OUR GOALS: • TO ENGAGE • TO ENRICH • TO EDUCATE • TO ENTERTAIN Our People Up To Something: Where Being Ac ve Is Our Way Of Life JANUARY 2019 G° L …° C…… L° G° , 200 N … C° … A , L° G° , IL 60525, 708-352-0730-.° . Thy Presence Our Light Dear Friends – Happy Blessings of the New Year and Epiphany to you! Here we are in “next year.” Even though we just sang together with great longing and hope, we know that next year all our troubles won’t be out New of sight. Yet, we trust those much-needed words from God’s messengers, “Do not fear” and the message of Christmas, “God is with us.” Our trust turns into faith-based action with the many ways we continue in worship, serving, learning, and Year connecting together at Grace. Last month, I thought my heart would burst with gratitude for the count- less ways OPUS folks shared Jesus’ love at Grace, with visitors, family and friends, and with neighbors near and far away. Whether you were in 2019 charge of a project, helped out on a team, donated gifts/money, attended worship and special events, and/or joined in prayer, YOU were Christ’s hands, feet, voice, and heart throughout all of December. You all know how blessed it is to give! No matter what is in or out of sight, you boldly live out your lives of faith- fulness. “Be Thou our vision – Thou our best thought both by day and by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence our light!” May God, who blesses us first through grace incarnate, Christ Jesus, continue to bless you, keep you, and shine through you in the coming year. In Christ’s peace, Pastor Betty LUKE Wednesdays 10:00-11:00am Luther Room January 16 - February 13 Beginning January 16, Pastor Betty will offer a mid-week adult study on the Gospel of Luke. Using a combination of videos and contemplative readings, we will engage the Word in new ways. As we continue in the year of Luke, it will take deeper root within us, challenge our perspec- tives, broaden our horizons, and shed light on our own life’s journey. 1 Bro%, Janifer 15 ,an D./en, 0ar. L.nn 1 1o2nsend, Am. 16 Sheridan, 8arr. 3 Danielson, Linda 17 :armer, Jeanne 3 Jones, Nanc. 19 Glista, Ellen 3 Stra?, Ronald 19 Arroc/, Berr. 7 1hal, Diana 22 Lit2in, Louis 8 Brueger, 8arr. 2E Falton, Susan 9 Braun, Glen 25 Bauer, Steven 9 Filler, Carole 26 0cBrien, Ed2ard 10 Reeder, 1om 27 Lund, Philip 11 Bergum, Beverl. 27 ,ictorine, Gar. lighthearted comedy about a hotly A contested high school election be- 11 8orace/, Leonard 29 Ci/ane/, Robert comes a metaphor for the then (perhaps 11 L.nch, 0arian 29 :eel., Susan even more so now!) current state of 12 Lit2in, Baren 30 Giannelli, Jud. American politics. Jim McAllister (Matthew Broderick) is a popular and well-respected 13 Rife, 0argo 30 1oo/e, John instructor at George Washington Carver 31 8e?ernan, Paul High School in Omaha, Nebraska, but lately he's been unhappy in both his personal and professional life, and his anxieties finally A Christmas Reading: come to a head with the school's student It was to older people that Jesus came elections. Tracy Flick (Reese Witherspoon) is running for student body president, and It was to older people that Jesus came, she certainly seems like the sort of girl who That they might know their place and learn his name, would win a high school election -- she's And upset notions of whom God may choose pretty, popular and takes part in all the right To change the world or celebrate good news. extra-curricular activities. In fact, she seems so perfect she's running unopposed, which And this they understand who have been told offends McAllister's sense of democracy Of Sarah who conceived when she was old; (not to mention the fact he doesn't like her And Hannah who found joy despite her tears; very much). So Jim intervenes and per- And Naomi who blessed her later years. suades Paul Metzler (Chris Klein) to run against Tracy. Paul is not terribly bright and With Zechariah, zealous for routine, is entirely unqualified to be Ensuring what’s to come is what has been, student president, but as a star They may disclaim an angel’s message , too of the school's football team Declaring God intends to make things new. (before a leg injury sidelined him), he's popular enough to at Like Simeon, resigned to failing power, least give Tracy a run for her Old age might yet become the finest hour money. So come join us and For those who risk false claims that they’re deranged see how this turns out. As always, free By saying God wants all things to be changed. popcorn. Rated R It is not in the manger Christ must stay, expect to be "carded" at the Forever lying helpless in the hay; door It is ;by older people Jesus is blessed, 1:30 PM in Fellowship Hall. Who see God’s restlessness in him expressed. January 14th 2 LIFE ISN 'T FAIR , BUT IT 'S STILL GOOD . TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY (T.O.P.S.) #2525, LaGrange just celebrated their A HEALTHY 13th anniversary as part of the Health & SIMPLE TIPS FOR OVERALL Y HEALTHOU &… WELLNESS Wellness Ministry of Grace Lutheran Church. Meetings are on Thursdays in “This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad” (Psalm 118:24). the Sunday School Kensington Wing, am writing this article with great gladness and thanksgiving. I have been your parish Meeting Room A and start with a private weigh-in at 6:15-6:30pm. Except for the I nurse eleven years this month and God has blessed me abundantly with your kind- st ness and graciousness. It is a privilege to serve our Lord and you as your parish nurse. 1 Thursday of the month (this is a weigh Thank you for the treasured blessing you, Grace Lutheran Church, are in my life. -in only meeting), the group continues It’s that time of year again: cold and flu season. I have placed copies into an education session about every- of the National Institute of Health flyer: “ Is it a Cold or the Flu?” at thing from nutrition, and wellness to the Health and Wellness Communication Center. Please pickup psychological and exercise questions this helpful flyer. Remember the 3C’ s: Cover your cough; Clean from T.O.P.S. programming or from your hands and Contain germs. Wash your hands often with soap outside sources found by members to be and water for at least 30 seconds. Try singing the ABC’s or Happy helpful. There is a sharing of successes, Birthday as a fun way to count while you wash! Avoid touching your eyes, nose or goals, and challenges. The food guidelines are flexible and T.O.P.S. follows an ex- mouth. Germs spread easily this way. The CDC recommends you stay home for at st least 24 hours after your fever is gone. change system. The 1 session is free to Blessings of joy, love, peace and hope to you and your loved ones in 2019. observe. The yearly fee is $32 which “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3) includes a monthly magazine. #2525 has a Submitted by: Ann Gornik RN MSN Parish Nurse monthly fee of $1.00 and a small fee for each pound gained over the previous weigh-in. T.O.P.S. is an international, non- CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER profit, non-commercial corporation Virtually every one of us will care for which was started in 1948 in Milwaukee. a loved one at some time in our life. Further information look-up Though rewarding, it’s not always www.tops.org or contact the local easy. Nourish for Caregivers is leader, Grace member Kurt Svoboda Other resources who have for anyone juggling the challenges of everyday life and caring for an aging parent, spouse partnered with T.O.P.S. : or grandparent, in town or at a distance. Nourish provides caregivers a faith perspec- Healthy Weight Commitment tive, as well as practical and emotional supports, useful tools, and shared experience. Foundation Discover the blessings that come from caring for another. www.healthyweightcommit.org Every 4 th Thursday, beginning January 24, 2019 Obesity Action Coalition www.obesityaction.org 1:00-2:30 PM in Bernard Lounge Together Counts Come every month or when the topic or timing works best for you. togethercounts.com If you are interested please sign up at the Welcome Center or Ways to Enhance Children's Activity & contact Ann Gornik, Parish Nurse 708-352-0730 extension 318 Nutrition For more information visit www.NourishForCaregivers.com www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/ wecan/ e are excited to have restarted 3H: Helping W Hands and Hearts of Grace where members reach out to connect with those in our faith community that have needs for a compassionate companion. Our members greatest needs are for compassionate compan- ions that can provide a friendly phone call or visit and rides to Sunday worship. If you are interested or know of a member that has the special gift of caring 3H would like to invite you or that individual to share that gift in helping others. If you know of a member in need of connecting with a compassionate companion from 3H contact Ann Gornik, Parish Nurse or Dr.