MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

GRACE AND PEACE

LUTHERAN CHURCH

NOVEMBER 2016

VOLUME 11

Fall Festival

November 6th - All Saints Sunday

November 6th - Fall Festival Lunch

November 14th - Council Meeting

November 15th - Mission of Grace

Community Dinner

November 18th - Movie Night

November 20th - Joint Worship Service

with Fresh Air

Church Events Another fantastic year! Thanks to everyone

for their hard work! Final numbers are being

tallied but we will update you when they are

complete.

We are celebrating the hard work at the Grace

and Peace Booth during the 2016 Fall Festi-

val! You are invited to join us for an appreci-

ation lunch. Please extend this invitation to

anyone you know who supported our booth.

Please join us:

November 6th @ 11:30 a.m. - Fellowship

Hall

Fall Festival Fun

Church Wide News

BIG LOOK AT SMALL CATECHISM

Several years ago my husband’s bishop tried initiating a diocese-wide call to the catechumenate to en-gage those preparing for confirmation in a period of study and formation. We call it confirmation class or catechism, something generations of Lutherans have gone through. But this was a new experience for the Episcopalians in his diocese. He set about developing a curriculum for prospective confirmands, only to encounter resistance. How do Lutherans get participation in multiyear catechetical instruction? I told him: “Five hundred years of hazing.”

We do have a history of communicating the faith from generation to generation. Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism after the Saxon Visitation of the late 1520s, which examined the religious practices in the parishes of that part of Central Europe. He discovered a stunning lack of understanding of the basics of the Christian faith among laypeople and pastors. So in the Small Catechism he gives a concise but rich explanation of the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, the command-ments, baptism, communion, the Office of the Keys and confession.

The Small Catechism became an important part of faith formation in families. Millions of us throughout the centuries and world have studied and memorized it. Catechism has been a rite of passage in the Lutheran movement. It could be argued that no other experience is more universally Lutheran than studying this little book—not language, not hymnody, not cui-sine, not worship style. “What does this mean?” and “This is most certainly true” are two of the most recognizable phrases in Lutheranism.

It’s been said, “Youth is wasted on the young.” I’m not suggesting that studying the catechism isn’t beneficial to middle school students. But confining catechetical instruction to that age group and expecting fully formed disciples at the end of the process is probably a little unrealistic.

All of this has me wondering how we can bring our Lutheran traditions, unashamedly and gratefully, into our relationships with ecumenical and interreligious partners. The ELCA is fully committed to ecumenical and interreligious dialogue. We have six full communion partners: the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, the United Church of Christ, the Episcopal Church, the United Methodist Church and the Moravian Church. As the ELCA, we also claim the evangelical part of our name. Set free by the grace of God through the death and resurrection of Jesus and moved by the Spirit we want to tell everybody the good news.

Some argue that emphasizing our Lutheran identity is an impediment to dialogue and evangelism. I would argue that if we aren’t clear about who we are and what we believe it’s not possible to have deep and authentic encounters with others. It’s hard to have meaningful give-and-take with mush.

There was a time in the 1980s when church growth experts urged us to shed denominational identity in favor of more ge-neric, and so appealing, names for congregations. St. Paul Lutheran Church became the Church at Pheasant Run. It’s like selling our inheritance for a mess of marketing pottage. Of course we are baptized into the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church. Of course our identity is in Christ and not in a 16th-century Augustinian monk. But there is something distinctive about our Lutheran voice that needs to be heard in ecumenical and interreligious conversations and in the public square. If we aren’t clear about this we run the risk of sliding into relativism.

It might be time for all of us to dust off our Small Catechisms (or find it in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, 1160) and take another look at the basics of the faith. Staff at the Lutheran Center in Chicago will be doing just that this fall. My guess is that places like Microsoft or McDonald’s take great care in immersing their people into their corporate culture. We are Lu-theran Christians. With great humility we can be unapologetic about being Lutheran. It would be wonderful if we as the ELCA prepared for the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 by studying the Small Catechism together. We have a common language with which to talk about faith, engage Scripture and make sense of our world. Catechism is not just for the young. This is most certainly true.

Editor’s note: This is reprint of ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s column from July 2014. Just as she did at the 2016 Churchwide Assembly, Eaton encourages people to “dust off” their Small Catechism and take another look at the ba-sics of our faith as we near the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Give us this day our daily bread. The Lord’s Prayer, 4th Petition, Small Catechism

AJ Jacobs, a self-professed agnostic who is not sure he believes in God, spent a year of his life living as literally as possible according to the “rules” or commands that he found in the Bible. He shared his experience in the book The Year of Living Biblically: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. “At the beginning of the year,” he says, “I wrote down every rule, every guideline, every sugges-tion, every nugget of advice I could find in the Bible. It’s a very long list. It runs 72 pages. More than 700 rules. Some rules were wise, some completely baffling. Some were baffling at first, then wise. Some were wise first then baffling.” When the year was over, Jacobs developed a number of his own lists, among them a list of the “most unexpectedly wise and life-enhancing rules” that he had discovered along the way. These can be found on the web at http:// ajjacobs.com/resources/the-rules/. The fifth rule on this list was: “Give thanks. The Bible says to thank the Lord after meals. I did that. Perhaps too much. I got car-ried away. I gave thanks for everything – for the subway coming on time, for the comfortableness of my couch, etc. It was strange but great. Never have I been so aware of the thousands of little things that go right in our lives.” Our old friend Martin Luther might say that through the discipline of giving thanks Mr. Jacobs dis-covered daily bread. In his explanation of the fourth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Luther said: In fact, God gives daily bread without our prayer, even to all evil people, but we ask in this prayer that God cause us to recognize what our daily bread is and to receive it with thanksgiving. It is as if the discipline of giving thanks opens our eyes, ears, and hearts to see more than we would see otherwise, a world filled to overflowing with daily bread. “What then does ‘daily bread’ mean?” Luther asked in his Small Catechism and then answered his own question: Everything included in the necessities and nourishment for our bodies, such as food, drink, cloth-ing, shoes, house, farm, fields, livestock, money, property, an upright spouse, upright children, up-right members of the household, upright and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, decency, honor, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like. Giving thanks opened AJ Jacobs’ eyes to see this daily bread filling his life. It can do the same for us. Why not give it a try, not just on Thanksgiving Day, but every day? Imagine the thousand bits of previously overlooked daily bread you will see! And, giving thanks for the daily bread in our own lives can also open our eyes, ears, and hearts to see the many people around us and in the world who do not have all the daily bread they need: ref-ugees, the poor, those who struggle with hopelessness or aimlessness, victims of natural disaster, war, and prejudice…May our giving thanks also move us to be grateful enough that we ourselves, as individuals and communities, will reach out to become bits of the daily bread for which others pray. Peace be with you, +Bishop Bill Gafkjen

I-K Synod

REFORMATION THOUGHTS

Sunday, October 30, marked the 499th Reformation day. We have just begun a year long com-memoration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Each month I will share with you some interesting facts about the church and its traditions and achievements since that day in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed 95 Thesis to the door at Wittenberg. There are some things that we do in worship today that date back to that day. Martin Luther’s protest gave us the following liturgical reforms:

Mass (means word and sacrament) in the vernacular (the people’s language) Communion in both kinds (bread and wine) Emphasis on congregational singing Two sacraments (baptism and eucharist, which is another way of saying Holy Com-

munion) Removal of sacrificial language in the canon of the Mass. ( what we call the eucharist

prayer) Texts in the hands of worshipers (advent of the printing press) Emphasis on preaching (law and gospel) The presence of Christ in the eucharist described as real presence, “in, with, and un-

der,” rather than either transubstantiation or mere symbolic presence Worship as nourishment for laity living their baptismal vocation in the world

On Reformation Sunday, everyone present received a copy f the 500th Anniversary Edition of Luther’s Small Catechism. If you were not there, please call the office for your copy. We will save you a copy. We will refer to it several times during the next year. Grace and Peace to you all, Pastor Roberta

A couple words have come to my attention that about which some questions were asked.

The first word is “evangelical”. Because this word is used by some churches as their identifying label, it was asked, “Are we like them? Because I’m don’t be-lieve the same things as many Evangelicals do.

The word “evangelical” comes from the word “evangelism” which means to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to others. We are part of the ELCA, (the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). Our purpose is to Do God’s Work with our Hands. That is truly being evangelical.

The other word I was asked about this month was “catholic”. It was noted that

in the Apostle’s Creed some churches say, “I believe in one Christian and apos-tolic church.” That is what we said when I was growing up. However, in 1978, ELCA Lutherans began saying, “I believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church.” The word “catholic” is the more accurate and historic word. It means “universal”. When we say “catholic” we are saying we believe in one uni-versal church where God is the Lord of all God’s creation in the universe. It is inclusive. One distinction that helps: When you see “catholic” with a small “c” it means “universal.” That distinguishes it from the Roman Catholic Church (in capital letters) which is a denomination that just chose that word for their name. Kind of like the “Christian Church”, or the “Baptists”, or us “Lutherans” who chose words that are meaningful as our names.

If you ever have any questions about our worship or what we do or why we use cer-tain words, etc. just ask. I will try to answer, or I will find the answer for all of us. Blessings, Pastor Roberta

Definitions

11-04 - Brenda Piper

11:08 - Maurice Mayes

11-11 - Virginia Landers

11-12 - Philip Lawrence

11-15 - Jazzma McNary-Brewer

11-16 - Mike Musgrave

11-16 - Deborah Ferguson

11-19 - Aysha Johnson Lindsey

11-22 - Emily Spinner

11-23 - Imori Rogers

11-24 - Gabriel Jones

11-26 - Laila Simpson

11-28 - Vicki Young

11-08 - Maurice & Rachel Mayes 11-27 - David & Roberta Meyer 11-27 - Dale & Fran Junker

Please contact the church if you or someone in your family is sick, shut-in, hospitalized, or if there is a death in your family.

Our Synodical Authorized Minister, Roberta Meyer, will be available to come and visit you.

Call the church office to set up an appointment (812) 476- 8201. Or email gracepeacelc1937@gmail.com

This Month at Grace & Peace

You’re Invited!

Meet Eunice Marie Garnett

Eunice was born on March 14th in Evansville. As was the tradition of the time, she

was born at home. She was one of six kids of Douglas and Lillian Lander. She was

the second oldest having two sisters and three brothers. She attended Lincoln for both

elementary and high school. She married James Cecil Garnett on March 24,

1949. Eunice became a Nursing Assistant at Deaconess Hospital. She enjoyed work-

ing and her friends said she began to open up more. She talked to patients and some

asked her to pray with them. At the same time she was working, she was also raising

five kids. Two of her children are now deceased; Raymond and Mary Kay. Her son

Michael is the father of Isiah and Salina, both of who were baptized at Grace Lutheran. Her son James has a

daughter Brejunnie who attends a Baptist church. Her daughter Ellena has a son Jamale. Eunice counts 11

grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Her extended family is so large she has trouble keeping track of eve-

ryone. One grandchild we all know is Starr. Starr comes to church with Eunice, usually comes to part of Adult

Sunday School, and frequently is our only acolyte. She seems to enjoy her time with Eunice, a great role model.

Eunice was baptized on July 19, 1936 at Grace Lutheran. She has attended Grace Lutheran and now Grace

and Peace since day one. As a young girl she fondly remembers going to Bible School from 8 AM to noon for a

week. She also remembers the socials on the Grace lawn. Everybody in the neighborhood would come. It was

great fellowship. Eunice also remembers the great fun at the Church’s annual picnic which was held at Mesker

Park Zoo. Another wonderful opportunity for fellowship. Eunice was a Sunday School teacher for high school

age kids. Since coming to Grace and Peace she has helped with Bible School. Rita Calhoun and Eunice got to-

gether and formed a bereavement team for members who have lost a family member. They prepare materials that

contain prayers and information on dealing with grief. For several years, Eunice has been working at the Mission

of Grace food pantry on Wednesdays. She helps clients prepare the necessary paperwork to ensure they meet

eligibility requirements. Eunice also works every year as a donut cutter for the Fall Festival booth. And beyond

the church, Eunice spends a lot of time helping out her family and friends. She helps get them to and from ap-

pointments and school.

Eunice retired after 26 years at Deaconess Hospital. Eunice’s husband James, worked at Anchor Industries

until retiring. James continued his favorite pastimes, watching sports and fishing. Eunice however, was always

on the go. When Phil and Cheryl Lawrence would plan a bus trip, Eunice would sign up. Some of her more mem-

orable trips included Washington DC, where she saw Kennedy’s grave; New York

City and the MLK Museum. Besides traveling, Eunice also likes to crochet. She

admits to not doing it as much as before, but she is a busy lady. The one thing

Eunice excels at is cooking and baking. For Christmas she makes all the grand

kids a tray of a variety of cookies. She also makes dishes for church events and

they are always emptied. If Grace and Peace opens a restaurant, I know who we

can call on to cook.

Eunice shows her Christian faith every day by the loving things she does for her

family and others. After James died in 2005, she continued to demonstrate her giv-

ing spirit. Grace and Peace is indeed blessed to have such a selfless woman in the

congregation. As Starr has done, we can look to Eunice as a remarkable Christian

role model.

Mission of Grace

ALL ARE WELCOME!!

On the 3rd

Tuesday of every month

Our Next Dinner is Tuesday, November 15th 6:00-8:00 p.m.

This month’s dinner will be held at Grace and Peace Lutheran Church

The Mission of Grace is an outreach ministry of

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church, Emanuel Lutheran Church, Christ Luther-an Church, Fresh Air Community of Faith, and

Unity Church of Evansville

Please continue to donate cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items,

paper towels and toilet paper!

It is also time to bring in winter items, Jackets, boots, gloves/mittens, hats

and scarves.

A friendly reminder from Fellowship….. Please empty any trash and dispose in the trash and/or recycling cans outside after use of the Fellowship Hall. Also, please wash, dry and put away any dishes used. We appreciate your help to maintain a sanitary environment for all!

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church 200 South Boeke

Evansville, IN 47714

812-476-8201 E-mail: gracepeacelc1937@gmail.com

November 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 5:00 Exercise Class 7:00 Bible Study

2 9:30-1 Mission of Grace 10:00 Bible Study 5:30 Women’s Bible Study

3 5:00 Exercise Class 6:30 Fresh Air Service

4

5 9:30- 1 Mission of Grace 2:00-4:00 Visitation 4:00 Wally Weimer's celebration of life

7:30 AA Mtg.

6 All Saint’s Day 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship Communion 11:30 Fall Festival Celebration Lunch

7 7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

8 5:00 Exercise Class 7:00 Bible Study

9 9:30-1 Mission of Grace 10:00 Bible Study 5:30 Women’s Bible Study

10 5:00 Exercise Class 6:30 Fresh Air Service

11 2-7pm Visitation Herman Thomas Alexander Funeral Home 2115 Lincoln Ave Evansville, IN 47714

12 9:30- 1 Mission of Grace Herman Thomas Celebration of Life Memorial Baptist Church 645 Canal St Evansville, IN 47713 Viewing 10:00AM Service 11:00AM

7:30 AA Mtg.

13 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship Communion

14 7:00 Overeaters Anonymous Council Meeting

15 5:00 Exercise Class 6:00-8:00 MOG Thanksgiving Dinner 7:00 Bible Study

16 9:30-1 Mission of Grace 10:00 Bible Study 5:30 Women’s Bible Study

17 5:00 Exercise Class 6:30 Fresh Air Service

18 Movie Night

19 9:30- 1 Mission of Grace 7:30 AA Mtg.

20 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship Communion Walnut Creek Ser-vice

21 7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

22 5:00 Exercise Class 7:00 Bible Study

23 9:30-1 Mission of Grace 10:00 Bible Study 5:30 Women’s Bible Study

24 Thanksgiving Day

25

26 Hanging of the Greens 9:30- 1 Mission of Grace 7:30 AA Mtg.

27 9:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship Communion 5:00 Lights Before Christmas

28 7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

29 5:00 Exercise Class 7:00 Bible Study

30 9:30-1 Mission of Grace 10:00 Bible Study 5:30 Women’s Bible Study

Deadline for December

Newsletter: MONDAY,

November 21st

Welcome Kyra Marzec ! Little Kyra Marzec was baptized Sunday, October 2, 2016 as a child of God into our Grace and Peace congregation. She is the daughter of Ryan and Katie Marzec, sister of Eliana Marzec, and the granddaughter of Wally and Mary Weimer. The baptism took place at Walnut Creek, so her grandfather could be a part of this special day.

In Loving Memory

Herman E Thomas, Sr. August 24, 1926 - October 26, 2016

Walter Clarence Weimer September 6, 1944 - October 29, 2016

Wally Weimer's celebration of life will be this Saturday , November 5th at 4 pm at Grace and Peace. Visitation will be from 3pm until the service at 4:00 pm at the church.

The

Herman Thomas’ celebration of life will be held on November 12th . Viewing 10:00 am, Service- 11:00am. at Memorial Baptist Church., 645 Canal Street, Evansville, IN .47713.

Visitation will be held at Alexander Funeral Home, 2115 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47714 on November 11th from 2-7 pm.

The family will be bringing Wally home to Tri-Cities in Washington State for his final resting place. There will be a viewing at Einan’s Funeral Home form 10:30 - 11:30 with graveside service to follow.

Church Council Members

Pastor – Roberta Meyer

President – Luke Anderson

Secretary – Mary Weimer

Christian Education –

Congregational Life – Larry Johnson

Fellowship – Linda Heidorn

Finance/Stewardship Team – Jeff Byrne

Property – David Meyer

Social Outreach - Vicki Oshodi

Treasurer – Toni Beumer

Worship and Music – Vicki Young

Our Mission is: To Proclaim God’s Grace And Share God’s Peace

Through Love And Service

To All.

Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Children’s & Youth Sunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.

Church Office: (812) 476–8201 Monday - Friday

9:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Website: www.grace-peace.org Email: gracelc1937@yahoo.com

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church

200 South Boeke Road

Evansville, IN 47714-1330

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED