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May 2017 NewsletterGrace, mercy, and peace to you in our Risen Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ!Dear Family of God at Grace,Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia! I hope you had a blessed Resurrection and you are still rejoicing in the "Good News" that the tomb is empty and Jesus lives! It is my hope that this Lenten season, Passion Week, and the joy of Easter Sunday was a blessing to you as much as it was a blessing to me. Watching the Passion movie on Good Friday was hard but truly edifying as we then that evening read through the Biblical account of Jesus trial, suffering and crucifixion. Having the visual fresh in my mind as we heard the Word helped put Jesus' cross and suffering in a brutal reality for me. I know that is not pleasant yet it makes Easter Sunday so much more joyful know what Jesus did for you and for me! Now as I said on Easter Sunday, dear friends in Christ, we live between the cross and the empty tomb. Jesus says to daily take up our cross and follow him. While we are alive we live in, under, on the cross of Christ and our own. We are cross people. We preach Christ crucified. The empty tomb is coming. It is yours through Christ but it is not yet fully realized. We still live in this world of crosses. Our empty tomb is coming. It is our sure and certain hope!
This is the way of the Christian, cross before empty tomb, suffering before glory. This was Jesus way. In baptism, we are joined to Jesus and he is joined to us. On this cross to empty tomb journey we are not alone. Jesus is with us. The "Good News" is that he has already made the journey for us. He knows the way. He is the way. May God bless you as you live with Jesus between the cross and the empty tomb!
On Holy Saturday, we had 6 of our confirmands go through the right of
first communion. These 6 wonderful young people were taken through the Rite of Confirmation on Sunday April 30th at the late service. They did a fantastic job with their essays. They worked very hard throughout the last 2 years preparing for their Confirmation. You can be proud of them as I am proud of them! Their essays will be on display in the Fellowship Hall.
I hope all our Northern family members enjoyed their time with us down here in this beautiful paradise called Naples. Please know that we do miss you when you head north and that we are praying for your safe travel and for your safety while you are away from us. While it is nice to not have lines in restaurants over the summer, I would rather wait in line than not have you with us! If there is anything that your Grace family can do for you while you are away, please let us know. Have a blessed summer!
A heads-up on coming events. Don't forget that Mother's Day is Sunday May 14th. Our annual Memorial Day service will be held on Saturday May 28th at 3 PM. Our preacher for this service will be Chaplain Rev. Gary Danielson U.S. Army. See you there!
In His Service, Pastor Lingsch
Our 2017 Confirmation ClassAndrew Garner, Erika Guilbault, Rachel Lingsch, Erika Moelvang,
Aidan Stephenson-Smith and Katelynn Wilbur
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mother's Day at the BeachSunday, May 14th4:00 pm - Lowdermilk Beach
New Member ClassesStarting Sunday, May 21stCall office for more information
Ascension ServiceWednesday, May 24th6:30 pm - Sanctuary
Memorial Day ServiceSaturday, May 27th3:00 pm - Sanctuary
Summer Bible Study - All AgesJuly 31st - August 2nd5:00 pm-7:00 pm - Fellowship Hall
WEEKLY EVENTS
Until Next Season On April 23rd we said good-bye and thank-you to Pastor and Sandy Kudart, for another wonderful season. We will welcome them back with us again in October.
Women's Bible StudyThursday's 10:00 am - 11:00 amFellowship Hall
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
Flower Deliveries We need two people/couples to deliver the Altar bouquets on Sunday afternoons or Monday mornings to a hospital patient, shut in or to someone who is laid up, once a month. The recipients love to receive them and it brightens their day. We would like you to pick ONE Sunday (like the third Sunday) a month and deliver them. You don't have to stay and visit.....just deliver them and walk away. We will tell you who to deliver them to and their address. Please help if you can...just once a month! It would be a shame to have these beautiful flowers not bring joy to others. Call the church office (239-261-7421) or Ruth Dishop (239-262-7137) and let us know you will help bring joy to others!
Elders' Report
The Elders reviewed the first quarter budget status to be certain that current expenditures were in line with estimates. They also finalized the establishment of a Dropbox capability for maintaining a central record of pertinent policies, correspondence, meeting materials and other relevant data and information. This capability is available to all Grace Boards and organizations. The Elders also continued to discuss the wording in the bulletin and protocols for Communion participation to be sure it is clear for all visitors and continued to pursue the potential acquisition of kneelers and an eternal candle. The Fish Fry conducted by the Elders was deemed to be very well received, and similarly, the Elders hosted a dinner for the Confirmands on April 29th and all members were encouraged to attend. A report from Sue Hecht on a members fall at Church was reviewed, and the individual seems to be showing no ill effects. A protocol for ensuring appropriate action, follow up, and documentation of such events was felt to be very important, and the Elders recommended that this issue be considered by the Planning Council, the Board of Elders, and the Board of Properties. Two other items were discussed and presented to the Planning Council for coordinated attention. These were: the materials to be provided in advance of the May 20th meeting with Rusty Hussman, the District Lawyer; and the execution of an agreement with Pastor Kudart for 2017-2018. These items were distributed for review at the Planning Council meeting on April 18th, and the contract with Pastor Kudart was reviewed at the Voters' meeting on April 23rd.
Women of Grace MISSION SUPPORT 2017Reported by: Sue Hecht, President
$1,138 Robes for the Elders Distribution from Bake Sale $1,173 Rev. F. Reinhart, LCMS World Missions: West Africa $1,173 Rev. Charles Richard-Wokoma, LCMS World Missions: West Africa * $2,345 Concordia Seminary Ft. Wayne Distribution from Rummage Sale $1,800 Visiting Missionary Fund (3 at $600 each this year) $500 Lutheran Military Veterans and Family Ministries, Inc. $500 A. Rappe (Missionary to Vietnam) $500 Good Samaritan Fund-Grace Lutheran $300 Lutheran Hour Ministry $3,000 The Pelican Center of Golden Gate $100 Lutheran Services of Florida $300 Voice of Faith, A Lutheran Women's Outreach in SW Florida $300 Bethesda Lutheran Home-Watertown, Wisconsin $200 Grace Place- Golden Gate $250 Wheat Ridge Ministries- Burst Grant (young adults) $300 Lutheran Indian Ministries $300 Lutheran Bible Translators $8,350 Total Uncommitted Funds_________________________________________$14,179 Total Distribution * One Year Support only
Planning Council Summary - May NewsletterHighlights of the April business conducted
by your Planning Council:
We approved the Elders' new contract with Seasonal Pastor Kudart
The farewell potluck for Pastor Kudart and those leaving for the Summer went very well
Deb Laveen's motion to reduce paperwork and work load for the Financial Secretary was approved. The motion stipulates that financial statements will go out just once a year with one caveat. Any member needing a statement at any time of the year will have that statement(s) provided. A member needs only to request this variance
A good start was made on the landscaping upgrades
The Voters approved the following new church officers: Chris Leibfried, Properties Chair, Deb Laveen, Financial Secretary, Lori Lingsch, Fellowship Chair and Brian Heidel, Vice President. Three positions - Human Care Chair, Stewardship Chair and Evangelism Chair - remain open. Prayerfully consider serving in one of these capacities
A thorough review of all official church documents is being conducted and will be amended as needed under the counsel of Rusty Huseman, the Lawyer for the Synod's Florida/Georgia District, on May 20, 2017
The hiring of two church custodians, each working part-time, is being pursued. Parting with our current cleaning crew would allow the funds budgeted for maintenance to be redirected
The Board of Stewardship reported a healthy financial footing for our church and we thank you all for your faithfulness and generosity.
INJ,Stephen BeightsPresident, Grace Lutheran Church Congregation
Altar Flower Chart
Wanted: A person (or couple) to take care of the ALTAR FLOWER CHART which is on the bulletin board in the narthex of the church. The responsibility is to receive the flower orders from members of our congregation and place a monthly order with our florist. On Sunday morning you pick out a shut-in or a hospital patient who will receive each bouquet. For more information please call Ruth Dishop (239-262-7137).
May Events - From DCE Kami Jo Mogelvang
May 7th: Youth night from 5-7pm at Beacon Bowl! $10 per person, RSVP to DCE Kami Jo, meet at the bowling alley.
May 11th: 8:30am Preschool coffee and doughnuts in the courtyard
May 14th: Mother's Day Potluck Picnic at Lowdermilk Beach, 4pm. Bring your own chairs, drinks and a dish to share!
May 21st: Education Board meeting in Fellowship Hall at 12pm
Registration is open for 2017 Grace Lutheran ChurchSummer Bible study!
This is a twist on the traditional VBS and is open to the entire congregation, it
does not matter if you have children or what age you are. We will meet for three nights of dinner, a large group devotion and then split into age groups (elementary, youth, adults) for Bible study. The event is July 31st-August 2nd from 5-7pm. Registration forms are available in the narthex and on our website. Contact DCE Kami Jo with any questions
Wanted: Counters for Monday mornings, especially for the summer months. A training
session is planned for sometime this month. Please call Deb Laveen or the Office for more information.
Missionaries-of-the MonthRob and Mical Hilbert and family
Botswana, Africa
The Hilberts are spending their second year in Botswana, Africa, after being involved in Bible translation in Sierra Leone. When the Ebola plague hit in that country, they were quickly evacuated to the States and when a new opportunity arose in Kang, Botswana, they had to learn another new language, Shekgalagari, and adapt to another new culture with three young children, Carsten, 6, Annabelle, 4, and Josephine, 1. In this remote village in the middle of the Kalahari Desert, live the Bakgelagari people and it is there that our Grace Lutheran Church (mostly through our Endowment Fund) is helping to make a huge difference for Christ. The written language of Shekgalgari is being
developed and, understandably, translating the New Testament is a very tedious and time consuming procedure. The last few books are now being translated and the New Testament is projected to be published in 2019, funded by Lutheran Bible Translators. Our part comes in through a Literacy program to help people learn the language so they can read and understand the scriptures. Since the language had never been translated, Rob is utilizing some amazing software called Bloom. The goal is to publish a lexicon, transitional primer, Christian and healthcare materials to help promote reading and writing of Shekgalgari. Rob has also started distributing the Gospel of Luke recordings on CD and SD card. The hope is that the recording will "go viral" in the Kalahari, meaning people will share it via cell phone. He is also working with community and church leaders in the Kalahari to encourage people to listen to the Gospel. Please Pray: for Rob as he travels extensively this year and for Mical and the children while he is away. Also, that the Literacy Project continues to go well with Scripture engagement and people's acceptance.
To send mail, please address to Robert and Mical Hilbert, 220 S. Gore Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119 and it will be forwarded to them.
Raising the Roof! Consider this: Ongoing drought, Persistent wildfires, Holy Week services, Easter celebrations, "Tax Day", smoke-filled neighborhoods, ash-covered cars, mass evacuations, baptisms, going-away parties, changes of season, the onset of 90º daily highs, university projects & final exams, confirmations, family celebrations, pool parties, prom, end-of-school year events, last-minute changes to summer plans, second-draft summer calendars, an increasing population of pythons & iguanas... and that's just the LOCAL NEWS!
Who ever said that life is boring!?!?! It is hard to believe that ALL of that happened in JUST THE LAST MONTH!
Well, even more happened at YOUR MISSION CHURCH - The Pelican Lutheran Church! More and more we are accomplishing our goal of FILLING THE COMMUNITY WITH CHRIST.
Just think about that. It is no secret that the enemy has seduced many into lives far-removed from knowledge of Christ as God & Savior. That filthy, old
rascal has a tight stranglehold on them from any meaningful spiritual life whatsoever. He has them living in darkness and in blind ignorance of their fatal condition!! "FILLING the community with Christ" would be like lifting the roof off of a bomb shelter at high noon on a bright, sunny day!!!
Lives would be forever changed! The response of many would be overwhelming!!
Sure, some already know about the light, and would be further encouraged in their life in the light. Even THEY would surely see something new! Others, of course, would flee the light and bury their faces in order to avoid it. Yet, by the power of God's word, MANY would be forever changed! And SOME - not all - but SOME would respond to the ones who "raised the roof" and allowed for our Risen Savior to do His work of salvation & life-transformation!
That means NEW LUTHERANS - not just transfers from the North or from another local Lutheran church where someone became unhappy. In fact, only three of these new folks were even associated with a church in the USA or in their homeland before us. This means REAL GAIN, TRUE GROWTH!! THIS, my friends, is what "MISSION" is all about!This work is not easy, and it is not taught in our seminaries. Yet, when we study the past, we see Jesus, the Apostle Paul, and even Martin Luther doing exactly this! This is what we have done: show love, compassion, & provision for real needs, AND apply God's word with authority as Christ did; "be all things to all people so that some may be saved" as Paul did; and actively & excitedly share the Good News of Salvation with those who have been our neighbors for years already - as Luther did for the Jews and others who were out of the family of God. And as He promised when we unleash the power of His word, the Lord has brought forth a great harvest from those living in darkness and separation from their God & Savior, Jesus Christ.
Here is some news on what the Lord is doing at The Pelican Lutheran Church:
Our average worship attendance for April increased to 30 with a high of 47 on April 23rd!!
The number of households involved in our family of faith has grown to 14.
The Lord provided our FIRST BAPTISM with the baptism of Lucia Isabella Garces Araujo on April 23 at 11 a.m.
While many community services "wind-down" for the "off season", we are increasing ours for everyone!
While three of four county programs for language acquisition are closing by mid-May, we are increasing ours.
While most folks offer only English, we offer Spanish twice a week, and
soon Mandarin Chinese!
We are praying for volunteers to help us in the office with data entry, filing, and basic organization.
We are praying for volunteers to come on Wednesday evening from 6-8, Thursday morning from 10-11:30, or Friday evening from 6:30 - 8:00 to help practice English with folks who want to serve better and communicate more clearly in their new, permanent home.
After an extended time of equipping in the six chief parts of our Christian faith, we are preparing to confirm a group of 15 adults.
Four of our girls and one of our boys received honors for academic achievement at their schools.
ALL of this can and should be happening all across the USA. Sadly it is not. Yet, in Naples, Florida the faithfulness and responsiveness of God's people at Grace Lutheran Church has MADE CERTAIN that the Mission of God WILL GO ON!
We have been very blessed in a very short time to the glory of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ! At the same time, we are still taking root and will need several more years of prayer, volunteer support, and financial support before becoming established and self-sufficient. What a great start in just the first 16 months of our first two years!!! Praise God with us as He continues to send us out into the world and bring us back to refresh us in worship, growing GRACE and The Pelican through the wonderful work He does through US! God bless you all in the love and power & JOY of Jesus our Savior!! Your Brother in Christ,Pastor Mark Eisold Associate Pastor, GRACE Lutheran ChurchPastor, The Pelican Lutheran Church
Thursday Morning English Class 10:00 -11:30 Two volunteers, Maximo and our group of
daytime students. LuAnn had to go north to Wisconsin, so we could use a another one or two folks to assist us with this very nice, small group
of middle-aged students.
New Church Directory The new, updated Church Directory is complete and in mailboxes. If you have already left for the season, and would like one before you return, please contact the office.
Our Preschool in April
Each year during Earth Day week, we have a campus
cleanup and the kids each get to have their hand painted and put on the fence in the
playground.
The preschool children sang during the 10:30 worship service on April 23rd and spread the love of Jesus!
We have Jesus Time everyday in preschool! The children have
learned to lead our closing prayer and they are all excited
to have their turn to lead!
We had a really fun scavenger hunt for our Easter Celebration in preschool this year! The children listened to color coded clues, which led them to different
places throughout the church campus. Each time they found the color flag they were looking for, we read to them how that color fits into the
Easter Story.
End of the Season
Our group of quilters displaying one of their projects this year.
The last Wednesday Morning Bible Class for the season. It will resume again in the fall.
Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples, FL 34102
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