April 2018 Newsletter

Grace and peace to you all in Jesus!Dear Family of God at Grace,

"Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed, Alleluia!": This is a wonderful ancient greeting between fellow Christians during the Easter season. It is saying "Hello" but more than just saying "hello." This greeting is also a participation in the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is proclamatory! When we greet brothers and sisters in Christ with this greeting during the Easter season, which is seven Sundays this year, we are proclaiming that Jesus is truly risen from the dead. We are telling the "Good News" about Jesus by this greeting. Where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Jesus, and this greeting is gathering in the name of Jesus, then Jesus is there with the 2 or 3. He is there with His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. Sins are forgiven because Jesus is there! All in an ancient greeting: Christ is Risen! I hear you saying the rest of the greeting to yourself in reply and so does the Crucified One!

April first this year was no fool's day! It was a blessed celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord! The church looked, smelled, and sounded beautiful with all those flowers and music! Many thanks to the Bells, Brass and Timpani, Choir, and to Johnathan, Kami, Gwyn, and Dwayne. Thanks to Pastor Kudart. Special thanks to the crew that put up the crosses and the tomb! Let me say: "Job well done!" to Chris Leibfried, our Properties Director. The outside of the church and the Memorial Garden look fantastic! Chris worked with Driftwood Nursery (our members Gary and Rene Hazelett) to make the church look so beautiful! Thank you! Thank you! We had a great cloud of witnesses in God's house on Easter! Attendance was 601. Thank you all and to God be the glory!

This Saturday at 12:30 we will have a "potluck" lunch for God's Family at Grace. Come enjoy some good food and good fellowship before you head north. Meat and drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to share. Hope to see you there!

Let's turn our attention to the study of the Divine Service. This month we will examine the "Preparation" part of the liturgy. After we have confessed the faith in the Creed, heard the Word of God read in the lessons of the day and proclaimed in the sermon, and prayed the prayers for and of the church, we offer to God what He has first given to us as the second major portion of the service begins in the "Service of the Sacrament."

In the Preparation we have the "Offering and the Offertory." These act as a bridge from the Service of the Word to the Service of the Sacrament. The Offering: In loving response to God's great generosity through Jesus, to you His beloved, we offer gifts back to our Lord for the service of His church and the poor. "God's gathered guests respond to God's Word with grateful hearts and with their lives (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:9). The offerings are symbolic of the spiritual condition of the givers. In the early Church the offerings were not only monetary but also 'in kind.' Gifts from the field (grain and vegetables, oil and flowers, wool and flax, as well as gifts from the forest (honey, furs, wood, fruits and berries, were offered to the Lord.... The loaves of bread and the flasks of wine for the Lord's Supper were selected from these gift, and the rest of the offerings were used for the poor" (Gathered Guests Pgs. 158-159).

As a community, a fellowship the gifts are offered.

While the Offering symbolizes the "spiritual worship" (Rom. 12:1) of Christian lives offered in response to God, it also unites the faithful in an act of fellowship. Fellowship (koinonia) is a constitutive element in worship and life of the apostolic congregation, as noted in Acts 2:42. Here Luke points to fellowship as an action of the congregation actively sharing. This concept can also extend to generosity and to gift, what has been given by one for the benefit of the many (Lutheran Worship History and Practice Pg. 417).        

The Offering is followed by the Offertory. This is a sung response to the gifts offered. We sing when we are joyful. God has been generous to us and our response of giving comes from the joyful heart that has bountifully received!

The Offering and Offertory are called Preparation, why? Because now the pastor prepares the gifts of bread and wine for the Service of the Sacrament. The Altar becomes the Table. I'm sure that this past Easter Sunday you gathered around a table filled with wonderful food. Before the feast the table must be set. We are setting the table of the Lord for the wonderful meal of forgiveness!

Next month we will examine the liturgy surrounding the Sacrament.

Peace,

Pastor Lingsch 

UPCOMING EVENTS

End of Season Pot Luck LunchSaturday, April 7th12:30 pm

Voters' MeetingSunday, April 8th9:30 am

California Pizza Kitchen Youth Fund RaiserThursday, April 19th11:00 am - 9:00 pm

WOG Spring LuncheonTuesday, May 1st12:00 pm

Confirmation Sunday, May 20th

WEEKLY EVENTS

Women's Bible StudyThursday's 10:00 am - 11:00 amFellowship Hall Wednesday Afternoon/EveningPrograms 3:45 pm Cherubs Choir4:00 pm Kids Club4:15 pm Choristers5:15 pm Dinner6:00 pm Confirmation Class6:30 pm Evening Worship7:00 pm Grace Chorale

Handbell ChoirThursday's at 6:00 pm

ELDERS' REPORT The Elders would like to extend their sincere "Thank You" to all those that attended, supported and contributed to the second-annual, Elders' "St Patrick's Day Fish Fry". By all accounts and by the significant increase in attendance over last year, it was a very-well-received event and provided a wonderful social activity for Grace members and guests. A special thanks goes out to all those WOG members who helped in the kitchen, to those that stayed to help clean up, and to the Pastor and Elders who purchased, cooked, 'brewed', and served the meals and drinks. We look forward to another great time in 2019.

The Elders also reviewed and provided comments on the Grace Annual Report that is to be distributed to all members. In particular, the Elders requested that additional figures on membership be developed and presented at the next Voters' meeting, as all agreed that a current and accurate list of members is critical for Grace efforts. Pastor and the Elders agreed that there was not sufficient time to introduce and execute a new program for offering the rite of Holy Communion to younger members this year. It was agreed that Pastors' summary to the Members was excellent and provided the background and context for moving ahead with a formal program in 2018-2019. This approach has been applied at many other

LCMS congregations, and Pastor will be working with Kami Jo on an integrated approach to both early communion and confirmation. The Elders completed updates to several Job Descriptions and Grace Policies, as part of the updates being coordinated with Planning Council, as a result of our meeting with the LCMS District Counsel last May. These, along with any suggested changes to the Constitution and By Laws, were presented to the ad hoc committee working with the Planning Council for its consideration and appropriate action. The Elders reviewed key issues surrounding worship services, including security, communion distribution, coordination of collection, and guidance to Ushers prior to the beginning of service. The Elders agreed that additional Usher and Elder training dates will be established in the fall and winter of 2018/2019 to continue this process, particularly for those who are new Ushers or Elders, as two new Elders will be considered in the elections in 2018. In addition, the Elders sponsored a CPR/AED training session that was attended by 16 members. The session provided those who attended with the information and hands-on exposure to the procedures for providing CPR and AED support if required during services or other events.

Did You Know We Have a Facebook Page?Please 'Like' us on Facebook!  Grace of Naples Lutheran Church and Preschool.  

 

Wednesday Night DinnerPlease join  us each Wednesday night for dinner at 5:15 pm.  We will be continuing dinners thorough the middle of May.  A worship service follows at 6:30 pm. 

If you would like to help with a Wednesday night dinner, please see the sign-up on the wall in the Fellowship Hall or call the office.  You don't need to do the whole meal to help. See the sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall for jobs and dishes needed.  

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Deaconess Linda is available for spiritual counseling with women by appointment. If you need someone to talk to, to walk with you through a difficult time in your life, or someone to pray with you please feel free to contact her at (248) 892-7405, or at dcslinda1492@gmail.com She is nota licensed therapist, but she has 15 years of deaconess experience working with women in her former congregation. She is a great listener! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

April EventsFrom DCE Kami Jo Mogelvang

 

April 8th: Youth Night from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm in Fellowship Hall

April 19th: Go eat at California Pizza Kitchen in the Waterside Shops! Show up to eat anytime between 11:00 am-9:00 pm, mention Grace Lutheran Church and our youth will receive 20% back to our youth fund! Contact DCE Kami Jo with any questions. Thank you for your support!

April 22nd: Education Board meeting at 12:00 pm

VBS registration is open! June 11-15th from 9:00 am-12:00 pm is our "SPLASH CANYON VBS" at Grace Lutheran Church.  Register with DCE Kami Jo and let her know if you want to help out!

Our Church Directory

The 2018 edition of Grace's church directory is almost ready to print.  If you would like to update your photo, or need to make changes to your address information, please email or call the office as soon as possible.  

You don't need to be a member to be included in our directory.  We have many seasonal friends included.  It helps us stay in contact, even when you are not physically with us.  If you would like to be included, call or email the church office to find out how you can be added.  

Women of Grace are pleased to present: 

Our Spring Luncheon 

Tuesday May 1, 2018 

Noon 

Bayside Seafood Restaurant 

4270 Gulfshore Blvd. N. 

(in The Village Shops on Venetian Bay) 

r.s.v.p. to Nancy Beights

 nancybeights@gmail.com

 or 

239-537-2250 (text or leave a message if no answer) 

Bring your spouse or a friend if you wish. 

Seating is limited. 

Preschool News In Pictures

Pastor Eisold - April 2018One of the fascinating things of being the parent of a young child is the opportunity to see everything "common" for the first time again. I remember vividly hearing the "Oooh", "Ahhhh", "Wow!", and "Really?" regarding things that had long ago lost any luster or fascination to me. For a young child, EVERYTHING IS NEW!!!   Many of these new things are truly AMAZING to them. In reality, many of our "common things" are truly amazing: commercial airliners, indoor plumbing - especially flushing toilets, swimming pools, garden hoses, the TV, computer, the dishwasher, and a budding bush that goes from bald to full bloom in a matter of days. (Even in Naples, we see that with the frangipani.) Seeing things for the first time through new eyes is refreshing and joyful. Most important in my estimation, is that it reminds us of the wonder, love, and majesty of our God.

Well, I have found that the same holds true for a Pastor with new converts to the faith. At first so much seems unbelievable - yes, not just "great", but also "impossible". And though God's work is so incredible that many try to reason it away, His work is true and real because "with God, ALL things are possible" (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37).

There is nothing like see lights of faith turn on, brighten, and shine!! Hearing the "Oooh", "Ahhhh", "Wow!", and "Really?" of our Lutheran Doctrines of Justification by Faith, Salvation through Adoption in Holy Baptism, and the Lord's tenderness to come lovingly to His people to feed us with His own body and blood! It excites me again about the wonderful things, which we have enjoyed for so long that maybe they seem "ordinary" or even "lackluster".

Well, praise God for His Easter celebration!!! You don't have be a new parent or a mission pastor to get rejuvenated & gain a fresh perspective of God's blessings at this time of the year!!!   The Lord and His "impossible" work, which He definitively accomplished, get us ALL fired-up!I pray that your joy, excitement, and fervor for God's love continues far beyond just Easter Sunday - or the week after Easter. Remember, we have a whole SEASON of Easter to celebrate and revel in the joy of God's amazing love, work, and deliverance! (That means SEVEN SUNDAYS, and eight weeks of glorious, basking-in-the-sun-of-God's-victory before Pentecost Sunday - on May 20th!) Easter isn't OVER, it has only JUST BEGUN!!! Therefore, keep celebrating in and out of church; and INVITE your neighbors and co-workers who may have missed Easter Sunday. I promise you, there is still much more Easter blessing and wonder to come for everyone!!! God bless you in Christ and the STUNNING VICTORY OF CHRIST OVER DEATH & THE GRAVE!! Your Brother in Jesus,Pastor Mark Eisold

April Newsletter 2018 - part 2 The Pelican Soars This Easter Season A Happy & Blessed Easter Season to you and your family!!!Christ has RISEN!!   He is risen INDEED! Hallelujah!!!

The Lord Jesus continues to vigorously carry us along in the work of His mission at The Pelican Lutheran Church - you, me, and many who are new to the Christian faith & the Lutheran Church.

During the busiest season of the work year for our church members, we were blessed with 25 folks at our Ash Wednesday service, and 4-7 at our weekly confirmation class. We confirmed 4 adults, and began weekly communion with the Lord's Supper.

We also held a Vision Clinic, in conjunction with the Naples Lion's Club on the first Saturday of Spring Break - March 10, 2018. Our planned 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. event was extended to 4:00 p.m. due to the volume of people who came to receive a vision check-up. One hundred and fifteen (115) people were served THAT DAY at The Pelican!!!   All was to the glory of our God & Savior Jesus Christ!  

At that event we distributed instructions explaining what Daylight Savings Time is, and how to set your clock in order to make it to church on Sunday. (We're no dummies!)   We also offered a one-time clothing bank that Sunday after church from numerous donations & some of the leftovers from the Grace Rummage Sale. Thank you, everyone for your clothing donations!

Due to many furniture donations over the past two years, we needed to clear out the garage. So we held a Garage Sale - the purpose of which was really to meet the community and get rid of the large items. Well, we met a lot of people, gave some stuff away, and made $200. We will continue to accept beds and bedding items, but no more sofas or dressers or armoires for a while.

Though "the season" took a toll on our attendance since we are reaching the workforce of Naples, who need to "make hay while the sun shines", our average weekly worship attendance is 40!

For Easter Sunday, although several families were out of town (OT) and some had to work, our attendance was 68!! Following worship, we had a wonderful & fun time of fellowship, which every needed after a busy season. Praise the Lord Jesus for growing His family and His Kingdom in such a great and powerful way!!

There is so much more to share, but just know that Jesus' word STILL TRANSFORMS unbelieving hearts and STILL PROVIDES comfort, hope, and encouragement in ALL THINGS to ALL PEOPLE!

Now I begin my season to develop leaders in our church, and garner funds for

this year and next year through personal visits, calls, and letters. If you or someone you know would like to help with this, or participate as a donor, please give me a call. My number is (239) 307-7336.

We are thankful to our District for their Mission Grant of $30,000 for 2018. Their support, prayers, and partnership are vital to the life of every mission.   We are also grateful for their ongoing partnership in replacing our septic system. No progress has been made over the past two months in spite of a down payment and follow-up calls by Holly, so pray for us for quick resolution.

Pelican will have a Team visiting this week to host an English Camp Tuesday-Friday and STAY and work in Everglades City.

Our goal is to have 80% of our 96 "members" confirmed in the faith by the end of July. Right now, there are nine of us, so we have 71 to go, and everyone is busy trying to survive. But God is good, and as He has already called these many to faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, He will also be faithful to raise them to maturity in the knowledge and wisdom of His mysteries and His love.

Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support!!   Your Brother in Jesus,Pastor Mark Eisold