YFG Buzz

Welcome to the YFG blog

Hello and welcome to the Grace Lutheran Church of La Grange YFG Blog! "YFG" stands for Young Families of Grace and is a fantastic group of parents looking to find fellowship, fun and support on the journey of marriage and parenting. Our lives are often ridiculously busy. This blog is intended to extend and weave the fellowship of YFG into our daily lives. Join in the blog whenever you feel you want to connect, share ideas or just hang out. Happy Blogging and Happy New Year to All!

Kerry Forsythe - YFG Facilitator

YFG Mixer, July

   The YFG Mixer for July will take place on Sunday, July 25 at 10 a.m. in The Lounge. As Grace Church focuses on prayer this summer, YFG will dig deeper into this essential topic that is so central to our experience as humans, and as Christians. You’ll almost certainly come away from this forum with a sense of support, validation and peace about this pivotal topic.

YFG Ladies’ Night Out - July 21

YFG Ladies’ Night Out is scheduled for Wednesday, July 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Luv Nails (17 S. La Grange Rd.) Plan on a manicure, pedicure – or both. We’ll have appetizers and drinks, as well! Don’t hesitate to join in this fun and relaxing event. Take care of yourself while hanging out with Christian friends. Space may be limited. Watch for your Evite. For questions or to suggest LNO ideas, contact Casey Brown  or Adriane Wong .

Free piano needs a new home

Parents: Want to create a love of music in your home? There is a FREE Wurlitzer Spinet piano available…did we say free? It has taught three generations to love music and it’s looking for another one. Contact  mlv@oconnordesignworks.com

Considering Forgiveness

Part four of Pastor Saїd’s Series on the Lord’s Prayer addressed the topic of forgiveness, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The words in this prayer are so simple and straightforward, but the act of forgiving is not. It is arguably one of the most profoundly difficult and powerful things we are called to do as Christians.
   Through this blog, I’d like to consider and discuss forgiveness from many angles. What are we called to do? What does it mean to forgive? Why are we challenged by our faith to forgive? How do we learn to forgive? What do we give to others when we forgive? What do we gain for ourselves through forgiveness? Is there anything that cannot or should not be forgiven? How do we forgive someone who is not sorry? How does the act of forgiveness strengthen and deepen our faith?
   In an earlier discussion with Pastor Saїd about my thoughts on forgiveness, I indicated that I had started to think of forgiveness as the sort of thing that might require a practice. By that, I mean a spiritual practice of forgiveness in the way that some people practice meditation or, in my case, gratitude—quieting my mind each day to focus on the things for which I want to offer thanks. I love the idea of thinking about forgiveness as a practice because it implies that I’ll get better at it with time, patience, and persistence.
   I decided to start my exploration of forgiveness in one of my favorite places…the dictionary. I think the following definitions set the tone for how I will approach forgiveness in my own practice and through this blog.
   Definitions excerpted from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com):

    Forgiveness: To give up resentment of or claim to requital for ; to grant relief from payment     of ; to cease to feel resentment against (an offender)

    Grace:Unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a     virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace;disposition to    or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
 
    Practice: To perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient;to do or perform    often, customarily, or habitually

ONLINE FELLOWSHIP – IS IT FOR YOU?

Curious about Christian fellowship via a Blog? If so, take a peek at the new YFG Blog. As you may know, a blog or “web log” is simply a running list of a community’s thoughts on a particular subject. Pastor Saïd is currently facilitating our Blog with reflective questions on the Lord’s Prayer. It’s a cool way to share and bond. It’s as easy as composing an email and your email address is not used. Check it out. 

BABYSITTERS NEEDED!

The Young Families of Grace has an abundance of opportunities for mature and reliable young persons within our church to babysit our children! We’re looking for young women or young men, ages 12 or older, to be  a part of our YFG Babysitting Database. We particularly welcome those who are college-age and looking for summertime work. Contact YFG Board member Laura Gruss 

From Pastor Said regarding the Lord's Prayer

When we pray the "Our Father" we pray as beloved children of God who belong to a family where everyone is an "insider". No one should be treated like an "outsider" in church. We all belong to the One who loves us deeply, and whose forgiveness and compassion have no end. God is the One who makes us holy by virtue of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

 

Describe a time when you felt like you belonged in church. Who helped you feel welcomed, accepted, and deeply loved and appreciated?

 

Examining the Lord's Prayer

Calling God "Father" in the Lord's Prayer is troubling for some Christians. One reason is the exclusive male imagery. Another reason is the fact that some of our fathers were abusive. So, it is hard to label God "Father" because of the painful memories we associate with the word. In the Bible study we will have together, beginning on Feb. 21, we will examine the rich treasures, which are included in this short prayer, and discover why Jesus used words like "Father", "holy", "kindgom", etc. Q. Is it possible that everything we need is included in the Lord's Prayer? Q. Describe a time when the Lord's Prayer was most meaningful to you? Peace in Christ, Pastor Said

via gracelutheran-lg.typepad.com

Thanks to Pastor Said for this past Sunday's study of the Lord's Prayer.  My personal feeling is the Lord's Prayer does contain all we need. I think in this world of messages being thrown at us from every direction, we might feel we need to say more than is necessary. When I first heard my 6 year old daughter recite the Lord's Prayer in church. She said it loud and strong and it felt like I was hearing it for the first time. 

Blessings on your day,

Susan Gersch

Examining the Lord's Prayer

Calling God "Father" in the Lord's Prayer is troubling for some Christians. One reason is the exclusive male imagery. Another reason is the fact that some of our fathers were abusive. So, it is hard to label God "Father" because of the painful memories we associate with the word.

In the Bible study we will have together, beginning on Feb. 21, we will examine the rich treasures, which are included in this short prayer, and discover why Jesus used words like "Father", "holy", "kindgom", etc.

Q. Is it possible that everything we need is included in the Lord's Prayer?
Q. Describe a time when the Lord's Prayer was most meaningful to you?

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Said

YFG ONLINE: DO WE HAVE YOUR EMAIL?

Most YFG communication is via email. If you’d like to be included in YFG emails, send a note to  yfg@att.net. You may also write it on a yellow pew card and drop it in the offering plate. Emails are sent approximately once or twice a month. Don't forget to put yfg@att.net in your address or contact book so that YFG emails don't wind up being filtered out as spam.