October NewsletterGrace, mercy and peace are yours through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!  Amen.

Dear Family of God at Grace,I love October!  Maybe because I'm of German ancestry and we have Oktoberfest.There's a little more to it than that. I love October because when we lived up north it was the opening of hunting season.  But there is even more to it than that.  I also love October because of the Reformation and what it means for us as Lutherans.

Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of the church at Wittenberg 499 years ago on October 31st 1517, the eve of All Saints Day.  Next year we will have the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation! 

Now I have heard people say that what we need today is a new reformation.  What I think they mean by this is we need to get rid of things that they don't like in favor of things that they like.  But that's not what Luther did.  He didn't just get rid of the old in favor for something new.  He actually reformed what was not Biblical for what was Biblical.  He didn't scrape the old for the new he got rid of the false for what was true. 

So now if a new reformation is needed in our church today, what we should be doing is looking for things that are false and doing away with them for what is true!Let's do away with "works righteousness," the idea that we can earn our way to heaven by being and doing good - whatever that means.  The truth is we cannot earn our way to heaven.  "It is by grace that we are saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).Let's do away with the false understanding that the Means of Grace - Word and Sacrament are not that import to us as Christians and we don't really need them to be Christians.  The truth is, Christians need water to live and sustain our faith.  I know that sounds like common sense.  Everyone needs water to live.  Without water we die.  That is true for the Christian faith as well.  We were born of water and the Spirit.  In our Baptism the Holy Spirit was and is at work through water and the word to create and sustain you in the Faith!  That's why we daily return to our

Baptism where the Old Adam is drowned and the New Creation in Christ comes alive.the manna from heaven that fed the children of Israel in the desert, we are fed by the Lamb of God who takes away our sins by His body and blood.need to daily remember our Baptism or eat and drink the Supper frequently, is like saying we don't need air to breath in order to live; it's just false and we need to do away with that idea.   Let's do away with one more falsehood, that forgiveness, life, and salvation that comes to us in the Divine Service just isn't enough for people today.we are bored with worship, hymns, our spouse, our children, sermons, our job, the food we eat, and the average life that we live!deadly sins.When we are bored or restless we believe we need to make changes so our boredom will go away.truth for a lie.need more than anything in this world.the world which cannot buy that forgiveness.means you are right with God. It means a peace that the world cannot give.Forgiveness in Christ means that you have a life that no one can take from you.life here to the full and eternal life with Christ in heaven.means salvation - it means, "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home!"truth is, Forgiveness, Life, and Salvation are more than enough.

So let's have a new reformation that is like Luther's.what is true.to Jesus as the way, the truth and the life and no one else.and what it means for us as Lutherans!bratwurst at the Oktoberfest / church picnic.

With that, let me remind you of two events we have.being Ordained and Installed as a pastor at the Amigos Center - Immokalee Lutheran Church, on Sunday October 16th at 5 PM.Ginny and family on this joyous event in their lives.being ordained!

Also on Sunday the 30th we have our Reformation service at 3 PM followed by our Oktoberfest/Church Picnic following the service.news" of Jesus Christ our Savior and then rejoice as God's people coming together around food and fellowship!

Have a blessed October!In His Service,Pastor Lingsch

UPCOMING

EVENTSDear Grace Lutheran Church, Please join us in Fellowship Hall on October 8th at 5pmfor a FREE spaghetti dinner! Our high school youth would like to take the evening to serve you dinner and share stories of their time at the National Youth Gathering this past summer. The event will run from approximately 5pm-6pm and the whole congregation is invited! We look forward to sharing our experience from the National Youth Gathering with you! ~DCE Kami Jo Mogelvang

October 30thReformation Service 

and Octoberfest Service - 3:00 pm

Potluck Dinner with Bratwurst! - 4:00 pm

Come for food, fellowship, music and an inflatable slide!

 

Theology on TapMonday's at 6:30 pm

The Shady Palm

Wednesday Night Programs3:45 pm Cherubs Choir 4:00 pm Kids Club4:15 pm Choristers5:15 pm Dinner6:00 pm Confirmation Class6:30 pm Evening Worship7:00 pm Grace Chorale Italian DinnerLast Thursday of monthThe Pelican Community Center5800 Golden Gate Pkwy6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

 Honor Flight Meet and GreetOctober 22nd12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  

Heroes of the Faith Bible classWednesday 10:30amFellowship Hall 

Women's Bible StudyThursday's 10:00 am - 11:00 amFellowship Hall

Handbell ChoirThursday's at 6:00 pm

Practice English Come Help!

Every Wednesday and FridayThe Pelican Community Center5800 Golden Gate Pkwy6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

 

Elders' Update 

As some of the seasonal members of the Board had returned, the Elders had a very extensive and, hopefully, productive nearly-three hour meeting in September. We had the pleasure of welcoming back Pastor Kudart as Seasonal Assistant Pastor. It is certainly a blessing that we have Pastor Kudart in our midst to assist with all aspects of Pastoral service, and as Pastor Lingsch was out of town, Pastor Kudart and Pastor Eisold provided strong Pastoral input and guidance to our deliberations. In addition, Pastor Eisold provided an update on his efforts at the mission church-now named Golden Gate Pelican Lutheran Church of Naples-and the installation of a new assistant Pastor at Faith on October 9.  Under 'Old' Business, the Board continued to address the need to ensure that we had a current and complete list of Grace members and that each member had an assigned Elder to support their worship and spiritual welfare needs. We initiated these efforts over the summer and will continue to work with Pastor to complete these efforts. We will also be working with other Boards and Grace members to ensure follow-up and support with visitors to encourage their membership in Grace. HELP!!! We continue to strongly encourage members to consider serving as ELDERS on the Board. We have two immediate openings and look forward to filling our Board, so we can continue to provide the necessary support to membership. The same can be said for USHERS, as we continue to need more support in this area, as well. In this regard, we are reviewing and will be updating, as required, the Elder and Usher Guides. We have scheduled a training session for all existing and new Elders and Ushers between services on November 13. Please contact any Elder or Pastor, if you can help Grace in either or both of these positions. Using material provided by the Stewardship Board, we initiated our 2017 Budget efforts. The Board Director will be meeting with the Stewardship Director and the Grace Finance Manager to clarify some of the account elements and responsibilities, as we prepare our 2017 Budget for submittal to Planning Council in the November Planning Council meeting.  In addition, the Board continued to review: the Grace policy on the Memorial Garden; the condition of Elder robes and sashes; the 2017 service schedule and associated Elder needs for Christmas, New Years, and Easter; and the Grace safety and security issues. Based on a recent survey completed for Grace on safety and security, the Elders have already adopted several changes in their service protocols.     Under 'New' Business, the Elders also discussed the upcoming coordination of Ushers, Elders and Pastoral support, in particular as this relates communion support. As approved in the May voters' meeting, Deacons will be called upon to assist with communion, as required.                 Based on recent feedback to the Board, the Elders also had an extensive and deliberative discussion regarding service schedules, formats, music, and protocols. It was agreed that some changes could be made and that several of the items needed further investigation and consideration. As Pastor Lingsch was unavailable for the

meeting, Pastor Kudart discussed the Elder recommendations with him, and these have been incorporated into the service format. The Elders emphasized and agreed that they are dedicated to their responsibility for the spiritual life and worship experience for all members of Grace and will continue to work to ensure that this is achieved to the fullest extent possible. To assist the Board in this mission, members are encouraged to contact their Elder at any time with suggestions and/or concerns, so that these can be considered by the Board and presented to the Pastor. The Director was asked to present these recommendations to the Planning Council for additional feedback from the Council and other Board Directors, so this feedback could be included in additional discussions on these issues at upcoming Elder Board meetings and any additional efforts can be initiated.          

From Pastor EisoldOctober NewsletterGrace, Naples2016 The Pelican & Christ Everyone who has seen a pelican in action is amazed by its size, maneuverability, vision, courage, and gift as a fisherman.  I mean, who can dive into the water headfirst from 40 feet in the air - with their mouth open - and catch a fish???  Yet, even at rest, the pelican has an uncanny way about it that communicates tranquility, confidence, and satisfaction.  The "personality" of the pelican has made it a symbol for everything to worldly success to tropical relaxation.  While this may set the pelican several bars above many other animals and birds, it hardly explains why the early Christians used the pelican as a symbol for Christ.  Yes, its true. Though many contemporary Christians have never heard of this, the pelican was an important symbol for the love, sacrifice, power, and life delivered by our Savior, Jesus Christ. You see, long before Jesus walked on the earth, the people of the Mediterranean had an incredible respect for the pelican.  In fact, the pelican became a legendary figure.  In times of famine, the pelican was known to tear at its own breast, draw blood, and feed its young in order that they may have life.  Naturally, when these people received news that God, in His great love, had come into the world in human form, shedding His own blood to wash, adopt, & redeem us (Holy Baptism), and to FEED US (The Lord's Supper) so that we may have forgiveness & life, they made a direct connection with what they already had seen in the pelican.  The symbol of the pelican feeding its young with three drops of blood from its chest was used in numerous cathedrals through the end of the Middle Ages. In some it was included as stained glass, in others the scene was etched into stone on the altar.  In some churches, the tabernacle over the altar was completely fashioned in the shape

of a pelican.  The story of the pelican, as a reminder of our Lord Jesus, was included in European Christian literature & song through the 17th century.   Even in the United States, the symbol of the pelican has been found in Lutheran churches as a reminder of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  Still today, liturgical items bearing the pelican symbol can be purchased atwww.churchsupplies.com.  Now, in 2016, in Naples, Florida - where pelicans are abundant and popular - the pelican is a perfect fit for a new, Christian mission in the LCMS with: a great vision for filling the community with Christ, training all converts to be fishers of men, and courageously diving headfirst into a multi-ethnic community to start a multi-ethnic congregation.  So, of the many names we see being placed over Christ's Church these days, in Naples, Florida there is one that is not just "unique" or "cool", but is also historical, relevant to the culture of SW Florida, and provides a DIRECT CONNECTION to Christ!  Welcome to the Golden Gate Pelican and The Pelican Lutheran Church of Naples (PLCN)! Pro-Vision in Christ In the area of Golden Gate City & East Naples, there is a very real & evident need:  English.  In spite of the very real concentration of prosperity, wealth, and past success along the coast, five miles inland you will find over 70% Latino & Caribbean.  Many are recent arrivals, who fled Venezuela or Cuba or Haiti seeking political asylum.  Some are highly educated, others are not.  All need to learn English in order to function in their new home, and to become productive members of this complex society we call "America".  By offering English two nights a week, the Lord gathered between 20-40 people every Wednesday and Friday evening for two hours to help practice & improve their English.  Talk about making an IMPACT!  Numerous other opportunities exist in Collier County for people to learn English for free, yet dozens flock to the new Christian community center and fill the hall!  As each night came to a close, we would gather all of the groups together and tell them about who we are and why we do what we do for free.  Here is the write-up, which appears on every sheet we distribute saying the same thing:   Why do we do this for free (with no charge)?            We are followers of the Risen Savior, Jesus Christ.  When the Eternal, Living God gives you faith in Him, full credit for HIS perfection, sets you free from the debt of your sins, and gives you eternal life, He also leads you to joyfully serve others as freely as He has served you.  We LOVE DOING THIS!If you want to know more about the free forgiveness we have in Jesus, speak with Pastor Mark or one of the other leaders here.            We share this powerful confession of WHO IS OUR GOD & WHO HE HAS MADE US TO BE IN HIM.  In fact, we share it both verbally and on their worksheet.  Between June - September we offered one to two weekly devotional activities as well.  We found a great thirst for the word of God amongst our participants in English Night.  Many responded and participated in both the mercy and the spiritual events we offer, but the Lord Jesus first worked through the mercy to connect them us so that they may also hear His word. 

Keep praying for us and encouraging us in our work to begin full worship on December 11th.  You are certainly invited to our first service - as well as our "practice services" beginning in late-November.  More information about this will be pending.  Pray also for the people we are reaching, and for the Lord to provide the hands & feet & mouths to carry the message/communicate the message of Christ's salvation to everyone in Golden Gate and East Naples.   Your Brother in Christ & Associate Pastor,Mark Eisold

Sisters and cousins who are fleeing the terrors of communism in Venezuela

Our first  "Sunday Soccer and Service" in August with a devotional worship and

lunch.

Mr. Rich Slama leading an evening of English Night.

"Life Together"  in Christ fellowshipping encouraging one another and growing closer in

Christ. 

Stewardship ReportIt is that time of the year for budgets to be compiled and voted on by the membership in December.  If you have any ideas or suggestions for our 2017 budget,

please let me know by the end of the October at the latest.  Thanks for your help in our efforts and always look for your input.  

Brian HeidelStewardship Director   

ENDOWMENT GRANTS2016

 It's that time of year again for the Endowment Committee to solicit from the congregation members grant proposals for funds to be distributed from the general endowment fund.  Depending on the returns in the next few months, around $40,000 should be available for grants.  The past couple of years a number of missions, church projects and scholarships have been supported through use of these funds, and we look forward to having some excellent proposals again this year. Grant application forms are available in the church office and should be returned to the endowment committee box in the church office by October 24, 2016. The criteria the committee will use in evaluating the proposal follows: 

 Grant proposal must be submitted by a member of Grace Lutheran Church.  Grant should not cover yearly congregation budget items.  Grant should fit with congregation vision and mission statements; with

primary emphasis on the spreading of the Gospel.  Priority will be given to the (1) congregation (2) circuit (3) district and (4)

synod, in that order.  Scholarships should go to students going into full-time church work.

  Grant applications are available in the church office. 

 

Help is needed Monday mornings, 9:00 am to count offering.  

Ushers for Sunday mornings, especially the late service.

There are always things you can do to help.  Please call the office for more information, or to volunteer!

Missionary-of-the-MonthPAT NUFFER

South Sudan and UgandaHow can a missionary serve in 2 countries at the same time?  Pat Nuffer, a Lutheran seminary professor's wife in Ft. Wayne, IN, was involved in a mission trip to South Sudan, Africa, many years ago and her heart went out to the handicapped, forgotten individuals she met in that country.  Going back to South Sudan 18 times under the Lord's guidance  and with the help of many Lutheran Women's Missionary League members, she brought abundant  supplies, built buildings,  and helped them start many little businesses which gave hope  in life and Christ's assurance of salvation.   After a bout with cancer and with the deteriorating  political situation in South Sudan which threatened her safety, Pat's 19th mission trip  in August of this year was different.  Loaded with 12  pieces of 50 pound luggage, filled with needed supplies, she was able to deliver them to a trusted pastor and friend at the South Sudanese border . From there, she visited a handicapped shelter in L'Arche, Uganda. There were no toys , no playground equipment, no sign of spiritual nourishment-only sewing machines which didn't work and a  defunct candle shop.  Her creative mind went to work and she can envision connecting people in the U. S. with helping to place  Bible story murals on the walls, supplying  backpacks with simple illustrated Bible coloring books and crayons, and self sustaining projects to teach  a simplified "Christ Crucified" and give meaning to their lives.  This ministry is aptly named HANDS OF MERCY and her Pat's motto is "We'll see what God gives" !  Please pray for Pat and those willing and able to help  with the  fulfillment of the vision God has given her.  

 

Our Preschool in September  

Pastor helping light the candles

A butterfly that hatched on the playground

Pastor handing out a sheet about the Ten Plagues in chapel.    

       

Grace Lutheran Church, 860 Banyan Blvd, Naples, FL 34102

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