The 2023 WELCA gathering is September 21-24. For more information including registration please go to https://www.womenoftheelca.org/new-triennial-event-page.
Property Update
Have you seen the new and beautiful paint color in the office? Martin has been refreshing the office space in an invigorating blue hue. There are plans to also give Hope Hall a face lift as well. Further, as our weather cools, exterior areas may see a little paint too…fingers crossed!
Repairs completed or in progress on the church campus include the repair of the garden block wall, roof metal facia repair, on-going a/c maintenance to aging systems under the stress of our summer heat, and toilet repair in Trunk Space, among other daily needs.
Our landscape took a terrible beating this summer and there are many plants that need replacing. Please reach out to Loraine, Roger, Ken, or Larry if you can help with this. Your help would be appreciated and is desired!
Grace Time
Our adult bible study group meets each Sunday from 9:00-9:45 am, in the North Room and on zoom.
We hope you join us!
Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/tZUpdumsqTwuE9dknDsWargaI7RA0cwdOoMl/ics?icsToken=98tyKuGpqjoqHtOStBCERpwcBoj4c-jwtmZbj_pZlxHBEBdScAT3H7VwE-J8B9z_
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 814 1047 7493
Passcode: 978425
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Sunday Spirit
Children meet each Sunday from 9:00-9:45 am, in the Christian Education Office in the basement, for Sunday Spirit. This is a children’s bible study class that is led by Linda Schwall. If you have questions about this class please send an email to officemanager@graceinthecity.com.
Noche en Blanco
Hance Park Conservancy, in partnership with the Phoenix Parks & Recreation Department, invites you to SAVE THE DATE for the eighth annual Noche en Blanco.
This sparkling celebration of Hance Park on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The event is a night of community fun where guests are invited to dress in white costume cocktail attire, enjoy live entertainment, and dine under the stars on the lush east lawn of Hance Park.
This elegant and culturally-diverse experience is inspired by a similar “dinner in white” that started in Paris over 30 years ago and features long rows of tables draped in white linens with strings of sparkling lights and stars overhead.
You will want to reserve your table early as last year's event SOLD OUT at 1500 guests.
One Worship Service
We will continue one worship service for the remainder of the calendar year. We will see you at 10:00 am every Sunday, in the Sanctuary and on Facebook Live!
Annual Retreat
Our retreat this year will be the weekend of October 13 through October 15.
The theme is Standing at the Crossroads based on the verse from Jeremiah 6:16a: Thus says the LORD: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls.
Cost of the retreat is still only $110 which includes round-trip transportation to Camp Emmanuel Pines in Prescott, dinner Friday night, 3 meals on Saturday, breakfast Sunday, snacks, and retreat materials. We leave from Grace at 2:00 Friday afternoon and return from Prescott at noon on Sunday.
There will be singing, bible study, fellowship s'mores, time with a prayer partner, and free time to explore the Prescott Forest trails, or just relax.
For more information or to confirm your space please contact Carol Staffieri at carolstaffieri758@gmail.com or 480-915-5111.
Fellowship
Join us for fellowship! We gather in Hope Hall every Sunday, after the worship service.
Heat Respite News
Grace Lutheran Family,
The Heat Respite team and participants wanted to say a very special thank you for all the love that Grace Lutheran Church has shown. As many may be aware, the Maricopa County Public Health Department has released their weekly report and 2023 is on track to surpass last year's heat related deaths. The resources and meals have helped several participants obtain employment and permanent housing. Grace Lutheran has upheld the call to love, spoken by the Apostle Paul in the 13th chapter of 1 Corinthians:
"If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, a but have not love, I gain nothing."
"Thank you for loving us. This is why I come here because Grace Lutheran Church actually loves us"- Fred Austin, homeless participant.
Rising Youth Theatre
Rising Youth Theatre has an exciting lineup of fall break camp and weekly classes happening throughout the fall. From creative drama for preschoolers to writing and film for teens, to acting for adults, there is truly something for everyone! Click the link for more information.
Heat Respite
The Heat Respite ministry has continued to be a success due to the prayer and support of Pastor Dan, council members, and the Grace Lutheran family. This week the program received its first delivery of water from the Phoenix Rescue Mission. This delivery issued over 1,920 bottles of water saving the program from having to make future purchases, which helps even more people during this summer’s heatwave.
As mentioned last week, the program welcomed Lutheran Social Services and over 7 unhoused guests were registered into their emergency services program “I-Help.” Likewise, we also registered over 10 unhoused guests last Monday with our new partners Alex (Tami’s son) and Melissa from Trinity Medical Behavioral Health. Trinity Behavioral Health assists with counseling, substance abuse, vocational training and immediate housing. Trinity Medical Behavioral Health has also committed to becoming a long-term partner and will provide services for Grace Lutheran outreach once a week to assist in meeting our great need.
This week Heat Respite received a standing ovation from our guests as Mark shared his story of recovery from two wars and battling PTSD and housing insecurity over 10 years ago when he left the Army. Our program believes in a God of second chances. Thank God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for having an eternal love that is HOT!!!
Did you know?
Here are some fun facts about our Grace family:
Several of our recent “former” youth are beginning their adulthood in some exciting ways!
Alec Khatter is attending Belmont University in Nashville, TN, along with his younger sister, Erica. He is majoring in psychology and minoring in entrepreneurship. He has also held many leadership positions and jobs on campus.
Erica Khatter, as mentioned above, also attends Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. She is majoring in music business with an emphasis on live event management. Last year was her freshman year, and she was on the dean’s list both first and second trimester.
Kenda Khatter is attending California Lutheran University. She also is majoring in music with an emphasis on composition and philosophy and a possible minor in religion. She also was on the dean’s list for her freshman year, both semesters.
Last but not least, Hannah Khatter, (who so graciously provided this information to me) also completed her freshman year on the dean’s list (both semesters, like her sisters) at Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, WA. She is majoring in philosophy and double minoring in psychology and dance with a possible third minor in religion.
Way to go Khatters, and the proud and magnificent Dana Day, who raised these wonderful young adults!
Property Updates
Summer is here and property enhancements continue at Grace church. Martin is chipping away at numerous maintenance concerns that have plagued the property: a paint refresh to exterior doors, replacement of the main sprinkler shut off valve in the courtyard, kitchen ceiling repair and patch where there was extensive water damage, acoustic ceiling tile replacement in the north room, installation of a “Ring” doorbell camera at the office door to improve security measures. Martin’s diligence, commitment, and positive demeanor have brought an uplifting energy to the church campus.
While Tammy was recuperating, Griselda, Martin’s wife, jumped in to fill her role temporarily. Her responsiveness and work ethic have helped us greatly during this challenge for our staff and church.
Amauri Montessori school continues to reshape the parsonage and garden to an educational site. The south side of Grace is bustling with lots of kid energy! Take a peek at the activity if you happen to be there during the week, or simply marvel at the enhancements to the house and garden if there on Sunday. Utilizing this space for education has brought some newfound enthusiasm to the church. When there one Saturday tending to some landscaping, a hotel guest commented (to me) how delightful and lovely she thought the house and garden are- especially that it is a school just next to the church. Indeed.
President's Corner
The following is a summary of our council meeting in June:
1. Heat Respite: Wanted to give everyone a brief update that it is going very well. We are serving 50 people a day and have capped it at that. When we reach this number, we close the gates. We are doing this because of the lack of volunteers helping on the floor. This is the most we can manage with the staff and volunteers we have. The program is being received very well by our homeless community and they feel it is a place they can now go for safety and rest. Mark is doing a great job and pastor and I meet with him every week to offer any help he needs.
2. Security – We have contracted with a security company to patrol the church grounds three times a night 6 days a week. We have seen an improvement of people not camping on church grounds.
3. Monument Sign – We are going to put this into next year’s mission plan.
4. Summer Worship – I hope everyone is enjoying the one service this summer.
5. New Pastor – Now that we have a call committee, they will be installed during our July 30th church service.
6. Please remember we will be having our Ministry Together after the July 30th church service. We are putting a small lunch together for this gathering. Hope to see everyone.
7. The council is looking at ways to bring more exposure for the church and one of them is to have a movie night in the courtyard during the fall. We are also looking at doing some type of meal for ASU students.
As some of you may have noticed we have a banner for the summer services on the fence. We would like to thank Loraine for getting this for us.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your prayers and help. We could not have a church without everyone participating to the best of their gifts.
Christmas in July!
We’re celebrating Christmas in July!
Sunday, July 30, 10:00 am
Bring friends and invite neighbors.
Join your fellow Grace Lutheran members in this festive (if not slightly unorthodox)
celebration of the Incarnation.
The worship service will include Christmas carols, the retelling of the Christmas story and much more. Mid-summer is the perfect time to celebrate Christ's birth, without all the distractions of holiday hubbub that take over our whole society every December
Please wear your favorite "Christmas in July" attire and bring some Christmas cookies to share after the service.
Fellowship is back!
All are welcome to join us for fellowship, in Hope Hall, directly following the service.
A Letter of Thanks
To the members of Grace Lutheran Church,
This past year, I received a scholarship from the church that assisted in me being able to further my education. I want to begin by stating how thankful I am to have been presented with that opportunity as well as receiving that scholarship. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without all of the members of this congregation. Because of this scholarship, not only was I able to begin my studies into the areas I am passionate about, but I was able to find another place that I belong. Grace has been considered home for me for the longest time, and I admit that I was nervous about going out into the world to find a new community like Grace has been to me. The truth is that the community that has been built here is one of a kind, and I am not going to find that anywhere else no matter where I go. There are other communities that are similar and do good work, but the reason Grace is like home because I've grown up here and have come to recognize all of you as family.
Because of the opportunity I was graciously offered, I was able to find another community that I consider part of my family. I have a wonderful group of friends up in Washington that have helped me grow as a person and in my faith. We’ve had discussions on how God has impacted our lives and we’ve supported each other throughout all the struggles of being in college and away from home. I am on the dance team at Pacific Lutheran University, and I have made the most of forming connections with others that share the same passions as I do. I have the support of all my professors who encourage me to push myself and go beyond my comfort level, in fact, I am currently working on an essay with my Philosophy professor so that I can write at a graduate level for my philosophy papers and gain a better understanding of my views and the views of some philosophers coincide or contradict. I have found a new home where I am surrounded by people who care for me and support me.
I am able to be where I am and pursue my passions because of the Grace community, and for that I sincerely thank you.
Hannah Khatter
July Hymn of the Month
Choosing and teaching a hymn to a congregation as a "Hymn of the Month" is an effective method to keep the congregation's song evolving. Each Sunday in July we will learn and sing "In Christ Alone". In August we will have another hymn. -PSL
“In Christ Alone My Hope Is Found” by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
“In Christ Alone” (2001) is one of the most popular Christian songs in this century. Northern Irishman Keith Getty (b. 1974) and Englishman Stuart Townsend (b. 1963) are worship leaders and song writers who have collaborated to produce some of the most well-known and vibrant hymns of this era. This hymn appears in thirteen hymnals according to Hymnary.org. It was ranked as the number one song in the UK CCLI listing by 2006 and remains in the top 25 hymns (No. 19 as of August 12, 2019 in the USA CCLI rankings).
Stuart Townend offers the following account of the song’s origins:
[“In Christ alone”] grew first out of an excitement to write hymns that would help twenty-first century Christians sing, know, and embrace the incredible truths of the Lord in fresh language, and second out of a frustration with the lack of depth in the songs that were being sung in many churches (in this sense, it was a kind of “protest” music).
Getty and Townsend tend to use the language of “hymn” rather than “song” to describe their work. As Keith Getty notes, “. . . I was happy to adopt [the term “hymn”] since traditional hymns tend to follow the more historic patterns of church music from the Old Testament to New Testament to church history. It’s in this tradition where we find understanding our faith through congregational singing and passing songs down from generation to generation both attractive and a huge need” Getty also laments, “It’s been several hundred years since Christian worship was as shallow as it is today.”
-History of Hymns
Heat Respite News
The summer theme for Heat Respite is "Our love is hot" which comes from a verse warning believers not to reduce our love when the going gets tough in these last days.
Grace Lutheran Church has answered the call this summer. Despite recent events, Grace Lutheran has led the Lutheran community, as always, in loving the community that God has placed them. Just in the last several days we have led in partnering with other organizers to send two people back home and reconnect them with the family who has been missing them. One of our most loyal volunteers have received leniency and a second chance in life due to our support as a reference. Liberty University students are praying and ministering to our guests. Lastly, the guests themselves have thanked everyone for their continued support and send love.
Property Update
Summer is here and property enhancements continue at Grace church. Martin is chipping away at numerous maintenance concerns that have plagued the property: a paint refresh to exterior doors, replacement of the main sprinkler shut off valve in the courtyard, kitchen ceiling repair and patch where there was extensive water damage, acoustic ceiling tile replacement in the north room, installation of a “Ring” doorbell camera at the office door to improve security measures. Martin’s diligence, commitment, and positive demeanor have brought an uplifting energy to the church campus.
While Tammy was recuperating, Griselda, Martin’s wife, jumped in to fill her role temporarily. Her responsiveness and work ethic have helped us greatly during this challenge for our staff and church.
Amauri Montessori school continues to reshape the parsonage and garden to an educational site. The south side of Grace is bustling with lots of kid energy! Take a peek at the activity if you happen to be there during the week, or simply marvel at the enhancements to the house and garden if there on Sunday. Utilizing this space for education has brought some newfound enthusiasm to the church. When there one Saturday tending to some landscaping, a hotel guest commented (to me) how delightful and lovely she thought the house and garden are- especially that it is a school just next to the church. Indeed.