the first sunday of christmas · the first sunday of christmas in the psalm all the natural world...

The First Sunday of Christmas

December 31, 2017

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Welcome to Grace

We give thanks that you have come to Grace to worship in God’s house.

To our guests — We invite you to worship with us often and consider our family of faith yours.

Everything you need for worship is printed in this bulletin. Large Print Bulletins and Quiet Books (for our very young worshipers) are available from the ushers.

Our facility is equipped with a hearing assistance system to accommodate hearing difficulties. Please ask the sound technician for a receiver.

Please turn off or silence your personal communication device. We also ask that you not bring food or drink into our worship space.

We are a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church (NALC). The NALC embraces four core values: Christ Centered, Mission Driven, Traditionally Grounded and Congregationally Focused. The NALC is focused on living out Christ’s Great Commission to go and make disciples in North America and around the globe. We invite you to learn more about our congregation and the NALC.

The First Sunday of Christmas

In the psalm all the natural world praises God, including all humanity, male and female, young and old. The voices of Simeon and 84-year-old Anna join the chorus today, recognizing what God is doing in Jesus. Simeon’s song is often sung after communion, for we have seen God’s salvation in the assembled community and have held Jesus in our hands in the bread. Then, like the prophet Anna, we speak of Jesus to all who look for the healing of the world.

PRELUDE Linda Hoch

“Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming” - arr. Richard Lind

“Carols of Joy and Wonder” - arr. Steven Scott

Please stand to face the Baptismal Font.

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Confession and Forgiveness

P Blessed be the Holy One of Israel, the Word made flesh, the Power of the Most High,

☩ one God, now and forever.

C Amen. Gathered in the name of Jesus, let us confess our sin against God and our neighbor.

Silence for reflection and self-examination.

P Gracious God, C in Christ Jesus you come among us as light shining in darkness. We confess our failure to welcome this light. Forgive us and renew our hope, so that we may live in the light of your grace, and welcome the truth of Christ the Lord. Amen.

P I bring you good news of great joy for all the people: To you is born a Savior, Christ the Lord.

Your sins are forgiven in ☩ Jesus’ name.

C Amen.

The Gathering PEACE

P The peace of Christ be with you always. C And also with you.

You may greet one another with a sign of Christ’s peace, and may say, “Peace be with you,” or similar words.

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GATHERING HYMN “Good Christian Friends Rejoice”

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GREETING P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C And also with you! KYRIE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

P Let us pray. Almighty God,

C you wonderfully created the dignity of human nature and yet more wonderfully restored it. In your mercy, let us share the divine life of the one who came to share our humanity, Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Please be seated.

PARISH CONCERNS

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The Word

FIRST READING: Isaiah 61:10 - 62.3

To the people who returned to Jerusalem after the exile, the prophet proclaims that the Lord’s salvation will fully come to pass. Jerusalem will become a shining light to the nations and righteousness and praise will spring up as surely as the earth puts forth vegetation.

10I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of right-eousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns her-self with her jewels. 11For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. 62:1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. 2The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give. 3You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

L The word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

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SECOND READING: Galatians 4: 4-7

Paul seeks to show the Galatians that the purpose of Christ’s birth was to liberate us from the law’s condemnation so that we would be fully adopted into God’s family as sons and daughters.

4When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.

L The word of the Lord.

C Thanks be to God.

Please stand for the reading of the Holy Gospel.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

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HOLY GOSPEL Luke 2: 22-40

P The Holy Gospel according to Luke. C Glory to you, O Lord.

Luke’s narrative continues with stories that emphasize Jesus’ connection to Judaism. His family is devout in its observance of the law, and Jesus himself is recognized as one who will bring glory to Israel.

22When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23(as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), 24and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” 25Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was right-eous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him what was cus-tomary under the law, 28Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying, 9“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; 30for my eyes have seen your salvation, 31which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32

a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 33And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed 35so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” 36There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her mar-riage, 37then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but wor-shiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. 38At that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the re- demption of Jerusalem. 39When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him.

P The gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

MESSAGE “Leaning Into the Future” Pastor Richard Walston

Please stand.

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HYMN OF THE DAY “What Child is This?”

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NICENE CREED

A We confess our Christian faith in the words of the Nicene Creed.

C We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

A Drawn near to God as children and heirs of Christ’s promise, we pray for all people of God, for our nation and our world, and for those in need.

A brief silence. After each petition:

A Lord, in your mercy, C hear our prayer.

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The prayers conclude:

A Into your outstretched arms, O God, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Jesus Christ, the light and life of the world. C Amen.

Please be seated.

We Worship God Through our Giving

MUSIC OFFERING

“I Wonder As I Wander” - arr. David Evan Thomas Linda Hoch

Please stand.

OFFERING PRAYER

A Let us pray. God with us. C You came as a baby to a manger. You slept on straw and greeted shepherds. You come again in bread and wine. Remind us how good you are at blessing ordinary things. And then, through these gifts, help us to bless the lives of others

in the strength of your holy name. Amen.

The Meal GREAT THANKSGIVING

P The Lord be with you. C And also with you.

P Lift up your hearts C We lift them to the Lord.

P Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C It is right to give our thanks and praise.

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PREFACE

P It is indeed right, our duty and our joy . . .

The Presider continues with the preface, concluding:

...we praise your name and join their unending hymn:

“Holy, Holy, Holy”

EUCHARISTIC PRAYER

P Holy God, the Beginning and the End, our Salvation and our Hope, We praise you for creating a world of order and beauty...

The prayer continues….

Through whom all glory and honor are yours, Almighty Father, with the Holy Spirit, in your Holy Church, both now and forever. C Amen.

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THE LORD'S PRAYER

P Lord remember us in your kingdom, and teach us to pray.

C Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

P Joy to the world! The Lord is come. Let every heart receive your Savior. C Thanks be to God. Please be seated.

COMMUNION SONG

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Believing in the real presence of Christ’s body and blood in the bread and wine of Holy Communion for the forgiveness of sin,

we practice Eucharistic hospitality.

All baptized persons are welcomed to the Lord’s Table. Children who do not commune are invited forward to receive a blessing.

You may receive the Communion Wine from the Red Chalice (Common Cup) as it is offered to you or by taking a communion glass from the tray.

Grape juice is available in the center of the communion tray.

After you have received, please place the empty communion glass

in the basket provided

When giving the host and wine, the ministers say: The body of Christ, given for you. The blood of Christ, shed for you.

And each person may respond: Amen.

(Gluten-free hosts are available by telling the person giving the host)

COMMUNION MUSIC Linda Hoch

“What Child Is This?” - arr. Jeremy Young

After all have communed, please stand.

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COMMUNION BLESSING

P The body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. C Amen. PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION

A Let us pray. On this day, O God, you gave us Christ the Son to save us. C As you sent the one foretold, send us now with good news for all people. Let the gladness of this feast have no end

as we share with others the joy that fills us; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

The Sending BLESSING

P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine on you with grace and mercy.

The Lord look upon you with favor and ☩ give you peace.

C Amen.

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SENDING HYMN “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear”

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DISMISSAL

Children Glory to God in the highest. C Thanks be to God.

POSTLUDE Linda Hoch

”Good Christian Friends” - arr. Gordon Young

Remember in our prayers… Elmer Stauch, Marilyn Hagan, William Sweet, Mary Ulrich, Kay Ellinger, Juanita Martin, Scott Zimmerman, Misty Cochenour, Lindsay White, Will Stoll.

Today’s flowers are given by... Kennedy, John, Ellie and Lucy Cogan, in honor of Joanne Figge for the love of her family and her church.. .

Notes & News

WELCOME, GUESTS! We welcome you as our guest in our church home and

invite you to continue to worship with us. Please accept a “guest bag” at the Welcome Center, containing information about Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. Please see an usher for assistance.

NURSERY IS OPEN! The Nursery is open Sunday mornings for both services,

8:15 am and 11:00 am, and during the Sunday School hour at 9:45 am. Trained, pro-fessional sitters are present every week to care for your children, ages infant through 5 years old.

2018 GIVING ENVELOPES are available to pick up in the Gathering Space. Please

note that you may or may not have the same number as last year, so please check before taking them. If you do not see a box with your name, please call Kathy Wahlenmaier at the office, 614-882-3026, or email: [email protected].

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THE NORTH AMERICAN LUTHERAN CHURCH (NALC) Disaster Response Opportunities

In addition to our prayers, the many victims of recent hurricanes and fires are in dire need of material support made possible by your generous gift. You may do so

by going to the website listed below or you may mail your financial gift, payable to the North American Lutheran Church, 2299 Palmer Drive, Suite 220,

New Brighton, MN 55112-2202. Your gift will help provide both immediate and long-term help. https://www.thenalc.org

TEACHING THE FAITH… ENCOURAGING DISCIPLESHIP

ADULT LEARNING

The Faithweaver NOW series of Adult Learning classes meet in Fellowship Hall, 9:45-10:45 am. The three-year scope and sequence covers the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. This age graded curriculum will be used in all Sunday School classes, for infants through adults. Learning the same Bible point, families can be united in placing God at the center of their busy lives. Facilitator is Bill Kulju.

REFORMATION ROOTS Do you ever wonder why there are so many Christian denomi-

nations and if there really is that much difference between them? This course provides a broad introduction to the stories and struggles of the Reformation that continue to have an impact on us today. Each session begins with a DVD presentation featuring scholars who introduce the characters and major events without “drowning” you in endless details. The class will meet in the Rose Garden Library. Facilitator is Pr. Hartfelder Remaining class sessions: January 14, January 21.

WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY The Women’s Bible Study that meets each

Wednesday at 10:00 am is in recess through the rest of December. A new session will begin in January. Watch for further announcements in the Sunday bulletin.

MEN OF GRACE meets the third Saturday of every month at 8:00 am for their monthly

breakfast meetings, through June. The study selected for this season is “7 Letters to 7 Churches.” It is a seven lesson group sermon series that takes on a voyage into the book of Revelation. Jesus speaks through the pen of the apostle John with urgent and practical words, that remain full of application for us today. All male members of Grace, high school age and older, are invited to attend for breakfast, fellowship and spiritual growth. NOTE: Next meeting: January 20th

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REACHING OUT TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY

FIRST FRUITS SUNDAYS “Honor the Lord with your substance and with the

first fruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9)

JANUARY Grocery List: Jelly (plastic jars), ketchup, mayonnaise, baked beans, canned spinach, lima & butter beans, Canned chicken & tuna, canned beef stew, chick-en & dumplings, canned potatoes and sweet potatoes; dry beans (all types), egg noo-dles, boxed pasta, Coffee (regular and decaf), Sugar,(4-5 lb. bags), Personal Hygiene: Kleenex, dish and laundry soap. Fresh produce is always welcome, especially early in the week. REMEMBER to place only non-perishable items into our grocery carts. Checks should be made out to Grace Lutheran Church, memo line notation for W.A.R.M.

FIRST FRUITS VOLUNTEERS NEEDED. This involves one first Sunday of the month at the service of your choice. Information and a sign up sheet can be found at the Wel-come Center desk. If you have questions, please call Karen Bale at 614-506-3331. Blessings to all who are making this a part of your regular tithes and offerings.

BLOOD DRIVE Our first blood drive of the new year is set for

Tuesday, JANUARY 9, 2018 from Noon until 6:00 pm. You may sign up for an appointment now by registering

at: redcrossblood.org.

Last January, Grace had a record turnout in recent years of over 60 donors … this January, let’s push for 70!

During the winter months, there are typically less donations due to weather conditions, but the need for blood continues

in spite of the time of year. Let’s show our generosity at Grace and make it a record number of donations!

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YOUTH & FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS

LITTLE LAMBS MINISTRY for PRESCHOOLERS ~ 11:00 am Service Only Ages 3—Kindergarten. During Parish Concerns, our Pre-schoolers and their leaders

go to the Youth Room where they enjoy age-appropriate activities during the sermon, prayers and creed. They return during the offering to join us for Holy Communion. For safety and health of all, we request no toys or food be brought to the class. Please contact Molly King at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to be involved. NOTE: Little Lambs will now be held in the Rose Garden Room 5 (located next to the Nursery).

NURSERY: A professionally staffed nursery is available for

infants to age 3 (located in East wing of church).

SUNDAY SCHOOL All Sunday School classes will resume on January 7, 2018.

Parents of Sunday Schoolers are welcome to attend the Adult Faithweaver class held in Fellowship Hall; the curriculum is the same for infants through adults.

Family Event: BOWLING! JANUARY 13, 2018, 1:30-4-pm

THOMPSON CAPRI LANES, 5860 Roche Drive, Columbus OH

$10/person (includes free shoe rental)

FIRM DEADLINE TO SIGN UP: JANUARY 11 (to reserve enough lanes for us)

Sign up by emailing Molly King at: [email protected]

“SOUPER” BOWL COMPETITION Throughout the month of January, we will be collecting cans of soup

(any kind); YOUTH vs. ADULTS. There will be two designated tubs for each group, located at the Welcome Center. This will end on

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2018. All cans of soup will be donated to Westerville Area Resource Ministry.

Who will be this year’s winner??

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped with the Christmas Eve Program. Your help was appreciated and the Program was awesome! The kids did a great job!

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Coming up in January 1 New Year’s Day - Office Closed January 9 Red Cross Blood Drive - 12 Noon to 6 pm January 13 Youth Event: Bowling at Capri Lanes January 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - Office Closed January 16 Care Team Review & Renew Meeting January 28 Joyful Noise! Concert: Singing Buckeyes - 7 pm January 29 Workshop: “Understanding Your Risk for Addiction” - More information to follow -

The 2017-2018 Concert Season

January 28 Singing Buckeyes

February 18 Otterbein String Orchestra

April 15 Capital University Chapel Choir

All concerts will be held in the Worship Space at 7:00 pm. A reception in our Gathering Space will follow each event.

We depend entirely on sponsorships and donations for financial support. Any donation of support is greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance for your support!

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DARTBALL 2017-2018 Schedule 1-4 Home v. Epiphany 1-11 At Emmanuel 1-18 Home v. Grace 1-25 At Trinity Meet at the church at 6:30 pm. Everyone is welcome! For questions, contact Robert Bassett at 419-236-4293 or [email protected]

Acknowledgements Artwork and portions of the liturgy from SundaysandSeasons.com. Copyright 2008 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #27032. Scripture texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Hymns: ”Good Christian Friends, Rejoice’ Text: Medieval Latin carol; tr. John Mason Neale, 1818-1866 Music; German carol, 14th cent.; arr. Robert L. Pearsall, 1795-1856 Public Domain “What Child is This?”” Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898 Music: English ballad, 16th cent. Public Domain “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear” Text: Edmund H. Sears, 1810-1876 Music Richard S. Willis, 1819-1900 Public Domain

2-1 Home v. Grove City 2-8 At Lockbourne 2-15 Home v. Rome

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Serving Today

PREACHER/PRESIDER Pastor Richard Walston

ASSISTING MINISTER Bill Kulju 8:15 Melissa Hodek 11:00

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Lora Moore

CANTOR Stephen Kile

ORGANIST Linda Hoch

SACRISTAN Fred Pfanz

ACOLYTES 8:15 Madison Banks 11:00 Carson Schroeder

ALTAR GUILD Team 6 Natalie Arthur, Karen Bale, Jan Breen, Rosemarie Litzinger, Regina and Vaugh Place, Kathy Reedy COMMUNION 8:15 Vanessa Stewart, Coleen Wooster, Martha Barnes-Whitacre ASSISTANTS 11:00 Mark Will, Sue Monroe, Jim Monroe, Janice Will

GREETERS 8:15 11:00 Jim, Carol Mark Schlea

LECTORS 8:15 Claire Saunders 11:00 Heather Bush

NURSERY ATTENDANTS Michelle Ulrich, Mia McElroy (during both services)

SOUND TECHNICIANS Chris Banks, Dan George, Paul Grant, Eric Bush, Jack Rockwood

USHERS 8:15 Claire Saunders, John Hartman, Bob Andrews, Don Slemmer 11:00 Kevin Thuman, Laurie Thuman, Beverly Grubb, Mike Grubb

Bus Drivers TODAY: Mike Shuman Jan. 7: Joe Moleno Jan.14: Dick Jones

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This Week at Grace: December 24 – December 31, 2017

DEC. 31 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS

8:15 am Holy Communion 11:00 am Holy Communion No Sunday School classes today - resume next Sunday No Confirmation

JAN. 1 Happy New Year! - Office Closed -

TUES. 7:15 pm Katherine Circle (Rose Garden #1)

8:00 pm AA Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

WED. No Choir rehearsal

THURS 6:30 pm Dartball - Home vs. Epiphany

7:00 pm Boy Scout Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

FRI. 8:00 pm AA Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

SAT 8:00 pm AA Meeting (Fellowship Hall)

JAN. 7 BAPTISM OF OUR LORD / EPIPHANY

8:15 am Holy Communion 9:45 am Sunday School and Adult Learning Classes 11:00 am Holy Communion 5:30 pm Confirmation (Fellowship Hall)

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

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has been serving the Westerville community for more

than 107 years, supporting local ministries such as the

Westerville Area Resource Ministry, Westerville Partner-ship Habitat for Humanity, and Westerville CROP Walk.

Grace also supports Lutheran Social Services programs like Faith Mission and provides weekly meeting space

for Boy Scout Troop 007 and three AA groups.

Grace is on Facebook!

Office Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am-4:30 pm, Fri 9 am-Noon

GRACE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

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Mission Statement

Our mission is to reach out with the love of Jesus to grow disciples and serve our community.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church has been serving the Westerville community

for more than 108 years, supporting local ministries such as the Westerville Area

Resource Ministry, Westerville Partnership Habitat for Humanity, and Westerville

CROP Walk. Grace also supports Lutheran

Social Services programs like Faith Mission and provides weekly meeting space for

Boy Scout Troop 007 and three AA groups.

Grace is home to...

the first sunday of christmas · the first sunday of christmas in the psalm all the natural world...

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