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MAY 2020
Worship Schedule
Saturday, 5:00 pm and Sunday, 9:00 am
Mission Statement
“Bringing the Spirit of Grace to all people”
Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SpiritOfGraceSCG/
May 31
May 31
2
of Sun City Grand In the
www.spiritofgrace.com
Worship Times Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 9:00
Bible Study/Education Wednesday, 10:00 am
Staff
Pastor Scott Hackler [email protected]
Pastor Gary Benson
Gerry White Director of Finance & Administration
Glenn Schultz, Accountant [email protected]
Deborah Frusciano
Faith Community Nurse [email protected]
Sheila Marlow Office Manager
Jerry Huston Facility Manager
Norm Lindstrom Assistant Facility Manager
Annie Huston
Grace Notes Editor [email protected]
Staff - Continued
Fred Bornhoeft Director of Music
Ken Carnes Choir Director
James Allen Accompanist
Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church
15820 W Clearview Blvd
623-977-6000
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Do we miss our pre-virus life or what? As someone said, this is not a new normal, it is and may be our new reality! That said, how have we coped? Are you - as many are, cleaning shelves in the garage, sorting old pictures, reading a book you bought months ago? In the midst of our new reality, I noticed something and recalled a memory. As some of you know, I really enjoy music. I love to sing and listen to all genres of music. When I was out of high school my mother told me, Gary, when you were younger, I could always tell when you were upset. There was silence from your bedroom, no singing there or around the house. The other day, while eating breakfast, I became aware the house was silent. Once that came into my awareness I said, Alexa, play some 60’s music! Yes, we need to be aware of our frame of mind and do what we can to remain balanced - not always an easy task. What do you do to remain on balance? Indeed - devotional time, connecting via phone with family and friends, going for a walk...just appreciating the beauty of the day, being grateful for what we do have helps to set a tone of peace.
None of us know how our new reality will evolve, or what it will be like to live in. What we do know, we are all in this together. Which means, we can all help one another as we adjust to a different reality. I have often said, just because something is different, doesn’t make it bad. In a sense, we will for the most part, be singing a new life song! The words and melody are yet obscure, and amid it all - the old hymns of faith will remain viable and of great value.
If you have a hymnal at home, take some time to page through and pick out your favorite hymns and sing, or simply say the words as a prayer. Many of the old hymns are timeless, at least in our minds, they have stayed with us throughout our faith journey - and now we may need them more than ever. Without question we at SOG love singing -This is the day, this is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice, we will rejoice and be glad in it! Though it may be a challenge to be glad, to rejoice during these difficult days, it is the songs of faith that can engage our spirit, feed our soul and lift us out of a sense of powerlessness and pity parties. We can ‘choose’ to be grateful! Let’s keep singing!!! Now in early May, I think of an old favorite of which the lyric is, Thank God for the promise of Springtime, once again my soul will sing! Each day, may you find reason for your soul to sing! Yesterday is past, tomorrow is not promised ...this is the day for our soul to sing!!
LET THIS BE THE DAY….
Peace and Hope in Christ,
Pastor Gary E Benson
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Income $243,922
Expenses $200,271
Fixed Asset Purchases $14,259
Mortgage Balance $772,489
Members: 853 Households: 537
Gerry White
Director of Finance & Administration
FINANCIAL REPORT AS OF MARCH 31, 2020...
If you are new to Spirit of Grace, we invite you to attend a Welcome
Session with Pastor Scott Hackler.
You will meet other prospective members, learn more about the mission and
vision of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church, and discover the various
opportunities to serve and become involved in the life of the parish
community.
Everyone is invited to attend!
Our next Welcome Session – (Date To Be Determined) . Call the church office at 623-977-
6000 for more information or to indicate your interest in Spirit of Grace.
Hope to see you there!
New Member Welcome Session
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Church services online have been going very well. The number of ‘looks’
indicates nearly normal attendance. Many thanks to Pastor Scott and Pastor
Gary, Jerry Huston, Fred Bornhoeft and all the musicians and readers who
have made these services possible, especially under these circumstances.
The Council, along with Deborah Frucciano, has undertaken the initiative in attempting to make
contact with every member of our Congregation re: their well-being; any pressing needs; how to
access the services online; and just to maintain some personal contact. This has also been well
received, and we will continue the program as long as appropriate.
Synod support has included a recent teleconference with the Presidents of all the Synod
churches. The essence of that conference was to review all the possible ways we as a church can
secure financial relief, if needed, through the many programs in the CARES Act recently passed by
Congress. Bishop Hutterer plans to hold a similar teleconference with Treasurers only in the near
future.
Our financial situation was in good shape at the start of April, but it is
obvious now we will have a substantial shortfall vs the Budget for the full
month, due to the Virus and many members leaving for their summer
homes. Steps taken to date include: a letter from Pastor Scott to the
congregation, deferral of resurfacing our parking lot, securing a 90 day
Interest Only mortgage payments plan with our lender (via the CARES Act ), and in general
continuing to watch over all expenses.
No staff cutbacks are being considered at this time. We will go ahead with installing the new
HVAC units, as the materials are already in the area, and there will be no disruption to church
operations. Also, the funds have been set aside for this purpose, leaving us with an Unrestricted
Cash Balance of $252,000 as of April 1.
Please continue to watch for updates from our Nurse, Deborah Frusciano, who has been sharing
information from the CDC, and stay safe. If you are experiencing difficulties, please call any Council
member, or Deborah, or Sheila Marlow for assistance.
CONGREGATION COUNCIL REPORT
Dave Sitzman Sue Kopcha Vicki McCarville President Vice President Secretary
Phyllis Borchardt Susan Chambers Harvey Gabbert
Ted Grove Richard Johnson Dick Lyda
Dave Sitzman
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Food ingathering
Watch for upcoming announcement!!
Thank You For Your Kindness & Generosity!
You should be known for the beauty that
comes from within, the unfading beauty of a
gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to
God. ~ 1 Peter 3:4
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OUR SPECIAL MOM’S AND GRANDMOM’S!
MAY 10
Sunset Photo Credit: John Wyant ~ SCW
Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
Proverbs 3:5
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
MAY 7
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Right now, it is difficult to know what hygienic and social distancing requirements we will need to observe by the third week of May. Consequently, a Men’s Breakfast gathering will not be scheduled for May. That said, remember that we have had great men’s fellowship in the past and will again in the future. Our hope is in Risen Jesus. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another. 1John 1:7a
Continue to pray for and support our wonderful Spirit of Grace church family. We will meet again for breakfast and fellowship; hopefully, by late summer or early fall.
BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS—Regular blood pressure checks are an important
part of a healthy lifestyle. Hypertension is often at the root of heart disease, and if left
untreated can cause organ damage.
Have your blood pressure checked on:
Saturday, May (date TBD) 4:30—5:00
Sunday, May (date TBD) 8:30—9:00
See you in the Conference Room!!
The Card Ministry will not be sending cards out for the month of May. I know many look forward to receiving a card, however, we are doing this to observe minimum contact in close quarters.
Going forward, we will advise all of you monthly as the situation changes, when we are best able to resume our ministry. Thank you all for your understanding.
CARD MINISTRY ANNOUNCEMENT
Helen Kain
MEN’S BREAKFAST
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GRATITUDE EXPRESS…. How many times have we thought we would like to express appreciation for something or someone but never get to it? If you would like to express gratitude, please share it with me at [email protected] or on a note and I will post it here.
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We pray for special blessings upon all our friends, neighbors and church family
who offered prayers and expressed get well greetings, phone calls; and were so
helpful with rides, errands and support during Don’s recent recovery from a fall
resulting in a broken pelvis. THANK YOU! We are extremely blessed to have
such a loving and caring support group. ~ Blessings, Don & Joyce Grover
I would like to thank all the people who have participated in the making of our church services since the stay at home policy began. The services are very meaningful to me and help with the isolated feelings. The different backgrounds, flowers, song leaders, soloists, and readers give a nice variety and meaning. I joined in the singing of the hymns because someone was able to print the hymn words that scrolled so we could sing along. Spirit of Grace is so blessed. ~ Carol Junge
For Those Who Mourn…….
Louise Kelln and family for the passing of her husband, Gordon Kelln, March 15. They have been members for the past four years.
Dr. Dan Winger and family for the passing of his wife,
Jean Winger, April 5. They have been associate members for 18
years.
Dr. Raymond Beckering, husband of Beverly Hoffmann Beckering,
passed away April 6. Raymond and Beverly had been married for 3
years. Raymond was a member for 3 years and Bev for 6. Services will
be held at a future date.
Mary Tilstra and family for the passing of her Mother, Valaria Wolf, April 9 . She resided in Minnesota.
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WOMEN OF SPIRIT OF GRACE ~ May 2020
Our Bible Studies this month—to be determined by decisions from Arizona Public Health. Consider starting a Zoom Bible Study with friends, family and circle participants. In the interim: Check out online bible studies including: ELCA WELCA Daily Grace
Up words from Max Lucado
Daily study from Spirit in the Desert
Proverbs 31
Girlfriends in God
Anne Lutz Graham - angelministries.org
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SPIRIT OF GRACE WOMEN’S MINISTRY CIRCLE LESSONS
The Bible study lessons are in Gather Magazine. New subscribers can subscribe for $9.95 at https://www.gathermagazine.org. All are welcome to attend the monthly Bible Studies when they resume and we look forward to your participation. Our circles share monthly bible study programs and support local community service to the less fortunate in our area.
My truth for today:
Isaiah 40:28-31, Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)
This symbol - with the cross, water and a white lily - identifies the women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God: baptized, forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty and vitality that rise out of that life-giving baptismal water. The symbol also reminds us of the mission of the Church to "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
Continued on following page
Charles Schulz’ prayer….
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DURING THIS PANDEMIC COMMUNITY NEEDS CONTINUE
Lutheran Social Services-SW has a program called The Creating Community Society
A special group of people (just like you and me) whose light lives—ELEVATE YOUR GIVING!
The Creating Community Society demonstrates an extraordinary level of commitment and
compassion for our community. Your leadership sets the example and inspires others to join us in
providing vital services to Arizona’s most vulnerable through our mission of showing kindness,
doing justice and serving those in need. Check it out on their website: LSS-SW.org
Phoenix Dream Center continues to assist sex trafficking victims, those with substance abuse
addictions and feeding the hungry, etc. Website: https://www.phxdreamcenter.org
The list goes on — these are just two. Pick an organization and get involved, your
talents and stewardship are needed, by Spirit of Grace and our community.
Phyllis Borchardt Spirit of Grace WELCA
Continued from preceding page
This year we will again be collecting items for Child Crisis Arizona who
helps supply shelter for children that have nowhere else to go, children
who have been abused or abandoned. They also support Foster Parents
and children as well as providing adult education to help them become
more confident and knowledgeable parents as a step in their goal to
prevent child abuse and neglect.
Despite the delay with the ever changing information with the COVID-19 situation, we plan to go
forward with the collection, but the dates are unknown at this time. We will announce the
dates when we resume church services. Thank you all for your previous amazing generosity and
hopefully, this event will happen sooner than later.
Rachel’s Day 2020
Deb Cunningham
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Cathy (Brenner) and Terry Pierce were
married on Friday, April 3rd - in a small
but moving ceremony officiated by Pastor
Scott Hackler…..
After our May New York wedding and London honeymoon plans were cancelled, we decided that getting married at Spirit of Grace at this time, would be a perfect plan!
Within 3 days of speaking with Pastor Scott, we asked our dear music club friends - Sherry and Doug Bennett, to be our sponsors; Jerry Huston to video the ceremony; searched for wedding
attire in our closets; and were married before God in a perfect ceremony!
Though everyone kept a distance from each other, we could feel the love surround us.
We are blessed with so many wonderful friends in Sun City Grand, especially in the music and drama clubs we both participate in, and with the Spirit of Grace family which is our home!
Thank you to Pastor Scott and to Jerry Huston for making our wedding so very special.
Cathy and Terry Pierce
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Always ask yourself... IS IT A SCAM ?? ... before clicking on anything in an email when not familiar with the sender. A more recent one is a warning that your NETFLIX account is about to expire and you need to click on a link to provide the billing information so service can continue. NETFLIX
accounts do NOT expire until you request it. If you have concerns, call them directly.
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
Here are some helpful tips to keep the scammers at bay:
Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to
pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. Just hang up.
Fact-check information. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit
What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government
agencies.
Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like
cleaning, household, health and medical supplies when they do not.
Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are
still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your
computer or device.
Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions,
lozenges, other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure COVID-19,
online or in stores.
Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by
gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it. For additional information go to ftc.org/scams
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about
itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. ~ Matthew 6:34
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TESTING, TESTING…1-2-3.. TESTING!
That's the sound of the microphone checks as a group gathers to film Sunday’s worship service. There's a chuckle here and there as the room relaxes before getting down to business.
The Sanctuary has the look of a TV studio. Corners are filled with props, musical instruments and miscellaneous equipment
is scattered in the empty seats.
Jerry Huston is setting up banners and plants within camera range. Stepping to the camera he says ‘roll em’ as Fred Bornhoeft opens the scene with a beautiful piano prelude.
Jerry will film each segment of the service separately to maintain social distancing. He then spends eight to ten hours cutting, splicing and adding the onscreen scrolling of hymn verses so we can sing along. And ‘Voila’ as if by magic he forms the service into a work of Art that's headed out to YouTube for easy viewing.
How blessed we are to have our two caring Pastors. They are always thinking ahead. The Pastors come in early to film sermons and lessons before anyone else arrives, keeping a safe distance. They both give us such comfort.
Even though it’s not the same scene, the message never changes. God is watching over us.
Our Congregation is abundant with talent. So able to put Gods words to speech and music.
Needless to say, we are all missing our church family. The hugs, smiles, eye twinkles and tiny finger waves when we see our friends. We miss communion, watching Ken Carnes direct our brilliant choir, or something familiar as person-to-person contact as stopping by for a chat with Sheila. We miss it all, but we know it will still be there for us when we resume business as usual.
Let's count the joys at the end of each week that we still have a worship service to celebrate together; albeit in a different way, and thank God for all our blessings!
Sharon Bornhoeft
L to R—Jerry Huston, Bill Lyes, Len Jacobson
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As you probably know, we are abiding by the Governor’s
order to Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected which
resulted in closing the Shop for the time being. (This is as
of 4/15/2020). Though it is not what we’d like to be doing,
it is certainly the prudent thing to do.
We will re-open as soon as we can. The Shop is being cleaned regularly and we will be
ready to open very quickly when allowed to do so. We expect to be very busy once we
get back to it!
Please watch our Facebook postings or go to the website to check status.
www.facebook.com/westvalleylutheranthriftshop
10615 West Peoria Ave, Sun City
www.wvlutheranthrift.com
--623-815-7061--
Packaged toilet paper wasn’t sold in the United States until 1857. Joseph
Gayety, the man who introduced packaged TP to the U.S., had his name
printed on every sheet.
It wasn’t until 1935 that a manufacturer was able to
promise Splinter-Free Toilet paper.
Other things that were used before toilet paper include hay, corn cobs, sticks,
stones, sand, moss, hemp, wool, husks, fruit peels, ferns, sponges, seashells,
knotted ropes, and broken pottery (Ouch!)
Americans use an average of 8.6 sheets of toilet paper per trip to the bathroom.
70-75% of the world still doesn’t use toilet paper because it is too expensive or there is not
sufficient plumbing.
If you hang your toilet paper so you can pull it from the bottom, you’re considered more intelligent than someone who pulls it from the top. (Wonder how this was determined and what if you hang it both ways..?)
More than you ever wanted to know ….??
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***COVID-19 information changes rapidly and information in this article is written several weeks before distribution. I will send out updates that affect our congregation in emails as needed.
#4Mind4Body
The month of May has been designated as Mental Health Month. This year’s theme is #4Mind4Body, meaning that health is all-encompassing, and we must take care of our mental health just we take care of our physical health.
Studies have shown that individuals who have chronic medical illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure or autoimmune disorders have a higher likelihood of being diagnosed with a mental health disorder such as depression or anxiety.
This year’s campaign #4Mind4Body is encouraging individuals around the country to focus on the following healthy aspects of their daily lives in order to promote mental wellness:
• Maintain uninterrupted sleep for 8 hours each night.
• Restrict sugars, greasy foods, salts, processed foods and saturated fats.
• Consume more whole grains, greens, unprocessed foods, lean meats and unsaturated fats.
• Eat 2-3 well-balanced meals per day.
• Drink at least 3 liters of water per day.
• Engage in daily physical activity.
• Stay away from toxic thoughts, toxic people, and toxic conversations.
• Engage in positive thoughts and conversations.
• Daily prayer and mindfulness.
• Learn how to manage your stress.
• Stay present in your daily relationships.
• Keep in contact with friends and family.
• Visit your doctor for preventative health and cancer screenings.
• Take time for yourself every day.
We are all encouraged to take responsibility for the prevention of mental health issues during times of personal challenge and stress. In this time of COVID-19, it is easy to let the stress consume us.
For the month of May, challenge yourself to make small positive changes in your life that can benefit your mind and your body. You may be surprised by how much positive impact one small change can make.
The Spiritual Care Association (SCA), Mental Health Association (MHA) The above information is general in nature and not intended to replace information provided by your health care provider.
**Call your physician or 911 for a physical or mental health emergency.**
Faith Community Nurse Corner
Deborah Frusciano RN BSN ACRN CT
Faith Community Nurse
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Becoming Mrs. Lewis by Patti Callahan. It is the most improbable love story between Joy Davidman, a fiery New York intellectual, former Communist and atheist-turned-Christian, and C.S. Lewis, an Oxford professor of literature, author and reluctant convert to Christianity, who became one of its most eloquent spokesmen. Their friendship began with an exchange of letters as Joy sought answers from her faith that would save a crumbling marriage. It continued when they met on her trip to
England to restore her health and do research for her writing. Although
Joy is primarily remembered as Lewis’ dying wife in the many books and movies that have been produced. According to one reader, I was swept along, filled with hope, and entirely beguiled by the life lived behind the veil of C.S.
Lewis’s books but also by the woman who won his heart.
And, now that you are familiar with YouTube for Sunday services, check out the humorous clips of Jeannie Robertson, a southern lady who turns everyday mishaps into laughing-out-loud, stress-relieving fun.
~ From the Library ~ Something Light…Something Challenging...A Couple of Suggestions:
Carole Parnell Church Librarian
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Editors note: Hoarding is nothing new. Perhaps it’s
more about fear than being selfish??
However, no one seems to be able to explain the toilet paper mystery we are experiencing today.
This is a fun and timely parable from the 1700’s.
Once upon a time, there was a great famine in which
people jealously hoarded whatever food they could find,
hiding it even from their friends and neighbors. One day
a wandering traveler came into the village and began
asking questions as if he planned to stay for the night.
There's not a bit to eat in the whole province he was told. Better keep moving. Oh, I have everything I need, he said. In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you, and pulled an iron cauldron from his wagon, filled it with water, and built a
fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a velvet bag and
dropped it in the water.
By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come to the square or watched from
their windows. As the traveler sniffed the broth licking his lips in anticipation, hunger began to
overcome their skepticism.
Ahh, the traveler said to himself rather loudly, I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage - that's hard to beat.
Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and
added it to the pot. Wonderful, cried the traveler. You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king.
The village butcher managed to find some salt beef... and so it went, through potatoes, onions,
carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for all. The villagers offered
the traveler a great deal of money for the magic stone, but he refused to sell and traveled on
the next day.
The moral is that by working together, with everyone contributing what they
can, a greater good is achieved! ~ Anonymous
STONE SOUP
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MAY 25
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give
to you. Not as the world gives do I
give to you. Let not your hearts be
troubled. Neither let them be afraid.
~ John 14:27
Forgive and give as if it were your last opportunity. Love like there’s no tomorrow...
and if tomorrow comes, love again.
~ Max Lucado
