Daily Notes of Grace

Legacy of Grace - Val Illingworth -- Messenger 6 / 2010

This interview with Valerie “Val” Illingworth is from the “Legacies of Grace” project recorded in the 1990s. The videotape is available in the church office for $15 or can be checked out from the church library.

YFG Plans Outdoor Movie Among June Events -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Jesus’ command in Matthew 28 to “Go and make disciples of all nations” is powerful, inspiring-- and daunting. Did He really mean us? Secretly, we may have hoped we could “take a pass” on this command. This mission is immensely doable, however, right in this community! Believe it or not, a commitment to walk with Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange in the La Grange Pet Parade on June 5 is a great way to deliver on Jesus’ mandate.

LOGOS: The word of Jesus -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Every day, children and youth are confronted with influences that threaten to shape their moral development in ways their parents are concerned about.  Yet students spend more time studying math than learning about the Christian faith.

   The LOGOS ministry offers parents a way to deal with this challenge.

Summer Sunday Fun Returns -- Messenger 6/ 2010

Prayer will be the topic of summer educational offerings for kids of all ages!

   Children in preschool through sixth grade will enjoy faith-building fun beginning Sunday, June 13 during the 10 a.m. Education Hour. Those in preschool through second grade will explore different types of prayer through crafts, games, sharing and listening to Bible stories. Third through sixth graders (along with some help from junior and senior high school students) will learn and present a simple musical: “Daniel’s Prayer.” Through dialogue and song, they will show how Daniel was faithful to God and find out how he spent his night with the lions! 

   The musical will be presented on Sunday, August 29. Come as often as possible for fellowship and to hear and share the stories of God’s faithfulness. Friends and neighbors are welcome.

Vacation Bible School, Youth Bible Camp Set -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Vacation Bible School and Youth Bible Camp is scheduled for Monday, July 19, through Friday, July 23. The setting for this year’s week-long morning camp is the expansive African savannah – right here at Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange! The principles to be taught will include: trust, love, follow, care and share. Children ages 4 years old through those entering sixth grade are welcome.

   This exciting get-together has something for everyone to love! Kids will enjoy action-packed games; sing amazing new songs and share the good news with everyone they meet. This you won’t want to miss! 

   The time to register is now! Forms are available in the church office, at the youth cimmunication center, and on-line at  www.gracelutheran-lg.org . Contact Alice Oscarson at aoscarson@sbcglobal.net

From the Library: “Her Mother’s Hope” -- Messenger 6 / 2010

What power we all have in the lives of our families! Parents influence and mold their children, who, in turn, mold their children.

   This is the premise of Francine Rivers’ newest non-fiction novel, “Her Mother’s Hope,” the first of a two-part series which is available in our church library. It will be followed by “Her Daughter’s Dream,” scheduled for release in the fall. 

   Rivers probes the relationship between her mother and grandmother in a fictional family, mirroring information from her mother’s journals and recalled experiences.

   The book opens in Steffinsburg, Switzerland in 1901 when Marta is 12 years old. It ends in Oakland, California, in 1951, when Marta is asked to help care for her estranged daughter, Hildemara Rose, who is very ill, and two grandchildren.  

   So many details of family misunderstandings throughout the book give the reader a chance to intimately know the mother and daughter throughout their years together. As the story ends, the reader asks, “Is there hope for this relationship? Can Marta make a fresh start with her daughter, with God’s help?”

   Booklist reports, “Rivers’ novel will appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and sweeping family sagas with exotic settings.” This is Rivers’ first full-length Christian novel since 2003.

Offering of Letters -- Messenger 6 / 2010

Offering of Letters scheduled for June

The Social Ministry Committee invites the members of Grace Church to participate in the 2010 Offering of 

Letters. We communicate with our members of Congress through an ‘offering of letters’ and work to win passage of bipartisan legislation to end hunger in our country.

   The Social Ministry Committee will conduct the Offering of Letters on the last three Sundays in June. 

Mission Travel - Messenger 6 / 2010

Interested in Traveling to Thailand?

People interested in traveling to Thailand on a mission trip are invited to contact Tom Holmes at tomholmes10@gmail.com or (708) 366-8986 to learn more about trips planned for December and January to build relationships with Christians in Thailand and to become more sensitive to Thai Christians’ needs and gifts.

   The trips are planned for November 30 through December 13 and January 12 through 24. The cost is $2000, including air fare, lodging, meals and land transportation.

   Thai Christians make up one percent minority in their homeland. The trips are being arranged by Mission to Thailand, a network established by a group of Thai and American friends who are passionate about Thailand. 

Put faith in action – support ICP -- Messenger 6 / 2010

You can support Interfaith Community Partners by eating Italian on the first Thursday of each month. 

   Alex and Aldo’s will set aside 10 per cent of their proceeds on specified days and donate them to ICP. This includes take out, delivery, or dining in their small cozy establishment. Eat well and support a good cause!

   Alex and Aldo’s is located at 720 East 31st Street, La Grange Park, IL (708)-354-1390. For specified days, call ICP at (708) 579-8929.

Training sessions for volunteers

ICP is holding a volunteer training session on Sunday June 13th from 12:15 to 3:15 P.M. at a location to be determined.

   Interested persons who want to serve older adults through visitation, assisted transportation, or telephone reassurance are welcome. Lunch will be served. For registration or information, call (708) 579-8929.

Youth and Family Ministry - Messenger 6 / 2010

New Youth Programs Arrive in June

New programs include Dig Deeper, Young Adult Grill;-out, Car washes and the Work Camp Trip