MAY 2019

Worship Schedule

Saturday, 5:00 pm and Sunday, 9:00 am

Mission Statement

“Bringing the Spirit of Grace to all people”

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpiritOfGraceSCG/

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Spirit of Grace

Lutheran Church 15820 W. Clearview Blvd.

Surprise, AZ 85374

Phone:623-977-6000

Staff

Rev. Harold Stromer Interim Pastor

pastorharold@spiritofgrace.com

Linda Stratman

Director of Parish Life

linda@spiritofgrace.com

Gerry White

Director of Finance & Administration

gerry@spiritofgrace.com

Glenn Schultz Accountant

glenn@spiritofgrace.com

Deborah Frusciano Faith Community Nurse

deborah@spiritofgrace.com

Sheila Marlow

Secretary/Receptionist sheila@spiritofgrace.com

In the of Sun City Grand

www.spiritofgrace.com

Worship Hours

Saturday at 5:00 pm Sunday at 9:00 am

Education Hour

Wednesday Bible Study

10:00 am

Office Hours

8:30 to 4:00 Monday—Thursday 8:30—12:00 Friday

Staff—Continued

Fred Bornhoeft

Director of Music

Ken Carnes

Choir Director

Georgette Harper & Elaine Indahl

Accompanists

Starting May 5th

Only one Worship Service

on Sunday — 9:00 am

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Dear Friends in Christ and Partners in Ministry:

H e was on his way back to where it all started, where any-thing of significance had to get started—Jerusalem. It was were the wise men

had come some 30 years before, searching for the birth announced in the heavens by a star. It was where he had begun his own personal search at the age of

twelve “in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.” It was where it had to end if the journey of his life was to mean anything.

And so after obtaining an unlikely mount—a donkey colt—he made his reentry. Actually, it was quite an impressive entrance with people gathering to greet him,

crowds grabbing palm branches to wave like pom-poms, laying down their coats in lieu of a red carpet, shouting their “hosannas” and their “hallelujahs.” He was quite

literally treated like a king! “Blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord!” they

even shouted.

It meant something alright. The question was, “What?” Was this “reentry burn” just

another “flash in the heavens” even more fleeting than the star that the wise men couldn’t seem to keep in their sights? Was this nothing more than what Andy Warhol

was to call, some 2000 years later, the “15 minutes of fame” that everyone gets?

So it would seem from all appearances. “How quickly they forget!” some Hollywood star—I forget who—lamented. Such was the staying power of Jesus’ following. Five

short days later those who were calling for his coronation were crying for his blood. A meteor flash. No more.

Is that all that this life amounts? Do you have days when you wonder that about your own life? A “flash in the heavens” is too grandiose. A “flash in the pan” is more like it.

We set our face toward a goal and five minutes later some momentary distraction or temporary frustration has gotten us off the course. And even if we are able to sustain

any kind of concentrated effort toward a meaningful end, those we depend on for support—maybe even those on whose behalf we are working—turn away.

The star that blazed up on Sunday burned out on Friday. That’s true as far as the

story goes. But there was more to the story!

There was another day coming! The blaze of a new star was just beneath the horizon! Its power to illumine was not from the brief friction it generated while it was passing

by. It was the light itself, the light at the center of things, the light of eternity shining through. It was the Light of the World, God working in Jesus! When it’s dark, don’t

give up before the Son-rise!

A FLASH IN THE PAN

or

THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD?

Happy Easter Season!

Pastor Harold

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RACHEL’S DAY 2019

Saturday and Sunday May 4th and 5th – Gifts for Child Crisis Arizona

Since 2010, Spirit of Grace Rachel's Day project has been to collect items for children

in need. I would love to say that there is no longer a need, but the truth is that there

are still many children that do not have even their basic needs met and live a life

where violence and neglect are prevalent. So once again we will be collecting items to

help the neediest of God’s children.

The items we collect will be delivered to Child Crisis Arizona. Last year we delivered a

truck full of items and gift cards and cash totaling $1965.00 that was put to the fund

for purchasing new beds for the two locations. For that generosity—and the help I

know you will supply this year—I wish to thank you.

Below you will see a list of the items that are on their wish list for this year, please re-

member that all items must be new and clothing should be conservative. Tables are

in the Narthex to accept your donations.

Make Checks for cash donations payable to Child Crisis Arizona.

The most needed items at this time are

Diapers size 6 & 7 only; Pull-ups size 4T/5T only

Wipes

Gift Cards for Target, Wal-Mart, etc., as well as grocery stores

Cribs - Pack ’n Plays

Strollers - Single and Double

Cash donations will go to the fund for

items 4 and 5, their large ticket needs for

this year.

Other Needed Items

Clothing – Both Genders - Summer items sizes for Kindergarten & up are the most

needed at this time:

• Short sleeve shirts • Shorts

• Athletic shoes Continued on following page

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RACHEL’S DAY 2019

Saturday and Sunday May 4th and 5th – Gifts for Child Crisis Arizona

Arts & Crafts:

• Washable glue, bottles & sticks

• Washable paint & brushes, watercolors, finger paint, tempera, etc.

• Washable markers, colored pencils, crayons • Play Dough

If you can staff the donation tables or you

have any questions, please call Debra at

623-933-6829.

Debra Cunningham

Former member Gail Logan passed away February 14th. She was a member from

January 2006 to July 2015 when she moved to Davisburg, Michigan, to be near her

children.

Jim & Elaine Granack celebrated

their 67th wedding anniversary on

April 26th.

We’d like to remember your special day—

birthday, anniversary, etc. Just let Linda

know at linda@spiritofgrace.com

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* * * New Bible Study * * * Beginning Wednesday, May 1st

In the Fellowship Hall at 10:00

Throughout the month of May, Dr. Carroll Osburn will conduct a

study of the Apostle Paul’s interesting and important, but rarely-

read Epistle to Titus and his scarcely referenced Letter to Philemon.

In four sessions, Carroll will put us into the first century context by

reading the Epistle to Titus against the particularly difficult Cretan

culture where Titus was a missionary. Read in this way, Titus has

vital meaning for contemporary Christians.

Then, Paul’s letter to Philemon, a Colossian Christian, will focus on

advice regarding Philemon’s legal versus Christian treatment of

Onesimus, a returned but now Christian runaway slave.

· May 1st “One Day on Crete” (Titus 1:1-5)

· May 8th “Cretan Leadership” (Titus 1:6-16)

· May 15th “Cretan Life-Style” (Titus 2:1-15)

· May 22nd “Titus and the Cretans” (Titus 3:1-15)

· May 29th Paul’s Letter to Philemon (vv. 1-25)

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At the April 18 Council meeting, a proposed survey for

the members of Spirit of Grace was reviewed. It is

intended as a building block of information re: SOG’s

strengths, weaknesses, and dreams as we continue to

grow. We expect to issue the survey this Fall upon the

return of most of our members and visitors. The survey

can be quickly and easily completed on paper or electroni-

cally, and will be completely confidential. This is a first step

in our Strategic/Long Range Planning process for the

church.

Our financial position remains very strong, with offerings ahead of budgeted income

and expenses below. Attendance also continues strong, running slightly ahead of last

year.

Easter fell nearly a month later this year, and we wish safe travel to all the summer

travelers, many of whom are already on the move.

The Call Committee has been conducting interviews for a new Senior Pastor, but we do

not have any further information or announcements at this time. Please keep the Call

process, and the committee members in your prayers.

The Council welcomes your questions and comments. Please take the opportunity to

introduce yourself to any of our members, who can be identified by their white name

tags.

Dave Sitzman, President

Sue Kopcha Dick Lyda Phyllis Borchardt Spence Videon Robin Aguilar

Vicki McCarville Richard Johnson Treedah Magee Pastor Strommer

As of March 31, 2019:

Income $238,405

Expense 185,491

Mortgage balance: $874,960

Members: 837 Individuals

518 Households Gerry White

Director of Finance

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Continued on page 4

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FOOD INGATHERING

MAY 4-5

Always the first full weekend of the month

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

If you are new to Spirit of Grace, we invite you to attend a

Welcome Session with Director of Parish Life Linda Stratman.

You will meet other prospective members, learn more about the

mission and vision of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, and

discover the various opportunities to serve and become involved

in the life of the parish community. Everyone is invited to

attend.

Our next Welcome Session is Thursday, May 16th at 10:00. Call the church

office at 977-6000 for more information or to indicate your interest in Spirit of Grace.

Beginning May 5

Our Summer Worship Time is

at 9:00 on Sunday Morning—

Continued on following page

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Continued from preceding page

PIZZA & BINGO — May 19th at 5:30

Tickets for one of our favorite activities are available

now after worship services or in the office for only $5.

Doors open at 5:15—Pizza served at 5:30 followed by

several Bingo games.

Prizes are gift cards to local establishments.

MEN’S BREAKFAST — May 21st

The final Men’s Breakfast of the Winter/

Spring season will be held on Tuesday

May 21 at 8:00. Sign-up instruction will

be in the weekend bulletins of May 11/12

and 18/19. Cost for this continental style

breakfast is $4.00. We hope to see you

there!

Adult Vacation Bible School - August 13-16

We are blessed to have Cyndy Warnier as the devotion-

al leader for our Adult Vacation Bible School again this

year. Her program is entitled “A "Rubber-Ducky Swim

with Jonah!” Our crafters are busy coordinating user-

friendly projects for our crafts time; donations of

goodies are being solicited; and we have lined up guest

speakers from Benevilla, Boswell Health Care, New Leaf

Riverboat Acres, and the Surprise Fire Department.

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WOMEN OF SPIRIT OF GRACE May 2019

CIRCLE MEETINGS

For Gather’s May 2019 intergenerational devotional, the Rev. Christa von Zychlin

brings us “Two way blessings,” a study of intergenerational relationships in Scripture.

“One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” Psalm 145:4.

Looking at the stories of Miriam, Anna and Simeon, as well as the miracle feeding of the 5,000, we’ll see how God uniquely shares wisdom among each of us—and how our

lives are enriched in community with all ages!

Bible Circles for Women Meet the 2nd week of the month

Martha Circle – Monday, May 13, 9:30, Meets in Fellowship Hall

Mary Circle – Monday, May 13, 1:00, Linda Pedersen’s home

Rachel Circle – Will resume meeting in November

Elizabeth Circle – Thursday, May 9, 1:00, Church Conference Room

Deborah Circle – Will resume meeting in November

All women are invited to attend and/or join a circle. The Bible study lessons are in

Gather Magazine and extra copies are available for check out in the church library.

Christian Service projects currently planned by circles include donations to Native

American Urban Ministry and box tops to school at Church of Joy and participation in

Rachel’s Day donations.

This symbol - with the cross, water and a white lily - identifies the

women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of

God: baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and

hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty and vital-

ity that rise out of that life-giving baptismal water. The symbol also

reminds us of the mission of the Church to "Go, therefore, make dis-

ciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of

the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19

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April 23 WELCA Email Daily Devotion

Prayer is an ancient language between God and God’s people: spoken, written, sung,

and dreamed. In prayer, we lift up our hearts to God in longing and lament, fear and

unknowing, trust and trepidation, hope, and joy. Prayer connects us to one another

and calls us to be a part of God’s re-imagining for the world.

I struggle with prayer. I can’t find the time or the words or the energy. I have so

much to say and have little patience for listening. But this is the journey. For me, it is

a constant learning and re-learning of how to be with God. It is God’s grace that

draws me, us, in. It is God’s deep longing for us, God’s unquenchable desire to be

connected with us, that gives my heart courage and my life hope.

I can be a person who dares to imagine a God whose heart is filled to overflowing with

love for me, which emboldens me to love others.

This message is adapted from “Faith reflections: Prayers for the first job” written by

Megan Jane Jones that first appeared in the June 2010 issue of Café magazine

(https://womenoftheelca.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?

u=38d837d7f50973ead605ee94e&id=1eadf99363&e=eca9d473c2)

Dates to Remember

• June 11 - Combined Bible Study 9:30 Fellowship Hall

• July 9 - Combined Bible Study 9:30 Fellowship Hall

• 11th Triennial Gathering 2020 in Phoenix, July 16-19, 2020

Following Jesus is messy. Loving one another is justice. We are not perfect. We are one body in Christ. The Gathering 2020 will be held in Phoenix, July 16-19. Just Love is the theme. Watch this spot for more information about the gathering as we add to it or sign up for Bold Con-nections for monthly updates.

Blessings,

Phyllis Borchardt

President

Continued from previous page

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GRATITUDE EXPRESS……

How many times have we thought we would like to ex-

press appreciation for something or someone but never

get to it? If you would like to express gratitude, please

share it with me at ahuston4@cox.net or on a note and

I will post it on here. Annie Huston

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Seder Dinner was educational, moving and extremely well presented. Congratulations and thanks to Dorothy Carnes and

Committee for the planning and hours that were used to pre-

pare all the well thought out details. An excellent addition to our Lenten Journey! ~ Carole Beghein

We would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to

Pastor Harold, the Prayer Bench, Prayer Chain and all of the prayers from our friends in our Spirit of Grace family during

Don’s 9-week radiation therapy for recurring prostate cancer. God Bless you all. ~ Don & Joyce Grover

Many thanks to Dorothy Carnes and the Fellowship Committee

for the wonderful job they did with putting on the Seder Meal. ~ Shelly Lettiere

Thank you Pastor Harold for the Lord’s Prayer Lenten Sermons, they have been excellent! Also am very thankful for

the Special Music during our Saturday evening services. We are truly blessed at Spirit of Grace. ~ Carole Beghein

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Faith Community Nurse Corner

ALLERGIES

Some people come to the desert for relief from allergies. You'll find

people who will tell you that their allergies got worse, and some who'll

tell you that their allergies got better. Some people never had allergies before, but then suffer from allergies after they move to the desert.

What causes so many people to have allergies in the desert? The usual suspects: pollen, dust, and pollution.

Pollen Allergies

About 35% of the people who live in the Phoenix area experience some degree of

Allergic Rhinitis—commonly known as hay fever. If you have hay fever, it means that your body is reacting to pollen or mold by releasing histamines and other chemicals

that cause sneezing, fluid in the eyes and nose, cough, congestion and itchiness.

Generally, pollen from plants with brightly colored flowers do not trigger allergies—the

birds and the bees take care of those. More pollen problems arise with trees, grasses, and weeds. As the growing season in Phoenix is year-round, allergies never seem to

stop for some.

Contrary to some reports that it is non-native plants that are the source of suffering in

Phoenix, but native plants cause allergies, too. Ragweed is one of the most common

allergy-causing plants in the United States and Greater Phoenix has over a dozen native species of ragweed.

20 Native Trees That Cause Allergic Reactions:

African Sumac Arizona Ash

Arizona Cypress Arizona Sycamore

Canary Island Date Palm Chinese Elm

Cottonwood Desert Broom

Desert Fan Palm Feather Palm

Hackberry Juniper

Mesquite Mexican Fan Palm

Mulberry Oak

Olive tree Palo Verde

Pecan Pepper Tree

Continued on following page

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Landscaping

Tumbleweeds may be fun to look at, but that Russian Thistle should be avoided if you

have allergies. When landscaping your yard, try to avoid all grasses and put in desert landscaping instead of grass. Make sure you attack weeds quickly as they sprout, which

they will even in desert rock. Better yet, use a pre-emergent to kill them before they grow.

Dust

Phoenix is a desert: it's dry and it doesn’t rain very often—Phoenix is experiencing a

drought that has lasted over a decade—but there is still agriculture and developments, highway construction, and driving on unpaved lots kicking up that dust. Vacant lands

are covered with dust. During monsoon and a few other times of the year, there are dust storms and dust devils. For people with allergies, that's not good news.

Dust can certainly have an effect on your respiratory system, especially if you have asthma. Coughing, wheezing and teary eyes might be the immediate symptoms,

but Valley Fever could be just around the corner.

There are dust-related allergies. Dust mites eat the microscopic skin dander found on people and animals, then leave droppings. Even a clean home can have dust mites.

The inhaling of dust mite droppings may produce allergic reactions. The humidity in the Phoenix area is usually pretty low, and that's a good thing because dust mites thrive in

higher humidity. If you use an evaporative cooler, be aware that you are creating moisture in which dust mites like to live.

If you have allergies to dust, the message here is clean, clean, clean. Don't just move the dust around! Here are some tips to reduce dust inside your home.

• Vacuum often. Get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter system • Use wet mops and wet dust cloths, never dry ones.

• Keep pets out of the bedroom, and certainly off the bed. • Cover pillows, mattress and box springs with dust-proof casings.

• Reduce the amount of carpet in the house. Use throw rugs that can be regularly washed and dried. Secure throw rugs properly to prevent trip hazards.

• Don't use feather pillows or comforters.

Continued on following page

Continued from preceding page

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Air Pollution

More development, more people, more cars, more concrete means more problems with our air—as the population grows, the air gets worse. The

Phoenix area sits in a valley and, without a lot of rain or wind, the pollutants tend to just hang around in the valley making it uncomfortable for many residents who are

sensitive to it. Eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, coughing, and shortness of breath may result on days when pollution in the area is bad. People with asthma and

other respiratory illnesses are especially at risk on those days.

Air pollutants that we have in Phoenix are usually nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon

monoxide, and particulates. Cars account for most of the problem, and that pollution is worse in the winter when cold air traps the pollution in the Valley. Air pollution

advisories are issued when ozone levels or particulate concentrations are high.

If you have allergic reactions to higher levels of pollution, you may experience

coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and/or fatigue. Here are some tips for you.

• Limit outdoor activity on air pollution advisory days.

• The very young and very old should stay inside on-air pollution advisory days.

• Wear a respiratory mask outside if you are immunocompromised. • Don't participate in strenuous activity on those days.

• Filters and room air cleaners can help reduce indoor particle levels. • Don't smoke, and if you do, don't do it in the house.

• Don't burn wood in your fireplace. • Try not to drive on unpaved roads. If you have to, close your vents and turn on the

a/c to reduce the amount of dust coming into the vehicle.

You can see the daily air quality report and next day forecast online, provided by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. You can even get the air quality notifica-

tions by email.

Note: None of the information here is intended to be medical advice. The details

provided here are general, and factors relating to pollen, dust, and pollution will affect each person differently. Consult a doctor to diagnose and treat any medical condition.

Sources: Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and Southwest Asthma and Allergy from the University of Arizona

Deborah Frusciano

Faith Community Nurse

Continued from preceding page

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By Annie Huston

As Block Watch rep for the Neighborhood Watch program, we are constantly be-

ing advised of current phone scams being perpetrated upon our citizens. Who

doesn’t believe we would be too smart to get fooled into parting with our cash,

but sadly it happens every day to very smart people by crooks tapping into our

emotions. In the coming months I will share some of the many scams with you.

IRS IMPOSTER SCAMS - Here’s how they work:

You get a call from someone who says she’s from the IRS. She says that you owe

back taxes and threatens to sue you, arrest or deport you, or revoke your license

if you don’t pay right away. She tells you to put money on a prepaid debit card

and give her the card numbers…Big Red Flag

The caller may know some of your Social Security number and your caller ID

might show a Washington, DC area code. But is it really the IRS calling?

NO. The real IRS won’t ask you to pay with prepaid debit cards or wire

transfers. They also won’t ask for a credit card over the phone. When the

IRS first contacts you about unpaid taxes, they do it by mail, not by

phone. And caller IDs can be faked.

Here’s what you can do: Don’t wire money or pay with a

prepaid debit card ever!

1. Once you send it, the money is gone. Verify questions directly to the IRS, go to

irs.gov or call the IRS at 800-829-1040.

2. Pass this information on to a friend. You may not have received one of these

calls, but the chances are you know someone who has.

Continued on following page

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SCAMS - Continued from previous page

March 1st – Desert Wren Ct. SCG

Victim reported she received a call from the “Surprise Police Depart-ment” informing her there was a warrant out for her arrest for failing to appear for a Federal Grand Jury. The caller requested she pay $2,000 dollars in “Gift Cards.” The victim completed the transaction, and then the caller requested more money. The victim hung up and contacted the police department to find the call was indeed a scam.

WHAT HAPPENS AT CHURCH . . .

The Usher

An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. "Where

would you like to sit?" he asked politely. "The front row, please," she answered.

"You really don't want to do that," the usher said. "The pastor is really boring."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman

inquired. "No," he said. "I'm the pastor's mother," she replied

indignantly. "Do you know who I am?" he asked.

"No," she said. "Good," he replied.

Show and Tell

A kindergarten teacher gave her class a "show and tell" assignment. Each student was instructed to bring in an object that represented their religion

to share with the class.

The first student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is

Benjamin, and I am Jewish and this is a Star of David." The second student got up in front of the class and said, "My name is Mary. I'm a

Catholic and this is a Rosary." The third student got in up front of the class and said, "My name is Tommy. I am a Lutheran, and this is a casserole.”

Contributed by Brenda Parker

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GOLF OUTING

The 2019 Spirit of Grace Golf Outing raised

$17,852.88 for the Military Assistance Mission,

also known as MAM. This is an increase of over

$4700 from 2018! We thank you, our generous

congregation, for making this such a successful

outreach program to the service men and

women along with their families with the many

needs they experience during deployment. We

feel truly blessed to be part of this outreach

Photos courtesy of Mark

Lange & Jerry Bellvill

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NOTES FROM OUR LIBRARY FOR MAY

EMOTIONALLY HEALTHY SPIRITUALITY, by Peter Scazzero. The author reveals what's wrong with our current definition of "spiritual

growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works, but seven steps to change that will help you experience

authentic faith and hunger for God.

President Carter describes his belief in religious freedom, moral

politics, and the place of prayer in his daily life in his latest book, FAITH. He examines faith's many meanings, and he describes how

to accept it, live it, how to doubt and find faith again. This is a serious

and moving reflection from one of America's most admired and respected citizens.

Our final book is a work of fiction, The Heir, by Paul Robertson. This is a Gresham-like tale of intrigue and murder about the son,

Jason Boyer, of a New England financial titan and kingmaker. Jason barely knew his father, a tough, remote man who sent Jason and his

brother to boarding schools, but Jason becomes sole heir upon the old man's sudden death. Jason is cynical but uncorrupted, and his

first impulse is to divest himself of the old man's holdings. Then the power that his inheritance commands seduces him, and he grows as

ruthless as his father. And then, once more and finally, he sees the light and proceeds to clean up all that his father and he have

befouled.

LindaLu Miller

Head Librarian

Seen on a church sign:

Pretend it’s Easter and come back this Sunday. After all, He’s still alive.

Submitted by Shelley Lettiere

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2018 was a great year for us at the Shop. Here is a

summary of what we were blessed to accomplish.

First, our volunteers. We had 325 volunteers, plus

youth from Young Life, and some individuals per-

forming community service They volunteered al-

most 50,000 hours in 2018. That's about 160 hours

per day we were open!

335 Volunteers 48,156

Young Life – Surprise 1,151 Young Life –

NW Valley 177 Community Service 49,670

Second, our donations. We donated over $420,000 to 47 organizations in accordance

with our mission: “In gratitude to God and love of neighbors, our mission is to operate

a Thrift Shop … that will provide support for area Lutheran churches, non-profit

organizations and assistance for families and individuals in need.” This was allocated

as follows:

Community Needs: Non-Profit Support 34%

Church Outreach Programs 17% Women’s & Childrens’ Shelters 15%

Youth 14% Church Operations 13%

Church Capital Projects 7%

As volunteers, we feel blessed to be able to participate in this ministry. Will you join

us? Shop with us, donate your gently used goods, or volunteer as many or as few hours a week as you can.

Check us out on Facebook

Keep up with the WVLTS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop/

10615 W. Peoria Avenue, Sun City 623-815-7061

www.wvlutheranthrift.com

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GAIL BAKKEN – is originally from San Jose, CA, and found SOG by

driving by! Before retirement she was a receptionist, but now is

building her home and pet sitting business. Gail likes cooking, baking,

reading, doing crosswords, and continuing her education. She started

her college career in mid-life and is continuing to work on it.

CRAIG & NANCE COMBES – He’s from Sioux City, Iowa and

she’s from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. Prior to retirement,

Craig was a dentist and Nance was a psychiatric nurse. He said

they came here because their neighbors told them “how

wonderful SOG embraces their members.” Craig likes bicycling,

swimming, and reading.

JIM & SUZANNE SANFORD – were winter visitors from

Oregon. Jim was a project manager and chief engineer for

five power plants before going into business for himself

producing roof trusses. Suzanne was a financial planner for

37 years with New York Life; she has also shown quarter

horses, remodeled seven homes, published three cookbooks,

and taught in a community college. The Sanfords have been

attending SOG for about five years at the invitation of their friends of 45 years, Cal &

LaRayne Hutchins. Suzanne and Jim are world travelers and like to golf. Jim also likes

fly fishing and tying his own ties.

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WHY DID JESUS FOLD THE NAPKIN?

Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection? I never noticed this....

The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not

just thrown aside like the grave clothes. The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was

neatly folded, and was placed separate from the grave clothes. Early Sunday morning, while it was

still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the

entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other

disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have

taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know

where they have put him!' Peter and the other disciple ran

to the tomb to see.. The other disciple outran Peter and got

there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen

cloth lying there, but he didn't go in.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed

the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had

covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side.

Was that important? Absolutely!

Is it really significant? Yes!

In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about

Hebrew tradition of that day. The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every

Jewish boy knew this tradition.

When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the

master wanted it...

The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master

had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table, until the master was finished.

Now, if the master were done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers, his mouth, and

clean his beard, and would wad up that napkin and toss it onto the table.

The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, “I'm

done.”

But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant

would not dare touch the table, because........... The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'

He is Coming Back! Submitted by

Phyllis Borchardt