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White
crosses (number varies) are installed on Church property (Hwy 290
side) on the anniversary of Roe Vs Wade decision. They represent
the number of babies aborted daily in the U.S.A.
- Acolytes:
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Boys aged 10 and older may serve as acolytes during the Divine Service.
Pastor trains the acolytes and they work directly under his supervision.
During the service they light and extinguish the candles. They also
hand the collection plates to the ushers.
- Adult
Education:
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The daytime Bible study and discussion group meets on the first Tuesday
of the month. They do not meet in June, July and August. The group selects
a topic to discuss. Everyone is welcomed to attend. Coffee and visiting
is from 9:30-10:00am with study from 10:00-11:00am.
- Advent
Vespers:
- Special Vesper services are held on the three Wednesdays before (&
Meals) Christmas. There is a meal served before the services. These
meals are prepared and served by different organizations of the church.
- Altar
Flowers:
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Fresh flowers are placed on the altar by members to honor a special
date or just to beautify worship. A flower chart is in the Narthex to
sign up for a date. We usually order from All Occasions, but you may
use any florist you want. Only real flowers are used for worship services.
- Altar
Guild:
- Altar Guild is an organization of women who serve the Lord by doing
the "housekeeping" of the chancel area. Duties include cleaning
of communion vessels and cups, changing paraments and banners, changing
altar candles, dusting the altar area, and keeping acolyte robes cleaned.
Other duties will be added as needed. Membership is open to any confirmed
member. For any other information contact the church office.
- Banquets:
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The Voters' Assembly (men) host the Mother/Daughter banquet. The LWML
(women) host the Father/Son banquet. These two banquets alternate every
year.
- Baptism:
- Parents
of new born babies are urged to arrange for Baptism for their children
as soon as possible. There is a special Baptism Request form available
in the church office. In cases of emergency, parents are urged to call
pastor for a possible emergency baptism. Adults may be baptized after
receiving instruction in the basic teachings of the Christian Church.
- Board
of Trustees:
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This Board is elected from members of the Voter's Assembly. These men
are charged with the care of the congregation's property and serve as
its legal representatives.
- Braille
Workers:
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The Braille workers volunteer their time to create special publications,
such as devotional materials and sections of Scripture, for the visually
impaired.
- Bulletin
Boards:
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There are three bulletin boards. One is located in the Sunday School
wing and involves Sunday School activities, teachers and students. Two
are located in the Narthex. One involves Elders and the Youth group.
The other one involves Church activities and the Church Flower Chart.
- Christmas
Poinsettias:
- Every
year we use poinsettias, approximately 20 potted plants, on Christmas.
Members may sign up for as many plants as they want. After the late
service you may take them home. Invitation, and cost, to place them
will be in the bulletin several weeks prior to the occasion.
- Church
Directory:
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A Church directory with pictures and addresses of members is available.
Check with an Usher. An updated membership roster is issued periodically.
- Church
Picnic:
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A picnic is held the Sunday following Vacation Bible School for Church
members and guests in an annual celebration of fun and fellowship.
- Church
Year, The:
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Grace Lutheran follows the historic Christian calendar. The new Church
year begins four weeks before Christmas with the Advent season. Following
Christmas, the church observes the Epiphany season. Lent prepares the
church to meditate on the sufferings of our Lord. Easter finds the faithful
celebrating Christ's victory over death. The last half of the Church
year is called the Trinity season. The readings and sermons on these
Sundays concentrate on the practical implications of the great events
which we have just celebrated during the first half of the year. Each
season has its only particular liturgical color. The paraments on the
altar, pulpit, and lectern and the vestments which Pastor wears change
accordingly.
- Circuit
Conferences:
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On the second Tuesday morning of each month, Pastor meets with other
neighboring Missouri Synod pastors. The pastors study the Scriptures
and discuss their mutual pastoral concerns. The pastor's wives have
their own meeting at the same time.
- Communion:
- Jesus
said, This is my Body, this is my Blood. Lutherans believe that this
precious meal gives to us the true Body and Blood of the Savior for
the forgiveness of our sins. Grace Lutheran follows the ancient and
Biblical practice of only communing those who have received instruction
in the Christian faith and are united with us in their understanding
of that faith. This practice is our of concern for the welfare of the
souls of all who worship with us. Helpful booklets explaining our practice
are available in the Narthex (foyer) of the church.
- Concordia
Tracts:
- These
3"x5" pamphlets discuss the Lutheran church's teaching on
various subjects. They are handy to tuck in pocket or purse, and useful
to give to people who ask questions about our beliefs. A selection of
tracts are available in the south church entrance.
- Cry
Rooms:
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This is a future addition to Grace Lutheran Church.
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