So teach us to number our days
that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
~Psalm 90:12
If you would like to give
to the ELCA Disaster Response for Hurricane relief, the website is
Pastor’s Thoughts:
One afternoon last week, I was at Olander Park. We live close to the park, and it is an easy trek to get there to enjoy the beauty.
It was a gloomy day, with overcast skies and a strong breeze. The water lacked its usual glimmer, and there weren’t many people kayaking or fishing—which is unusual for Olander Park. Even the ducks and geese seemed subdued!
As I went around the lake, I noticed one lone tree displaying its Autumn color. It would have been a beautiful sight on any day, but that burst of color against the gloom of the day made it stand out even more. It gave my spirits a little boost and put some energy in my step.
It occurred to me that life can be like that sometimes. News about war and threats of war, violence in our community, economic concerns, partisan wrangling, the tragedy of severe weather … combine these with the daily concerns about family and friends, and it can begin to feel quite gloomy. It may even make us want to retreat into ourselves and avoid the darkness and gloom.
But often, the Holy Spirit shows up with a burst of color and light. It may be just the chance to walk in God’s beautiful Creation. It may be the kindness someone shows us or the opportunity to be kind to another. It may be the words or tune of a song or hymn or the words of a beloved piece of scripture. It may be in a quiet moment of prayer when we feel the presence of God surrounding us.
Where do you see God in the world around you? What small moments of beauty remind you how much God loves you and our world? Where might the Holy Spirit be calling you to reflect that beauty on another?
In Christ,
Pastor Brenda
The Readings for Sunday October 13, 2024
Amos 5:6-7, 10-15
Psalm 90:12-17
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31
Please join us – Sunday Fellowship Time
In Fellowship Hall
October 13 – Sue Wagner and Sue Melchert
Fall Food Fellowship Hour – October 20th
If anyone is interested in bringing in an apple, pumpkin, or Halloween treat for our Fall Food Fellowship, please e-mail Sue Wagner at suegrade@aol.com or 419 206-7010 cell. The treat should serve a dozen people. It can be homemade or store bought. Thanks in advance!
Meditation
by Vicar Dave
If you’ve ever had to teach one of your children to drive, you know what a scary process it can be. These new roundabouts that ODOT seems to like to install don’t make it any less frightening. I remember one of my sons pulling into a roundabout when they were still very new, and most adults hadn’t figured them out yet. He just pulled right in and didn’t even look in the directions that traffic would be coming from. Fortunately, there wasn’t anybody there but I almost fainted.
We never know where the next bit of danger might come from, be it while driving or just walking out of our door. So, it’s important that we always watch out for things coming at us, being aware of our surroundings. If a driver is constantly looking in their rearview mirror while driving, they could miss the pedestrian that just walked into the road, or the large pothole that they might fall into and damage their car.
Our spiritual life is like that too. Knowing what’s going on around us helps us to be better prepared when things happen that can challenge our faith. Being aware of our vulnerabilities can help us to avoid temptations. For example, some people are prone to complain about their situation when they should be grateful for what they have. I’m thinking specifically about the ancient Israelites as they wandered through the desert complaining that they didn’t have the kinds of food they wanted. They had forgotten about how God had rescued them from slavery in the most powerful nation in existence at the time, parted the sea to facilitate their escape, and guided them safely on their way so far. Keeping in mind the blessings that God has given us thus far in our life can help us to avoid the sins of greed and envy.
Whether your glass is half-empty or half-full, be thankful there’s something in it.
Grace Member’s Stewardship Response
The Lord’s Challenge $4,231 (Congregation’s approved Weekly Offerings Budget)
Our Response $3,758 (Average weekly offerings year to Date)
Through September, Grace’s weekly offerings in total are $18,405 under what is needed to support Grace’s Ministry and Mission.
The congregation set a goal of collecting total offerings of $220,000 for the 2024 year. To date we have collected $146,600. That means during the last 3 months of the year we have to collect $73,400 in total offerings just to sustain our current level of programs and outreach. While Grace does receive other revenues in the form of building rent and Income from the Grace Foundation, the most important factor in the life of Grace is the generosity of each member the congregation in how we individually thank God and follow his teachings in giving to help others.
Individually our generosity to Grace in providing financial support reflects the level of gratitude we have towards God in what he has provided us.
David Charvat Treasurer
Blessing of the pets was held here at Grace on Saturday, October 5.
This is the day the Lord has made.
Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
~Psalm 118:24
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