October 31, 2016 | Posted in Bulletins | By

HANDS OF GRACE is in need of toothbrushes, egg cartons, plastic bags, cereal, and soup.  Thank you.

>>>CHURCH VISION/PLANNING MEETING Saturday, October 22nd, 9:00am – 11:30am (coffee and snacks provided).  Every member of the church family is invited!  This is a “brain storming” session!   We are looking for feedback and ideas for how we all can better serve the Lord in the coming months and years as we continue to “share at every opportunity the message of God’s unconditional saving love for all people found only in Jesus Christ.”   Thank you, Dave Yoreo 

Mormons – Who are they? What do they believe?…All are welcome for this study on Sunday mornings during the Christian Education Hour. This Bible study will look at the group’s origins (Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, Brigham Young, and others); the discrepancy between Mormon beliefs and orthodox Christian teaching and faith; the meaning of some of its rituals (baptism of the dead, endowments for the living and dead, temple garments, celestial marriage); and the prominence of the temple in the life of a Mormon. It will feature comments from individuals who have been deeply immersed in the Mormon belief system.

REFORMATION IS STILL ABOUT JESUS!  All are invited to the New England District Reformation Celebration on Sunday, October 30, 2016, 2pm-7pm, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 60 Broad St., Westfield, MA. The Celebration includes fun games for children and families, Worship with communion, and an Oktoberfest dinner with German food and fellowship!  Details are posted on the bulletin board in the coffee hour area.  Please RSVP by signing up on the sheet in the narthex by next Sunday, October 23rd.

Since 1942, the LWML has affirmed each woman’s identity as a child of God and her relationship with Jesus Christ, encouraging and equipping Christian women to live out their lives in active mission ministries, and to support missions around the world through their sacrificial gifts of mites, tithes, offerings, and tireless service. Through their invitation to “come and see” what God has done for all people, countless neighbors from all walks of life have been reached and touched by the love of God in Christ Jesus.  LWML Mites will be collected on Sunday, October 30 and Nov. 6 at the LWML display table in the main level Bible study room.  Please bring the change and dollar bills from your Mite boxes to support and learn more about the 2016-18 LWML district and national Mite projects.  Any questions can be directed to Deaconess Manor at deaconess.manor@gmail.com

Lutheran Women Missionary League (LWML)…has a District Retreat taking place on November 4th-5th in Enfield, CT.  The theme for the Retreat is “Beautiful Feet”. Are your feet running in all directions, aching to be put up, or longing to walk alongside others? No matter where you are in your faith walk, the Lord has equipped you with uniquely beautiful feet! Registration forms are on the table in the narthex.  Please see the bulletin boards at church for more information on this event, or contact Deaconess Tiffany Manor.

New! The Lutheran Federal Credit Union … The new Lutheran Federal Credit Union is now available to serve you.  With initial startup funding provided by the LCEF, the LFCU is ready to fulfill all of your banking needs.  This exciting new institution even provides the ability to make deposits and withdrawals right here in our local community through an innovative partnership with select credit unions throughout the United States.  Membership is available to anyone who is a member, volunteer or employee of a church or school that is part of the LCMS.  Check it out at lutheranfcu.org!

High School Youth…and their friends are invited to the next youth hangout time on Sunday, October 30th.  All the details of another exciting afternoon of fun coming soon – stay tuned! Any questions?  Text Marissa Manor at 309-310-5915.

Choir Informational Session…next Sunday, October 23rd immediately following the 8:00 am worship for about 15 minutes. This will be an opportunity for current choir singers and those interested in singing in the future, to preview the 8:00 choir hymn selections for the Sundays in November and the Festival Choir selections for Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. This optional informational session will allow singers to receive the music in advance and to listen to the festival choir music. Regular rehearsals for Thanksgiving and Christmas music will begin the first week of November. New choir singers, teen to adult, are always welcome! Please see Ruth Yeadon for more information.