O Lord, give strength to your people;
give them, O Lord, the blessings of peace.
~Psalm 29:11
Pastor’s Thoughts:
I have often admired those who seem to express their creativity effortlessly. I have never been much of a painter or poet, and it has been a while since I have picked up a musical instrument or acted in a play. But I have come to realize that creativity takes many forms, and it is never too late to explore new avenues.
Several months back, I finally found a way to explore my creative side. I started taking improv classes. I had not found a class schedule that fit with Grace’s evening schedule, but when that opportunity finally came, I took it gladly
I have found improv to be both terrifying and exhilarating. I thoroughly enjoyed the people in my class, and we have had so much fun together. I learned some things and was able to participate in a new kind of creative (albeit somewhat chaotic) process.
Creative rest is another form of rest that can make life better and more fulfilling. This kind of rest isn’t only for those who have an artistic talent. This kind of rest comes when we appreciate the beauty we see around us and when we give space in our busy lives for our creativity to appear. Creative rest increases our capacity for wonder and has more to do with that than with any kind of “creation” or object that comes from the process. Creative rest attuned us to the beauty of Creation, and makes room for something to be created in us or by us.
Anything—a walk, a trip to the art museum or a beach, a play or a concert, time spent or a hobby or in a class learning something new, etc.—that takes us or of our “usual” environment offers the opportunity for creative rest. Even if such moments simply engage your senses or emotions in new ways, they offer this kind of essential rest.
What new experience of God’s good creation might be calling out to you?
In Christ,
Pastor Brenda
Grace’s graduates will be remembered at the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, June 9. Names of those graduating from high school or college can be emailed to the office at Grace (office@gracelutherantoledo.org) or to Mary Schneider (msschneider353@gmail.com) or written out and handed into the church office or placed in the offering plate. Please include the graduate’s future plans.
June Contribution for Operation Christmas Child
For the month of June, we are asking for donations of individual size (pocket size) packs of tissues to be included in shoe boxes sent to children all over the world to show the love of God to all. Thank you for your support.
Operation Christmas Child Ministry at Grace
Summer at Grace
Though technically summer does not begin until June 20, it seems that summer at Grace begins after Memorial Day – members are going on vacations and our children are out of school. Summer at Grace means two special services and a well-earned vacation for our Contemporary Team. So, this is what services will look like at Grace this summer.
June 2, 9, 16, & 23 Services at 9:30 and 11:30
June 30 Contemporary Service at 10:30 followed by a potluck
July 7, 14, 21, 28 Services at 9:30 and 11:30
August 4 Ragtime Rick Service at 10:30 followed by a potluck
August 11, 18, 25 & September 1 Service at 9:30 a.m. only
September 8 Resume 9:30 and 11:30 services and kick-off Grace’s
125th Anniversary Celebration in 2025
Behind the scenes at Grace ….by Gretchen
- Burrito Blessing 419 is this weekend! Come and join the construction crew and have the opportunity to pass out Burritos! We meet at 10:00 a.m. to construct and 11:00 a.m. to handout!
- We are enlarging the Grace menagerie! There is a Robin’s nest in the burning bushes next to Brenner Hall hallway!
- Have you ever checked out the library? It has all sorts of interesting books including many about the history of Grace and the photo books showing some really interesting pictures of our members.
- Remember: Grace is not the building but the people of Grace carrying out God’s Mission!
The Readings for Sunday May 26, 2024
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 29
Romans 8:12-17
John 3:1-17
Meditation
by Vicar Dave
We’ve had quite a few instances of nature showing off it’s beauty lately. There was the eclipse, the Northern Lights, and meteor showers earlier in the year. That’s on top of the everyday happenings where nature is showing off. A colorful sunset, the first blooming daffodil of spring, a gentle rainstorm that nourishes the earth. It all reminds me of Psalm 104.
Sometimes I try to point out these little miracles to other people. Sometimes, they look and share my wonder at them. Other times, they respond with something like “oh, isn’t that nice” and continue about their business. Still other times, people don’t look at all. Maybe they’re just too busy or wrapped up in their own thoughts or something. But that’s OK. It doesn’t decrease my joy at these sights and at least I’ve tried to share that joy.
Sharing our joy at the good news of God can be like that too. We’re so amazed at the wonderful things that God has done for us that we want to share it with those around us. Sometimes people listen, sometimes they don’t, but it’s okay. At least we’ve tried. And to paraphrase the psalmist, we can sing to the lord as long as we live, singing our praises to God for all he’s done for us, both big and small things, for as long as we have being.
Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time
In Fellowship Hall
May 26 – Choir
Healthy People! Healthy Parish!
Get Fired Up !!
Make your fire pit gathering the hottest ticket in the neighborhood ! Some things to remember !
- Watch the wind .Pay attention to weather conditions. Wind can spread sparks that can give way to a not so much enjoyable time by setting something else on fire .
- Keep the wood dry . Wet wood takes longer to catch fire and tends to snap and pop which can cause flyaway embers.
- Start up. Split logs work better than a whole log. The more points on the wood that have contact with the air the better.
- Snuff it out . Make sure the fire is out before you leave. If you are using your fire pit to cook things that contain grease, sand may be better for snuffing than water.
- Remember to watch kids and pets around fire .
Heat !!
The heat is on this week! Did you know that research has found that heat can make us angry and aggressive! It may not be the temperature itself, but it contributes to anger. If you are already angry about something this could be the icing on the cake. High temperatures have been found to raise anxiety levels and even just seeing a weather report that forecasts high temperatures can raise anxiety levels. One reason may be that people don’t sleep as well when it is hot, and a lack of sleep can cause irritation and impaired decision – making skills. Not everyone is going to be angry, aggressive or even violent in high temperatures and people may vary in how hot it has to get to trigger more anger or aggressive behavior. So researchers are saying as the climate is warming you may need to ask yourself – based on my own personality do I need to be more alert to being potentially being irritable or angry today because it is hot outside??? We need to remember we may be Ok but others in our daily encounters might be having “a bad day” due to the heat!
So, what are some ways to keep cool?
- Shut windows, blinds or curtains early in the day on the sunny side of the house.
- Have fans! In shady rooms put the fan near an open window and aim it into the room to circulate fresh air. In sunny rooms turn the fan around so that it blows the hot air out.
- Turn off lights that you do not need.
- Sit by a fan spritz water with a spry bottle in air between you and the fan. It is a quick way to cool down.
- Shower with peppermint. Take a cool shower before bed using peppermint gel or soap.
- Wear cotton, which is more breathable than synthetics . Research by the Sleep Foundation says sheets with thread count of 200-400 are good for the summer heat.
- Cook outside!
- Eat foods that have a high-water content – leafy greens, melons, oranges, and pineapples are cooling.
- Drink water!!!
Food and Summer!
Grilling and the heat are here!
Reminder to avoid Montezuma’s revenge (food poisoning) and stay healthy!
- Marinate food in the refrigerator – never on the kitchen counter or outside. Don’t reuse marinade.
- Clean the grilling surface between uses. Not only can there be food tidbits left but the flies may have visited your grill between uses. Or maybe some other creatures – ugh!
- If you partially cook food to make grill time less plan to get that food immediately on the grill – do not wait. Bacteria love warm environments. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness as the “finger test” is not as accurate.
- Refrigerate leftovers! Leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours or within an hour if the temperature is 90 degrees. Grilled foods have a 3-day lifespan in the refrigerator.
- Don’t reuse plates or platters or utensils that have had raw meat, poultry or seafood. Once you put the meat on the grill wash the utensils and dishes.
June 29 and The Bird of Paradise!
The Bird of Paradise was the first flight from the west coast to Hawaii in 1927.This was an Army Aircraft, and it took 25 hours and 50 minutes ! Just think how much shorter this flight is now and how easily we can fly!
How can you enable at least 3 people and maybe even a family to get to enjoy a plane ride as well as the beauty of Hawaii??
Donate blood at the Interfaith Blood Drive -Saturday June 29 from 8:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m. Each unit of blood donated can be used to help 3 people enjoy flying ,time with loved ones and friends, and maybe that special trip to Hawaii!
You may sign up on the Red Cross web site or call Gretchen Hiatt 419-944-5166 to schedule an appointment!
Memorial Day Remembrance
This Sunday 26 May, we will remember those known to us (family and friends) who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. If you have not already sent in the name(s) of your family member or friend who died while serving in the military, you can give their name to Pastor before worship on Sunday.
We will remember veterans (living or deceased) in November.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Did you know Grace Lutheran Church has a Prayer Shawl Ministry?
The Prayer Team started the Prayer Shawl Ministry over 10 years ago. Over the years, the prayer team has been blessed with shawls made by many gifted and talented members of Grace and has blessed so many in need of comfort.
The need to cover a friend, a co-worker, a neighbor, a Grace member, or a loved one in a tangible gift of the reminder of God’s love, presence, and healing is ever present in our community.
Prayer shawls are also available for babies and young children.
Prayer Shawls are available on the credenza at the back of the Nave. They are available for anyone to take and share with someone in need of comfort.
Prayer Ministry could use knitters who would be kind enough to knit prayer shawls for the Prayer Team. For the last few years, Connie Thomas has been knitting prayer shawls for us. She can share the knitting pattern she uses.
If you would like to help the prayer team by knitting prayer shawls, please reach out to Nancy Lockard 419-266-1360 or send an email to www.GracePrayer3@gmail.com
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
~Psalm 118:24
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