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Grace Notes The monthly newsletter for

Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church

123 East Diamond Street, Butler, PA 16001 Phone: 724-283-0830 Email: graceatcalvary@zoominternet.net

Dear People of Grace, Each month, the committees and council of our congregation gather to carry out the ministry of oversight for the faith community of Grace @ Calvary Lutheran Church. Every time we meet, we begin our meetings with prayer before we do anything else. We begin this way for many reasons, but primarily we do this because we acknowledge that the entire ministry of our church belongs to God, and we are servants of God’s mission through Jesus Christ in the world.

As I have discussed with many of you over the past four years, it is a challenging time to be the church in the world. Our culture is changing rapidly, right before our eyes, whether we like it or not, and change presents challenges, and opportunities, we may not have had to consider or deal with before. Our committees and our council are constantly considering how it is that we, as the people of Grace, respond to those challenges and opportunities.

Over the next several months (and beyond) you will be hearing from our committees and council about some of the ways we are discerning together to address our challenges, which presently

include, but are not limited to, the need to maintain and upgrade our building and property, our financial and stewardship challenges, and changing patterns in Worship attendance.

It is easy, in the face of challenge and change, to become anxious. We are human, after all, no more and no less. When the Apostle Paul penned the letter to the church in Philippi, he was very aware of the challenges that faced the church community he wrote to, and in the face of that he reminded all the people of God:

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6)

Dear people of Grace, as we move into the future together may we, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving for all that God has blessed us with, let our request be made known to God so that we may be encouraged for the work that lies before us. Christ’s peace be with you! Pastor Tara

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Pastor Pastor Tara R. Lynn ........ 412-398-4444

E-mail ....... pastor.tara.lynn@gmail.com

Church Office Staff

Renee Lyon .................... 724-283-0830

Church Sexton

Melinda Wilbert ............... 724-283-0830

Prayer Chain Dixie Fleeger ................... 724-285-6758

COMMITTEE CHAIRS

Finance ............................................. Diane Curry

Property .........................................Dave Cochran

Fellowship & Service ..................... Mary K. Davis

Worship & Music ............................... Sandy Dimit

Christian Education .................... Cheryl Belowich

Evangelism & Stewardship ...... Chuck McMichael

Youth ................................................ Sandy Dimit

MINISTRY LEADERS

Altar Guild ........................................... Bev Cowen

Cradle Roll ......................................... Chris Kaylor

Grace-Full Needles ............................ Chris Kaylor

Grace’s Closet ............................. Julie Schmeider

Lutherlyn Ambassador................... Kellie Rodgers Music Ministry ”Acclamation of Grace” .........Todd Garcia-Bish

Ushers ......................................... Chuck Rodgers

(Telephone numbers for chairpersons & leaders can be obtained by calling the church office.)

Church Contact Information Office E-mail: graceatcalvary@zoominternet.net

Newsletter: gacnews@zoominternet.net Website: www.gracelutheranbutler.org

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS

President, Chuck McMichael

Vice President, Diane Curry

Secretary, Jan Rodgers

Treasurer, Michele Young

Cheryl Belowich

Nancy Benn

Sandy Dimit

Bob Fleeger

Nadine Rice

Jim Thompson

If you would like to contact one of our

council members, please call the church

office for a telephone number.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS: Lent Begins Wednesday, March 6th This year Grace will again be providing Lenten devotionals for individuals and families. They will be available starting Sunday, February 24th for you to pick up as you prepare for your Lenten journey this year.

LOOKING AHEAD: ASH WEDNESDAY Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, March 6th. We will gather for Worship with the imposition of ashes at Grace at 7:00 PM.

SAVE THE DATE! PANCAKE SUPPER & TALENT SHOW On March 5th we will gather for the Annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner and Talent Show. Rose Slupe will be looking for folks to share their talent. Please let her know if you would like to participate. The Fellowship & Service Committee will host the pancake dinner starting at 5:30 PM with talent show to follow. If you’d like to help with the dinner, talk to Mary K. Davis, Chair of the committee.

JOIN US FOR A TED TALK On February 17th, join us for the TED Talk at 9:00 AM in the social room. The topic will be:

How do we respect someone's religious beliefs, while also holding religion accountable for the damage those beliefs may cause? Chelsea Shields has an answer to this question. She was raised in the orthodox Mormon tradition, and she spent the early part of her life watching women be excluded from positions of importance within the LDS Church. Now, this anthropologist is working to reform her church's institutionalized gender inequality. "Religions can liberate or subjugate, they can empower or exploit, they can comfort or destroy," she says. "What is taught on the Sabbath leaks into our politics, our health policy, violence around the world.”

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INQUIRING MINDS FEBRUARY:

Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) On Sunday, February 24th, from 9:00-9:45 AM, gather in the room across from Grace’s Closet for an interesting and informative discussion about Lutheran Disaster Response.

From the LDR Website: Lutheran Disaster Response brings God’s hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters in the United States and around the world. When the dust settles and the headlines change, we stay to provide ongoing assistance to those in need.

Our discussion will be led by Jerry Lynn, who is active in LDR in our synod and has led several trips for disaster relief work in our country. All are welcome.

Inquiring Minds is our fourth Sunday gathering where we explore topics of faith, religion and spirituality. If you have suggestions for a topic, or questions, see Pastor Tara.

CHRISTIAN ED COMMITTEE MEEETING The next Christian Education Committee meeting will be after church on February 10th. All are welcome to join us and extra ideas are always appreciated. Please plan to attend if you have an interest in this committee. If you have questions regarding the committee, talk to Cheryl Belowich or Diane Curry.

GATHER AROUND THE TABLE:

First Holy Communion First Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, March 10th! Come and gather around the table of Grace with our newest communing members on this Sunday.

If you child has reached the 1st grade, or is ready to receive their First Holy Communion, or is in need of Communion instruction, or you have questions about any of this please see Pastor Tara. We will be holding a First Communion Instruction Class on Sunday, March 3rd, following Worship.

WELCOME TO THE NEWEST MEMBERS

OF GRACE! In January, we joyfully received into membership Fred and Debbie Bicker, Lainey Hughes, Mark and Belenda Minton, and Michelle Slater. Welcome to this family of faith! May the Lord bless you and keep you!

BAGS OF GRACE Our Worship & Music Committee recently purchased visitor’s bags that are bright red thermal shopping bags. If you would like a bag of Grace for your personal use, they are available for a suggested donation of $10 per bag. All proceeds will support our ministry (and outreach) to new visitors. If you would like a bag, see Mary K. Davis.

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SOUP & SANDWICH LUNCHEON The Soup & Sandwich Luncheon held on the last Thursday will be Thursday, February 28th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This luncheon is supported by the Fellowship & Service Committee and funds raised are used for different projects and repairs around Grace. As always, they can always use help in the kitchen, baking pies, or set-up/clean-up. If you want to help in any of these ways, see Mary K. Davis, committee chair.

MARTY’S LUNCH BREAK Marty’s Marchers Lunch Break will be the second Thursday, February 14th here at Grace from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Marty’s Lunch Break is a monthly fundraiser for Relay for Life. If you have questions or would like to help with this lunch, see Nancy Benn.

LADIES’ NIGHT OUT Ladies’ Night Out will resume on February 7th at 5:30 PM at Rock Ann Haven. All ladies of all ages are invited to join in this evening of fellowship and fun. If you have questions, call the church office or talk to Dixie Fleeger.

BALM MEN’S MINISTRY The next meeting is Saturday, February 2nd at 8:00 AM at First English Lutheran Church, Butler, for breakfast and bible study. All men are invited. If you have questions, contact Pastor Joel Benson at Trinity Lutheran Church at (724)287-1977.

DO YOU LIKE TO BAKE? MARK YOUR

CALENDAR TO HELP MEALS ON WHEELS On Sunday, April 28th we will be collecting baked goods for Meals on Wheels. Please remember that they need baked goods with no nuts and no icing. All donations should be wrapped and labeled for freezing. If you have questions about helping Meals on Wheels with donations, talk to Mary K. Davis.

NEW YEAR…NEW MINISTRY

COLLABORATION? On the first Wednesday of every month at 11:00 AM Butler’s “Church Without Walls” meets as a collaborative ministry of the Christians in Butler. If you are interested in checking out this collaborative, or want to be added to the e-mail list, let Pastor Tara know. This group meets in a different ministry location each month and is always glad to welcome new partners in ministry.

SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CANCER

SOCIETY WITH DAFFODIL DAYS Marty’s Marchers is selling daffodils for the American Cancer Society. Orders and payment are due February 18th. You can buy daffodils in bundles, pots, or just make a monetary donation. This year they are also selling chocolate lollipops for only $1. Please talk with Nancy Benn directly to order as soon as possible. Order forms can be found on the bulletin board by the sacristy, see Nancy Benn, or call the church office.

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IF THE WEATHER OUTSIDE IS

FRIGHTFUL… If you wake up on a Sunday morning and look outside and the weather is looking frightful and you wonder if we are going to meet for worship, what should you do?

You can check out the following places, where we will list a cancellation announcement in the unlikely event we must cancel.

Your email. Pastor Tara will send an email to the Weekly Grace Notes email list.

Grace’s Voicemail. We will update the Office voicemail with a cancellation message.

Grace’s Facebook Page. We will post an announcement on our Facebook page.

WPXI television station (Channel 11) and their website https://www.wpxi.com/school-closings.

Dear People of Grace, Thank you so much for the Christmas gift. We are all humbled by your generosity. Thank you for allowing us to share our musical gifts with you. —Acclamation of Grace

Dear Grace @ Calvary Lutheran

Church,

Thank you for your generous

donations of $190, $365, and $20

for the Kids’ Weekend Backpack

Program. Many students go home to a

house with little or no food supplies.

They may receive breakfast and lunch

at school during the week, but when

the weekends come they may be

limited as to how much they have to

eat. This program has been designed

to assist students in all K-4

elementary schools who may be in

need of weekend food supplies. We

appreciate your continued support.

The program is funded by donations.

Its volunteers include current and

retired teachers, parents, and

community members.

Sincerely, The Kids’ Weekend

Backpack Program Committee and

the Golden Tornado Scholastic

Foundation, Inc.

Dear Grace @ Calvary, Thank you for your donation of $37.50. With help from concerned churches like you, we are able to keep the cost of

our community meal down. Thus we are able to help more people who may not otherwise be blessed with a healthy meal. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. —The Rev. Kimberly van Driel First English Lutheran Church, Butler

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NOTES FROM THE

CHURCH OFFICE

2018 YEAR-END GIVING STATEMENTS The 2018 statements were made available in January and the remaining statements were mailed on January 29th. If you did not receive yours and believe you should have, please contact Renee in the church office. Likewise, if you notice a discrepancy, call Renee. We graciously thank you for your continued support of the ministries of Grace during 2018!

KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION UP-TO-DATE Do you anticipate an address change? Did your telephone number change, or maybe you added a cell phone or email address? Keeping up-to-date records of our members and visitors of Grace is essential when communicating with you and/or your families. If you have information to share or be updated, notify the church office as soon as possible.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The deadline to submit information for the upcoming newsletter is always on the 15th of the month. Submissions can be emailed to: gacnews@zoominternet.net, or by calling Renee in the Church Office and providing the information.

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES Every month the Church Council meets and minutes are recorded. Copies of the most recently approved Church Council minutes can be found on the bulletin board outside the Sacristy for you to review. If you would like a hard copy for yourself, please call the Church Office so we may provide you with one. If you have questions, see Pastor Tara or Chuck McMichael, our Council President.

SUPPORT GRACE’S MINISTRIES WHEN YOU

SHOP ONLINE WITH AMAZON SMILE Thank you to all those who support Grace’s ministries by continuing to do your online shopping at SmileAmazon. Using the link below, 0.5% of your purchase can be donated back to Grace @ Calvary. Simply enter this link in your computer browser:

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/25-1031933

YOU MUST USE THE LINK IN ORDER FOR GRACE TO RECEIVE YOUR DONATION!

Sign in using your usual email address and Amazon password.

If you have any questions, please call Renee in the church office and she can walk you through the process.

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Well, it’s a new year, and I find

myself president of the church

council. I’ve held this position twice

before, so at January’s council

meeting I explained that I was

probably out of beginner’s luck. The

pastor graciously countered that “the

third time’s the charm.” So, we’ll see

what happens.

To gain inspiration, I decided to look

for previous instances of a Charles in

charge. In England, King Charles I

(1600–1649) reigned for 24 years.

Then he was beheaded. Not a good

example. However, his son

reclaimed the throne and ruled as

Charles II. The 2nd Earl of Rochester

gave him this job approval rating:

We have a pretty witty king,

Whose word no man relies on;

He never said a foolish thing,

Nor ever did a wise one.

Again, not encouraging.

There’s never been a U.S. president

named Charles, nor a pope. So,

nothing to draw on there.

Charles the Great (742-814),

commonly known as Charlemagne,

did pretty well in Europe, but among

his descendants was Charles the Fat,

Charles the Bald, and Charles the

Simple. (You can google it.) I prefer to

ignore that family entirely.

Finally, rather than gaining

inspiration from the name I was

given at birth, I decided to take

inspiration from the name I was

baptized under. “Then God gave

Christ the highest place and honored

his name above all others. So at the

name of Jesus everyone will bow

down, those in heaven, on earth, and

under the earth.” (Philippians 2:9-

10).

I look forward to working with you in

the coming year. Together, in the

name of Jesus, we will attempt great

things. And with God’s help, we will

succeed.

PRESIDENT’S REPORT Written by Chuck McMichael

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GLOW @ GRACE: LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!

GLOW FEBRUARY! and BEYOND! This spring we are learning all about Moses! Come one, come all to Grace on February 24th, following Worship, to learn about Moses as a baby (Exodus 1 & 2) through song, art, music, storytelling, service, science and more! Lunch is included. Pick-up time is 1:30 PM. If you need a ride, let Pastor Tara know!

GLOW is Grace’s ministry to/with/for young people ages 5-12 years old.

Kids younger than 5 are welcome to join in the fun, with an adult to accompany them.

SAVE THE DATES! GLOW March is Sunday, March 17th

GLOW April is Sunday, April 7th GLOW May is Sunday, May 5th

BALM YOUTH GROUP The BALM Youth Group will be gathering at First English Lutheran Church, Butler, on Sunday, February 10th, from 6:30-8:30 PM.

The Balm Youth Group will be meeting with the teens from the Lutheran churches in Allison Park and Wexford for faith-filled fun and fellowship on Sunday, February 17th (Time TBD).

All young people in the 7th-12th grades are invited to join in the Youth Group fun. Up to date announcements and information are sent through our BALM Youth Group email and text lists. If you would like to be added to these d-lists, let Pastor Tara know!

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BALM 21+ YOUNG ADULTS GATHERING

Because of the Super Bowl on February 3rd, the usual Young Adults Gathering has been cancelled for February. If you have questions about our ministry with young adults, see Pastor Tara.

MAPLE SYRUP DAY AT LUTHERLYN: March 2, 2019 This program features winter tree identification, tapping a maple tree, collecting sap, and observing the evaporation process. Dress to be outside. Due to the popularity of our Maple Sugaring program two

sessions are being offered. There will be a morning session from 9:30 AM - Noon, and an afternoon session from 1:00 - 3:30 PM. Please register for one session only by calling Lutherlyn or visiting their website. Cost: $7.00 per person (children ages 4 and under are free). Payment will be collected at the event. This fee includes the program, snacks, and beverages. To Register contact the Environmental Education office at (724) 865-9079 or leep@lutherlyn.com. Registration deadline: March 1.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! CAMP registration begins FEBRUARY 1st! Plan ahead and get ready to register. You can learn more about this summer's camp schedule, costs, or view frequently asked questions by visiting their website at: http://www.lutherlyn.com/summercamp/, or by calling Lutherlyn directly. Their staff is happy to answer any questions you may have about our programs. After you register please email Kellie Rodgers, Grace’s Lutherlyn Ambassador, at spsquirrel21@gmail.com with the name of camp you will be attending and which week. Lutherlyn's Office Hours: Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Phone: 724-865-216 / Email: registrar@lutherlyn.com

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Call Dixie Fleeger (724-285-6758) with requests. If you would like to be added to the list to receive Prayer Chain requests, let Dixie know.

If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, we would like to include them in the Grace @ Calvary Prayer Chain.

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING…

FEBRUARY GOLDEN AGERS

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

to the February Golden Agers!

4 Ruth Simmons 128 Caldwell Dr. Butler, PA 16001 6 Mary Lou Wright 403 Franklin St. Butler, PA 16001

7 Don Thompson 100 New Haven Lane Apt. J203 Butler, PA 16001

Don Bauman

Carson Leigh Blanda

Betty Bottles

Michele Bowman

Kristin Brant

Dot Burris

Kim Christie

Greg Crotzer

Kathy Cuffman

Mary Fleming

Rosalie Forsythe

Cheryl Gilliland

Daryl Goas

Ray Greenert

Norma Harmon

Diana Kapp

Sharon Macklin

Rusty Morrow

Jennifer McGuire

Mason Riehl

Harry Sintz

Kitty Walker

Melissa Wood

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3 Deacon Acolyte Usher Team 5 PowerPoint

Matt Gilliland Micah Bish Chuck Rodgers Sydni Rodgers Julie Schmeider

10 Deacon Acolyte Usher Team 1 PowerPoint

Matt Gilliland Brady Lyon Adam Fry Barb Wiefling Julie Schmeider

17 Deacon Acolyte Usher Team 2 PowerPoint

Chuck McMichael Carrie O’Day Sandy Dimit Scott Dimit Jennifer Bartek

24 Deacon Acolyte Usher Team 3 PowerPoint

Chuck McMichael Sydni Rodgers Gary Benn Nancy Benn Jennifer Bartek

Altar Guild — Bev Cowen

SERVING IN FEBRUARY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR ALTAR GUILD! What is the purpose of Altar Guild? To care for the altar and its furnishings and linens, and to prepare communion for each service. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for one week a month, two weeks of a month, or an entire month. This requires setting up and cleaning up for communion. All supplies are in the sacristy and training will be provided. All volunteers will be greatly appreciated! Please contact Bev Cowen if you would like more information.

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1 Black History Month Give thanks for our

sisters and brothers of African descent, who have both suffered much and contributed much to our nation and the ongoing work of building a multicultural church and restoring and reconciling communities in the name of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

2 Give thanks for children and youth in our

lives and congregations, for the gifts they bring to the body of Christ and for the leaders, teachers and members who nurture and encourage them.

3 The good news of Jesus Christ, God’s love

and the promise of eternal life bring us joy, but we sometimes find ourselves troubled and irritated by God’s desire for us to exercise justice and peace and immerse ourselves in serving our neighbors in need – without hesitation or prejudice. Pray the Holy Spirit will work in our hearts to change our attitudes, bias and self-centeredness, setting us free to be willing, committed disciples and servants in the world.

4 Remember in prayer regions of the world

embroiled in conflict and turmoil, that leaders of nations and people involved and impacted will work together for peaceful, just and lasting resolution and reconciliation; pray especially for the safety and well-being of people who have and continue to suffer loss, disrupted lives and displacement from

their homes, communities or nations as a result of violence, persecution or economic collapse in these areas.

5 Remember in prayer ELCA missionaries

serving in collaboration with the Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church, especially in ministries of evangelism and education. Give thanks and pray for the 18 international leaders who have received ELCA educational scholarships to further develop their skills for service in the church in Japan.

6 What is love? Where is it scarce or

misguided in our relationships and how we live out our faith? Ask God to deepen and mature our understanding of love and center us in the love we, as baptized children of God, are called to share generously with others.

7 Thank God for the special relationship we

have with the Episcopal Church, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1999; pray for the church, its members and leaders, and that together we find strength and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor.

8 The Lord is our refuge, rock, protection,

hope and trust throughout life. Give thanks and praise!

9 Give thanks for the work and impact of

ELCA World Hunger. Pray we all seek ways of being working, generous partners in

PRAYER VENTURES — FEBRRUARY 2019 These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of

the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world.

Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.

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breaking the cycle of hunger and poverty, providing immediate and long-term assistance, and bringing hope to individuals, communities and regions of the world that suffer from hunger and poverty.

10 Consider what stirred you to follow

Jesus and grow in faith. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with courage and confidence to invite others to believe and follow.

11 Pray for our seven ELCA seminaries,

that their faculty and staff are strengthened, inspired and sustained in their work of preparing men and women for public ministry in a multitude of contexts and communities here and around the world.

12 Give thanks for entrepreneurs of all

ages in our congregations, and pray we value their energy, ideas, skills, curiosity and creative perspectives as assets that can be used for ministry and serving our neighbor.

13 Called by God to serve as a prophet,

Isaiah felt ill-equipped, reluctant and that he was a poor choice for the task – until God’s spirit moved him to reply, “Here I am; send me!” Pray we are open to the work God is calling us to do in our congregations, communities and the world, and, in spite of our hesitations and insecurities, are able to trust God’s forgiveness and empowering love by responding, “Here I am; send me!”

14 ELCA gifts and offerings support

leadership development, education and

collaboration in China. We partner with the local church and organizations to respond to health, hunger and leadership development needs; 10 international leaders have received scholarships to further develop their skills for service in the church in China. Give thanks to God for what we are able to accomplish through working together.

15 Give thanks for the good news of Jesus

Christ that we have received through faith, and pray we eagerly and unashamedly work to proclaim the gospel in the world with all who will listen – with friends and strangers alike.

16 Continue to pray for and support

parents, families, friends and communities that have suffered the tragic loss of loved ones as a result of gun violence. Pray we are filled with empathy and care for the long and difficult healing they may go through, and that the Holy Spirit will help us be bold, wise agents and advocates of change to prevent and end the violence across our nation.

17 Jesus compels us to serve our neighbor

and be a blessing to others – friends, strangers, enemies, outcasts, hungry and poor alike. Thank God for inviting us to join in God’s work in the world and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and help with the service and challenges to which we have been called.

18 Martin Luther, died 1546: Give thanks

for the life, faith and teachings of Martin Luther, who worked with tenacity and

PRAYER VENTURES (Continued on next page)

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courage to serve Christ while also confessing his personal struggles, questions and human weaknesses; pray we, too, are faithful in our baptismal journeys and not easily discouraged by the complexities of life, risks and our self-doubts.

19 Lift up thanks and praise for our life

with God, a life filled with promise, hope and blessings that nourish us each and every day; a life and relationship that God desires for all people.

20 Pray members and leaders of our

congregations are bold yet humble servants of Christ who embrace ongoing self-reflection, study of Scripture, evaluation, prayerful conversation and creative planning for the purpose of doing God’s work in the world and growing the church.

21 Pray we find joy, wisdom and

nourishment in following the word and paths of God in the midst of everything else competing for attention and influence in our lives.

22 Praise God for revealing to the world

the risen Christ who is not bound by the consequences of human sin and death, but instead gifts us – through faith – with the truth and certainty of God’s love, forgiveness and eternal life.

23 Give thanks for the energetic

participation in “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday each fall and for the resulting partnerships and community service that stretch throughout the year.

24 Ask God to help us listen to and wrap

our lives around the straightforward teachings of Jesus that implore us to be merciful, generous, love our enemies, do good to those who hate us and not judge others – attitudes and actions that may not come easily to us.

25 Give thanks for the Deaconess

Community, a Christ-centered community of women who devote their lives to proclaiming the gospel through ministries of mercy and servant leadership in diverse community and ministry contexts.

26 Remember God’s love and forgiveness,

and pray we are moved to demonstrate the same grace and forgiveness – as Joseph did with his brothers who sold him into slavery – with people with whom we have experienced offense, conflict or broken relationships.

27 Give thanks for the Research and

Evaluation services of our church, which assist congregations and synods in exploring their communities, demographics and trends, ministry opportunities and challenges, and provide resources and insights for planning and renewing ministries.

28 What have you been worrying about

lately? Share your concerns with God; trust in the Lord, be still, don’t fret and go about doing good in the world. Prayer Ventures also posts on our Facebook page on a daily basis at: www.facebook.com/graceatcalvary/

PRAYER VENTURES (Continued from previous page)

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