Our Christian Home

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The annual Children’s Christmas program
will not be presented this year.

The annual Christmas Caroling
will not take place this year.

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Children’s Ministry Update

Grace Online Fall 2020 – all craft kits now available
Craft kits through lesson 14 are available in the Church Narthex for pickup: Sunday mornings; Monday – Friday during business hours; Wednesday evenings between 6-8 pm.

Grace Online Spring 2021 – registration requested
If you are interested in a similar online/at home offering in the Spring, please email sabrina.haug@glcna.com. Books and kits will only be available for those who register by email. Please include child(ren’s) names and ages/grade. You may also text 502-386-6371 or put a note in my mailbox. DEADLINE: December 20, 2020

Advent Jesse Tree activities have been mailed to children ages 3 to 4th grade (combined by families). Email or call if you have any questions.

Request for feedback to plan 2021 (Spring at least)
Please see the Children’ Ministry page on the church website: www.glcna.org – for activities conducted in 2020 and request for parent feedback to help plan for 2021.

Grace Notes are available online or can be emailed to you if you send an email request (sabrina.haug@glcna.com). 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 or as an opportunity for devotion and discussion.

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WEEKLY DEVOTION DECEMBER 1

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

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

“He’s Coming!”

READING: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-10 – Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken…You who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and his arm rules for him, and his recompense accompanies him.

On my trip home from deer hunting in English, Indiana, a couple of weeks ago, I was driving on I-64 when once again I marveled at the engineering that produced that road. You drive along on a wonderfully smooth road through hill and dale, with gentle upsweeps and gentle downhills, hardly aware of the topography that had to be overcome in order to make an expressway on a fairly level plane. There were hills that had to be cut through, sometimes forty or fifty feet deep or more. Those were followed by valleys that had to be raised up forty or fifty feet or more. There were creek bottoms that had to be bridged. There were twists and turns that had to be straightened out. When the hills were dynamited and excavated, all the overburden was moved into the valleys as fill. Pay attention the next time you have reason to drive out that way. It’s truly amazing, and it always reminds me of our text for today.

Isaiah declares, “Make straight…a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low, the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” In his prophetic utterance he presages the great building projects of the 20th century. In his day the people couldn’t have imagined a highway like I-64. Their road building was limited to animal and manpower. But, it’s not the building project that’s the focus of his prophecy – it’s the LORD GOD COMING TO HIS PEOPLE! “Here is your God!” Isaiah is prophesying the coming of the Messiah to the aid and comfort of his people.

John the Baptist, as he preaches and baptizes along the Jordon, is recognized by St. Luke to be the very voice of the one calling in desert, “Prepare the way for the Lord!” John says the time is at hand. John says Isaiah’s prophecy is about to be fulfilled. “HE’S COMING!” Get ready! Prepare yourselves! Cut down the hills of your arrogance and pride. Fill in the low places of unrighteousness in your lives. Repent of your sins and watch for his appearance. And, REJOICE! Because when the Lord comes in the little town of Bethlehem, he comes with one purpose, one intent. He comes to save his people from their sins.

Advent starts tomorrow. And, boy, can we use some Advent! After the year we have endured with all its noise, confusion, fear, and rancor; after riots, demonstrations, debates, polls, lockdowns, cancellations; after charges and countercharges, daily death tallies, mail-in ballots and e-learning, we need Good News! We need to hear the Baptist say again, “…One more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” We need to hear Isaiah whisper to us, “Comfort, comfort, ye my people!” We want to watch again for his coming as a babe in Bethlehem, God veiled in flesh. We need to hear the angels say to us again, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men!”

He’s coming! So lift up your hearts. Rejoice once again that the God of all Creation, the God of power and might, deigns to join his sinful, fallen creatures as one of them. He puts his glory aside, he lays down his power, he leaves behind the majesty of heaven in order that he might show the great riches of his love, the depth of his mercy, and the sacrifice beyond all knowing. He’s coming to save us. He’s coming to give us hope. He’s coming! Thanks be to God!

PRAYER:

ANNOUNCEMENT(S):

ADVENT SERIES: “Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with Your God” (Micah 6:8)
Wednesdays, 7:00 P.M. – December 2, 9, and 16

“GIFTS FOR KIDS” – We intend to gift 45-60 children and teens again this Christmas by the purchase, wrapping, and distribution of toys, games, and clothing needs for children in needy families – both within the congregation and in our community. I’ll need shoppers and wrappers. If you can one or both, write a little note and get it to me, or call Karen and ask her to put a note on my desk. You’ll hear from me. And, you can make donations for this worthy cause by envelope or internet. Simply indicate “Gifts for Kids” on the envelope or on the website. We’ll use every dollar to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter.

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/kMMPcGFJm0Q

pastork@glcna.com — (502) 797-7407

PRINTABLE PDF: WEEKLYDDec1.PDF

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WEEKLY DEVOTION NOVEMBER 30

Monday, November 30, 2020

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

“The Greatest Find”

I have always been captivated by hidden treasure stories. I love any movie that has to solved the clues to find the treasure. I sincerely enjoy movies like The National Treasure movies where they find the hidden treasure of the Knights Templar for example. The main character played by Nicolas Cage along with his friends solve centuries old riddles and clues left behind by people of history. They overcome booby-traps and uncover secret places until finally the find the treasure.

Currently, I am hooked on a show called the “Curse of Oak Island.” Oak Island, in Nova Scotia, Canada, for 220 years has held secrets buried within it. Speculations have ranged from items from Solomon’s Temple to the original writings of William Shakespeare, to many other things. Supposedly buried deep within the island are secret tunnels that treasure searchers have been looking for over two centuries. Numerous theories mostly surrounding the Knights Templar have been presented. And much has been found that has captured the interest of a team that originated from Traverse City, Michigan.

A couple of Michigan boys lead the search—already off to a good start in my book. Two brothers, Rick and Marty Lagina banded together a team of experts to try and solve the Island’s mysteries. What strikes me is that they are men of science who have expressed a sincere and deep faith, believing something significant happened on this island. I’ve been watching the show since it started eight years ago and I’ve yet to see any sense of religious or especially a Christian faith. But they do express a faith that has called them to go to Oak Island; a faith that considers the theories and stories, and invest millions of dollars each year digging in the ground.

The Oak Island team are very methodical and sometimes frustratingly slow in their efforts to us who are fans. Each season I keep saying to myself, “Find some treasure already!” They have found plenty of evidence to believe historically significant things converged on Oak Island and I am convinced they are right. The most significant perhaps were a Templar Coin embedded with a Templar cross and a Lead Templar cross found on Smith’s Cove on the Island. It is believed that historically this Island was an active place long before the America’s were thought to have been discovered. They have found many items that keep the Laginas coming back with an ever-stronger belief that some kind of important find, a treasure perhaps, is still waiting to be discovered deep underground. How, after all, can there be so many pieces of evidence and then all the stories not be true? Right? Exactly.

Dr. Paul L. Maier a retired professor of Ancient History and chaplain at Western Michigan University-Kalamazoo, MI. has been saying the same thing for his entire career about the accuracy of the Scriptures. He regularly called attention to the accuracy of Locations and finds in Archeology that are consistent with Scripture. I would encourage anyone researching Jesus to consider anything he says on the subject. The evidence is in history, geography, archeology, and more. If a genuine searcher for the truth is to be seriously considered one must consider at least the possibility of Jesus as the Lord and Savior of the World. The Bottom line is simple for us today. We invest in what we believe. Believing in Jesus is an investment in a treasure that really is not so hidden. This treasure has no traps. Jesus has had more impact on history than any other figure, even upon the Knights Templar who in theory hid religious artifacts on Oak Island.

In Acts 17:16 and following Paul is in Athens waiting for his team to catch up to him. He tours Athens which is a hotbed of idolatry, literally an altar on every corner. Beginning with verse 22 Paul makes a case for Jesus. 22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else….

29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. 30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

Paul calls on creation itself as a witness. As Paul Maier has said on numerous visits to our congregation about the historical and Archeological evidence, “The very stones cry out.” Romans 1:20 also says, “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”

But Paul’s greatest piece of evidence?… Paul says, “God has given proof to everyone by raising Jesus from the dead.” By the time Paul was done he had convinced a handful of people including Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris. The greatest treasure is not hidden in the ground. The Tomb is empty. Jesus is a living Savior. Those who truly followed Jesus gave everything for Jesus. No one does this if they believe the resurrection was made up or a lie.

How ironic that Oak Island’s greatest theory for any hidden treasure resides in the idea of Knight’s Templars who were an organization of the Christian Church, albeit a very controversial one. Still, these knights were no doubt made up of devout believers in Christ. How ironic that a lead cross, the greatest and most defining Christian symbol in history, found on the Island’s beach would be evidence of something historically significant happening on that island. How ironic that this is the evidence that has led two brothers to have such a deep faith in the island treasure that something happened of great importance. This faith has led to their team spending a fortune on that island as many had done before them. How ironic that these men would rely on a stream of historical witnesses “a great cloud of witnesses” who have been documented that something real is on that Island.

As we begin this Advent season, I just encourage you to remember that your greatest treasure is your faith itself in Jesus. We always see a cross overshadowing the manger. Jesus was born to be our sacrifice for sins. And yes, Jesus rose from the dead. Jesus is historically significant and his church has shaped history for 2000 years. Galatians 4:4 tells us that He came in the fullness of time. But time will run on and run out. He is coming back for His people. His promise is that we who believe will also be resurrected. The two single most challenged facts about Jesus are His incarnation and resurrection. Many have tried to strip Jesus of His divinity but none will succeed. And so, advent begins with anticipation of finding treasure once more in Jesus. I encourage you to place your hope in Jesus once more and by the grace of God boldly Invest in the faith you have in Him.

Announcements: Advent Services Dec 2, 9, 16 Based on Micah 6:8 “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Christmas Services will be in person and broadcast 5PM 11PM Christmas Eve/Christmas Day 10AM. Gifts for Kids

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 Woods — John 3:30

PRINTABLE PDF: WeeklyDNov30.PDF

Youtube Video: https://youtu.be/COA2KrCwNyA

matt.woods@glcna.com — (502) 523-9327

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Ahead to December:
Christmas Stocking Stuffers

On Tuesday, December 8 in the church Fellowship Hall from 10:00 a.m. to noon, volunteers will meet to stuff stockings with items for the children of an incarcerated parent, children in youth shelters and other children needing help and support. Helpers are needed; a boxed lunch will be provided. If you have any questions, please contact Dolly Jenkins at 812-989-3093.

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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).

Wednesday, December 2 Advent Worship at 7:00 pm (not online)
Saturday, December 5 5:00 pm — Sunday, December 6 *8:00 & 10:30 am
Wednesday, December 9 Advent Worship at 7:00 pm (not online)
Saturday, December 12 *5:00 pm — Sunday, December 13 8:00 & *10:30 am
Wednesday, December 16 Advent Worship at 7:00 pm (not online)
Saturday, December 19 *5:00 pm — Sunday, December 20 *8:00 & 10:30 am
Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve Worship at *5:00 & *11:00 pm
(both Christmas Eve Services will be online as well as in-person)
Friday, December 25 Christmas Day Worship at *10:00 am (not online)
Saturday, December 26 NO SERVICE — Sunday, December 27 8:00 & *10:30 am
Thursday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Worship at *5:00 pm

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Food Pantry Collection

Bring items for the church Food Pantry. If you have any perishables, please place those in the Food Pantry freezer.

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Attention Sisters in Christ

Quiet Moments of Christmas
“Walk-through Reception”
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 after late service

Come and celebrate Christ’s birth and hear our Lord say, “Be Still and Know That I Am God” Ps 46:10. You’ll enjoy wassail and cookies, and receive a devotion book, a candle, a take-home craft, and a Christmas ornament.

Bring your Mites along and drop them in our Mite Box

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Order Poinsettias for Christmas

The sign-up sheets have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office. We will use the poinsettias to decorate the church for Christmas. The list of sign-ups will be placed in the church bulletin on Sunday, December 20th (please write legibly). All poinsettias come red, but if you want white, please indicate that on the sign-up sheet. The deadline to sign up is December 13th. Note: You may take your poinsettias home any time after Christmas Day. Payment: The cost is $9.00 each. Please make checks payable to “Ladies Auxiliary.” Please pay when you sign up. If you are not able to be here in person to sign-up, please call Karen in the office, 812-944-1267.

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Upcoming Preschool Fundraisers

BE A GOLD SPONSOR FOR THE PRESCHOOL @ $175.00

BE A SILVER SPONSOR FOR THE PRESCHOOL @ $100.00

Gold and Silver Sponsors will be listed on our website and Facebook pages. Payment for the sponsorship may be made by credit card over the phone or we can come pick up a check at your business. Please call us at Grace Lutheran School 812-941-1912.

Grace Lutheran Pecan Sale 2020

WATCH THE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/9YQuJ7tw-Q0

GEORGIA PECANS, 1 LB. FOR $12.00 EA. ORDER NOW THRU DEC. 18TH. Call Karen Satori at 317-294-9268.

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9:35 KIDS

Something new is coming to Grace on November 8 and 22 and December 13. It’s called “9:35 Kids” and it’s a worship service designed for children and their parents. It will take place in the gym with proper social distancing and safeguards. It will start at 9:35, between the services, and last until about 10:00. There will be skits, puppets, music, and praises to our God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We encourage parents to attend with the kids. So, mark your calendars and anticipate something designed just for kids – “9:35 Kids”, that is!

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Grace Online – Children’s Bible Lessons!

Using the resources of Concordia Publishing House, children’s Bible lessons are available online. The Children’s Ministry Team has gathered additional materials to support your teachings at home. Student books and craft kits are still available!! Pick up yours at church or contact Sabrina Haug (sabrina.haug@glcna.com) to arrange alternate delivery. If you already picked up the “starter” pack, be sure to get the craft kits for Lessons 3-7.
Check out www.discover.cph.org/enduring-faith-Sunday-school-digital-bonus-family-materials and the Children’s Ministry page for more information! Glcna.org

Grace Pages –
For the child in all of us!

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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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

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.