Kyler Baptism

Adaptive Leadership Strategies

Discussion and Reflection Questions

Resources to Explore the Topic of Adaptive Leadership During a Crisis

Adapting for the Long Haul

Discussion and Reflection Guide

IDENTIFYING YOUR PURPOSE

• Consider your organization’s purpose. 

• What are your personal passions?

• How might that purpose need to change during these difficult times?

COMMUNICATING YOUR IDEAS

• Who hears your thought process and plans? 

• What language do you use (verbal and non-verbal) to communicate your ideas? 

• What about good news or bad news? How do you communicate those? 

• Do your followers/partners understand why you make the decisions you make? 

• How transparent are you with why you do what you do? 

• How can you become a clear, thorough, and transparent communicator?

LISTENING TO OTHERS

• How often have you stopped to listen since mid-March? 

• To whom do you listen? 

• What have they shared? 

• How did you process their ideas/questions/criticism? 

• How open are you to accepting help, suggestions, criticism, and feedback? 

• Do your followers see you as approachable or a good listener?

DELEGATING AND COLLABORATING

• How often do you engage in collaboration? 

• When others in your organization bring an idea to the table, how likely are you to encourage him/her to run with it? 

• In what ways have you (or can you in the future) given others opportunities to shine? 

• How willing are you to delegate tasks to others? 

• Can you stop to recharge your own self?

EMBRACING CONFLICT

• When you think about conflict, how do you feel? 

• How likely are you to embrace opposing opinions (dissenters) within your community or organization? 

• When changes need to be made, how do you communicate with your team? 

• How can you balance conflict in a way that others don’t feel threatened but instead have a chance for growth?

• Consider the dissenters that challenge you and your organization. How can you give them a voice without giving them power?

THRIVING INSTEAD OF SURVIVING

• What technical challenges have you tackled since mid-March? 

• How can you shift the focus from those challenges into more adaptive change? 

• How can you be more purposeful and Gospel-centered in your decision making? 

• What is going to have to change for you to move from surviving to thriving?

Watch Party - Presidents Equip Conference

Apparently, Registration is closed.
you are will welcome to join us.

Watch Party at Grace

Thursday 10Am -Noon
Friday & Saturday 9Am - Noon

Elevator Encounters

https://mbird.com/2020/09/elevator-encounters/

Ihave been in two heated race-related situations in the past six months. Both of them have happened at elevators.

Several months ago I was leaving a doctor’s office and looking for the restroom in the corridor. A black man walked out behind me with a name tag and a clip board and I assumed he was a doctor in the practice. I turned and asked him if he knew where the restroom was. He snapped back, “I don’t work here!” To which I responded, “Got it. Sorry.”

Then as he headed towards the elevator and I headed on a hunt to empty my bladder he yelled back, “Stupid white bitch thinks I work here!”

To which I yelled back, “Sorry!”

He did not respond. He got on the elevator, and I found a toilet.

Then just last week we were on a family weekend vacation and were standing at the hotel elevator bank with our children. We had already lectured them about how we cannot go bounding onto elevators with other people. There were signs up about one party per elevator and I was not interested in bringing a corona virus strand back as a souvenir…………………

Read the rest

https://mbird.com/2020/09/elevator-encounters/

[Sunday] Sneaky Snakes - The Standard - 9,10th Commandment

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

Questions for the Week

1.  Describe a time when you have coveted something?  What did that do to the relationship with the person that had it?  What did that coveting do to your relationship with God in that time?

1. Read 1 Timothy 6:6-12. Where does God desire his people to look for, and find, contentment? 

2. Name some specific maneuvers and shrewd practices approved by the world that would come under diving judgement of the 9th and 10th commandments.

3. How does being content with what you have prevent you from coveting?

4. We’ve seen that the 10 commandments are all about loving God and our neighbor.   What have you learned in our time this sermon series in the 10 commandments?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today September 20, 2020

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 September 21 - September 26

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

President’s Equip Conference (At Grace) Thursday - Saturday 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Steve Glish & Cuurtney-Becker Sauber - 9/20, Robert Pellin - 9/24, Alexis Blizzard - 9/26

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by Jan & Jan Lendak & Judy Hunter in celebration of their Aunt Marian Engelhardt's 100th birthday.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

CONGRATULATIONS OFFICERS OF LWML:  For the 2020/21 year, the Ladies group, LWML will be served by; Shirley Mullins - President, Judy Fredrich - Vice President, Laura Peeler - Secretary, and Joyce Strickler - Treasurer.   Thanks to Hatha Brown and Diane Heinz as they step down as President and Secretary.

CARENET BANQUET:  is being held this Thursday, September 24 or Friday, September 25 with those who indicated their interest to attend.   The guest speaker this year is David Williams, who at the the age of 19 thought abortion was the answer. 

Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. 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.

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.   

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

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  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.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Bible Study] 9,10 Commandment Zoom to Scripture

Losing Our Religion, Finding Good News

https://mbird.com/2020/09/losing-our-religion-finding-good-news/

Aclergy colleague told me on the phone last week, “Our online worship numbers have gone down week after week even though I keep telling my people to invite more people, and to pray harder, and to read their Bibles. None of it seems to work … I feel like I’m losing my religion.” My pastoral training told me to listen attentively, to offer little (if any) advice, and to pray at the end. Which I did, faithfully. But what I really wanted to say was this: “Maybe losing your religion wouldn’t be such a bad thing …”

From that time on, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and undergo great suffering at the hands of the elders and the chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. (Mk 8:31)

But Peter? Peter wasn’t having any of that. “Um, Jesus, Lord, I don’t mean to interrupt but, are you out of your mind? If you’re the Messiah I’ve confessed you to be, then you know that you can’t die. That’s losing. And in the kingdom you promised us there’s supposed to be nothing but winning!”

“Pete,” the Lord calmly intoned, “get out of my way! You’re stuck on earthly things, but the kingdom is bigger and better than your feeble little head can imagine.” Then Jesus looks out at everyone else, “Hey, listen up. This is important. If you want to be part of this whole turning-the-world-upside-down endeavor, then your world needs to get flipped right now. If you want to save your lives, go find some other teacher. But if you’re willing to accept that this life ain’t much to begin with, that’s what actually leads to salvation. Because, in the end, you can try to perfect yourself, but it won’t even come close to what I can do through you.”

……………………

Read the Rest at

https://mbird.com/2020/09/losing-our-religion-finding-good-news/

Hate the Sin, Not the Book

“This is an intresting read. the stand out is the fact that Douglas tried to find the positive even with a history he disagreed with. This is the idea we were talking about last sunday”

— Pastor Cris

Reading works from the past can offer perspective—even when they say things we don’t want to hear.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2020

Alan Jacobs

Professor of humanities at Baylor University

---

This might seem a very strange time to publish a book recommending that we read the voices from the past. After all, isn’t the present hammering at our door rather violently? There’s a worldwide pandemic; a presidential election is about to consume the attention of America; and if all that weren’t sufficient, we are entering hurricane season. The present is keeping us plenty busy. Who has time for the past?

But my argument is that this is precisely the kind of moment when we need to take some time to step back from the fire hose of alarming news. (When I first tried to type fire hose, I accidentally typed dire hose instead. Indeed.) As we try to manage our dispositions, we need two things. First, we need perspective; second, we need tranquility. And it’s voices from the past that can give us both—even when they say things we don’t want to hear, and when those voices belong to people who have done bad things. One of the best guides I know to such an encounter with the past is Frederick Douglass, an escaped slave, America’s most passionately eloquent advocate for the abolition of slavery.

The Rest at

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/09/hate-sinner-not-book/616066

September Voters Meeting 2020

Albany man rescued from Lake George by priests on a floating tiki bar

LAKE GEORGE - It was a choppy afternoon on the lake and Jimmy MacDonald from Albany was paddling in a kayak.

As MacDonald tells it, he drifted away from his wife and step kids because he was taking pictures with his new smartphone "and not really paying attention."

As he tried to make his way back, the water got choppier, and he paddled harder before he tipped over and lost his paddle. 

He was in about 30 feet of water, his ill-fitting life jacket coming up over his head, and he was holding onto the kayak with one hand and his new $1,400 smartphone with the other. 

He says people -- other kayakers and canoeists -- were passing by in the distance, but the former amateur boxer's pride wouldn't let him scream for help. So for several exhausting minutes he kept trying to right the kayak.

"That's when I said, 'Alright, I think I might die today. I think this might be it.' I prayed to my lord and savior Jesus Christ for help," MacDonald said.

Greg Barrett is a captain for Tiki Tours.

"A lot of things aligned that day," Barrett said.

He typically pilots partiers, but not on this day.

Read and Watch video at

https://wnyt.com/albany-new-york-news/jimmy-macdonald-of-albany-was-rescued-from-lake-george-by-paulist-fathers-priests-on-a-floating-tiki-bar/5850670/

[Sunday] Little Judges - The Standard - 8th Commandment

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

Questions for the Week

1. What is the human temptation when talking about others?

2. Read Matthew 7:1-14.  According to Jesus, why is it bad for us to speak poorly of others and judge them?

3. How does breaking the 8th commandment hurt relationships around you?

4. Jesus is the ultimate judge.  Because of the cross, what is his final judgment for you?  Because of the cross, how will Jesus speak of you?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today September 13, 2020

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 September 14 - September 19

LWML Monday, 12:30 PM

Olivet School Tuesday, 8 AM - 1 PM

Heatherwood Meeting Tuesday, 7:00 PM

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Melissa Bailey - 9/15

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES THIS WEEK:  Mark & Dena Davey - 9/13 (45 yrs), Norm & Marge Neuberger - 9/17 (69 yrs)

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by the Young Family in remembrance of Barbara’s birthday on September 7th.

LADIES! Our ladies group, LWML, will have their first meeting of the season tomorrow,  Monday, September 14th, beginning at 12:30 PM.   ALL ladies, members and friends, of Grace Lutheran Church are invited to attend for a time of fellowship and conversation.  Please remember to wear your mask, and we will keep safe distance while enjoying our gathering.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

CARENET INVITATION:  Phil & Judy Fredrich, would like you to join them and fellow Grace Lutheran guests at a table for the CareNet Banquet, either Thursday, September 24 or Friday, September 25.   The guest speaker this year is David Williams, who at the the age of 19 thought abortion was the answer.  Table seating is limited this year so please call by tomorrow,  September 14th, and let Phil or Judy know which evening you wish to attend (772-237-2626). 

Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. 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.

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.   

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

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  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.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Bible Study] 8 Commandment Zoom to Scripture

When the “Cart Narcs” Come for You

https://mbird.com/2020/09/when-the-cart-narcs-come-for-you/

Anyone who’s been to the grocery store is well aware of the temptation gnawing at you as the cart is emptied into the back of the car and an option is now presented before you. The cart corral is perhaps an aisle over, or maybe the sun has made its presence severely known that day, or possibly, probably, you’re just too tired from the day to even care. You could just leave it up on the curb. You could just abandon it in the empty parking spot next to you. Who would notice?

The Cart Narcs would.

Read the Rest at

https://mbird.com/2020/09/when-the-cart-narcs-come-for-you/

Barbara Bock Memorial

The family is asking for donations to a place which helped Barbara in recent history :

1)  Grace Lutheran Church Alzheimer’s Daycare Building Fund

     772-871-6599                
www.GraceLutheranPSL.com/Give

If you would like to give to Grace’s new Alzheimer’s daycare, just indicate “ALZ Daycare” .   

Barbara Bateman Bock

Barbara Elizabeth Bateman was born on June 1, 1938 at St. Luke's Hospital in Fountain Hill (Bethlehem), PA to Wesley Eugene Bateman and Mary Sims Bateman who lived at 714 Dellwood St Bethlehem, PA.

She had two much older brothers: Rolan (27) & Glenn (24) and a sister Elsie (21).

Her Mother died in 1953 when Barbara was only 16.

She Graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA in 1956.

She Graduated from the Allentown School of Cosmotoligy in 1958

Her first employment was Shampoo Girl at the Elsie Y Schupp Beauty Shop in Bethlehem

She served as Secretary of the Lehigh Valley Hairdressers Association.

She married Edward E Bock on September 8, 1962 and the couple resided at her father's house at 724 Dellwood St in Bethlehem because he had a heart attack right after their wedding until his death in 1964 when they bought the house from his Estate.    

She gave birth to a daughter Holly Elizabeth Bock on January 24, 1964.

They moved to 1221 Markley St in Norristown, PA in June of 1965 due to a change in employment for Ed.

During her years in Norristown she specialized in Manicuring & Pedicuring and worked for a Beauty Shop in Devon, PA; then at Jean-Madeline at the Plymouth Meeting Mall until the mall burned down.

After the Mall burned Barbara started working for the Norristown Police Dept as a School Crossing Guide.

They started doing Foster Care and fostered about 20 different children (from infant to 16 years old) some for a few days and others for up to 4 years.

She was recruited as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant and went on to be a National Queen of Sales 3 times, National Queen of Recruiting once and a Mary Kay Unit Sales Director. She also won 3 diamond rings and a Mary Kay Car.

In 1985 they moved to 1469 Heather Place in Upper Pottsgrove Township outside Pattstown, PA

In 1993 they moved to 575 SE Euclid Lane in Port Saint Lucie, FL for warmer weather and less expensive living.

She worked as a Store Demonstrator and then in the Bakery at the Publix Store in Saint Lucie West before retiring in 1990. She continued as a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant until 2001.

She started to develop signs of dementia around 2008 after the death of her daughter Holly from Brain Cancer.

She was officially diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2012.

She started attending daycare at the Alzheimer's Community Care Center at Saint Andrew Lutheran Church, Port St Lucie, FL in February 2018 and has a Caregiver from ComForCare Senior Services four evenings a week to bathe her before bed.

She became elegible for Medicaid in March of 2019.

She has always been faithful in Worship and service to the various Churches she has belongd to through her lifetime. She was in the Junior Choir at Christ UCC Church in Bethlehem as a child. After marriage at that Church she belonged to Salem Lutheran Church in Bethlehem, PA; Grace Lutheran Church in Norristown,PA where she was in the Choir; Trinity UCC Church in Norristown, PA where she was Girl Scout Leader for 12 years; Grace Lutheran Church in Pottstown, PA; Saint Andrew Lutheran Church in Port St Lucie, FL; Living Waters Lutheran Mission Church in Port St Lucie, FL and now Grace Lutheran Church in Port St Lucie, FL.

[Sunday] Give Life - The Standard - 567 Commandment

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

Questions for the Week

1. Read Matthew 5:21-26.  How does Jesus help you have a fuller understanding of what it means to murder?  

2. Read Matthew 5:27-30.  How does Jesus help you have a fuller understanding of what it means to commit adultery?

3. Read Martin Luther’s explanation to the 7th commandment in Luther’s Large Catechism.  What positive obligations towards money and possessions does God expect of all people? 

4. Thinking of the 5th, 6th and 7th commandments, how do these commandments involve concern for the welfare of your neighbor?

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---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today September 6, 2020

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 September 7 - September 12

Labor Day Monday

Adopt-A-Mile Tuesday, 8:30 AM

Barbara Bock Memorial Tuesday, 11:00 AM

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Dena Davey - 9/6, Gerald (Jerry) Davis - 9/7

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given to the Glory of God by Diane Heinz.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Barbara Bock will be held this Tuesday at 11:00 A.M.  The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend. 

ONE WEEK AWAY Our Ladies group, LWML, will have their first meeting of the season on Monday, September 14th, beginning at 12:30 PM.   ALL ladies, members and friends, of Grace Lutheran Church are invited to attend for a time fellowship and conversation.  Please remember to wear your mask, and we will keep safe distance while enjoying our gathering.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

CARENET INVITATION:  Phil & Judy Fredrich, would like you to join them and fellow Grace Lutheran guests at a table for the CareNet Banquet, either Thursday, September 24 or Friday, September 25.   The guest speaker this year is David Williams, who at the the age of 19 thought abortion was the answer.  Table seating is limited this year so please call by September 14th and let Phil or Judy know which evening you wish to attend (772-237-2626). 

ADOPT-A-MILE is this Tuesday, September 8, 2020 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

Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. 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.

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.   

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

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  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.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

[Bible Study] 567 Commandment Zoom to Scripture

[Sunday] Well For You - The Standard - 4 Commandment

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

Questions for the Week

1. What is the distinction between loving someone and honoring that person?

2. What does it mean to be a representative?  How are parents God’s representatives in their families?

3. Read Ephesians 6:1-9.  What promise is attached to this commandment?  And what does that mean?

4. How does Jesus fulfill this commandment, and what does that mean for you?

---

---- THIS WEEK AT GRACE - Today August 30, 2020

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 August 31 - September 5

Grace Crafters Monday, 10:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Individual/Family Communion Wednesday, 11:00, 11:20, 11:40 & Noon

ZOOM Bible Study Thursday, 11:00 AM

     www.gracelutheranpsl.com

Korean Church Prayer Saturday, 6:00 AM

Labor Day Weekend Saturday, (9/5) - Monday (9/7)

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

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THIS WEEK: Chuck Strickler - 8/31, Joelle Swanson - 9/1, and Norm Timinski - 9/5

THE FLOWERS ADORNING THE ALTAR are given by Kevin Garbers in memory of his father and his brother Andrew.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE KERSTNER FAMILY! Rod’s daughter Rachel Pierson gave birth to a baby girl this past week, Sarah Jean.  This is Rod’s 5th grandchild and Jim & Claren’s 12th great grandchild.

A MEMORIAL SERVICE for Barabra Bock will be held on September 8th at 11:00 A.M.  The service will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend. 

CRAFTERS’ GROUP Will meet tomorrow, Monday, August 31, from 10:30 AM till 2:00 PM (lunch provided!).   Please wear your mask, and we will keep safe distance while enjoying fellowship and will “craft” new and enjoyable items.  

Contact Judy Fredrick pjfred@outlook.com for info.

TWO WEEKS AWAY Our Ladies group, LWML, will have their first meeting of the season on Monday, September 14th, beginning at 12:30 PM.   ALL ladies, members and friends, of Grace Lutheran Church are invited to attend for a time fellowship and conversation.  Please remember to wear your mask, and we will keep safe distance while enjoying our gathering.

PLEASE CALL PEOPLE I realize I take for granted that people just come to the church on a regular basis. So that we all don’t descend into madness, let’s call and talk to each other regularly.  Phone directories are available for your convenience.  

CARENET INVITATION:  Phil & Judy Fredrich, would like you to join them and fellow Grace Lutheran guests at a table for the CareNet Fundraiser Banquet, Thursday, September 24 or Friday, September 25.   Please call 772-237-2626 and let Phil or Judy know which evening you wish to attend and your menu desire, either pasta or chicken.

Online Giving We have now added Paypal for online donations. We have been approved as a trusted non profit organization. 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.

COMMUNITY BAG PROGRAM: Thank you to all of you who purchased the Winn Dixie bags in July.   You helped raise $40.00 to be used to help furnish the new Alzheimer’s Community Care building once finished, Thanks.

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.   

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

BIBLE STUDY FOR ALL Pastor Cris is conducting a “livestream” Bible study online (www.GracelutheranPSL.com) with ZOOM, for you to participate in on Thursdays at 11:00 AM.  ** You are also welcome to attend the Bible Study at church, in person!  ** Seating with social distancing along with wearing your mask is now happening,  at the Bible Study on Thursday at 11 AM and at Worship on Sundays at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM.
GIVING - Changing over to a social distance model of ministry has been quite challenging. We  needed to purchase new equipment and the overall church’s expenses did not go down even though we were not meeting in person.  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.

What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Repurpose an Old IPad

You can help us support patients in hospitals who have COVID-19. Donate your old IPad to help our groups in hospital!
ICTR (International Collaborative for Trauma and Resilience) is supporting the mental health of patients in hospitals who have COVID-19 by facilitating virtual group meetings.
The idea may be seeming simple, a group that takes place twice weekly for 50 minutes, but the outcomes speak volumes.
These groups support health recovery and aid in reducing isolation, increasing resilience for patients through contact, sharing, laughter and companionship.
One of greatest challenges being a not for profit is always funding but in this case the challenge is more personal in that not all patients are fortunate to have access to iPads.
So, we are appealing to the public to please help these patients and donate an iPad (an older one you may no longer use) to our effort. Your donation will help us to better the lives that have already suffered so much, by giving them access to behavioral health and breaking their isolation.
In order to donate the iPads please email drraz@theictr.org. We will contact you back and send you instructions.
Website: https://theictr.org/
Contact Information: Dr. Sherrie Raz
Email:   drraz@theictr.org
Mail Address: 10800 Avenida Del Rio, Delray Beach, FL, 33446
Cell: (561)703-4468

[Bible Study] 4 Commandment Zoom to Scripture

Learning in Coronatide: C. S. Lewis on Going Back to School

Taken from: https://mbird.com/2020/08/learning-in-coronatide-c-s-lewis-on-going-back-to-school/

on October 22, 1939, C. S. Lewis climbed up to the pulpit of the University Church of St. Mary in Oxford to preach about “Learning in Wartime” at the start of the school year. France and the United Kingdom were at war with Germany, and Poland had just been conquered. The day before, many of the students in attendance were required to register for the draft. The times were bleak, to say the least. While there are many differences between wartime and a pandemic, the view Lewis takes on how to proceed in the bleakest of hours is instructive for us as what seemed like a quick turnaround has become a more prolonged struggle.

In the midst of global upheaval of a different kind, when everything around us feels so uncertain, if not dangerous, something as simple as education can seem to be a trivial matter by comparison. This is precisely the question with which he begins his sermon:

What is the use of beginning a task which we have so little chance of finishing? Or, even if we ourselves should happen not to be interrupted by death or military service, why should we — indeed how can we — continue to take an interest in these placid occupations when the lives of our friends and the liberties of Europe are in the balance? Is it not like fiddling while Rome burns?

For that matter, how can we reasonably worry about anything except the pandemic? Why get married, have kids, build a house, or go to school when the future is so uncertain. It’s a fair question to ask, but one that rests upon an overly optimistic view of “normal’ life. Wartime, for Lewis, is not an anomalous time to live, an exception to the rule (we might say “unprecedented”).

The war creates no absolutely new situation; it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice. Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself. If [people] had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun. We are mistaken when we compare war with “normal life.” Life has never been normal.

The operative words in quarantine life have been “pause” and “delay.” Everything is put on hold until the coast is clear. Lewis might view this as a waiting for a certainty that will never come, an illusory desire for control over what cannot be mastered. Waiting for life to resume, we fail to notice that life is still happening. Taking a risk in such times, whether it be sending your kids back to school or visiting your parents, is enough to make one feel guilty. But life has never been ideal, and those waiting for a return to “normal” may never emerge from their bunker (even after a vaccine).

As Lewis sees it, the danger of quarantine life is not inactivity, but listless activity that amounts to nothing. A gap-year may feel like a gracious allowance to many. What we might actually do with that extra time is a mixed bag (Tiger King, anyone?). For Lewis, the frustration and restlessness we probably feel now is not a sign that we should immediately return to pre-pandemic activities, but a symptom that we have perhaps squandered the time we have been given.

If you attempted, in either case, to suspend your whole intellectual and aesthetic activity, you would only succeed in substituting a worse cultural life for a better. You are not, in fact, going to read nothing, either in the Church or in the line: if you don’t read good books, you will read bad ones. If you don’t go on thinking rationally, you will think irrationally. If you reject aesthetic satisfactions, you will fall into sensual satisfactions.

Would Lewis have socially-distanced and worn a mask? Certainly. For him, the duties of wartime necessity must be engaged. But he also cautions against an obsessive fixation on potential threats which precludes other worthy aspirations.

[W]e may have a duty to rescue a drowning man and, perhaps, if we live on a dangerous coast, to learn lifesaving so as to be ready for any drowning man when he turns up. It may be our duty to lose our own lives in saving him. But if anyone devoted himself to lifesaving in the sense of giving it his total attention — so that he thought and spoke of nothing else and demanded the cessation of all other human activities until everyone had learned to swim — he would be a monomaniac. The rescue of drowning men is, then, a duty worth dying for, but not worth living for.

In our times, the requirements of social distancing and mask-wearing are essential, but these are not a reason to get up in the morning. Staying alive is not a reason for living. The coronavirus has paused many aspects of our routines and vocations, while simultaneously providing new strictures within which to (yes) flourish. Whether it be in person or a hybrid classroom, education can still be one of many joys given to us. Being safe during coronatide is a social responsibility, but it doesn’t give us joy like the laughter of children, the voice of a old friend on the phone, or learning a new language. If the power goes out, we could sit in the darkness and stare at the lightbulb, but lighting some candles and playing a board game would be way more fun.

Our lives may have been altered, but God remains the unchanged. Grace does not wait for the perfection conditions, but comes to us when we least expect it. As Lewis reminds us, “The present is the only time in which any duty can be done or any grace received.” This time we have now is such a gift. God does not follow social distancing guidelines: his gifts remain and he pursues us still — even during a pandemic.