Happy Independence Day

Martin Luther on Responding to Pandemics

From Paul Baldasare, Jr., President of St. Andrews University:

Martin Luther on Responding To Pandemics

Sixteenth century Reformer Martin Luther wrote almost 500 years ago about responding to pandemics. When Luther was confronted by questions about how to respond to The Black Death Plague, he responded in words that should serve to inform our approach to the pandemic crisis our nation and the world is now facing today.

In a letter to Rev. Dr. John Hess, found in Luther’s Works, Volume 43 p. 132, as “Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague,” Luther writes:

“I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me however I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash no foolhardy and does not tempt God.”

Today in the 21st century, the faithful should go and do likewise.

Zoom to Scripture - Romans 10 - July 2nd

Be Careful About Calling Caesar Lord

https://wyehuxford.com/2020/07/01/be-careful-about-calling-caesar-lord/

By Wye Huxford

A few months ago, I decided it was time for a revisit to those seven letters to seven different churches that are at the opening of Revelation. My idea in deciding to do this, in part, was that I’m confident when this current time of turmoil in our culture – over the pandemic, over justice, over politics in general – is over, we will be living in what I’ve been calling “a coming new world.”

When I read these seven letters, written to churches who were facing rather turbulent times, I wondered if I could learn some of the “potholes” the church might avoid in order to please Christ on the one hand, and make an impact on the world on the other hand.

One of the potholes I discovered – present in some way in each of the letters – is the temptation to confuse politics and faith, a temptation often born out of fear. The Emperor Cult was a big deal in the late first century, and the pressure had to be intense to conflate one’s faith in Jesus as Lord with at least nodding your head at the idea that Caesar was Lord.

This issue may be the most dramatic in the letter to the church at Smyrna. (Revelation 2:8-11) Smyrna was awarded the privilege to build a temple to the Emperor Tiberias among the cities of Asia Minor. John Stott, in a great little book, titled What Christ Thinks of the Church, ponders “Did the Christians refuse to sprinkle incense on the fire that burned before the Emperor’s bust? Of course they did. To do so would be idolatry . . . their unwillingness to conform was interpreted by the common people as a disgraceful and even treacherous lack of patriotism.” (page 37)

If you read this letter, you find Jesus using three pretty big words to describe what life was like for these believers: tribulation, poverty, and slander from the enemies of Jesus. It is easy to see how their refusal to call Caesar Lord could be the cause for all three of these difficulties. Never one to hold back the truth, Jesus also lets them know that there is more to come. We know from church history that Jesus’ words were true – the story of Polycarp is but one among hundreds that could likely be told. (If you would like to read about Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna in the middle of the second century, click here.)

It seems that perhaps fear of tribulation, the struggle of finding a job if you refused to say Caesar is Lord, and dealing with the nonsense talk of those who slandered followers of Jesus was a challenge for believers in Smyrna.

If you notice the way Jesus introduces Himself in this letter, it becomes apparent he wants to communicate to them that He knows what He is talking about. “The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life, says this . . .” He is no arm-chair theologian who can repeat all the right ideas and assume that’s enough. He is a “been there and done that” kind of Savior. He never asks more of us than He Himself hasn’t already given.

In this coming new world, we will likely still need to contend with the aftermath of the global pandemic that, as of this writing, has claimed over 500,000 lives worldwide – 128,000 of those in the United States. We are faced with the even greater challenge of taking the gospel seriously enough to speak truth about issues of justice and fairness. But we can’t be content to just speak truth; we must act such truth out. That’s going to be complicated. Many suggest that the aggressive consumerism of the pre-pandemic world will need to be adjusted downward. That’s challenging. Higher education – the area of our culture that has prepared men and women for the sophisticated world of work for decades – is facing great challenges in terms of financial sustainability, accommodating masks and social distancing, and a host of other issues.

To Smyrna, Jesus said, “Do not fear!” And that is coming from the One who “was dead, and has come back to life.”

In this coming new world, we cannot allow fear to cripple our witness to the hope that is found in Christ. That will require making sure we aren’t calling our own “Caesars” Lord, but with great faith and commitment, declaring – perhaps on bended knee – that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

It doesn’t matter who our particular “Caesars” may be; the moment we conflate that Caesar with Jesus as Lord, we have stepped in a really deep pothole.

[Sunday] Humble Servant - God's Greater Story - Romans 9

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time when you saw someone look down on someone else because they were different.

2. Read Romans 9:1-5.  Why is Paul’s heart so broken?

3. Read Romans 9:6-13.  According to Paul, what makes us God’s children?

4. How does God’s mercy towards you in making you a child of his promise affect how you relate to those who are different than you?

---

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today June 28, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week June 29 - July 4

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Independence Day Saturday - Celebrate!

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Paula Griffin - 6/28, Bob Bailey & Pat Hessee - 7/3

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: none listed for this week!

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by Dayre Horten in honor of Darleen Merritt

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups.   Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.   

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON on Sunday for those who are worshipping at home, or in person, who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends safely.  All are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community.  Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.
Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Sticking Our Necks Out: Judgement in the Age of COVID Phases

“by SAM BUSH on Jun 25, 2020
https://mbird.com/2020/06/sticking-our-necks-out-judgement-in-the-age-of-phases/”

Life is judged with all the blindness of life itself.

– Santayana

My friend recently admitted that he and his wife had invited people over for dinner. Plenty of qualifiers were set in place—not only did everyone eat outside on their porch, but their guests were mindful enough to bring their own food, their own drinks, their own chairs, and their own face masks. Every box for Phase 2 in the State of Virginia was checked and yet my friend’s story still sounded like a confession. After expressing his litany of quarantine sins, he said, “These days, it sounds like we’re all Christian virgins who are dating. We’re all just trying to figure out what we can get away with.” He’s not wrong!

Days later, my wife and I invited some friends over for a patio picnic of our own. To our horror, it started to rain mid-meal. My wife and I quickly exchanged glances to confirm our mutual decision. We cautiously invited our friends to consider moving inside so we could eat without getting drenched. “Don’t worry! We just cleaned the house. We pretty much wiped down every surface. We can open windows, too.” Our friends, in turn, cautiously accepted our invitation. The words, “Are you sure? We don’t want to pressure you,” were probably mentioned ten times between the four of us. An hour later, as they were getting ready to leave, my wife said it felt like heaven just to have people inside our home. Paranoia returned a moment later when our guests walked out the front door as some of our neighbors were walking by. It was as if we had just hosted a key party.

Oh, the shame!

As all of us enter various phases of reentry, it feels like we are sticking our necks out into a heightened sense of fear, judgement, and uncertainty. The feeling is valid. After all, our actions affect those around us and any carelessness could potentially lead to someone contracting the coronavirus. If you live in New York you are much more aware of the real-life consequences than if you live in Kansas, but there is plenty of reason for everyone to be cautious and to care for others. And yet, now that we’re dipping our toes back in the water of normality, I find myself simultaneously assuming the role of the lifeguard and the two-year-old running around the pool.

Hypocrisy abounds these days when a desire to cut quarantine corners conflicts with the fear that others are doing the exact same thing. With so much still left unknown, every situation is relative—I can hug this friend because he’s a responsible person who has been quarantining, but is that decision solely based on reason? Thanks to asymptomatic transmission, everyone around me is a potential threat to manage, but I still want to be able to go get carry-out ice cream with my family (I’ve earned it, haven’t I?). Now that we are seemingly more free to make our own decisions, all roads point to our own self-justification while mistrusting others who act likewise.

The beginning stages of quarantine felt like we were all part of a bigger cause, but these phases of reentry feel like certain kids are getting out of school early. David Foster Wallace famously said, “We are kings and queens of our skull-sized kingdoms,” and it feels as hard as ever to regulate those beyond the borders of our jurisdiction. In that sense, it feels like our penchant for capricious egotism has been given a boost these days. And with it has come a tendency to loosen my own leash while tightening the leashes of those around me.

For instance, why do I insist that when my family visits from out of town they meet a standard of hygiene that I’m not even meeting myself? Yes, one is more susceptible to being exposed to the virus while traveling, but I don’t think my safety know-how qualifies me to scold my mother when she fails to use enough hand sanitizer. I can imagine Jesus giving the modern version of the speck and the log parable: “Why do you scold your mother for not washing her hands when you took your toddler to the playground yesterday?” Hypocrite, indeed. Despite my excuses—we were the only ones on the monkey bars, we used an entire bottle of sanitizer before and after going down the slide, etc.—all of my attempts to self-justify add up to a guilty verdict.

Last week, CNN published an op-ed about Steve Murray, the headmaster of Lawrenceville School, a prep school in New Jersey, who gave a webinar to anxious parents about the school’s plans to reopen in the fall. During his presentation, Murray made clear that the school was unlikely to be Covid-free, saying things like, “Zero risk tolerance is not realistic,” and, “Coming to school will not be 100% risk free any more than driving a car is risk free.” He didn’t try to sound like a health expert, but, instead, someone who deeply cared about his students.

With profound humility, he assured the parents that the school was doing everything it possibly could do (including pre-arrival protocols, testing and touchless toilets), but Murray didn’t promise perfection. Even when emphasizing the importance of a shared sense of responsibility, he accepted the reality that each bit of protocol was a little bit like Swiss cheese, each slice having its holes. With grace and meekness, Steve Murray helped remind me that, while we live cautiously during these times in order to love our neighbor, our hope and trust is not in sanitation alone.

It is a worthy effort to try to control the coronavirus as a disease, but I am completely unable to control another person any more than I can control myself. As ever before, I am in constant need of the Serenity Prayer to remind me the difference between what is under and what is far beyond my earthly powers. A line in the BCP Evening Prayer service says it best: “Give peace, O Lord, in all the world; for only in thee can we live in safety.” It’s true. While cleanliness may be next to godliness, it is a far cry from the holiness of a sovereign God who is worthy of all our trust.

Zoom to Scripture - Romans 9 - June 25

Barbara Young Memorial

Live Stream on Wednesday at 11am
from church website/YouTube
https://youtu.be/g3KlqYK83Yc

Because of the COVID-19 spread in Florida, the in-person gathering will be limited to family only.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to a few places Barbara cared about:

1)  Grace Lutheran Church Alzheimer’s Daycare Building Fund

     772-871-6599                
www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Give

If you would like to give to Grace’s new Alzheimer’s daycare, just indicate “ALZ Daycare” .   

  OR

2)  Sarah’s Kitchen – 772-834-2818

     OR

3)  Treasure Coast Hospice www.TreasureHealth.org

Obituary

Barbara “Babs” Katherine Young (Brandner)  was born in Ruthven, Ontario CANADA on September 7, 1934. She entered Heaven’s gates on June 16, 2020.

She was united in holy matrimony to Anton Young on November 7, 1953. The union was blessed with four children, A loving mother and homemaker, she treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. Barbara had a way of making everyone feel like they were a part of her family. Those who came to know her loved her. To anyone who needed her she was always there with love, acceptance, wisdom and kindness. She was a remarkable cook who enjoyed preparing meals, baking and always welcomed others to her table.  When she wasn’t in the kitchen she was a dedicated water aerobics participant who enjoyed socializing with ladies in her class. In her spare time she could be found reading a book or playing on her computer.

Barbara has always been a woman of faith. While living in Flint, Michigan she was actively involved in St. Paul Lutheran Church and when she settled in Florida, she became a very active member of Grace Lutheran in Port St. Lucie. It’s no surprise that she also donated a lot of her time at “Sarah’s Kitchen” helping feed the less fortunate.

The best wife and mother imaginable, nothing came before her family or her faith. Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Barbara will be remembered most for her kind loving nature and the way she lived her life to the fullest with simple pleasures.

Barbara was preceded in death by her son Ronald M. Young, by her brother William and by two infant brothers-Fredrich and Jacob.   She is survived by her husband Anton Young, her Son Richard (Theresa) Young, and her daughters Linda (Jacques) Lamothe and Lori (Tim) McAlear and  two grandchildren, Jaques Jordan Lamothe and Lauren Lamothe. She is also survived by her brother Walter (Ilene) and many cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A “virtual” funeral service celebrating her life will be held on Wednesday June 24th at 11:00 am.  You can view the service at www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/BarbaraYoung 

[Sunday] Overwhelm - God's Greater Story - Romans 8:31-39

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time you experienced God’s love when you were overwhelmed.

2. Read Romans 8:28-39.  Paul mentioned trial and tribulation and many others things that you might think would separate you from God.  What are some things you experience in your life, that you feel could separate you from God and hope?

3. According to Paul, who or what is able to separate us from the love of God?

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today June 21, 2020

Worship Service 8:30 AM

Second Worship Service and

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com 10:15 AM

Zoom into Fellowship 12:00 PM - Noon

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week June 22 - 27

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Crafters’ Group Thursday 2:00 PM

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Chuck Kamrath & Marilyn Piotrowicz - 6/21, 

Katherine Kaufmann & Carol Coffman - 6/26

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: Steven & Soo Choung -6/23 (46 yrs), 

Ed & Midge Watts - 6/26 (55yrs), Glen & Suzette Hudson - 6/27 (56 yrs)

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Steven & Soo Choung for their 46th wedding Anniversary.

OUR HEARTFELT PRAYERS are extended to the Family of Barbara Young who passed away on Tuesday, June 16.  

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

COMMUNION ON WEDNESDAY: If you, or someone you know, would like to celebrate Holy Communion but prefer a small group or unable to attend Sunday service, Pastor Cris has set aside Wednesday’s to celebrate the meal in small/family groups.   Please come by on Wednesday at: 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 or 12:00 (noon) and partake of this wonderful meal.   

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON on Sunday for those who are worshipping at home, or in person, who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends safely.  All are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

CRAFTERS’ GROUP This Thursday, June 25 at 2:00 PM the “Crafters’ Group will meet here at church.   Please wear your mask and we will keep safe distance while enjoying fellowship and will “craft” new and enjoyable items.  Contact Judy Fredrick pjfred@outlook.com for info.

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community.  Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.
Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

God Has Made a Decision About You

by ADAM MORTON on Jun 15, 2020 • 3:00 pm

Once upon a time in the 1970s, a midwestern theology professor and his former student sat down to write a guide to Luther’s Small Catechism for teenagers, which sounds the most thankless task ever conceived by mortal mind. Breathtaking beauty is rarely associated with confirmation curriculum. However, these two were rare birds, and as they sat down, the theology professor dictated exactly how he wanted the book to open:

God has made a decision about you. He hasn’t waited to find out how sincere you are, how devout or religious you might be, or how well you understand the Bible and the Catechism. He hasn’t even waited to find out if you are interested or willing to take this decision seriously. He has simply decided.

God made this decision knowing full well the kind of person you are. He knows you better than anyone else could — inside out, upside down, and backwards. He knows where you are strong and where you are weak, what you are most proud of and what you would most like to hide. Be that as it may, God’s decision is made.He comes straight out with it: “I am the Lord your God.” This is the decision: God has decided to be your God. For God wants to be as close to you as your next breath, to be the one who gives you confidence and value, to open a future to you in the freedom of the Word. God wants to be the one to whom you turn for whatever you need.He has said this before, many times. He first announced this decision about you when you were baptized. “You,” God said, as the pastor spoke your name, “are baptized in my name. I am your God and I will never let you go.”He has said it since your Baptism, too, speaking on the lips of those who have loved you, whether they were part of your family, a teacher, or one of your pastors. In fact, God is saying it again in these very words: “You, the one who is reading this, I am your God. How do you like that?”

Maybe you would like to ask a different question: Who is this God, anyway?

It is the God who made you and everything that is, the God who raised Jesus of Nazareth from the dead after he had been put to death on a cross, the one whose Spirit came like a mighty wind to drive home a word that gives forgiveness and hope. It is the God who called Abraham and Sarah out of the desert, the God who sent word to Mary that she would be having a baby, the God who covered the apostle Paul’s eyes with scales and then opened his mouth with a word of freedom.

Maybe you’ve got another question then: What’s in it for me? If God has made a decision for me, what do I get out of it?To start with, life itself. God’s decision is the life of you. For God is the one who has given you your mind, body, and all your powers, who has looked after you by night and cared for you by day, giving you all you need. The God who creates is the God of life. When this God says, “I am your God,” you can expect him to give you everything you need to live.There’s more. With God’s decision, you receive the freedom of forgiveness. The God who has decided for you is the God who in Christ refuses to hold your past against you, no matter what shape it has had. The God we know in Jesus is the one who takes you as you are — with your strengths, gifts, talents, and abilities, and also with your bad habits, selfishness, pride, and whatever else you might want to conceal. There are no strings on his decision and so no strings on you, either. You’re free.Still, there’s more. The God who has decided for you is the one who opened the grave the first Easter morning, the God who raises the dead. So when this God says, “I am your God,” the am stands forever. He is, was, and always will be your God. So no grave will ever be able to hold you. In the silence of death, you will hear Jesus’ voice saying, “Rise and shine. I am the Lord your God.” God’s decision opens your future.Does it sound pretty good? God has decided to be your God; the God who has made this decision is the one who has created you, freed you, and assured you of the future. God’s decision grants you life, forgiveness, and resurrection. You are free.

So begins Free to Be, by Gerhard Forde and Jim Nestingen, a theological classic hidden away in a most unlikely shape. Best of all, it’s true.

Zoom to Scripture Recording - June 18-20

Live Stream Change - June 20 Announcement

Live Stream is now moving to 10:15AM

Sunday Morning Worship Rules

• Wear a mask.

• All best practices for coming into Grace building still apply.

  • Keep the distance (6ft ).

  • Limit touching (people or things).

  • Wash hands (bathrooms, kitchen, or hand sanitizer).

  • Limit projecting when singing and talking.

    • Use your inside voice like your mother taught you.

[Sunday] Stuck in the Stone - God's Greater Story - Romans 8b

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time when you felt trapped in life, where you couldn’t move forward? 

2. Read Romans 8:18-30.  What does Paul say about our present sufferings?

3. According to Paul, how does God work in the middle of our sufferings and times we feel trapped in life, not knowing what to do?

4. Looking back at your life, tell of a time when you saw God’s Spirit lead you through a tough time.

Today - Sunday June 14, 2020

Flag Day

Worship Service and 8:30 AM

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Worship Service 10:15 AM

Korean Church Worship 1:00 PM

AA 7:30 PM

Rest of the week June 15 - 20

Heatherwood HOA Tuesday 7:00 PM

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

First Day of Summer Saturday

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

Next Sunday, 6/21, Father’s Day! 

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Corey Birtwell - 6/14, DJ Vik - 6/16, Linda Bowen - 6/19 and Nancy Oldham - 6/20

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Paul and Sarah Yoo.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM!  Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at 10:30 each Sunday as those who are still worshipping at home may be interested in joining in fellowship virtually. All are welcome!

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community.  Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.
Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Big Windows installed!

[Sunday] Slave to Son- God's Greater Story - Romans 8

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1.  Describe a time from your childhood where you had to be forgiven by a parental figure.  What did that mean to you?

2. Read Romans 8:12-17.  In the previous chapter Paul has talked about how we are slaves to righteousness.  He has now progressed his idea to say that we are free.  What illustration does Paul use to describe what this freedom looks like?

3. According to Paul, how do we become sons (and daughters) of God?

4. Paint a picture with your words of what it looks like for us to live as family members of God? 

Today - Sunday June 7, 2020

Worship Service and 9:00 AM

  video service www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Small group Communion 10:30 - 11:30 AM

Rest of the week June 8 - 13

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM 

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

For complete calendar information, go to www.gracelutheranpsl.com/calendar

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Linda Doran - 6/8, Austin Blizzard - 6/13

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Bob and Melissa Baily - 6/11 (32 Years)

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God in thanksgiving for our many blessings these past few months, especially through the chaotic and lonely times.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.  On your computer go to our website which is: www.GracelutheranPSL.com and click on the link. 

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  We are here to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time” to those in our church and community.  Thank you for your past and continual prayers and financial support to Grace and your community.

Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Opening Up Announcement June 5th

We are opening up on June 7th.

Sunday service will be at 9AM, both on the live stream and in person.

• Our goal for worship services for the near future is to provide an excellent experience at home so those who are high-risk may feel comfortable staying home.

• We also want to have a safe place for the body of Christ to begin gathering together in person again.

• Important Understanding

  • Many people do not feel the same as you about the severity of the virus.

    • There are those who worry about being anywhere near people right now.

    • There are those who think all this is blown out of proportion.

    • And all sorts of views in between

  • A hallmark of the Christian church is that we love and take care of one another. No matter how you feel, it is an act of love and devotion to keep the distance from everyone at church. Please, no hugging or shaking of hands, and do not get close to someone to speak.

  • Romans 14 is at the bottom

Expectations for Coming to In-Person Worship:

• Wear a mask.

• All best practices for coming into Grace building still apply.

  • Keep the distance (6ft ).

  • Limit touching (people or things).

  • Wash hands (bathrooms, kitchen, or hand sanitizer).

• Limit projecting when singing and talking.

  • Use your inside voice like your mother taught you.

• 1 family group per seating section

• Limit 40ish in sanctuary

  • overflow for 10 in fellowship hall

Communion

• End of 9:00 Worship

  • Individual family groups will be called up to a certain side of the altar area.

  • Pastor will give communion to you.

  • When you are dismissed, you should leave the sanctuary.

  • if you would like to talk with anyone after service, please meet them outside (6ft apart).

• Small Communion Services

  • Available for those who did not feel comfortable coming to worship

  • Communion for 5 family groups (or less) at a time

  • 10:30 and 11:00 AM on Sunday

Zoom to Coffee and Zoom into Scripture

• Coli will continue to hold Zoom to Coffee from the church at 10:30 AM for those who would like to join in the fun online from home.

• Online Bible studies will still continue on Thursdays at 11:00 AM

One final note:
We are watching the heath statistics, and if we deem it unsafe to meet in the future, we will make that call.

Romans 14

5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11 It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”[b]

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

[Sunday] Deliverance- God's Greater Story - Romans 7

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1.  Share a time when you tried to do the right thing, but it ended up doing the wrong thing?

2. Read Romans 7:14-25.  Does knowing the right thing to do enable Paul to actually do the right thing?  Why or why not? 

3. How is your struggle with trying to do good, similar to Paul’s struggle?  What prevents you from doing good all the time?

4. As we’re trapped in our sin, it can seem hopeless.  Where does Paul look to for deliverance and hope?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Al Cluroe - 5/31, Barbara Bock - 6/1, Marlys Pellin - 6-3, 

Cris Escher & Melville Mills - 6/4, Barbara Ruzicka - 6/5, Phillip Griffin - 6/6 

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Terry & Hatha Brown - 6/6 (12 Years)

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.  On your computer go to our website which is: www.GracelutheranPSL.com and click on the link. 

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”
Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Bible Study Recording from May 27 - Romans 7

[Sunday] - Resurrection of Van Gogh- God's Greater Story - Romans 7

Service [above] Sermon [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Do you have a favorite work of art?  Why is it your favorite?

2. Read Romans 7:1-13.  Are there rules that at one time you thought would bring life, but actually bear the fruit of death (see v. 5 specifically)?

3. Look at verse 4, what is the secret to living a life that is full of fruit for God?  Is it following rules?

4. How have you seen the resurrected life of God coming to you in these tough times of coronavirus?

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Claude Hessee - 5/24, Peggy Sawyer & Rod Kerstner - 5/25, Gertrude Behrens - 5/26, Soo Choung - 5/29

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK:  Ed & Jo Anne Furniss - 5/26 (30 Yrs), 

Cris & Coli Escher - 5/27 (14 Yrs), Pam & Ken White - 5/28 (32Yrs)

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available at the church for your convenience.  

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM! Starting at 10:30 AM, Sunday, you are welcome to join us in a virtual fellowship gathering on ZOOM.  On your computer go to our website which is: www.GracelutheranPSL.com and click on the link. 

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “live” Bible study online for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.   Directions for participating can be found on the web page www.GracelutheranPSL.com.   Check it out, and if you need assistance, please call the phone number listed. 

AND…. even if you are not computer savvy or do not have computer access, you can participate over your phone.  

GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We have had to purchase new equipment and spend lots of time getting ready. Remember, during this time, the church’s expenses will not go down even though we are not meeting in person.  During this time, we want to provide “Grace and Peace in this Chaotic and Lonely Time.”

Online Giving We have begun using Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. If you would like to give through Paypal, please go to: www.GraceLutheranPSL.com and click the “GIVE” button on the upper right side of the page.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Tom Roksvold's Graveside Service