The theme for Amazing Grace Lutheran Church in the 2015-2016 program year is Faith

Fitness. This theme was introduced during Vacation Bible School in June. It was such a hit

that it has now become the theme for the upcoming program year! In fact, I got so in-

spired that I bought a new pair of running shoes and have been staying pretty active this

summer.

Why faith fitness? Faith Fitness goes well beyond physical fitness and encompasses the idea of wellness in our

whole lives. This idea was sparked by the ELCA’s use of a wellness wheel that identifies

seven key areas of wellness. As a congregation, we will be focusing on several areas of

wellness as a way to focus our intentions.

Physical Wellness (September and April): While we are not all born perfectly

healthy or able to live life without injury or illness, we can live well by tending

and nurturing our body as a gift from God. Feed it healthy foods, keep it hydrat-

ed, build physical endurance through regular exercise, and respect your body’s

need for rest.

Social/Interpersonal Wellness (October, November): We are created by God

to be social beings, living in community and instructed to help and love each oth-

er. We maintain social well-being through interaction, play, laughter and for-

giveness. Take time to nurture your relationships with family, friends, co-

workers, spouse, members of the congregation and other loved ones.

Financial Wellness (December, January): Being financially fit involves making

decisions based on values, as reflected in the way we save, spend and share.

Tending to one’s financial well-being in this way requires us to be resilient, gen-

erous, grateful, and focused on sustainability.

Emotional Wellness (February, March): Being emotionally well means feeling

the full range of human emotions and expressing them appropriately. Self-

awareness is the first step. Recognizing and honoring your own feelings and

those of others — stress, contentment, anger, love, sadness, joy, resentment —

will help you live life abundantly.

Integration (May): In the month of May, we will integrate all that we have

learned and put into practice as individuals and as a faith community.

A U G U S T 2 0 1 5

By Pastor Julie Wright

INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE:

Worship & Music

• Notes

• Worship

• Choir Party

• Choir Invitations

2

3

3

4

Christian

Education

• Confirmation

• Sunday School

• VBS

• Faithful Readers

5

5

6

7

Youth and Family

• Prayer

• Service

• Youth News

• Bible Distribution

7

8

9

10

Evangelism and

Stewardship

• Stewardship Fair

• Social Justice

• Parade

• Back to School Bash

10

11

11

12

Missions Updates

• Africa

• Arizona

• Books

• Mobile Meals

12

13

13

14

Council Corner

• President Note

14

Connections

• Birthdays

• Anniversaries

• Thank You

• Servant Ministry

15

15

15

15

Inserts

• Calendar

• Volunteers

Faith Fitness Exercise daily in God. ~1Timothy 4:7

P A G E 2

Worship and Music Ministry Notes

By Louise Lentz

Worship and Music Chair

The Worship & Music Ministry

Team took a summer vacation

for the month of July. Howev-

er, we did make progress on

finding the right individuals for

our opportunities to serve.

Please join us in welcom-

ing Linda Kleven as our

accompanist for His Har-

mony and the Sanctuary

Choir. Linda is an accom-

plished musician with incredi-

ble diversity in her experience. She has played for choirs

and church since she was 12 years old and especially en-

joys accompanying choirs and soloists. She has experience

accompanying choirs and playing special music for different

denominations including Baptist and Catholic as well as

Lutheran; and has also played for high school choirs, show

choirs, contests and community theaters. She expresses

her love of music with enthusiasm and shared in her intro-

ductory email, “Playing the piano is like breathing to me.

There is nothing I would rather do than worship the

Lord through music.”

Larry Kinney and Norm Goetzke have officially taken

on the roles responsible for supporting our audio and

video technology. Both Larry and Norm have been

actively involved in working with the equipment and

helped to install this technology along with Ryan Gug-

gisberg and Jeff Waska. They have agreed to coordinate

volunteers and manage the operation of the equipment

going forward.

We still have opportunities for individuals to use their

creative talents to collaborate with the pastors and

committees to develop video presentations. This could

include designing and developing video graphics for use

in weekly and special services from beginning to com-

pletion. Please connect with Pastor Chris, Pastor Julie

or any of the members of the Worship & Music Minis-

try Team if you are interesting in building your skills in

this area.

As always, we welcome your thoughts to help us pro-

vide worship experiences that are meaningful, relevant,

Spirit-filled, and grounded in God’s Word.

Joining God At Work In The World!

Watch for the new Opportunities Booklet which includes Worship, Education,

Service, and Fellowship Opportunities for the year.

It will be available on Rally Day—September 13th.

What about spiritual wellness? Through worship, education, music and other activities, we will emphasize that spiritual wellness is a key aspect to

wellness in all these other areas of our lives. For instance, becoming aware of areas in our lives that need attention or

healing can bring us closer to God. Plus, working on these things together will be a lot more fun than trying to figure it

out on our own!

In the coming program year, each of the ministry teams will be planning activities that coincide with this theme – from

worship and music, to educational opportunities, to the snacks we eat here at church – you name it! I can’t wait to see

the impact this coming year will have on all of us! My prayer is that God will help us to become a healthier community

– spiritually, physically, financially and emotionally. On your mark…get set…GO!

In Christ, Pastor Julie Wright

LOVE TO SING? WANT TO PARTY?

Our annual Sanctuary Choir picnic is scheduled for Sunday August 23rd at the home of Pastor Chris

and Linda Becker. We will gather at 4 p.m. and eat around 6 p.m.

We will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and brats, as well as cold drinks (soda, water, beer and wine). We

ask that you bring either an appetizer, salad or dessert to share.

Spouses, significant others, and children are all welcome (there will be activities for the children). New

members are especially welcome!

Please RSVP to me, Susan Young. In your reply, please let me know the number of people coming

with you, and if you plan to bring an appetizer, salad or dessert.

I am looking forward to a great party, and a wonderful

year of making music together!

Blessings, Susan Young, Director

P A G E 3

August Worship

Sunday Theme Lessons Worship Services

August 2

Pentecost 10

Can’t Get You Out Of

My Mind

Psalm 63 8:00 am Abbreviated Worship with

Holy Communion

9:30 am Worship with

Holy Communion

August 9

Pentecost 11

Please Don’t Forget Psalm 25 8:00 am Abbreviated Worship with

Holy Communion

9:30 am Worship with

Holy Communion

August 16

Pentecost 12

The Voice Psalm 142 8:00 am Abbreviated Worship with

Holy Communion

9:30 am Worship with

Holy Communion

August 23

Pentecost 13

Wow Are You Good Psalm 136 8:00 am Abbreviated Worship with

Holy Communion

9:30 am Worship with

Holy Communion

August 30

Pentecost 14

Are You Listening Psalm 143 8:00 am Abbreviated Worship with

Holy Communion

9:30 am Worship with

Holy Communion

P A G E 4

King’s Kids Choir: Kingdom Builders

(3 years old—2nd Grade)

Submitted by Angy Thelemann, Director

Each Wednesday night the King’s Kids Choir meets downstairs to sing praises to

God, create art and service projects, and enjoy a snack, games, and fellowship with

one another. Our theme for this year is “Kingdom Builders”. Together we will

explore and learn how we can go out into the world and build up the

kingdom of God – even if we are only 4 years old – through sharing our

gifts, stories of Jesus, and serving. Throughout the year we will be

learning songs related to this theme, and working on “building” projects

with the tools God has given us. All who are 3 years old through 2nd

grade are welcome to join us!! Any questions? Please contact Angy

Thelemann in the church office at 651-455-0093.

ATTENTION ALL SINGERS!!!! Submitted by Susan Young, Sanctuary Choir Director

Have you received the gift of music through singing? Do you have a desire to be a part of the music ministry of Amaz-

ing Grace? Then come, join the Sanctuary Choir! You need not be professionally trained to sing in the choir. We need

people who love the Lord, want to praise Him in song, and are committed to that endeavor. Anyone from 8th grade

and older is welcome. We rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:40 p.m. to 9:10 p.m. from September through May. We

sing during worship twice a month, and for special services at Christmas, Lent and Easter. Our first rehearsal is Sep-

tember 9th at 7:40 p.m. Contact Susan Young.

Want to meet the choir in an informal setting first? Join us at our annual picnic on August 23rd. See de-

tails elsewhere in this newsletter.

His Harmony Choir

Ages: 3rd through 7

th grades

Wednesdays, beginning Sept 9th

6:30 to 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary

Contact: Susan Young

Make a Joyful Noise to the Lord!!

P A G E 5

Christian Education Ministry

Question: What does 1 youth + 1 parent +

1 other adult = ?

Answer: The Confirmation Ministry

at Amazing Grace.

Amazing Grace has a unique style for teaching the faith to those in 8th and 9th grade.

We gather each Wednesday night from 6:30 p.m. until 7:40 p.m. with students and

their parent(s) and another adult mentor for each student. This exchange of generations makes for some interesting

conversations and builds faith and the Body of Christ all at the same time. We have fun as we create a space for con-

versation around feelings, faith, experiences, sorrows and joys. Orientation for students, parents and mentors will be

held on Wednesday, September 9th.

For those of you who would like to consider walking alongside a youth during this time of learning (2 years) please

contact Pastor Chris at cbecker@aglcigh.org.

Back to School season is here. Target has note-

books for $.25. Kids are excited about a new

box of crayons and fresh markers. Maybe the

next size of gym shoes for everyone. It is a time

for great anticipation, excitement, and some anxi-

ety.

No less exciting is our Back to Church preparation as we get ready to welcome the children to a new year of Rota-

tion Sunday School. We too have something to celebrate. Our message is just as important as a new pair of gym

shoes or pointy crayons.

Rotation Sunday School will include a team of dedicated Shepherds who welcome the children, listen to their joys

and concerns, say a little prayer with them, and assist the classroom teacher as needed. The Shepherds form a

bond with the children and show by example that Jesus loves them. How exciting is that!!

* Two Shepherds are needed for Kindergarten/Grade 1.

* One Shepherd for Grades 2 and 3 to team with Alison Hild.

* One Shepherd for Grades 4 and 5 to team with Todd and Linda Erickson.

Teachers are also needed to lead the rotation stations beginning on

September 13 and continuing September 20 and 27. The September

theme is “The First Sin,” a story from Genesis. We hope to feature

Bible Skills and Games, Arts and Crafts, Creative Drama, and Music,

Movement and Dance. A complete lesson plan and curriculum outline

is available online at aglcigh.sparksundayschool.org. The Spark curricu-

lum is published by Augsburg Fortress. Teachers are needed for all of

the areas.

Our first teacher meeting is August 27 at 6:30 pm. Anyone interested

in teaching in the fall, September to November, should attend. Each

rotation requires a 3 week commitment.

Sunday School set up will be Thursday, September 3. Help is needed to

organize and decorate all the classrooms, whether you are teaching or

just want to help.

Amazing Grace needs YOU to step up and make this a truly exciting

Back to Church opportunity. It takes many people coming together to

share their faith with another generation of God’s children, nurturing a

closer walk with God. Please consider this opportunity to serve others.

Contact Linda Becker if God is leading you to help.

P A G E 6

In the words of Hans and Franz (aka Pastor Chris and

Pastor Julie), “we want to pump you up” about Faith

Fitness! That’s exactly what we did June 15-18th for the

65 children attendees, 28 youth volunteers, and numer-

ous adult volunteers attending VBS 2015.

Our Faith Fitness was “strengthened” each day by

songs, skits, classroom time with the teachers, and a

variety of afternoon activities. The morning classroom

lessons were Walking in the Wilderness, Dancing with a

Forgiving Father, Sailing with our Savior, and Climbing

Like Jacob. Afternoon activities included mini-golf, Yo-

ga, hiking/scavenger hunt, dancing, Taekwondo, swim-

ming, learning about prayer, a visit to Good Times Park,

and service work at Feed My Starving Children.

Soles 4 Souls was the recipient of 80 pairs of new or

gently used shoes thanks to the generosity of our con-

gregation and the VBS attendees. We also gave Tom

and Judy Thompson well over 100 pairs of socks for

their work in Arizona.

Thank you to all the attendees, families, adult and youth

volunteers, the congregation, the church staff, and eve-

ryone who kept us in their prayers.

The dates for the next VBS

are June 20-23, 2016.

P A G E 7

From the Youth and Family Ministry Team

Back to School

Prayer Activity for Families Submitted by Merri Guggisberg, Youth and Young Adult Coordinator

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and soon our children will be in their

school routines. This month’s prayer activity is to invite each member of

your family to share one special memory from their summer. Could involve

pictures or a souvenir. After each member has had an opportunity to share,

say a special prayer of thanks for special times together. Invite your children to say a prayer too, if help is needed

guide by saying Thank you, Dear God…Sorry…Please. Blessings to each of you as you transition to new school year!

Faithful Readers Submitted by Barb Malamen

Faithful Readers is a book group at Amazing Grace. We gather at Barnes & Noble Booksellers Café on Promenade in

Eagan the third Sunday of the month at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Contact person is Barb Malamen.

So many books…

Here is the list for the Fall:

August 16 Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian Parallel stories of

a young American woman who falls in love with an Armenian sol-

dier during the Armenian genocide and a modern day New Yorker

prompted to rediscover her Armenian past.

September 20 The Faith Club: A Muslim, A Christian, A

Jew, 3 Women Search for Understanding by Ranya Idliby

(Book in the Bag selection)

October 18 The Other Wes Morre: One Name, Two Fates

by Wes Moore Two boys with the same name were born blocks

apart in the same decaying city within a few years of each other.

One grew up to be a Rhodes Scholar, army officer, White House

Fellow and business leader. The other is serving a life sentence in

prison. It is the story of 2 boys and the journey of a generation.

(Book in the Bag selection)

November 15 The Traitor’s Wife by Allison Patak Historical fiction: The story of the woman behind Benedict

Arnold and the plan to betray America.

P A G E 8

August Family Service Idea Each month we invite you to pursue your interests as well as help others in need. Some projects are

done by one person; others involve family members or friends. If you have service opportunities to

share with our faith community, please email Merri at mguggisberg@aglcigh.org.

Back to School Bash The Annual Back to School Bash- a local Inver Grove Heights ecumenical ministry providing 1500 backpacks with

school supplies to Inver Grove Heights elementary, middle school, and high school students in need.

Date/Time: Saturday, August 22 8am-2:30pm

Volunteer Shifts: 8am set up 10:30 – noon noon – 2:30pm

Service opportunities: Set-up, registration table, backpack distribution, games, inflatables, concessions, clothing

tent, parking, face painting, prayer tent, first aid / information and cleanup

Donations Welcome!

Pre Kindergarten: 1 Crayon, 1 Water Color, 2 Glue Sticks

K, 1st, 2nd: 2 Folders, 2 Wide Lined Notebooks, 1 Box Crayons, 1 Marker, 2 Pencils, 1 Glue Bottle, 2 Glue

Sticks, 1 Pink Eraser, 1 Scissors.

3rd, 4th, 5th: 3 Folders, 2 Wide Lined Notebooks, 1 Package Wide Line Loose Leaf Paper, 1 Marker or Col-

ored Pencils, 3 Pencils, 1 Red Pen, 1 Highlighter,

1 Glue Bottle or Glue Stick, 1 Pink Eraser.

6th, 7th, 8th: 3 Folders, 3 College Ruled Note-

books, 1 College Loose Leaf Paper, 1 Marker or

Colored Pencils, 4 Pencils, 1 Red Pen, 2 Black or

Blue Pens, 1 Highlighter, 1 Glue Bottle, 1 Pink

Eraser.

9th, 10th, 11th, 12th: 3 College Ruled Note-

book, 1 Comp Book, 4 Pencils, 1 Red Pen, 3

Black Pens, 3 Blue Pens, 1 Highlighter

CHECK OUT WHAT AMAZING GRACE YOUTH ARE UP TO ON FACEBOOK!!

ALONG WITH OTHER UPDATES, PHOTOS, QUOTES, AND

THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTORS AND STAFF...

P A G E 9

Upcoming Events

Y O u T H

N E W S

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him.”

Romans 15:13

Stimulating Bible Verses:

“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 Inspirational Thought:

“Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."—C.S. Lewis

Random Randomness:

It is illegal to hunt camels in Arizona

August Events

Details & Sign up on Youth Event Board

August 14 - Parent Social –

youth offer childcare

August 16 —Sunsets

Dive In Movie Dinner and Pool Party—bring your own floatation item

August 19 —Back to School Bash—

Packing at St. Pat’s

August 22 —Back to

School Bash—youth lead games

September Events

Details & Sign up on Youth Event Board

September 12 —

IGH Day Parade

September 13— Rally Sunday

(Sunday School kick off) and Bible Distribution

September 16—Confirmation starts

September 20—Youth Mission Trip 2016

information meeting

September 20 - Sunsets—

Vintage Video game night @ AGLC

September 23—

All Parent meeting Parents of youth in 6-12th grades invited to join!

P A G E 1 0

Evangelism and Stewardship Happenings

No, not the Sate Fair, but our very own “Stewardship Fair” on Sunday,

September 27 between the two worship services. We are inviting repre-

sentatives from the many outside ministries we work alongside each year.

You will not believe how many places we work with who impact thou-

sands of people. Our partnership extends all over the Twin Cities bring-

ing new life to those who hunger for support.

The newly formed “Year Round Stewardship Team” wants us all to real-

ize just how many lives our efforts impact. Come and have fun, come and

learn, come and see what your support provides.

Milestone Ministry Bible Distribution Sunday, September 13, 2015 –Rally Day

Submitted by Merri Guggisberg, Youth and Young Adult Coordinator

Milestone ministry covers many special occasions in a child’s life. In September,

we celebrate by placing the Holy Bible in children’s hands. The Christian Educa-

tion team selected the ages and the version of the Holy Bible we distribute.

Each family will receive a personal invitation to join us on Rally Sunday, Septem-

ber 13. We invite you to join us at either the 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. worship

service for this special gift distribution.

Please contact the church office if you are in need of a Holy Bible for your family.

We love to share God’s word with all.

Youth

entering 7th

grade will

receive the

Lutheran

Study Bible.

Toddlers will

receive the

Lift The Flap

Bible.

Children in

3rd grade will

receive the

Spark Bible.

3 year old

children (as of

Sept. 1) will

receive the

Sparks Story

Bible.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

9:15 AM

Partners in Ministry

P A G E 1 1

Social Justice

in the Summer

How do we build up Amazing Grace? Well, one way is

to know each other better. The Social Justice team has

been working on that this summer. Eleven members

have been conducting “one-on-one” meetings to get to

know others better. These meetings are intended to

build the relationships that make us a community of be-

lievers. Unfortunately, we can’t get everyone involved –

there just isn’t enough time, but we have tried to include

some of our newer members. At the time of this writing

the activities are in progress, but we don’t have enough

results to give any meaningful report on them. But, a big

“thank you” to those who have participated!!

Our pastors are also doing a sort of “one-on-one” with

other pastors of the area. Pastor Chris and Pastor Julie

are meeting with other pastors of churches (of all de-

nominations) in the southeast metro area to encourage

them to be involved in developing a stronger voice root-

ed in our faith values. Values that call for us to accompa-

ny those in need. We are planning for the churches to

meet in September to explore our mutual joys and

strengths, needs and struggles. We will be looking for

issues that can and should be addressed by the combined

strength of the many churches.

While the Legislature is done until next year the evalua-

tion of results and looking forward to improving our abil-

ity to influence the results continues. I was reminded of

the importance of this by a “Reality Check” news item on

Channel 4 on July 14.

“Minnesota lobbyists spent nearly $70 million last

year to influence state decision makers.

That’s according to a new report from the Cam-

paign Finance and Public Disclosure Board.

And so far in 2015, that trend is not slowing

down.

Lobbyists spent $64,416,383 influencing the Min-

nesota Legislature in 2014, according to the re-

port. That’s an average of $320,479 for every

legislator, and more than 10 times a single law-

maker’s $31,140 annual salary.

“We’ve got an incredible number of lobbyists

spending an incredible amount of money to try to

get them to do something,” said Hamline Univer-

sity law professor David Schultz, who studies

State Capitol lobbying trends. “What this lobby-

ing does is to guarantee access. And not just ac-

cess, but repeated access,” he added.

We want to get to know YOU!!!!

Let's get together and have fun building the Amaz-

ing Grace float for the IGH Days Parade!!

We are always looking for you to walk with us in

the parade too!!! NO experience needed, we

learn as we go.

The schedule to build is usually Saturday mornings

in August. For more information you can contact

Trish Ebensteiner or Todd

Erickson.

Don't miss any of the fun, come join us!!!!

Schultz says all that money gives the state’s

1,427 lobbyists a built-in advantage. “Unlike the

average citizen, who is not at the Capitol all

day, who is not writing letters all day, not face

to face with legislators all day, telling them

what they think about the legislation, a lobbyist

is there constantly,” Schultz said.”

When asked if the lobbying money was effec-

tive Pat Kessler, the Capitol reporter doing

the item, responded that it is hard to measure,

but obviously it is or the money wouldn’t be

being spent and increased.

How are we going to respond to this distortion of our

governmental system, this money

-based advantage? Assuming we

aren’t going to pony up $64 mil-

lion, we need to be a strong voice

telling our legislators what our

opinions and wishes are and what

our faith values say about loving

our neighbor as ourselves. The

Social Justice team continues to work toward that end.

We invite you all to join us.

Submitted by Cam Kruse

Join the Parade Team!!

P A G E 1 2

Missions

Ever think about going to Africa? Those interested in, or

thinking about, being part of our 2016 mission team are asked to

join us right after the 9:30 a.m. worship service on Sunday,

August 9th. At this meeting we will share the projected dates, cost,

and itinerary.

This is a journey of a life time. If you are not able to join

us on the 9th please contact Pastor Chris Becker at

cbecker@aglcigh.org.

School Supplies Needed: Crayons Glue Sticks Glue Bottles Notebooks

Markers Pink Erasers Scissors Post-its

Colored Pencils Lead Pencils Highlighters Composition Notebooks

Rulers Folders Loose Leaf Paper Red, Blue & Black Pens

We are also collecting clean, gently used clothing.

You may drop off any items you wish to donate in the church office.

Submitted by Amanda Vesta, E/S Team

Amazing Grace in cooperation with other IGH churches

and businesses are working together to fill 1500 backpacks

with school supplies for this year's "Back to School Bash”.

The event is Saturday, August 22 from 11am-2pm, and

donations are being collected now. The backpacks are free

to families who may not otherwise be able to send their

school-aged children back to school with the required sup-

plies. BTSB will be hosted by Church of St. Patrick (3535

72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights) and includes free conces-

sions, games, inflatables, live music and entertainment.

Helen Yotter, Paul Portz, and Annie Morgan teaching

the students in Magulilwa, Tanzania in 2013.

Come to

Africa!

P A G E 1 3

GRACIAS POR

LOS CALCITONES!

Thanks for the socks! To all who brought socks to VBS we are very

grateful: children, parents, teachers, and helpers: you are helping a lot

of poor people.

Why socks?

You probably have had the experience of walking in wet socks or socks

with holes in them. Imagine walking for days in a pair of socks that get

holier (not more blessed!), dirtier, and wetter! We often saw discarded

socks in the desert with no bottoms! Foot injuries are some of the

worse problems we see. If these injuries are left untreated they can

cause infections, loss of limbs, or body-wide illnesses. Socks are so very

important.

We bring the socks to El Comedor where migrants who have been

caught crossing the border, stripped of any assets they might have, and

sent back to Nogales, Mexico are. We pack our friend Shura’s car with

socks, other clothes, and medical supplies. She drives to El Comedor.

We park our car in a scary parking lot and walk across the border, and

up the hill to El Comedor. There are usually 50-100 men, women, and

children there for a hot meal, clothes, and first aid. Sometimes we give

people money to travel back to their home town.

The dinners at El Comedor receive a strong lecture with their food: Do

not try to cross, it is too dangerous; you cannot carry enough water, 2 gallons

a day; if you try to cross alone you will surely die.” Before eating the nun in

charge prays a long prayer, and then we bring them food: tortillas,

beans, chilies, black beans, squash, and coffee.

After the meal Tom and I help with first aid while the socks, soap, wash-

cloths, hats and shirts are made available. The most common problems

we see and treat are foot, hand, and face wounds, broken bones and

concussions (from falling down in the dark). We helped people with

stomach problems from drinking contaminated water in cow ponds.

There are people who need Tylenol or motrin, allergy pills, antibiotic or

hydrocortisone ointment. Often people need diabetic or high blood

pressure medications which we rarely have.

Your prayers and support have helped sustain desperate people who

are seeking a better life, trying to reunite with their families, trying to

live with dignity, not having to worry about being killed or kidnapped.

Gracias por todos,

Judy Thompson

BOOK

GIVEAWAY

Thanks for your generosity of book

donations. In July we gave away 350

books to 50 children in Skyline Village

community on Concord and 75th.

You should have heard the excite-

ment! We intend to host another give

away on Thursday, August 6 from 1-4.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! All children’s books are welcome, but

we especially need young adult books,

6-8th grade level, and chapter books.

Also popular were science books!

There is a box in the narthex for

books, or if you cannot get them to

church by this date, call us and we will

pick them up. Questions? Want to

help set up, help kids select books?

Call Tom and Judy Thompson

Council Corner

From the President… Submitted by Jim Zentner

At the Sunday, July 12th service, Pastor Julie called our attention to the numerous activities that are scheduled for the

summer months. She also commented that while summer usually seems like the time we slow down and take things a

little easy, it isn’t necessarily that way for our faith community. And she is right. God doesn’t seem to take a break

from entering our lives just because it’s summer and so neither should we take a break from Joining God at Work in

the World.

Actually, for the youth of our church, this is a very exciting time of year. Many of them go to one of the church relat-

ed camps for week-long or perhaps abbreviated times to spend in a more wilderness setting to learn from a whole

new set of people about God and how faith is formed. Our older youth have been to a counselor training at all the

camps and now a number of them are setting off to the National ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, Michigan. Here

they will meet kids from all over the United States and Canada and perhaps other parts of the world. This really is an

exciting adventure for them and I look forward to hearing about what they learned and experienced.

The last two weeks of the month give us an opportunity to work on building homes through Habitat for Humanity.

While I have not yet personally done that, I can’t think of many things that can be more rewarding than working

alongside of families who are for the first time going to be living in and enjoying their own homes. What a great way

to demonstrate our faith and commitment to God‘s command to serving our neighbors.

I am also very excited for September to come when we kick off our new year of activities. This year we will be focus-

ing on our health as it relates to physical, emotional, financial and spiritual wellbeing. Each of these four areas will be

the focus of education, worship and stewardship/evangelism for two month periods dur-

ing the year. The ministry teams are each working on and planning how to emphasize

these areas of our life and how this all relates back to our being part of a faith community.

More importantly, it needs to be said that we will explore how our faith relate to our

physical, emotional, financial and of course spiritual wellbeing.

I want to encourage all of you to think about this as we roll out on Rally Sunday, “Faith

Fitness” which will be the kickoff for a year round exploration of our personal and

community fitness as it applies to all the areas of our life. In the meantime, enjoy

the remainder of summer and don’t forget to look for ways to stay actively in-

volved in Joining God at Work in the World.

P A G E 1 4

Faith

Fitness

DRIVERS NEEDED! Submitted by Barb Malamen

Driving for Mobile Meals is one of the local commitments members of Amazing Grace make

to service in our local community. There are 20-25 members who drive regularly or as

needed. Amazing Grace supplies drivers every 4 weeks on Monday and Friday. The meals

are picked up at Faith Methodist Church, 1530 Oakdale Ave., West St. Paul. The meals are

ready by 10:30 a.m. and it takes an hour or less to deliver. It’s not just meals being delivered, but also a personal con-

tact with the recipient. There are routes in West St. Paul, South St. Paul, Mendota Heights, and Inver Grove Heights.

Meals are labeled and there are route books with directions. Drivers are needed for both Mondays and Fridays. You

can be on the list of drivers even if you are out of the area for part of the year. Looking for drivers ready to be regular

(semi—regular) or willing to be on the sub list. For additional information, and to sign up, contact Barb Malamen.

August 17 and August 21 are our next dates to drive.

God’s Church Has Needs All Summer

As you travel this summer, remember your support

of Amazing Grace. Our programs go on… Our ex-

penses do too. It is important that you continue to

make your regular gifts to church so we can

continue to serve. Thank you!

Pastoral Care—Focused Outreach

Servant Ministry Coordinator:

Pastor Chris Becker

Meal Coordinator: Lynda Bartlette

Ride Coordinator: Norm Beckman

Respite Care Coordinator: Judy Thompson

Funeral Support Coordinator: Barb Malamen

Hands and Feet Ministry—

Evangelism/Stewardship Team

Coordinator: Pastor Chris

P A G E 1 5

Dear Amazing Grace Family—

Thank you for all the great

salads and treats you provided

during our time of grief. Thank

you especially for all the kind

words of comfort expressed at

the service. We are blessed to

be part of this church family.

Zella, Todd, and

Celie Vandervort

Dear Amazing Grace,

Many, many thanks for the lovely recognition at the

service in May. The hanging floral basket is beautiful.

All the notes were very special and touching. I will miss

all of you. You will remain in my prayers.

Keep singing, Gail Wold

Prayer Concerns can be called in

to Mary Garfield at 651-457-7536.

7160 South Robert Trail

Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077

Phone: 651-455-0093

Address Service Requested

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

PERMIT NO. 99

SO. ST. PAUL MN

Mailed on July 28, 2015

Website: www.aglcigh.org

Staff:

Pastor—Pastor Chris Becker:

cbecker@aglcigh.org

Associate Pastor—Pastor Julie Wright:

jwright@aglcigh.org

Administrator—Angy Thelemann:

athelemann@aglcigh.org

Youth and Young Adult Coordinator—

Merri Guggisberg: mguggisberg@aglcigh.org

Finance/Office Assistant—

Craig Yotter: cyotter@aglcigh.org

Building Supervisor—

Norm Goetzke: ngoetzke@aglcigh.org

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

Joining God at Work in the World!

All are welcome!!

Worship Musician: Brad Pipal

Sanctuary Choir Director: Susan Young

His Harmony Choir Director: Susan Young

King’s Kids Choir Director: Angy Thelemann

Sunday School Coordinator—

Linda Becker: lbecker@aglcigh.org

Vacation Bible School Co-Coordinator—

Lynn Waska: lwaska@aglcigh.org

Main Office Hours:

(Typically)

Monday: Working Offsite

Tuesday—Friday: 8:30 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Deadlines: The newsletter article deadline

is always on the 15th of the month. Bulletin

announcements or additions are due on

Wednesdays.