GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS November 17, 2013

THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
O Holy Spirit, Comforter and Guide, You strengthen me in my faith and life through the very Word of God. Grant that my faith continues to grow through Word and Sacrament so that I bear fruit. Through those fruits my neighbor is blessed and by them I am an extension of the mercy of Christ. Empower me to be salt and light in this world and grant that I do not grow weary in doing the good works which have been prepared in advance for me to do. I pray this in Jesus name. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! This morning is the next to the last Sunday in the Church Year. As Christians we await the second coming of Christ even as we seek strength for our lives of faith that may end before that great and awe-full Day of the Lord. For the Christian there is not fear in Christs Second Advent but true joy as we look to that day when the Lord will come to raise the dead and give unto us and all believers in Christ, eternal life. We also realize that this is what is ours even now by grace through faith as we are Gods redeemed and forgiven children made His in Holy Baptism. We are glad you are here today! We invite you to come and worship again. We ask everyone to fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher during the Offering. Children will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them if they wish. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs. Restrooms are also located downstairs in this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. If you need more information about Grace Lutheran Church please speak with our Pastor.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in the 10:45 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

AS WE GATHER
You have probably heard the expression, hurry up and wait. It seems that we do a lot of waiting which can lead us to become impatient and even inactive. As we wait we can also lose focus on what we have been given to do. St. Paul in his second letter to the Thessalonians encourages these new Christians, that as they wait for the return of Christ, they do not grow weary in doing good. That is their witness, or by it they are given opportunity to be a witness. At the same time our doing good for others might further weary us. We become protective of our time and our resources. Certainly those who wish to eat need to work, yet there are many throughout our community and the world whose work does not provide them what they need and without those basics it will become difficult for us to share with them what they truly need, the Good News of salvation in Christ Jesus our Lord.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Robert and Donna Middaugh in celebration of Robert Guys 21st birthday and in thanksgiving for the Lords many blessings. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Communion Assistant: Ushers: Greeter: Altar Guild: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (Wed. evening) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Annalia Buchanan Paula Walter Tommy Borchert, Sam Cate Dennis Fastenau, Jack Funk Paula Walter Sandy Price, Pat Funk Lauren Faulkner Suzanne Lambert Frank Royster David Faulkner, Cole Hill Wes Mainard, Chris Pils Laine Krueger Nancy Wade Debbie Craig and Bill and Mildred Wilkins Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, November 24th, the Last Sunday of the Church Year, are: The Old Testament Reading: Malachi 3:13-18, The Epistle Reading: Colossians 1:13-20, and The Gospel Reading: Luke 23:27-43. Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631

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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - John Leavitt

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling - Paul Manz

Opening Hymn: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

LSB 700

Confession and Absolution

Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation

Matthew 28:19b; [18:20]

P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Exhortation

1 John 1:89

P If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. C But if we confess our sins, God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins
P Let us then confess our sins to God our Father. C Most merciful God, we confess that we are by nature sinful and unclean. We have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what

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we have left undone. We have not loved You with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Your present and eternal punishment. For the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Your will and walk in Your ways to the glory of Your holy name. Amen

Declaration of Grace (8:15)

John 1:12; Philippians 1:6

P In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for His sake God forgives us all our sins. To those who believe in Jesus Christ He gives the power to become the children of God and bestows on them the Holy Spirit. May the Lord, who has begun this good work in us, bring it to completion in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. C Amen

Absolution (10:45)

John 20:1923

P Almighty God in His mercy has given His Son to die for you and for His sake forgives you all your sins. As a called and ordained servant of Christ, and by His authority, I therefore forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Service of the Word

Introit
P Heaven and earth will pass away, C but my words will not pass away. P I lift up my eyes to the hills. C From where does my help come? P My help comes from the LORD, C who made heaven and earth. P The LORD is your keeper; C the LORD is your shade on your right hand. P The LORD will keep you from all evil; C he will keep your life. P The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in C from this time forth and for- evermore.
Ps. 121:12, 5, 78; antiphon: Luke 21:33

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C Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen P Heaven and earth will pass away, C but my words will not pass away.

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

P Let us pray. O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You. Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Sit

Old Testament Reading

P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Malachi 4:16

Gradual

Rev. 7:14b; Ps. 84:5

These are the ones coming out of the great tribu- | lation.* They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood | of the Lamb. Blessd are those whose strength is | in you,* in whose heart are the highways to | Zion.

Epistle
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Stand

2 Thessalonians 3:613

Alleluia and Verse

P Alleluia. Straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Alleluia.

Luke 21:28b

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Luke, the twenty-first chapter.

Luke 21:528

The reading of the Holy Gospel. P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness Sermon Do Not Grow Weary in Doing Good
Stand

LSB 788
2 Thessalonians 3:613

Apostles' Creed (8:15)

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven

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and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen

Nicene Creed (10:45)

C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end. And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen

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Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs. Each petition ends with the following: P Lord, in Your mercy, C hear our prayer. The prayers conclude with the following: P Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen
Sit

Offering
Stand

Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness - Walter L. Pelz

Offertory

Psalm 116:12-13, 17-19

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10:45 Service continues on the next page

Service Concludes (8:15)

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
Matthew 6:913

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Closing Collect
P Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. C Amen

Benediction
P The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. C Amen

Closing Hymn: Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service Postlude

LSB 848

Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service - Charles W. Ore

Service of the Sacrament (10:45)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; [Colossians 3:1]; [Psalm 136]

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Proper Preface
P It is truly good, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who on this day overcame death and the grave and by His glorious resurrection opened to us the way of everlasting life. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:

Sanctus

Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

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Prayer of Thanksgiving
P Blessed are You, Lord of heaven and earth, for You have had mercy on those whom You created and sent Your only-begotten Son into our flesh to bear our sin and be our Savior. With repentant joy we receive the salvation accomplished for us by the all-availing sacrifice of His body and His blood on the cross. Gathered in the name and the remembrance of Jesus, we beg You, O Lord, to forgive, renew, and strengthen us with Your Word and Spirit. Grant us faithfully to eat His body and drink His blood as He bids us do in His own testament. Gather us together, we pray, from the ends of the earth to celebrate with all the faithful the marriage feast of the Lamb in His kingdom, which has no end. Graciously receive our prayers; deliver and preserve us. To You alone, O Father, be all glory, honor, and worship, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen

The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:19-20; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

P Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: Take, eat; this is My T body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me. In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, saying: Drink of it, all of you; this cup is the new testament in My T blood, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.

Proclamation of Christ

1 Corinthians 11:26; Revelation 22:20

P As often as we eat this bread and drink this cup, we proclaim the Lords death until He comes. C Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. P O Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, in giving us Your body and blood to eat and to drink, You lead us to remember and confess Your holy cross and passion, Your blessed death, Your rest in the tomb, Your resurrection from the dead, Your ascension into heaven, and Your coming for the final judgment. So remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray:

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Lord's Prayer
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

Matthew 6:913

Pax Domini

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

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Sit

Distribution Communion instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Hymn: Draw Near and Take the Body of the Lord Hymn: Take My Life and Let It Be Hymn: O Savior, Precious Savior
Stand

LSB 637 LSB 783 LSB 527

Thank the Lord

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Post-Communion Collect
A Let us pray. O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

Closing Hymn: Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service Postlude

LSB 848

Lord, Whose Love through Humble Service - Charles W. Ore

T
Acknowledgments

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor 9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 5:30 p.m. The CALL Information Meeting 7:00 p.m. Parish Planning Council 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 12:00 noon Fellowship Club 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY:

WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL - The Sunday School students have studied the account Daniel in the Lions Den today. He, Jesus, who saved Daniel, would Himself be given over to the satanic lion to save the world. Parents could ask, Who did God use to keep Daniel safe? How does God keep us safely with Himself? PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets this morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter continues a study of The Augsburg Confession and Its Apology The Lutheran Confessions Series with Session 10 The Holy Supper of Our Lord. Come and review what we believe, teach and confess as Lutheran Christians. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church. HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Nov. 17 Emily Junkans, Robert Guy Middaugh Nov. 19 Diane Bruce Nov. 20 Debbie Penny Nov. 21 Pam Welling Smith Nov. 23 Bill Allaben, Nash Langlais, Florence Marvin, Matt McIntyre, Verna Rieve - 19 -

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Nov. 17 Danielle and Keylon Wilbert Nov. 18 Jennifer and Richard Haddock REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Ron Krueger is recovering following shoulder surgery. Norma Bisgood is a patient in Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road. Lance Whitney is recovering following hip replacement surgery. Judy Rivers is recovering following knee replacement surgery. Jeannie Worlund is recovering following knee replacement surgery. Jeanette Keehn continues receiving care at home. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 11/10: 202 (8:15 108 and 10:45 94). Mid-Week 11/13: 11. Offerings: Sunday 11/10: $6,458.00. Mid-Week 11/6: $140.00. Memorials: $370.00. Fan Into Flame: $600.00. Building Fund: $340.00. Mission Fund: $25.00. 7th GRADE CONFIRMATION class is on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8th GRADE CONFIRMATION class is on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Arthur Langlais who died on Friday, November 8th, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home. Arthur is the grandfather of Shawn Langlais and father-in-law of Donna Langlais. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday here at Grace. Please keep the Langlais family in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS to Claire Hammond and the rest of the 5th grade volleyball team at Christ Lutheran for finishing in first place during the regular season, and winning the Parochial League 5th Grade Volleyball Tournament. Congratulations, Claire!!! CONGRATULATIONS to Crissy and Nathan Beethe on the birth of their son Evan Andrew who was born Friday, November 15th. Evan has two excited sisters, Emily and Molly. Gods blessings on the Beethe family. THANK YOU to all of my Grace family and friends for your thoughts and prayers while my sister Polly was sick and then following her death. We appreciate you remembering our family with your prayers, cards, and memorial gifts to the church.
God bless, Judy and Jim Keppel

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INVITATIONS We have invitations available on the tables at both entrances to the sanctuary for our Thanksgiving Service on Thursday, November 28th, at 9:00 a.m. Please use them to invite your family and friends to join us for worship. THANK YOU Dear Grace Family A great big thank you for the cards, well wishes and prayers; especially the prayers. Your love and care make everything easier. Thanks again from Warren and Judy Rivers. FELLOWSHIP CLUB will meet on Tuesday, November 19th, at 12:00 noon, in Parker Hall to enjoy a great time for good food and fellowship served by our ACTS friends. Call the church office for more information. PARISH PLANNING COUNCIL will meet on Monday, November 18th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. VOTERS MEETING will be held on Monday, November 25th, Randy Middaugh is the executive director. BABY GIRL SHOWER You are invited to a Baby Girl Shower for Aaron and Kirby Walter on Saturday, November 30th, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Parlor. Aaron and Kirby are registered at BabiesRUs and on line at BuyBuyBaby. Aaron and Kirby are flying here, so if you want to have gifts shipped to their home that would be great. The hostesses are Lori Bloom, Pat Funk, Kaye Gilbert, Sammye Sue Harrill, Susan Mahnken, Carole Nichols, Angie Proud, Margaret Schulz, Ann Stoker, and Sheila Wilimzig. ECDC STONE SOUP FEAST - Now that November is here its almost time to dust off the our special stone and enjoy our annual Thanksgiving celebration the 17th Annual Stone Soup Feast complete with kid-prepared soup, cornbread and pumpkin pies! It is such a fun meaningful way to learn about giving, sharing, and saying thanks. Consider having lunch with the ECDC children and staff there is always plenty and we love sharing and showing off our Thanksgiving attire! Please mark your calendars for Friday, November 22nd we start serving around 11:30 a.m. PARKER HALL BUILDING SECURITY The installation of the door access security is place and has been activated for both upstairs and downstairs in Parker Hall. Currently, the system is activated Monday through Friday during the hours our Early Childhood Development Center is open. If you need access to that part of our building during these hours, please come up the ramp to the Church Office door and ring the bell. Also, please call the church office if you have questions. Thank you for helping us keep the building security for our ECDC children and staff. - 21 -

CHURCH CLEANING DAY - It is time again to do a thorough cleaning of the Sanctuary and other areas of the Church. Please come next Saturday, November 23th and well work from 8:30 a.m. (or when you can make it) till done. Kim will be there by 8:30 a.m. for the early-to-bed-early-to-rise contingent, but please, come any time in the morning to help polish the pews and altar area, dust the light fixtures and all that really fun stuff. We need all willing hands--including some long arms on tall legs. If you have questions, call Kim Woodyard at 425-6681. FIRST LUTHERAN ANNUAL TURKEY DINNER - First Lutheran Little Rock LWML will serve their annual Turkey Dinner in their fellowship hall on Sunday, November 17th, following their 10:00 a.m. Service. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Proceeds will be matched by a Thrivent for Lutherans grant and will benefit Arkansas Rice Depot. Tickets are available at the door or call First Lutheran at 3721023.

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MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MR. ARTHUR LANGLAIS TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof Allen and Dorris Deislinger Verna and Shirley Rieve TO THE SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Ed and Susan Mahnken IN MEMORY OF MR. OLE KRASTS TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Verna and Shirley Rieve IN MEMORY OF MRS. LUCILLE MEINS STATON Sister of Marion Meins TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Verna and Shirley Rieve IN MEMORY OF MRS. POLLY HICKS Sister of Judy Keppel TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Allen and Dorris Deislinger Verna and Shirley Rieve TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Bette Bogart TO THE SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Ed and Susan Mahnken IN MEMORY OF MRS. MIRANDA ELLING Mother of Nancy Wade TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Allen and Dorris Deislinger Janet Elwood Verna and Shirley Rieve TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Bette Bogart TO THE SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP FUND By Ed and Susan Mahnken

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Thanksgiving Day Service

November 28th 9:00 a.m.
Join us on Thanksgiving Day as we come together for worship and to give thanks for the many blessings the Lord has provided.

Invite your family and friends!!

Invitations for you to send to your family and friends are available on the tables at both entrances to the Sanctuary. For more information call the church office.

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