Week 5 RLC Together: Giving

Welcome to Week 5 Contents.

• Pastor Cris Together Group Video

  • Meets Thursday 11am: Video Releases Friday Morning

• Together Group Video

• Discussion Guide

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Pastor Cris’ Together Group Meets
Thursday Morning at 11am
Video recording releases Friday mornings.

Together Group Video Week 5

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Discussion Guide | Week 5

[Sunday] Giving - Red Letter Challenge

Action Item:
Financial stress is just an everyday norm. Our view of money has become a burden in our lives. But Jesus says his yoke is easy, and His burden is light.

Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups

Find some folk to go through this challenge together.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Brothers Keeper; New Way to Serve.

We are beginning a new ministry to replace Backpack.

With the arrival of Covid we were unable to continue our food backpacks for children at Manatee K -8. Grace Packs stepped in and Manatee has chosen to stay with them.

Grace ran this ministry with Sunlight and All Villages Church for eight years, and I believe all will agree it was a success.

Now it is time to move on.

We are joining Sarah’s kitchen in ministering to the homeless.

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Every Tuesday Sarah’s kitchen delivers food to the homeless and we are going to piggyback on their deliveries with toiletries in a gallon Ziploc bag. We are beginning with 25 bags per month 20 adult and five children's bags.We will need the following items in travel sizes or the slightly larger personal size. You will find the dollar store is the best and most economical place to purchase these items.

• Toilet paper (no jumbo rolls as they will not fit in the bag),

• disposable face masks,

• shampoo,

• hair conditioner

• ,washcloths,

• bars of soap,

• toothbrush ,

• toothpaste,

• deodorant,

• hand sanitizer,

• Q-tips,

• bug repellent.

  For the children's bags we would include

• towelettes and

• children size disposable face-masks

• ( for the kids bag the toothbrushes and toothpaste with children's design or characters).

• Gallon Ziploc bags and

• mini Ziploc bags for the Q-tips. THESE ARE THE BASICS.

In addition we will take travel size

• mouthwash,

• hand sanitizer

• towelettes,

• individual bug repellent (the type in hotels when traveling).

Checks to purchase items should be made payable to Grace Lutheran and marked Brothers Keeper.

Our first packing will be Friday, September 24 at 9:30 AM at Grace in the new building.

Photos of items are on the bulletin board in the narthex to guide you. List of items for shopping is available for your use. If you have questions please see Leigh Liagre or Carol Coffman

A Reflection On The 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Read the Whole article here https://mbird.com/featured/a-reflection-on-the-20th-anniversary-of-9-11/

There is a land of love that I used to visit. It was lush and light. Full of sweet memories and conversations with both of my parents. I would show up there almost daily. In phone calls, text messages, long emails, and as many visits as we could manage. We could talk for hours.

I would recall to my mother how, as an adult, I have discovered I know almost no music from the 1980s. In my childhood she played Motown exclusively. We would laugh together remembering dancing in the dusty living room light to Aretha Franklin or the Temptations. And my Dad’s stories from childhood were always astonishing to me. One I would have him tell all the time happened at his father’s airport. It was kind of a hangout for local men and this odd pair of elderly gentlemen would meet weekly there to play chess, whisper quietly in German, and weep. One had been a member of the Nazi youth and the other was from a Jewish family who left Germany right before the Holocaust. I mean, who else has stories like that?………………………………..

Bible Study - Thursdays 11AM

We will be Studying 2 Corinthians Beginning Oct. 21’

Every Thursday we get together and read scripture. 

However this is not the old style of reading we are used to, we listen to the scriptures being read out loud by professional actors. This reading brings a dynamic life to the scriptures  and help you to understand what the scriptures our saying.  This study is also a great opportunity to ask very difficult questions about the scriptures. 

So join Pastor Cris and everyone else as we read the scriptures together. 

Occasionally Pastor Cris has meetings on Thursday. When this happens the study get canceled. Please call ahead if you are new just to make sure. Thanks - Pastor Cris

Independence Can't Buy Me Love

Read whole article here https://mbird.com/social-science/identity/independence-cant-buy-me-love/

I hear a lot of talk about independence the older I get. And I get it, I really do, independence is important if you want to successfully find a place to live in besides your parents basement. It’s also important if you want to find a job that can support you, but more importantly, one that can indulge your newfound pescatarian lifestyle and sustain your iPhone upgrades.

Week 4 RLC Together: Serving

Welcome to Week 4 Contents.

• Pastor Cris Together Group Video

  • Meets Thursday 11am: Video Releases Friday Morning

• Together Group Video

• Discussion Guide

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Pastor Cris’ Together Group Meets
Thursday Morning at 11am
Video recording releases Friday mornings.

Together Group Video Week 4

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Discussion Guide | Week 4

[Sunday] Serving- Red Letter Challenge

Action Item:
The more we do to serve in Jesus’ name, the more we will find the abundant life which we were made to abide.

Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups

Find some folk to go through this challenge together.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Why we're Not Going Back to Church

Read whole article here https://mbird.com/religion/church/why-were-not-going-back-to-church/

When hosting a party, it’s hard not to take a person’s absence personally, especially if the reason goes unmentioned. Without an RSVP, the host is left to assume the worst. Did the person die on the way over? Or worse still, did they have better things to do and never really like you in the first place? Such is the case, it seems, for clergy who are wondering where some of the pre-pandemic stalwarts have gone. I’m currently in my third year of seminary and, as someone who is hoping to be a future leader in the church, I went to a Sunday service four times this summer. (My kids went once.) I could provide a list of excuses, but none of them feel truly legitimate.

Week 3 RLC Together: Forgiving

Welcome to Week 3 Contents.

• Pastor Cris Together Group Video

  • Meets Thursday 11am: Video Releases Friday Morning

• Together Group Video

• Discussion Guide

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Pastor Cris’ Together Group Meets
Thursday Morning at 11am
Video recording releases Friday mornings.

Together Group Video Week 3

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Discussion Guide | Week 3

[Sunday]Forgiving- Red Letter Challenge

Action Item:
If God is known for grace, shouldn’t the church be known for grace? Then why are followers of Jesus known for the exact opposite?

Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups

Find some folk to go through this challenge together.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

We Need Eighth Commandment People Now More than Ever

Read the Whole Article here https://blog.cph.org/serve/we-need-eighth-commandment-people-now-more-than-ever

Our Savior, Jesus Christ, was wrongly accused and wrongly convicted of a crime He did not commit. The Sanhedrin would go to any means necessary to silence this rabbi, even to the extreme of breaking the Eighth Commandment to have Jesus put to death.

Now the chief priests and the whole council were seeking false testimony against Jesus that they might put Him to death, but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. (Matthew 26:59–60)

What Does the Eighth Commandment Cover?

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. (Exodus 20:16)…………………………

Week 2 RLC Together: Being

Welcome to Week 2 Contents.

• Pastor Cris Together Group Video

  • Meets Thursday 11am: Video Releases Friday Morning

• Together Group Video

• Discussion Guide

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Pastor Cris’ Together Group Meets
Thursday Morning at 11am
Video recording releases Friday mornings.

Together Group Video Week 2

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Discussion Guide | Week 2

[Sunday]Being - Red Letter Challenge

Action Item:
Whatever God starts He finishes. You may start some things and not finish. But what God starts He finishes!

Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups

Find some folk to go through this challenge together.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

Help for Haiti Earthquake

Let’s help those in need devastated by the earthquake
in Haiti!

Below is a letter from Meschac St Amour of Habitat for Children Ministries.

He is asking for certain items to help with those who have been affected by the earthquake
I have listed them in the top.

• aspirin, Tylenol and pain relivers

• first aid supplies of bandages, gauze, alcohol, antiseptic ointment, medical tape, cotton balls, cotton swabs, syringes, gloves, masks, tongue depressors, hand sanitizers, antiseptic wipes; and medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, blood sugar machines, etc.

• tarps for homes

• school supplies (book bags, pens, pencils and paper) as students will also be going back to school.

Any donations given to Grace Lutheran PSL for Haiti will either go to Meshac or the FLGA District LCMS’s efforts to help those in need.

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To Whom This May Concern,

Habitat for Children Ministries, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that seeks to build hope and inspire children to have a better future through our outreach programs. We primarily work with youth and families in Le Jeune, Haiti which is in the northern part of the country. We provide spiritual guidance, feeding programs, teacher education, and educational supplies to those in need.

We recently received a calling to help those that have been critically injured from the August 14th earthquake that has immobilized so many in the cities of Les Cayes and Jeremie, Haiti.

We will have a team to visit the devastated areas and provide much needed acute medical supplies. As the founder of this ministry, I Meschac St Amour, feel that it is my duty to join the team and be a help.

I am asking

for any assistance with donations of the following medical supplies including but not limited to basic medications of

• aspirin, Tylenol and pain relivers

• first aid supplies of bandages, gauze, alcohol, antiseptic ointment, medical tape, cotton balls, cotton swabs, syringes, gloves, masks, tongue depressors, hand sanitizers, antiseptic wipes; and medical equipment including blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, blood sugar machines, etc.

• tarps for homes

• school supplies (book bags, pens, pencils and paper) as students will also be going back to school.

Please consider being a help to others at this dark and uncertain time. The people of Haiti have been in pain since the recent assassination of their President and now they are faced once again with a sudden earthquake that has taken many lives. In-kind donations can be arranged to be picked up or they can be mailed to 397 SE Starfish Ave., Port St. Lucie, FL 34983. Monetary donations are also welcomed to assist with shipping or in-country purchases. They can be mailed to the same address above or made online at https://giv.li/pioaqx. All donations are tax deductible. Our EIN is: 45-2386662.

Please feel free to review our website at www.HFCM.info and contact us either by mail or telephone at (561) 536-3177. Thank you in advance for any support that you may lend regarding this request in helping to improve lives. We look forward to hearing from you whether it is with donations or inquiries.

Sincerely,

Meschac St Amour

President

Email Blast Aug, 21 2021

https://www.gracelutheranpsl.com/campaigns/view-campaign/tol0WCVqWDWCJivWwBpMwTrXG_4ripmEV1U21GSlKL6MPKlI0vJBBlWqmA4FQSfO5igQH3lG2uqkr0qAv0MnMsp24DQnDYms

The Jagged Little Pill of Grace

Read the Whole Article here https://mbird.com/theology/the-jagged-little-pill-of-grace/

Vitamins are good for you. Or so I am told. And because I am an “adult,” I’ve graduated from the Flintstone gummy bear vitamins to the little oblong pills without any taste —  good for the body, but impossible to consume.

Grace is good too. I know that for certain. But just like the vitamins, it is difficult to ingest. In a society that values meritorious efforts, how can one accept the undeserved gift of love and mercy? But there is another, less obviously part of grace that presents its own challenges. When something is freely given to us it is easier to take it for granted. And as humans, we know that when we feel taken advantage of, we usually ditch the person like a popsicle stand. 

But God doesn’t ghost us like an unrequited romantic interest — in other words, He is not contained by the box of human standards. His love transcends mere human judgments and can be captivated by us, like the father in the story of the prodigal son. A son who s…………….

Week 1 RLC Together: Intro

Welcome to Week 1 Contents

• Pastor Cris Together Group Video

• Together Group Video

• Discussion Guide

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Pastor Cris Together Group Video

Pastor Cris’ Together Group Meets
Thursday Morning at 11am
Video recording releases Friday mornings.

Together Group Video

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Discussion Guide

[Sunday]Beginning Together - Red Letter Challenge

Action Item:
Invite Jesus and others into your Red Letter Challenge experience. To put Christ's words into practice, you need the strength from Jesus and the support from others.

Red Letter Challenge
Together Groups

Find some folk to go through this challenge together.

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What Had happened at Grace this week. 

John (Jack) Behrens Memorial

Memorial Service
Saturday August 14th 2pm
Grace Lutheran PSL 555 SW Cashmere Blvd.
Port St Lucie, FL 32986

John C. "Jack" Behrens Dedicated Member of His Communities
PORT ST. LUCIE - John C. "Jack" Behrens, of Port Saint Lucie, FL, a former Lancaster, OH native who later lived in Clinton, NY, for 51 years, passed away on Friday, July 16, 2021 at his Florida residence. He was 88.
Over his lifetime, Jack wrote 24 books and more than 25,000 articles, columns and essays. He served as contributing editor to many weekly publications and was proud of his work for advancing literacy.
He spent 20 years serving as business editor for Elks Magazine and direct mail editor of American Printer while teaching at Marshall University and Utica College. He continued writing while fighting Parkinson's Disease in his final years. His last book was a look back over his 66 years of interviews, research and reporting (Recollections of a Journalist, Outskirts Press, 2018).
Jack taught for 40 years before retiring in 1997. He taught American History and Journalism at Ohio Wesleyan University, the University of Maryland/USAF Institute and Marshall University. At Utica College, he achieved the rank of Professor of Journalism and Public Relations.
Throughout his career, he received several presidential citations from College Media Advisers, Inc., most notably as Director of the Student Press in America Archives. With the assistance of UC librarians, he collected, summarized and made available to researchers worldwide the records on every challenge and controversy related to the student press. For decades, he served as adviser to the Utica College student newspaper. During his tenure at UC, he became director of the Public Relations and Journalism programs, establishing prominent scholarships to benefit students. Twice elected to serve as chairman of the Raymond Simon Institute for Public Relations, Jack also had the honor of receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award from the UC Alumni Council.
Prior to his teaching career, Jack received his Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green and his Master's from Penn State. He was drafted and sent to Korea (1956-58) assigned to the US Army 7th Infantry and then to work for the Pacific Stars & Stripes Daily in Tokyo, Japan and Seoul, Korea.
In addition to his love for writing and teaching, Jack also had immense appreciation for music. As a drummer, he played with various groups over the years, which ultimately led to his writing about those experiences with the many different Big Band and Jazz artists.
Jack was a dedicated member to his communities. He was a faithful follower of the Missouri Lutheran Synod in NY and the Grace Lutheran Church in FL. He served nearly 20 years as an elected trustee to the Village of Clinton, NY; was a valued member of the Authors Guild and of the Rotary Club of Utica, NY.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dorothy Behrens; his former wife, Patricia (Beaty) Behrens; and brother-in-law James Hietikko.
He is survived by his loving wife, Gertrude Behrens; his sister, Beverly Hietikko; daughter, Cynthia Daugherty and her husband, Fred; son, Mark Behrens and wife, Nicole; his 'adopted' stepchildren, Joy Karnes Limoge and husband, Edmond; Robert Middlebrook; Richard Middlebrook and wife, Julie; David Middlebrook; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; and cherished friends.
The family would like to express thanks and appreciation for all who provided support to Jack over the years.
Interment will be held at Arlington National Cemetery and a family Memorial Service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, Port St. Lucie, 555 SW Cashmere Blvd., on August 14, 2021 at 2 p.m. EST.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation be made to the John C. Behrens Scholarship. To make a gift online (www.utica.edu/give) and/or mail a check to Utica College Advancement, 1600 Burrstone Rd., Utica, NY 13502