ANNOUNCEMENTS

♦    Grace’s Council would like to THANK those who contributed to the success of Pastor Pam’s Farewell dinner.  It was a lovely send-off!
        
♦    PEACE Update: Monday, April 29th at 6:30 -- the annual Nehemiah Action at Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland. This is one of the most important gatherings of the year. We want to have as many members from Grace as possible to attend. Please talk to Tom Hager or Dan Stoller.

♦    Backpack Ministry Needs:  We are in need of Ramen Noodles and Peanut Butter.  Please leave your donations in the fellowship hall.  We need 30 – 40 oz. jars of Peanut Butter for distribution on the last week of school.

♦    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 it, please pass it down the pew to others.

♦    Graceful Giving:  Grace bought a farm! Can we do it again?  Grace has purchased farm animals in the past, as well as purchasing a well to supply safe drinking water and a means to irrigate crops.  Our goal this year is to purchase a complete farm as we have done in the past.  The purpose of these farms is to provide immediate food plus future growth for a sustainable food supply for a community.  We don’t know where this farm will be, or what it will look like.  It may be a cow, pigs, sheep, goats, chickens, etc.   Maybe it will be sheep for the wool and meat or chickens for eggs and meat, cows or goats for milk and meat.  Or maybe a fish farm. What we do know is it will be stocked with whatever is appropriate for the region selected.  There will also be guidance in the operation of the farm. To help in this project just make your check out to Grace Lutheran Church and designate it for God’s Global Barnyard.  

♦     Prayer List Updates:  It is our privilege to pray for one another.  If you have requested prayer for yourself or someone else, please let the office know if that person’s need for prayer has passed.

♦     Prayer list: Sara Anderson, Mary Buschbacher,  Mabel Carreira, Mike Childs, Anna Mae Chinault, Doris Cirillo, Jan Clark, Chuck Cover, Ann Daffer, Julie Dunston, Carol Grzegorczyk, Anne Guilford, Tom Haydock, Lydia Hodge, Brian Hosty, Paul Klockowski, Wil Krell, Amy Krell, Bob & Jane Lemley, Mary Lemley, Scott Listy, Irene Lombardi, Ron & Flo Mari, Carla McGee, Barbara McPeak, Mac McPeak, Monica Mencia, Avery Monroe,  Doris Muszynski, Dottie Myers, John Shamp, Tim Simpson, Betty Smith, Pastor Pam Smith, Linda Springer, Jeff Tanner, Henry Tomlinson, Gary Venable, Mary Venable, Sue Wallace, Greg Wasserman, Helen & Ron Wettleson, and Max Wickham.’

♦     Social Ministry Update:  The May ingathering of supplies is for Rez House in Dade City.  This migrant ministry is supported by the ELCA and other churches in the west-central Florida area.  ELCA Pastor Bruce Edwards and Director Margarita Romo lead this ministry.  It is a center for community, information, and activities in support of those in need.  There is always a need for food supplies, with rice, beans and flour a high priority.  Monetary donations are needed as well, and items that are in good repair are accepted for the Rez House Thrift Shop. Checks may be made payable to Grace with “Rez House” in the memo line.

♦    Tai Chi: Come and discover the health benefits of Tai Chi. A class is going to start at the church on May 13, Monday 6 pm to 7pm.  This class is open to members & friends. The movements are relaxed, gentle, and slow and helps your Mind, Body, and Spirit. The class is being taught by Dan Stoller.

♦   Parish News: