Grace Lutheran Church 1 W. Montgomery Street ~ Johnstown, NY 12095-2409 The Rev. David Almleaf , Pastor ~ March 2017 Dear Members and Friends, ILis once again the season of Lent, Old English for Spring, Lent is a time set aside for spiritual spring cleaning. We focus on Jesus’ journey from Galilee (o Jerusalem where He will face the cross. His journey becomes our journey as we contemplate the reality of sin in our lives and comprehend the great gilt of forgiveness that our Lord has given us. We be, Both services will h he season on Ash Wednesday with a spoken service at noon and a sung service at 7:00 p.m, fe ashes available for those who desire them. We hear the words of St. Paul saying “Now is the acceptable time, now is the day of salvation.” We hear the prophet Joel urge “return to the Lord.” We hear Jesus put our penitential attitudes in their proper perspective. During Lent we will hear that the way out of sin is through Jesus Christ. God is not finished making us into a new creation in Christ. We are called to worship and service We will have our eyes opened to see that Jesus is the Lord of our lives. On the last Sunday of the month two or three of our young people will receive their first communi ‘On that day we will commune with un they learn how communion and the event ned bread baked by these communicants during their instruction of Passover are connected, Walk the lenten journey with us. By Grace Through Faith, Dav Unt Pastor David Almleaf ™i Altar Flowers March/April Mar. 05 - Karen Ryder Mar. 12 - George & Marlene Slingerland Mar. 19 - George & Marlene Slingerland John & Lynette Clo Mar. 26 - Joan Longfitz Apr. 02 - Sarah Slingerland Apr. 09 - William Fensken Apr. 16 - Darleen Gaugler Apr. 23 - David and Debbie Seward Apr. 30 - Barbara Frederick Please note: The cost of altar flowers is $38.00 unless you share a Sunday then they would be $19.00 each vase, Ifyou wish to place a “special arrangement” in the Sanctuary the cost would be whatever you would like to spend. Nancy Blanchard (762-4234) and Linda Bumpus (725-1927) are the Altar Flower coordinators. Offer Counts / yy ‘or March/Aj 03/19 - Naney Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie 03/26 - Nancy Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie 04/02 - Darleen Gaugler, Bonnie Olendorf 04/09 - Naney Demarest, Mary Lou Zambella, Bonnie 04/23 - Nancy Demarest, Mary Lou Zambella, Bonnie 04/30 - Naney Blanchard, Greta Davis, Bonnie “The reason volunteers aren’t paid is not because they're worthless, but, because they're priceless”. unless otherwise designated, > Volenteere=” OL- Peggy Niforos (Ash Wed.) Jackie Hollenbeck Cindy Walsh 02- Maryland Warner 09- Helen Schreivog! (Palm Sun.) -13- Peguy Niforos (Maundy Thur.) 16 ~ Pegyy Niforos (Kaster 2 services) 80- Jackie Hollenbeck Please find someone to replace you if you cannot bake bread the Sunday you are scheduled and whenever possible, tell the church secretary so the bulletin can relle Thank you, Pegsy Niforos Altar Guild (I) - Intinction Sunday (R) - Rail Sunday Mar.01 (R) = Peggy Niforos (Ash Wed.) Mar.05 (8) - Kathy VanValkenburgh Mar.12 (I) ~- Bonnie Olendorf Mar.19 () = Darleen Gaugler Mar. 26 (R) - Joan Longfriz: Apr. 02 (R)—- Nancy Demarest “Apr. 09 (R) ~ Peggy Niforos (Palm Sun.) Apr. 16 (R) ~ Bonnie Olendort (Easter) Apr. 23.) - Darleen Gaugler Apr. 30° (RB) -Joan Longlritz the change. __ Please find someone to replace you if you camot make 03/05 - Nancy Demarest, Mary Lou Zambella, Bonnie jo Sunday you are scheduled and whenever possibl 03/12 - Nancy Demarest, Mary Lou Zambella, Bonnie}, tell nie so that the bulletin can reflect the change. Peg Niforos, Altar Guild co-ordinator Ifyou know of anyone in need of daily prayers for the healing of body, mind or soul, please call Bobbi Nigro 6781) or Nancy Demarest (725- Pre (72: 8704). I requesting in person, please submit the name(s) in writing and add nie at the bottom. All requests in confidence ‘Thank you.DO YOU HAVE RETURNABLE BOTTLES AND CANS that ace clogging up space in your home? Do ‘ You hate the thought of taking them gq Bottle to the store to retum? If'so, just yp” bv diem to church and leave them Drive in the box located in the corner of the parking lot. Someone from the Youth Group will return them to help defray the cost of their trip to ‘Texas. in June 2018! ‘hanks for supporting them! Storm Alert In the event of a severe ‘snow or ice storm please tune your radios to WENT 1340 am for church closings. Tr's that time of year again! The annual pancake Supper. prepared and served by our great youth group, will be held on Tuesday February 28" at {6:00 p.m. A program will follow the dinner. Hope to see you therell! Ash, Wednesday Services with Holy Communion ‘and imposition of ashes will be held at neon and 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday March ist aaa NT Our lenten Journey to the cross begins on Sunday March 5". Come walk the walk, The mission of the ELCA Youth Gathering is faith formation in high schoo! age youth (students entering 9” grade in 2028 up to students completing their sen or year in 2018). The Gathering gives our youth the opportunity to practice the discipleship that they leern about in church. The 2018 Gathering is being held in Houston, Texas from June 27" to July 1, 2018. The 2018 Gathering theme is “This Changes Everything” which is based on Ephesians 2:8, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” The 2018 Gathering will have five program areas which are our primary vessels for engaging youth and adults in ministry and fulfilling our mission and desired outcomes. Those program areas are: Synod Day: A day of Bible study, worship and fellowship within the ELCA’s geographical groupings. Service Learning: A day of learning the stories of Houston, service projects and advocacy. Interactive Learning: A day of hands-on experiences related to theology, service, justice seeking, prayer, the arts and fellowship. Community Life: Daily opportunities ‘or worship, fellowship, music and recharging, Mass Gathering: Daily gatherings of the whole community featuring inspiring speakers, engaging Christian musicians and worship. Based on the 2015 Gathering, the cost to attend is approximately $1,000 per person. Registration begins fon September 15, 2017 and ends on November 15, 2017. if you have a child entering ninth grade in 2018 or graduating in 2018 and they might be interested in attending the gathering, please see Barbara Frederick, Heidi Ropeter, Clyde Smith or Pastor.Grace Lutheran Church tional Mee lighlights for Jar 9, 2017 . far 201 itional Meeting and Pastor's rt Minutes were read and approved. Our 2016 Annual Report was reviewed and approved. Purchase of New Hymnals: The purchase of 189 new hymnals was approved. Total cost will be approximately $4,452 including shipping charges. We have 74 members that want to purchase a new hymnal for $25, which they can dedicate to a loved one or in memory of someone, There are 115 hymnnals left to purchase, so if you are interested in purchasing and dedicating one, please let Pastor or Bonnie know. We will receive our new hymnals about 6-8 weeks after the order is placed and we will begin using them after Easter. They will replace the green "Lutheran Book of Worship" and the blue “With One Voice" books. Deacon Candidate names were privately given to Pastor Almleat Ss Assembly & Spring Foothills Conferes legates: Darleen Gaugler will attend the Synod Assembly in Rochester from 6/8 ~ 6/10. Derek McGuinness and Nancy Demarest will attend the ‘Spring Foothills Conference at St. John's Lutheran Church in Frey's Bush on 4/29, * Love City Church Update: We have decided to allow Love City Church to continue making monthly mortgage payments to us in the amount of $1,121.54 per month, Respectfully Submitted, Linda Ferenz, Council Secretary The congregation voted to replace the green (LBW) and blue book (WOV) of worship with the Evangelical Lutheran Book of Worship (ELW). Ifyou wish to purchase a hymnal in memory or honor of someone, please see Bonnie Olendorf. The cost per hymnal is $25.00. Please make your check out to Grace Lutheran Church, include what you would like written. Thank you.Food Drive for Hunger 2 ‘ a 2017 EASTER FOOD DRIVE Our Outreach Easter Food Drive this year will again be providing Easter dinner and lunches for 4 families in need that have children in Johnstown and Gloversville Middle and High Schools. We will be accepting food and monetary donations from Sunday. March 5 through Sunday, April 9. Please take 1 or more paper eggs from the tree in the Sanctuary and purchase the food items listed on the egg. You can place your food donations in the large box in the Narthex and place cash or check donations in the collection plate by April 9. Please note on your check “Easter Food Drive” and place cash donations in an envelope marked the same. Delivery to the schools will be in the morning on April 13. If you have any questions, please see Pastor, Alison Martin, or Linda Ferenz. Thank you!The Changing Colors of the Seasons of the Church Lent begins with Ash Wednesday and this year Ash Wednesday falls ‘on Wednesday March I*, March will be completely taken up by Lent. This year we will have a unique set of circumstances involving Ash Wednesday. ‘Those who are older than forty may remember when the paraments on the Altar on Good Friday were black. The most ancient traditions of Holy Week involve stripping the Allar at the conclusion Maundy Thursday evening service. When most of the American Lutheran. Synods pooled their traditions and produced the green Lutheran Book of Worship, stripping the Altar became the standard ‘This meant of course that the Altar would be bare on Good Friday. This also meant that +hes would have a useless set of black paraments, The liturgical committees that produced the LBW moved the use of black paraments to Ash W -dnesday which made a lot of sense given the color of ashes. ‘This isa forty year aberration in the 2,000 year history of the church. This year will be the last year that we will use our black paraments. We never really had a professionally made set anyway so we will be able to use the material for other things and nothing will be wasted. ‘The reason for this is that the congregation voted to switch to the red Evangelical Lutheran Worship or ELW aficr Easter. In the ELW rubrics, black has been eliminated altogether and the specified color for Ash Wednesday will be restored to purple. We have a beautiful set of purple Paraments so that should make those who like them very happy. Ifyou have a nostalgic love for the black, make ita point to be at worship on Ash Wednesday this year. Ifyou never liked the black paraments, come in order to say goodbye. (ll shamelessly use any reason to try and boost attendance.) ‘The color of Lent is purple. It has become a penitential color in the church. ‘There are many appropriate symbols but our set of paraments feature a symbol of a victorious lamb and a crown of thors. Jesus is described by scripture as the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Following imagery from the Gospel of John, Revelation, and Hebrews, Jesus is the Passover Sacrificial Lamb that was such a perfect sacrifice for sin that no others are now needed. We sing the lamb of God just before coming for communion each week. Iisa pertect symbol for our lenten paraments,Prayer Concerns ‘March 2017 » © Remember our Shut-ins At Home Eleanor Achzet Eileen Spawn Helene Keach Shirley Frederick Nursing Homes Fulton Co. Health Facility Ron Bell Nathan Littauer Nursing Home Ruth Brownell Sarah Jane Sanford Home Charlotte Petersen Wells Nursing Home Dona Frey Willing Helpers Lorraine Muller Joanne Riccitiello Nz. AR ayer" mests Prayer Concerns: Ron Bell Cheryl Huxhold Alex Grandstaff Morgan Sandmier Niles Lincoln Tina Aldo Ronald Pedrick Charlotte Petersen Bobbi Nigro Kim Achzet The family and friends of Rita Longfritz Members Serving Our Country All those who have served and for all those who are now serving in the armed forces. eciall Scott Bumpus Brandon Caldwell Tony Clemente Brad Coody John Ferrara Kevin Funk Jordan Keeling Denise & Jacob Lockwood Victor Ralbovsky LCPL Bryant Hernandez (Serving in Afghanistan) PFC Dylan Lanza and for our enemies Please pray for NOAH, Friday's Table and the food pantries of Johnstown and Gloversville and for those in need of them, Please pray for the homeless that they may find warm shelter and for the animals without homes that are left out in the cold.4- 5- &= Fe 10- 12- 13 - 14- 15- 16 - 17- MARCH BIRTHDAYS. ‘Ash Wednesday Cynthia Baird Trina Spiry Mackensie Rohrs Gabrielle Smith Charles Schwab Terry S. Bills Richard Kowalezyk Avery Rubilotta Scott Bumpus David Slingerland Nevin Smith Melissa Bedell Jamie McGrattan Brian Miller Sr. Rachel Lee Snyder Daylight Savings Time Begins Cathy Wallace Barb Frederick Richard Morrison Ron Sparks Barbara Petersen ‘Meghan Duyer Katherine Flint Delbert Bradt ‘Michael Van Valkenburgh Zachary Hulbert Lisa Hale Doris Clo Dorothy Hayes Mia Elizabeth Martin Todd Hollenbeck 18 - 19- 20- ai- 23- 24- 25 - 26- 27- 29- 30- 31- Karen Reid Patricia Wilder Walter Carlson Nancy Gillmore Brian DiPasquale First day of Spring - yeal Eric Elzenbeck Joanne Bradt Zachary Ropeter Bill Haldeman Edward Robbins Penny Cinelli Kelly Ruf Melvin Hayes Sharon Smith Melanie Seiler Brian Sparks Carol Humphrey Robert Paxton Erah Kilmer Donald Achzet ‘Megan Simonds Hornbeck ‘Megan Elizabeth Hallenbeck Barbara Albrecht Veronica Peck Joshua Rhodes Pat VanSiyke Richard Bumpus Jr Maryland Warner Robert Wilson ‘Chad Akeya 6- 7. 8- 9- i- 12- 13- 14- 15- 16 - 17- George Slingerland Jr. Crystal Mitchell Kneeland Robert VanSlyke Sara Stortecky James MeGrattan Vickie Edick Kathleen Van Valkenburgh Lorraine Seiler Tan Chamberlaine Melissa Baker Thomas Bradt Elizabeth Coppernoll Tiffany Smith Ruth Seiler Sandy Jackson Karriann Ruggiero Jeremy Bradt Sherry Warner Jamie Bradt Dylan Miller Stephen Craig Kimberly Hohler Milton Dorn Cody Brown Chris Rohrs Rhyleigh Bills Olivia Vige Nikki Hathaway Grady Shea Robert Warner Raymond Peck Haley Claes Donald Wicksell Patrick Paxton William Fensken Heather Ruf Ed Hill Theodore (TJ) Bradt Erica Elzenbeck Karen Williams 19- a1- 22- 23- 24- 25- 27- 28 - 29- Toni Hubley Kimberly Baird Betty Younglove Joyce Robbins Mary Alice Gaudens Wendy Hollenbeck Ross Snell Kimmie Sutton Matt Flint Sandra Goderie Tyler Unislawski Justin Unislawski Taye Evangelista Louis Blanchard Timothy Snell Jr. Casey Van Valkenburgh Christine Petersen Jessica Robbins Barbara Rhodes Bob Gargiulo John Healy Rachel AllenCHURCH ACTIVITIES MARCH 2017 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY February 28 ‘Shrove Tuesday 6.00 - Pancake Supper served by the Youth Group followed by a program 7:30 - Choir Rehearsal WEDNESDAY 1) Ash Wednesday Noon & 7:00 p.m. Worship Service with Holy Communion and imposition of ashes THURSDAY FRIDAY. SATURDAY 9.00 - Sunday Schoo! 5.00 - Cable Chan 16 10:00. Bible Stusy 10.00 am, - 200 p.m. = Quit Group 7.00, - Choir Rehearsal stew! ‘ 7 8 ° 0 1" 9:00-Sunday Schoo! | 5:00-Cable Chan 18 | 10:00 - Bible Study 7.00-Choir Rehearsal | 6:00 - Council 600 -800pm.- 10:15 - Worship Noon - Communion Meeting 4H Group Meeting Luncheon {5:30 - Commitee Mectings s2uBwi 2 “ 1s 6 7 8 10:00 - Bible Stuay 9.00 - Sunday Schoo! | 5:00-Cable Chan 16 6.00 - Bible Study 6:00-8:00 - Deacon 10:00 am, -200 pm Meeting 10:18 - Worship ‘Quik Group 7.00 - Choir Rehearsal ayiight saving time 4.00 p.m. - Counc of begins set clocks ahead Churches at St Johns 19 Lew! » a 2 23 2 2% 9.00- Sunday Schoo! | 5:00- Cable Chan 16 10:00 - Bie Study 7:00 - Choir Rehearsal 6.00 -8.00- 9.00am.-300pm, 4-H Group Meeting Pastor to meet with First 10:15 - Worship ‘Communion lass first day of spring 26 Lew! 2 28 2 0 a AprilSERVING SCHEDULE MARCH 2017 Acolytes -Cruciter | Reador(s)-Grecter | AtarGullé-BreadBasere | Counters Ushers ASH WEDNESDAY —_| ASH WEDNESDAY [ASH WEDNESDAY GRETA DAViS PEGGY NIFOROS USHERS crucifer Karl Blanchard NDA BUMPUS ‘Bread Bakor Joan Longiitz PEGGY NFOROS ‘Mia Martin Gabby Smith NANCY BLANCHARD ZACHARY ROPETER | TABETHA ANGUS kaTHY VERONICA PECK VANVALKENBURGH | NANCY DEMAREST PAUL LIGON Greeter Broad Baker MARY LOU ZAMBELLA Grucifer TABETHA ANGUS. JACKIE HOLLENBECK | BONNIE OLENDORF DARLEEN GAUGLER DONNA COONRADT Deliver Flowers NANCY DEMAREST AMBER PELLEGRINO | AUDREY GOEBEL BONNIE OLENDORF CASEY NANCY DEMAREST VANVALKENBURGH | Grester Deliver Flowers MARY LOU ZAMBELLA EMILY FRASIER MARY PHELPS. LINDA BUMPUS. ‘BONNIE OLENDORF Crucifer NANCY DEMAREST NOAH J CLO CARTER PETERSEN | DARLEEN GAUGLER. SCHUYLER CLAES | THOMAS MARTEN NANCY BLANCHARD CHRIS Davis, GRETA DAVIS Gruciter BONNIE OLENDORF ZACH ROPETER NANCY BLANCHARD — | Team #4 DONOVAN swITH | MARY ANN JOANLoNcrRITZ | GRETADAVIS. Bobbi Nigro HOWIE PAXTON ABBY HATHAWAY BONNIE QLENDORF —_ | Kari Blanchard \VANVALKENBURGH Bread Baker Hei Ropeter Grester CINDY WALSH Zach Ropoter cruciter ELLE WANDEL ‘Thomas Marten DARLEEN GAUGLER