The News of Grace

Volume 34, no.7 July 2011

to those who were in prison (His victorious descent into Hell), was resurrected by the power of the Father and ascended gloriously to His throne at His Fathers right hand. We know this to be the Gospel, the Good News of Gods promised salvation fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. St. Paul knows this Good News to be the power of salvation to all who believe. The word that St. Paul uses to describe the Gospel as power in His letter to the Romans is dunamis in the Greek. The Gospel is Gods power to blow us out of our unbelief. It is Gods power to create faith in our faithless hearts and keep us in the faith unto life everlasting. It is the dynamite that God uses to impart to us the salvation that has been won for us, purchased for us by Jesus. So what comes to your mind when you think about the Fourth of July. Picnics! A day at the lake or the neighborhood pool! A family reunion! Working in the yard during the day and grilling out with friends in the evening! Fireworks! We use the Fourth to observe many of these things as we celebrate the freedoms that we have as Americans. At the same time the Fourth is a great time to be thankful to God for granting us the personal freedoms that we have as citizens of the United States. As Christians living in this nation it is also a great time to thank God for the freedoms that we have through Jesus Christ, the salvation that He has freely provided for us. He has delivered us from sin, death and the power of the devil. The Holy Spirit uses the Gospel in all its power to bring us to faith in the person and work of Jesus. It is that Gospel which provides for us rest in the Lord and re-creation in Him to be His special redeemed people. On this Fourth when we take pride in the flag and rejoice in the liberties that it represents let us also say with St. Paul, For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power (the dynamite) of God for salvation to everyone who believesFor in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, The righteous shall live by faith. Have a blessed Fourth and a safe summer! Pastor Walter

GOSPEL DYNAMITE!
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for the salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16a) Hows your summer so far? Hot and dry? The rain yesterday was much needed, thank the Lord. I know that this is a busy time for everyone, but when isnt it? It seems that we try to squeeze in just as much as we can into our summer days. We may even use our vacation time to wear ourselves out because we have so many things planned to do in a short period of time. Vacation is a time to get away from the regular routine. Some of us may not physically get away to another location, but just the change of pace should provide us with time to relax and enjoy some recreation. What does all of that have to do with my title Gospel Power - Its Dynamite!? Nothing really, it just seemed like a good way to start. However this coming Fourth of July weekend is a time to relax and enjoy some recreation and it is also a time that we want to celebrate the freedoms we have in this country. One of the ways in which we do that is through the traditional fireworks displays. They are powerful displays of sound and light. I remember from my childhood sitting out in the side yard on the Fourth waiting for the annual fireworks display at the local drive-in theater less than a mile from our house. The sound and light show would take place between the early showing and the late movie. As a child it was a big thing, though by todays standards it was probably pretty insignificant. So as I was thinking about the Fourth I started thinking about the words of St. Paul regarding another powerful display, the display of Gods love for His people. That powerful display is seen as His only Son Jesus died on the cross for our sins, preached

Thanks for the Celebration

I am grateful to this Church family for helping me celebrate the twentieth anniversary of my Ordination. I was ordained in my home congregation on June 23, 1991. My father-in-law, the Rev. Paul Donner, officiated at my Ordination. That was special for me for he also officiated at my Confirmation and my Wedding. He reminded me in a note that he sent to me for my anniversary of something he said in the sermon he preached that afternoon. He reminded me that he said he was giving me a new name that day, Pastor. I remember that well and I am honored to be called Pastor and all that that name or title means. To be a Pastor means to be a shepherd, actually an under-shepherd of the Good Shepherd, who is Jesus Christ. It means one who shares Gods Word, both Law and Gospel. In sharing that Word by preaching and teaching I also understand that the Word applies to me as well. I understand that I am a forgiven child of God who is really unworthy of serving in the Office of Pastor except by Gods grace. Being your Pastor means serving you and equipping you to be a disciple of the Good Shepherd. I remember the first time I called the seminary in the summer of 1985 to see what it would take for me to enroll there. It would mean selling a business and changing careers. I remember going home and telling Paula that I had called St. Louis and inquired about that possibility. I remember going and telling my father-in-law that I was going to enroll at the St. Louis Seminary, something he had encouraged me to consider when I was a teenager, but something I was not at all interested in doing at that time. I also remember the morning in 1987 when I left to move to St. Louis and that saying good-bye to my mother and father meant that I would not be coming home except to visit. I remember my Ordination Day at St. Paul Paducah, Kentucky and my Installation as Pastor of Christ White Cloud, Michigan a month later. It was hot and there was no air-conditioning. Of course perspiring is something that I do well, most of you know that. I also remember receiving the Call to serve here at Grace, the visit Paula and I had here in February 1995, and then our move to Little Rock in April and my Installation as your Pastor in May. As I mentioned on Sunday, the nineteenth, this has been home to my family for sixteen plus years and I am grateful to be called your Pastor. Thank you for a special day that I will not forget. Thank you to everyone who worked to make that day a celebration for me, my family and this congregation. I am grateful for your kindness, your love and your generosity.

Director of Parish Music

Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. On July 11th, 5 youth, 1 adult, and I will be boarding a train to travel to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois for the 2011 Higher Things Youth Conference. This years theme is Coram Deo, which is Latin for before God. This conference will involve worship with 10 services in 4 days, instruction in the faith with pastors and other Lutheran laity speaking on a wide variety of topics, and fellowship with other Lutheran youth with karaoke, swimming, a performance by an improv comedy group as just a few of the options available. You may be wondering: What is Higher Things? Higher Things is a Recognized Service Organization of the LC-MS with a motto of Dare to be Lutheran. It does this through a quarterly magazine, an internet radio show, and retreats and conferences. The organization held its first conference in 2000, and this year is the eleventh set of conferences. I say set of conferences, because this year there are 3 Coram Deo conferences, each a week apart. The first is in Las Vegas, Nevada on the campus of UNLV, the second, which we are attending, is in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois on the campus of Illinois State University at Normal, and the third is the week after ours and is held at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. This years conference hymn is Gods Own Child, I Gladly Say It (LSB 594). This is a wonderful hymn about life as a baptized child of God, showing how we stand before God (Coram Deo) solely because of what Christ did on the Cross, which is delivered to us in Holy Baptism, Holy Communion, and the Word. May God bless and keep you in the grace He gave you in your Baptism.
God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It LSB 594

Gods own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, Gave my full redemption price. Do I need earths treasures many? I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free Lasting to eternity!

.THOSE

WHO SERVE in JULY

Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me Since my Baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, Sprinkling me with Jesus blood? Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation, I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font Ive traveled, All your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me! Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die, I leave all sadness To inherit paradise! Though I lie in dust and ashes Faiths assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine To make life immortal mine. There is nothing worth comparing To this lifelong comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there Ill sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, Still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; Im a child of paradise!
1991 Robert E. Voelker. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License .NET, no. 100011479.

ACOLYTE SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Perryn Andrews 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Maxwell Baker USHERS SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Dennis Fastenaus team Sam Cate, Tommy Borchert, Jack Funk 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Chris Pils team David Faulkner, Jeremy Hammond, Wes Mainard CANTORS SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Jim Marvin 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Jon Cline GREETERS SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Ed and Susan Mahnken
10:45 a.m. Worship Services Rudy and Sherry Bischof

ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Pat Funk 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Ron and Russlynn Krueger
Wednesday Mid-Week Services Suzanne Raddle & Wilma Richter

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS July 3rd 10:45 a.m. Worship Service David Faulkner July 10th 8:15 a.m. Worship Service Ralph Olsen July 17th 10:45 a.m. Worship Service Terry Eustice June 24th 8:15 a.m. Worship Service Jim Keppel

Peace in Christ, Nathan Beethe , Director of Parish Music

If you are unable to serve please ask someone to fill in for you and then call the church office.

GRACE FAMILY NEWS AND NOTES

WELCOME TO THE GRACE FAMILY We welcome Kevin Ray who transferred to Grace from Christ Lutheran, Little Rock on June 7th. Kevin and his wife Allie are expecting their first child this month, and Allie is currently going through adult instruction. Please welcome Kevin and Allie to our Grace Family. CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY Our sympathy to Charlie, Abby and Annalia Buchanan on the death of Charlies mother, who died on Thursday, June 16th, in Melbourne, Florida. Our sympathy to Drs. Mark and Pam Peterson on the death of Pams brother Richard Baird, who died on Saturday, June 11th, in Rodeo, California. Our sympathy to the family of Dwain Boyette of Benton, nephew of Russlynn and Ron Krueger, who died on Friday, June 3rd. Our sympathy to Jeannie Worlund and family on the death of her mother, Eva Worlund, who died on Friday, May 20th. Her funeral service was held at First Lutheran Church in Blytheville, Arkansas. Our sympathy to Gary and Angie Proud and family on the death of Angies mother, Mrs. Martha Lee Tomlinson, who died on Friday, June 3rd, in Muncie, Indiana. Our sympathy to the family of Justin Garrison, brother of Marietta Gutierrez, who died Monday, June 6th. Our sympathy to the family of Vivian Parr Funk, mother of Jack Funk and aunt of Carolyn Moorman, who died on Monday, June 6th. A memorial service was held at First Lutheran Church on June 9th with Pastor Bacic and Pastor Walter officiating.

CONGRATULATIONS and GODS BLESSINGS Congratulations to Kristin Johnson and Jonathan Middaugh who were united in marriage on Friday, June 3rd, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Jonathan is the son of Randy and Riley Middaugh. Gods blessings to Kristin and Jonathan. Congratulations to Suzanne Lindemann and Joshua Hardman who were united in marriage on Saturday, June 11th, in Orange Beach, Alabama. Suzanne is the daughter of Jon and Sandy Lindemann. Gods blessings to Suzanne and Joshua. Congratulations to Keylon and Danielle Wilbert on the birth of their daughter Kaya JaLeaha on June 21st. Kyla is Kayas big sister. Grandparents are Chris and Betty Pils and greatgrandmother is Martha Pils. CONGRATULATIONS Lydia and Bobby Bemberg were chairmen of the 2011 Riverfest which was held Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock and North Little Rock. Congratulations on a great job!!!!

ABLAZE FAN INTO FLAME

To date we have collected and sent to Synod $25,971.00 toward our pledged amount of $59,560.00 for Fan Into Flame. We have received $2,785.87 from LCMS World Mission which is earmarked to be used for a special Evangelism outreach program here at Grace. Thank you for your support of Ablaze Fan Into Flame!

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THANK YOU

Through the dedication of our volunteers and congregation, Vacation Bible School is always such a success and this year was no exception! Thank you to all for your prayers and support, it was an amazing week and so many children heard about the good news of Jesus' love for them! Thanks to all who gave of their time and resources in preparation for and during this past week. BIG JUNGLE ADVENTURE: A Faith Journey with Jesus! would not have happened without you! THANK YOU!

Ame Andrews Roy Andrews Perryn Andrews Nathan Beethe Lois Berner Rudy Bischof Sherry Bischof Abby Buchanan Bette Bogart Jon Cline Andrea Faulkner Pat Funk Lorraine Gordon Jennifer Hammond
Carol Ann Honeywell

Joel Junkans Gina Junkans Emily Junkans

Christina Junkans Anna Junkans Janet Killough Heather Lamb Jared Lamb Suzanne Lambert Donna Langlais Jessica Lipe Florence Marvin Colleen Moorman Robert Nichols Carole Nichols David Raddle Kevin Ray Shirley Rieve Judy Rivers Diane Roberts Bev Sanders

Emily Stein Krista Stein

Mary Kathryn Stein Courtney Sutterfield

Jason Sutterfield Sandy Sweeney Hannah Walter Pastor Walter Paul Walter Paula Walter Daniel Wheeler Sheila Wilimzig Hannah Whitney Hope Wistrand Robert Woodruff Kim Woodyard

Our THANKS to Heather Lamb and Ame Andrews for using their God given talents as directors of our Vacation Bible School. THANK YOU!!

A.C.T.S. RUMMAGE SALE

July 29 30 9:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. Mark the date on your calendar!!!

NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR

Noon Devotions with Pastor is Thursday,

TORNADO RELIEF ASSISTANCE IN JOPLIN, MISSOURI

At the Voters Meeting on June 20th the voters passed a resolution presented by the Parish Planning Council to send $5,000, from our surplus funds of the previous three years, to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri. The money is to be used by Immanuel Lutheran Church as they identify needs to assist with the relief efforts for the people affected by the tornado that devastated the Joplin area.

SIT AND SEW

Bring your project and join the Sit and Sew group on Tuesday, July 5th, at 12:00 noon in the downstairs classroom in the church. For details call Carole Nichols or Sammye Sue Harrill.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

Our Lutheran World Relief projects this year are Layette Kits and School Kits. Following is a list it items we will be collecting for the Layettes for newborns: July lon g- or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers August wa shcloths, full-size preferred September bat h-size bar of soap October dia per pins or large safety pins In previous months this year we have collected lightweight cotton teeshirts or Onesies, sweaters and sweatshirts, receiving blankets and flat fold cloth diapers. You can continue to bring these items and put them in

- Sturdy cloth bags approx. 12x14 with cloth handles or drawstring enclosure Thank you for supporting our Lutheran World Relief projects.

SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE Volunteers Needed to Serve

COFFEE HOST SIGN UP A sign-up sheet for coffee hosts is posted on the bulletin board by the Parlor. Please take a minute and sign up for the Sunday on which you wish to serve. The schedule for July is: July 3rd Gisela Spieker July 10th Beverly and Rich Sanders

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GOD'S BLESSINGS to Grace Family Members in the month of July:

3 - Jack Funk 4 - Robert Richter 5 - Jim Robinson 6 - Jessica Duncan 7 Anna Kate Manchester, Jack Manchester 9 - Kristin Dumont St. Clair 10 - David Holzhauer, Jon Lindemann, Matthew Nichols 12 - Linda Bradshaw, Jan Grant, Sandy Lindemann, Stella Grace Sutterfield 14 - Pearl Spotts 15 - John Ralston 16 - Lucia Jones 17 - Crissy Beethe, Emily Beethe, Shirley Rieve 18 - Nancy Wade 19 - Jim Marvin, Charlie Buchanan 20 - Kara Mainard, Stephanie Renard 22 - Jed Bicker, Tim Loyd, Ann Stoker 25 - Paula Walter

during Sunday School/Bible Class time.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS Pastor Walters Bible Class meets each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Parker Hall. Pastors class is leading a study on the book of Exodus. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade are held in the lower level of the Family Life Center. The parents are invited to join us for the opening service at 9:45 each week. If you have questions contact Colleen Moorman or Nathan Beethe. LCEF K.I.D.S. Saving Stamps are available from Ame Andrews during Sunday School opening time. JUNIOR YOUTH class meets at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday in their classroom downstairs in the church. Joel Junkans leads the class. SENIOR YOUTH class meets each Sunday at

Joan Ann Olsen for details.

Pai nle ss Ways to Support Little Rock Lutheran Education!

Many of you already take advantage of company programs that provide financial incentives for Grace Lutheran ECDC and Christ Lutheran School that dont cost you any extra money for that we all say THANK YOU! These programs are really an untapped resource that benefits Lutheran education in Little Rock by providing funds for all type of budget needs! And all the programs are very userfriendly and simple some only require scissors! Following are programs used by one or more of our Lutheran schools please consider this painless way to support Lutheran Education in L.R.!

ECDC News & Notes

I cant believe its almost July this summer is really flying by! Must be all the fun we are having. Throughout the week we are playing and learning all sorts of things; and every Friday is finding us doing some type of water activity what better way to stay cool than a dip in the pool, and of course the ice cream truck continues to round out the week! July finds us learning about our Country, places around the world, vacations & camping. Mark your calendar for Thursday, July 28th and come join us for our annual cook-out with your favorite hot dogs and smores on the barbee nothing better! (Give me call if you are interested in more details or want to make a reservation 663-0755). During Jesus time we will be learning about the life of Gods servant Moses, the Ten Commandments, and some of the journeys found in the Bible you know traveling through the dessert, ten lepers on the road, Jonah going to Nineveh in a round about way, wise men following a star, Mary and

See ya again next month, until then Gods continued blessings to each of you Colleen

Library Notes
July 2011

BOOKS TO CELEBRATE BAPTISMS

Hayden Demitri Villarreal The Big Red Tractor and the Little Village
by Francis Chan Baptized on May 8, 2011

IN MEMORY OF SAINTS OF GRACE

Mary Proue
July 28, 1931- March 14, 2011

Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine LEngle Seeing Salvation: Images of Christ in Art by Neil Macgregor

George Richard Dick Jenkins

September 5, 1936 May 6, 2011

Final Rounds: A Father, A Son,

1858) of central Arkansas, set in a land of natural beauty with clear rivers, forested mountains, and abundant game, a place where a person could live a free and rustic lifestyle. Gospel Figures in Art. The Five People You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom. Honey for A Childs Heart:, Sharing the Great Treasure of Reading and Books, by Gladys Hunt and The Read-Aloud Handbook, by Jim Trelease. Both donated by Susan Mahnkan. Water from the Well: Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah by Anne Roiphe. CD Books: The Cost of Discipleship, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The Pilgrims Progress: Retold for Youth by John Bunyan; The Pilgrims Progress Retold for the Modern Listener. New DVDs: Fireproof; Arkansas National Parks

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