March 22, 2021
At Easter, Jesus came out of the tomb and conquered death forever. We rejoice and celebrate his victory every year, no matter what. However, this year we hope to have an extra cause to rejoice on that day. We are pleased to announce that Grace will be celebrating a brief outdoor service of Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. On that day, there will be a full Easter worship service with music on the usual 9 am YouTube livestream. Weather permitting, at 10:30 am there will be a short service of Holy Communion held outside. For this service, please park in the front parking lot or on the street. Worship will take place in the rear parking lot (there will be cones and signs to direct you). Please wear a mask and refrain from personal contact (hugs or handshakes). When it is time for Holy Communion, you will come forward and take a small contained chalice from the table. The wafer is in one portion of the cup, and the grape juice or wine in the other. Return to your place, and when everyone has the elements we will commune together. If there is mild rain, we will still have this service – bring an umbrella and/or wear rain gear. If there are severe storms, there will be a drive-through distribution of consecrated communion elements at the back door. Either way, Grace Lutheran Church will celebrate Holy Communion on Easter Sunday for those who wish to partake.
We are also overjoyed to announce that at this outdoor Easter worship, four of Grace’s young people – Matthew Eck, Katie Fenstermaker, Jamie Spengler and Evelyn Summer – will receive their first Holy Communion. They (together with Aubrey Geder, whose family will be away that day) have attended four Zoom First Communion classes, taught by Pastor Mark Summer (retired) and moderated by Pastor Samantha. The classes have been great fun as well as educational, and we are grateful to these kids and their parents for their enthusiastic participation. We hope that before too long, GLC can resume full worship services indoors. When that happens, whenever it happens, these five will be given acolyte training and added to the schedule to serve in worship.
Lastly, the Worship Team and Church Council have been discussing when GLC will resume in-person worship in the building. If all goes well, we are aiming for Sunday May 2 at 10:30 am. These first in-person services will be like the ones we had in the fall: sign up in advance, wear a mask, distanced seating, and no singing. Look for more details in future Grace Notes emails and in the May newsletter, including information about Grace’s Spring Annual Meeting and Confirmation Sunday. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Samantha, or Council President Janene George.
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
February 5, 2021
IMPORTANT! There is yet another scam going around, this time by text rather than email, pretending to be from Pastor Samantha. It says "I hope you are alright" and then asks you to get back to her as soon as possible. Please do not respond. It's not from her, and the number was reported to the FTC.
First Communion If your child has been baptized and is in third grade, it is the practice at Grace Lutheran for them to attend First Communion instruction prior to receiving the Lord's Supper for the first time. Parents with children in this age group, keep an eye out for a letter that was recently mailed out. If you don't get a letter (or want more information) call or email Pastor Samantha.
Reminder: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. On that day, Pastor Samantha will offer Imposition of Ashes in the front parking lot from 12 - 1 pm, and again from 5 - 6 pm. This will be a drive-through process, and Pastor will be wearing a mask, face shield, and gloves. If you choose to come by during this time, you and anyone with you must wear a mask as well. At 7 pm, there will be a livestream Ash Wednesday service on the Grace YouTube channel.
January 29, 2021
Today: Grace Food Cupboard Give-Away, January 29 from 2:30 to 4 pm. ALL are welcome to come to the Cupboard.
Coming Soon: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. On that day, Pastor Samantha will offer Imposition of Ashes in the front parking lot from 12 - 1 pm, and again from 5 - 6 pm. This will be a drive-through process, and Pastor will be wearing a mask, face shield, and gloves. If you choose to come by during this time, you and anyone with you must wear a mask as well. At 7 pm, there will be a livestream Ash Wednesday service on the Grace YouTube channel.
Sponsors Wanted: Grace’s online services have helped all of us, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped to make them possible. From the positive response, we hope they continue after quarantine has ended. However, there are additional monthly expenses associated with livestreaming, such as licensing fees and increased bandwidth. So we have added an option to sponsor the Sunday online services. There can be up to two sponsors per week, at a cost of $25 per sponsor. Sign up online at www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054eabaa23a0f58-online Thank you!
Volunteers Wanted: After many years of service, current board members President Dale Eck, Secretary Joanne Andrews, and Manager Dennis Andrews have announced their retirement. According to the bylaws of the Grace Lutheran/Solomon’s United Church of Christ Cemetery Association, a minimum of three members from Grace and three members from Solomon's shall serve to oversee the work of the cemetery. If you are a member of Grace, please consider serving as a member of the Cemetery Board. For more information, Dale Eck can be contacted at 610-966-3479, or call the Solomon's church office (610-966-3086). Thank you!
January 22, 2021
Next week we host our Grace Food Cupboard Give-Away, January 26 and 29 from 2:30 to 4 pm each day. ALL are welcome to come to the Cupboard.
For the foreseeable future, there will be live worship every Sunday morning at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Those viewing then can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past Live Streams"). If you do watch live, we encourage you to say hello, and share the peace with your fellow worshippers in the comments section.
Looking ahead: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 17. On that day, Pastor Samantha will offer Imposition of Ashes in the front parking lot from 12 - 1 pm, and again from 5 - 6 pm. This will be a drive-through process, and Pastor will be wearing a mask, face shield, and gloves. If you choose to come by during this time, you and anyone with you must wear a mask as well. At 7 pm, there will be a livestream Ash Wednesday service on the Grace YouTube channel.
Midweek Lenten Services: Grace will livestream a midweek service each Wednesday at 7 pm during Lent (except for Holy Week). We will alternate between Holden Evening Prayer and a Service of the Word. For each, there will be a 2-person reader’s theatre drama in place of a sermon. Thank you in advance to Brenda Early, Georgie Graybill, and those volunteering as readers. We also hope to have Pr. Frank Schaeffer from Solomon’s UCC to join us on some of these Wednesdays.
2/24 – Service of the Word
3/3 – Holden Evening Prayer
3/10 – Service of the Word
3/17 – Holden Evening Prayer
3/24 – Service of the Word
January 8, 2021
Our Monthly Free Community Meal is Friday January 8! Come by any time from 4:30 - 6:30 pm that evening to pick up January's meal, which will feature pork and sauerkraut. Just drive around to the rear Fellowship Hall doors, and get your meal(s) to go. Thank you to all of this month's volunteers!
On Sunday January 10, we celebrate Epiphany at Grace. There will be a livestreamed service with special music at 9 am; as always, a bulletin for this service is posted at gracemacungie.org/Bulletins.htm. For the foreseeable future, there will be live worship every Sunday morning at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Those viewing then can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past Live Streams"). If you do watch live, we encourage you to say hello, and share the peace with your fellow worshippers in the comments section.
January 1, 2021
We are still closed for in person worship, but continue our livestream every Sunday at 9 am on our YouTube Channel. As we begin another year, all of us at Grace Lutheran wish you the very best for a happy healthy 2021. Our continued prayers that you stay well, and that we can gather safely in person again soon. God bless you!
December 28, 2020
We pray your Christmas was full of joy! Videos of our Christmas services can be seen online at these links:
December 18, 2020
On Thursday December 10, new temporary mitigation efforts were announced in Pennsylvania, in order to stop the spread of COVID-19. For that reason, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 in-person services were cancelled. If you signed up online for either date, you should have already received an email about the cancellation.
Christmas Eve (Thursday December 24): There will be a full Christmas Eve worship service livestreamed to the GLC YouTube channel at 3:00 pm, featuring lessons, hymns and the Bells of Grace. Then at 7:00 pm, a pre-recorded service will be available with special music, lessons, a meditation from Pastor Samantha, and prayers. These services will premiere at 3 pm and 7 pm respectively, but can be watched at any time afterward. A bulletin will be posted to the website to accompany the 3 pm service.
First Sunday of Christmas (Sunday December 27): At 9 am, there will be a livestreamed service of Lessons and Carols led by Janene George, Sandy Schantz, and Steve Ziminsky. A bulletin will be posted in advance with the carols and order of the service.
December 7, 2020
On December 1, the Worship and Music Committee of GLC met virtually to discuss upcoming worship plans in light of the ever-increasing spike in cases of Covid-19 in our region, the state, and the entire country. We discussed the fact that many local congregations have already suspended in-person worship again. As cases are on the rise with no sign of this trend slowing down, we have decided to suspend in-person worship at Grace after the Fourth Sunday in Advent. We will remain closed to in-person worship for the foreseeable future.
As a reminder, if you do wish to attend either of the remaining in person services (Sundays at 10:30 am), you must sign up in advance (see links below). Be sure to individually register every member of your family. Masks and physical distancing are required.
Sunday December 13, 10:30 am -- Advent 3 In-Person Worship Service sign-up: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054eabaa23a0f58-inperson2
Sunday December 20, 10:30 am -- Advent 4 In-Person Worship Service sign-up: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054eabaa23a0f58-inperson3
Christmas Eve (Thursday December 24): There will be a full Christmas Eve worship service livestreamed to the GLC YouTube channel at 3:00 pm, featuring lessons, hymns and the Bells of Grace. At 7:00 pm, there will be a pre-recorded service available with special music, lessons, a meditation from Pastor Samantha, and prayers. These services will premiere at 3 pm and 7 pm respectively, but can be watched at any time afterward. A bulletin will be posted to the website to accompany the 3 pm service.
First Sunday of Christmas (Sunday December 27) At 9 am, there will be a livestreamed service of Lessons and Carols led by Sandy Schantz and Steve Ziminsky. A bulletin will be posted in advance with the carols and order of the service.
Thank you as always for your understanding as we negotiate our way through these difficult times, keeping safety for all in mind.
Blessings of Advent and of the Christ Child to all!
November 20, 2020
With Covid-19 cases on the rise, it may soon become necessary for Grace to suspend in-person worship services again. For now, they will continue using the precautions we have been observing - wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, physical distancing, contact tracing, and limited exposure (the length of time spent together indoors). For more specifics, please see the guidelines put together by the GLC pandemic team at GLC worship guidelines. Grace's Worship Team will continue to monitor the situation; thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation.
As always, we will continue with livestream worship every Sunday at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Those viewing then can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in for this live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past Live Streams"). If you do watch live, please leave a comment! Many thanks to our worship team (Al McCrae, Sandy Schantz, Steve Ziminsky, and Pastor Samantha), to our Special Music volunteers, and to all of you for your patience and encouragement as we continue to make improvements to online worship.
November 6, 2020
In Person: The next in-person worship will be Sunday November 8 at 10:30 am. Remember, if you wish to attend this service, you must sign up in advance. This measure is necessary to maintain safe physical distancing. Please register everyone in your group under one slot: to do this, indicate the total number including yourself under "Quantity", then leave your name and email address. There is an option labeled "Names" where you may list the other names in your group if you wish. Link to sign up: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054eabaa23a0f58-november
A few reminders... we are still in a pandemic, so safety guidelines are necessary. The building re-opening team has crafted the following guidelines (GLC worship guidelines) based on standard precautions such as masks, physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, etc. They are in the bulletin, but please read them first if you plan to attend. The order of service used is based on the ELCA Worship resource “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic.” This 36-page document is available in print in the church office, or download a copy at this link: ELCA pandemic worship guidelines. Leadership will continue to monitor the current numbers on Covid, but it is everyone's hope that Grace will be able to continue with in-person worship. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Online: There will be live worship every Sunday morning at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Those viewing at that time can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past Live Streams"). If you do watch live, please leave a comment! Many thanks to our worship team (Al McCrae, Sandy Schantz, Steve Ziminsky, and Pastor Samantha), to our Special Music volunteers, and to all of you for your patience as we continue to fine-tune this process.
Once again, thank you also for your generous giving! And last but certainly not least, thank you for being the Church – the Body of Christ – in so many new and wonderful ways during this unprecedented time. Because of you, Grace is thriving. God is good – ALL THE TIME!
October 23, 2020
Worship In Person: This Sunday, October 25, there will be no in-person indoor worship. Instead, only our confirmands and their families will attend a special outdoor Reformation Confirmation service in the parking lot. For those families, please try to arrive by 10 am. Looking forward, the next in-person worship will be Sunday November 1 (All Saints) at 10:30 am. Remember, if you wish to attend this service, you must sign up in advance. This measure is necessary for physical distancing. The SignUp format has changed slightly; you will now register everyone in your group under one slot. Please indicate the total number including yourself under "Quantity", then leave your name and email address. Link: www.signupgenius.com/go/10c054eabaa23a0f58-november
A few reminders... we are still in a pandemic, so safety guidelines are necessary. The building re-opening team has crafted the following guidelines (GLC worship guidelines) based on standard precautions such as masks, physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, etc. They are in the bulletin, but please read them first if you plan to attend. The order of service used is based on the ELCA Worship resource “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic.” This 36-page document is available in print in the church office, or download a copy at ELCA pandemic worship guidelines. Leadership will continue to monitor the current numbers on Covid, but it is everyone's hope that Grace will be able to continue with in-person worship. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Worship Online: There will be live worship every Sunday morning at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Worshippers at that time can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past live streams"). If you do watch live, please leave a comment! Thanks to Al McCrae, who has been putting in long hours to improve the sound system, lighting, and camera setup; and to Steve for working with him weekly. Thank you for your patience as our Worship Team continues to fine-tune this process.
October 16, 2020
The first in-person worship service is THIS Sunday, October 18 at 10:30 am. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND THIS SERVICE YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE. You must register every individual member of your family. This measure is necessary for physical distancing. Sign-up link: www.signupgenius.com/go/70A044BAAAB28A0F49-worship Grace leadership will continue to monitor the situation as time goes on, but it is hoped that Grace will be able to continue having in-person worship. Keep an eye out for the next sign up, which will be for 10:30 am Sunday November 1, All Saints Day. (October 25 will be a service for confirmands and their families only.)
While we all want to return at once to what we'd consider “normal” in worship, we are still in a pandemic, so safety guidelines are necessary. This in-person service will not be like the ones held before Covid-19. The building re-opening team has crafted the following guidelines (GLC worship guidelines) based on standard precautions such as masks, physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, etc. Please read them if you plan to attend. The order of service will be based on the ELCA Worship resource “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic.” This 36-page document is available in print in the church office, or download a copy at this link: ELCA pandemic worship guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
There will continue to be live worship Sunday mornings at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Worshippers at that time can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past live streams"). If you do watch live, please leave a comment! MANY thanks to Al McCrae, who has been putting in long hours to improve the sound system, lighting, and camera setup. Thank you for your patience as our Worship Team continues to fine-tune this process.
October 9, 2020
Worship: On October 1, a special email went out about the in-person worship service at Grace taking place on October 18 at 10:30 am. IF YOU WISH TO ATTEND THIS SERVICE YOU MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE! You must also register every individual member of your family. This measure is necessary for physical distancing. Sign-up link: www.signupgenius.com/go/70a044baaab28a0f49-worship
Leadership will continue to monitor the situation as time goes on, but it is everyone's hope that Grace will be able to continue having in-person worship in this fashion. Keep an eye out for the next sign up, which will be for 10:30 am Sunday November 1, All Saints Day. (On October 25 there will be a service for confirmands and their families only).
While we all want to return at once to what we'd consider “normal” in worship, we are still in a pandemic, so safety guidelines are necessary. This in-person service will not be like the ones held before Covid-19. The building re-opening team has crafted the following guidelines (GLC worship guidelines) based on standard precautions such as masks, physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, etc. Please read them if you plan to attend. Regarding music and liturgy, the service is based on the ELCA Worship resource “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic.” This 36-page document is available in print in the church office, or download a copy at this link: ELCA pandemic worship guidelines. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
There will continue to be live worship Sunday mornings at 9 am on the Grace Lutheran Church YouTube channel. Worshippers at that time can leave comments, prayer requests, or simply see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording will be available afterward under Videos (change the drop-down selection from "Uploads" to "Past live streams"). If you do watch live, please leave a comment! MANY thanks to Al McCrae, who has been putting in long hours to improve the sound system, lighting, and camera setup. Thank you for your patience as our Worship Team continues to fine-tune this process.
Fellowship: Due to Halloween and it getting dark earlier, the October outdoor meet-up will move up to 5 pm on October 24 (rain date October 25). This will most likely be the last outdoor gathering for 2020. Thank you to Diane Beltz and the Parish Life Committee for being our hosts!
Again, and again, thank you for your generous giving. Thanks to those who have been exceptionally generous, but won't allow us to name them publicly. Thank you ALL for being the Church – the Body of Christ – in so many new and wonderful ways during this unprecedented time. Because of you, Grace is thriving. God is good – ALL THE TIME!
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
October 2, 2020
Worship: A special email went out October 1 about an in-person worship service on October 18 at 10:30 am. If you wish to attend, please sign up at the following link and BE SURE to individually register every member of your family: www.signupgenius.com/go/70a044baaab28a0f49-worship. Leadership will continue to monitor the situation as time goes on, but it is everyone's hope that we can keep having in-person worship in this fashion. Keep an eye out for the next sign up, which will be for Sunday November 1, All Saints Day. (We are having a service for confirmands and their families alone on October 25).
While we all want to return at once to what we'd consider a “normal” worship service, unfortunately we are still in a pandemic, so safety guidelines are necessary. The building re-opening team has crafted the guidelines at this link: GLC worship guidelines based on precautions that are now standard, such as masks, physical distancing, using hand sanitizer, etc. Regarding music and liturgy, they are based on the ELCA Worship resource “Resuming Care-filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic.” This 36-page document is available in print in the church office, or download a copy at: ELCA guidelines for pandemic worship. Thank you for your cooperation, and hope to see you soon!
Then as now we will continue to bring you live worship on Sunday mornings on the Grace Lutheran YouTube channel. This allows a more interactive experience, since worshippers are able to leave comments, prayer requests, or just see who else is in worship. If you can't tune in at 9 am for the live service, a recording of it will be available on this channel later in the day. If you do watch live, please leave a comment! MANY thanks are due Al McCrae, who has been volunteering long hours this week to improve the sound system, lighting, and camera setup. We hope you'll notice a difference, and thanks for your patience as we continue to fine-tune this process.
Fellowship: The Parish Life Committee has been holding a socially distanced outdoor fellowship the last Saturday (rain date Sunday) of each month. Due to Halloween and getting dark earlier, the October meet-up will move up to 5 pm on October 24 (rain date 25). This will most likely be our last outdoor gathering for 2020.
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
September 25, 2020
Worship: We are thrilled to report that with the help of hard-working volunteers and generous memorial donations, our worship services are now on Grace’s YouTube channel live at 9 am on Sunday mornings (in place of posting a pre-recorded worship video). We had a few glitches the first week, but will continue to fine-tune the process. During the live stream (found at youtube.com/c/GraceLutheranChurchMacungiePA), if you log in you may leave comments or prayer requests as well. Many thanks to Grace’s in-person worship team: Pastor Samantha, Steve Ziminsky, Sandra Schantz, Al McCrae, Alice Mudge, and all the weekly special music volunteers. Thanks also to the families of Cliff and Helen Ward, Betty Lou Smith, and all those who donated in their memory. These memorial funds and permission of the families to use them this way allowed us to purchase the equipment needed to make live streaming possible.
Fellowship: While we miss having worship together, we also miss simply seeing one another. While the weather cooperates, the Parish Life Committee will hold a socially distanced outdoor fellowship the last Saturday (rain date Sunday) of each month. Because of Halloween on the 31st and it getting dark earlier, the October meet-up will be October 24 (rain date October 25), and the meeting time will be at 5 pm.
Endings and Beginnings: If you attended the September outdoor fellowship, you know that we must say farewell to Council President Phil Mohr and “First Lady” Lisa Mohr. They are moving to Florida to be closer to daughter Sarah and her new husband Nathan. Phil’s final “Letter from the President” appears in this newsletter. Everyone at Grace Lutheran gives thanks for his leadership, especially during this past difficult year. We will greatly miss Lisa and Phil and wish them all the best. John Smack will finish Phil’s term as president; and thanks to Kim Vaupel for filling the Council vacancy.
Last but not least, thanks to all of you for keeping on as you have been. Remember, the building is not the church. YOU are the church.
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
September 18, 2020
Worship: Your worship team is pleased to announce that on Sunday, September 20, worship at Grace will return to Sunday mornings. Services will continue to be on Grace’s YouTube channel as before. But now, rather than a recording, the worship service will stream live starting at 9 am. This will allow for a more interactive experience, with viewers able to leave comments or prayer requests and see who else is commenting. If one is unable to tune into the live broadcast, the recording will be available on the channel to watch later or anytime. When we're able to hold in-person worship, plans are for the live stream service to continue at 9 am followed by a shorter in-person worship at 10:30 am.
Fellowship: While we miss having worship together, we also miss simply seeing one another! So while weather permits, the Parish Life Committee will hold a socially distanced outdoor fellowship the last Saturday (rain date Sunday) of each month at 6 pm (see details below). The next date is September 26 (rain date 27).
Again, and again, thanks for your generous giving. Thank you for being the Church – the Body of Christ – in a new way during this unprecedented time. Grace is thriving, and God is good – ALL THE TIME!
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
August 28, 2020
Regarding Worship: As of this date, indoor gatherings of more than 25 persons are still prohibited in Pennsylvania. Religious gatherings aren’t affected by the order; still, places of worship are encouraged to find alternative ways to hold services. Since the pandemic began, the alternative at GLC has been for Pastor Samantha, Organist Steve Ziminsky, and a rotating group of volunteers to gather in the building Saturday mornings. There they record a weekly worship service which is then made available on the GLC YouTube channel, to be viewed Sunday mornings and/or any time. This solution was quickly put into place with available technology, so that most GLC members wouldn’t have to miss any services. We very much appreciate everyone who has tuned in to online worship, and shared their appreciation. We greatly appreciate the flexibility of our staff and volunteers.
At first, we believed this pandemic would only last for a few months, and GLC would be “back to normal” by now. However, this has not been the case and may not be for some time. Therefore, Pastor Samantha has been working the last few weeks with worship leaders and members who have technical expertise, towards a goal of resuming Sunday morning worship. When it happens, GLC will still have a video service, but it will be a livestream in real time on Sunday mornings, rather than an upload of a recording made previously. Services will still be on Grace’s YouTube channel (and permanently available to watch later at any time), but the initial worship will be live beginning at 9 am. This creates a more interactive worship experience, with viewers able to leave comments or prayer requests and see who else is commenting. It also eliminates the need for additional technical support staff, as well as hours editing, producing, and uploading the weekly video taken on the Pastor's phone. Some upgrades to Grace’s in-house resources have been made and others will be made soon; there will also be tests of sound and audio quality. The hope is to go live by mid-September; notice will be given before that happens.
Regarding Fellowship: We miss having worship together, but we also miss simply seeing one another. So beginning in August and continuing while weather permits, the Parish Life Committee will hold a socially distanced outdoor fellowship the last Saturday (rain date Sunday) of each month at 6 pm. Also, the Sunday Zoom Coffee hour will resume Sunday September 13 at 11:30 am. There will be an invite link in a future Grace Notes email.
Again, and again, thanks for your generous giving. Thank you for being the Church – the Body of Christ – in a new way during this unprecedented time. Grace is thriving, and God is good – ALL THE TIME!
Bless you and stay safe,
+ Grace Lutheran Church Leadership and Staff
August 14, 2020
Since June, Grace Lutheran leadership and staff have been meeting virtually to discuss what steps should be taken to prepare for in-person worship. Initially, plans were underway for a first in-person worship service to take place in mid-August. However, due to a July spike in Covid-19 cases in Pennsylvania, the maximum number allowed for indoor gatherings was reduced back to 25 people. Since services at Grace have worship leaders, ushers etc. as part of that 25, we would have to limit in-person attendance to no more than 15 or so. Leadership felt it was best to come back when everyone could be admitted, rather than imposing limitations. We are disappointed, and yet glad we have a good plan even if it can't be implemented yet. The Grace Facilities Re-Opening Task Force continues to meet and discuss the ever-evolving situation. As always, don't hesitate to contact Pastor Samantha or President Phil Mohr if you have questions.
As always, THANK YOU ALL for sending in financial offerings. Grace is thriving in this time because of you! Thank you to the weekly counters, and the monthly crew that assembles the newsletter. Thanks to everyone who helps with the Free Community Meal and/or Grace Food Cupboard Give-Away. Thank you to Pastor Samantha, Steve Ziminsky, and all the worship volunteers for their weekly efforts, and thanks to everyone who encourages them. Thanks to EVERY ONE OF YOU for helping Grace to be the Body of Christ in a new way during this challenging time. God is good – ALL THE TIME!
July 17, 2020
As previously reported, Grace leadership and staff have been meeting and planning about what steps should be taken in order to prepare for in-person worship. Initially, GLC was planning and preparing for a first in-person worship service to take place in the month of August. However, on July 15, Governor Wolf held a press conference and announced that due to a spike in Covid-19 cases around Pennsylvania, the maximum number allowed for indoor gatherings would be set at 25 until further notice. While churches are legally exempt from this mandate, the fact is that the virus doesn't discriminate. Since services at Grace need to have worship leaders, ushers etc. as part of that 25, we would have to limit in-person attendance to no more than 15 or so, which didn't seem worthwhile. We wanted to come back when everyone who wants to attend can be admitted.
We are all sorely disappointed. At the same time, the team is glad that we met and came up with a good plan, even if it cannot be implemented as soon as we had hoped. At this time, the Grace Facilities Re-Opening Task Force will continue to meet and monitor the situation (our next Zoom gathering is August 4). Thanks again to all who participated in the online survey. As always, don't hesitate to contact Pastor Samantha or President Phil Mohr if you have questions.
July 10, 2020
A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who signed up to help with the July Free Community Meal. Speaking of our outreach ministries at Grace, there is now a Sign-Up Genius link for volunteers to help with the July 31 Food Bank Annex. PLEASE NOTE that the time of this event has changed and is now 3:30 pm - 6:00 pm. Sign-Up: www.signupgenius.com/go/70A044BAAAB28A0F49-food
July 3, 2020
As we wind down our online survey, we thank everyone who participated for their input! The survey will remain online until Monday July 6, so please fill it out if you have not done so already. Many responders offered suggestions relating to precautions and other measures. Rest assured, the committee had many resources at our disposal for this work, which covered a wide variety of contingencies. One of our most consulted resources was the following document issued by the ELCA, our denominational office. If you'd like to read this yourself, please see this link: Resuming Care Filled Worship and Sacramental Life During a Pandemic. Have a safe, happy, healthy Fourth of July weekend!
June 26, 2020
As we prepare the July print newsletter for mailing, it appears that Lehigh County is close to moving into the “green” phase of the re-opening protocol in Pennsylvania. At Grace, a special committee has formed and begun meeting and planning about what steps should be taken at Grace to prepare us for in-person worship. You can read more about this in President Phil Mohr’s July letter in the print edition of Grace Notes. Please also read the letter from Mary Schaeffer, Chair of the Outreach and Social Concerns Committee, about new and expanding ministries taking place at this time (and keep an eye out for future updates about how you can help).
Recently, an individual (who is not a member here) said to Pastor Samantha, “Anything going on yet at Grace Lutheran?” She explained that tons of stuff is going on at Grace Lutheran and indeed, has never stopped. We have a great building, and we love it – but we understand that church is not a building. Your pastor is so, so very grateful for this community! Still and always, thank you thank you THANK YOU for checking in with one another, sending in your financial offerings, and the many MANY other ways you help your church family. Thank you to Pastor Samantha, Steve Ziminsky, and all the volunteer musicians and lectors for their weekly efforts, and thank you to everyone who encourages them. The Body of Christ is strong, we are still so great a cloud of witnesses, and God is good – ALL THE TIME! Take care and stay safe.
June 12, 2020
Vacation Bible School Update: Because of the uncertainty associated with the Covid-19 virus, we have decided not to bring our children, staff and parents out for “Rocky Railroad - Jesus Power Pulls Us Through” VBS in August. We look forward to the “Train” arriving in 2021 at the Grace Depot, as we gather again safely for a week of fun and learning. Until we can get together again, take care and enjoy your summer!
June 10, 2020
A new ministry is beginning this month at Grace Lutheran Church - a Food Pantry Annex in conjunction with the Zionsville Area Food Pantry. Read more here.
June 1, 2020
For the present, the leadership of Grace Lutheran Church has extended the cancellation of in-person worship. At our May Church Council teleconference, we discussed some of the barriers to safely reopening the sanctuary, barriers which would make for a less welcoming and hospitable atmosphere than we would like for our church members and visitors. Some of these barriers include: only 25 people to be admitted per service (including staff); extensive cleaning required between services; and restrictions on singing (both choir and congregational). In light of these and other recommendations coming from both the CDC and the ELCA, we feel it is best to continue to worship via video for now. One question we are urged to consider as we look at physical re-opening is this: “How will opening accomplish your primary mission as a congregation?” Our purpose statement reads as follows: “God’s Purpose for Grace Lutheran Church is to spread the Word to all people through worship, service, learning, fellowship, and support.” While the present situation is not one which any of us would ever choose, it is nevertheless worth noting that as a strong Christ-centered body we can and do accomplish God’s purpose for us even without opening the sanctuary. As we work to protect everyone and especially the most vulnerable among us, it becomes evident that remaining physically apart for now is still the best way to love our neighbor.
At the same time, we want to be mindful of ways to maintain connections with one another while we remain apart. With that in mind, Grace Church Council has recently completed a second round of calling all members (please contact Pastor or the church office if you did *not* get a call). Pastor Samantha moderated a Zoom virtual coffee hour on Sunday May 17, which had about 15 people in attendance. She will be doing this again on May 31, with plans to hold such a gathering at least twice a month going forward. There are plans underway for a Zoom prayer and bible study as well. In addition, there will be new ways for us to join in community outreach during this pandemic (see June newsletter).
As always, thank you for checking in with one another, donating face masks, assisting with worship, sending in your financial offerings, and the many other ways you help your church family. We are also grateful for the positive feedback received by Pastor Samantha, Steve Ziminsky, and guest musicians thanking them for their weekly efforts. As the Easter season ends and Pentecost begins, once again we shout CHRIST IS RISEN, ALLELUIA! Knit together by Christ through our baptism, we are still so great a cloud of witnesses. Nothing can ever take that from us. God is good – ALL THE TIME!
Bless you and stay safe,
Pastor Samantha and the leadership of Grace Lutheran Church
May 24, 2020
At our (virtual) May Church Council Meeting, Grace leadership discussed measures for safe in-person gatherings at a future date. More on this topic will be forthcoming in the June newsletter. In the meantime, volunteers are doing a second round of calling everyone in our phone directory. As always, if you have questions contact Pastor Samantha or Council President Phil Mohr. Please call the office if you did not receive a phone call! Also, stay tuned for news from the Outreach Committee about a new project starting in June.
May 5, 2020
By now, you have our May newsletter. As a reminder, we will remain closed for the month of May, and then revisit the situation. In the meantime, we want to hear from all of you but especially GRADUATES! Grace wants to recognize 2020 graduates from high school, college, trade and graduate schools, especially this year when so many will not be able to walk in graduation exercises. Graduates or parents, please email the pertinent information to the office at office@gracemacungie.org or call the office at 610-966-3325. Include name of graduate, name of school, graduation date, future plans, and anything else you want us to know. A picture would be much appreciated also! We will publish these in our June newsletter and announce them during online worship.
April 24, 2020
With regret, but with everyone’s well-being in mind, the leadership of Grace Lutheran Church has decided to extend the cancellation of worship and all gatherings until the end of May. At the Church Council teleconference held April 14, we discussed several facts, including 1) the practice at Grace to follow the closing schedule of the East Penn School District 2) the safety of our elderly population, who most likely would not (and should not) attend even if we were to open now, and 3) the very positive response to our online worship services and phone calls to members.
Grace remains a strong, vibrant congregation even when we are physically apart. It has been a joy for the staff to see all the ways in which so many of you have contributed to the well-being of your church family – checking in with one another, donating and delivering face masks, assisting with worship, keeping up the building, and of course sending in your financial contributions. Thank you also to the many people who reached out to Steve Ziminsky and Pastor Samantha to thank them for their efforts during Holy Week and since then. Rest assured that YouTube church will continue until the joyful day we can return to the sanctuary in person.
Then, as now, never forget that CHRIST IS RISEN and WE ARE THE CHURCH! As the song goes, “…they’ll know we are Christians by our love” – not by our building. Knit together by Christ and our baptism, we are still so great a cloud of witnesses. No virus - indeed, no earthly power - can ever take that from us. Stay tuned for your May newsletter for more information.
+ Pastor Samantha
April 19, 2020
Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Thank you for all of you who have viewed our online worship videos, subscribed, and sent in such wonderful and kind comments. Steve Ziminsky and I appreciate it very much.
God bless you and keep you,
+ Pastor Samantha
April 9, 2020
Reminders: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday worship will be appearing on our YouTube Channel. They are loaded to go live at the normal worship times (7 pm tonight and Friday; 8 am Sunday) but they can be accessed any time after that. Bulletins continue to be posted at gracemacungie.org/Bulletins.htm and videos at Grace on YouTube. Also, if you have not already, please take a picture of you or your kids coloring the Easter Egg page, and send it to Pastor Samantha!
God bless you and keep you,
+ Pastor Samantha
April 6, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
Seen this week on Facebook: "This is the Lentiest Lent I've ever Lented!" Amen to that! Most of us have never known a time of greater stress and worry than this. Whatever your circumstances, I imagine you are also feeling at least some measure of anxiety. Your church wants to help you out, so here's what's we are doing:
1. The congregational directory has been divided up, and beginning Monday April 6 Grace leadership will be calling everyone at the number listed to check on you. They can answer questions, and see if there are needs that can be met. Most of all they can provide a listening ear, which we all need at this time.
2. I share with you now a wonderful devotion for Holy Week written by my friend and colleague Pastor Lauren Wolfe-Blatt. She begins "... so snuggle up on your couch, light candles at your dining room table, sit on your porch, lay in your bed, or find whatever space is just right for you in this moment and immerse yourself in God’s Word..." The devotion can be found on our website where the bulletins are posted (gracemacungie.org/Bulletins.htm) or by going here: Holy Week Devotion for Home Use.
3. Our wonderful organist Steve Ziminsky and I will do our best to provide you with meaningful worship on Palm Sunday (8 am), Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (7 pm), and of course Easter Sunday (8 am). Videos will appear at the times listed, but you can watch them any time. Bulletins are at the above link; video on our channel Grace on YouTube. If you have not already, subscribe to the channel so that you are notified when new uploads are available. You can also find links at facebook.com/GraceMacungie.
This will be a Holy Week like none we've ever had, but nevertheless, it will be a Holy Week! God bless you and keep you, dear saints.
+ Pastor Samantha
April 1, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
Again, thanks from Steve Ziminsky and I to everyone who tuned into our worship last Sunday, and for all your supportive emails and texts. We will continue to record worship, and set it to be available Sunday mornings at 8 am. There will also be Holy Week postings for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Keep reading Grace Notes, checking us out on Facebook, and remember you can still call Pastor or the office any time. If we don't answer, we'll call back.
God bless you and keep you,
+ Pastor Samantha
March 26, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
Thank you so much to everyone who tuned into our worship last Sunday, and for all your support and lovely comments. It would seem that we do not possess sufficient wifi capability in order to livestream worship - we can do it, but it is choppy and frequently goes out altogether. Going forward, we will record worship, and set it to be available Sunday mornings at 8 am. That way, whether you are an early riser or a second service person, you can watch when you want.
There is an update on other happenings coming out in the Friday Grace Notes, and a very short April newsletter coming to you sometime next week. In the meantime, continue to keep up with us online. Calls and emails will still be answered.
God bless you all,
+ Pastor Samantha
March 21, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
If all goes as planned, on Sunday March 22 at 10:30 am Grace will livestream a worship service for you to view and follow along. It will also be recorded to watch later. Just go to the Grace YouTube Channel (then or anytime): www.youtube.com/c/GraceLutheranChurchMacungiePA And PLEASE - stay home, stay safe, and share this link widely.
God bless you all,
+ Pastor Samantha
March 16, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
Pastor and leadership have made the difficult but necessary decision to close Grace Lutheran for at least the next two weeks, beginning Monday March 16, just as the governor has closed schools in Pennsylvania for two weeks. This means worship services, classes, meetings, rehearsals - everything is suspended for the time being. A longer message is forthcoming, detailing how we will be in contact and how we plan to manage during this time. For now, know that leadership and staff are working together, planning and organizing, and also praying for you. We hope you are praying for us, as we find ourselves in a situation never before faced by any of us. God bless you all!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Samantha and Grace Lutheran Church Council
March 13, 2020
Dear Grace Lutheran Family,
Like many of you, Grace leadership has been monitoring reliable news reports for the latest information on the COVID-19 virus in the United States. The latest update is this: barring any official government declaration in the meantime, we will still gather this Sunday March 15 for worship, Sunday school and confirmation class. If you are feeling sick or are medically vulnerable in any way, please stay home. We trust each of you to make appropriate decisions regarding your own health and safety. As discussed last week, we will continue to take appropriate precautions:
· Exchange the peace without shaking hands.
· Greet each other at all times without touching.
· Pastor and all worship assistants wash hands and use hand sanitizer before and during the service, especially before distributing Holy Communion.
Jesus reminds us that the two greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor. One way to love our neighbor is to do what we can to prevent the spread of this virus, which by now are familiar to everyone. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, avoid touching your face, and again, stay home if you are ill.
Even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, there are opportunities to bear witness to God’s love and grace. I got to witness that this very night, as I watched our Free Community Meal team convert the usual sit-down meal to a drive-through take-out one. Whatever happens, we will continue to communicate, monitor developments and make decisions about our life together. Keep an eye on this website, our Facebook page (facebook.com/GraceMacungie), and your e-mail for updates.
Grace family, even in these uncertain times, we have hope. We pray and persist, knowing that God is with us always. As Paul reminds us, "If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8).
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Samantha Drennan and Grace Lutheran Church Council
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