Check out this post on Lutheran Social Services NY about our cooperation with the New Life School in the Bronx. Click on the header to open the link:
Archive for March, 2012
True to its name
Thursday, March 29th, 2012Bittersweet Moments
Thursday, March 15th, 2012Life is full of bittersweet moments. Often they take place in times of transition, when one life chapter ends and another begins.
This past Sunday was one of these bittersweet moments for the people of Grace Lutheran. We said “farewell and Godspeed” to a member who has been with us for 50 years and is moving to another state after much prayer and discernment. While we know our “goodbyes” are more like “see you laters,” and we will still stay connected through phone calls, written letters, and the Holy Spirit, it is still an emotional time for many. We pray that our dear sister in Christ will know that she is in our hearts and prayers even though she is many miles away.
A reading from Exodus: “The Lord said, “I am going to send an angel in front of you, to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared.”"
A reading from John: “Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”"
Eternal God, we thank you for our sister in Christ and for the time we have shared with her. As she has been a blessing to us, send her forth to be a blessing to others; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
The people of Grace Lutheran Church gather around our dear friend as we wish her farewell and Godspeed.
Summer Reading Series
Wednesday, March 7th, 2012Are you planning your summer reading list? Deciding what books to take on vacation? Why not participate in our Summer Reading Series? Read just one book or all four and then join us for an engaging discussion.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Sunday, May 6, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Screwtape is an experienced devil. His nephew Wormwood is just beginning his demonic career and has been assigned to secure the damnation of a young man who has just become a Christian. In this humorous exchange, C.S. Lewis delves into moral questions about good v. evil, temptation, repentance, and grace. Through this wonderful tale, the reader emerges with a better knowledge of what it means to live a good, honest life.
Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Sunday, June 3, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
After his martyrdom at the hands of the Gestapo in 1945, Dietrich Bonhoeffer continued his witness in the hearts of Christians around the world. His Letters and Papers from Prison became a prized testimony to Christian faith and courage, read by thousands. Now in Life Together we have Pastor Bonhoeffer’s experience of Christian community. This story of a unique fellowship in an underground seminary during the Nazi years reads like one of Paul’s letters. It gives practical advice on how life together in Christ can be sustained in families and groups. The role of personal prayer, worship in common, everyday work, and Christian service is treated in simple, almost biblical, words. Life Together is bread for all who are hungry for the real life of Christian fellowship.
What is the What by Dave Eggers
Sunday, July 15, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
What Is the What is the epic novel based on the life of Valentino Achak Deng who, along with thousands of other children–the so-called Lost Boys–was forced to leave his village in Sudan at the age of seven and trek hundreds of miles by foot, pursued by militias, government bombers, and wild animals, crossing the deserts of three countries to find freedom. When he finally is resettled in the United States, he finds a life full of promise, but also heartache and myriad new challenges. Moving, suspenseful, and unexpectedly funny, What Is the What is an astonishing novel that illuminates the lives of millions through one extraordinary man.
Reclaiming the “L” Word by Kelly Fryer
Sunday, August 5, 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Reclaiming the “L” Word is a book about renewing congregations by recognizing and living out the core teachings of the Lutheran faith. This little book helps answer these central questions: Who are we? What DOES it mean to be a Lutheran today, anyway? And, why does it matter? Inspirational, engaging, and challenging, this book is a must-read!
All books can be purchased on amazon.com or from other online retailers. Please see Pastor Stephanie if you would like her to place an order for you or if you have any questions.
All discussions will take place in the Social Hall. We hope you are able to join us!