Parish PumpParish Pump Grace Lutheran Church July, 2020 4218 - 56 Avenue Phone No. (780) 352-5121 Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 2W3 Fox No. (780) 352-0063 Pastor: Fred Schneider “Reflecting

Parish Pump Grace Lutheran Church October, 2020 4218 - 56 Avenue Phone No. (780) 352-5121

Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 2W3 Fax No. (780) 352-0063

Pastor: Fred Schneider

“Reflecting and Sharing Jesus Christ”

Missionary: Brian Rude, San Salvador, El Salvador, CA

It feels like a start of a new year. We are opening our doors up a bit. We are planning to have in person worship services beginning in October. We have been hibernating. Coming out can be scary. It can be exciting. A brand new start. After the COVID crisis is over, we might ask, What did we learn? How do we move forward? Our scriptures this month has some words for us.

First, in Philippians 3, Paul presses on. We are always in process. We forget what lies behind us. We cannot change that! We strain forward for what lies ahead. The goal is the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. The only place to look is forward. It is where you are going no matter what.

Second, in Philippians 4, we think on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, pleasing, and commendable. We have experienced lessons that have shaped us through this time. It would be a shame to forget them. We can rejoice. We can give our prayers to God. We can give thanks. We can experience God’s peace.

Third, in Exodus 33, Moses has gone through some serious rough times with the Israelites. He needs affirmation. Does God know him by name? Is he in God’s favor? We need to know God’s presence. God reveals in a unique fashion.

Fourth, in Matthew 22, Jesus makes it real simple. Two Commands: Love God. Love Neighbor. This is the summary of the law. Love. That should guide us through all of life.

Pastor Fred

Caring for Grieving People during the COVID-19 Crisis (excerpt from Stephen Ministry Website)

Grieving the loss of a loved one is difficult under any circumstances, but the effects of the ongoing coronavirus crisis have made grief

even harder for many. Family members may have been isolated from

their loved one and not had the chance for closure or saying their final goodbyes.

Limitations on gatherings prevent loved ones from physically gathering to grieve and reminisce together at funerals and memorial services.

Extended family and friends are unable to visit and offer in-person support and condolences.

Comforting acts like hugging the grieving person, holding their hand, or sitting with them just aren’t possible right now.

In the midst of their grief, people are also dealing with increased stress, anxiety, and other losses because of the crisis.

As those around the grieving person are facing many challenges of their own, they may have less emotional energy to reach out and offer care.

Whether or not a death was directly due to the coronavirus, factors like these compound the pain and isolation that many grieving people feel. Pastors, chaplains, and other caregivers are working diligently to provide as much care as they can, but current conditions limit what they’re able to do right now. That’s where the care you offer can make a big difference.

Principles for Caring for a Grieving Person during Social Distancing

Even when you can’t offer care in person, there are still ways to be a light in the darkness of someone’s grief.

Be there emotionally for the person. When you are not able to be physically present, you can still let the person know you’re there for them and you do care. As you connect with them, give them your full attention.

Use the phone or video chat. When being physically present isn’t possible, the next best way to care is by phone or video chat. Your voice and face can

communicate compassion and support much more effectively than a text or email.

Encourage the honest expression of feelings. In a caring way, ask how the grieving person is really doing and what they’re thinking and feeling, and show that you’re willing to listen. If the person doesn’t have a lot to say initially, that’s okay. Just continue to be available, and as time goes on, they’ll most likely appreciate having a safe person to open up to.

Listen and validate. Validating lets the person know you heard what they said and you accept that they feel that way. For instance, if the person says, “Sometimes it hurts so much I don’t know what to do,” a validating response would be “That sounds awful. I’m sorry you’re going through that.”

Avoid platitudes or other words that discount the person’s feelings. Platitudes are words that sound caring or helpful on the surface but usually end up causing further pain, such as “She lived a good, long life” or “Only the good die young.” Words that discount the person’s feelings include “At least . . .” or “You shouldn’t feel that way.”

Let the person know that it’s okay to grieve. Too often people feel pressured to rush through their grief or bury their feelings, and that may be especially true in the current crisis. Grieving is normal, natural, and necessary. Encourage the person to take the time they need to grieve.

Be there for the long term. Grief takes time, so if you’re willing and able, let the person know you’ll be there for them throughout the grief journey—and then follow through. Check in periodically to see how they’re doing. They’ll likely appreciate knowing you remember their loss and still care.

Even though it’s not the same as in-person care, these behaviors can make a big difference to someone who’s grieving, especially during these times when people may be feeling very alone.

ON GOING BIBLE STUDIES

LADIES’ MORNING OUT

Ladies’ Morning Out meets Tuesday

mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Youth

Room. New members are always welcome. Contact person is Kathy Marshall (352-0908) You

are welcome to join this growing group!

Contemplative Prayer Contemplative prayer immerses us

into the silence of God. We need this in our modern noisy busy lifestyle. Our bodies are hurting. Our

dominating minds often get in the way. We love to talk to God but we do not have time to listen. I have started practicing Contemplative

Prayer under a Lutheran Spiritual Director (Rev. Ron Flamand). My hope is to become more aware and open to what God might be saying to

me through the Holy Spirit. I also hope to center myself not in my fallible mind but in my heart. One empties oneself of our anxieties

and be open to fill ourselves with the gifts of God. One can also take a piece of scripture as a way of focussing on the things of God.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in joining in the fall, please let me know. If you know of someone who would be

interested or would greatly benefit from this old spiritual practice, let them know. Let me know

what days and times work best for you.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Gus Stephan.

Gus passed away in Red Deer on

Friday, September 4th. A Graveside Service was held at the Wetaskiwin Memorial Cemetery

on Wednesday, September 9th. Gus was the son of Adolf and Ida Stephen – long time members of Grace

Lutheran Church. To God be the glory.

GROWING IN GRACE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Due to Covid-19 our classes started September 21st. with a staggered start for three weeks. There is a fundraiser (The Mixing Spoon) available if you are interested. There are brochures at the front of the church or you can contact Betty Grayson if interested in supporting the Growing In Grace in this year of restrictions. Due date for orders is October 5th.

Monthly Lunch Fundraisers won’t be held (probably for the year).

Garland and Grace is cancelled so another Preschool Fundraiser has disappeared.

We hope to go on a Nature Walk before it is too cold and enjoy some freedom outside.

Have a good October – I’m afraid we are unable to have guests or volunteers in the Preschool this year – so we ask that you keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Christ Betty Grayson, Preschool Teacher

2020 Congregational Life & Treasurer’s Event

LIFT: Leading in Faith Today (a teaser/intro to new LAY LEADER

Curriculum and Congregational treasurers’ workshop)

REGISTER, CHOOSE OPTIONS, and pay HERE by Thursday, October 15.

Cost: $20 or $15 if 5 or more attend from one congregation

Zoom information will be sent October 16 to registrants.

Workshop A – Worship Resources and Planning for Worship with Carolyn Ethier

Workshop B – The Lutheran Story from Reformation to Today with Rev. Tim Posyluzny

Workshop C – working with Teams with Greg Lingelbach

Workshop D – Faith Stories with Dr. Faith Nostbakken

Worship E – Developing a Narrative Budget and Q & A with Paul Eliason, Synod Treasurer (Sessions 1 & 2)

Agenda – All Sessions on Line 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Welcome, Introductions & Worship

10:30 a.m. – Noon – Session 1 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. – Sessions 2 (Sessions repeated)

2:30 – 3:00 p.m. – Thanks and closing Worship

WEEKLY CLEANING SCHEDULE

I am presently working on the Weekly Church Cleaning Schedule. If there is anyone who wishes to pay for an Alternative Church Cleaner for the year 2021 please let Jane know as soon as possible. Funds for this cleaning must be in before an Alternative Cleaner can be scheduled. The cost is $16.00 per hour or $64.00 per week. Also, if you wish to be put on the cleaning list let Jane know. When there are two people on for cleaning it takes approximately four hours or two hours each. I usually schedule two consecutive weeks in a row however if it suits your schedule better you may request to clean twice during the year but not consecutively. Let’s get my phone ringing. We do appreciate your willingness to help in this important area of our church ministry. Thank you to those who have already donated for Church Cleaning for the 2021 year. Deadline December 2nd, 2020.

Who’s Older? Who’s Celebrating Anniversaries?

Do you need an excuse to tell a friend that you are thinking of them? If so, let these birthday and anniversary people know that they are on your minds and in your prayers. Thank God for another year of grace!

Did we leave you out? If so, let us know. We aim to please!!

October Birthdays

Carolyn Hill Hayden Berg Hanna Kennedy Murray Edlund Chad Irwin Leanne Ruff Dorothy Burghardt Samantha Scorah Ervan Stobbe Esther Kaiser Ida Somcher Bernie Fietz Dan Sperber Charmaine Forth Rob Sperber Emily Maplethorpe Reg Mosier Lena Boss Kade Berg Austin Podloski Nels Buskas Brady Marshall Nicole Monea Abigail Bredlow Ronalee Feldberg David Ruff Connor Gusdal Taylor Dietz Hazel Radkie Barb Cantley

October Anniversaries

Peter & Bonnie Trommelen Ron & Denice Monaghan Raymond & Joan Woitt

Arlen & Lynne Forth Erven & Norma Heinz

Pastor Fred & Joyce Schneider Art & Eleanor Westendorf

Highlights of September Council

Meeting

Council met on Sept 15.

Treasurer Report: Interim treasurer, David, reports that our donations are similar to last year and that our congregation likely is not eligible for any additional federal pandemic wage subsidy funds.

St. John’s Property: The deck and stairs received a much needed facelift thanks to the hard efforts of some dedicated congregation members. Thank you – it looks great!

Growing in Grace: This pre-school program is still in need of 3 congregation members to serve as chairperson and 2 ministry team members. Please give this your prayerful consideration, and connect with Betty or the church office if you would like to find out more or are willing to support this important ministry within our church and community at large.

In-Person Services Committee: The health inspector has visited our church and offered a few suggestions. Careful consideration is being given as to the feasibility of returning to in-person services on October 4. Stay safe – Stay healthy – Stay tuned.

Multiple Job Postings forthcoming: Two letters of retirements as of December 31 from both of our long-term and very dedicated Office Coordinator, Jane and Custodian, Lorne were provided to council, in addition to a request to start recruiting for our Church Treasurer position. All three are part-time positions. Are you willing to take this into consideration or know of someone who has the qualities to fulfill these important roles in our congregation?

Worship Service/Staying Connected: Our manner of how we deliver our worship service and how we are attempting to stay connected has evolved over the past few months due to the pandemic. We anticipate continuing to deliver the message in various formats with the much needed and appreciated help of our dedicated church members that work alongside Pastor Fred. A huge thank you to all for your understanding, support and commitment to stay connected in this difficult time.

FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT OF BUDGETED FUNDS

Carry over from July -15,516.53 Jan.-Aug. Income (8 mths) 147,722.06

Jan.-Aug. Expenses (8 mths) -148,379.27 YTD difference -657.21

Covid Wage Subsidy (3 mths) 16,696.48

Total $522.74

Remember the Food Bank. Food Bank

Sunday is the first Sunday of the month.

Those receiving food from the Food Bank

are very appreciative. We thank you for

your generous donations. Those of us

who are blest can be a blessing to others.

Remember to bring your Canadian Tire Dollars and

our on-going Bottle Drive.

Garland and Grace Christmas Craft Sale Saturday, November 21st

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Wetaskiwin Memorial Centre

Join Growing in Grace Preschool as we host our 6th Annual Garland and Grace

Christmas Craft Sale. From crafters and artisans, to your favorite home-based & local Businesses we are sure to have something for everyone on your Christmas shopping list.

Admission: $2 donation to the Preschool or a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank.

“Reflecting and Sharing Jesus Christ”

October 2020 Message for Congregations and Lay and Rostered Leaders

The Bishops Message was not available to put in the Parish Pump at the time of printing.

Grace Lutheran Church 4218 – 56th Avenue Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 2W3 (780) 352-5121 Fax: (780) 352-0063

Reflecting and Sharing Jesus Christ

September 23, 2020

Dear Members of Grace Lutheran Church,

Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

It has been a strange year to say the least. Who would have guessed? There are

probably some of you who are very frightened by the COVID 19 virus and will plan not to attend worship service until the virus is under control. Some of you are wondering why it has taken us so long to open our doors to an in-person worship

service. There are quite a few churches around town who have been open for at least three months, and then there are many who are in between these two

statements.

At church council in August, we set up a committee who has met and studied the protocols necessary to keep people safe. The committee has decided that in-person

church services will commence on October 4, 2020. This date could still change depending on the number of COVID 19 cases in our area.

To prepare you for the possible date of our reopening, we would like to orient you to the new practices around attending worship during the COVID virus.

It is essential and mandatory that you adhere to three layers of protection regarding worship safely. These are:

1) Masks: You may already have masks around home. Please bring them. If

not, masks will be provided for you. Those who are anti-maskers, please respect those who differ in opinion from you. In scripture, Paul tells the church to pursue

what makes for peace and mutual up-building.

2) Hand Sanitizer: You must sanitize your hands before entering and upon leaving the worship area.

3) Six Feet between persons or cohorts: A COVID-19 cohort, also referred to as a bubble, circle, or safe squad, is a small group whose members – always the

same people - do not always keep 2 metres apart, usually families.

To attend a worship service, you must register at the church via some form of two-way communication by the Friday before service. It will be on a first come/first

serve basis. The reason behind registration is that we have only so many spaces

for worshippers to safe distance from each other, and Alberta Health Services demands that we keep a list of attendees of a worship service for two weeks to aid

in the case of COVID 19 infection tracing.

Only the front entrance will be used to enter the church. It provides the quickest,

unhindered, and non-cross contamination with others using the church (i.e. pre-school). We will have tape to mark the six foot distance between people or cohorts on the sidewalk and in the narthex. If there is a crowd, you may want to stay in

your vehicle until the line has somewhat diminished. When you arrive, there will be someone checking your name with the list of those

who have registered. You will be ushered into the worship area. We will fill the sanctuary from the back to the front. Those with families will be given pews near the front to allow cohort safe distancing. We would encourage them to arrive closer

to worship time to prevent people needing to walk past them to get to their designated pew. Children must stay with their parents at all times. Please note

that those attending worship may not be able to worship from the pew they have traditionally sat in.

People will not be allowed into the cloakroom area. You must take your coat into the church with you. Undesignated areas of the church will be cordoned off. Bathrooms in the narthex will be open. However, according to the health inspector,

only one person is allowed in the bathroom at a time.

Offering plates will not be passed around during service to protect from virus

spreading. Instead, offering plates will be set up at a table near the entrance of the worship area. There will be no sharing of the peace. There will be no bulletins or hymnals allowed in the worship area. The order of service will be on the overhead

screen. There will be no singing until it is safe to do so. You are welcome to hum under your mask.

When the worship service is over, you will be ushered out in an orderly fashion using the front door.

We hope, in the near future, to have a Holy Communion service. We are thinking

of people taking a pre-packaged host/wafer and wine/grape juice to their pew as they enter, and at the designated time, take the sacrament from their pew.

It is also important for you to self-assess your health before attending church. Ask yourself:

Do you have unusual: fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat, chills, painful swallowing, runny nose/nasal congestion, feeling unwell/fatigued, nausea/vomiting/Diarrhea, unexplained loss of appetite, loss of

sense of taste or smell, muscle/joint aches, headache, conjunctivitis(Pink Eye)? Have you travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, been in close contact with

a confirmed case of COVID 19 in the last 14 days, or been in close contact with a symptomatic person (someone with COVID 19 symptoms) in the last 14 days? If you have, we strongly demand that you stay home.

Let us know what you are thinking. Do you have any questions? Any comments? You may call the Pastor at the church 780-352-5121.