v o l u m e 44 i s s u e 8 a u g u s t 2 0 1 4 pastor’s...

Worship Services

Sunday at 9 & 11 am

Wednesday at 6:45 pm

Adult Education

Tuesday Night Bible

Study with Pastor Jim 7pm

V O L U M E 4 4 I S S U E 8 A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

Spirit Matters

So… how’s your story-telling ability? We

all have a story to tell — and the ones that

come from the heart are the best! I was reminded of this recently when talking

with one of our members. She said NOT to

ever expect her to talk with others about the

Christian faith. She felt that was the pas-

tor’s job, since they had all the “training.”

I couldn’t disagree more!

True, not all of us may possess the gift of

evangelism, but all of us can “share our story”. Each of us can be a witness - to share

from our own heart how we have come to experience the love & grace of God. And we

definitely do not have to be theological students to do that!!

So, if you’ve got some extra time this summer, set aside a few minutes and jot down

some thoughts as to how you have come to the place you are today in your journey of

faith. Who were the persons that were instrumental in helping you to that place of

faith? What did they do that was especially helpful? Was it an easy or difficult proc-

ess? What were some of the obstacles that hindered your faith development?

And if you are willing, we would love to have your share those thoughts, either in writ-

ing or verbally, with your Grace Family. This fall, we hope to have a feature page each

month in the newsletter where various members and friends of the Grace Family have a

chance to share their “story”. For you see, we truly do learn, grow, and are strength-

ened as we hear from and share with others… at least I know how true that is for me.

And yes, I know that as Lutherans, we historically have been very private people… not

accustomed to talking about one’s faith. But thank God, that is changing! (DID

SOMEONE SAY CHANGE?????)

We all benefit in hearing from, and being encouraged by others… as we each “share

our stories”… and I hope that YOU will be one of those who will seriously consider

sharing! Please know that we have a marvelous treasure within these earthen vessels of

ours, but for most Christians, it is the world’s best kept secret!

So let’s not just keep it to ourselves. May God give us a holy boldness to be willing to

share our story of God’s wondrous love, grace and mercy as we have experienced it.

May we never forget that we each have a story to tell!

Grace Church

Rev. James S. Maines,

Pastor

4427 Overland Culver City, CA 90230 [email protected] www.GraceCulver.org (310) 559-1027

PASTOR’S PAGE

Thank you all for giving so joyfully, graciously, and sacrificially

of your time, talent and “treasure” to the mission and ministries of Grace Church!

Why We Give

“We give primarily because we love the loving and faithful community that Grace provides to

us and especially to our children and the other children in our larger community. We could

never begin to give back as much as we receive!”

John and Lila Swenson

P A G E 2

Grace Diner, a free meal for

our neighbors in need MONDAYS Set up 3pm-4:30pm

Serving 4:30-6pm Clean up 5 to 7pm

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

PLEASE help us run smoothly by contacting Johna Miller so you can be scheduled:

(310)837-8264 [email protected]

From Lisa & Marina Special thanks to all the young adults and youth whose help has been indispensible this summer! We are so grateful for their dedication and hard work with all the children, preparation, set up and running of camps (and more!). Maddie & Max Krueger, Tom & Colin Tidwell, Bailey Clark, Sarah Paris, Claire Skelley, Georgia Wehbi, Isabel Cortes, Emma Baker, Sami King, Katie Garner, Alexis Andrew, Khamiya Tirrell, Laura and Clara Schaffer, Lulu Trevino, William Sick, Skylar Lima, and Scott Johnson . . .

Also special thanks to adult helpers for upcoming Vacation Bible Camp: Johna Miller, Margey Whalen, Christine Johnson, Grace Elliott, Ken Smith. God bless you all!

Kimberley Elder 08/02 Johna Miller 08/02 Rowen Bilbrey 08/03 Thomas Tidwell 08/04 Megan Hayes 08/12 Margaret Gottschalk 08/14

Lynda Harrold 08/17 Keeshawn Andrew 08/18 Helen Evans-Simon 08/19 Erna Guy 08/19 Ken Smith 08/27 Patricia Trelinski 08/28

August Birthdays

Fellowship Fun at the Hollywood Bowl!

Sunday, August 24 5:30pm Picnic 7:30pm Concert

The Beatles’ 50th ! See Ken Smith or Grace Elliott for ticket prices and availability

Prayer Ministry Prayer Ministry Prayer Ministry

P A G E 3

August HighlightsAugust Highlights

August 4—8—Vacation Bible Camp THE best camp all summer! Kids learn about God’s love in this hands-on, sing-ing, dancing, crafting week-long camp. Room still available for kids ages 4 to 12. Please help us spread the word (and the WORD). August 11-15—Party/Robot Camp Saturday Aug 16 Habitat for Humanity BUILD DAY Contact Marty Hente for infor-mation: [email protected] AUGUST 22 & 23: Picture-taking appointments for NEW PHOTO DIRECTORY. Contact the office for appt: 310-559-1027

August 23 & 24—Fiesta La Ballona. Volunteers needed to host our informa-tion booth. Men, women and youth all welcome to help out for 2 hour incre-ments. Contact the office to sign up! 310-559-1027 or [email protected]

August 24 — Hollywood Bowl Concert of Beatles music. Fun, fellowship, picnic under the stars. All are welcome to join this all-Church outing! Tickets available from Ken Smith or Grace Elliott. August 25 — CC schools start!!! August 27—Council Meeting at 7:30pm in the Fireside Room. All are welcome to attend. Sunday August 31—ONE SERVICE at

10am. In honor of Labor Day weekend. The office will be closed on Monday, but Grace Diner will still take place from 4:30-6pm.

Patti & Sean Baker Paula Boelsems Ben Calengaert Sarah Danner Betty Davis Lynn Erickson Marion Firnhaber Elaine Goodyear Margaret Gottschalk Larry Green Betty Gregory

Craig Heath Sem. Stephen Jahn Lorene Jones Margie Joy Brenda Langdon ILeung Margaret Lowe Pr Fred McElderry Pr Jim Maines Joanie Maines Pastor Carlos Paiva

Brian & Cherie Parks Albert Prabhu Nancy Reeves Savannah Ridgely Molly Stewart Pat Trelinski Walden family Our Sister Churches here in Los Angeles and in El Salvador

In the Military John Meyers Natalie Meyers Brenna Miller Sean Sloan Freddie Wilson Don’t forget your Secret Prayer Partner!

EL SALVADOR Thank you to all who made “El Salvador Sunday” on June 1st a success! The raffle, jewelry and craft sales and pupusa and other donations totaled $546 which covered our costs and provided a great start for our annual El Salvador fund. Special thanks to the team that made it all happen – Jessica Carroll, Linda Hanna, Betty Karlburg, Lois Mulleneaux, Lu Peterson, Linda Wehbi and Nancy Watson in addition to Pastor Ellen and Bob Jennrich. During the month of July we collected donations to take on the mission trip July 31-August 11. We are setting up a medi-cal clinic there with over-the-counter medicines donated by the church. We have other supplies and about $1500 that will go to better the lives of the members of our El Salvador “Sister Churches.” Look for a full report from Pastor Ellen when she returns mid-month.

Habitat for Humanity

Thank you to our Youth group who are taking part in Habitat for Humanity by designing and selling re-usable grocery bags, with all proceeds going to the 2015 Habitat for Humanity project which is to build ten

(10) homes here in Culver City. Check them out between services on Sunday. The cost is $4.00/bag. Upcoming Build Days: August 16, Sept 20, and Oct 18. Work has begun on the 2014 Thrivent Financial Habitat for Humanity home in Long Beach. On July 26, Brad and William Sick, Mark Kleinman and Elaine and Marty Hente, along with a group from West-chester Lutheran church, were able to frame and set the first four walls of the new home. The next

build day is August 16th and we can use a few more volunteers to help. Also be sure and check out the photo boards in the narthex from the 2013 build, and look for the sign-up sheets there as well. There is something that everyone can do to help, so do not be afraid to step forward and sign up.

How about giving up a restaurant meal, a movie, or that Starbuck’s coffee one day a week and contribute what you would spend to Habitat for Humanity? There is a donation jar in the narthex for just such purposes. Save your loose change every night and bring it in on Sunday. Remember that all contributions given through Grace Lutheran are tax deduc-table. Above all, continue to pray that this ministry will be a blessing to the family and the work-ers, and that, through Habitat for Humanity, God’s kingdom may be furthered.

If you have more questions, you may contact our Habitat for Humanity Congregational Champion, Marty Hente by e-mail at [email protected], or by phone at (310)559-2187.

Grace Notes Sponsorships are $25 per month to help the church defray the cost of materials and postage. Please sign up in the

Narthex. The August issue of Grace Notes is sponsored by:

Bernice & Roy Mathison in honor of their grandkids

P A G E 4

P A G E 5

Picture Directory!! Photo dates :August 22 & 23 or September 26 & 27

Free 8x10 and Directory (20% off optional package

if you sign up for August)

Please contact the office for appointment:

[email protected] or 310-559-1027

A message from your Church Council President: As we continue to enjoy summer and all that we have to celebrate at Grace Lutheran Church, I am always amazed about the wonderful gifts the staff (thank you to Marina and Lisa in particu-lar) and members of our church continue to give. This summer we are not only been blessed with VBS but also with our other summer camps focusing on the arts. Our children and the children of the community certainly are blessed. Please continue to give each week/month during the summer months… our wonderful pro-grams and staff are working to meet the needs of our church community especially in the sum-mer. The Christian Service Committee is collecting donated backpacks, small calculators, graphing paper, and any other school supplies for children from our sister church, Angelica Lutheran. Students particularly need supplies for use at home…makes a huge difference in completing assignments (can’t let go of my “teacher hat” on this one!). LAUSD students begin August 12, so please keep that in mind. Grace Diner continues to grow and meet needs of members of our community who are in the midst of difficult times. A special thank you to Ken Smith, Lisa Skelley, Grace Elliott and all the other “angels” in our midst providing this wonderful ministry. Our Property Committee works diligently to ensure that our church plant is being taken care of…every month something is being repaired or replaced. Thank you, John and Terry! This is just a “taste” of what has been going on…we are a blessed church!

Blessings and love to all! —Barbara Knipple Bilbao

Nancy Watson – Christian Service Education – Johna Miller

Fellowship and Outreach – Grace Elliot, Ken Smith, Brenda Langdon Property and Support – John Ziegler, Terry Grimm

Stewardship and Finance – Jerry Gottschalk, Ken Smith Worship and Music – Len Lovgren

Youth – Personnel – Nancy Watson

August ROSTER

If you are unable to make your assigned time, please find a replacement and contact the office with the information.

August 10

9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Asst Minister Ron Engen Katie Parks

Com. Asst Leah Wouters Patti Baker

Lector Betty Davis Katie Parks

Cantor J.Snodgrass /S.Rosenstein

J.Snodgrass /S.Rosenstein

Crucifer Leah Wouters Patty Baker

Acolyte Evan Miller TBD

Kid’s Sermon Ron Engen Ron Engen

Altar Guild M Zamorano M Tidwell

Greeters Tbd Tidwell

TBD = to be determined Can you help? Please let us know!

August 17 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Asst Minister Lila Swenson Michelle Moreno

Com. Asst Betty Davis Jessica Carroll

Lector MJ Petersen Jerry Gottschalk

Cantor Tara Alexander Tara Alexander

Crucifer Hayden O’Brien Jessica Carroll

Acolyte Finn & Brendon Isabel Cortes

Kid’s Sermon Patti Millett Patti Millett

Altar Guild M Zamorano Ginny MacInnis

Greeters O’Brien Family Erna Guy

August 3

9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Asst Minister Tom Hayes Patti Baker

Com. Asst Carol Hayes Betty Davis

Lector Leah Wouters MJ Peterson

Cantor Madeleine Krueger Madeleine Krueger

Crucifer Carol Hayes Betty Davis

Acolyte TBD TBD

Kid’s Sermon Tom Hayes PJ

Altar Guild M Zamorano Ginny MacInness

Greeters Ron Engen Margie Joy

All y’all are OUR

blessings! Thank you

for serving in God’s

house.

August 24 9:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Asst Minister Marty Hente Keeshawn Andrew

Com. Asst Elaine Hente Elaine Hente

Lector Marty Hente Keeshawn Andrew

Cantor Sherry Hutson / Michelle Garcia Lacy

Sherry Hutson / Michelle Garcia Lacy

Crucifer Elaine Hente Alexis Andrew

Acolyte TBD April & Livy Andrew

Kid’s Sermon Brad Sick Brad Sick

Altar Guild M Tidwell Pam Snodgrass

Greeters Elliott & Sick Mayberry Family

August 31 ONE SERVICE—-10:00 a.m.

Asst Minister Ron Engen

Com. Asst Betty Davis

Lector Ron Engen

Cantor Emily Reppun

Crucifer Claire Skelley

Acolyte Bram Skelley

Kid’s Sermon Ron Engen

Altar Guild Barbara Jefferson

Greeters TBD

P A G E 6

Sunday Mon Tues Wedn Th Fr Sat

1 2

3 Worship Services at 9 & 11am

4 4-6:30pm Grace Diner

5 7pm-Pastor’s Bible Study

6 6pm Potluck 6:45 Praise Service

7 12pm Office Angels Charity Sewing 7pm (and easy assembly!)

8

9

10 Worship Services at 9 & 11am VBS Sunday!!



13 6pm Potluck 6:45 Praise Service

14 12pm Office Angels

25

16 HABITAT BUILD DAY

17 Worship Services at 9 & 11am



20 6pm Potluck 6:45Praise Service


22 PICTURES for PHOTO DIRECTORY __________ Set up for Fiesta La Ballona 4pm

23 PICTURES for PHOTO DIRECTORY __________ FIESTA LA BALLONA BOOTH IN VETS PARK

24 Services 9 & 11am 5:30 Hollywood Bowl Concert _____________ 31 ONE SERVICE 10am

25 4-6:30pm Grace Diner CCUSD Schools start up


27 6pm Potluck 6:45Praise Service 7:30 COUNCIL


29 30

P A G E 7

Phone: (310) 559-1027 or

(310) 559-1028

E-mail: [email protected]

www.GraceCulver.org

Grace Church

4427 Overland Ave

Culver City, CA 90230

Grace is the Place!

We’re on the Web! www.GraceCulver.org

www.facebook.com/GraceCulver

August 4—8—Vacation Bible Camp THE best camp all summer! Kids learn about God’s love in this hands-on, singing, dancing, crafting week-long camp. Room still available for kids ages 4 to 12. Please help us spread the word (and the WORD).

Photo dates August 22 & 23 or September 26 & 27

Free 8x10 and Directory

(20% off optional package if you sign up for August)

Please contact the office for

appointment: [email protected] or

310-559-1027

August 23 & 24 Fiesta La Ballona Volunteers needed to host our information booth. Men, women and youth all welcome to help out for 2 hour increments. Contact the office to sign up! 310-559-1027 or [email protected]

v o l u m e 44 i s s u e 8 a u g u s t 2 0 1 4 pastor’s...

Documents