Daily Notes of Grace

November events -- Messenger 11 / 2010

Please note

Nov. 3 -    Preschool pictures - all day

Nov. 6 -   Couples Night Out

Nov. 7 -    Forum - Congregational meeting information

Nov. 10 -   OPUS luncheon

Nov. 11 -   Preschool Parent Open House

Nov. 14 -   Congregational Meeting

Nov. 22 -   Preschool closed - Thanksgiving

Nov. 24 -   Thanksgiving Eve worship with Communion

Nov. 25 -   Thanksgiving worship with Communion

Nov. 28 -   Craft Fair 

Pledge up to date? Thanks for your support.

 

From Robert and Bonnie Shaner -- Messenger - 11 / 2010

As part of “the communion of saints,” your support and prayers through the years meant much to mother and our family. When she worshipped here, she knew she was at home; and when on several occasions she “broke bread” with the church women, she received such hospitality as a “foretaste of the feast to come.” In wrapping herself in one of Grace’s “prayer shawls’ she felt surrounded by Christ’s love. We are comforted by her faith and the victory granted in her baptism .. into our Lord’s resurrection. Thanks be to God for faithful mothers and for the love of this congregation, which we will always hold dear in our memory and hearts. 

Robert and Bonnie Shaner

 

 

Special Congregational Meeting -- Messenger 11 / 2010

Special Congregational Meeting to address funding the removal of asbestos tile from

Kensington Wing

During the recent project to maintain and update several areas of the church building, it was confirmed that the tile and flooring mastic in the 2nd floor Kensington wing contain asbestos. Although there is no immediate concern for safety, the tile has reached the end of its useful life and needs to be addressed.

From Senior Pastor Saïd Ailabouni -- Messenger - 11 / 2010

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 118:1)

I am deeply thankful for your patience and faithfulness at a time of great change at Grace. It shows me how deep is your faith and commitment to the greater mission that God has given us. Thank you.

September financial update -- Messenger 11 / 2010

Additional progress toward closing the budget deficit was made in September. Total offerings through the end of the third quarter, aside from contributions for special and focus appeals, were $5,000 below the amount anticipated. Though personnel and operating expenses were slightly lower than budget, a reduction in benevolence payments to the Chicago Metro Synod was required. To cover the overall operating deficit, $55,000 has been transferred from the reserve throughout the year.

   Your assistance to reduce the deficit is appreciated.  

Giving made easier

Avoid writing paper checks. Make Grace Lutheran Church a payee in your bank’s online bill-payment system. Use 200 N. Catherine Avenue, La Grange IL 60525 as the church’s address and your envelope number as the account number. Contact Gary Hill, Treasurer, with questions. gmhill@ameritech.net

 

 

Finances -- Messenger 11 / 2010

    Nine months ended September 30

                                                         2010               2009

                                            Actual       Budget           Actual  

    Offerings                             593,859     598,375         575,737

    Special Appeal                              0               0          34,782

    Focus Appeals                      17,795         7,000            7,038

         Total income                 611,654      605,375         625,557

    Expenses       

      Personnel                          445,213     447,645         425,578

      Operating / Program           132,261      137,266         114,202

      Benevolence paid**              95,075        92,250           82,339

          Total expenses.            672,549       677,161         632,119

      Surplus / deficit                  (60,895)      (71,786)           (6,562) 

      Fund transfers                     55,000        57,000             8000

      Net                                      (5,895)      (14,786)           1,438

  **Benevolences paid include focus appeals (e.g. disaster relief),

    Chicago Metro Synod and blue envelope ministries

 

Welcome to Tim Weisman as Pastoral Assistant - Messenger 11 / 2010

    Tim Weisman has been named Pastoral Assistant for Youth Education and Music at Grace Lutheran Church for the 2010-2011 academic year. 

Children’s Church welcomes music therapist and teacher - Messenger - 11 / 2010

On October 17, we hosted Jaley A. Montgomery, a Board-Certified Music Therapist and a registered “Music Together” teacher. A gifted musician and educator, she joined Pastor Tim and our volunteers in leading a time of worship and music especially for children. Music was used to enhance spirituality.

  Children’s Church continues each week at the 11 a.m. worship service. Persons interested in supporting Children’s Church by assisting Pastor Tim during the 11 a.m. service are asked to contact Kelly Winters in the church office. 

   Children’s Church offers Grace Lutheran’s youngest members a unique look at scripture and relies on three volunteers each Sunday to assist Pastor Tim, ideally one adult and two youth (primarily high school and college-aged students).  

 

 

 

Help needed in all areas of worship support - Messenger - 11 / 2010

It takes a close to a village to make worship happen on Sunday mornings!  Grace Church members are asked to consider roles as greeters, ushers, altar guild members and communion assistants. Interested persons may contact Kelly Winters in the church office to sign-up.  Training is provided for all support activities.

 

 

Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East on November 15 - Messenger 11 / 2010

On Monday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m., a Prayer Service for Peace in the Middle East will be held at Lutheran Church of the Atonement, 909 East Main Street in Barrington.

   All are welcome at this service of Bible readings, music, prayer and sharing of timely information. Participating churches in Illinois hold similar services each month as part of an ecumenical effort that began in 2000 to support faithful prayer until a just and lasting peace comes to all citizens of the Middle East. Call 847-381-0243 to learn more.

   An annual Palestinian solidarity event will be held on November 14, from 2:30 to 7 p.m. at Saint Elias Christian Church in Chicago. (See below)