ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcements forDecember 8, 2024

 Our mission is to share God’s love with each other, our community, and the world.      

This week at Grace

Sunday – 10 a.m. Worship
Sunday – 11:20 a.m. Handbell Practice
Monday – 12 p.m. Saints Alive
Wednesday – 9:30 a.m. Food Packing
Wednesday – 2 p.m. Afternoon Circle
Wednesday – 6:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal
Wednesday – 7:30 p.m. Worship Band Practice
Thursday – 9 a.m. Quilters
Thursday – 6:15 p.m. Centering Prayer   

♦     Christmas Eve Service: December 24, 2024 at 5:30 p.m., pre-service music begins at 5:15 p.m.

♦     Hymn of Praise: There is no Hymn of Praise during Advent as it is a time to prepare ourselves for self-reflection and change our lives to reflect the light of Christ.

♦     Pastor’s Discretionary Fund: This month’s Social Ministry emphasis is the Discretionary/Love Fund. This fund shares God’s love by assisting members and others who have urgent needs. Gifts of cash or gift cards for gas or groceries are appreciated.

♦     Please let the office know if you or anyone else of our family is in the hospital or desires a home visit from the pastor.

♦     Stewardship Drive: Thanks to everyone who submitted a commitment card for our Continuing in God’s Grace stewardship drive. If you were unable to turn in your card last Sunday, your completed card can be placed in the offering plate, given to an usher, or mailed, emailed, or dropped off at the church office in the next few weeks. Additional commitment cards are available in the church narthex and in the church office.

♦     Call Committee: No, we haven’t heard anything yet, but we continue to work on being prepared for those phone calls when they come. The Call Committee would like to thank everyone for their prayers and patience. We enjoyed our mock interview with Pastor Sorenson and learned a lot in the process. We may not hear much during the holidays. Relax and enjoy the peacefulness of this time. Save your energy to be ready for the enthusiasm and good news when we have it, God is good!! He has a plan in mind for us and the people of Grace Church!!
Prayerfully, Judy, Sharon, Saundra, Tom and Pat

♦     Hurricane Relief: Both Lutheran Disaster Relief and Thrivent are collecting money for Hurricane relief. Thrivent will match $1 for every $2 donated up to $500,000. You can give to both of these agencies directly, or if you give through the church and wish credit on your financial statement at the end of the year. Please indicate if the donation is to go to LDR or Thrivent on your envelope.

♦     Prayer list: Rita Buckley, Mary Buschbacher, Mabel Carreira, AnnaMae Chinault, Doris Cirillo, June Clark, Barbara Cox, Ann Daffer, Julie Dunston, Sydney Easton, Carol Grzegorczyk, Anne Guilford, Judy Haer, Tom Haydock, Lydia Hodge, Brian Hosty, James & Grace Irish, Wil Krell, Amy Krell, Michael Lang, Bob & Jane Lemley, Scott Listy, Marie Maddox, Ron & Flo Mari, Mac McPeak, Monica Mencia, Tom & Leona Miller, Avery Monroe, Doris Muszynski, Elaine Oblinger, John Shamp, Tim Simpson, Betty Smith, Linda Springer, Jeff Tanner, Henry Tomlinson, Gary Venable, Mary Venable, Greg Wasserman, Helen & Ron Wettleson, and Max Wickham.

♦     Friendship Pads: All who are worshipping with us today, especially those who are visiting with us, are invited to sign the Friendship Pad that is at the center aisle end of the pew. Please list your phone number if you are visiting. We would like to be in touch with you and to welcome you to our gathering. After you sign, please pass it down the pew and back.

♦     Needed for Oscar J. Pope: Chicken Ramen packs and 16 to 18 oz. Creamy Peanut butter. Other groceries are listed on the green list on the food closet door. Thank you for your support!

♦     S.P.C.A Collection: Thank you from the Social Ministry committee for the assistance.

3.5 pounds of dry cat food     10 pounds of wet cat food     18 pounds of dry dog food
20 pounds of wet dog food    20 pounds of cat litter              1 cat toy
5 boxes of dog treats              Financial donation of $500.00

♦      Parish News:          

 ♦   Worship Opportunities: 

       Sunday Morning Worship in-person and livestreamed at 10:00 a.m.     
       Online:  Website -    gracelakeland.com 
                      Facebook - facebook.com search on Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
                      YouTube -  youtube.com/@gracelakeland

♦    Contact Information:        Office Hours:  Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 12 Noon.
                      Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
                      745 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL  33801
                      863-686-5585      www.gracelakeland.com

      Email addresses:    
                      Parish Administrator - Kandyn Mathes -- churchgracelakeland@gmail.com