8

Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, ELCA 9525 Hudson Ave Hudson, FL 34667

“Like” us on Facebook Spirit of Grace - ELCA - West Pasco “Follow” us on Twitter @SoGLutheran

Check out our website to stay informed!www.soglutheran.org “Follow” us on Instagram SoGLutheran

Spirit of Grace Purpose Statement: “The Grace Place to connect, grow, and serve” Guiding Principles: Jesus Christ is Lord & Savior Be a Grace Place w/open hearts. Share the Good News in meaningful ways Fully engaged ministry for all ages Celebrate LIFE: Living In Faith Everyday

About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 3.5 million members in more than 9,100 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.

Newsletter for disciples and friends of Spirit of Grace Volume 12 March 2020 Issue 2

Youth Fishing Trip

Tanner helps Izabelle & Lilyan go fishing! More pics ahead Thanks to parents for making this outing happen!

Welcome Back Pr. Charles ‘Chick’ Lane,

our capital appeal consultant, is here to help us do what we envision doing for the 2nd capital appeal! He will be preaching this upcoming weekend, Feb 29th & March 1st. During this trip he will also be training up our leadership for each of the appeal teams needed for our focused appeal time in March. A reminder, this appeal will be shorter: April 19, 2020 to Dec 31, 2021 and have a financial target number that is less than Leap of Faith, too.

“Grow in Grace” has been selected by the council to become the name of the 2nd capital appeal. This 2nd capital appeal was voted on at the January congregational meeting; it will be a shorter length, April 19, 2020 to Dec 31, 2021 and of a lessor dollar amount than Leap of Faith. As we celebrate the success and the accomplishments of the Leap of Faith Capital Appeal, that will conclude on Easter, April 12, 2020, there also still re-mains the need to fully complete what was begun for both church facilities: the Kitchens & More than the Kitchens! Many thanks to Carole Coleman & Mae Haines who have agreed to be Co-Chairs for the Grow in Grace 2nd appeal. More information to come about putting together kitchen dreams as well as appeal teams! Of course, when we join together our efforts fueled by our generous contributions, God uses them for God’s pur-poses of ministry and making a difference in people’s lives. This 2nd appeal, like that of the Leap of Faith ap-

peal, provides us with the chance to learn and grow again in our faith and understanding that ‘it’ all belongs to God and we are the faithful stewards of what is God’s during our lifetimes and beyond with good planning for Lega-cy Gifts. With gratitude to God for their faith, two women who have complet-ed their earthly life, have provided legacy gifts for Spirit of Grace that will be the two lead gifts for this 2nd appeal: two $20,000 Legacy Gifts thanks to the estates of Marilyn Caruso and Adrianne Buck. May we be inspired by their faith and thank you God for continuing to inspire us & call us to grow in your grace! Stay tuned for more info on Grow in Grace.

2

About Spirit of Grace

A caring & welcoming congregation whose purpose is being: “The Grace Place to connect, grow and serve.”

ONE congregation with TWO worshiping campuses

NORTH Campus: 9525 Hudson Ave Hudson, FL 34667 Worship Saturday 5:00 pm (Contemporary) Sunday 8:30 am (Contemporary) 11:00 am (Traditional) Sunday School Sunday 9:40 am

SOUTH Campus: Still Under Construction!! 8810 Old County Rd 54 Trinity, FL 34653 Now worshipping in Plato Academy Cafeteria Sunday Contemporary Worship 10:15 am Traditional Worship: 11:30 am

Mailing Address :9525 Hudson Ave Hudson, FL 34667

Email: churchoffice@soglutheran.org

Website: www.soglutheran.org

Pastoral Staff The Rev. Dr. Rita Gardner Tweed, Lead Pastor Ph: 813-230-4907 Email: lpr@soglutheran.org

The Rev. Dave Kruger, ret. Sr. Ministry, Spiritual Care & Funeral Ministry Ph: 727-247-2982 Email: pastordave@soglutheran.org Pastor Dave works Tue, Thurs, & Sun Afternoon

Reach the Church Office: Office Hours: Mon—Wed 9 am– 1 pm Mon, Thurs: Sharon Burke 727-494-574 Tues, Wed, Fri: Elaine Waldrup 727-457-3128 Email: churchoffice@soglutheran.org Temp Location: 9851 State Rd 54, NPR, FL 34655 Youth and Outreach Dir: Marina Tweed Text only: 813-291-4122 Email: outreach@soglutheran.org Contemporary Worship Leader: James Rogers 813-465-2848 j.r.ent@hotmail.com Sharon Burke, Volunteer Project Coordinators 727-494-4574 vpc@soglutheran.org

Who To Contact

Church Council Leadership

Let Us Know

Please let the church office know if someone is ill, hospitalized or in need of spiritual care. Hospitals do not call churches. At times we do not find out someone is hospitalized until they are home. Telephone Sharon Burke: 727-494-4574

The deadline for the April issue of The Grace Place is March 18, 2020

Home Communion Spirit of Grace has a team of trained Home Communion Visitors. If you or a family member are not currently being visited and would like to receive a visit, please contact Sharon Burke: 727-494-4574

The next church council meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10, 7:00 pm at Roe Insurance Office

Paul Boivin, Pres 727-389-5724 Jim Clifford 813-528-1021 Dean Haase 319-540-3714 Ken Key, Vice Pres 813-416-8208 Terry Neal 321-543-6183 Erik Reisner, Sec 727-534-7825 Lou Vuozzo 727-389-2167 Elaine Waldrup, Treas 727-457-3128 Are you new to Spirit of Grace?

Text “Welcome” to 727-317-6166 to connect and share more about you while you learn more

about Spirit of Grace!

7

Don’t see your birthday or anniversary listed, then its needed! Please send in your disciple infor-

mation sheet or call one of the office volunteers.

Birthdays March

Sharing Reminder: When you, a loved one, or friend at Spirit of Grace is in the hospital or in need of care and support, please remember to contact the church office volunteer or email: churchoffice@soglutheran.org or pastordave@sogluthern.org or lpr@soglutheran.org. Posting prayer & care needs on your personal facebook is just that -- a personal post to your family and friends. If you want to initiate a visit or prayers from your church family, please notifying the church of-fice, which leads to pastoral/lay visitation follow up &/or prayer chain. Your personal facebook post isn’t the way to contact your church!

Database Updates Do you have a new email? Are you getting emails from Spirit of Grace? Do you have a new Cell Phone? Have you moved? Please be sure to send any new contact information to churchoffice@soglutheran.org ASAP! Sending as much communication out as possible by email keeps postage costs lower. Let’s keep in touch & stay connect-ed. Thank you!

CALLING all Thrivent Memebers: Have you directed your Thrivent Choice 2020 Dollars yet? Please consider doing so today & please di-rect them to Spirit of Grace. Our Thrivent Rep, Sev Galati, can provide you an up-date on Choice Dollars you have to direct! If you need assistance call Sev @ (727) 810-5154 or Sharon Burke (727) 494-4574

Spirit of Grace has awesome office volunteers who are taking on new roles creating an Ad-ministrative Team. Many thanks to: Sharon Burke, Lori Miller, Helen Roark, Elaine Waldrup, & Dcn. Darlene Weikel 2020 goal: cross training!

Shopping Online? Check out Amazon Smile: REMEMBER to Designate Spirit of Grace

In the Amazon Smile Program for ALL of your Amazon Online Shopping!

Simply go to www.smile.amazon.com and designate Spirit of Grace, Hudson, FL and YOU can help SoG receive

money by simply shopping!

Giving Through Your Smart Phone is as Easy as 1-2-3! You can now make a contribution to your church through a mobile app! To get started, download GivePlus Church for free from the App Store or Google Play. Simply search for

“GivePlus Church” to quickly find and download the app today. Then, you can easily make donations direct-ly from your smartphone using your debit/credit card or checking/savings account. You can also choose to donate as a guest or set up an account that allows you to securely and conveniently schedule recurring do-nations; manage and review your giving history. We hope you enjoy this new way to contribute to Spirit of

Grace, and thank you for your faith-filled support. *Spirit of Grace uses an external

bookkeeping firm*

Anniversaries March

Ron & Marcia Bartel 3/4/1961

George & Jean Metzenthin 3/22/1964

3/1 Howard Garcia Laura Prausa 3/2 Luke Jordan Alexandria Schneider 3/5 Jill Borrello 3/7 Ilona O'Connor 3/9 Jane McCall

3/15 Marcia Baker Elaine Butler Paul Dove Sr. 3/16 Jackie Burden 3/20 Beverly McCurdy 3/21 Bob Whitten 3/24 Hayley Burden 3/26 Nanci Larson 3/27 Alfredo Crespo Jr.

6

Stephen Ministers - to listen & pray with you!

Pictured below are our Stephen Ministers. Thanks be to God for them and the caring & compassionate ministry they provide. Please talk to them at any worship service. They are here to pray with you!

Ilona O’Connor Attends Sunday 8:30am

SoG North

Karin Beeten, Stephen Leader

Attends Sunday 10:15am Plato Academy

Sharon Burke Attends Sunday

11:30am Plato Academy

Kathy McGarrigle Attends Saturday 5pm or

Sunday 8:30 am SoG North

Sharon McTeer Attends Sunday

11:00am SoG North

Carole Coleman Attends Sunday

10:15am Plato Academy

BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER This Bible study Tuesdays,

6:00 pm @ SoG North. We are making our way through

“ The Lost Books of the Bible” Questions, call Gene Kortier

727-819-2008

Nancy Colson Attends Saturday

5pm North Campus

Stephen Ministers are Christian Caregivers They go through training to learn about Christian Caregiving. They are there for people who are dealing with grieving a death, divorce, medical problems, terminal illness, and transitions in their life and need someone to talk to about their feelings about what they are going through. Listening is what Ste-phen Ministers do. There is confidentially between the Caregivers and the Care receivers, so what is said is just between them. They meet and provide comfort and support and prayer for as long as it is needed. The Stephen Ministers of Spirit of Grace also make hospital visits and give home communion. They join in the prayer ministry for and with you. If you are is interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, contact Karen Beeten at 727-457-8310.

Can you see your picture here? Do you have gifts in compassionately walking with folks during tough times? Are you sensitive to the needs of others, a good listener, and able to pray with and for others? Read the article below.

Women’s Bible Study—Every 1st Sat of the month, 10:00am @ North Cam-pus all women are invited to come to-gether for a bible study. Bring your bible, lesson will be provided from the Gather Magazine for Women of the ELCA. Ques ons? Call Mae Haines: 727-863-4329

Rev. Dave Kruger, Ret. works with our Stephen’s Ministers, as well as Spiritual Care, Senior Ministry & Funeral Ministry at Spirit of Grace. He is part-time; available on Tuesday, Thurs-day, & Sunday after-noons.

A few years ago, Pastor Dave Kruger led several grief sup-port groups that participants found helpful as they were grieving the loss of a loved one. He now leads a new group that began in January @ North Campus. Please let him know of your interest by text to 727-247-2982, or email: pastordave@soglutheran.org.

3

Temporary Office Location & Contacts

Spirit of Grace office is in a temporary location in the Roe Insurance building, 9851 State Road 54, NPR, FL 34655. The office occupies two office bays, and has shared board room, kitchen and restroom facilities. You can schedule a church meeting here — call the posted numbers to get on the office shared calendar.

South Campus New Building: The new A/C unit was recently powered up and in the process of being approved by inspectors! There are a few electrical outlets to be installed. Next is ceiling, flooring, and drywall, plus the soundbooth and the front platform. The back side of the archway will have a rain barrier installed to guide the rain toward the drains and away from people under the archway.

Office Hours: Mon-Wed 9:00—1:00pm Who to call: Mon, Thurs: Sharon Burke 727-494-4574 Tues, Wed, Fri: Elaine Waldrup 727-457-3128

Need to order ministry supplies — call the office volunteer listed above on Monday or

Tuesday. Ordering is on Tuesdays! Tuesdays Weekly Announcements are printed

Dear Spirit of Grace, Ash Wednesday worship services were held this week. As you know, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent: the 40 day journey to-ward Easter. Lent is classically a peni-tential time, a time for repentance, and a time to draw closer to God who made us and loves us. This Lenten season

will co-inside with the Grow in Grace 2nd Capital Ap-peal. Really a perfect intersection when you think about it. The 3 disciplines of Lent are prayer, fasting and giv-ing, especially to those in need. When we intentionally begin or increase our practice of these spiritual disci-plines we open ourselves up to grow closer to God and grow in God’s grace and goodness that is intended for us and all that God has made. So Grow in Grace makes both a great intersection with Lent & is a great Lenten theme!

See you in Worship with grateful hearts, Pr. Rita Gardner Tweed, Lead Pastor, Spirit of Grace

The FISH! Philosophy was inspired by the climate of the World Famous Seattle Fish Market and how its staff interacted with their customers in such a way that really made them literally ‘world famous’ Whether these climate makers are adopted in a business, hospital, or school, they make a difference for the people who come to use their services. The same is true for the ministry of a congregation! When people come to the services of worship, we can consciously and interactively be aware of the climate that greets people. “Who are we being when we are doing what we

are doing?” when you come to worship or come to a small group meeting. Are we really present for people, bringing a child-like spirit to play & make someone’s day? Do you choose your attitude and seek to lift the attitude of another? Each of these princi-ples creates a positive climate that is attractive to newcomers and makes a difference — Try It! Make a new friend!

Join the new Men’s Faith & Fix It Group! All men are invited to come together for Bible study & light projects @ the grace place North Campus. Gather for some food, feed your faith, and finish some simple projects that take care of God’s house North Campus. Special thanks to Gene Kortier, Pr. George Metzenthin & Pr. Jim Neal who will rotate leading an engaging bible study each month. This group meets the 2nd Wed of the month @ 6 pm & the 2nd Sat of the month @ 9:00 am. Pastor Jim Neal will be leading the March bible study.

Making Spirit of Grace their church home on Sunday, March 8:

Jane Wallace Joe & Mary Ann Carey

Don & Lindsay Barnhart Be sure to welcome these folks to Spirit of Grace & make a new friend!

4

Memorial Matters Spirit of Grace has a unique opportunity when a new sanctuary is built or renovated. We get the unique opportunity of giving thanks to God through providing special donations or memorials, above and beyond our foundation-al tithes and offerings, that are given to the glory of God, or to honor special loved ones and give thanks to God for their lives and faith. These gifts help appoint the new sanctu-aries with all they need to be worshipful. Prayerfully consider the memorial gifts listed and let Pr. Rita know promptly of your desired memorial gift. Your Memorial Matters!

Memorial Gifts New Advent Stand (North) & Candles (both campuses) Refinishing of Altar Pieces (South) Stained Glass Mounting (South) Communion Ware (both campuses) New Narthex Furnishings (both campuses) New Prayground Furnishings (both campuses) (indoor area for parents/children) New Nursery Furnishings (both campuses) Baby Grand Piano (South) You can make a memorial gift that is also open to be used as most needed, too

This is the 7th year Spirit of Grace will have a booth at Taste of Trinity! Every year it gets bigger & be er! Come visit our booth!

Help make some Noise!!! Do you save your coins? Now is your

chance to bring them to worship on

March 15, 22 & 29. The Youth will be collecting your change for a

‘noisy offering’ that becomes their gift to support

Grow in Grace!

You are invited to attend the Spring Gathering of the Women of the ELCA Gulf

Coast Conference being held at Spirit of Grace North. It is on Saturday, March 21st with registration and re-freshments starting at 9:30 am. Registration is $8.00 and includes lunch. It is a morning filled with music, devotion, education and business. Come enjoy fellow-ship with the women from our neighboring congrega-tions. All Women of Grace are welcome to attend.

March 28th Graceful Seniors Luncheon 11:00 am @ North campus. Special guests: Jane Riggs & Ann Beilharz playing their Dulcmers. Come and join us for food and fellowship. Sign-up sheets will be in the Narthex at the North Campus and, in the south, on the table near the kitchen. Last day for signing up will be March 22, 20. A small donation of $4.00 for lunch. This luncheon is not just for Seniors. All are welcome!

Would you like to rehearse a song for Easter North worship? If you are interested, please meet with Charlie Gilmer on Sundays @ 10:00—10:45am @ the North Campus.

5

Your Database Updates are needed for a new congregational directory! Do you have a new email? Are you getting emails from Spirit of Grace? Do you have a new Cell

Phone? Please be sure to send any new email update to churchoffice@soglutheran.org ASAP! Send-ing as much communication out as possible by email keeps postage costs lower, and we want to stay in

contact with you! Thank you!

Praise Team REHEARSAL TIMES

James Rogers, Contemporary Music Leader, rehearses with South Praise Team Saturdays @ 2:00pm; North Praise Team Saturdays @ 3:00pm both @ North Campus

Chancel Choir - on break for now

Congregational Assistance Program (CAP)

BayCare Behavioral Health understands the im-portance of compassionate care. Our network

providers are sensitive to the values and beliefs of those they serve. Spirit of Grace disciples are offered 3 FREE counseling sessions a year and FREE Hotline calls. Confiden-tial Hotline: (800) 878-5470

Your generosity provides for monthly support of CAP: Congre-gational Assistance Program! In 2019, 12-14 Spirit of Grace families or individuals have connected to the counseling ser-vices that have improved their daily lives. Thanks be to God & to your faithful generous support!

Prayers & Squares: Resumed in October meeting every 2nd & 4th Mondays at North Campus @ 6:30pm. All are wel-come. Contact Mae Haines for more info 727.863.4329

The purpose of Prayers and Squares: to promote prayer through the use of quilts. Our motto is: "It's not about the quilt, it's all about the prayers". Absolutely no sewing experience needed. There is always a way to participate! How to Give a Gift of Prayer in the Form of Quilt? Please first ask the person you are considering giving this gift of prayer to if they would accept it. To request a quilt please fill out a form that is located in the narthex of each campus.

Sew & Sews: quilting ministry resumed in October This quilt-

ing group makes quilts that are distributed all over the world through Lutheran World Relief. For more information see www.lwr.org or call

Mae Haines: 727.863.4329

Help can be provided for issues including: Stress, Anxiety, Grief & Loss Depression Family Discord; Divorce Bullying Adjusting to Blended Families Substance Abuse Issues Parenting Challenges Individual & Family Counseling

Weekly Sunday School meets:yahoo.com South: 11:30 for Sunday North: 9:45 for Sunday School: Contact Kim Clifford: 727-815-2486 Email: kimclifford8315@School: Contact Elaine Waldrup: 727-457-3128 Email: ebwaldrup@aol.com Confirmation Class meets 1st & 3rd Sundays, 4:00pm @ North Campus Contact Pr. Rita at lpr@soglutheran.org Middle/Senior High Youth Group meets 1st & 3rd Sundays, 5:00pm @ North Campus Contact Marina Tweed, text only: 813-291-4122 Email: outreach@soglutheran.org

Youth Fishing Trip to Anclote Gulf Park