The Gospel is Not Self-Care: Overcoming Burnout

Read the article at https://mbird.com/2021/02/the-gospel-is-not-self-care-overcoming-burnout/

Talk of burnout usually unfolds in statistics. There are percentages and fractions. A high percentage of people in a given profession feel “emotionally unequipped” for their job. One in five members of another profession report a major health problem attributed to their work. A low but statistically significant percentage of people in the same profession reported extreme stresses on their families. A lower but terrifyingly high number report something worse. We hear these statistics in seminars we attend for our employers or central church offices. Maybe we read them in some clickbait that floated onto our social media page. But wherever they land, these stories are meant to warn us. Care for yourself or else.

Read the article at https://mbird.com/2021/02/the-gospel-is-not-self-care-overcoming-burnout/

Florida Covid Vaccine & St Lucie Co Vaccine Info

Port St Luice’s Vaccine page is particularly good. Lots of useful info.

Vaccinee Update! 2/9/21

Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Feb. 12.

More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to health care.

All three Walmart locations and one Sam's Club location in Port St. Lucie will receive vaccines:

• Walmart, 10855 S. U.S. 1

• Walmart, 1850 S.W. Gatlin Blvd.

• Walmart, 902 S.W. St. Lucie West Blvd.

• Sam's Club, 1750 S.W. Gatlin Blvd.

For more information, visit www.cityofpsl.com/vaccine and click "How to Get a Shot."

Here is the Florida Covid Vaccine Page

Here is the St Lucie Co Covid page.

Sign up for the St Luice co alert system for the fastest covid information.

Here is the Publix Vaccine Page

St. Lucie County COVID 19-Update, Jan. 8, 2021

[Sunday] Self Differentiation- Faith and Family Dysfunction

Questions for the Week

1. When is a time you gave into peer pressure and lacked self-differentiation in a relationship in your life?  What was the result?

2. Read Genesis 37:12-36.   How do Joseph's brothers fail to self-differentiate? What result does that have?

3. Share a time when you know that Jesus was able to stop and self-differentiate?  What does that mean for you?

4. There are many powerful voices that guide us from places like the TV, radio, print, and other social organizations. How can you make sure you think things through for yourself and like how Christ would have you do in those situations?

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today February 7. 2021

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 February 8 - 13, 2021

Adopt-A-Mile Tuesday, 8:30 AM

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11 AM - Noon

Bible Study Thursday, 11 AM

          also on  Zoom  

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

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

UPCOMING EVENTS:  

Valentine's Day - Next Sunday!

Ash Wednesday - February 17th - 11 AM and 7 PM - With Communion

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK  John Behrens - 2/7, Joyce Strickler - 2/8, Jenny Brendlinger - 2/10, Barbara Sutterfield - 2/11

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Mary Anne Roksvold in memory of loved ones.

ADOPT-A-MILE will be THIS Tuesday, February 9th at 8:30 AM!   Our meeting place will be on the corner of Torino and Conus.  For more information contact: Judy Fredrich (561) 315-9555  retslvnlg@outlook.com

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE:  The COVID quarantines began in March 2020 and many of our members have health conditions which have kept them isolated at home for 9 months.   So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly as well as sending cards or notes through the mail.  Phone and address directories are available for your convenience on the counter by the office door. 

WINN DIXIE SUPPORT For the month of February Winn Dixie on Bayshore and PSL Boulevard will donate $1 for each reusable bag you purchase to Grace Lutheran for the Alzheimer's Community Care center.   Grace received $40 last year from this effort. 

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.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL!  Pastor Cris is conducting a Bible Study on Thursday’s at 11 AM and you are welcome to attend in person!  Seating is with social distancing along with wearing a mask.   The Bible Study is also “live streamed” through ZOOM as well for you to participate from home.  (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) Also, recorded for your future viewing if you would like.

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM:  Coli, along with Pastor, will be hosting  Zoom to Coffee at NOON, TODAY, for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!  www.GraceLutheranPSL.com
GIVING: 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. We have added Paypal for online donations. 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. 

Finding Quiet After the Marathon

Read the Whole Article Here https://mbird.com/2021/01/finding-quiet-after-the-marathon/

trong strides, swinging arms, tired-yet-powerful legs propelling myself forward — this is how I imagined myself finishing my first marathon. Imagining how my marathon would go was a strategy I’d used in races before, along with repeating phrases like “I am strong!” when experiencing pain. Coupled together, these strategies are meant to help runners cope with the mentally grueling aspect of racing. But as most marathoners can attest, the actual race didn’t go as I’d hoped. I hit “The Wall.” Cramps crept up at mile 18 and caused my fantastic finish to be more of a horrific hobble. My marathon ended with me crying into the arms of a finish line volunteer. She put a gold medal around my neck. I kissed it. And then I vomited. 

After my marathon, my typical reply when people aske………………………………..

Read the Whole Article Here https://mbird.com/2021/01/finding-quiet-after-the-marathon/

[Sunday] Bitterness - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Wrestling with Scripture (and God)

Read the article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/wrestling-with-scripture-and-god/

The story of Jacob wrestling with an unnamed man at the ford of Jabbok might be one of the stranger episodes of the Old Testament. After sending his family across the stream, Jacob suddenly finds himself alone and wrestling with a stranger. The reader is never given any indication as to the motive for the struggle, or who initiated it. All we know is that they wrestle through the night, and the stranger, apparently frustrated at Jacob’s perseverance, knocks Jacob’s hip out of joint. But Jacob refuses to let his opponent go unless he first receives a blessing from him. The stranger grants Jacob a new name, “Israel,” for he had “‘striven with God and with humans, and … prevailed.'” Jacob demands to know the stranger’s name, but the stranger just asks Jacob why he wants to know, and proceeds to bless him. Jacob then renames the place “Peniel,” for he had “‘seen God face to face'” and still lived, suggesting that the stranger was in fact God incarnate………………….

Read the article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/wrestling-with-scripture-and-god/

[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 8-9 - Zoom to Scripture

Sorry if you are looking for Feb 11th Lesson, I posted this link by mistake.
here is the real lesson

Feb 11 Mark Chapter 9+10 Lesson

[Sunday] Triangles - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. Describe a time when you were hurt by someone triangulating or gossiping about you.

2. Read Genesis 27.  How does Rebecca triangulate to get her way?  What effect does this have on the relationships in her family?

3. Read Matthew 18:15-20.  What does Jesus call us to do when we have a problem with someone?  What promise does he make to us?

4. Who do you need to go to directly this week to be reconciled? 

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today January 24. 2021

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 January 25 - 30, 2021

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11 AM - Noon

Bible Study Thursday, 11 AM

          also on  Zoom  

Foster Grandparents Friday, 9 AM

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK   Gloria Solack - 1/28

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Cheryl Nolte in memory of her husband Bill.

LWML LADIES Our next meeting will be Monday, February 1st.   Please pick up a copy of the upcoming Bible Study for the meeting. It is on the table by the exit door.  

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE:  The COVID quarantines began in March of 2020 and many of our members have health conditions which have kept them isolated at home for 9 months.   So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly as well as sending cards or notes through the mail.  Phone and address directories are available for your convenience on the counter by the office door. 

WINN DIXIE SUPPORT For the month of February Winn Dixie on Bayshore and PSL Boulevard will donate $1 for each reusable bag you purchase to Grace Lutheran for the Alzheimer's Community Care Center.   Grace received $40 last year from this effort. 

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.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL!  Pastor Cris is conducting a Bible Study on Thursday’s at 11 AM and you are welcome to attend in person!  Seating is with social distancing along with wearing a mask.   The Bible Study is also “live streamed” through ZOOM as well for you to participate from home.  (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) Also, recorded for your future viewing if you would like.

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM:  Coli, along with Pastor, will be hosting  Zoom to Coffee at NOON, TODAY, for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!  www.GraceLutheranPSL.com

GIVING: 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.    We have added Paypal for online donations. 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.
THANK YOU! Thank you for your card and gift last Sunday. It is a pleasure serving the Lord and you here at Grace Lutheran. Peace and Joy, Kevin

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Bible Study] Mark Chapter 7 + 8 - Zoom to Scripture

Thank God for Jokes: How Christ Redeems Our Ridicule

Read whole article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/thank-god-for-jokes-how-christ-redeems-our-ridicule/

“Every man is important if he loses his life; and every man is funny if he loses his hat and has to run after it. ”

— G. K. Chesterton

Humor, as we like to say, is one of the minor fruits of the Spirit. It is, as Kierkegaard said, “the joy which has overcome the world.” But comedy can have a surprisingly volatile nature about it. Is it any accident that the conclusion of a joke is called a punchline? Any comedian worth his salt will tell you that almost every joke has a target and almost every laugh comes at someone’s expense. As Mike Birbiglia says in his special Thank God for Jokes, “All jokes are offensive … to someone.” A comedian will often begin a routine by offering himself up as the sacrificial lamb, telling self-deprecating jokes to soften up the crowd, but it’s only a matter of time until he executes “the flip” in which the tables are turned and the audience suddenly becomes the subject of ridicule. I cringe every time someone is picked out of a crowd during a stand-up routine. It’s essentially volunteering to be the butt of a joke. Whether or not the person can laugh at himself depends on his ability to accept his own ridiculousness…………………….

Read whole article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/thank-god-for-jokes-how-christ-redeems-our-ridicule/

The Surprising Dream

Click for Original Article But is easier to read below

In lovely Port St. Lucie, Fla., Just an hour north of West Palm Beach, the people at Grace Lutheran Church were wondering what to do with their vast, newly paid-off church property. 

"We currently have a small facility for doing ministry," explained Rev. Cris Escher, pastor at Grace. "But we are sitting on six acres of land in St. Lucie West and have no debt. So, we put together a group in the church to discover a way to get back into debt." 

While most other churches aren't typically looking for "a way to get back into debt," in this case, Grace's unique attitude became a blessing in more ways than one. According to Escher, God's people at Grace weren't necessarily interested in building a new sanctuary.

What they were looking for 

"We did not want to build something just for us," he shared. "We wanted whatever we were going to do ... to benefit the community around us. We thought of many different ideas, like daycare, school and so on. Really, what we were looking for was something that would fill a need in Port St. Lucie." 

Around that same time, the church heard about Alzheimer's Community Care, an organization that provides daytime care services for Alzheimer's patients. Escher said that a member of Grace was taking his wife to one of their facilities and spoke with the church about it. 

"The patients are given the best care by giving them things to do to stimulate their brains and bodies," explained Escher. "They bring people in to sing with them. They also will paint and play games. Their caregivers love how active their loved ones are because they sleep better at night and are generally healthier and happier."  

Could hosting a facility like this on the church property be the opportunity the people at Grace were looking for? 

Hopeful findings

"We hired a Florida-based Alzheimer's center expert to research the Port St. Lucie area to actually see if there was a need," said Escher, which they discovered was the case. "These findings were backed up when Alzheimer's Community Care told us that both of their facilities in St. Lucie County had long waiting lists. The lists were so long, they said, that if the facility could open tomorrow, it would be full." 

After discussions with Alzheimer's Community Care, the next step for Grace was to call Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF).  "I had just conducted an LCEF Sunday at Grace, and I remember that Pastor Cris and the church were looking for an outreach ministry," recalled Jay Wendland, LCEF district vice president for The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) Florida-Georgia (FLGA) District. "A couple of months later, we got a call from Pastor Cris with this opportunity. I think it is a first for the district." 

The plan unfolds

A plan was made together  with Alzheimer's Community Care: a new building would be constructed on the church campus that would belong to the church. but Alzheimer's Community Care would rent the facility from Grace and run the day-to-day operations. So Grace worked together with LCEF on a new loan for a facility that would be built specifically with the needs of Alzheimer's Community Care in mind.  "We have looked at this as a partnership with [Alzheimer's Community Care] since the beginning," noted Escher. 

"We have been working hand-in-hand to make this building happen. LCEF was willing to talk with our partner,  Alzheimer's Community Care, to work out a deal which worked for all." 

Of course. there were a few challenges to work through during the process. especially considering the unique nature of the partnership between Grace and Alzheimer's Community Care.
"The church has responsibility for the loan and property," explained Wendland. "it was interesting to do a loan for them since they don't have total control over the facility. so there were a lot of negotiations going back and forth." 

Why vocation is important

The new building. slotted to open in early 2021, will serve 

30 patients from 7:30 a.m. to 5 30 p m , Monday through Friday. The hope is that the church will get to visit with them each day and hold Bible study. devotion and prayer once a week. "While this is not a distinctly Lutheran endeavor, Luther understood the importance of good vocation," said Escher. 

"This was a need in the community, and we can give those who are struggling with Alzheimer's some good news. Good News they probably have not heard in a while." 

It's good news also for Alzheimer's Care Center, who required another facility to host. as well as for Grace, who had been looking for an outreach opportunity and a way to use the gifts that God has given them in a way that would benefit the community.

[Sunday] Named Anxiety - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. What situations have brought you anxiety? How have you handled them?

2. Read Genesis 16.  How does Abram and Sarai handle the anxiety about not being able to conceive a son that was promised to them by God?  

3. In what ways have you tried to control things rather than trusting God?  How has that added to your anxiety?

4. Genesis 17:1-6, 15-21.  How does God remind Abram what his identity is?  

5. How can remembering your identity as a child of God, a Christian or “little Christ,” bring you peace?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today January 17. 2021

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 January 18 - 26, 2021

MLK Day Monday

Adopt-A-Mile Tuesday, 8:30 AM

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11 AM - Noon

Bible Study Thursday, 11 AM

          also on  Zoom  

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK   Jill Wallen - 1/20

ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK: William & Clara Creelman - 1/18 (Their First)

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Grace Lutheran.

CHECK IT OUT! THE FLOWER CHART  it is in need of sponsors.  Many weeks are blank including today!  Please sign up for donating flowers in memory of, or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanks to God.  Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

ADOPT-A-MILE will be THIS Tuesday, January 19th at 8:30 AM!   Our meeting place will be on the corner of Torino and Conus.  For more information contact: Judy Fredrich (561) 315-9555  pjfred@outlook.com

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE:  The COVID quarantines began in March 2020 and many of our members have health conditions which have kept them isolated at home for 9 months.   So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly as well as sending cards or notes through the mail.  Phone and address directories are available for your convenience on the counter by the office door. 

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.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL!  Pastor Cris is conducting a Bible Study on Thursday’s at 11 AM and you are welcome to attend in person!  Seating is with social distancing along with wearing a mask.   The Bible Study is also “live streamed” through ZOOM as well for you to participate from home.  (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) Also, recorded for your future viewing if you would like.

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM:  (IT’S BACK!) Coli, along with Pastor, will be hosting  Zoom to Coffee at NOON, TODAY, for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!  www.GraceLutheranPSL.com

GIVING: 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. We have added Paypal for online donations. 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. 

Baptism of Jaxon and Kinslee Cruce

This is where the Baptism coverage will be

Hold on Loosely to Your Politics

Read the Article Here https://www.1517.org/articles/hold-on-loosely-to-your-politics

I will hold with a white-knuckled grip of love to my family and my close friends. You come after them, you’re gonna have to deal with me. Chances are, when the dust has settled, I will have said and done some things in my zeal that went too far, but I will never regret being in their corner.

They are gifts too precious to let go.

I have wrapped my hands around the Scriptures, the creeds and confessions of the church, the faith which boldly proclaims, “Jesus is Lord.” I have sworn, before God and men, that I will suffer all, even death, rather than fall away from it. Mock me. Threaten me. Spit in my face. I’m not changing.

The gifts of Christ are of too eternal an importance to let go………………….

Read the Article Here https://www.1517.org/articles/hold-on-loosely-to-your-politics

Focus on the Family: Covid - 19 Vaccines: What you need to Know

There are many perspectives and rumors about the COVID-19 vaccines. Did the developers skip steps in the creation of the vaccination? Were fetal cells used i...

Infectious disease specialists Dr. Daniel Hinthorn and Dr. Scott James share an informative perspective on COVID-19 vaccines, discussing their historic nature and the rapid speed of their development. Our guests answer common questions about the vaccines, addressing practical concerns and next steps while taking a look at where the pandemic may be heading in the coming months.

Faith & Family Dysfunction - Working our Way Through Biblical Dysfunction

Anxiety, pitting our family and friends against each other, group think, and bitterness. These all take life away from us and can cause us to live in despair. But when we look through the main story of scripture we see a family who is extremely dysfunctional, and yet God never leaves them and we know them as the patriarchs

Sermon Playlist

Watch Full Servies & See Bulletins

Drone Footage: New Alzheimer's Day Care is looking Great

We have SOD!

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Check back here soon. I am going to shoot a bunch of photos today and will post them here tonight.

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[Sunday] No Excuses - Faith and Family Dysfunction

Service [above] Sermon releases at 10pm [under]

Questions for the Week

1. What do you think causes dysfunction in a family?

2. Read Romans 3:23.  What does this tell us about our role in dysfunction?

3. Read Romans 4.  Specifically look at verses 18-22.   How does God show His promise to Abraham, despite Abraham’s weakness?

4. How have you seen God work in the midst of people’s dysfunction? How has God been faithful to his promises to you?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today January 10. 2021

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 January 11 - 19, 2021

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM 

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11 AM - Noon

Bible Study Thursday, 11 AM

          also on  Zoom  

Korean Church Prayer Gathering Saturday, 6 AM

Baptism of Twins Jaxon & Kinslee Saturday, 11 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK   Doris Vollmann - 01/13, Patti Williams - 01/14

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the glory of God by Grace Lutheran.

CHECK IT OUT! THE FLOWER CHART  it is in need of sponsors.  Many weeks are blank, including today and next Sunday!  Please sign up for donating flowers in memory of, or to honor someone close to you, a special occasion or giving thanks to God.  Weekly cost for the two vases of flowers is $30.00.

2021 ENJOYMENT COUPON BOOKS: are now available in the Narthex.  The coupon books sell for $35.00 each of which $10.00 is donated to Grace Lutheran’s Youth Group needs.

ADOPT-A-MILE (A Week Later!) will be next Tuesday, January 19th at 8:30 AM!   Our meeting place will be on the corner of Torino and Conus.  For more information contact: Judy Fredrich (561) 315-9555  pjfred@outlook.com

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE:  The COVID quarantines began in March 2020 and many of our members have health conditions which have kept them isolated at home for 9 months.   So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly as well as sending cards or notes through the mail.  Phone and address directories are available for your convenience on the counter by the office door. 

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.   

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL!  Pastor Cris is conducting a Bible Study on Thursday’s at 11 AM and you are welcome to attend in person!  Seating is with social distancing along with wearing a mask.   The Bible Study will be “live streamed” through ZOOM as well for you to participate from home.  (www.GracelutheranPSL.com)

SEE YOUR GRACE FAMILY ON ZOOM:  (IT’S BACK!) Pastor and Coli will be hosting Zoom to Coffee at NOON TODAY for those who would like to join in fellowship “virtually” to see and chat with Grace members and friends.  All are welcome!  www.GraceLutheranPSL.com
GIVING: - 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. We have added Paypal for online donations. 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. 

An Epiphany for the Haters: Another Year Begins

Read the whole article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/another-year-begins-an-epiphany-for-the-haters-and-anyone-else-tempted-to-call-it-on-2021/

“Make the world go away / Just get it off my shoulder.” Elvis sang those lines in 1970 and the refrain has been ringing in my head the last few days.

This is a week, after all, usually spent generating excitement about the new year. Brainstorming, organizing, “casting vision,” setting balls in motion, girding loins, possibly pretending we’re not still wiped from December. It’s hard enough in a “normal” year, but the whiplash this time around just feels insurmountable.

Because the world won’t go away. Whether it’s lunatics in the capitol, or a fatal car accident, or a new strain of COVID, or the soul-sucking rodeo of rancor and self-justification known as (social) media, these things intrude.

It’s gotten to the point where I envy those who react with anger, which at least seems energizing. For me the knee-jerk has always been sadness accompanied by the desire to retreat — into nostalgia or art or the minutiae of life with small children. I suppose I’d be tempted to reconsider the Benedict Option if that allowed a person to retreat from fellow Christians too. My fantasy is more the McFly Option.

Read the whole article here https://mbird.com/2021/01/another-year-begins-an-epiphany-for-the-haters-and-anyone-else-tempted-to-call-it-on-2021/

[Sunday] - Epiphany - Nostalgia

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What Had happened at Grace this week.