves or to others. I also have to make judgments about their behavior when they violate one of their conditions of supervision. One of our hearing officers once told me that she’s very careful to obey even minor laws, like only crossing the street at corners, because she felt that if she was going to sit in judgment of people for their failure to follow the rules, she better make sure she wasn’t doing the same thing.

I think the thing that Jesus was getting at was that we shouldn’t try to call a person something evil and condemn them accordingly. Instead, we should view all people with compassion. If we see someone headed down the wrong path, it’s okay to help them find their way with advice and direction. It’s not okay to tell them they are stupid for going this way instead of the way we would suggest. We can see someone speeding and think “that’s not safe” and maybe even pray for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Lord, I surrender my role as a judge to you, for only you know the depths of each person’s heart. Let me trust in your divine wisdom and providence. I release the burden of judgment and place it in your capable hands. Thank you, God, for allowing me to find solace in your judgment and not my own. Amen.

Mid-Year Giving:

Just a reminder that even as we enjoy some of summer’s laidback feeling and perhaps some time away, our congregation still has mission work to do and obligations to meet. Please consider a midyear offering to assist with these efforts and to help us maintain our financial health. We wish to continue to reach out to people through Burrito Blessings, the Blessing Box, and Personal Needs, and we still need to make sure the building is climate-controlled and has water and power to engage in our work together as we spread the Good News. Thanks for all the ways you help us to Bless the World: Be God’s Grace!

This week’s message for Prayer Corner is a meditation and an encouragement of thanks to God for caring for our Inner Garden.

Find a quiet place.  Maybe it will be in your garden. 

Maybe it will be in your favorite rocking chair. Take a moment to read this slowly, taking in the words that are written.

Do you find similarities in your own life?

How is your inner garden growing?

INNER GARDEN

Gracious Gardener,

how wondrously you care for my soul.

You send your waters of refreshment.

You fertilize me with your wisdom.

You warm me with your encouraging kindness.

You keep drawing me toward your light.

New growth continually sprouts

from the soil of my spiritual garden.

Flowers of creativity bloom.

Herbs of joy flavor my days.

Vegetables of nourishment flourish.

You constantly care for my garden,

weeding it when weakness grows tall,

turning the soil when the ground is hard,

comforting and protecting me

when enemies chew on my leaves.

Prayer:

I thank you Gracious Gardener for tending my garden.  Amen

                                                              From Anchors for the Soul by Joyce Rupp

Healthy People! Healthy Parish!

Good Food! 

Farmer’s Markets are up and running around the city and outlying communities! We have a Farmers’ market close by in the old Sear’s parking lot every Wednesday from 3-7 and the downtown market on Saturdays just to name a few. The markets are listed in the newspaper on Thursdays, and you can find local farmers’ markets on the web site for. Farmers markets are great for a number of reasons:

1. Freshness – even the freshest of fruits and vegetables at your grocery store are at least a couple of days old. But farmers markets offer produce that is fresh picked, sometimes the very same day.
2. Produce is very often free of pesticides and grown organically as it does need preservatives to withstand traveling and sitting.
3. Better taste. How much better can a beautiful red outside grown vine ripened tomato taste!! (It really does taste wonderful Pastor Brenda!). Think of the difference between the hothouse ones in the store that have traveled a gazillion miles. No comparison!
4. You are supporting local farmers means supporting the local economy and family farms. More family farms are being forced out of business by industrial farms so help keep local farmers going ( “HOW CAN I HELP”)
5. Reduces the carbon footprint. By purchasing fruits and vegetables and other products (baked goods ,honey and probably even kettle corn) you help reduce the carbon footprint by helping to conserve fuel and reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizer. Just think how Connie is getting additional fertilizer for the geraniums from her favorite chipmunks!
6. You know how your food was grown.

Fresh grown fruits and vegetables don’t only taste good but are good for us. Great fiber and vitamins and most of all great taste. So, check out a market! It is also a great place to take kids and grandkids to see new and different fruits and vegetables and even try them out!

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

~Psalm 118:24