ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements for October 10, 2021  

 Our mission is to share God’s love with each other, our community, and the world.         

♦    Roses on the altar.  The white rose on the altar today is in memory of Beth Hornickle, Brenda’s mother, who died on October 12th .   May her memory be a blessing.  The yellow rose is in honor of JoAnn Herrick on her 99th birthday.  Happy Birthday JoAnn!

♦    Save the Date!  On Saturday, December 4th, we will have a parish-wide workshop presented by the Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong, former director of Lutheran Counseling Service called “Healthy Congregations.”  This promises to give us some new ideas as we come out from under the pall of the pandemic and begin to look at renewed ministry.  More details will follow.

♦    Personal Care Kits.  Plans are underway to provide personal care kits to be given to those who have had to flee their homes without even the bare necessities.  We will collect the items specified on the insert through the month of November.  Then on December 11th,  from 10:00 – 12:00 we will gather to assemble the kits themselves.  They will be dedicated and then sent on their way.  Please stay tuned for more information.

♦    The Chosen- Episode 7,  “What Does It Mean to Be Chosen?  You are Established.”   Two sessions remain in this study, but feel free to join us even if you haven’t up to this point.  Even if you haven’t joined in our conversation about this series, you may enjoy watching. Bible Study will take a break during November and December and will resume after the first of the year.  If you have any suggestions for the study, please let Pastor Pam or Kristen Storms know.

♦    Empty Pill Bottles.  Did you know that Talbot House runs a pharmacy for its clients?  They would welcome your used pill bottles to use for dispensing medications.  Most labels on the prescription bottles with personal information is easily removed.  There is a drop off spot in the narthex for these.  Every little bit helps!

♦    October is Talbot House Month.  On Thursday, October 21st, Talbot House is holding their annual fundraising dinner.  Come learn more about this valuable community resource at its annual banquet and auction – “Onward and Upward” from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.  There is no charge for this event that will be held at the Sun ‘n Fun Skylight Hanger. Talk with Dan Stoller for more information.

Items needed: canned and dry food -- spices --  underwear --  socks for men and women -- soap -- washcloths -- toothbrushes --  toothpaste --  combs  -- small size hand sanitizers -- disposable razor, -- travel tissue -- cold weather outer wear -- pants  and shirts for men & women.  

    Talbot House serves group meals to their clientele so need bulk food items if possible.

♦    Prayer list: Alena Baskin, Jenna Baumann, Marilyn Braatz, Margaret Cawood, Anna Mae Chinault, Julie Dunston, Alan Gassen, Ken Graham, Carol Grzegorczyk, Anne Guilford, Allen Hagemeyer, JoAnn Herrick, Sue Kelly, Meagan King, Betty Leitenberger, Dione de Sá Martins, Nancy Maxwell, Dottie Myers, Theresa Myers, Bobby Pittman, Dottie Reinsch, Tim Simpson, Ruth Taunton, Henry Tomlinson, Mary Venable, Greg Wasserman, Ann Joyce Wennig, Barbara White, and Shelby Zarnstorff.

♦    Thrivent Paper Shredder And Food Drive -- Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10:00 – 12:00 at the Lakeland Thrivent Office located at 1740 E. Edgewood Drive in Lakeland.  Bring your papers to be shredded along with some non-perishable food items to be donated to the St. Paul Food Pantry.  This is a free service.  Feel free to invite anyone you think may be interested in this event.  Brian J. Heipp will be your host.   

♦    Audio-Visual Coordinator.  Our search continues for someone to fill this part-time position that supports our ministry through the use of technology.  If you know of someone who is knowledgeable in this area, please ask them to contact the church office so that we can follow up with them.  

♦    Refugee Outreach.  Thanks to so many of you who have responded with interest about how we may help those who have been displaced from their homes and fled to the United States.  We give thanks particularly for three agencies with whom we partner to help meet the needs of these children of God.  Follow the links below or give Judy Washburn a call for more information at 863-662-5006 or email her at  judy.washburn33@gmail.com. 
   
        Lutheran Services Florida -- is currently placing refugees from Afghanistan into an Afghan community in Tampa Bay.  They are in urgent need of funds. For more information see their website:  https://www.lsfnet.org/.    
        Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services -- is in need of funding to help as the refugees enter the major ports of entry in the U.S.  For more information see their website:   LIRS.org.
        Lutheran World Relief  -- is the organization that manages the quilts, school kits and hygiene kits that churches across the country make to assist LWR in is relief efforts.  Visit their website:  LWR.org.

         Links may be found on our website under MINISTRIES / EXTERNAL LINKS
     
♦    Parish News

·    Check out our web site at: www.gracelakeland.com.  New announcements posted regularly. Livestreams posted after worship services so you can view them again.  Basic information for your friends to know more about our community of faith.  

·    Altar flowers today are given Mary Flekke in honor of JoAnn Herrick’s 99th birthday.

·    Assisting Minister today is Michael Bracewell; ushers are Mark & Naomi Thomsen.

·    Empty coffee cans are needed for the Altar Guild who delivers flowers to members or friends of our congregation in need of encouragement.  They can be left in the narthex.  

·    Happy Birthday and congratulations to these individuals on their birthday:

Pat Blanchette – Oct. 17
JoAnn Herrick – Oct. 17
Larry Becker – Oct. 19
Emily King – Oct. 20
Riley King – Oct. 20
Mary Flekke – Oct. 21
Jackson Guptill – Oct. 22
Jack Mattson – Oct. 22
Nate Bowles – Oct. 23

Worship Opportunities:    

·    Sunday morning worship in-person and livestreamed at 10:00.

·    Evening Prayer is each Thursday at 5:30 p.m.  View it from our Facebook page or website

How to reach us:

·    Email addresses:     Pastor Pam Smith – pam.smith0510@gmail.com
                    Sara Anderson – saraandersonglc@gmail.com

·    Online:  www.gracelakeland.com  and Facebook - Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church