Grace Lutheran Church Oshawa

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost          November 13, 2016

Welcome in the name of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. If you are visiting, we are glad that you are here and kindly ask that you sign our guest book at the sanctuary doors. If you would like to become a member please speak to the Pastor. In case of illness, the Pastor should be informed. He will always be glad to speak with those who are confronted with problems of a spiritual nature. The time before worship is a quiet time for prayer and meditation to prepare for worship. Please see the inside cover of the hymnal for prayers and page 329f to prepare for Holy Communion. Communicant members are asked to fill out a communion card found in the pew racks and place it in the offering plates.

 

God’s Plan of Redemption Trumps Earthly Destruction and Violence

There are signs of the Lord’s coming all around: the cross that marks His Church, the violence and death of the sinful world, and the shaking of the natural order. “There will be great distress upon the earth” (Luke 21:23), but the faithful know that “the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31). Therefore, “straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). Be awake and alert, and heed the words of Christ, which “will not pass away” (Luke 21:33). For you “the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (Mal. 4:2). He sends His preachers of repentance in the spirit and power of Elijah “before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes” (Mal. 4:5), in order to “direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ” (2 Thess. 3:5). Although you are often faithless, “the Lord is faithful,” and by the preaching of His Word “he will establish you and guard you against the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3). Therefore, “do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thess. 3:13). In the midst of calamity, believe upon the Lord, Jesus Christ.

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Collect of the Day

O Lord, almighty and ever-living God, You have given exceedingly great and precious promises to those who trust in You.  Rule and govern our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may live and abide forever in Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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ORDER OF SERVICE: Setting One page 151.  The Introit on the insert is sung responsively by half verse.

 

Readings:  Malachi 4: 1 – 6                  2 Thessalonians 3: (1-5) 6 – 13        Luke 21: 5 – 28  (29-36)

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HYMNS:    513,  508,  809 (offering),  516,  733,  919

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Presiding Minister (P):  Rev. Jack Hetzel                                          Assisting minister (A) lay: Shane

Organist/Pianist: Paula                                                                      Acolyte: Christine

Sound System: Anna/Laura/Philip                                                   Webmaster:  Michael

Secretary: Ann (Tue.) and Debby (Thurs 5-7)

 

PRAYER INTERCESSIONS: Family of  Armand; Marshall;  Thelma; Rev. Greg;  Pres. Paul; Bill; Fred; Margaret; Albina; Rev. Allen; Edith; David; Ryan; Kristen; Kim; Asser ;  Gheorghe; Sharon; Autumn; Susan; Mary; Hans & Sonya; Sherran & Larry; Heather; Konrad & Herta; Gene; Rob & Debbie; Stephanie;  Betty;  Lucie; Claudette; Andre & Micheline; George & Waldtraut; Suzanne; Will; Keith, Brenda; Mother of Paula; Uncle and Mother of Sherry.

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VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY:  TODAY after the divine service where we will vote on the budget for 2017 among other business matters.​​

 

MATINS AND BIBLE STUDY:  takes place every Wednesday morning at 9:00 am.  We continue with a study on our liturgy.  All members are welcome to join in.

 

NICARAGUA MISSION PROJECT:  join us for TAPAS on Sat. Nov. 5th at 5:30 pm, here at Grace.  This fund raiser, with dinner and silent auction, is to support LCC’s Nicaragua Mission. All donations (free will offering) go directly for the purchase of VBS and construction materials.  A sign-up sheet for meal donations is posted in the Narthex.   Don’t be afraid of TAPAS—there are plenty of North American dishes being served!  Venido para la diversion!  For more information, see Ann.

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MEALS ON WHEELS:  is looking for volunteers to deliver the meals in Oshawa.  To sign up or for more information call (905) 430-5614  extension 225 and ask for Diane. 

 

QUILTING: Tuesdays Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29 at 9:00am.  Newcomers welcome--no experience necessary.

 

DONATIONS NEEDED 2016:  We continue to accept donations for layettes and school bags.  Thank you for donating a number of furniture pads to help protect our newly polished floors!

 

THE LUTHERAN HOUR BROADCASTS:  Hear inspirational messages every Sunday on Hamilton CHAM 820/am at 8:00 AM.  Streaming audio and pod-casts at:  www.lutheranhour.ca.

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL:  We now have enough toilet paper rolls-THANK YOU!  We are collecting toiletries for a community project.  More details to follow.  A list of needed items is available on our Sunday School box in the Narthex.  We thank you for your continued support!

 

HISTORY OF OUR GRACE CHURCH:  Our library is going to feature a book of the month.  For the month of October, a photo album with newspaper clippings and historical items concerning GLC is featured.  You can find it on top of the white book case in the narthex.  Enjoy reading some history of how God’s grace has been working among us!

 

CAMPBELL LABELS:  please submit all Campbell labels by Dec. 1, 2016.  The current program that has provided supplies for school kits is ending in Jan. 2017.  Place labels in the wooden box outside the church office.

 

HOLY LAND TOUR 2017 (Feb 26 – Mar 7, 2017) You are invited to join Rev. James Luke, Intercultural Minister & GTA Missionary in LCC, East District, on this special 10-day trip to the Holy Land. This is the third trip that Pastor Luke will be leading, an excellent opportunity to walk in Jesus’ steps. For more information contact Rev. James Luke at 905-451-2581. (flyer available at www.lcceast.ca - select calendar/Feb 2017).

 

CHURCH FUNDRAISER: Sometimes we need a card to say thank you, hope you’re doing okay, congratulations, or even Merry Christmas. We will have a rack with cards for all occasions.  Take a card and put a donation in the globe tin on the rack.  All funds are for our debt reduction fund. If you have a stack of cards at home that you want to donate, place them on the rack in the right category. I will have the cards ready for Nov. 1st, 2016.  Thank you to all who have already donated to get us started.   Debby                             

 

OFFERING COUNTERS: we are looking for volunteers to assist in counting weekly offerings.  Currently counting is done by just a few members of the congregation.  It is a rather simple task carried out on a computer.  Please give this request consideration to lighten the load on our Financial Sec’y Wendy.

 

SPECIAL NEEDS FUND:  The special needs fund  has been depleted, and the church council has approved that it be reactivated, to help church family members in need.  Please consider how you've been blessed, and can assist in building up this fund once again.  This should be over and above your normal weekly offerings.    Thank you for sharing with those in need .

 

90th ANNIVERSAY FOR GRACE L.C.:  Our 90th Anniversary is fast approaching, and we would like some of your expertise in the matter, please let Gina know if you are interested in joining the organizing committee.

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NEEDED: A second large artificial Christmas tree.  If you have one your no longer using, please bring it in so we can also have on in the Church this year. Thank you.

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THANK YOU: to my Grace family for all your Prayers and good wishes for my 80th birthday.  God bless Viena

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THANK YOU: A thank you card was received from the Lutheran Theo. Seminary Students for our Donation of food for their pantry.   See card on Bulletin board.

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GREETERS:  A welcoming smile and a firm handshake is a warm invitation to our Grace family. Please sign up for either whole month or a few Sundays or if you notice no one is there at 10:15 am. Please step in an  Greet! See sign up form on bulletin board.

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LOST! One black/blue bag with information in it regarding the St. Catharines Seminary and memberships. Please return to Viena.

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CHOIR PRACTICE: next Sunday, Nov 20, new members welcome.

 

This Week under Grace – November 13, 2016

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Today (g)                      9:30am                         Adult Bible Study

                                    10:30am                        Divine Service (C) followed by Voters’ Assembly

Tuesday                       9:00am                         Quilting

Wednesday                 9:00am                         Matins and Bible Study

Sunday (g)                   9:30am                         Adult Bible Study/Sunday School

                                    10:30am                        Divine Service (C)

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FOOD BANK: Please continue to make your food donations to help those in need in our church, community and our Seminary.  Thank you

 

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS:  There is a folder in the holder outside the office door for weekly inserts for the bulletin and monthly calendar.  Items for the Bulletin are due by Wednesday of each week; and 3rd Sunday of each month for calendar.  Or email your dates and events to office@gracelutheranoshawa.net; Start thinking about 2016 dates for meetings and events. Enter on calendar in narthex.  Thank you.