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The News of Grace
Volume 39, no. 4 April 2016
“Given the Victory” Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the
power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved
brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1
Corinthians 15:54b-58)
As April begins we find ourselves still in the midst of
“March Madness.” The first Saturday and Monday in April is the
time for determining the winner of this year’s NCAA men’s
basketball championship, and the first Sunday and Tuesday
determines the winner of this year’s NCAA women’s basketball
championship. Do these exciting sports tournaments get the
attention of millions of viewers? Certainly they do, and I am one
who likes to follow the action. It is amazing to me how so many
people will take time out of their busy schedules to watch a series
of games that brings victory to a few and bragging rights to all who
wear their colors and logos.
The members of those teams work hard to get through the
regular season, their conference tournaments and then win their
way through the field of teams on their way to the Final Four and
their respective championship games. That was their goal at the
beginning of their respective seasons. There will be only one team
who wins each of those championship games, and it will not be
given to them, though at times you might hear that a team in the
finals lost the game by their poor play. The teams that win earn
those victories!
I enjoy sports and I truly enjoyed playing them. Though
now I am much older and out of shape and my body tells me that
my mind does not have a clue about my abilities. My mind still
thinks what I should be able to do, but when asked to do it, my
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body rebels and lets me know that I am not able to do it, or at least
do it the way I used to be able to. Certainly it was never the effort
necessary to play at a highly competitive level.
As we begin another month, April 2016 we have completed
Holy Week and its drama as we have seen the miscarriage of
justice and the execution of an innocent man even as we have
heard the Good News spoken at the tomb by the angels on the first
day of the week, the very first Easter, “Why do you seek the living
among the dead? He is not here, but has risen. Remember how He
told you, while He was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be
delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the
third day rise.” During these two contrasting seasons of our
Church Year we have been reminded that we have been given the
victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
We saw the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and
heard the shouts of “Hosanna! Hosanna!” We saw our Lord take
the task of the lowest household servant and wash His disciples’
feet. We heard again His institution of a new meal for God’s
people, the Lord’s Supper, so that we might be comforted with our
Lord’s presence and strengthened by His forgiveness. We watched
from a distance as Jesus spent time in fervent prayer at
Gethsemane, as He was arrested in that garden, and He was
abandoned by His fearful disciples. Then we revisited the unfair
trial before the Sanhedrin and the mockery He endured before
Herod and Pilate. All of these events led to His suffering and
crucifixion. There we saw most explicitly the sting of sin and its
resulting death as the power of the law came crashing down on
Him who became sin for us!
In those events we saw the culmination of all of God’s
promises made through the prophets and then punctuated in the
discovery of the empty tomb on Easter Sunday. It was the third
day after His death and an “eighth day” for us, the beginning of
new life in the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. It is Easter and
our celebration of the victory over sin and death that Jesus earned
for us. The victory celebration now continues even through the
first two Sundays in May as we continue to gather during the
Sundays in Easter and celebrate that our Lord Jesus Christ has
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given us the victory. Through the waters of Holy Baptism that
victory has been given to us as in those waters we were buried with
Christ Jesus in His death and raised with Him in His resurrection!
That is why St. Paul can say that “death is swallowed up in
victory…Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our
Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words through the waters of Holy
Baptism we are given the victory over death that Christ won for us.
We are not just spectators, but we are participants who have been
given the victory and now we are called to be witnesses of that
victory to others!
St. Paul gives us our response as victorious Christians. He
urges us to “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the
work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in
vain.” We are to be “steadfast” in our confession of Jesus as our
Lord and Savior. We are to be “immovable” in our faith worked in
us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to be “abounding”
always in the work of the Lord. We are to do the good works
prepared in advance for us to do, because we have been recreated
in Christ Jesus, we have been given a victory that we could never
win for and by ourselves. Let us celebrate that victory together
every Sunday as we gather on the first day of the week to
remember and give thanks to God for the resurrection.
Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!!
Pastor Walter
NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR
April 14th - 12:00 noon
Noon Devotions with Pastor is Thursday, April 14th
, at 12:00
noon in Parker Hall. Bring a sandwich and join us as Pastor
Walter leads us in a Bible study. Drinks, chips, and dessert are
provided. Bring a friend and join us …this is a wonderful
opportunity for fellowship!!
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THOSE WHO SERVE IN APRIL
ACOLYTE SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Services – Johnna Litwa
10:45 a.m. Services – Sydney Manchester
USHERS’ SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Worship Services – Roy Bullard’s team
Roy Andrews, Gary Proud
10:45 a.m. Worship Services – Gervais LeBlanc’s team
Jeff Ralston, Paul Krueger
ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Service – Angie Proud
10:45 a.m. Service – Ginny Ralston Wednesday Mid-Week Services - Suzanne Raddle
CANTORS’ SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Services – Joel Junkans
10:45 a.m. Services – Ron Krueger
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
April 3rd
– 10:45 a.m. Service – John Calvillo
April 10th
– 8:15 a.m. Service – Robert Nichols
April 17th
– 10:45 a.m. Service – Carter Stein
April 24th
– 8:15 a.m. Service – Brad Schnackenberg
GREETERS’ SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Services – Joel and Gina Junkans and
Anna, Christina, Emily and James
10:45 a.m. Services – Ron and Russlynn Krueger and Zachary
If you are unable to serve please ask someone to fill in for you and
then call the church office.
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BOARD OF EVANGELISM
Peace be with you, Brothers and Sisters in Christ, from the Board
of Evangelism,
Christ has risen! Lent and Passion Week are complete in Christ’s
resurrection on Easter. Our apparently busy and hectic church
Lenten season has resolved, and now we celebrate His triumph
during the next weeks during the Easter season. Let us be
reminded daily of his victory over death, sin and the devil as we
look outside at the new life springing up and the cleansing rains of
April.
However, we all know that life doesn’t slow down any, just as the
church calendar doesn’t start at Christmas and end on Easter.
April and May and the rest of the year can be just as busy and
hectic for us. That is why it is important for us to remember our
Savior’s love for us daily. Many of you know that we are studying
Paul’s letter to the Romans in our Bible study. Over several weeks
Pastor has been explaining God’s grace for us and key Gospel
terms of redemption, sanctification, and righteousness. And we’ve
been discussing the nature of good works and the way these works
plant the seeds of God’s love among others. I am often reminded,
and hold true in my heart, that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection
guide me to serve others.
With this in mind, I write to you personally and as the Board of
Evangelism, to find ways in the things you already say to and do
for others to share God’s love. As one such opportunity, the Board
of Evangelism will be sponsoring and participating in the Walk
for the Waiting on Saturday, April 30 at 9:00 a.m. in War
Memorial Stadium. We’ve participated in this event for the past
two years as a way to bring awareness and raise funds for The
CALL, Immerse Arkansas and Project Zero. These programs
are all sponsored by central Arkansas church congregations,
including Grace Lutheran, to help provide support to foster
children and families in central Arkansas and expanding state-
wide. We will have a display set up in the walkway for anyone
interested in signing up to walk with other congregations or donate
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to the Walk. The weather was excellent in previous years for
walking around the stadium and participating in music and
fellowship in the stadium. Please consider joining us. To learn
more, stop by to talk with us or check out the website at
WalkForTheWaiting.org.
There are always opportunities to share Jesus with others.
Sometimes we don’t recognize the opportunity exists; sometimes
we are too afraid to talk or take action or fear doing the “wrong”
thing; sometimes we are just too weary from life’s daily grind. In
these times, as all times, we simply need to trust in our Lord for He
is with us always. Through God all things are made perfect. We
omitted the singing of this Post-Communion Canticle during Lent,
but now with Easter we can proudly sing:
Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell everyone what He has done,
Let all who see the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.
He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy
With shouts of thanksgiving. Alleluia! Alleluia!
In Christ’s Love,
Shaun Baker
Board of Evangelism
FELLOWSHIP CLUB
April 19th – 12:00 noon
Parker Hall
The Fellowship Club will meet on Tuesday, April 19th
, at 12:00
noon in Parker Hall for a delicious lunch served by our ACTS
friends. Join us for fun, food, and fellowship.
Call the church office for more information.
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STEWARDSHIP BUDGET RE-CAP
2016 budget totals $558,924 which is an average weekly
General Fund contribution requirement of $10,749
Budget needs through March 31 $139,737 Actual expenses through March 31 $121,935 Contributions to General Fund from all sources $139,183* Average weekly contribution through March 31 $10,706 In summary, General Fund giving for the year is $ 17248 more than actual expenses. Much of this is because we budgeted for a Director of Parish Music and currently are not paying that compensation and benefits. Non-budget giving to designated funds through March 31 $7176 *These contributions include a monthly payment from ECDC to help offset expenses.They also include some memorials and honorariums which are not designated to specific funds.
GRACE FAMILY NEWS AND NOTES
CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY…
Our Christian sympathy to the family of Grant Geuther who died
February 27th. Please remember Grant’s family in your prayers.
HOLY BAPTISM…
On March 20th Amelia Katherine Saco, daughter of James and Heather
Allaben Saco was received into God’s Kingdom of Grace through the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Her sponsors are Tim and April Allaben,
and her grandparents are Bill and Anita Allaben.
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A Call for Ushers
Peace be with you, Brothers in Christ,
Each week a team of Ushers assists the congregation and Pastor by
preparing the sanctuary for the church service and having an active
role during the service. We have an opportunity to join an
Ushering team to fill a few openings. Ushering is an easy way to
serve the Lord, and benefits the church two or three months out of
the year.
If you are interested in becoming an Usher or would like to learn
more about Ushering, please ask me at church or feel free to
contact me at [email protected] or at 501-255-0548.
In Christ’s Love,
Shaun Baker
Usher
Happy birthday, Grace!
The Anniversary Committee has started making plans for our 75th
anniversary. We need your help. We are looking for photographs
of our buildings in their different stages, pastors, teachers,
confirmation classes, weddings, and sons and daughters of the
congregation who went into full-time church work. The youth will
also be contacting some of you to get your stories of the
congregation's past. If you have some stories to tell - please share.
More information about this anniversary celebration will follow as
plans take place. Prepare to celebrate all our blessings from the
past 75 years! Contact Tim Loyd or Lydia Bemberg if you have
questions.
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Barnyard Roundup Jesus Gathers Us Together
June 5 – 9
VBS 2016 is “farm-tastic”! In Barnyard Roundup VBS, your
children will learn that Jesus gathers us together! They’ll look into
the Bible, God’s Holy Word, and explore five Bible accounts
where Jesus graciously gathers us together to be with Him with His
abundant provision and saving protection, now and forever. Mark
June 5-9 on your calendars and look for registration to open soon!
Volunteer Recruitment
Be part of Barnyard Roundup VBS from June 5-9, 2016! God’s
children of all ages will learn that Jesus gathers us together and
every child will hear the Good News that Jesus, their Savior, is
with us and abundantly provides for all of our needs. At Barnyard
Roundup VBS, as VBS staff, you can live out the theme “Jesus
Gathers Us Together” as you share the message and the fun with
kids! If you can help full or part time, we have many ways to be
involved to suit your schedule and interests. Call Catherine
Manchester at (770) 905-5531 or email [email protected]
for more information. Join us to see how Jesus gathers us together!
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BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT GRACE
Our nursery, downstairs in the church, is also available to take care
of the infants and toddlers on Sunday morning not only during
both Worship Services but also during Sunday School and Bible
Class time. Mary Ann Dyer is our nursery attendant.
ADULT BIBLE CLASS – Pastor Walter’s class meets each Sunday
morning upstairs in the Family Life Center in Parker Hall. Pastor
Walter continues leading a study on St. Paul’s Epistle to the
Romans. No prior knowledge of this letter is necessary to attend
this class. Please plan to come.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 through 6th
grade are held in the lower level of the Family Life Center. Parents
are invited to join us for the opening service at 9:45 each Sunday.
If you have questions, contact Colleen Moorman for more
information.
JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH - Their class meets at 9:45 a.m. on
Sunday in their classroom downstairs in the church. John and
Megan Calvillo lead the class each Sunday morning.
SENIOR HIGH YOUTH - Their class meets each Sunday at 9:45
a.m. in their classroom downstairs in the church. Dave Roberts
leads the class each Sunday morning.
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY class meets each Wednesday morning at
6:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Hospital in the 4th
floor conference room
(off the main elevator). Pastor Walter leads this Bible Study each
week.
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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD'S BLESSINGS to
Grace Family Members in the month of April:
2 – Roy Andrews, Marc André LeBlanc
4 – Hunter Goodwin, Greg Pils, Sue Pybas
5 – Ashley Worden
6 – Edward Allen, Nancy Hickey
7 – Edwina Atkinson, Rick Camacho
7 – Joel Junkans, Stacy Johnson, Carmen Stewart
9 – Brandt Cline, Kestin Christie
10 – Suzanne Hardman
11 – Grover ‘Bud’ Evans, Angie Proud, Scarlett Ray
13 – David Raddle
14 – C. C. Cate, Annaleigha Davis, Connor Stephens
15 – Abby Buchanan
16 – Daniel Mainard
17 – Joshua Bryant
18 – Cecillia Gelzine
20 – Kenneth Spann, Miles Spann
21 – Karen Bullard, Cecelia Hammond, Angie Stephens
22 – Jo Hanna Worden, Abby Litwa
24 – Jeremy Camacho
26 – Leslie Cossey, Billy Ginocchio, Hayden Villarreal
27 – Carroll Holzhauer, Robert Rawlings
28 – Karen Klein, Nancy Orpin
Bob Schmidt, Henry Schluterman
29 – Willie Eustice, Mike Morrison, Ginny Ralston
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to these couples in April:
21 – Alison and Michael Metzler
24 – Natasha and David Graf
We apologize if we have missed your birthday or anniversary; please let us
know in the church office so we can update our records. Thank you!!
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ECDC News & Notes . . .
Happy Easter Season! What a joy to know that my Redeemer lives and through Him so do we!
As I write this we just finished moving back home to our ECDC space from the great flood adventure. What a couple of weeks it has been!
Holy Week is always eventful around Grace Lutheran in so many ways but this year we added a new dimension – Monday morning after Palm Sunday we arrived to what was almost an indoor swimming pool in the ECDC/Sunday School area. An overnight hot water tank malfunction was the culprit. We got the water shut off and the cleanup began. This is when our blessings really started to flow!
I’ll spare you all the details but have pictures if you want to see! What I will share is how awesome everyone has been! The quick response by our insurance company and our contractor Baldwin-Shell. The untiring “can-do” spirit of our ECDC staff – these women are remarkable. The understanding, prayers and support of our ECDC families that had to make arrangements for child-care for seven days while we closed to clean-up, move out and move back in, and our parents that helped make things happen along the way. The members of our congregation who volunteered their time to help with all the moving and unpacking, and those who rolled with the flow when all of a sudden there was a zip-tie-table-mobile school everywhere. What a wonderful family to be a part of – feeling truly blessed! Tomorrow we’ll get back to “normal”. . .so. . .
April is the month we learn about creepy, crawly critters—a Spring thing, and hopefully not too much show’n’tell! We’ll celebrate Earth Day with special nature activities – hopefully outside! This year we are going to try our hands at a little gardening thanks to the efforts of the Noland family at ECDC – soon you’ll see our container garden blooming and sprouting next to the storage shed. The Juniors and Seniors will even go to Pinnacle State Park to hike, explore, play, and have a great Spring picnic—can’t wait!
Until next month—a joyous Easter season to each of you —
Colleen
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SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE
COFFEE HOST SIGN UP
Volunteers Needed to Serve - Please take a minute and sign
up for the Sunday on which you wish to serve. The sign-up
sheet is on the bulletin board by the Parlor.
The schedule for April, 2016 is:
April 3rd
____________________________
April 10th
Shaun and Justine Baker
April 17th
Gisela Spieker
April 24th
Grace Youth
The schedule for May, 2016 is:
May 1st ____________________________
May 8th
____________________________
May 15th
Debbie Penny and Sally McNabb
May 22nd
Jim and Florence Marvin
May 29th
____________________________
Thank You!!! We appreciate your help!!