Cris Escher 2/21/25 Cris Escher 2/21/25

Estate & Long-Term Care Planning Seminar Feb 27th

Get Answers to important Long-Term Care Questions.

Thursday February 27th 10AM-11AM

Please RSVP by calling 772-828-2588

Cris Escher 2/21/25 Cris Escher 2/21/25

Game Night 4th Friday 6PM

Board games, laughter, and cookies? Ditch the screens and join us for a family game night packed with fun and delicious snacks! Unplug and reconnect - game night awaits!

4th Fridays at 6:00 PM,

Board games, laughter, and cookies? Ditch the screens and join us for a family game night packed with fun and delicious snacks! Unplug and reconnect - game night awaits!

Cris Escher 2/7/25 Cris Escher 2/7/25

Email from FL-GA District President About LSF

District President James Rocky has written a letter addressing the recent false claims against LSF.

District President James Rocky has written a letter addressing the recent false claims against LSF. I've been considering how to respond to these claims, and President Rocky's letter provides helpful guidance.
Pastor Cris Escher

Lutheran Services Florida: A Valued Partner Committed to Service and Integrity

Recent claims on social media have called into question the work of Lutheran Services Florida ("LSF"), prompting the nced for clarification and a reaffimation of its longstanding commitment to serving Florida's communities. As a Recognized Service Organization ("RSO") of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod ("LCMS"), LSF has faithfully carried out its mission for more than 40 years, guided by its commitment to "Bringing healing, hope, and help in the name of Jesus Christ."

LSF plays a vital role in strengthening families and communities across Florida, providing essential services that impact one in 5O Floridians annually. These services include child case management, mental health and substance abuse treatment, Head Start early childhood education, and refugee resettlement assistance. From its inception, LSF has been deeply involved in resettlement efforts, ensuring that those who are legally admitted to the country receive the resources and support necessary to build stable and self-sufficient lives.

LSF's dedication to serving vulnerable populations has been recognized at the national level. In 2024, Lutheran Services in America awarded LSF President and CEO Sam Sipes the Micah Award for his leadership, particularly in expanding LSF's Head Start program, which has provided invaluable early cducation opportunities to families in need.

Additionally, in 2007, LSF was named a "Finalist" for Top Non-Profit of the Year, highlighting its impact in refugee resettlement and other critical areas of community service. These recognitions reflect the organization's integrity, transparency, and dedication to serving those in need.

Recent allegations regarding LSF's work with refugees and immigration misrepresent the facts. It is important to be clear:

LSF only assists individuals who are assigned to it by Federal or State authorities.
Funding for its refugee programs comes primarily from federal and state contracts and is used to serve individuals with legal status, such as those under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
LSF operates strictly within the parameters of its contracts to assist individuals legally assigned to its care.

The accusation of "money laundering" is completely unfounded and without basis in fact. While LSF, like many nonprofit organizations, has faced budget challenges including staff reductions due to state funding changes; there is no evidence of corruption or financial misconduct. LSF remains a trusted partner of both state and federal agencies and is consistently sought out for its strong record of compliance and excellence in social service delivery. In addition, they remain a valued partner with the Florida Georgia District and we rejoice in the privilege of working together for the sake of our communities and asa witness of Christ's love.

The work of LSF is not political; it is a reflection of Christ's command to love and serve our neighbors. As the FLGA District, our mission is first and foremost the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for life and salvation. In following this mission, we live by the words of Scripture

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength... and "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:30-31)

Caring for those in need is a fundamental expression of our faith, and LSF continues to fulfill this calling while fully adhering to the laws of the land.

LSF remains a mission-driven organization, dedicated to serving Florida's most vulnerable individuals and families with integrity, compassion, and accountability.

I ask for your continued prayers for our ministry partner, LSF, that God may bless and sustain their work. Let us remain stead fast in our mission, knowing that:

"Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40)

May we stand firm in truth and love, supporting those who dedicate their lives to serving others in Christ's name,

Rev. James H. Rockey, President The Florida-Georgia District

President Rocky LSF Letter PDF

Here are the Tweets which are refenced.

Cris Escher 2/7/25 Cris Escher 2/7/25

Photos of February Guys Night

Great time at Spiros in SLW

Cris Escher 2/7/25 Cris Escher 2/7/25

Grace Advocating for Alzheimer's in Florida

The 2025 Advocacy Trip to Tallahassee

This week, Ed and Pastor Cris had the privilege of traveling with Alzheimer’s Community Care to advocate for Alzheimer’s care in Florida.

This is ACC message.

The 2025 Advocacy Trip to Tallahassee was amazing!
We had 22 advocates meet with legislators to educate on the needs of patients and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. Our caregivers shared stories from their journey and imparted how critical dementia-specific services are for families. They also explained the impact Alzheimer’s Community Care has had to help them care for their loved ones.

Here is Pastor Cris’ team. Sharon is from Ft. Pierce, and her father was in one of the ACC centers for five years. This enabled her to work during this time.

The other two are from Messiah Tampa. Hopefully, they will open ACC’s newest center in the next year. Yes, the tall guy is Pastor Cris’ friend Mark.

Ed was stationed at a table near the entrance of the capital, where he met individuals arriving for business. He also had the chance to engage with elected officials and share his story.

Cris Escher 2/6/25 Cris Escher 2/6/25

Guys Night - 5:45pm 1st Thursdays

Going to Recovery Sports Grill in Tradition

- March 6th 2024 - 5:45pm

Recovery Sports Grill
in Tradition

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qJ9p57zWNREXqHNB8

10350 SW Don Led Duke Drive, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987

Cris Escher 1/17/25 Cris Escher 1/17/25

Haiti 4X4 Fundraiser

Raising money for a 4×4 in Haiti

We and many other churches are raising money to purchase a 4x4 vehicle for Habitat for Children in Haiti. This truck is necessary for transportation to many of the locations where we minister. It will also function as an ambulance, especially for transporting expectant mothers to the clinic and care center.

The vehicle costs $30,000.

This price represents good value. The truck is currently in Haiti and is common there, which helps save on importation fees. Additionally, mechanics in Haiti are familiar with repairing these trucks, and parts are readily available. Previous attempts to bring trucks from the US into Haiti have proven costly due to high import fees and the fact that local mechanics often lack the knowledge to repair those vehicles.

Cris Escher 1/3/25 Cris Escher 1/3/25

Update and Photos of Christmas at Grace 24’

Great Christmas at Grace

Great Christmas at Grace.

This past Christmas season was truly remarkable!
- Haiti: We had the privilege of serving in new ways through Christmas Boxes and witnessed the completion of the Loo's project.
- Children's Ranch: We continued our support by providing Angel Tree gifts.
- Local Impact: Our Crafters generously made gifts for our Grace Kids and also for the children at Good Samaritan Ministry in PSL.
- Wednesday Nights: Attendance was fantastic! We enjoyed wonderful games, laughter, and a renewed Christmas spirit. It's a far cry from the pre-Covid days when we struggled to reach 20 people at our Advent services.
- Sunday Services: Our children delighted us with their singing and bell-ringing. We also celebrated the baptism of one of our own.
2025 is ready to go for us.
- We will continue to follow our Lord, Emmanuel, through the cross, on the Kingdom Way.
  Peace to all.

Cris Escher 1/3/25 Cris Escher 1/3/25

Walther League 2nd Fridays 1pm

We will have the church fellowship open for everyone to come and socialize in a cool place

2nd Fridays at 1:00 PM,

we will have the church fellowship open for everyone to come and socialize in a cool place.

We will provide some snacks, drinks and air conditioning.

You can come to socialize, play cards or games you may have at home.

Anything can happen! Let’s try it!

Leigh Liagre is setting it up. If you would like more information or to help, call or text Leigh

Cris Escher 12/22/24 Cris Escher 12/22/24

Kids Sing Christmas Songs 2024

The Kids sing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful" And they also play "First Noel" on the Bells!

Our Kids sing "Oh Come All Ye Faithful"

And they also play "First Noel" on the Bells!

Cris Escher 12/21/24 Cris Escher 12/21/24

A Loo in Haiti [Photos]

a Loo in Haiti

On July 4th weekend we head a fundraser to build a bathroom in a very rual area of Haiti.

Here is that bathroom, we hope it blesses the church and the poeple in its vicinity.

Cris Escher 12/21/24 Cris Escher 12/21/24

Christmas Boxes in Haiti [Photos]

We passed out the Christmas Boxes!

We passed out all of our Christmas boxes.
we used Habitat for Children’s Clinic and care center for our comunity outreach.
and we used our mission house for a christmas party with our sponser children.

Cris Escher 12/20/24 Cris Escher 12/20/24

Christmas at the Movies [Photos]

Check out the photos from Grace at the movies!
Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

On December 15th 2024 we rented an auditorium at Sabel Palms 6 to watch the new
Best Christmas Pageant Ever!

Cris Escher 12/20/24 Cris Escher 12/20/24

Baptism of Charlotte

Great day at Grace bringing Charlotte into the family of God

Cris Escher 12/20/24 Cris Escher 12/20/24

Crafters Finishing up Christmas [Photos]

Crafters finishing up Christmas Crafts

"Our dedicated crafters at Grace have been working tirelessly to create heartwarming Christmas gifts for the children at Good Samaritan Ministries."

Cris Escher 12/20/24 Cris Escher 12/20/24

Christmas Dinner! 2024 [Photos]

Photos of Christmas dinner!

Every year, we gather for Christmas dinner on the Wednesday before Christmas. This year, we celebrated at Cheddar’s in St. Lucie West.

Cris Escher 12/15/24 Cris Escher 12/15/24

Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Dec. 15th 4pm Sable Palm 6

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – Dec 15th. Starring Lauren Graham, Judy Greer, and Pete Holmes.

Movie: The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
4PM Start, 3:30pm Doors open.

Food is Good, Full Service from your seat. Menu below

Click for location in Google maps

2539 S US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

In Between Publix and Staples.

I encourage you to get there early.

December 15th, Sunday
Event Starts at 4pm, Doors open at 3:30pm
Tickets are 10 Dollars, Only 110 Tickets Available

Address: 2539 S US Hwy 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Theater gets Dark at 4pm

Doors Open 3:30PM

Sable Palm is a full service Theater.
- Waiters will serve you from your seats and they have a full menu of food which you can eat at your seat.
- Each Seat has a swing out table.
- Each seat reclines.