March 2017 NewsletterGrace and peace to you all in Jesus! 

Dear Family of God at Grace,

Lent is upon us!  That means Wednesday Lenten services.  This year we are reading through the Passion of our Lord Jesus from the Gospel of Luke.  As we read Luke 22-23 we will be seeing the sinners involved in these readings and how our Lord Jesus brings them forgiveness.  Reading through Luke is looking into the mirror.  We see ourselves.  Along with these readings we have little C.S. Lewis, "Screwtape" like dramas.  These dramas help us see our own sins.  I pray that these Lenten evenings will be both edifying and enjoyable. 

When people think of Lent they think of suffering and self-denial.  We are to give up something that we enjoy so that we can in some small way, suffer as a reminder of what Jesus suffered for us.  So, we give up chocolate or carbonated soft drinks.  We deny ourselves pleasures because after all Lent is a penitential season.  The Gloria and Alleluias are gone from the liturgy.  All so that we can be contrite, to battle against our sinful flesh and subdue it.  And this is as it should be.

Dear friends in Christ Lent reminds me of baptism.  I know what you are thinking, "Oh no, here he goes again about baptism!"  yet in baptism we have a battle with flesh and Spirit.  "As Christians, we confess 'I am baptized - and now I have a daily battle, confessing my sins and drowning them, and also living the new life according to God's goodness and love'" (An Explanation of Martin Luther's Small Catechism Pg. 149).   

This battle which happens every day is certainly intensified during Lent.  In the Early Christian Church, catechumens - those preparing for entrance into the church, would spend the 40 days of Lent in meditation on what God was doing in the waters of their up-coming baptism.  They would mediate on their sinfulness and their great need for God to act on their behalf.  They needed, as

we all do, God to come to their rescue.  God did/does act/rescue/save in the water of baptism.  On the Easter Vigil - the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, the catechumens would be baptized and then on Easter Sunday they would receive for the first time the Lord's Supper.  Baptism and the Lord's Supper were/are closely connected.  The Lord's Supper is a meal for the baptized but that's probably another article for the pastor's letter.

So if Lent and baptism have this connection what can you do to make Lent and Baptism go together in your life?  Great question!  I'm glad you asked.  Pull out your Small Catechism (SC) and read through the 4 parts of baptism.  It will not take you long.  When you are done, go to the Large Catechism (LC) and read the parts on Baptism.  You can find the SC/LC on line at www.bookofconcord.org.  When you are done with the SC and LC go to this same website and read the Augsburg Confession and The Defenses (Apology) of the Augsburg Confession sections on Baptism.  That is a good start and should keep you busy for some if not all, of the 40 days of Lent.  If you want more come talk to me I have a ton more.  After all Baptism is the sacrament instituted by God which joins us to Him through the Spirit in Christ Jesus and His merits, so we probably should focus our attention on this wonderful gift as Christians have down through the ages of the church! 

Please come along for the Lent journey and join in on all the wonderful activities we have here at Grace!

In His Service,

A Baptized Child of God Pastor Lingsch

P.S.  I almost forgot to add this little post script.  This is about the new movie out right now called "The Shack."  This is based on a book written by William P. Young by the same name.  This book was all the craze about 4 years ago.  The problem is the book is based on false theology.  It is New Age mysticism.  It completely misrepresents the Trinity and comingles the persons of the Trinity. 

While it will pull at your heartstrings and make you cry and then feel all warm and fuzzy, I warn you up front that this is not a movie that is based on a solid biblical foundation.  "Com-on pastor, it's just a movie! What harm could there be in seeing it?" The harm is subtle.  It may make you doubt or question Scripture and that would be sad.  Dear friends in Christ, this is just your Sheepdog, looking out for your spiritual health and trying to help you avoid the wolves!                    

UPCOMING EVENTS

The Yale Spizzwinks ConcertThursday, March 16th4:00 pm - Fellowship Hall

St. Patrick's Day Fish FryFriday, March 17th6:00 pm - Fellowship Hall

New Member WelcomeSunday, March 19thBoth Services

Women of Grace MeetingTuesday, April 4thTBD - Fellowship Hall

Palm SundaySunday, April 9th8:00 am and 10:30 am - Sanctuary

Maundy ThursdayThursday, April 13th6:30 pm - Sanctuary

Good FridayFriday, April 14th6:30 pm - Sanctuary

Easter VigilSaturday, April 15th6:30 pm - Sanctuary

Easter SundaySunday, April 16th8:00 am and 10:30 am - Sanctuary

WEEKLY EVENTS

From The Women of Grace:  Botanical Gardens Tour Information:

 Our beautiful event is fast approaching! On Friday March 10, please meet in the Church parking lot at 9:45 a.m. to carpool to the Gardens. Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry a bottle of water.  Wear a hat or visor if you are sensitive to the sun. Questions?  e-mail nancybeights@gmail.com 

Heroes in the Faith Bible ClassWednesday's 10:30 amFellowship Hall 

Women's Bible StudyThursday's 10:00 am - 11:00 amFellowship Hall

Handbell ChoirThursday's at 6:00 pm

Practice English Come Help!

The Pelican Community Center5800 Golden Gate PkwyWednesday's 6:30 pm - 8:00 pmThursday's 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Elders' Report 

In February, the Elders initiated efforts to formalize a policy on the use of the sanctuary and other facilities for special events and activities. This will be coordinated with the Properties Board and the Planning Council. Similarly, the Elders coordinated with the Properties Board and the Director of Christian Worship on upgrades to the sound system for assisting the hearing impaired and with the Properties Board on Church insurance issues. The latter of these efforts will be integrated with the policy being developed for utilization of Church facilities. And thanks to a generous gift from Sue Renker, Pastor Lingsch will be coordinating with Sue on the purchase of a sanctuary candle, as was previously present at Grace. The Elders continued to pursue additional members for the Board and will be taking the names of candidates to the Nominating Committee for its consideration and action by the voters. In addition, the need for additional Usher support is paramount, and as volunteers come forward, the Elders will hold a brief training session to support the new candidates. One is scheduled for March 5th between services. Finally, the Elders want to remind everyone that the Board will be hosting a St Patrick's Day Fish Fry on Friday, March 17th and all members and guests are invited to attend. Details will be provided in the Bulletin and on the bulletin board. Please be sure to sign up with Gwyn or on the sign up sheets, so we can efficiently plan this event. 

Special 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Tour

Rev. Bryan Drebes, our pastor's former seminary classmate and pastor of Pacific Hills Lutheran Church in Omaha, will be leading a tour to Germany over the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.  The tour will depart on October 24, 2017 and will return on November 4, 2017.  You may request a brochure from Pastor Drebes and should direct all questions to him as well.  He can be contacted via e-mail at bryandrebes@pacifichillslutheran.orgor on the telephone at 402-391-9625.

 

Pew Torches

Grace Lutheran Church owns Pew Torches.  They are especially noticed at Christmastime when they decorate the center aisle of the church.  

Sometimes the pew torches are used at a wedding.  

The church is looking for a volunteer to take the responsibility, before and after Christmas to put up these pew torches and then take them down again and put them in storage.  The same responsibility applies to the pew torches for weddings.  

It is easy work!  If you have any questions, please call Ruth Dishop (239-262-7137)  

 

Notes from February Planning Council Meeting The February 21, 2017 Planning Council produced these highlights:

 

Pastor Andre from the Haitian Lutheran Church in Immokalee shared with the council his ministry to 1700 Haitians in four congregations in his homeland.  He and his wife have laid the foundation (literally) of a church building on the island.  He continues to Pastor his members in Immokalee.

The CDM program used by our Treasurer and Financial Secretary is nearing reconciliation with our records.  When completed, the Planning Council will decide to approve one of the two current plans available to us concerning our Giving Policy.  The 2016 Church Year Review will also be printed at that time.

New Planning Council members were introduced.  Chris Liebfried will serve and be on the ballot for permanent Chairman of the Properties Board and Deb Laveen will assume the duties of the church's Financial Secretary.

Newer and up-to-date copies of our Constitution and By-Laws were distributed.  Members of our congregation may procure a copy of their own by requesting one from our church secretary, Gwyn Powers.

Andy Beights, Director of Publicity, reported on the effectiveness of the church's presence on it's Facebook Page.  Members are encouraged to click on the "LIKE" button as it results in more free publicity.  Pastor has been contributing short videos summarizing the content of the upcoming Sunday sermon.

Andy's report continued with his sharing of our new church outdoor sign.  This upscale and understated design highlights the iconic features of our church building.

Brian Heidel passed on his concept of employing a church janitor to Mr. Leibfried who will evaluate it and render his opinion on that idea after he becomes more familiar with his duties as Properties Chairman.

 INJ,Stephen Beights  

If you would like to be part of this ministry, make a copy of this form and return it to the church office.  Copies are also available in the Narthex and in the bulletin.

WOG Annual Rummage Sale

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY

            Once again the congregation has answered the call to serve with your participation in the Women of Grace Rummage Sale.  The sale raised approximately $5,700.  Specific mission support can be found in the Grace Lutheran Church Annual Report and will also be included in the May newsletter.            During this four day event we saw 66 volunteers which included 20 new volunteers and 10 youth. What did they do? They put up the banners; set up the Fellowship Hall and courtyard; carried, sorted, organized and priced rummage; directed traffic; sold donuts and coffee; maintained the areas during the sale; greeted, directed, assisted and visited with the shoppers; bagged items and checked out the shoppers; maintained security; boxed and bagged unpurchased items; managed the finances, directed the youth, provided clerical support and reestablished the hall and courtyard for regular church activities. All this and more in four days! Some individuals brought the workers food and drinks. Pastor provided his truck and along with a few good men, picked up and delivered large and heavy items.  The sale was also financially supported by members, both past and present, as well as friends of our members.  Let us not forget the importance our prayer partners. Each of you should feel your contribution, small or large, was an important factor in this successful sale. And lastly, let me acknowledge the past many years of faithful, vast and tireless service of our older, dedicated Women of Grace, some of whom now rest in their eternal home. They and their contributions continue to guide, motivate and inspire us yet today.            As we gathered together, the Body of Christ, I observed numerous examples of individuals demonstrating their spiritual gifts, service and workings. (1 Corinthians 12: 4-6) The sale is a statement of our Christian faith in an increasingly secular society.            Your comments, thoughts, ideas or suggestions are most welcome.  Please feel free to call me (775-6665), send me an email (sueannhecht@gmail.com)or drop a note in my church mail box.            Personally and on behalf of the Women of Grace, I offer you my most sincere thanks. God bless each of you. 

Sue Hecht    

 

Rummage Sale in Pictures

   

   

   

 

Missionaries-of-the-monthEd and Linda Sloan

Honduras

When Ed and Linda Sloan look back on what the Lord has accomplished in Honduras during this past several months, they are in awe.  Yes, Ed misses his daughter, Cindy Mogelvang, and family from Grace so much but realizes he is placed where he needs to be.  His wife, Linda, who has worked diligently in training many people in God's Word, is the Director of the Bible Institute in Camasca which just had their first graduation of 4 new pastors!

 Ed, who works in the rehab center helping men overcome their addictions, is a "Jack of All Trades"!   His goal is to make the center self-supporting and teach the men worthwhile trades. With his past experience in construction, repairs, gardening, forestry, and more, he has taught the men all kinds of work, including taking down trees, trimming and making 10,000 board feet of lumber into boards.  That accomplished, they hope to build furniture to sell. Ed states," Of course, the most important thing is to lead the men to Christ if at all possible.  Without Christ, they rarely succeed in overcoming their additions".  Ed and Linda have also "adopted" a single mother and family who were in desperation. Now the mother has full time work and the children consider Ed and Linda "padrinos" (like godparents) to them. After a few weeks in the States with family and friends, Ed and Linda will again gladly be serving the Lord in the country they love. They write, "Thanks to all of Grace for partnering in God's work in Honduras." 

February at Our Preschool

    Ash Wednesday Chapel

      Coffee and Doughnuts with Preschool Parents

       

Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples, FL 34102