A Message from Pastor Wattles

Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday begins the

season of the Christian church year called Lent. During the Lenten season, it is
our custom to prepare for the joy of Easter by reflecting on Jesus humiliation,
suffering, and death (the part of Jesus ministry called his Passion) at special
midweek worship services. These services are held on Wednesday evenings at
7:00 p.m., beginning February 18. Prior to these services, Lenten Suppers are
offered in the Fellowship Room at 6:15 p.m.
Our focus for midweek Lenten worship this year is I Tell You the Truth.
All of Jesus words carry weight; some Bibles even use red ink to emphasize
his quotes. Yet there are certain statements that stand out in the four gospels,
highlighted by Jesus through the same solemn phrase: I tell you the truth. A
goal of this midweek Lenten series is to help you apply Jesus truth
statements in your life.
Ash Wednesday, February 18
Anyone Who Sins Is a Slave to Sin
Wednesday, February 25
Faith Can Move Mountains
Wednesday, March 4
Fruits of Faith Will Be Remembered
Wednesday, March 11
One of You Will Betray Me
Wednesday, March 18
You Will Disown Me
Wednesday, March 25
If One Dies, It Produces Life for Many

I look forward to worshiping our Savior with you at midweek Lenten worship!

Page 1

Inside this issue:

2 Bible Studies
3 Mission
Opportunities
5 Grace Notes
6 Groups at Grace
8 Calendar

Bible Studies
There are several Bible study groups within the congregation. If you are interested in attending one of these groups,
you may call the contact person listed for more information.

Sunday Schoolis for mature 3 year-olds through

8th grade and meets Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. It
is offered two different times to allow all children
the opportunity to attend worship and Sunday
School. (contact Ryan and Sarah Weber).

Bible Cafmeets at Grace from 9:45-11:00 a.m.

on Mondays. The group is looking at A Picture of
Jesus (A Study of the Book of James). Youre
invited to join in the Bible study and conversation!
(contact Karen Keller).

Sunday Adult Bible Classesmeet Sunday

mornings at 9:30 a.m. The group is currently
reading and discussing Luthers Catechism. (contact
Scott Barefoot)

Twenties and Thirties (TNT)TNT is a Bible

discussion group for the people of Grace in their
Twenties N Thirties (TNT). The group studies
various sections of Scripture, and also various
topics from the Bible.
The group will meet on Tuesdays, February 24
and March 10 & 24. We will continue a multi
session study on Lifestyle Witnessing. (This study
is helping us to think about our roles as bearers of
Gods good news, leading us through the subjects of
evangelism, creating and seizing opportunities,
giving encouragement and practical advice along
the way.)
Please consult the church calendar, the
announcements page in the weekly bulletin, and
your email inbox for more information, or feel free
to contact Levi (nagel@gracefallschurch.org).

Estudios biblicosmeets Sunday morning at 11:00

a.m. This is Graces Spanish language Bible study.
(contact Pastor Satorius at 703.534-1719)
English
&
Spanish
Bible
Information
Classes...for those seeking to find out more about
the Christian faith, the Lutheran church, or have
interest in becoming a member of Grace. (contact
Pastor Wattles or Pastor Satorius at 703.534-1719)
Womens Small GroupsSee Grace Womens
Ministry on page 6.

Support Grace Lutheran School!

Do you ever buy anything on Amazon? If so, you can help support Grace Lutheran School through
your purchases! If you shop with Amazon.com, you can help Grace Lutheran School to earn money
with each purchase. Simply go to http://www.amazon.com/?tag=gracluthscho-20 and shop as
normal, or you may link to Amazon.com through the gracels.org web site on the home page. The
Amazon tab is on the top right, just click on the tab, type in the box labeled keywords, and press go.
A percentage from the purchases you make are donated to Grace Lutheran School.
Also remember to support the school through Giant, Safeway, Harris Teeter, Box Tops for Education,
Labels for Education, My Coke Rewards, and by donating your used inkjet cartridges.

Page 2

Mission Opportunities
Malawi Flood Update: Visiting the Lower Shire

Missionary Robert Wendland, serving in Malawi, gives an update about the recent flooding in Malawi. To
support our brothers and sisters of the LCCA-Malawi. A gift designated to Flood Disaster Relief will help
make sure members of our sister church receive care. You can make a donation by calling 800-827-5482,
mailing your gift to WELS, N16W23377 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188 or online at
http://www.wels.net/get-involved/give-gift.
Malawi update January 25, 2015A visit to 2 LCCA congregations in the Lower Shire
"We praise and thank you Lord! We didn't know if we would be here or see our friends today. Praise to you
God of mercy - we are here!"
These are the words the elder prayed as he opened up our church service at the Lutheran Church of Central
Africa (LCCA) congregation at Livunzu in the Lower Shire. After the service another elder got up and said, "A
church is not a building but people. The building may be gone but the people are still here. We have a church!"
And yet another elder responded, "Iron sheets don't save but the Word of God does. If we have Jesus, then we
are still in the shade!" Upon hearing those words, the Psalm of Asaph came to my mind: "Whom have I in
heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the
strength of my heart and my portion forever." Psalm 73:25-26
What an incredible joy and honor it is for me to be the tool the Holy Spirit uses to give such peace and
confidence to his people!
The LCCA congregations at Diwa and Livunzu are two of the areas that I have been called to serve in the
Lower Shire and I visited them on Sunday 25 January. The Lower Shire is the part of the Rift Valley that runs
through the south of Malawi. Just south of the city of Blantyre there is an escarpment which leads to a drop in
elevation of about 2000 feet between the Shire highlands (where Blantyre is) and the Lower Shire Valley
(where the majority of my congregations are).
The good news in these two areas is that, along the bottom of the escarpment, the worst problem seems to have
been flash flooding as water from the highlands flowed into the Valley. The bad news is that, if a person had
built their home or planted their garden in an area where the flash flooding occurred, the devastation was
Page 3

extensive. This is the news for congregations that are on the East Bank road that runs along the bottom of the
escarpment and on the east side of the Shire River. The Shire River is the major river in this area and for those
who lived along its banks the news is more dire - the swollen Shire River took everything with it as it swept
through.
Despite the loss and the damage God's people rejoiced with me in "Epiphany Savior," who left his glory behind
in the deepest love, who came to teach and to be our substitute, who himself suffered under the effects of sin as
we do, who gives us the greatest hope of an unruined eternity with him!
At Diwa I found that, though many members had some damage to their homes and gardens, most live outside
one of those flash flood zones. We thanked the Lord!
After the service at Diwa I traveled about 10 miles to the next congregation, the one at Livunzu.
As opposed to the congregation at Diwa, Livunzu congregation had their church building right in one of the
flash flood zones. Many of the congregation members did also. Everything that had been in the flooding zone
was destroyed. It was a bit of a shock heading to the church in the town of Livunzu since the floods had left so
much sand and silt behind it the ground level had been raised 2 to 3 feet in some areas. Before the flooding road
to the church through the town had been difficult to negotiate because there were so many houses, gardens, and
trees along the path. Now, where there had been so much greenery and life, were only a few wrecked buildings
and sand.
Yet here too (as mentioned above) the people rejoiced in the peace of Jesus.
Praise God for such confidence and joy when so many had lost so much!
The service went wellbut was cut short a bit as rain began to fall again yet people still took time, even in the
light rain, to encourage one another, to feed their visiting missionary, and to tell of their trust in the Lord.
On the way home I found some rivers beginning to swell again from rain that had fallen in the Shire highlands.
The river at Mkhate was particularly full and I waited for half an hour for the water to subside a bit. A couple
brave people walked across the raging flood and they almost fell to be washed away as the fast moving water
was up to their waists. About 10 minutes after they made it I decided to try it with my LandCruiser. About half
way across the water rushed over the hood of my vehiclebut I didn't lose traction and we made it across.
Praise the Lord for another display of his graciousness!
Brothers and sisters, I thank God for you too! Your prayers gird and lift us on our way. I am always humbled
and so grateful when I hear of a group of believers in the U.S. having special prayers and offering for our
ministries and lives here in Malawi - thank you so much! Your love and support for the good news of our
Savior Jesus is a great encouragement for me, my family, and our Malawian brothers and sisters. May Jesus
bless and keep you!
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 1:4
In Christ, Rob and Rebecca Wendland; Hannah, Nathanael, Caleb, and Bethany.

Page 4

Grace Notes
Graces Snow Cancellation Policy
Only one time in Graces 50-year history has the
congregation ever cancelled a worship service on
account of snow. An event that would bring about
the cancellation of worship services would be an
occurrence where it was unsafe for people to
worship in our sanctuary (for example, a natural gas
leak in the building). If Grace was to cancel worship
services for whatever reason, mass emails would be
sent and mass phone calls would be made to notify
Grace members. If you are unsure as to whether or
not Grace is holding services on a given Sunday,
please check Graces website or call Grace for that
information

FEBRUARY 18, 2015

WORSHIP @ 7:00 P.M.
MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:
WEDNESDAYS AT 7:00 P.M.
(FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 25)

Toddler Time
Toddler Time is a program for 2 & 3 year-old
children and their parents / guardians to spend time
together while enjoying fun and educational
activities. Music and movement activities offer
opportunities for families to play and learn together
in a Christian environment.
This group will meet Tuesday mornings,
February 10th and 17th and March 3rd, 10th, and 17th
at 9:30 a.m. for 45 minutes and is free of charge.
For information please contact Renee Smith.

Midweek Lenten Suppers:

Before Midweek Worship at 6:15 p.m.
Midweek Lenten Suppers are offered at 6:15
p.m. on Wednesday evenings during the season of
Lent, prior to the midweek Lenten worship
services. Everyone is invited!

Mens Group
Mens Group will meet Saturday, March 7, from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Room at Grace. Well
continue our viewing and discussion of 33 The Series. 33 The Series is a video-based program that explores
what it means to be a Godly man. This program is based on the model for Godly manhood given to us by our
Savior Jesus during his 33 years on earth.

Page 5

GROUPS AT GRACE

Grace Mingles

Grace Christian Soldiers

Ryan & Sarah Weber, Leaders

Hans Voss & Amber Knutson, Leaders

Grace Christian Soldiers is a group for boys and girls

in 1st through 8th grades. Christian Soldiers meet one
Sunday a month during the school year and participate in
a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. Activities
include service-oriented projects, educational offerings,
and outdoor/nature events. Most events are free, though
some destinations may require a fee. Children are always
encouraged to bring a friend to any activity!

Grace Mingles are for those who are married, single, or

somewhere in-between. Most members are in their twenties or
thirties, but as long as you are 18 or older, and young at
heart, you are welcome to join our group and activities!

Upcoming Events:

February 21
Mingles Men's Outing
Start time and other details TBD

February Events
February 20-22
Mingles Ladies Retreat at Kingsmill
RSVP required before February 10

February 15
LaserTag at Shadowlands
We will meet at 2:00 p.m. at church. Parents must fill
out a waiver for this event. The cost will be $15 for 3
games. We realize the cost is higher than prior events,
however the next 3 events will be minimal/no cost.

To learn more about Mingles and to view our upcoming

schedule, visit www.facebook.com/GraceMinglesGroup.

March 22
Hiking (FREE)

Grace Womens Ministry

April 19
Screen on the Green and Trivia at church
(FREE)

Grace In Action

Dawn Bakazan, Leader

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have
received to serve others, as faithful stewards of Gods grace
in its various forms.

Memorial Day Weekend

Camping ($5)

New Bible Study Series! Meeting both on

Tuesdays at 5 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
beginning the week of February 9. We are doing
Jonah: Navigating a Life Interrupted. If you would
like to join us, just order your book online at your
favorite book retailer and join us at either of the
meeting times. We hope you can join us!

Info for PARENTS!!!

You must fill out a release form for the year
prior to your child participating in his/her first
event.
For events off Graces campus, we would like
one parent volunteer for every five children
participating.
Any adults that plan to help out in any way must
first have a background check completed
through the church office. Please see Ryan or
Sarah Weber (contact info below) or Tricia
Visscher (703.534-1719).

February 21, 4-6 p.m.

Fellowship, Navigating a Life Interrupted

March 14, Time TBD

Lets Go to the Movies! We will be going to see the new
Cinderella movie. Feel free to bring your daughter!

April 25
For more information please contact Ryan and Sarah
Weber.

LWMS Rally in Baltimore, Carpool from Grace

Page 6

GRACE Ev. LUTHERAN CHURCH NEWS

Established 1963

February 2015

The Power of Prayer

(a prayer list for Grace)

Keeping Track of
Financial Contributions

Many of us have friends and family who are

experiencing difficult times and who could use our
prayers. Add them to the Grace prayer list! If you
have someone or something you would like added
to the prayer list, send your prayer requests to me at
drichlenhot@hotmail.com. Please include a first
name, last initial and a brief prayer request. These
requests will remain on the list until you notify me
to remove them - they need not be resubmitted each
week. I will send out the list each Friday. If you
have any further questions, please let me know.
Thank you,
Debbie Richlen

Some members of Grace greatly appreciate the

annual financial contribution statements which our
congregation prepares for our members. According
to federal law, as a non-profit organization (what
the U.S. government considers churches), our
church is mandated to prepare such statements. It is
Graces goal to provide these statements in as
accurate and timely manner as possible. You, as a
member of Grace, can help Grace facilitate that by
using the offering envelopes youve been provided
to make financial contributions, by writing your
envelope number on the memo line of the check, or
by registering to make contributions to Grace
through Graces electronic fund transfer program.
(For more information on how to register for the
EFT program, please contact Graces Assistant
Financial Secretary, Joel Deuth.) Thank you!

Listen to Sermons Online!!!

You can listen to the Sunday sermons online.
Go to gracefallschurch.org and click on
Audio/Video Downloads. There you will
find mp3 downloads of the sermon, which will
become available for download no later than
Tuesday of each week.

Grace
is
on
Twitter! You can
find us at:

Grace Financial Information

If you would be interested in viewing the latest
financial information for Grace, you can find it
posted on the bulletin board in Information Hall.

@GraceFallsChrch (Yes, no u in Church.)

This Twitter is used for announcements, happenings,
calendar updates, etc.
Think of this Twitter like a brief Announcement Page
on Twitter!

CHECK OUT gracefallschurch.org !!!

@Kevin_Wattles (Yes, an underscore between n

and W.)
This Twitter is Pastor Wattles personal Twitter.
This Twitter is used by Pastor Wattles to send
inspirational messages and carry out brief
communications (140 characters brief!).

Request to receive the Grace

newsletter via e-mail by sending a
request to

Page 7

February/March 2015
Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

10

11

12

13

14

9:45 a.m. Bible Caf

9:30 a.m. Toddler

Time

8:00 a.m. Worship

9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible Study
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m Estudios bblicos
12:30 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

12:30 p.m. Dismissal for

GLS scholars (Staff
Meeting)

10:00 a.m. Worship Team

Rehearsal
Noon TORCH Bowling

5:00 p.m. Womens

Bible Study

5:00 p.m. ZUMBA

7:30 p.m. Worship with

Holy Communion

7:30 p.m. ESL

7:30 p.m. ESL

15

16

17

8:00 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion

9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible Study
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Estudios bblicos
12:30 p.m. Servicio de adoracin
2:00 p.m. Christian Soldiers Laser Tag

No school for GLS

scholars (Presidents
Day)

18 Ash
Wednesday

7:30 p.m. Worship

No school for GLS

scholars (teachers
visit other schools)
9:30 a.m. Toddler
Time
5:00 p.m. Womens
Bible Study
7:30 p.m. Elders
Meeting
7:30 p.m. ESL

23

24

22
8:00 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible Study
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship with
Holy Communion
11:00 a.m. Estudios bblicos
12:30 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

1
8:00 a.m. Worship
9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal
9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Bible Study
11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship
11:00 a.m. Estudios bblicos
12:30 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

4:30 p.m. Womens Bible Study

(Spanish)
6:00 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

7:30 p.m.
Womens Bible
Study

19

20

7:00 a.m. Board of Christian

Education Meeting

5:00 p.m. ZUMBA

6:15 p.m. Lenten
Supper
7:00 pm Ash
Wednesday
Worship

21

10:00 a.m. Worship Team

Rehearsal
7:30 p.m.
Womens Bible
Study

4:30 p.m. Womens Bible Study

(Spanish)
6:00 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

7:30 p.m. ESL

25

26

27

28

5:00 p.m. ZUMBA

9:45 a.m. Bible Caf

10:00 a.m. Worship Team

Rehearsal

5:00 p.m. Womens

Bible Study

6:15 p.m. Lenten

Supper
7:00 pm Midweek
Lenten Worship

7:30 p.m. Worship

7:30 p.m. ESL

7:30 p.m. ESL

7:30 p.m.
Womens Bible
Study

5:00 p.m. ZUMBA

9:45 a.m. Bible Caf

9:30 a.m. Toddler

Time
5:00 p.m. Womens
Bible Study

6:15 p.m. Lenten

Supper
7:00 pm Midweek
Lenten Worship

7:30 p.m. ESL

7:30 p.m. ESL

7:30 p.m. Worship

Page 8

4:30 p.m. Womens Bible Study

(Spanish)
6:00 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

6
8:00 a.m. GLS
Chapel

7:30 p.m.
Womens Bible
Study

7
10:00 a.m. Worship Team
Rehearsal

4:30 p.m. Womens Bible Study

(Spanish)
6:00 p.m. Servicio de adoracin

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

Iglesia Luterana Gracia y Paz
3233 Annandale Road
Falls Church, VA 22042

Phone: 703.534-1719

Fax: 703.534-1394

e-mail: Church churchadmin@gracefallschurch.org

School: hurley@gracels.org

School Phone: 703.534-5517

Pastor Wattles: wattles@gracefallschurch.org

Pastor Satorius: satorius@gracefallschurch.org

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to carry out our Savior's Great
Commission, and we intend:
To nurture ourselves and those among our
fellowship with Word and Sacrament.
To reach out with loving Christian witness to all
with whom we come into contact, especially
those residing in the immediate neighborhood
of our church.

Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church

www.gracefallschurch.org

Iglesia Luterana Gracia y Paz

www.graciaypaz.org

Page 9

Grace Lutheran School

www.gracels.org