Grace and PeaceNotes

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER GRACE

AND PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

AUGUST 2018 VOLUME 6

From Your Pastor

Throughout August we are going to be talking about bread. Our Gospel lessons come from John 6 where Jesus feeds the multitudes and tells us. “I am the bread of life.” Here are some thoughts from a commentator, Richard Lowell Bryant. I found his words thought provoking:

Why the “bread of life”? Bread seems so basic. Jesus could have used any number of words or phrases to describe himself, right?

However, I believe bread makes more sense than we realize. Bread makes the world go around. Before we had money, before civilizations had cash to run their economies, what made the world tick; bread. The cultivation of grain is the defining feature in western civilization… We are who we are because of bread. Bread became one of the keys to life, wealth, commerce, and power.

Jesus, on the other hand, speaks against the grain. He doesn’t talk about grain or its byproduct (bread) in a tangible way reflecting cultivation or accumulation. For Jesus bread or grain, as life giving as it is, can’t be measured on scale, then bagged, or sold to the highest bidder. Wheat can’t be planted in the ground, grain can’t be cultivated, nor can bread be baked. Jesus is talking about something everyone knows, something their parents knew, their grandparents knew and asking them to look inward. Jesus is going against the dominant culture of wheat, grain, and bread. What feeds us keeps us captive. What feeds us leaves us hungry. What feeds us keeps us apart. What feeds us is crumbling from the inside out.

We need new food, different grain, and better bread. It’s not Moses’ recycled bread, rediscovered ways to slice old bread, but a renewal of the spirit that Jesus brings to those who decide to go with him as he runs against the grain. It’s a rejection of scarcity economics and an embrace of abundant living. That’s what John means by the bread of life. It’s kind of scary to walk away from a table full of bread and toward a guy who uses bread as a metaphor. That is against the grain thinking. It’s also the most basic act of counter-cultural discipleship Jesus asks of any disciple. Step from what you know, away from your comfort zone, into an area where faith is your only frame of reference.

Because you’ve been so nice, I’m going to let you in on a secret about the bread of life. It’s not bread at all. Jesus is a way of life; life lived on terms of abundance, grace, joy, and love.

Peace and Joy!Pastor Roberta

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and his glory, of Jesus and his love. I love to tell the story, because I know it’s true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else would do. (ELW #661)

The congregation’s pastor and I processed toward the “back” of the worship space as we all sang the old hymn with vigorous familiarity: “I love to tell the story,” the story “of Jesus and his love.” When we reached the back pews and turned again toward the gathered folk for the liturgy’s final blessing and sending, in my mind’s eye I was transported back over decades and distance to another Sunday when I was serving as an acolyte for worship with First Lutheran Church in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, the congregation that first formed me in faith. I could see and sense my gangly, slightly long- haired early-teen self-standing next to Pastor Joe, who had just finished preaching about our call to tell the Jesus story anywhere and always, to anyone and everyone. Echoing through the years I could still hear his strong, somewhat gravelly, always off-pitch voice rising above the voices of the few hundred folk gathered for worship. I could hear again the conviction in his voice and see the gleam of joy in his eyes as he sang: I love to tell the story, because I know it’s true; it satisfies my longings as nothing else would do. “Go in peace; serve the Lord!” snapped me back to the present time and place to join the congregation in responding with our own conviction and joy, “Thanks be to God!” And in that moment, I remembered anew how much I do love to tell the story of Jesus and his love ... and I realized how seldom I actually tell it outside of my role as pastor and bishop.

It is one thing to tell the old, old story of Jesus and his love in settings related to my role as bishop, like preaching, teaching, leading meetings, and pastoral conversations. It’s another thing altogether to tell others about Jesus and his love in the various moments and relationships of my life outside that role, with family, friends and acquaintances, in the neighborhood where we live, during encounters with folks in stores or at events or across the table at some social gathering.

In the years since that long-ago Sunday at First Lutheran, I seem to have moved a little more toward the approach to telling the story of Jesus and his love captured in this quote sometimes attributed to St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times; use words if necessary.” Yet, the bible teacher, Walter Brueggemann reminds us that

It'{This article is an excerpt from Bishop Gafkjen’s report to the 2018 Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly. The full report may soon be accessed via the Synod Assembly section of the synod website: http://www.iksynod.org}

Bishop Bill Gafkjen

Where God Is Doing New Things

Financial Committee Report

Dear Friends of Grace and Peace,

Here it is the end of July already, and school will be starting on August 8th! Soon after we will be gearing up for the Fall Festival in our brand new “yellow” food booth! Thanks to David Meyer for making a special trip to the factory in Georgia at the end of his vacation to pick it up!

It’s been a truly blessed, exciting year for us as a Church. We had a very successful first time Craft Fair in May -many thanks to Darla Jones. We hope to repeat it next year. We had over 60 children participate in Vacation Bible School (about 30 more than we were expecting)!

As you may recall, at our Congregational Meeting in early April, we all voted to approve long overdue renovations to our building —If you’ve been here on a recent Sunday you’ve been cooled by our new HVAC, which is saving us 30 -40% on our energy bills. The roof replacement will be paid off in August. The plan is to direct that monthly payment plus an extra $200 toward the monthly repayment of the new HVAC. The council believes this should be manageable for our congregation.

“Should be Manageable”, however, is the important phrase here. It assumes that everyone continues to donate to the church in a consistent, generous manner. Since April donations are down across the board …. which is a serious concern for the Council. We have had to transfer significant funds from our reserves for the each of the last four months.

The Council truly appreciates that many in our congregation are on a fixed income and donate faithfully. We also know that some people are not aware how important their regular donations are to the work of the church. This is the reason the Council is sharing this with you. The needs and work of the congregation should be open and transparent, so that everyone understands how important their regular giving is to the wellbeing of their church.

We are firm believers that if we trust in God’s goodness, God will provide for us with incredible abundance.

On behalf of the Finance Committee,

Jeff Byrne, Finance Chairperson

August Community DinnerPlease join us

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church

Tuesday, August 21, 20186:00-8:00 p.m

Barbeque Chicken, potato salad, veggie tray, dessert

Sponsored byThe Mission of Grace-An outreach ministry of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church,

And Fresh Air Community of FaithAll are welcome at our table

RecyclingIf you empty a box, please break down the box.  Ideally you can put it in the recycle can (the green lid can).  If not, leave it where it can be taken out. Let's try to recycle our cardboard.  Your trash detail thanks you!

Mission of Grace

The Mission of Grace is in need of toiletries, toilet paper, shampoos, deodorant, etc.. Please contact the office or Vicki Oshodi or the office if you have items you would be willing to donate.

Be a Part of the Mission of Grace Pray for the Mission of Grace Donate items for the Giving Room (toilet paper, diapers,

cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items) Donate can food items Join us on the third Tuesday of each month for the

community dinner Volunteer your time helping with filing and answering

phones, stocking shelves, etc.

 Dear Friend of

ReconcilingWorks, 

We are just one week back from the ELCA Youth Gathering in Houston, TX and my heart and mind are still processing the impact you made possible through your financial gifts, the “God Adores You”

card you filled out, and all your prayers. 

The 30 x 45 foot ReconcilingWorks booth at the Gathering was some of the most sacred ground I have stood on in a while. The space was decorated with a dozen PRIDE flags for different identities

in the LGBTQIA+ community, a photo booth area with a teen Jesus cardboard cutout, free resources, temporary tattoos, and of course the “God Adores You” cards. Over the three days in the interactive

learning center we had kiddos come up and start crying as they saw their PRIDE flag hanging at a church event.  One young person walked their mom over to the Bisexual flag and came out to her

and then they stood there crying and hugging each other filled with love.  There were young people teaching their peers about all the different meanings of the flags surrounding the booth. We had adults come up to us with relief, gratitude, and tears in their eye for affirming their LGBTQIA+

youth group members.  

"As I think back to my time in Houston, the first image that comes to mind is a kiddo walking into our booth, face gleaming, as they run straight towards me; without hesitation, they run into my

arms embracing me with the most life giving hug as tears stream down their face. Before they do anything else they look at me and exclaim how thankful they are that ReconcilingWorks is there. This youth shared that they had no idea that there was such an organization that loved them and supported them in their identity as an LGBTQ+ Christian, and it wasn't until walking into our booth

that they felt like they were at home and could be their full self as a beloved child of God! This happened time and time again as youth after youth walked into our booth, found their flag, and used our space as a means of educating themselves, their friends, and sharing who they were to others. I am grateful to have shared that space as Holy moments like that happened for LGBTQ+

youth and allies from across the country. Beautiful things happened in Houston, and words cannot even begin to express the experience I had at our ReconcilingWorks booth." – Ashlei Buhrow,

Reconciling in Christ Program Assistant 

While my mind is still struggling to find words to describe the profound way the Holy Spirit used the space to stir up a sense of wholeness for so many, my checks have finally stopped hurting after smiling from ear to ear for three days

straight.  

THANK YOU for ALL you do to make a difference in the life of the church.  After this Youth Gathering I am reminded just how desperate people are to be seen, named, and celebrated in the Lutheran Church for the true gifts we as LGBTQIA+

people bring.      

Endless JOY! Aubrey Thonvold

Executive Director

Church Council Members

Pastor – Rev. Roberta Meyer

President – Mary Weimer

Secretary – Brittney Hay

Christian Education –

Congregational Life – Larry Johnson Fellowship –

Finance/Stewardship Team – Jeff Byrne

Property – David Meyer

Social Outreach - Vicki Oshodi

Treasurer – Toni Beumer

Worship and Music – Gina Moore

Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m.Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.

Church Office: (812) 476–8201By appointment

Pastor Roberta Meyer (812) 431-0075

Website: www.grace-peace.orgEmail: gracepeacelc1937@gmail.com

Our Mission is:To Proclaim God’s Grace

And Share God’s Peace

Through LoveAnd Service

To All.

Grace and Peace Lutheran Church200 South Boeke RoadEvansville, IN 47714-1330

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.

Pastor 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

03- Anthony Moricca08- Brandon Piper09 - Jawanna Lawrence10- Mary Moore12- Denilah McNary12- Allison Simpson20- Aria Horne22- Brenda Barnett22- Craig Eubanks26- Te’Ana Lawrence30- David Burress31- Jonathan Blocker31- Cher’Rita Horne

13- Craig and Rhonda Eubanks25- Tom and Carol Anderson31- Jawanna and Aaron Lawrence

August Birthdays August Anniversaries

August 2018Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

19:30- 1 Mission of Grace10:00 Bible Study7:00 Worship

26:30 Fresh Air Service

3 49:30- 1 Mission of Grace6:00 AA Mtg.

59:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship with Communion

66:00 Ladies Bible Study7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

7 89:30-1 Mission ofGrace10:00 Bible Study7:00 Worship

96:30 Fresh Air Service

10:30 Friends of Compassion

10 119:30- 1 Mission of Grace6:00 AA Mtg.

129:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship with Communion

136:00 Ladies Bible Study7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

14 159:30-1 Mission ofGrace10:00 Bible Study7:00 Worship

166:30 Fresh Air Service10:30 Friends of Compassion

17 189:30- 1 Mission of Grace6:00 AA Mtg.

199:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship with Communion

206:00 Ladies Bible Study7:00 Overeaters Anonymous

216:00-8:00 Community Dinner

229:30-1 Mission ofGrace10:00 Bible Study7:00 Worship

236:30 Fresh Air Service

24 259:30- 1 Mission of Grace6:00 AA Mtg.

269:00 Sunday School 10:00 Worship with Communion

277:00 Overeaters Anonymous

28 299:30-1 Mission ofGrace10:00 Bible Study7:00 Worship

306:30 Fresh Air Service

31

Deadline for September Newsletter:

Friday,August 27th.

Friends of Compassion

The BBB will be returning to speak Thursday August 9 th at 10:30am. Friends of Compassion invite you to join them. Familiarize yourself with the latest “scams” and how to cope with them. Everyone is invited and bring a friend!

Food Truck Booth!

It is almost Fall Festival time and we will be ready and prepared for a great time in our brand new “yellow” food booth! Thanks to David Meyer for making a special trip to the factory in Georgia at the end of his vacation to pick it up! Some new and improved features will include:

Air conditioned comfort!!!(woohoo) Better interior lighting More food prep area

The Fall Festival is our biggest event to raise funds for our church and we are excited for what this year’s Fall Festival season will bring!

It is almost Fall Festival time and we will be ready and prepared for a great time in our brand new “yellow” food booth! Thanks to David Meyer for making a special trip to the factory in Georgia at the end of his vacation to pick it up! Some new and improved features will include:

Air conditioned comfort!!!(woohoo) Better interior lighting More food prep area

The Fall Festival is our biggest event to raise funds for our church and we are excited for what this year’s Fall Festival season will bring!

Worship in Pink

Dove Chapel Full Gospel Church will host 2nd annual worship in pink. Sunday August 19 th at 3:00pm . Featuring our own Songstress Gina Moore and Songstress Sharice Wilson. 4420 Nurrenbern Rd. Evansville, IN 47712.

CourtStrong.comMission Statement

Raising money to help alleviate the financial burden for individuals battling cancer so they can focus on what's important, making memories with their family.

Courtstrong, Inc. was founded on a very simple principle: Pay it forward. My wife, Courtney Leigh Nelson (Barth), was diagnosed with stage IV adenocarcinoma of unknown primary in December of 2015. She was healthy, young, vibrant and strong. She was an excellent person, friend, daughter, sister, wife, and the best mother anyone could ask for. We were devastated, lost, and utterly confused. After many tears and lots of praying we researched and realized very quickly that we had a long and nearly impossible journey ahead. Cancer had spread through her body, and not a single specialist that we saw or test that was done could tell us where the cancer originated; let alone how this could be happening to her, how this could be happening to our family. Courtney was determined to beat this curse. She never craved pity or sympathy. She was an inspiration to any and all that knew her or came to know her. While fighting the daily battle that cancer had bestowed on her, she continued being the wonderful person and mother that we all loved. Many couldn't even tell she was sick or thought that she had won her fight because she never let the disease consume her. She never let the darkness of the disease inside her show through to the outside. She simply wanted to live and make the most of the time that she had here on this earth. She wanted to make memories with her family, none more-so than her boys. I know this may sound cliché, but some of the most amazing and beautiful things came from our darkest times. Not even two days after her diagnosis our family, friends, and community began various fundraisers to help us offset our burden. Meals began flooding our home. Cards, gifts, and other generous offerings were pouring into our life. These things continued until Courtney's final day on February, 19th 2017; and frankly, they have continued since her passing. Not a day goes by that I don't remember how lucky our family was to have this support. We got to go camping, and boating, and go to New York, and take our children to Disney for the first time because of the generosity given to us. We got to do these things as a family. We were able to make beautiful memories for our children despite the horrendous situation that haunted us daily.

God bless,Shon Winfield Nelson II, President Courtstrong, Inc.((Hacienda Gives Back event to support this organization is on September 26, 2018))

{This is an excerpt from Alissa Spindler, the Vice President for CourtStrong, Inc., a local nonprofit helping families with cancer. The full report may soon be accessed via the website at https://courtstrong.com/ }