Continuing the God’s Work Our Hands tradition, the youth of Grace invite you to participate in a new configuration of this congregational community service day. They met and chose a Beach Cleanup in Newport as an environmental project where we can work together while staying physically distant. With help from SOLVE, Grace will provide garbage bags, gloves, and some buckets.
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2:30 pm.
Where: Meet at Nye Beach Parking Lot at 2:30pm
Bring: personal masks, water, brown bag snacks, Wear a GWOH yellow t-shirt if you have one, jackets and shoes for the weather
Alternative: You can participate in cleaning an area in your neighborhood in a GWOH shirt and send a photo to sdlundahl@comcast.net.
The New Christ in Our Home Devotions are now available for October, November, and December.
Please contact the office if you would like one to be mailed to you. Please also designate if you would like standard print or large print.
This week we heard of several scam text messages with Grace staff names on them (but false position titles.) Please remember that none of our staff would ever make one of these “please help with this urgent matter” type of requests. These scams set you up to be taken advantage of and we would never want that. We value each of you and urge you to ignore these scam texts or to report them. Be safe!
If you missed the virtual talent show or would like to see it again, the link to the video can be found at https://youtu.be/5MBEkw5Gagc Congrats to our winners Isaac Hadlock, Seamus Harrington, and Mason Redniecki. Also Congratulations to our runners up Ellie Harrington, Avi Hadlock, Kendra Wollert, Michael Beachley, and Erika Lundahl
Introducing the Oregon Synod Wildfire Relief Fund
Please donate HERE or at the link below to support Oregon Synod congregations and congregation-related organizations providing relief and aid related to the fires.
To our knowledge, all ELCA church buildings have made it through the fires so far.
We’ve already heard from many congregations who are using the financial, physical, and people resources of their church to provide space for camping or trailers in parking lots, portable showers and toilets, shelter, and meals for those in need. Thank you!
Information on how congregations and individuals can help, and how congregations and ministries can receive monies from this fund is coming soon.
With Spirit of Harvest just around the corner! In the midst of COVID and fires around the NW, we are excited to share inspirational stories from campers, past summer staff and supporters of camp. Visit our website and find the Spirit of Harvest page all about the upcoming live-stream event. From there, you can register to attend, easily make a donation, and learn more information about auction items and how to connect. Please spread the word and share this event with your congregation members. Attached to this email are some images we’ve created for Spirit of Harvest you can use to help us promote it. Thank you again for all of your support of Camp Lutherwood.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble”
(Psalm 46:1).
Friends,
Hurricane Laura, a powerful Category 4 storm, has hit Louisiana and parts of Texas with devastating force, causing at least three deaths, major damage and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. With extremely dangerous storm surge and winds of at least 150 mph, it’s one of the most powerful storms to hit the area in a century, and it left widespread destruction in its wake. Given the complexities caused by COVID-19, sheltering those impacted will be a challenge.
Lutheran Disaster Response is engaging with Lutheran Social Services Disaster Response (Upbring) and the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana, Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast and Southwestern Texas synods, which are assessing the immediate needs and initiating a response. While the extent of the damage is not yet known, we will accompany devastated communities from immediate relief through long-term recovery. This is an important part of Christ’s call to our church.
Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose lives have been impacted by hurricanes. Please join me in prayer and partnership, and stay connected to the latest events and our response to this and other disasters through our Facebook page.
In September a new book for the adult bible study will be started. If you are interested in joining the adult bible study, please contact Frank and Sue Davis.
The Reopening Committee has been working hard on creating protocols for small group gatherings happening at Grace.
For the safety of all individuals entering Grace Lutheran Church, we ask that all small groups who are meeting at Grace call and email the church office to get your meeting on the online calendar. These protocols will be posted in multiple locations around the church, can be emailed to you, or can be found at: https://grace97330.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Grace-Protocols.pdf
Please call the church at 541-757-1600 and email us at office@grace97330.org to get your gathering put on the online calendar.
If you need a book from the Grace Lutheran Church Library, we will get it to you!! Have you checked out the new online catalog yet? Try https://www.librarycat.org/lib/GLC-Library
Or go to the Grace website, under Resources, click on Grace Library. Click on any book, then the button that says Ask About Becoming a Library Patron. Enter your name and email and/or phone and we will contact you.
Attention all individuals entering Grace
As of July 1, 2020 all individuals entering Grace are required to wear a face covering. If you do not have a face covering, individually wrapped masks are available at the sign in station.
Sign in forms have been placed at the entry/exit doors at Grace Lutheran Church.
Please fill out the form upon entering the building. Writing utensils are provided, but personal writing utensils can be used. To maintain the safety of all individuals entering Grace, please follow the posted instructions.
Thank you to everybody who has been returning the blue bottle drop bags.
Since June 1, 2020, members of Grace Lutheran Church have turned in over $200 dollars in cans and bottles. This money will go towards our IDA Fund and will continue our mission in assisting members of our community who are in need.
If you are interested in a printed copy of the September issues of Grace Gatherings or the 2020 Confirmation Folder, please contact the church office to have a copy mailed to you.
Giving at a Glance Support the many ministries of Grace Lutheran
Contributions as of September 18, 2020
Contributions for the Month of September: $ 17,849;
September’s Budget: $ 19,900;
Last Weeks of Giving: $ 5,419;
Weekly Budget: $ 4,675;
YTD contributions: $231,747;
YTD budget: $ 228,025
Free Face Masks available and Sewers Needed
From Elizabeth Wyatt & the CorvallisSewingBrigade:
We can help get cloth masks or face shields to anyone free of charge. Folks can email Elizabeth at CorvallisSewingBrigade@gmail.com If you would like to volunteer to sew cloth face masks, the need is still very much alive! Info on how to volunteer can be found at CorvallisSewingBrigade.org
Here is an article and video if you or somebody you know is struggling with irritation from wearing a mask.
Life without drinking is still possible during the COVID-19 Pandemic Corvallis—Local Alcoholics Anonymous groups have temporarily closed the doors of face-to-face meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, those struggling with drinking are still in need of support during this difficult time. Those in need can still access the support AA provides through the local hotline and virtual meetings.
The local hotline number is (541) 967-4252. It is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week by members of the local AA community.
Many local and global AA groups are hosting meetings virtually. You can attend virtual meetings on your computer, smartphone, or by dialing in. Attendees will remain anonymous and need only introduce themselves by their first names.