1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

JANUARY 2015
.
But do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is
like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day… (II Peter
3:8)
I have heard in Grace and community conversations many folks
expressing great surprise that 2014 came to a close in a way that felt
so quick. And now, in the same way, 2015 begins. Others have spoken
about the New Year, from the classic resolutions we make concerning
any number of different things, to expressing some hope of holding on
to time that appears to be slipping past.
Some look forward to newness, such as a wedding, or a new experience:
a new apartment after months of homelessness, or a National Youth
Gathering, which five of our senior high youth will be going on in July.
Some uses of time are “big,” many are not.
In all these things, the writer of II Peter focuses on one thing – the
constancy of God, and for that matter, the presence of God. That’s
something I hope to focus on more clearly in 2015: whether in the midst
of our Mission Strategy completion in the early part of the year, or
Grace’s hosting of the WARM Thermal Shelter in January, or the
National Youth Gathering in July (to mention a very few of the
activities and ministry going on at Grace, or that Grace is a part of)…or
in the plans our family makes this year; out in the garden, hiking,
activities that give joy; or out and about in the daily routines of life, and
in the areas of life that might cause some anxiety – unfamiliar places
and situations, times where there is conflict and disagreement, people
that it would be easy to judge or to dismiss whether because they are too
familiar, or too unknown…
In other words, as this New Year is upon us, there is God, our gracious, merciful,
and powerful God who is constant and present regardless of our place in time. That
constancy may not be as obvious as each second or minute that ticks off of our clocks;
more likely a point in time where our awareness and God’s presence give us a moment
of clarity that informs our life. A day reaching out to the fullness of our lives, or the
fullness of our life distilled in a day…A blessed New Year to you all, through Jesus
Christ our Lord!
----------------------------------Dear Friends in Christ:
Once again, I would like to thank the members of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
for your kind generosity to Jill, Lily, Hannah and me: I am grateful for the generous
Christmas/year end cash gift you gave to me. It is indeed a blessing to us!
I’m also thankful to so many at Grace that give of their time, talent and resources for
our fulfillment of God’s Mission for us. Grace is an active, living congregation, and
God’s Spirit continues to move in and through us in many ways!
In Christ, Pastor Paul
ANNUAL MEETING & ANNUAL REPORTS!
ANNUAL MEETING & ANNUAL REPORTS! Congregation Council has set our annual
meeting for January 25, 2015. All Committee Team Leaders, please start thinking about your
annual reports. I have set a Deadline of January 11, 2015. for all reports to be turned into the
office preferable typed in doc format and e-mailed. You may submit at anytime you have report
ready. If you have any questions please call the church office.949-6171.
2
Seasons Greetings from The Mission Endowment Fund Committee
Christian Stewardship involves the faithful management (conserving, developing, and
distributing) of all of God’s gifts to humankind: the created world, the gospel, our lives, time,
abilities, and assets.
Scripture teaches us that all we are and all we have has been entrusted to us by God.
The blessings we receive, including our intellect and ability to earn wages, allows us to provide
for ourselves, our families, the annual needs of our congregation, and other charities. We are
encouraged to give proportionately of our blessings during our lifetime and at the time of our
death. A whole life charitable giving approach is an effective step in developing a personal
stewardship plan.
The Mission Endowment Fund (MEF) was established on 1/1/1999 by a vote of the
Congregation of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church to receive and administer special gifts
and bequests. There are two primary objectives the MEF seeks to achieve. The first is an
annual distribution of MEF earnings to be used to further the mission of the Congregation not
funded through regular offerings to the budget. The second objective is to educate the
Congregation about the need to grow the Mission Endowment Fund through prudent asset
management and opportunities for increased giving.
During 2015, the Mission Endowment Fund Committee will hold a congregation-wide
program honoring our founding donors, highlighting outreach missions the MEF has funded, and
introducing a whole-life charitable giving approach to stewardship.
God has richly blessed us; as a people, as a congregation, as a community, and in all we
have. We look forward to celebrating what God has already worked in us, and the blessings
awaiting us through God’s Mission in the days and years ahead!
3
TRADITION
What does the word TRADITION mean to us or is it one of
those things we just accept without ever questioning when
it started, who started it, why was it started, and why we
continue it?
On Christmas Eve at the 5 o'clock service at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, we celebrated
Christ's birth with a tradition that started 50 years ago. This year, (2013) was a special one because, Ingelena (Cross) de Boer Meadow, who helped to start the tradition was visiting us, along
with her daughter, Tina and son-in-law Steve. Ingelena who is a native of Hamburg, Germany
told Pastor George Handley, (1964-1974), about the hand carved Nativity Figures that were available in Germany. They ordered several of the very expensive figures and Pastor Handley developed a service around those first few and over the years members added more figures. The Dick
White family built the original creche which was used for many years and then in the '90s Bradley
Keefer built the current creche. The service that was started by Pastor Handley has had few
changes by the four pastors that followed. It remains fresh and inspiring every year. Ingelena
and family were just thrilled they got to return and experience a tradition they helped start with our
Christmas Eve Family Worship of readings, carols, and placing of figures.
I just felt that these facts would be helpful to those who were not aware of this past tradition, to
have a better understanding of this service. There have been many Grace Church's families over
the years who have had the honor to place a figure in the creche and it remains a Christmas
memory with each person that does so!
Brad Keefer
MEETING
New !!! There will be an organizational meeting of the Church Property Committee members on
January 12th at 7 P.M. in the Seminar Room. If you are interested in the making future plans
and taking daily care of the property, please attend the meeting. Should you not be able to attend
let Brad Keefer or Pastor Paul know about your interest. The skills needed are plumbing, heating,
air conditioning, painting, carpentry, landscaping, and general repairs and improvements. I do
not plan on making this a monthly meeting, but only meet as needs require. I would like to share
my 40 plus years of knowledge about the building and it's equipment with others, over the next
several years.—Brad Keefer
4
Family Fun Night –
brought to you by
Grace Lutheran Church & St. John’s Episcopal Church
Is ringing in the New Year to late for you? Here’s your second
chance to celebrate with some rockin’ good music on January 4th.
The fun starts at 5pm, so you can have a good time and still make it
to bed on time. DJ Bill Knarr will be spinning the tunes. There will
be heavy hors d’oeuvres, sparking wine (I mean grape juice), and
dancing, dancing, dancing to music for little people, big people, and
everyone in between.
THE FUN BEGINS at 5:00 PM on SUNDAY, JAN. 4th
IN GRACE’S FELLOWSHIP HALL
SAVE THESE DATES AND
WATCH FOR MORE INFORMATION
TO BE ANNOUNCED:
Feb. 1st at 12 noon - Grace (This will be our Souper
Bowl of Caring)
Mar. 1st at 5pm - St. John's Episcopal Church
Apr. 5th at 5pm - Easter Sunday-No Family Fun Night
May 3rd at 5pm - St. John's Episcopal Church
A Different Theme
Each Month
• Fun Foods w/Vegetarian Options
• Games
• Crafts
• Service Projects
• Music
• Story Time
Our youth are going to the National Youth Gathering in July. Thanks to those who have
given a donation of $20 or more and received a 2015 "Grace at its Best" calendar. There are
still calendars available if you'd like to support our youth in their efforts!
Reminder: The Youth Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, January 7th at 7pm in the
Conference Room.
5
Meals on Wheels
Grace had a total of 48 volunteers delivering meals to the homebound during the month of November. Approximately 1,040 hot meals were delivered, plus boxed meals to be used over the
Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you to all who delivered in the rain, the wind and some very cold
conditions.
Quilting
The Grace quilters are taking a break after the first week in December. Tuesday quilting will
begin regularly on January 9. There have been 31 quilts completed so far this season! For those
who would like another quilting Saturday, mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17.
A special Thank You
Thank you to the congregation for the delicious cookies that Pastor delivered on his December
visit. They were greatly appreciated.
Dukie Cape
Many thanks to everyone who helped decorate for the Christmas Eve services. The flurry of
activity was amazing and the finished product was instrumental in setting the mood for the
wonderful Christmas Eve services.
Ron Almarode
Thanks
Thanks to all who left goodies and cards on my desk for the Christmas Season. It was very much
appreciated and enjoyed by myself and family. May God Bless you all in the coming year.
Janice
6
CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEETING ON JANUARY 20TH.
The Congregation Council will meet on January 20th at 7:00pm in the Conference Room.
Members of the congregation are always welcome to attend meetings. If you would like to speak
to the Council, please contact Tripp Franklin for time on the agenda.
FINANCIAL BAROMETER
as of November 2014
YTD
ACTUAL
YTD BUDGET
DIFFERENCE
1. Pledge /giving of Record/Faith
$216,949.00
$219,521.00
-$2,572
2. Total Budget Receipts
$239,888.29
$242,204.00
-$2,316
3. Budget Disbursements
$247,092.17
$251.875.00
-$4,782
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Highlights from the December 16th meeting:
Grace will be hosting the Warm Shelter 19th through 25th in January.
Things are proceeding well in finalizing a working document.
Tyler Wertman was recognized for his work with Grace Church Website by Virginia Synod.
Child Protection Policy will be effective in January.
Our Nursing Home and Assisted Living Members
Helen Deyo
Avante at Waynesboro
1221 Rosser Avenue
Waynesboro VA 22980
Anne Broyles
Shenandoah Nursing Home
339 Westminister Drive R-21
Fishersville VA 22939
Fred Meier
94 Mt Vista Drive
Apt 100
Stuarts Draft VA 24477
June Huff
Baldwin Park
21 Woodlee Rd. Apt 325
Staunton VA 24401
540-886-0764
Dot Gladwell and
Jennings Whitmer
Bridgewater Ret. Community
202 N. 2nd St. Room 216
Bridgewater VA 22812
540-828-3958
7
Thanksgiving
Gifts
We acknowledge with
gratitude the donations
made to the special funds
of Grace Church
Memorial
Gifts
In Memory Of:
Hunter Akers, Jr.
Mayzie Reid Davis
John Garfield Dodge
Bertie Davis Pitzer
Fielder Pitzer, Jr.
Maggie Owens Rusmiselle
Julia Holland Wing
John Raymond Wolf
Given for: Memorial Gifts
Donations from: Willemina Akers, Joy Blake, Vergie Brower, Evelyn Cotton
Joseph Daniel, Joan Dodge, LaDonna Dodge, Nina and Bill Fitch,
Judi and Chuck Goodrich, Betty Hansrath, Emily Hinkle,
Betty Hoffman, Robert LeDoyne, Peggy and Bill Lucas,
Jean and Richard Miller, Flossie and Glenn Myers, Betty Jean Pitzer
Anne and Gordon Putnam, Marginerite and Alex Robertson,
Elizabeth Ruehl, Pete Rufe, Phyllis Sloan, Janet and O,D. Tiderman,
Jean Wilkins, Susan and Bill Young, Shirley Zielske
In Honor Of:
The Wedding Anniversary of
Dottie and Dick Sheaffer
Given for: Friends Fund
Donations from: Beth Cutler, Lydia Dolan and Tom Sheaffer
In Appreciation Of:
College Care Package
Given for: Thanksgiving Fund
Donations from: Tricia and Torrey East
8
01/01
01/01
01/04
01/05
01/05
01/06
01/08
01/08
01/08
01/09
01/10
01/11
Carol Wolf
Beth Brady
Paul Pingel
Morris Elliott
Mike Myers
Marc Wertman
Linda Meyer
Claire Biggers
Taryn Barrett
Sean Mowen
Ellen Miller
Carlos Martinez
01/0?
01/0?
01/08
01/09
01/09
01/12
01/12
01/13
01/13
01/16
01/16
01/16
01/18
01/20
01/22
01/22
01/22
Genevieve Arneson
Tara McGuire
Ron Knicely
Andrew Moomaw
Phyllis Kite
Karla Rankin
Samantha Mowen
Donna Gum
Eden Lemons
Rudy Yobs
Janet Parmer
Jane McGehee
Richard Marshall
Vikki Ingram
Becca Sager
V A Moyer, Jr.
Lily Skelton
01/13
01/15
01/20
01/27
01/27
9
01/22
01/22
01/23
01/25
01/26
01/26
01/27
01/28
01/29
01/30
01/31
Emily Almarode
Amy Almarode
Susan Myers
Marc Noel
Joe Ranzini
Lily Pingel
Dennis Barnes
Tanner Walter
Stuart Crowder
Marian Posey
Linda Owens
Elizabeth Flowers
Kathy Meicke
David Glover
Terry Snyder
Cathy Thomas
JANUARY
Sunday Servers at Grace: Assisting Minister, Communion Assistant, Altar Guild, Offering Stewards,
Altar Flowers, Ushers, Council Member of the Week, Greeters, Nursery, Acolyte and Cup Gatherer
January 4
2nd Sunday of Christmas
9:00 A.M.SCS
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
January 11
Baptism of Our Lord
9:00 A.M. SCS
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
January 18
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
9:00 A.M. SCS
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Gordon Putnam
Preaching & Presiding
January 25
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
9:00 A.M. SCS
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
Called Congregation Meeting
After Worship (Fellowship Hall)
Pot Luck Lunch
Assistant Minister
Brian Lundstrom
Ushers
Communion Assistant
Tripp Franklin & Linda Meyer
Altar Guild
Anne & Gordon Putnam
Marge Cloutier
Linda Meyer
Jack Eckstorm
Jean Morgan
Offering Stewards
Donna Marshall & Paul Posey
Altar Flowers
Linda Meyer
Assistant Minister
Tyler Wertman
Ushers
Communion Assistant
Fred Biggers & Linda Meyer
Altar Guild
Carol Varner & Anne Barnes
Offering Stewards
Frank Gum & Paul Posey
Ron Knicely
Dwight
Moomaw
Glenn Myers
Robert Shaw
Council Member
of the Week
Gail
Johnson
Greeters
Joan & Joe
Ranzini
Council Member
of the Week
Gwen Kite
Greeters
Wilda & Brad
Keefer
Altar Flowers
Open
Assistant Minister
Cathy Crowder
Ushers
Communion Assistant
Gail Johnson & Robin Crowder
Altar Guild
Jean Morgan
Ron Almarode
Pete Rufe
Lee Lynch
Joe Perkins
Offering Stewards
Donna Marshall & Frank Gum
Altar Flowers
Open
Assistant Minister
Karla Rankin
Ushers
Communion Assistant
E.G. Rankin & Tripp Franklin
Altar Guild
Kathy Meicke
Offering Stewards
Frank Gum & Paul Posey
Rick Marshall
David Glover
Brad Keefer
Andrew
Moomaw
Altar Flowers
Open
10
Council Member
of the Week
John McGehee
Greeters
Amber Bokelman
Dick Tomey
Nursery
Kim Hull
Jane Stein
Acolyte
Hannah Pingel
Cup Gatherer
Anne Putnam
Nursery
Kim Hull
Jane Stein
Acolyte
Sydney Rankin
Cup Gatherer
Karla Rankin
Nursery
Kim Hull
Jane Stein
Acolyte
Lily Pingel
Cup Gatherer
Sarah Beth Kite
Council Member
of the Week
Joelle Miller
Nursery
Kim Hull
Jane Stein
Greeters
Cathy & Robin
Crowder
Acolyte
Brodie Franklin
Cup Gatherer
Robin Crowder
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
2
3
10-3
Fellowship
Hall
7th Day
Planning
Committee
8
11:00am Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf. Room)
12:15 Chapel
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Pastor’s Bible
Study
9
10
15
8:30am New Comers
Club (Fellowship Hall)
11:00am Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf. Room)
12:15 Chapel
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Pastor’s Bible
Study
16
17
22
11:00am Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf. Room)
12:15 Chapel
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
6:00 PM WARM Shelter
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf Room)
23
24
6:00 PM
WARM
Shelter
(Fellowship
Hall)
6:00 PM
WARM
Shelter
(Fellowship
Hall)
29
11:00am Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf Room)
12:15 Chapel
12:30pm Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Pastor’s Bible
Study (Conf Room)
30
31
New Years Day
Office Closed
Holiday
4
2nd Sunday of Christmas
8:45-9:45 SCS
10:00am Holy Communion
5
6
7
8:00am Men’s Prayer
Breakfast (Cracker
Barrel)
9:30am Quilting Group
(Fellowship Hall)
1:00pm Jerry Kite
(Conf Room)
10:00am
Lutheran Family Services (History Room)
7:00pm Youth
Committee (Conf
Room)
13
14
5:00pm Family Fun Night
(Fellowship Hall
11
Baptism of Our Lord
9:00am SC
10:00am Holy Communion
12
Deadline for Annual Reports
7:00pm Worship &
Music (Conf Room)
Refreshments back of Nave
after Worship (Sponsored by
the Stewardship Committee)
18
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
9:00 SC
10:00am Holy Communion
25
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
9:00am SC
10:00am Holy Communion
117 Annual Congregation
Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
Pot Luck Meal
6:00 PM WARM Shelter
(Fellowship Hall)
6:00pm WARM Shelter
Training (Fellowship
Hall)
l
7:30pm Worship Choir
20
21
Deadline for February
Grace Notes
6:00 PM WARM
Shelter (Fellowship
Hall)
6:00 PM WARM
Shelter (Fellowship
Hall)
6:00 PM WARM
Shelter
7:00pm Congregation
Council (Conf Room)
26
27
19
Office Closed (Martin
Luther King’s
Birthday)
28
10:00am Lutheran
Family Services
(Conf Room)
6:00 PM WARM
Shelter (Fellowship
Hall)
6:00pm Office on
Youth (Seminar
Room & Nursery)
l
7:30pm Worship Choir
Sat
Quilting
Group
(Fellowship
Hall)
Members of Grace, Ministers
Tripp Franklin
President of Congregation Council
Council Members: Fred Biggers (Vice President), Pat Brady,
Lisa Gray, Bobby Hull, Gail Johnson, Gwen Kite, John
McGehee, Joelle Miller, Anne Putnam, Eleanor Sampson
(Secretary)
David Schwiesow, Kate VanBremen
Tyler Wertman (Youth)
Ron Almarode, Treasurer
Charles Goodrich, Financial Secretary
Rev. Paul Pingel, Pastor
Mike Myers, Organist
Director of Music
Janice Collins, Administrative Secretary
Office Hours: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Roger Clark & Willie Clark, Sextons
Stamp
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
500 South Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro Virginia 22980
LABEL