Good News of Grace Grace Lutheran Church Green Bay, Wisconsin December 2, 2015 Guide to the Good News: From the Pastor Front Cover & Pg. 2 Celebration Page 4 Report from Parish Administrator Page 2 Education Page 5 Women of the Church Page 2 A Thank You to Grace Page 7 Prayer Requests Page 2 Worship Ministers Page 7 Outreach Pages 3 & 6 Access to Grace Back Cover Personal Growth Page 3 DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT GOOD NEWS OF GRACE: The next “Good News of Grace” will be sent out the week of December 14. Please have articles in to the Church Office by 12:00 noon on Monday, December 14. We celebrate Christ, teach Christ, witness to Christ, and care for others as though they are Christ. Cont’d. on Page 2 DON’T BE AFRAID. DON’T BE AFRAID. BE LOVE. BE LOVE. The first week in Advent, the Sunday School lessons and the Sunday worship lessons focused on two kings of the people of Israel who were afraid of enemies about to invade their country. Ultimately, the enemies of the people of Israel did invade their country, destroyed their capitol city and the temple built by King Solomon, and in stages, dragged off many of the people of Israel to live as refugees in a foreign land. There are more than 50 million refugees in the world today, more than any time since World War II. Today, this kind of homelessness is being caused in part by civil wars which are being made worse by religion–inspired terrorism and which are not being made better by big military powers picking sides in the fight. It’s important to see these conflicts as a failure of human beings: the failure of human beings to govern properly, the failure of human beings to understand God properly, the failure of military solutions to these kinds of problems. None of these tragic events in the world are God’s fault or God’s plan. It is distressing, of course, that God allows wars that rob refugees of their homes. But God does. And always has. Human beings are not puppets. We are free to betray, deny, and abandon God. We always have. And we always will. And innocent people suffer because of it. So where is God in all of this? God is in the large Tithe Fund gift members of Grace suggested we make to Lutheran Disaster Response that is feeding or sheltering refugees wandering through Europe in the menacing winter weather. God is in the quilts hand- made here that which are more than likely wrapped around a shivering child who has no home. Given the vast scope and complexity of the world’s refugee problem, that doesn’t sound like much, even when you add the efforts of two billion Christians to our efforts. But it’s what God does. It’s what God did in Jesus, who, at the tender age of two, was hunted down by a king fearful of his enemies, whose mother and father somehow escaped with him
Transcript
Good News of Grace Grace Lutheran Church
Green Bay, Wisconsin December 2, 2015
Guide to the Good News:
From the Pastor Front Cover & Pg. 2 Celebration Page 4
Report from Parish Administrator Page 2 Education Page 5
Women of the Church Page 2 A Thank You to Grace Page 7
Prayer Requests Page 2 Worship Ministers Page 7
Outreach Pages 3 & 6 Access to Grace Back Cover Personal Growth Page 3
DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT GOOD NEWS OF GRACE: The next “Good News of Grace” will be sent out
the week of December 14. Please have articles in to the Church Office by 12:00 noon on Monday, December 14.
We celebrate Christ,
teach Christ,
witness to Christ,
and care for others
as though they are Christ.
Cont’d. on Page 2
DON’T BE AFRAID.DON’T BE AFRAID. BE LOVE.BE LOVE.
The first week in Advent, the Sunday School lessons and the Sunday worship lessons focused on two kings of the people of Israel who were afraid of enemies
about to invade their country. Ultimately, the enemies of the people of Israel did invade their country, destroyed their capitol city and the temple built by King Solomon, and in stages, dragged off many of the people of Israel to live as refugees in a foreign land.
There are more than 50 million refugees in the world today, more than any time since World War II. Today, this kind of homelessness is being caused in part by civil wars which are being made worse by religion–inspired terrorism and which are not being made better by big military powers picking sides in the fight. It’s important to see these conflicts as a failure of human beings: the failure of human beings to govern properly, the failure of human beings to understand God properly, the failure of military solutions to these kinds of problems.
None of these tragic events in the world are God’s fault or God’s plan.
It is distressing, of course, that God allows
wars that rob refugees of their homes. But God does. And always has. Human beings are not puppets. We are free to betray, deny, and abandon God. We always have. And we always will. And innocent people suffer because of it.
So where is God in all of this? God is in the large Tithe Fund gift members of Grace suggested we make to Lutheran Disaster Response that is feeding or sheltering refugees wandering through Europe in the menacing winter weather. God is in the quilts hand-made here that which are more than likely wrapped around a shivering child who has no home.
Given the vast scope and complexity of the world’s refugee problem, that doesn’t sound like much, even when you add the efforts of two billion Christians to our efforts. But it’s what God does. It’s what God did in Jesus, who, at the tender age of two, was hunted down by a king fearful of his enemies, whose mother and father somehow escaped with him
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REPORT FROM THE PARISH
ADMINISTRATOR
PRAYER REQUESTS
We ask that you lift up in prayer the We ask that you lift up in prayer the
following people:following people:
Judy Lindbom Janet Jacobson Barb Brumm
Tim Dockry
PRAYER LIST INSTRUCTIONS:PRAYER LIST INSTRUCTIONS:
If you would like to include the names of people for publication in the church newsletter
prayer list please note the following:
members of Grace may call the church office and request that first and last names of individuals be placed on the list.
Names must be called into the church office (no email).
The caller will be asked to confirm that the name being placed on the prayer list was done so with that person’s permission. Please do not submit names for publication without first receiving permission from the person for whom you are requesting prayers.
The prayer list is open to anyone for whom you have a prayer concern whether they are members of Grace or not.
Please note there will be no other identifying information published in the prayer list beyond the person’s first and last name.
Cont’d. From Front Page
to live as a refugees themselves. Upon returning home again, God in Jesus went on to live faithful to God’s will that there be welcome, healing, and abundant life for all. Religious people and another fear-driven government put an end to that. But only for three days.
At Christmas, we are supposed to be celebrating the birth of God on earth. In Jesus, God faced the worst kinds of the things people and kings dish out. God knows firsthand all the miseries and tragedies people face. In Jesus, God welcomed and welcomes everyone to his table of love and forgiveness and plenty in a world in which all of those things are in short supply.
Happy birthday, Jesus. We are sad to see
what you had to go through on our behalf. We are sad to see what you had to go through to keep God’s love alive in the world. Eternally grateful for your love and your Way, we will do our best to continue to build up your Kingdom. In this crazy world, we could just be afraid. Help us be Love.
Pastor Larry
OPERATION CHRISTMAS OPERATION CHRISTMAS Part 1
Due to Church by Dec. 20, 2015 Suggestions for gifts for residents at the Preble, Northview, Wellspring Homes Sugar Free Candy Shampoo (one resident needs Selsun Blue, another Pantene) Soap (Dove and others) Greeting cards for all occasions Stamps) Craft project kits Hot Chocolate Cash for Daily GB Transit bus passes Hand Sanitizer Soft Throws
Or if you would prefer to leave the shopping for someone else to do CASH will be accepted and the women of the church will gladly get items they can use.
Operation Christmas Part 2 will be run in February with info to follow at a later date.
WOMEN OF THE CHURCH
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“YOUNG AT HEART” “YOUNG AT HEART” Our home cooks will be serving the
December Young at Heart meal on December 11. We will be having beef & pork roast, garlic mashed
potatoes, vegetables, jello, rolls, & homemade Christmas cookies. The Humana Chorus will again be singing Christmas carols for us. Please bring a non-perishable food item if you are able for our food pantry. The signup sheet is on the courtesy desk or call the church office to register. Join us for a delicious meal & Christmas music. Hope to see you on Dec. 11.
More than four out of 10 Americans will experience an episode of dizziness in their life that will send them to their physician. Vertigo is the feeling that you or things around you are spinning. There are a number of causes ranging from an inner ear infection to a brain tumor. The most common type of vertigo is peripheral vertigo. Most of the time, this occurs because of a problem in the inner ear which controls your balance. The causes that lead to
problems in the inner ear are benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuronitis, and Meniere’s Disease. Benign paroxysmal vertigo occurs when small crystals in the ear get loose and start to float in the fluid of the inner ear. A person will feel dizzy due to the movement of the crystals and fluid. An ear injury may also cause BPPV. Vestibular neuronitis will cause severe dizziness that may last two to three weeks. Physicians feel an infection maybe the cause. Meniere’s Disease is a condition where a person will have dizziness with occasional hearing loss. Physicians are not sure what causes Meniere’s, but they think stress might be a factor. Eating a lot of salt or drinking caffeine or alcohol could be other precipitating factors causing Meniere’s. Two other conditions that may cause peripheral vertigo are labyrinthitis which is caused by a viral infection of the inner ear and perilymph fistula which may be due to a head injury or sudden pressure change such as when scuba diving. Other symptoms associated with peripheral vertigo are nausea, vomiting, and sweating. There may be ear pain if the vertigo is caused by an infection. Hearing loss and tinnitus or ringing in the ears may occur when labyrinthitis or Meniere’s Disease is diagnosed. Vertigo that usually starts suddenly and may disappear just as fast is a typical sign of peripheral vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is usually treated in the physician’s office. A 15 minute exercise called the Epley Maneuver is done by the physician. This is a series of movements that help to return the crystals that control balance to their proper places in the ear. An anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed if the diagnosis is vestibular neuronitis or Meniere’s Disease.
Reducing stress or salt, caffeine, or alcohol intake will help control Meniere’s Disease. Motion sickness medications may be prescribed to manage the vertigo. Anti-nausea medications may also be prescribed. 80% of all causes of vertigo are diagnosed as peripheral vertigo. Central vertigo may also occur. The symptoms of central vertigo may come on suddenly, last for longer periods of time, and are more intense. A person with central vertigo may not be able to stand or walk without someone’s help. Hearing problems that may occur with peripheral vertigo do not occur with central vertigo. Headaches, weakness, and trouble swallowing all occur with central vertigo. The only way to manage central vertigo is to find the cause of the vertigo and treat it accordingly. Vertigo associated with migraines has become a defined diagnosis. A person with migraine vertigo may or may not have a headache. These almost are a familial trait. Visual disturbances which are called singular aura may also occur with migraine vertigo. These migraine vertigo attacks may occur monthly or just a few times during the year. 31% of all attacks last from a few minutes to a few hours. 49% of the attacks last longer than 24 hours. These episodes commonly happen during a woman’s menstrual cycle. If you are experiencing vertigo, it is important to see your physician for an accurate diagnosis and treatment. In the elderly over age 70, dizziness and balance account for 70% of all doctor visits. If these episodes are not treated, there is a danger of falling.
From Bev Larsen, Health Ministries Coordinator
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIPPREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
SAT., DEC. 5 & SUN., DEC. 6 Second Sunday of Advent Events: Adult Education Food Fight Blood Pressure Screening LWR Coffee/Chocolate Sale Lessons: Malachi 3:1-4, Luke 1:68-79, Philippians 1:3-
11, Luke 3:1-6
SAT., DEC. 12 & SUN., DEC. 13 Third Sunday of Advent Events: Adult Education Lessons: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18
SAT., DEC. 19 & SUN., DEC. 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent Events: Adult Education 10:30-Sunday School Christmas Program Lessons: Micah 5:2-5a, Luke 1:46b-55 , Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]
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POINSETTIAS If you would like to purchase a poinsettia or contribute to the purchase of greens to decorate the
Chancel in honor or memory of a loved one, please fill out this order blank and either drop it in the offering, bring it to the Church Office or mail it to Grace Lutheran Church, 321 S. Madison St., Green Bay, WI 54301 along with $12.00.
I WISH TO: PURCHASE A POINSETTIA OR CONTRIBUTE TO THE PURCHASE OF GREENS
TO DECORATE THE CHANCEL (circle one)
In memory of: _________________________________
In honor of:____________________________________ From: _________________________________________
Please enclose $12.00. The deadline is Sunday, December 20.
Poinsettias can be taken home anytime after the 9:30 a.m. Worship Service on Friday, December 25. Thank you.
WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE WE GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE
RECEIPT OF A GIFT TO:RECEIPT OF A GIFT TO:
Women of the Church (WOC) given in loving memory of Gerda Nelson by Peggy Francois.
Garden of Grace given in loving memory of Ron Bitters by Ethel.
Please help to make a child’s Christmas brighter this year through the “Give-a-Kid-a-Book” campaign! The Brown County Library and Salvation Army distribute thousands of books to area children each year,
thanks to gifts from people just like you. Grace is again helping to collect books for this Christmas season. With many families struggling, these are especially
important gifts – so please be generous! Give-a-Kid-a-Book and change a child’s life!
You may donate NEW books that are fun for babies, children, or young adults up to age 18. These new, unwrapped books can be brought to the collection box near the coat racks at Grace through Sunday, December 13. If you prefer, you may make a monetary
or book donation to any Brown County Library branch through the regular collection date of Thursday, December 10. The absolute last drop off date at the Brown County Library is
Sunday, December 13.
Everyone gets something! The children get more books to read and you get the satisfaction of knowing you helped a child. What could be better??
Thank you for your donations!!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 Acolytes: 8:00 - Grace Herman 10:30 - Grace Taylor Lector & 8:00 - Karen Pangborn, L&CA Com. Assist.: Ron & Pat Zager, CA 10:30 - Rose Schumacher, L Karen Schumacher, Kathy Chase, Bern Jacobson, CA Ushers: 8:00 - Amy & Matt Vanko, Ty & Diane Pyan, Dylan Vanko, Juell Jahnke 10:30 - Robert Goelz, Harry Hill, Jim Poels, Robin Powell, Zoe Quasius, Mia Quasius Altar Guild: 8:00 – Katie Krafft, Jeanne & Bob Hessler, Amy Vanko, Karen
Neumann 10:30 – Kitty Nagel, Lynn Moyer, Linda Wier, Judy Taylor, Gayle Schmeling, Ben Taylor, Jazmin VanDenack Accompanist: Denise Zenko Special Music: 8:00 & 10:30 - Chancel Bells 8:00 - Adult Choir Greeters: 8:00 - Karen Pangborn 10:30 - Paul & Helen Gubics
SATURDAY AT 5:00, DECEMBER 12 Lector & Comm. Assist: Mimi McClure Ushers: Vern Malchow, Jerry Wendt Accompanist: Denise Zenko
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 Acolytes: 8:00 - Charles DeClerc 10:30 - Ryan Mikulsky, Elizabeth Schumacher Lector & 8:00 - Dick Schiller, L&CA Com. Assist.: Mildred Watermolen, Lisa Herman, CA 10:30 - Dick Schmeling, L&CA Gayle Schmeling, Bob Mead, CA Ushers: 8:00 - Scott & Sharon Paplham, Katie Paplham, John & Cheryl Kollath, Anne DeClerc 10:30 - Dick Destree, Daniel Selissen, Bob Lotter, Skyler Vandenack, Paris Riggle Accompanist: Denise Zenko Special Music: 10:30 - Adult Choir Altar Guild: 8:00 - Lois & Russ Kopidlansky, Connie & Doug Russell
A THANK YOU TO GRACE
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WORSHIP MINISTERS SCHEDULE
10:30 – Pat Vichos, Jayne Marler, Carla Skinkis, Julie Miller, Bev Koplein, Rose Schumacher, Lily Helminger Greeters: 8:00 - Fred & Dotty Juengst 10:30 - Dick & Gayle Schmeling
SATURDAY AT 5:00, DECEMBER 19 Lector & Comm. Assist: James Silha
Ushers: Dave Branger, Margaret Nelson, Jeri Raab Accompanist: Denise Zenko Acolyte: Nick Palecek
This thank you was received from Re-member (last summer’s mission trip site) for a gift suggested by Maddie Ahrens as one of the last gifts distributed from the Tithe Fund. The other gift was to Lutheran Disaster Response to be used to help those responding to the Syrian Refugee Crisis. Dear Members of Grace Lutheran Church,
I would like to personally thank you for your generous contribution and commitment to our program that benefits the Oyate of Pine Ridge. “Re-member is about building relationships”. Wopila Tanka-many thanks for standing with us as we strive to make a difference here in South Dakota. We helped more families than ever before during our 2015 season (315). The sad fact is that there are many more on our list (410) that didn’t get any help. Our small winter staff will be cutting firewood and delivering in emergency situations. Your visit here made a huge difference at the way you look at other people. Please continue on this journey of service and watch what happens to you, your family and friends. Thank you again for your support, love and generosity. Tiyospaye means “extended family” in Lakota, which in our hearts, you are to us! The people of Pine Ridge are humbled by your generosity
Mitakuye Oyasin (We are all related)
Ted Skantze, Executive Director
Non-Profit Organization U.S.POSTAGE PAID
GREEN BAY, WI PERMIT No. 353
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 321 S. MADISON ST.
GREEN BAY, WI 54301 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Staff: Pastor Larry Lange Res. Phone: 920-455-0511 [email protected]
Pastor Julie Wrubbel-Lange Res. Phone: 920-455-0511 [email protected]
Director of Children’s Ministries: Carrie Crane Phone 432-0308 [email protected]
Visitation Minister: Pastor Rebecca Proefrock Phone: 920 819-5482 [email protected]
