Scrip is a powerful fundraising tool that enables you to raise funds just by

ordering gift cards from Grace ’s scrip program to use for your everyday

shopping.

When you order those gift cards, you receive the full value of what you paid, and you’ll earn an immediate rebate percentage of what you spent – typically between 3% and 15%, depending on the retailer. For exam-ple, you could buy bagels from Panera Bread for an early morning bible study and earn 8%!

Scrip fundraising offers you a way to contribute more to Grace’s mission by shopping smart and using scrip to pay, and the benefits for participating families are fantastic!

Scrip gift cards are perfect for following a household budget.

Families can shop both in-store or online with participating retailers.

Scrip gift cards are just like using a credit/debit card, but without the fraud risk.

Scrip program earnings are greater than credit card rewards (typically 3 – 15%)

Friday Golf at Grace: Join our Friday Golf Group. Play 9 or 18 holes.

We begin at 9 am at North Links golf Course.

Both men & women play.

Al Simonson makes the tee times. If you are

interested call Al at 351-2381.

Quarterly Contribution Reports are now

in the narthex.

Please pick up your report and take it home.

April, 2019.

No thank you is enough to recognize the warm, loving and supportive community of Grace. You have walked with me and our family through tough times the last few weeks and months. While Larry died on March 28, his health issues were over-whelming and awful since the beginning of February. But I will try to express my gratitude anyway.

Thank you to our Grace friends with whom I shared pizza on Fridays nights. That meant a lot to me.

Thank you to Pastor Scott Olson who was there for Larry and for me at all times. Thank you for the calls and emails to see how I was doing. Thank you to Terry and Paul Kvitek who did the work that a funeral home would have done in

organizing the service of remembrance for Larry. Thank you to the funeral committee who served with love that showed to our crowd. I had

much feedback that the luncheon, both food and atmosphere, was wonderful. And an extra thank you to those who came forward with cake and bars, as well as those who rose to our Scandinavian request to have Larry’s favorite rice pudding.

Thank you to Joan Hertel, Jordin Johnson, and Rich Krause, who run the place! Thank you to all the helpers who organized the narthex, the sanctuary and Heritage Hall to be

welcoming and joyful. And who cleaned up afterwards! Thank you to Jason Glaser who taped the service and gave the family copies. And then there is Chuck Hoogland and our Voices of Grace choir: They are truly walking singing

blessings! May God bless all of you! -Diane Norland

Great Commission April 28, 2019

Second Sunday of Easter

Grace Lutheran is a community of faith… Gathering in God's Love

Celebrating God's Presence through Life Events Caring for God's People

Deeply Rooted Valuing Life-long Learning

If you are a first-time visitor to Grace, thank you for joining us today and we hope to see you again! If you wish to speak with the Pastor, you are welcome to do so after the service in the narthex, or join us downstairs for coffee and rolls in the Fellowship Hall. The * in our bulletin indicates the parts of the service where the congregation is asked to stand, if able. The abbreviation of ELW in this bulletin refers to our cranberry-colored hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship. All are welcome to Holy Communion. In addition to grape juice, gluten-free wafers are availa-ble. Simply indicate to the server your preference. Children who do not commune are invited to receive a blessing.

Offering: Please use the white envelope provided in the pew pocket, or scan the QR code.

If you would like to sponsor our radio broadcasts (KTOE 1420-AM, each Sunday at 10 a.m.) or support our missionary serving Wycliffe Bible Translators in West Africa and the Global Eye Mission, or to provide altar flowers on a specific Sunday; please stop by the podium near the elevator.

Grace Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 507.345.4248 320 East Main Street, Mankato MN 56001 gracemankato.org

Find us On Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church ELCA

Parts in this service used with permission under CCLI # 843462 / Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #24299

Thank you to all of you who donated to the altar flower

Easter Garden.

Sun Apr 28 10:00 am Worship w/Holy Communion (Mt 28:16-20)

10:00 am Worship Radio Broadcast, KTOE-AM 1420

>>> Scrip Sunday

11:15 am Special Congregational Meeting

11:30 am Food for Friends

6:30 pm Genesis Group Meeting-Michael Sponberg, host

Mon Apr 29 10:30 am Staff Meeting

Tue Apr 30 7:00 am Men’s Bible Study

1:00 pm Prayer Group

Wed May 1 >>> LAST Faith Night: 5:15 pm Meal 6:00 pm Celebratory Worship with Children’s Mini-Musical

Thurs May 2 9:30 am Quilters

1:00 pm Worship & Music

Sun May 5 10:00 am Worship w/Holy Communion & Children’s Mini-Musical (Acts 10:1-17, 34-48)

10:00 am Worship Radio Broadcast, KTOE-AM 1420

>>> Scrip Sunday

Special Congregational Meeting TODAY—Sunday, April 28

There will be a brief congregational meeting today immediately following the worship service.

The sole purpose of the meeting will be to approve a loan from the Mission Investment Fund of

the ELCA. The loan will be for $550,000 at an interest rate of 4.875%. Although the congregation

has already approved the project and the securing of a loan, the Mission Investment Fund requires

a specific resolution to that effect.

This is the final step in our building renovation process. Asbestos abatement will begin in early

May and construction two weeks later. More information has been sent in a letter. Stay tuned for

more news about the project! Letters are available now at the Welcome Desk.

Sunday, April 28, at 6:30 pm—Genesis Small Group meets at Michael Sponberg’s home.

RSVP to 625-3961 or email mrsponberg@aol.com.

REMINDER: Grace’s rotation for Food for Friends at the Salvation Army is today.

Highway UPDATE—Ten of us gathered Saturday the 20th to get the job done

after the recent snow melted. We were provided a wonderful day for being outside.

Joining in the work/fun were Annabella & Shawn Simonson, Macy Bauer, Ethan &

Molly Yonkers, Shellee & Roger Hintz, Jana Kurth, and Jeff Severson. We of course enjoyed root

beer floats and home made pie afterwards. Check out our work and thank those that helped when

you see them. - samuel e anderson, Adopt a Highway coordinator

Please pray for…

The needs of: Loren Burkel, Joyce Stier, LaDonna Nelson, Joan Hertel, Margaret Burman, Vi Pierson, Robyn Menk, Andrew Johnson, Leona Wass, Milan Skarphol

Those on active duty: Ryan Vulcan, US Army; CW03 Helicopter Pilot Andrew Erp, US Army; and Major Mike Zenk

Missionaries: Edith White of Wycliffe Bible Translators in Togo and Benin, West Africa; and those serving Global Eye Mission around the world.

Worship Assistants

Altar Guild for April Dorothy Anderson, Jean Anderson, Kris Block Assistant Minister Jeff Severson Care Ministers Audrey von Holt, Pat Priem, Dianne Osborne, Pam Sandland Coffee & Rolls Helpers Ken & Elaine Block Communion Helpers Kris Block, Jean Anderson, Dorothy Anderson Counters Al & Eunice Simonson, Dick & Marilyn Clarksean Lector Donna Krahmer Organist Chuck Hoogland Pew Pockets Bill Anderson Preacher Vicar John Odegard Presiding Minister Rev. Dr. Scott E. Olson Property Steward Sam Anderson Technical Team Jason Glaser, Tom Thompson Ushers Michael Sponberg, Bruce Krahmer, Bill Block, Wyatt Block Worship Steward Pat Priem

Our expenses exceeded our income by $8,774.

Since the beginning of the year, our income exceeded our expenses by $2,087. Thank you for supporting God’s mission and ministry through Grace.

Together you can help us continue that ministry by prayerfully giving each Sunday, each Wednesday evening, through the mail or by giving online.

Thank you for your generosity.

Coming in May:

May 1: The last Wednesday Faith Night for the 2018-2019 school year.

May 5: Children’s Mini-Musical & The Habitat for Humanity Beam will be in the narthex.

May 12 (Mother’s Day): Emphasis Sunday for Habit for Humanity’s “Get on the Beam” program.

May 19: Senior Recognition Sunday.

Prelude Neno Lake Mungo by Johannes Matthias Michel

Welcome and Announcements

Confession and Assurance of Forgiveness Because of the mercy of a loving God, we confess our sins before God and one another. Pause for silence and reflection. Lord of new life,

Despite our best efforts, we continue to fall short of your expectations of. We choose behaviors and words that harm you, others, and ourselves. Show us how to live. Forgive us for our failings, and bring us with you into new life. Amen.

Our God, who was raised from the dead, and who brings newness of life to all that are dead, shows mercy and love. Receive today the entire forgiveness of all your sins. Be washed clean in the blood of Christ, and made new in his resurrection, for the sake of

☩ Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Call to Worship We gather in joy at the empty tomb. Christ is risen! Alleluia!

All authority in heaven and earth has been given to Him. Christ is alive. Death is no more.

He is with us always, to the end of the age. Listen, God is calling.

*Opening Hymn Listen, God Is Calling ELW #513

*Greeting Alleluia! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. And also with you. Alleluia!

*Canticle of Praise This Is the Feast ELW p. 140

*Prayer of the Day Let us pray together. God of the Word, You commissioned the disciples to go, baptize, and teach. Teach us to speak and lead so that all may come to know you, for the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Scripture Introduction

Acclamation Alleluia, Lord to Whom Shall We Go? ELW p. 142

Focus Scripture Matthew 28:16-20 Word of God Word of Life

Children’s Time

Musical Offering Jason Glaser

Message

*Hymn of the Day By Faith Screen

*Apostles’ Creed

*Prayers of the Church With humility and awe, we pray for the church, the world, and all those in need. A brief silence.

Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

With full confidence in the loving attention of our saving God, we pray these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord. Amen.

*Sharing of the Peace The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you.

Offering & Offering Hymn Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ ELW #674

*Offertory Create in Me a Clean Heart ELW #186

*Offering Prayer Let us pray together. God our provider,

You have not fed us with bread alone, but with words of grace and life. Bless us and these gifts, which we receive from your bounty, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

*Words of Institution

*Lord’s Prayer Traditional

*Invitation to Communion Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, gives everyone a place at the welcome table. Alleluia! All are welcome to the feast.

Music during Distribution Lamb of God ELW p. 146 Healer of My Heart Screen Jesus, Name Above All Names Screen Send Me, Jesus ELW #549

*Post-Communion Blessing The body and blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his grace. Amen.

*Post-Communion Prayer Let us pray together. Living God,

You have greeted us in our brokenness and nourished us with the body of Christ, broken for us. Risen to new life with you, send us now to bear your healing love into the wounded world, in the name of our risen Savior and Lord. Amen.

*Blessing

The blessing of the living God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, surround and sustain you, keep you from harm, and fill you with courage. Amen.

*Closing Hymn To Be Your Presence ELW #546

*Dismissal Alleluia! You are the body of Christ raised up for the world. Go, sent forth in peace. Share the good news. Through God’s abundant love we will live and work to serve others. Thanks be to God! Alleluia!

Postlude Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain by Theodore Beck

...I am with you always,

to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20