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Quilt Tacking

for Lutheran World Relief
Wednesday, June 16 — 10:30 – Noon
Church Board Room

Imagine the comfort and care you feel when you snuggle under a quilt or comforter made by a loved one. That is the feeling you share through a Lutheran World Relief Mission Quilt. Useful for shielding against the cold and rain, and for warm bedding, quilts can also be purposed as simple tents, floor coverings, or a wrap to hold a baby on a mother’s back. In a simple combination of fabric and thread, you reach out to people in their time of greatest need with a strong message of hope–you are not alone. God loves you and cares for you. Please come and help tack quilts for Lutheran World Relief on Wednesday, June 16 from 10:30 – Noon in the Board Room at church. No experience needed. If you can tie a knot, you can tack a quilt.

Please bring a pair of scissors.

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WEEKLY DEVOTION JUNE 15

Tuesday, June 15, 2021

Pastor Bruce Kischnick, Grace Lutheran Church, New Albany, IN

“Bone of my Bones”

READING: Genesis 2:18, 20b-24 – The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him…for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman’ for she was taken out of man.” For this reason a man will leave his father and his mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

On a Saturday 48 years ago tomorrow Rebecca Ann Weston became Rebecca Ann Kischnick. Rev. Victor Spiekerman performed the wedding and God made the marriage. We’ve been stuck with each other ever since! Becky, of course, robbed the cradle. I was just a child of 19. And…it worked the other way, too, because Becky was just 17 on that muggy day in June 1973.

In our text God declares that it is not good for the man to be alone. He sure had that right. Adam was also on to something when he said that his helpmate would be called “woman”, but I think we’ve been pronouncing it wrong. I really think Adam said, “She shall be called ‘WHOA-man’. See, without Eve Adam would certainly have drank too much beer, eaten too much bologna, and probably wouldn’t have changed his bed linens for months on end! It was Eve who reigned him in and made a family man out of him. Becky’s surely been my “WHOA-man” on a number of occasions.

When Adam said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh,” he was definitely remarking upon Eve’s origins. However, there was even greater wisdom in that statement than he knew. Becky and I have pretty much eaten the same food, drunk the same water, and often shared the same illnesses over these 48 years. (It’s true she likes bananas on all of her ice cream, and for some reason that mystifies me, she loves the “Pink Drink” at Starbuck’s. I’ve tasted it and definitely can’t see the attraction.) In some very tangible ways we are bone of bone and flesh of flesh.

When Becky’s dad brought her down the aisle and gave her away, he was happy to do so. We always had a very good relationship, and I am sure he trusted that I would do my utmost to take care of her, love, honor, and cherish her. It also helped that he had five more daughters in the house, so giving away the eldest one allowed the younger ones to get more sunlight and grow into the beautiful flowers they became! Do you realize that when he “gave her away” he was simply re-enacting the scene of the first wedding when the Lord God brought the woman “to the man”? Every bride ever escorted down the aisle and given away is an image of the first wedding when the Heavenly Father gave Eve to Adam as his wife.

On that day 48 years ago, Becky and I responded to Pastor Spiekerman’s inquiries with the words, “I will.” Not, “I do” as is so often spoken in the movies and on TV. “I do” is used in some circles, but it’s inadequate. It’s obvious to all what the two are “doing.” But, in our Lutheran usage we use the vow of “I will” because getting married, making promises, and then keeping them is a about a whole lot more than “doing” the things expected. It is often a matter of the “will”. Marriage is work at times. There are shallow spots on the cruise where one or both have to drag their canoe over the rocks to deeper pools. There are times we put up with one another and do so only by our “will”. The abiding love that a marriage requires is the very same love God has expressed for us: “agape”. Agape love is a love that comes as much from the mind (or will) as it does from the heart. So God has loved us. So husbands and wives must love each other.

God has blessed me with many great gifts from my childhood to this moment. But aside from my salvation in Christ Jesus, the greatest gift has been the gift of Rebecca Ann nee Weston Kischnick. I thank the Lord for her and want to say today in a very public way, “I love Becky!” May God bless and keep all of you in his hand. We’ll talk again next week.

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

1) VBS REGISTRATIONS: Don’t forget to tell your friends and relatives who have youngsters in their homes the our VBS is set for June 27-30 and that ALL registrations must be done online, in advance, and before June 20. They can do this by going to glcna.org. Helpers are also needed and can register at the same website.

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/psz0fk-hQ60

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

PRINTABLE PDF: WEEKLYDJune15.PDF

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WEEKLY DEVOTION JUNE 14

Monday, JUNE 14, 2021

Pastor Matthew Woods from Grace Lutheran Church in New Albany, Indiana

“The Power of Self-Control”

Self-control is not always my best fruit of the Spirit

Can we say that we are always self-controlled? Not me. I can remember working on my go cart in Jr. High. My temper was not so self-controlled back them. The chain was not staying on the sprocket so I swore and then slammed the socket wrench I was using down on the back tire in frustration. I never expected it to bounce back up and clock me in the forehead. It was like something out of a movie. It made my friend who was helping me laugh until he cried. It only made me feel stupid and angrier. And it left its mark for several days both outwardly and inwardly.

Self-Control reveals and reflects Jesus.

Self-control is not only a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23) but it is also a character trait of Jesus Himself. Consider two verses. Isaiah 53:7 says, “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth.” Consider also 1 Peter 2:22-24. “‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ 23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; ‘by his wounds you have been healed’.”

What a contrast this is to the hateful Chief Priests, the guards, and passers-by who, we are told, sneered at him, spit on him, beat him, mocked him, and taunted him to come down off the cross. Self-control clearly reveals our Savior. As a fruit of the Spirit this also means that self-control is reflective of our Savior, who suffered in the cruelest way and yet continued to remain in control of Himself and the situation. When His people put it into practice, they reflect who they represent.

A lack of self-control can be very unhealthy.

On the other hand, Proverbs 25:28 tells us that “a man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” A lack of self-control may steal something from us. We may say something we wish we could take back. We may buy something that seemed like a good idea at the time but really only left our wallets lighter. Worse we may bring harm to our children with a bad example. Our children are often reflections of their parents.

Thomas Costain’s history, THE THREE EDWARDS, described the life of Raynald III, a fourteenth century duke in what is now Belgium. Grossly overweight, Raynald was commonly called by his Latin nickname, Crassus, which means ‘fat.”
After a violent quarrel, Raynald’s younger brother Edward led a successful revolt against him. Edward captured Raynald but did not kill him. Instead, he built a room around Raynald in the Nieuwkerk castle and promised him he could regain his title and property as soon as he was able to leave the room.

This would not have been difficult for most people since the room had several windows and a door of near-normal size, and none was locked or barred. The problem was Raynald’s size. To regain his freedom, he needed to lose weight. But Edward knew his older brother, and each day he sent a variety of delicious foods. Instead of dieting his way out of prison, Raynald grew fatter.

When Duke Edward was accused of cruelty, he had a ready answer: “My brother is not a prisoner. He may leave when he so wills.” Raynald stayed in that room for ten years and wasn’t released until after Edward died in battle. By then his health was so ruined he died within a year … a prisoner of his own appetite.

Raynald’s bigger problem was the same problem many of us struggle with in America, self-control at the dinner table. Yet, it is not just our physical health that may suffer from a lack of self-control. It is also our spiritual life that suffers as well.

Self-control is a proactive fruit

Self-control isn’t just avoiding a bad response but being proactive about a good one. Prayer for example is not a fire extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are for the most part ignored until they are needed. I used one several years ago for a car fire out in front of the church. It was helpful for an emergency. Prayer is not a tool for emergencies. Prayer is a proactive part of Jesus’ ministry. Routinely, Jesus went out alone and prayed. He made it a point to deliberately take time out to talk with the Heavenly Father.
Jesus was self-controlled with what he ate. At one point he went forty days in the wilderness without food while be tempted by the devil (Matt 4).

Self-control includes disciplining ourselves to be in the Word of God. Even those like Nicodemus who had been in the Word His whole life did not understand Jesus’ mission until it was reveal to him by Jesus from the scriptures (John 3). Same goes for the disciples from Emmaus—Jesus walked with them the whole time revealing what those scriptures meant and their hearts burned within them with a new appreciation and understanding (Luke 24).
Self-control means anticipating a conversation that may come from a person who routinely tries to get under our skin. Jesus knew the Pharisees would set traps to discredit Jesus. What is something constructive and faithful that may be said if you are in that situation?

Practicing self-control may also mean that we need to maintain a proactive stance with our budget and be careful with how we spend. It may also mean being realistic with a busy schedule. When we value self-control we are placing value on a Word centered faith and we are being proactive in our Spiritual life.

Consider some things that help me to practice self-controlled.

1. Expect to be tested, so pray. In Ephesians 6 while Paul instructs us to put on the full armor of God he also says, in vs 18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

2. Know what your triggers are. Do you have a temper? Do certain topics make you crazy? Do certain people push your buttons. Prepare for this. Look at Jesus wilderness temptations in Matthew 4. Satan thought he knew Jesus’ weaknesses, but he certainly knows yours. Better confront them before you are made vulnerable to temptation.

3. Consume the Word of God—Don’t just casually read it. Make a diet of it. Romans 12:2
Reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

4. Expect to fail but keep trying. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

5. Know your limitations and Confess them to the Lord. Turn to Jesus when you fall. Proverbs 28:13 –”Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

6. Remember that you are practicing self-control. Sin will not let you get it right every time. Philippians 4:8-9 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

7. Finally, remember that your strength is in Christ. Philippians 4:13—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

May the Lord bless us with self-control.

And now the Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His Face to shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord look on you with His favor and give you His peace in Jesus. Amen.

Pastor Matthew Woods

John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WDJune14.PDF

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/MO6rPM290Us

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

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Preschool Teacher and Teacher Aides Positions Available

We are looking for a few individuals that would like to join our remarkable team of teachers and aides to teach our children to know God’s love in Jesus. We have part time openings for as little as 3 hours per week up to 30 hours per week. School starts August 16 but a required background check, additional trainings and meetings will require some hours before that date. Please leave a message at the school number (812-941-1912) or call or text Georgianne Weathers (502-295-1243) to set up an interview. You may also send a resume to geeweathers@aol.com or place it in my church mailbox. Come help us to make 2021-2022 school year to be the best one ever!

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Grace Lutheran Church

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Please register to be a VOLUNTEER. Click here!

Ages 4 thru Entering 5th Grade
JUNE 27–30, 2021

PRE-REGISTERING ALL STUDENTS THIS YEAR.

REGISTRATION BEGINS NOW
MUST BE REGISTERED BY SUNDAY, JUNE 20th

THE ONLINE FORM TO REGISTER AND PURCHASE VBS T-SHIRTS,
CLICK HERE!

THE COST OF THE SHIRTS WILL BE $10 EACH.

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VBS Craft Prep Parties

There is much to be done ahead of VBS opening night for our craft operation to be successful. Come and join the fun! Group leaders come see a preview of the crafts to be offered. Wednesdays, June 16 & 23, between 6:00 and 9:00 pm. Snacks available. Need to work from home? Leave a message for Sabrina at 812-944-1267. Thanks!!

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Woman of Grace 2021 Retreat

LADIES: We are now taking registrations for our 8th BIENNIAL WOMEN OF GRACE RETREAT on Saturday August 14th & Sunday August 15th at Country Lake Christian Retreat Center in Underwood Indiana (https://countrylake.org)
Goals of the Retreat : to deepen relationships with our Sisters in Christ, provide a respite from the busyness of life, experience real relaxation, authentic spiritual renewal, and an opportunity to rest in our Savior’s love.
Come and be reminded that that each day brings new mercies and the opportunity to Renew* Restore* Refresh* in Jesus

For additional information on the retreat CLICK HERE!

There are registration forms in the Narthex or you may register at glcna.org.

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Celebrating Grace Lutheran Graduates

June 27, 2021

10:30AM

If you are graduating this year from High School or College we would like to honor you and give praise to God for your achievement. I would ask that graduates wear their gown and be prepared to be reintroduced to the congregation and to online viewers. Please let me know if you would like to participate by June 20th. Pastor Woods —- matt.woods@glcna.com

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Pastor’s Classes

Beginning, April 11 from 1:00-3:00 pm

• An Instruction course designed to serve as an Adult Confirmation class by which non-members may become communicant members of the congregation.

• A Seekers class for those drawn to Christianity and wanting to know more about deciding on a particular church.

• A Refresher course for members who have been out of confirmation class for a time and want to review Christian doctrine from a Lutheran perspective.

The classes are Sundays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at church beginning April 11. Please contact Pastor Kischnick if you have any questions.

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CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NOTES

This new offering was very successful and enjoyed by all!

Grace Notes available Online

Grace Notes started as a children’s version of the confirmation level Sermon Notes. It has grown to two full pages front and back with Bible verses according to the weekly church readings, pictures illustrating stories or verses, a prayer box, and puzzles. Grace Notes are part of the Grace Packs (single use church bags) available on Sundays.

Grace Notes are an awesome way to build on the online service as an opportunity for devotion and discussion.

Children’s Ministry Contact Information

Email: sabrina.haug@glcna.com
Phone/Text: 502-386-6371
Facebook: Grace Lutheran Children’s Ministry
Web: www.glcna.org – click Children’s Ministry in right-side Index

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JR. & SR. HIGH YOUTH

Jr. High (5-8 grades)

CHECK HERE FOR LINK!

Sr. High Youth (9-12 grades)

CHECK HERE FOR LINK!

Join us Wednesdays from 6:00 pm in the Sr. High Room for Bible study, games, and fun!

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SERVICES IN THE BUILDING AND ONLINE!

PLEASE, we ask that you do not attend if you are older than 65, have any illness or underlying health condition that makes you more vulnerable to the virus, or if you are feeling unwell, or are just not comfortable yet, we encourage you to stay at home and watch us online. Online Sunday services are a new addition and will remain indefinitely. For those planning to attend, we encourage you to wear a face mask, refrain from hand shaking and hugging. We will sanitize everything before and after services. We also will be spacing people apart in the Sanctuary.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE: (* = Communion).

Saturday, June 19, *5:00 pm — Sunday, June 20, *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, June 26, 5:00 pm — Sunday, June 27, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 3, 5:00 pm — Sunday, July 4 *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, July 10, *5:00 pm — Sunday, July 11, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 17, *5:00 pm — Sunday, July 18, *8:00 & 10:30 am
Saturday, July 24, 5:00 pm — Sunday, July 25, 8:00 & *10:30 am
Saturday, July 31, 5:00 pm

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Grace Online – Children’s Bible Lessons!

Bring the message home with activity pages. Enjoy yourself or share with someone. Use as family devotion. New pages posted weekly on children’s ministry page @ glcna.org.

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO THE CHILDRENS MINISTRY PAGE!

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For more information (Your Bulletin) check out
NEWS & TIDBITS at the top right box

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For more Devotions check out RECENT DEVOTIONS
at the top right box

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CHECK OUT BAPTISM – OBITS

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Bring Your Can to Church

Feed the Hungry

On Sunday, July 4th, we will again collect items for the food pantry to help feed the hungry. We can use: freezer items (meats, cheese, bread – place in food pantry freezer), mac & cheese, spaghetti sauce & noodles, jelly, canned meat, canned pastas, canned fruit, pork n’ beans, rice, potatoes, crackers, toiletries, baby diapers, wipes, formula, etc.

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For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works so that no one can boast. — Ephesians 2:8-9
https://glcna.org/wp-admin/admin.php?page=cgmp-documentation

Welcome to the Grace Lutheran Church and School web site. There is a variety of information here regarding our congregation and our beliefs. Lutherans are Bible-believing, sacramental Christians who trace their roots back to Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. There have been Lutherans since 1517, particularly in Germany and Scandanavia. Lutherans in America followed large immigrations from Europe in the 1840’s and 1850’s.

The congregation at Grace was founded in 1927 in a small room over a pool hall on State Street in New Albany. The congregation moved to Tenth and Oak, then to Charlestown Road, before building its current facilities on Klerner Lane in 1974. The congregation now numbers just over 1100 souls. We worship at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays and at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evenings. The pastors are Rev. Bruce Kischnick and Rev. Matt Woods.