We pray to you, almighty God, at this time following the explosions in Boston. You are our refuge and our strength, a very present help in time of trouble. Do not let us fail in the face of these events. Uphold us with your love, and give us the strength we need. Help us in our confusion, and guide our actions. Heal the hurt, console the brereaved and afflicted, protect the innocent and helpless, and deliver any who are still in peril; for the sake of your great mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

What a glorious celebration of the Resurrection! On Easter morning GLC was filled with the wondrous, beautiful sounds of resurrection music and shouts of “Alleluia” as we worshiped the Risen Christ!

We were blessed with special music by Heather Wise and her husband, Michael.

We gathered together to remember Jesus’ triumphant entrance into Jerusalem by waving palms and processing from the Narthex into the Sanctuary together. Following the Prayer of the Day our focus turned to the Luke’s Passion story.

Good morning, all.

We were small in numbers this morning at worship due to the weather. I am very aware that this immense amount of snow has thrown off a lot of folk’s weekend schedules and that many are exhausted from digging out yesterday. Following worship it was decided to cancel tonight’s Family Fun Night/Chili Cook Off.

Continue to stay safe! There are many icy spots out there on the roads and sidewalks.

Take care,

Pastor Stephanie

Dear friends,

This past Friday a very prominent news story broke that detailed an apology letter from The Rev. Rob Morris, pastor at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Newtown, CT. Rev. Morris gave the benediction at the interfaith memorial service in Newtown on December 16th that was attended by President Obama. Rev. Morris’ apology letter came at the urging of Rev. Matthew Harrison, president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The LCMS forbids joint worship with other religions because such participation can be considered approval of faiths that do not regard Jesus alone as savior.

Grace Lutheran Church (GLC), Scarsdale is NOT a church of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. GLC is part of an entirely different denomination – the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

For more information about this recent news story I highly recommend that you read Bishop James Hazelwood’s (Bishop of the ELCA’s New England Synod) reflection which can be found here:

http://bishoponabike.squarespace.com/blog/2013/2/8/responding-to-the-lcms-reprimand.html

The people of Grace Lutheran Church, Scarsdale continue to hold all of the people of Newtown, CT in prayer.

Following worship on Sunday, January 27th we will hold a Congregational Meeting for the review of 2012 reports from the leadership of Grace Lutheran. We hope you can join us.

New sign up sheets have been posted in the Social Hall for Worship Help (Ushers, Readers, Counters, Coffee Hour Hosts) and Bulletin Design including all dates through Easter, Sunday, March 31st. Please sign up to serve.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 10th at 4:00 PM – GLC’s Chili Cook Off/Mardi Gras/Family Fun Night! We will feast on chili, create Mardi Gras masks, play boardgames, and burn last year’s palms from Palm Sunday to create ashes for this year’s Ash Wednesday. (The burning will take place outside, of course.) We hope you can join us! If you’d like to enter your chili into the Cook Off, please sign up in the Social Hall. If you are able to bring a side dish or dessert, please do so.

May you have a blessed week!

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In the sure and certain hope of the resurrection, I share with you the news of the death of Eddie Rainbow, Alice Lousberg’s father-in-law. Eddie passed away early this morning at his home in Tarrytown.

Viewing and Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, January 11th, 7:00 – 9:00 PM at McMahon, Lyon & Hartnett Funeral Home located at 491 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 12th at 11:00 AM at Grace Lutheran, Scarsdale. The committal will take place following the worship service at Ferncliff in Hartsdale. Following the committal, a luncheon will be held in GLC’s Social Hall. All are invited.

Please keep Eddie and his family and friends in your prayers.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord;
and let light perpetual shine upon him.

Pastor Stephanie

On Sunday, December 30th, we will celebrate the First Sunday of Christmas with a joyous worship service of Lessons and Carols. Come hear of the promise of Christ through Old and New Testament scripture readings. Come sing some of the most beautiful hymns of the season including: Once In Royal David’s City and It Came Upon the Midnight Clear as well as many others.  Sunday School will not meet before worship on December 30th.