12200 mccormick rd jacksonville, fl 32225 (904) 928-9136 ...27 donald grigg norm tanner 28 elijah...
TRANSCRIPT
1
This Issue
Pastor’s
Message
1
Christian
Education
2
Grace
Events
3
Serving
Schedule
4
Birthdays
& Anniv.
4
School
News
5
Stained
Glass
6 & 7
12200 McCormick Rd Jacksonville, FL 32225 (904) 928-9136 FAX: (904) 928-0181 www.GraceLCMS.com
2019
The deadline for
the
September
Newsletter is:
9:00am
August 24th
This has been the summer of change. As soon as Vacation Bible School ended the
“clean up, fix up, throw it out, replace it, improve it” train left the station. During
the course of this summer we have painted the: 1st Grade classroom, 2nd Grade
classroom, 4th Grade classroom, 5th Grade classroom, 6th Grade classroom, Music
room, Math classroom, Senior Saints room, the“New” Conference Room, the school
office, and back hallway of the family life center. New marker boards have been
installed in the 6th grade classroom, the 2nd Grade Classroom, the 5th grade class-
room, and the math room.
Thanks to Duane and Josh Anderton (along with Grace School Alum Matthew
Wood) for pressure washing the entire campus. A big thank you to David Ledbetter
and his company for donating “new” used office furniture to the church which in-
cluded desks and filing cabinets for: Pastor Skopak’s office, Pastor Popp’s office,
the school office, the pre-k4 classroom, and a new conference table and chairs for
the church office. And if you haven’t noticed, there is new LED lighting in the gym
and along the front walk between the Sanctuary and the Family Life Center. And
a big thank you to John Cullaton for volunteering to manage the pile by the dump-
ster - breaking it all down and loading the dumpster all up with the “stuff” we no
longer need or no longer works.
IF you aren’t exhausted considering the sheer volume of activity that has hap-
pened around the church…wait, there is still more! On SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 im-
mediately following the late service we have our last and final work of the summer:
Planting flowers and spreading mulch all around the campus. We have parking lot
islands that need attention, flower beds and landscaping areas that need refresh-
ment, and rubber mulch that needs to be spread out on the playground. IF every-
one gives just a little time on the 11th we can be done in no time. Lunch will be
provided in the Family Life Center right after worship that day. If you would like
to drop off a wheelbarrow the day before you may leave it by the loading dock on
the east end of the Family Life Center the day before. Bring your work gloves,
wear your work clothes to church, and lets finish off the summer of change with a
congregational bang!
We have been blessed with a ministry of excellence - so let’s work together to
make our facilities reflect the love and excellence that is demonstrated in our class-
rooms, sanctuary, and community space!
Peace,
Pastor Jeffrey Skopak
View our calendar at website at www.gracelcms.com
2
Christian Education ~ Sundays
Join us Sunday mornings in the Family Life Center for coffee and fellowship time immediately
following early service. Bible Studies and Sunday School classes begin at 9:40am.
We have classes for all ages! (Nursery provided)
The 2019-2020 Sunday School year will kick off on September 8th!
Contact Sunday School Superintendent Christine Bischoff if you have any questions.
Infant Care/Nursery Leader is Kellie McArthur.
Christian Education ~ Midweek
Join us Wednesday evenings in the Family Life Center for Fellowship Supper at 6:00pm,
Education Hour at 6:30pm, and Closing Devotions at 7:30pm in the Sanctuary.
Nursery provided. Meals: $3/person (Max $10 immediate family)
Bible Studies/Sunday School (Educational Hour) begins at 9:40am.
Fall Wednesday night activities will resume on September 4th. There will also be a Confirmation
Parent’s meeting. Watch announcements for location and time.
Volunteers Needed to Teach
Grace Lutheran Church is well and truly blessed by God. In a time when the Missouri Synod has an
overwhelmingly aging membership, our congregation is blessed with many babies and preschoolers! As
these children get older they need support and guidance in Sunday School. In the last couple of years we
have had only a few members serve as teachers. It is difficult to dedicate every week to leading Sunday
School classes. One way to show appreciation to our current teachers is to help lighten their load.
The sermon on Martha and Mary spoke specifically to the problem we have in this part of our ministry.
There is certainly work to be done and plenty of children to lavish with God’s love. However, this service
removes the volunteers from Bible study and from the opportunity to listen and delve deeper in God’s
word. What we need is more members to volunteer so that everyone has the chance to be like Mary.
Lightening the load for our current Sunday School volunteers will allow them time to enjoy other parts
of Sunday’s worship. This time of rest will help alleviate frustration like Martha felt and ultimately give
the children a better experience.
Do you love children but don’t think you can teach a classroom of kids? No problem! There are step by
step booklets to guide you through the classes or you can assist a teacher and support them. You don’t
have time to prepare? We have you covered! All supplies are provided for you. Just show up on Sunday
and all will be supplied and waiting for you. Do you want to serve but you want to be in bible study?
This is exactly why we need more teachers! Please prayerfully consider how you can volunteer and help.
For more information or to discuss further, please contact me about taking the first step in helping to
mold a child’s relationship with God.
In Christ,
Christine Bischoff
Grace Lutheran Sunday Superintendent
3
Grace Happenings
Senior Saints Activities
The Senior Saints (55 and over) meet on the
1st Monday of each month at 10am in the Senior
Saints’ room for various activities including
crafts, field trips, and lunches.
The Seniors also meet at 10:00am on the 2nd
Wednesday of each month to play cards. Remem-
ber to bring a sandwich or snack. Questions?
Contact Cheryl Anderton 465-2439.
Thank you to Grace members who are donat-
ing to our Veterans' Box (located outside the
Senior Saints’ Room). We sent over 60 dental
health items to the patients at the Veteran’s
Hospital in Lake City, Florida.
For August and September we are collecting
regular size toiletries such as lotions, shampoo
and shaving cream.
Handbell Practice
Handbell practice will resume Monday nights
at 5:30pm under the leadership of Josephyne
Wagner. Watch the Sunday announcements for
the start date.
If you are interested in joining or have ques-
tions, please contact the church office.
Wednesday Night Suppers
Do you like to cook? Volunteer to cook for
Wednesday night fellowship! Do you enjoy a
night off from cooking? Volunteer to cook and
give the other volunteers a night off! Please
prayerfully consider taking a turn to cook and/or
clean-up for Wednesday night suppers this Fall.
If everyone who enjoys this fellowship takes a
turn, we will have more than enough help! If you
have any questions, please contact Patty Kenski
([email protected]). A sign-up sheet will be in
the church narthex.
Calling all Young Adults of Grace!
Our Fall activities and Bible Study will re-
sume at the end of August/beginning of Septem-
ber! We look forward to having you!
If you are interested in more information or
have questions, please contact Lauren Murdy at:
Congregational Meeting
Treasurer Jeremy Sutherland will present the
end of the year Treasurer’s Report to the congre-
gation on Sunday, August 25th during the Bible
study hour (9:40am).
Junior and Senior Game and Pizza Night
Grace Youth (6th –12th grade) are invited to a Game Night on August 28th from 6:00—8:00pm in the
Family Life Center. Come enjoy some games and pizza. Friends welcome!
Rally Day ~ Quarterly Potluck ~ New Member Welcome ~ NYG Wrap Up
Sunday, August 18th @ 9:40am
Mark your Calendar for Sunday, August 18th. Following early service there will be a Potluck Brunch
as we kick off another year of Christian Education here at Grace, celebrate and welcome our new
members, and hear from our Youth about their trip to the National Youth Gathering in Minneapolis.
All are invited! Please bring the following: last name begins with (A-I) milk, juices etc., (J-Q) casse-
role, main dish etc., (R-Z) muffins, doughnuts, etc. Questions? Please contact Pastor Michael Popp.
4
Serving In God’s House for August
Service
Time
August 4th
8th Sunday
after Pentecost
Communion
August 11th
9th Sunday
after Pentecost
August 18th
10th Sunday
After Pentecost
Communion
August 25th
11th Sunday
After Pentecost
Acolytes 8:00am
10:45am
Truog, Courson
Jaegers
Wuggazer, Mehesz
Wagners
Truog, Courson
Jaegers
Mehesz, Wuggazer
Wagners
Preacher Pastor Popp Pastor Skopak Pastor Skopak Pastor Popp
Reader 8:00am
10:45am
Elder
Elder
Lynda Miller
Stephanie Edgar
Elder
Elder
Lynda Miller
Stephanie Edgar
Readings Eccl 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26,
Col. 3:1-11,
Luke 12:13-21
Gen. 15:1-6,
Heb. 11:1-16,
Luke 12:22-34
Jer. 23:16-29,
Heb. 11:17-31; 12:1-3,
Luke 12:49-53
Is. 66:18-23,
Heb. 12:4-24,
Luke 13:22-30
Ushers
For
August
8:00am
10:45am
Ledbetter, Klosowski,
Slavens, Achey
MacDonald, Haubein, Openlander, Boesdorfer
1 Dave & Ann Leimer (22)
7 Joseph & Mary Slaikeu (37)
9 Dave & Dallas Arthur (6)
11 Ryan & Joy Bailey (7)
19 Tony & Stephanie Miller (13)
22 Joe & Teri Johnson (4)
1 John Cullaton
Stephanie Edgar
Noah Hinds 2 Craig Boesdorfer
Beth Mark
John Oram
4 Adaline Bailey
Don Liesch
Jason Skyles
5 Elaine Bolick
Gary Klosowski
Kenny Lovelady
Member Tidbits…
Congratulations to Ande and
Alganesh Tesfazion on the
birth of their grandchild,
Isaiah John on June 20th.
Congratulations to Lauren
Slavens and Markus Murdy
on their marriage on June
29th.
Our deepest sympathy to
Chris Swan and family on
the death of his Father.
17 Josh Anderton
Jeff Olsen
Greg Stoner
Rebecca Strong
18 Mark Hall
20 Wayne Fox
Jeff Frank
25 Julie Jennejahn
26 Bettiemae Kitchens
Carol Sebolt
27 Donald Grigg
Norm Tanner
28 Elijah Openlander
6 Lauren Fox
Emily Houck
7 David Strong
8 Becky Menke
Levi Strong
Carolyn Smith
13 Ann Leimer
Diane Radloff
14 Erich Schmunk
15 Elaine Anwander
Andrew Olbrich
16 Ryan Hall
Kallie Kreuter
23 Dave & Mary Ahlberg (50)
25 Rich & Jeannie Hill (29)
27 Rick & Sandy Engel (52)
Joe & Anita Rodgers (36)
28 Bill & Nadine Schirmer (54)
29 Johnny & Melody Osbourne (38)
30 Rich and Blair Korman (23)
5
From the Principal’s Desk
School will be back in session on Monday, August
12th. We have exceeded our enrollment goal of 215
students, and are ready to start the year strong!
This year we are moving FORWARD IN FAITH as
we continue to stay connected to Christ. We have a
new logo and new energy as we begin the 2019-
2020 school year. We rejoice in the forward mo-
mentum we are gaining, and we are excited to see
what’s coming next. The theme will be introduced
at our first chapel service at 9:00 on Tuesday the
14th. You are invited to join us for weekly worship
in the sanctuary as the whole school comes togeth-
er to connect in worship and praise.
Our campus has gone through a major summer
cleaning, and it looks like a new place! Furniture
has been donated, volunteers have been every-
where, teachers have been decorating, and a lot of
love has been given during this much needed face
lift. The list is too long to even attempt to name
everyone involved, so I’ll simply say “thank you”
from all of the students at Grace for making this a
beautiful place to be.
Have you been able to keep up with the exciting
changes to our staff this year? There are seven
people in new positions for the upcoming year.
Many are familiar faces now in new places, but
some are new to our staff.
Mrs. Kristen Jones is joining us as our new VPK
assistant. Mrs. Jones moved to Jacksonville last
year when her husband, who is a chaplain in the
Navy, was stationed to Mayport. Her background
is in early childhood education, and she was on our
campus frequently last year as a substitute. Now
we’re pleased we get to see her everyday as part of
our staff.
Mrs. Danielle Pooler will also be joining our staff
as our middle school math teacher. Mrs. Pooler is
new to our staff but not to our school. Her son Con-
ner, a 5th grader this year, has attended Grace
since kindergarten. With a Master’s in Education,
Mrs. Pooler is an experienced teacher ready to
tackle Algebra I and Geometry.
Mrs. Becky Skyles returns to the classroom as
our 1st grade teacher after a hiatus from her early
teaching career. She is energized and ready to take
on the challenges that come with transitioning stu-
dents from early childhood to elementary. Her
classroom is bright and beautiful, and so is her
smile when she talks about her plans for the up-
coming year.
We are so blessed at Grace Lutheran School to
have the love and support of our church family. We
want to stay CONNECTED with you throughout
the year, so here’s your first invitation for 2019-
2020. You are all invited to our annual Welcome
Back Pep Rally and Ice Cream Social on Friday,
August 16th from 3:15-4:30. It’s a great time of fel-
lowship as we connect with one another and enjoy a
treat from Bruster’s at no cost to you.
Installation and Commissioning Of Grace Lutheran School Staff
Join us at the 8:00am worship service on Sunday, August 11th for the commissioning of the Grace Lu-
theran School 2019-2020 teachers and staff. The teachers and staff will be introduced at the beginning
of the 10:45 a.m. worship service.
6
Grace Lutheran Church Stained Glass
Upon entering the nave of Grace Lutheran Church, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the large
stained-glass cross on the sanctuary wall. One observes that the bottom section of the cross is of a dark-
er hue, becoming lighter in the cross-pieces and lighter yet in the upper part. The artist, Grace member
Ted Hergesell, thus depicts symbolically the darkness and chaos prior to God’s creative activity. The
creation of the sun and moon drove back the darkness and introduced light. In a spiritual sense, the
darker colors of the cross depict the spiritual darkness brought on by the sin of the first man and wom-
an. But, God promised a Savior—the “Son of Righteousness with healing in his wings” (Malachi 4:2).
The “Cross within a cross” points to the means by which God provided light and salvation to the world.
The amber color reminds us that the life God provides through faith in the crucified and risen Christ is
eternal.
In the center of the cross is the Coat of Arms of Dr. Martin Luther —known also as “The Luther Rose”.
Dr. Luther describes the meaning of this symbol in his own words:
“First there is a black cross set in a heart of natural color to remind me that faith in the Crucified One
saves us...This heart is mounted in the center of a white rose to show that faith brings joy, comfort and
peace … the rose is set in a sky-colored field to show that such joy of the spirit and faith is the beginning
of the heavenly joy to come, present already in our joy now and embraced by hope, but not yet made mani-
fest.”
Stained-Glass Windows on the Left
Anchor Cross - Used by the early Christians in the Catacombs; ancient Egyptian in hits origin, a sym-
bol of the hope we have in Christ.
Chi Rho - A monogram of the first two letters, Chi (X) and Rho (P) of the Greek word for Christ.
Butterfly - Symbol of the resurrection and eternal life. As the butterfly leaves the pupa and soars up-
ward with a new body, so through Jesus Christ are his followers born to a new life.
Poinsettias - A joyful symbol of the birth of Christ and the annual celebration of Christmas.
Crown of Thorns and Nails - A symbol of Christ’s Passion (suffering).
Keys of the Kingdom - A symbol of the grace of God.
Cross Over Heart - A symbol of the grace of God.
Hand of God (above) and Hands of Prayer - Symbol of the Father who supplies all our needs and
prayers of the people directed to God, the Blesser.
7
Stained-Glass Windows on the Right
The Crown and Cross - These symbolize the reward of the faithful in the life after death to those who
believe on the crucified Savior. “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the Crown of Life.”
(Rev. 2:10)
Lily - Symbol of Easter and immortality. The bulb decays in the ground, yet from it new life is released.
Dove - Symbol of the Holy Spirit.
Triangle and Interlocking Circles - Symbols of the Trinity. The three distinct angels of the triangle
combine to make one complete figure. The three circles symbolize the equality, unity and co-eternal na-
ture of the three persons of the Trinity.
Shell and Drops of Water - Symbol of the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Chalice and Grapes - Symbols of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.
Open Bible, Shield and Palm Branches - A symbol of the spiritual protection and victory through
Christ that God reveals to us in His Holy Word.
Ark and Rainbow - A symbol of the Holy Christian Church. Even as Noah and his family were saved
from the deluge by the ark, so the Holy Christian Church is the “vessel” in which God provides rescue
from the “flood” of sin, death and the devil. By means of the rainbow, God promised Noah He would nev-
er again destroy the earth through a flood.
A Note on the Blue Edged Stained Glass …
This blue originally came from the chapel
that was in the old Navy Training Center base.
When the facilities budgets were cut and the
buildings torn down, somehow the stained
glass was put on the open market for sale. Ted
Hergesell was able to purchase it.
Florence Snow said “This glass getting on
the market is not how it is suppose to happen
by military regulation. Another piece that just
fell into place for Grace Lutheran Church.”
Ted Hergesell said “The blue represents
Pastor Snow’s Naval career.”
Information provided by Florence Snow, Elaine Anwander, Carol Sebolt and the late Ted Hergesell.