September 2020
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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of Sun City Grand In the
www.spiritofgrace.com
Worship Times
Saturday at 5:00
Sunday at 9:00
Bible Study/Education Wednesday, 10:00
Staff
Pastor Scott Hackler
Pastor Gary Benson [email protected]
Gerry White
Director of Finance & Administration [email protected]
Glenn Schultz, Accountant
Deborah Frusciano Faith Community Nurse
Sheila Marlow Office Manager
Jerry Huston Facility Manager
Norm Lindstrom Assistant Facility Manager
Annie Huston
Grace Notes Editor [email protected]
Staff - Continued
Fred Bornhoeft Director of Music
Ken Carnes Choir Director
James Allen Accompanist
Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church
15820 W Clearview Blvd
623-977-6000
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PASTOR GARY’S GOSPEL GLIMSE...
It wasn’t my normal, but I have evolved into realizing that hiking can be edifying and enjoyable. In Arizona, we know that a hike requires certain preparations. In other words, some gear, a water bottle, some planning. Having hiked and canoed in the Boundary Waters of Northern Minnesota, I know this to be true: If you are not prepared, the wilderness will always win!
As Arizonans, how often have we heard on the news someone being rescued from a hike or a mountain climb because they became weak from dehydration? This is not only in the summer, but in the winter season as well when the tourists go hiking, some not realizing the need for sufficient hydration.
Can one say, all of life is a hike? If so, we also affirm that if we are ill prepared, the wilderness life experiences can take its toll on body, mind and spirit.
The question evolved… what fills your water bottle for LIFE? What sustains you through the trails on mountaintops, through valleys, the dry places, or when life floods you with uncertainty?
No question, previous life experiences teach lessons, (been there done that) … and as we might say, live and learn. Yet, as creatures of habit, at times it is hard to learn a new lesson, or to seek fresh water, if so, we fall back into the old rut, routine, or attitude.
Such reality offers daily reason for desiring fresh water! As people of faith, we would say, living water. Living water, is the spirit for life and faith which offers sustenance and refreshes a thirsty soul. Yes, thirsty souls yearning for a sense of peace and hope in the now. The good news - such is available!!
Through prayer and worship may you taste the living water that flows from God’s Word and Spirit daily. The hike is before you, and with God’s grace and mercy filling the thirsting places of your life, the wilderness will not win! By God’s grace, you shall prevail!!
CLIFTON GORGE STATE NATURE PRESERVE YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO
Courage in Christ,
Pastor Gary Benson
“Life is a Hike … Need Water?”
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Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church...
Recently, your Council issued a Survey to help us in planning for
Re-Gathering services which have been under consideration. The response
to that Survey was very helpful, and we thank you greatly. In fact, if you
have not yet taken the Survey, we encourage you to do so. It is not too late, and the more
information, the better.
As a result, your Council met Thursday, August 20, and approved a plan to start
Re-Gathering services on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. At this
time, we are planning on a 5:00 Saturday service and one Sunday service at 9:00.
As previously stated, each service will include small groups of no more than 60 people, 10 of
which will be the Pastor(s) and volunteers. Volunteers will greet attendees, hand out bulletins and
communion packets, usher attendees to their seats, and ensure safe and orderly entrance and
exit. Additional services will be added as needed.
There are virus protocols that we will require; such as distancing, and masks will be mandatory.
Also, new hand sanitizer stations will be located at the entrances, and all are encouraged to use
them upon entering. Café Grace will not yet be available, nor can we have people gathering in
groups. These activities have long been a part of what makes SOG so special, but they will come
back with time as we take additional incremental steps toward our former numbers. Of course,
anyone with a compromising health condition will be encouraged to stay at home. In all
circumstances, we will follow CDC and Arizona State guidelines, as well as ELCA Synod
recommendations.
We are restricted on the time we can have this many people in one room, which means that the
service will need to be shortened. A primary focus of these services is celebrating communion
together again. In order to be able to celebrate communion, which is so important to us, the
on-site service will include only a short homily. The longer version of the sermon will be included in
the YouTube service. The church will continue to provide weekly YouTube services to expand on
music, message, and liturgy. In fact, we can follow the number of people watching these recorded
services, and they are wonderful—typically higher than our in-person attendance would be for this
time of year. So, we have been surprisingly active, in this hot and pandemic time, spreading God’s
Word!
Please note, you will be required to pre-register to attend a service. And a special Email for that purpose, along with additional information, will be issued about the middle of September.
Continued on following page
**Congregation Council Notice**
Re-Gathering Services
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Continued from preceding page
Please be assured that we are considering everything to make this a safe and
meaningful return to our Sanctuary and the Cross of Christ. If you have any questions, please con-
tact any of us on the Council. We are in the church Directory and on our church website
spiritofgrace.com.
Blessings to you, and may God be with all of us as we move forward.
**Congregation Council Notice**
Re-Gathering Services
Dave Sitzman
Dave Sitzman Sue Kopcha Vicki McCarville
President Vice President Secretary
Phyllis Borchardt Susan Chambers Harvey Gabbert
Ted Grove Richard Johnson Dick Lyda
Here’s Where the “No White After Labor Day” Rule Came From….
Ever wonder why you’re not supposed to wear white after
Labor Day? The tradition goes back to the end of the Civil
War, when society was ruled by the wealthy wives of
old-money elites. As more new-money millionaires entered
society, the jealous old regime invented a whole suite of
arbitrary fashion rules that only those in the in-crowd would
know. Anyone who showed up to an autumn dinner party in
a white dress, for example, would be instantly outed as a
nouveau riche newbie. That tradition of not wearing white
past summer has since trickled down through fashion magazines and into mainstream culture…
even for those of us whose ideal dinner party garb is sweatpants.
The good news is, most fashion experts agree that there’s no need to follow this elitist rule today!
Reader’s Digest
https://mentalfloss.com/article/12424/why-cant-you-wear-white-after-labor-dayhttps://www.marieclaire.com/fashion/news/a22483/white-after-labor-day/
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Income $479,153
Expenses $469,652
Fixed Asset Purchases $192,480
Mortgage Balance $772,489
Members: 840 Households: 542
FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF JULY 31, 2020...
If you are new to Spirit of Grace, we invite you to attend a Welcome
Session with Pastor Scott Hackler.
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.
Please Note: Since our temporary closing due to the Corona Virus, our Welcome Sessions have been put on hold until it is
determined acceptable to resume our regular worship
services. Thank you for your patience!
However, if you are interested in becoming a member, please
call the church office at 623-977-6000 for more information
and be sure to watch our weekly services online at
spiritofgrace.com.
New Member Welcome Session
(Incl replacement Air Conditioners)
Gerry White
Director of Finance & Administration
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Thank you SOG members and friends who have given to the Food Ingathering offering
during the pandemic. This is a wonderful tradition and practice at Spirit of Grace.
Each month during the first weekend we focus on providing food for our neighbors who need it.
Before the pandemic we brought actual food to the church and the food
bank would come and receive it. That offering has turned into a financial
offering. Over the past few months, we have surpassed the value of
what we have given in actual food.
September Food Ingathering—Donations
Let us continue this ministry in September and beyond. If you have not given to this effort and
want to be a part of it, you may either send a check made out to Spirit of Grace by mail or drop it
off at the office. (Please be sure to make it clear it is for the Food Ingathering in the
memo line.)
You may also go to our website. Look for the tab on the front page that says Giving and it will
take you through the process which is safe and secure.
In July you gave $2,790. In August you gave $2,885.
You have really stepped up and into the needs of our neighbors
here and in the West Valley.
My father taught me to work; he did not teach
me to love it. ~ Abraham Lincoln
HAPPY LABOR DAY!!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
With a grateful heart,
Pastor Scott
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*BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS—Regular blood pressure checks are an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension is often at the root of heart
disease, and if left untreated can cause organ damage.
Looking forward to seeing all of you during our monthly blood pressure checks when we return to our regular worship services at church!!
Caffeine doesn’t just help you stay awake. It also serves the function of a
pesticide in the coffee plant.
During the Elizabethan era, coal tar was used as mascara, eyebrow pencil
and eyeliner...despite the fact it’s flammable,
has a bad smell and caused blindness.
Only one McDonald’s in the world has
turquoise arches. Government officials in Sedona, Arizona
thought the yellow would look bad with the natural red rock
of the city.
They broke bread and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. Acts 2:46-47, NRSV
These words from Acts are a good description of the Spirit of Grace men who met monthly for the Men’s Breakfast. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has shut down all get-together activities at our church. We can only pray that by following all the social distancing requirements we will someday be able to put this virus behind us. There will come a time when men of faith can meet again for fellowship, good food and Biblical discussion. Please pray for that day to come sooner rather that later. Also, keep praying for our Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church community.
MEN’S BREAKFAST
Bernie Ryan
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Influenza and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are
caused by different viruses. Influenza is caused by multiple flu viruses and they are
constantly changing. The composition of United States flu vaccines is reviewed annually
and updated as needed to match circulating viruses. Flu vaccines protect against the
three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common. COVID-19 is caused by infection
with a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Vaccine development is currently underway. It is
unknown at this time when a vaccine will be available for distribution in the United States. Flu and
COVID-19 share many (not all) symptoms—including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, muscle or
body aches, headaches, and fatigue—loss of taste and smell are specific symptoms of COVID-19.
Influenza (the flu) can be a serious illness, especially for older adults. The CDC recommends that
older adults get the flu vaccine this year in September- October, so the protection will be present at
the start of the flu season and cover you to the end of the season. Flu season in Arizona is typically
September-February. The vaccine is available now at local pharmacies and is covered by most
Medicare plans or supplemental policies.
People 65 years and older are at high risk of serious flu complications. Immune systems become
weaker with age, placing older adults at high risk of serious flu complications compared with
young, healthy adults. During most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of
severe flu disease. About 70-85 percent of flu-related deaths in the United States occur among
people 65 years and older. In addition, people 65 years and older account for about 50-70 percent
of the flu-related hospitalizations. 80 percent of COVID-19 deaths in the United States have been
adults over the age of 65 and hospitalizations continues to be the highest for those over 65.
A flu shot will not protect you against COVID-19 but getting one this season may help strengthen
the immune system and has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, serious complications,
hospitalization, and death. Flu shots have a good safety record and do not cause the flu.
This fall may present significant public health issues trying to fight influenza and COVID-19 at the
same time, stretching precious medical resources thin. Emergency rooms and urgent care clinics
are already overwhelmed with flu patients during winter months. Getting a flu shot may keep you
from getting sick and prevent you from having to co-mingle with other patients who may have
COVID-19 or other illnesses. Take control of your health and fight the flu this season with an
annual flu vaccine and every day preventative measures. Consult with your health care provider to
discuss if the flu vaccine is right for you.
Deborah Frusciano RN BSN ACRN CT Faith Community Nurse
The above information is general in nature and not intended to replace medical information provided by your health care provider. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htm; https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.html; https://ohsonline.com/
Articles/2020/08/11/The-2020-Flu-Shot-is-More-Important-than-Ever-Experts-Say.aspx?Page=3
Faith Community Nurse Corner
Influenza and COVID – 19
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2020-2021.htmhttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pandemic-guidance/index.htmlhttps://ohsonline.com/Articles/2020/08/11/The-2020-Flu-Shot-is-More-Important-than-Ever-Experts-Say.aspx?Page=3https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2020/08/11/The-2020-Flu-Shot-is-More-Important-than-Ever-Experts-Say.aspx?Page=3
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Music with Fred #2 “SOMETHING LIGHT” It's Arizona hot!! Somehow the monsoon season seems to be running a little late with hardly a puddle in the driveway. Here comes the Dog Days of Summer! Dear Lord we need a pick-me-up and maybe a little toe-tapping for exercise! (But not enough to work up a sweat.) With this in mind, our Music Director, Fred Bornhoeft, went on a search for some uplifting Christian music and hymns. After the success of his Father’s Day program, he was encouraged to entertain us with another Sunday Night Piano performance and lighten it up! One of the wonders of music is it helps to lift our spirits in times of stress and is a way to express our love and devotion for God. It plays an important role in our Worship services. At times we use music to say things when words are not enough. Fred was drawn to the arrangements by Mark Hayes and Ken Medina. The new techniques led him to his piano pounding the keys four or five hours a day for two months….and he loved every minute of it! If you missed the first Sunday Night Piano concert, it's available to view along with Something
Light, on our website - spiritofgrace.com. Click on the YouTube icon in the upper right
hand corner and it will take you to the videos. Enjoy!
SB, Cub Reporter
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he
asked his disciples, Who do people say the Son of Man is? They replied, Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. But what about you?...he asked.
….Who DO YOU SAY I am?
Simon Peter answered, You are the Christ, the Son of the living God. ~ Matthew 16:13-16
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A favorite author in our church library is Frederick Ramsay. Many SOG members probably swapped stories with him when he was living in Surprise and attending Spirit of Grace with his wife Susan. Fred has passed, but his books live on and continue to entertain. Among his many achievements were a stint in the army, a medical doctorate, professorship and ordination as an Episcopal Priest.
His writing career prospered after he retired from full-time ministry. The latest additions to our Ramsay collection include the novel Impulse and three audio books described below... The Ike Schwartz series features a former CIA agent turned small town sheriff in Virginia whose connections frequently led him into cases with international complications. In The Eye of the Virgin, Schwartz is convinced there is a connection between the break-in at the house of a visiting professor of iconology and the dead body found at a local emergency room. High tech and espionage enter the picture when Ike finds a microdot in the eye of the Virgin of Tenderness. The plot is enhanced by a blossoming romance, folksy charm and dollops of humor. Ramsay’s series set in Botswana features Kgoda Modise, an American-trained police
officer who applies his FBI training to local crime. In Reapers, the body discovered by a plucky game keeper involves her and Modise in all sorts of intrigue and illicit activities surrounding the World Cup taking place in neighboring South Africa. The same pair are off on another hunt in Predators when the CEO of a large development firm encounters a male lion with tragic consequences for them both. This highly readable series reflects Ramsay’s deep knowledge of Botswana where his son was an official.
Impulse was inspired by Ramsay’s own student days in a boys’ boarding school. Frank Smith, a famous mystery writer, leaves Phoenix to attend his 50th class reunion at Scott Academy. Behind him is the mysterious disappearance of his wife four years earlier. Ahead of him is the equally mysterious disappearance of four boys from the school twenty-five years earlier. Some of their classmates are on campus and who better than Smith to probe the mystery? To quote the Publishers Weekly starred review: ..superb, perfectly paced… Seldom in crime fiction does one meet lead characters as likable as Smith and his long-lost friend/new love interest, Rosemary Mitchell. Both are pushing seventy’ but try to solve the various mysteries with the style, audacity and intelligence of a Sun City version of Nick and Nora Charles, a perspective that’s at once tart, worldly and compassionate that nicely balances the genuine evil in the air.
Carole Parnell
Church Librarian
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…..EASY AS PIE…Making a pie isn’t all that easy (for some of us), but getting connected to our
Spirit of Grace YouTube and our Facebook is!
Just follow the two easy steps below the photo of our website homepage and you will be
connected to our social media!!
1. Go to SOG website homepage – spiritofgrace.com
2. Click the ICON of your choice located under the red arrow on top right of photo,
f-Facebook and/or …. You’re ready to go! SO easy!!
You will be able to watch all the latest church services and bible studies on YouTube and/or
connect with your fellow members, add a comment and even view Pastor Scott messages on our
Facebook page.
Gerry White Jerry Huston
Director of Finance & Administration Facility Manager
HOW TO ACCESS SOG SERMONS, BIBLE STUDIES , PASTOR MESSAGES….
Be sure to click on the blue thumbs up icon to let us know you ‘liked’ it!
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GRATITUDE EXPRESS…. How many times have we thought we would like to express appreciation for something or someone but never get to it? If you would like to express gratitude, please share it with me at [email protected] or on a note and I will post it here.
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Thank you all for sharing worship with us. I am thankful for each of you and our Joyful Singers and Fred for the preparation and delivery of our worship experience. Each week, it is surely a team sport to all work together to provide our worship time. ~ Winnie Fritz
Larry and I are giving a shout out to our extended family at Spirit of Grace for their prayers and support as Phyllis has waited on the scheduling of her heart valve replacement surgery now set for September 1. Calls, cards, emails and hand-delivered treats most appreciated. God is good. ~ Phyllis Borchardt
Shhh...I’m Trying to Listen!
This adorable little dog, Benji, belongs
to Gerry and Marianne White.
He seems to be totally engrossed in
Pastor Scott’s intro to the weekly
YouTube service. He’s a good Christian
dog and a faithful listener as well!
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WOMEN OF SPIRIT OF GRACE September 2020 Bible Study
Fall 2020: “Holy time” by Meghan Johnston Aelabouni
In this three-session Bible study, the Rev. Meghan Johnston Aelabouni invites us to remember
the past, recognize the present and reimagine the future.
Session 1: Holy time: Remembering the Past
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19, Luke 22:18-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-25
Themes/Questions: What is faithful memory? How do we remember the past, good and bad?
How do we embody memory in our worship through Word and Sacrament, and why is this
important? How does faithful memory put us back together (remember us) as faithful people?
Our September Kickoff is scheduled for Mon., Sept 14 at
2:00 on Zoom: Please forward your RSVP to Anne Miller @
[email protected] by Sept. 11. Anne will forward the link
your way in advance of the Zoom meeting. Julie Townsend will
introduce Pastor Scott who has agreed to present our kickoff.
We all anxiously await the recommendations of the Arizona Dept of Health, City of Surprise and ELCA. Current statistics indicate a continuing decrease in new infections and this points to the possibility of resuming meetings and services within guidelines in the coming months. We all look forward to seeing old and new friends when the time is right.
The Bible study lessons are in Gather Magazine and extra copies are available for check out in
the church library when available. New subscribers can subscribe for $9.95 at
https://www.gathermagazine.org All are welcome to attend the monthly Bible studies and
we look forward to your participation. Our circles share monthly Bible study programs and
support local community service to the less fortunate.
SPIRITUAL GROWTH ELCA WELCA Daily Grace; Up words from Max Lucado Daily study from Spirit in the Desert Proverbs 31 Girlfriends in God
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 vitality that rise out of that life-giving baptismal water. The symbol also reminds us of the mission of the Church to "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
Calendar
Phyllis Borchardt Spirit of Grace WELCA
SPIRIT OF GRACE WOMEN’S MINISTRY CIRCLE MEETINGS
November 19 Spirit of Grace Fall Luncheon and Thankoffering - TBD
mailto:[email protected]://www.gathermagazine.org
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The West Valley Lutheran Thrift Shop reopened on Monday,
June 1. June, July and August have been busy; we are grateful to our
volunteers and customers for continuing to support our mission.
The Shop does look a bit different with
changes being made to enhance safety for
customers, volunteers and staff. We are
requiring masks for customers and volunteers, and asking everyone to
practice social distancing. There is a queue for customers to line up 6 feet apart while waiting to check-out. The shop is adhering to state
mandated safety and sanitizing procedures for retail business.
Through summer our hours of operation are Monday — Friday 9:00-3:00, and Saturday
9:00-4:00. We are limiting drop-off donations to Tuesday and Thursday 9:00-2:00.
Now is a great time to join the WVLTS volunteer nation! We are currently seeking people in all
areas. Whatever your interest or talent we have a place for you! Call for a tour today.
Take a look at the website and face book page to get updates and look for specials.
Hope to see you soon!
10615 W. Peoria Avenue, Sun City 623-815-7061
www.wvlutheranthrift.com
Keep up with the WVLTS on Facebook: www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop/ Please “Like” us today!
TELL YOUR FRIENDS….
Half of all Americans live within 50 miles of their
birthplace.
Beetles taste like apples; wasps like pine nuts; and
worms like fried bacon. (Yum!)
Every day, more money is printed for Monopoly than for the U.S. Treasury.
https://www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop/https://www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop/
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