September 2013 Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church ... - Clover

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Stewardship Corner Ten Principles for Graceful Giving* Principle Nine: - Christian giving is a reflection of our theology. St. Paul writes: 11You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 13Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). There is always more to Christian giving than meets the eye. Paul minces no words when he writes to the believers in Corinth and beyond that their giving to the churches in Judea is a powerful symbol of their “obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ” (vs. 13). This is vividly apparent when one considers the context of Paul’s words about Christian giving. Paul is not speaking about the geographical symbolism of the transfer of cash from the churches in Greece to the churches in Judea. Neither is he talking about the economical symbolism of the rich giving to the poor. Paul’s words testify to the theological statement their giving makes. What these Gentile Christians in Greece give to their Jewish sisters and brothers in Christ in Judea symbolizes Jewish-Christian solidarity under the Cross in the body of Christ. That Jews and Gentiles are members of the body of Christ as equal heirs is the essence of Paul’s proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the ‘mystery’ that And for Paul these are not mere words. They are the gospel truth he lived for, was imprisoned for and for which he died. had been revealed to Paul (see Ephesians 3:1-9), one he elaborates in Romans 15:25-28. And for Paul these are not mere words. They are the gospel truth he lived for, was imprisoned for and for which he died. In the same way what we give is not simply a matter “between God and me.” What we give in response to God’s gracious love is as much a public statement of our faith, an expression of our theology, as are the words we sing, pray, and confess in our public worship as we gather around Word, Water, Bread and Wine. Next: Principle Ten: Christian giving is an offering of praise and thanksgiving to God *Based on John Stott’s “Ten Principles of Christian Giving” Copyright © 2002 John Stott Women’s Bible Study Wednesday Mornings (10 to 11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall The Wednesday Morning @ Grace Women’s Bible study continues with “Romans,” St. Paul’s letter to the early Christians in Rome. His longest letter, it is considered Paul’s masterpiece in which he articulates the mystery of the gospel of justification and salvation to Jew and Greek alike by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans changed Martin Luther’s life. “Romans” by N.T. Wright may be purchase in class for $10. Location is Fellowship Hall. The teacher is Pastor Hartfelder. “For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4) Adult Sunday School “A New and Mischievous Superstition” Early Christianity Through the Eyes of Non-Christians PART TWO of this class is now being offered. The class is held in the Rose Garden Rooms #2 and #3. The teacher is Grace member Randall Saunders, Ph.D., Roman History, University of Cincinnati. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. -Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. The VOICE of Grace September 2013 - Page 4
THE MIRACLES OF SHARING “Honor the Lord with your substance and the first fruits of all your produce.” (Proverbs 3:9) During Day Camp there is always a family meal and program. Last year the LOMO Day Camp program was at Grace and this year at St. Paul’s. Last year there was an overabundance of food remaining after the Thursday evening program. We called W.A.R.M. and were able to share that food with one of the Kids Lunch Club sites. This year again, at St. Paul’s, there was an abundance of food left. Knowing what we had learned the year before enabled us immediately to call W.A.R.M. The food was delivered to a Kids Lunch Club site and distributed to the residents at that location. Sometimes just the results of one situation precipitates the ability to act quickly when similar opportunities arise. In Jesus’s feeding of the 5,000, there was definitely the importance of sharing what each had. It resulted in an overabundance of food and 12 baskets remained. In so many ways our baskets are overflowing because of all that God has given to us. However the needy are also always present. With each of us sharing even a little, much can be provided. Such is our continued ministry of outreach through Grace’s First Fruits program. Summer is waning, school is back in session, free and reduced lunch programs are in full swing, but that doesn’t take care of the food situation for the clients at W.A.R.M. Please consider donating even one item to our grocery carts on our First Fruits Sunday each month. What may seem insignificant becomes an abundance when combined with others who also share what they have. September’s Grocery List Includes: q Canned items-- chicken, tuna, pears q Boxed & Packaged Items-- "helpers"--hamburger, chicken, tuna (regular and whole grain) q Hygiene items-- toothpaste, diapers (sizes 4, 5 and 6), and hotel/ motel toiletries (from your travels) August 4 Donations Food/Hygiene = 244 pounds (including donations from the Scioto Brass Concert Monetary = $280 Totals to date in 2013 Food/Hygiene = 1,484.2 pounds Monetary = $2,873 Thank You! Next FIRST FRUITS is September 1 and then October 6 Cut out W.A.R.M.’s September grocery list at the left bottom and have it with you as you shop. Contribute as you are able. All food and hygiene items are appreciated. Please check expiration dates. If you prefer to donate monetarily, please mark an envelope for W.A.R.M. Place it in the offering plate, take to the office, or place in the boxes located with the grocery carts. Checks should be made out to Grace Lutheran Church with a notation to W.A.R.M. If you would like to help with this First Fruits Ministry on one First Fruits Sunday at the service of your choice, please contact Jill Morrison at 614-882-5445. God’s blessings to all who are making this part of your monthly offering. Reaching out with the love of Jesus to grow disciples and serve our community. The VOICE of Grace September 2013- Page 5
Page 1 and 2: Wester ville, Ohio S e p t e m b e
Page 3: -Ruth 1:16 (AKJV) Ruth Circle Ruth
Page 7 and 8: Concert Series Sunday, September 22
Page 9 and 10: Grace Sunday School News See you al
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September 2013 Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church ... - Clover

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