08.18.08

Dear Grace Family,

Wow! Right now it is pouring down rain outside. How wonderful to be getting some much needed rain! I hope you all are managing to stay dry!

Important Reminder: This Sunday, August 24th, we invite all students to bring their backpacks to the worship service for "The Blessing of the Backpacks". We also invite all teachers and those who work with students in anyway at our schools to be present this Sunday for a blessing as they return to their duties this new school year.

Church Council meets this evening in the Conference Room of the Family Life Center.

Tuesday, August 19th, the Evangelism Team will be meeting in the Green Room.

Wednesday night at 7:15 p.m. is Parish Choir Practice. All are welcome to come and join this group which beautifies our worship services each Sunday at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, August 20th, at 7:00 p.m. is Handbell Choir Practice. Newcomers are always welcome in this group also.

Saturday, August 23rd, at 10:30 a.m. is Contemporary Ensemble Rehearsal in the Family Life Center Multipurpose Room. If your talent lies in this direction, please feel free to join in!

Enjoy the Gospel Extravaganza at First United Methodist Church, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. Our Grace Parish Choir will be performing so come and enjoy the music and support our choir. A free will offering will be taken to benefit Montgomery County Interfaith Hospitality Network (MCIHN).

A note from the Endowment Committee: The Endowment Committee met last Tuesday, August 12th. Dan Shaw is no longer on the committee. Larry Petershagen took his place. The board was reorganized as follows: Lorraine Olsen - Chair, Max Martensen - Vice-Chair, Dianne Haarmeyer - Secretary, Larry Petershagen - Member, Dennis Shaw - Member.
The Grace Lutheran Church Endowment Fund awarded scdholarships to two church members--Bobbie Hinkelman, a senior at Texas Lutheran University and Kyle Rogers, a freshman at Texas Lutheran University. Each student received $500.00 for the fall semester.

Saturday, September 13th, the Men's Fellowship Breakfast will take place in the Fellowship Hall at 8:00 a.m. This is a change from the normally scheduled Breakfast on the 1st Saturday of the Monday. All Grace Men are welcome to attend.

I hope to see you all this coming Sunday.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

08.11.08

WOW! Do these Grace Lutherans know how to celebrate or what??

Thanks to the dozens of Grace Folks who helped welcome Pastor Lorin and Tiffany Darst to our Grace community. On the JACOBSON CELEBRATION SCALE it had to be close to a TEN—maximum number of folks experiencing joy with minimum number of folks feeling stressed! THE HARD WORK OF PLANNING AND EXECUTION IS EXPECTED!

A great message, beautiful music, wonderful food and fellowship, and great attendance (251). Grace Executive Council, Executive Committee and the Transition Teams are looking for words to express our appreciation for all who participated in work the past year which has brought us to this new beginning at Grace.

Pastor Lorin’s message, WE ARE ALL ONE BODY, is certainly being exhibited throughout our community. Let’s continue, with God’s help, to work together for good in the name of Jesus Christ.

We look forward to Pastor Darst’s Rite of Installation at Grace, Sunday, September 14, at 4:00 p.m. Area churches, ELCA Gulf Coast Tx. La. Synod churches, and many friends of Grace are being invited to worship with our Grace membership for that special occasion. Bishop Mike Rinehart will preach the sermon and other clergy will participate in the service so MARK THE DATE.\

Ann Jacobson: Transition Team Chairman

08.11.08

Dear Grace Family,

It is with great sorrow that we tell you of the death of Eric McSherry, former member of Grace Lutheran Church and grandson of Harley and Vera Erickson. Visitation will be this Wednesday, August 13th, 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale, Houston.
Funeral service will be Thursday, August 14th at 1:00 p.m. in the main chapel at Forest Park Lawndale.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Harley and Vera and Eric's entire family.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

08.07.08

Dear Grace Family,

This Sunday, August 10th, will be our first worship service with Pastor Lorin Darst. There will be one service at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a brunch in the Family Life Center.

Our MCIHN guests will also be arriving this Sunday. If you would like to help please call Betty Jackson at 936-588-3272. There are lots of jobs from meals to hosting, driving to laundry.

Poker-4-Peru meets this Friday in the Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m. Bring a beverage of your choice and a snack to share. This is a fun, friendly group, so come out and join us even if you don't know how to play poker. We can teach you! Cost for joining the evening of fun is $10.00 which is donated to the Peru Fund.

Blood Drive Results: Thank you to the 12 persons who donated blood last Sunday and the 13 who attempted to donate. You helped save up to 36 lives. (During summer months when blood supply is low, the Blood Center really appreciated your contributions.) Hope you are enjoying your Blue Bell ice cream and your new T-shirts. See you again on Sunday November 2. Larry Petershagen

Deadline for GraceNotes is August 10th, so if you are heading up any kind of group please contact Susan Rinehart, Editor, and let her know what you have been doing and more importantly what you will be doing this fall. We would like to have our newsletter as complete as possible, so send us your info to Rinehart@shawus.com .

Furniture is needed for foreign students from Kosovo that will be attending Texas Lutheran University this fall. Items needed are: Twin bed mattress, box spring and frame, a small table and 4 chairs, and a student type desk. If you can supply any of these items, please contact Rev. Jim or Judy Hinkhouse at (281) 814-0424 or 814-0425 or email jhink844@gmail.com. The Hinkhouses would be glad to pick up any items from your home. Items are needed by August 15th.

Gospel Extravaganza at First United Methodist Church, August 24th at 6:30 p.m. Our Grace Parish Choir will be performing so come and enjoy the music and support our choir.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

07.29.08

Dear Grace Family,

July 31st Handbell Choir rehearsals start again at 7:00 p.m.

This Sunday, August 3rd, we will have the pleasure of having Rev. Herb Palmer with us for both services. It will also be our 3rd Grace Blood Drive of the year; so if you can give blood, please contact the church office or Larry Petershagen at LAPetershagen@att.net. The blood drive will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 12:30 p.m. Remember that each pint donated can save up to three lives.

Furniture is needed for foreign students from Kosovo that will be attending Texas Lutheran University this fall. Items needed are: Twin bed mattress, box spring and frame, a small table and 4 chairs, and a student type desk. If you can supply any of these items, please contact Rev. Jim or Judy Hinkhouse at (281) 814-0424 or 814-0425 or email jhink844@gmail.com. The Hinkhouses would be glad to pick up any items from your home. Items are needed by August 15th.

Please keep our Peru Team members in your prayers while they are currently in Peru on their mission trip.

Farewell Reception Brings Grace Lutherans Out
Many Grace members showed Pastor Cliff Akerman and Intern Nancy Simpson how much this congregation appreciates their service at Grace this past year. The many gifts, cards, words of love expressed reflected the warm feelings that are felt and the many lives that they touched in this place. The Executive Team and the Transition Team want to thank all of those who planned the event: Mike and Pam Koch and their Intern Committee, the exquisite photographs by Marshall Toppel, the tributes to both Pastor Cliff and Nancy. A lovely wall hanging for Nancy was designed and made by Barbara Erickson and Maxine Watts, and the beautiful portable Communion Kit presented to Intern Nancy from Grace Congregation will be used by Nancy for years to come.

We know that with God’s guidance they will continue to minister wherever they find themselves and Grace’s blessing will go with them.

Ann Jacobson

Pastor Darst’s First Sermon at Grace August 10

There is much excitement as we look forward to Pastor Lorin Darst and Tiffany’s arrival in our Grace Community. Many people are working to prepare a warm, Grace Lutheran Welcome for Lorin and Tiffany the first week in August.

Pastor Darst’s first Sunday to preach will be Sunday, August 10, at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Sanctuary. There will be ONLY ONE SERVICE that day with a brunch in the Family Life Center following the service, as only our Grace Men’s Cooking Team chaired by Dennis Shaw, can prepare!

Many of you have asked about welcoming gifts and there are Black Gift Boxes in the Sanctuary Narthex and the entrance to the family life center. The Hospitality Committee is suggesting cards of welcome, gift cards to Walgreens, Walmart, your favorite restaurant , or whatever you wish to introduce the Darst’s to in our community. Fran Bruce and her Hospitality Team will have flowers on the table and FOOD IN THE FREEZER upon their arrival! This committee has also prepared for the celebration brunch following the service.

How could they not feel welcome?

As Pastor Cliff Akerman has shared with us: we have something very special at Grace and with our New Shepherd to lead and guide us we can accomplish great things in Christ the King’s Ministry in the coming years.

Come and be a part of this exciting adventure in church growth in this PLACE at this TIME.

Ann Jacobson, Ch. Pastoral Transition Team

I hope to see you all this Sunday.
Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

07.27.08

Pastor Darst’s First Sermon at Grace August 10

There is much excitement as we look forward to Pastor Lorin Darst and Tiffany’s arrival in our Grace Community. Many people are working to prepare a warm, Grace Lutheran Welcome for Lorin and Tiffany the first week in August.

Pastor Darst’s first Sunday to preach will be Sunday, August 10, at 10:00 a.m. in Grace Sanctuary. There will be ONLY ONE SERVICE that day with a brunch in the Family Life Center following the service, as only our Grace Men’s Cooking Team chaired by Dennis Shaw, can prepare!

Many of you have asked about welcoming gifts and there are Black Gift Boxes in the Sanctuary Narthex and the entrance to the family life center. The Hospitality Committee is suggesting cards of welcome, gift cards to Walgreens, Walmart, your favorite restaurant , or whatever you wish to introduce the Darst’s to in our community. Fran Bruce and her Hospitality Team will have flowers on the table and FOOD IN THE FREEZER upon their arrival! This committee has also prepared for the celebration brunch following the service.

How could they not feel welcome?

As Pastor Cliff Akerman has shared with us: we have something very special at Grace and with our New Shepherd to lead and guide us we can accomplish great things in Christ the King’s Ministry in the coming years.

Come and be a part of this exciting adventure in church growth in this PLACE at this TIME.

Ann Jacobson

Ch. Pastoral Transition Team

07.27.08

Farewell Reception Brings Grace Lutherans Out

Many Grace members showed Pastor Cliff Akerman and Intern Nancy Simpson how much this congregation appreciates their service at Grace this past year. The many gifts, cards, words of love expressed reflected the warm feelings that are felt and the many lives that they touched in this place. The Executive Team and the Transition Team want to thank all of those who planned the event: Mike and Pam Koch and their Intern Committee, the exquisite photographs by Marshall Toppel, the tributes to both Pastor Cliff and Nancy. A lovely wall hanging for Nancy was designed and made by Barbara Erickson and Maxine Watts, and the beautiful portable Communion Kit presented to Intern Nancy from Grace Congregation will be used by Nancy for years to come.

We know that with God’s guidance they will continue to minister wherever they find themselves and Grace’s blessing will go with them.

Ann Jacobson

07.10.08

Dear Grace Family,

Hospitalized members of Grace at this time: Bea Behring and Chuck Kinney. Please keep them in your prayers.

Tomorrow night, Poker 4 Peru, 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Bring a snack to share and the beverage of your choice. Remember you don't even have to know how to play poker to join this fun group. We will teach you, and all the proceeds go to the Peru Mission Fund.

A reminder to all Lay Care Team Ministers, our in-house retreat will be this Saturday, July 12th, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Family Life Center.

This Sunday, joining Pastor Cliff will be Seminarian Thomas Rusert who will tell about his missionary travels in Peru.

July 16th Parish Choir rehearsals start again at 7:15 p.m. Do you love to sing? Join this group and help beautify our worship services.

July 20th Lutheran Day at the Astros, 1:05 game time.
July 27th A Farewell Reception for Interim Pastor Cliff & Intern Nancy in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m. Please join us to say farewell to Pastor Cliff and Intern Nancy and thank them for their year of service with us.

July 31st Handbell Choir rehearsals start again at 7:00 p.m.

August 10th Pastor's Lorin Darst's 1st Sunday at Grace. There will be only one service that Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary followed by a brunch in the Family Life Center. Please join us to help make this a wonderful celebration for Grace. Bring a friend or neighbor!

I hope to see you all this Sunday.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

7.03.08

Dear Grace Family,

Hospitalized members of Grace at this time: Bea Behring and Carol Edgar. Please keep them in your prayers.

July 4th Grace Office & Grace School Closed: Hope you all have a great weekend!
July 11th Poker 4 Peru, 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

July 16th Parish Choir rehearsals start again at 7:15 p.m.
July 20th Lutheran Day at the Astros, 1:05 game time

July 27th A Farewell Reception for Interim Pastor Cliff & Intern Nancy in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m.

July 31st Handbell Choir rehearsals start again at 7:00 p.m.

August 10th Pastor's Lorin Darst's 1st Sunday at Grace. There will be only one service that Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary followed by a brunch in the Family Life Center. Please join us to help make this a wonderful celebration for Grace.

I hope to see you all this Sunday. Pastor Cliff's sermon is titled "Hearing Familiar Sounding Words."

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

06.25.08

Dear Grace Family,

Hospitalized members of Grace at this time: Bea Behring. Please keep her in your prayers.
She will probably be going home from the hospital tomorrow.
EVERYDAY SUNDAY will be here at Grace tonight for a special ZION date in the Family Life Center. Doors open at 7:00. p.m. Admission is $10.00. Seal 7 will also be appearing, so come and join us for this special evening of entertainment.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST, this Sunday, sponsored by our Boy Scout Troup. Join us between services for this event benefitting our Boy Scout Troup. A freewill offering will be taken for the breakfast.

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE: Committees are working diligently planning for the arrival of Pastor Lorin and Tiffany who will be moving to the Lake Area around August 1st. Pastor Lorin's first Sunday to preach at Grace will be August 10th.

If you would like to volunteer, we would love to use your talents and skills. Contact Ann at (936) 856-5626 or amage2@suddenlink.net or Fran Bruce at (936) 441-0954 or jbruce2243@aol.com.
BLUE SHOPPING CART MINISTRY: An urgent appeal has been sent out by the Peru Team for items to take to our sister congregation, San Juan Camino de Esperanza in Lima, Peru. There are lists of items needed for children and adults. It's fun and simple; here's what to do: Pick up a list in a gallon baggie from the blue shopping cart. Purchase the items on the list and bring them back in the baggie provided. Drop them in the blue shopping cart in the Family Life Center by July 6th. We have some items already donated which will be added to the baggies when they are collected. We need a total of 70 children's bags and 35 adult bags this year. Over 50 bags still need to be filled. Can you help? Thanks for your support. The Peru Team.

RECYCLING: Have you ever wondered if the recycling bins at Grace are really helping? Well, wonder no longer. Because of your efforts at recycling paper, 128 cubic yards of landfill space have been saved this year alone and 78,618 KWH of energy. The church has also collected $307.22. Keep up the good work!

GRACE NEWSLETTERS AND JULY CALENDARS will be distributed this Sunday at both services.

Upcoming July dates:

July 4th Grace Office & Grace School Closed

July 9th Parish Choir rehearsals start again at 7:15 p.m.

July 11th Poker 4 Peru, 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

July 13th Luncheon for all New Members, watch for your invitation if you are a new member at Grace

July 20th Lutheran Day at the Astros, 1:05 game time

July 27th Farewell gathering for Interim Pastor Cliff & Intern Nancy, watch for details

July 31st Handbell Choir rehearsals start again at 7:00 p.m.

I hope to see you all this Sunday.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

06.18.08

Dear Grace Family,

Hospitalized members of Grace at this time are: Charlotte Fuller and Odessa Allard. Please keep these ladies in your prayers.

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE: On June 15th, at the Special Congregational Meeting, the congregation voted to extend a call to Pastor Lorin Darst. When notified about the call, Pastor
Lorin said, "I am grateful for the vote of confidence offered from Grace Lutheran. Tiffany and I can't wait to join our new congregation and see what God has in store for all of us."

Pastor Lorin and Tiffany will be moving to the Lake Area around August 1st and his first Sunday to preach at Grace will be August 10th.

A Transition Team, chaired by Ann Jacobson, has been organized and several subcommittees are being put in place to asddress moving and relocation, hospitality, new and existing ministry group needs, facilities needs and other programs at Grace in coming months.

If you would like to volunteer for any of these groups we would love to use your talents and skills. Contact Ann at (936) 856-5626 or amage2@suddenlink.net or Fran Bruce at (936) 441-0954 or jbruce2243@aol.com.
Blue Shopping Cart Ministry: During the month of June we will once again be collecting items to take to our sister congregation, San Juan Camino de Esperanza in Lima, Peru. There will be lists of items needed for children and adults. It's quite simple; here's what to do: Pick up a list in a gallon baggie from the blue shopping cart. Purchase the items on the list and bring them back in the baggie provided. Drop them in the blue shopping cart in the Family Life Center. We have some items already donated which will be added to the baggies when they are collected. We need 70 children's bags and 35 adult bags this year. Thanks for your support. The Peru Team.

Everyday Sunday will be here at Grace on June 25th for a special Zion date. Doors open at 8:00. p.m. Admission is $10.00. Seal 7 will also be appearing that evening, so come and join us for this special evening of entertainment.

Pancake Breakfast, July 29th, sponsored by our Boy Scout Troup. Join us between services for this event benefitting our Boy Scout Troup. A freewill offering will be taken for the breakfast.

Upcoming July dates:

July 4th Grace Office & Grace School Closed

July 9th Parish Choir rehearsals start again at 7:15 p.m.

July 11th Poker 4 Peru, 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall

July 13th Luncheon for all New Members, watch for your invitation if you are a new member at Grace

July 20th Lutheran Day at the Astros, 1:05 game time

July 27th Farewell gathering for Interim Pastor Cliff & Intern Nancy, watch for details

July 31st Handbell Choir rehearsals start again at 7:00 p.m.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Lorin Darst and his wife Tiffany as they transition to Grace, as well as all those affected by the flooding in the Midwest.

I hope to see you all this Sunday.

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

06.13.08

Dear Grace Family,

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE: The Grace Call Committee has recommended Rev. Lorin Darst to the Grace Council. The Council voted to recommend Rev. Darst to the Grace Congregation at a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 15, 2008 immediately after the early service in the Sanctuary. All Grace members are urged to attend this important meeting.
Pastor Darst and his wife Tiffany are currently visiting Grace and the surrounding area, and were received by about 70 Grace members at a "Meet and Greet Reception" on Wednesday, June 11th. The Darsts will be returning to Davenport, Iowa on Saturday, June 14th and the congregation will convene the Voter’s Meeting on Sunday morning, June 15th after early service.
For further information contact Ann Jacobson, (936) 856-5626 or amage2@suddenlink.net.
Vacation Bible School was held this week at Grace with attendance in the 80's. Today, Friday, is "Bike-a-Thon" Day and many of the children have brought their bikes to VBS and are riding laps around the "blocked off" parking lot to raise money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital. This coming Sunday at late service the VBS children will be performing some of the songs they learned this week.

Poker-4-Peru meets tonight, June 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and join the fun! You need not know how to play poker. We will be glad to teach you. Bring a snack to share and the beverage of your choice.

There is still time to join Rev. Jim Hinkhouse and his wife on their tour "In the Footsteps of St. Paul", a tour of Turkey and Greece scheduled for October 27-November 7, 2008. For more information call (281) 814-0425 or e-mail them at jhink844@gmail.com.

Blue Shopping Cart Ministry: During the month of June we will once again be collecting items to take to our sister congregation, San Juan Camino de Esperanza in Lima, Peru. There will be lists of items needed for children and adults. It's quite simple; here's what to do: Pick up a list in a gallon baggie from the blue shopping cart. Purchase the items on the list and bring them back in the baggie provided. Drop them in the blue shopping cart in the Family Life Center. We have some items already donated which will be added to the baggies when they are collected. We need 70 children's bags and 35 adult bags this year. Thanks for your support. The Peru Team

Everyday Sunday will be here at Grace on June 25th for a special Zion date. Doors open at 8:00. p.m. Admission is $10.00. Seal 7 will also be appearing that evening, so come and join us for this special evening of entertainment.

This Sunday's sermon by Pastor Cliff is titled "The Call--The Mission--The Warning".

Please continue to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance at Grace Lutheran and for Pastor Darst, our recommended candidate; and attend the Special Congregational Meeting on June 15th between services.

A message from Bishop Rinehart:
Dear Gulf Coast Family,

Flooding this week has affected half the counties in Iowa. Entire towns have been evacuated. Rivers are 10-15 feet above flood stage. In Cedar Falls water has reached the roofs of some houses. Mason City has no running water or flushing toilets. Parkersburg (recently destroyed by a tornado) is flooded. Travel in NE Iowa is nearly impossible. Wartburg is a disaster shelter. I have to think that in many ways we can appreciate the challenges they are going to be facing more than most.

Please keep these folks in your prayers....Mike Rinehart, bishop

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

06.11.08

Grace Members,

As you may already know, July 27 will be the last Sunday at Grace for our pastoral intern, Nancy Simpson. It very likely will be the last Sunday for our interim pastor, Cliff Ackerman as well. To celebrate and thank them for their dedicated, friendly and uplifting service over the past year we are planning a joint sending celebration between worship services. We plan to have a brunch, a short informal presentation and then time for people to share final hugs and conversations.

We are looking for help in a couple of areas for this event. One thing we would like to do is have a photo/video montage of Nancy and Cliff in action over the past year, which can be played on-screen in the Family Life Center. So if you have any photos that you can share (preferrably digital), Sharon Cheney has agreen to be the repository, so please send them to Sharon Cheney's email at church, 'office@graceconroe.org'. Secondly, we need someone with the expertise and time to create the montage. A simple photo montage would be great, but if you have creativity and energy to add music, graphics etc. that would be even better. Please let us know by contacting Michael Koch at 936-539-1270 / mapkoch@aol.com or sending an email to Sharon at church.

06.09.08

It is with great sorrow that we inform you of the death of Cynthia Allard, daughter of Odessa Allard.
Odessa and Cynthia joined Grace in June of 2007, and attended the late service. Visitation will be at Cashner Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 10th from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a graveside service at Cashner Funeral Home on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

Anyone wishing to contribute food for the family can bring it to the Grace Office Tuesday morning by 11:30 a.m. and May Dell Lopez will deliver it to the family. Odessa has a large family so any help with food donations will be greatly appreciated.


Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

06.04.08

Dear Grace Family,

CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE: The Grace Call Committee has recommended Rev. Lorin Darst to the Grace Council. The Council voted to recommend Rev. Darst to the Grace Congregation at a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, June 15, 2008 immediately after the early service in the Sanctuary. All Grace members are urged to attend this important meeting.
Pastor Darst and his wife Tiffany will be revisiting Grace June 11-14 and there will be an opportunity to “Meet and Greet” the proposed candidate on June 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
The Darsts will be returning to Davenport, Iowa on Saturday, June 14th and the congregation will convene the Voter’s Meeting on Sunday morning, June 15th after early service.
For further information contact Ann Jacobson, (936) 856-5626 or amage2@suddenlink.net.
Vacation Bible School: Explore the awesome wonder of God at Cosmic City June 9th through June 13th, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily. Kids, age 5 through 12 will blast off through the cosmos in an extreme VBS experience. You can register on-line at www.graceconroe.org, or just come on Monday morning and register.

Poker-4-Peru meets on June 13th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and join the fun! You need not know how to play poker. We will be glad to teach you. Bring a snack to share and the beverage of your choice.

There is still time to join Rev. Jim Hinkhouse and his wife on their tour "In the Footsteps of St. Paul", a tour of Turkey and Greece scheduled for October 27-November 7, 2008. For more information call (281) 814-0425 or e-mail them at jhink844@gmail.com.

Blue Shopping Cart Ministry: During the month of June we will once again be collecting items to take to our sister congregation, San Juan Camino de Esperanza in Lima, Peru. There will be lists of items needed for children and adults. It's quite simple; here's what to do: Pick up a list in a gallon baggie from the blue shopping cart. Purchase the items on the list and bring them back in the baggie provided. Drop them in the blue shopping cart in the Family Life Center. We have some items already donated which will be added to the baggies when they are collected. We need 70 children's bags and 35 adult bags this year. Thanks for your support. The Peru Team

Everyday Sunday will be here at Grace on June 25th for a special Zion date. Doors open at 8:00. p.m. Admission is $10.00. Seal 7 will also be appearing that evening, so come and join us for this special evening of entertainment.

The Houston Lutheran Chorale will present its annual Independence Day Concert on Friday, July 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church--Downtown. The concert, "Let Freedom Sing" will include a variety of patriotic American folk and contemporary selections including "Amazing Grace", "O God Our Help in Ages Past," "String of Pearls," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Complimentary tickets for the concerts are available by calling (281)479-5761 or at www.hlc-tx.org.

This Sunday's sermon by Pastor Cliff is titled "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy".

Please continue to pray for the Holy Spirit's guidance at Grace Lutheran and for Pastor Darst, our recommended candidate; join us for the "Meet and Greet" on June 11th and attend the Special Congregational Meeting on June 15th between services.

May God bless your day!

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

05.21.08

Dear Grace Family,

Please be sure to attend church this coming Sunday, May 25th. Otis Haarmeyer, the chairman of the Call Committee, will have an important announcement to make at both services. June newsletters and calendars will also be available at both services.

Our MCIHN guests are here this week. To be in the MCIHN program you must be homeless, have children, and no drug or alcohol abuse problems. Getting families with children back into safe and comfortable housing, getting them jobs and training to live a successful life is a most worthwhile goal.
Many thanks to all those who are helping with this important ministry.

Wine Tasting with a Roman theme will be held at the Hall's home on May 24th at 7:00 p.m.
You may come in Roman dress or just come casual. There will be a prize for the best dressed Roman and trivial pursuit. Bring a bottle of wine and a snack to share. For more details contact Mike or Beth Hall at (281) 364-1085.

The Church Office and Grace Lutheran School will be closed on Monday, May 26th in honor of Memorial Day.

Celebration Potluck, June 1st, 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall! Plan to attend and join with our high school and college graduates and their families in celebration of their graduation. A meat dish will be provided. Just bring your favorite covered dish, salad or dessert and join in this wonderful occasion with lots of good fellowship, food and fun!

Vacation Bible School: Explore the awesome wonder of God at Cosmic City June 9th through June 13th, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily. Kids, age 5 through 12 will blast off through the cosmos in an extremem VBS experience. Registration information will be coming soon! Mark your calendars!

The Houston Lutheran Chorale will present its annual Independence Day Concert on Friday, July 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church--Downtown. The concert, "Let Freedom Sing" will include a variety of patriotic American folk and contemporary selections including "Amazing Grace", "O God Our Help in Ages Past," "String of Pearls," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Complimentary tickets for the concerts are available by calling (281)479-5761 or at www.hlc-tx.org.

Lutheran Day at the Astros, July 20th, Astros vs. Chicago Cubs. Game time is 1:05 p.m. Reserve your tickets now! There are only 5 tickets left! Call (936) 588-1944 or sign up at the church office. Tickets are $12.00 each (mezzanine seats). $2.00 from each purchase will be donated to the Krause Children's Treatment Center and adoption/foster care services in the Houston area. Payment for tickets must be made by June 30th at the church office or drop it in the offering plate clearly marked Astros tickets. Join other members of your church family in this fun outing!

May God bless your day!

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church

05.15.08

Dear Grace Family,

May 18th will be an exciting Sunday at Grace, MCIHN arrives and there will be two baptisms! Olivia Anne Lee, infant daughter of Brent & Meredith Lee, will be baptized at early service, and Delaney Grayce Lyle, infant daughter of Stacy & LeeAnn Lyle, will be baptized at late service. Our family continues to grow!

If you can help with our MCIHN guests, please contact Betty Jackson at (936) 588-3272. There are many ways you can serve from overnight host to doing laundry and everything in between!

ZION meets on May 17th and May 31st at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All high school youth are invited!

Wine Tasting with a Roman theme will be held at the Hall's home on May 24th at 7:00 p.m.

You may come in Roman dress or just come casual. There will be a prize for the best dressed Roman and trivial pursuit. Bring a bottle of wine and a snack to share. For more details contact Mike or Beth Hall at (281) 364-1085.

Celebration Potluck, June 1st, 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall! Plan to attend and join with our high school and college graduates and their families in celebration of their graduation. A meat dish will be provided. Just bring your favorite covered dish, salad or dessert and join in this wonderful occasion with lots of good fellowship, food and fun!

Vacation Bible School: Explore the awesome wonder of God at Cosmic City June 9th through June 13th, 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily. Kids, age 5 through 12 will blast off through the cosmos in an extreme VBS experience. Registration information will be coming soon! Mark your calendars!

The Houston Lutheran Chorale will present its annual Independence Day Concert on Friday, July 4th at 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church--Downtown. The concert, "Let Freedom Sing" will include a variety of patriotic American folk and contemporary selections including "Amazing Grace", "O God Our Help in Ages Past," "String of Pearls," and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Complimentary tickets for the concerts are available by calling (281) 479-5761 or at www.hlc-tx.org.

Lutheran Day at the Astros, July 20th, Astros vs. Chicago Cubs. Game time is 1:05 p.m. Reserve your tickets now! Call (936) 588-1944 or sign up at the church office. Tickets are $12.00 each (mezzanine seats). $2.00 from each purchase will be donated to the Krause Children's Treatment Center and adoption/foster care services in the Houston area. Payment for tickets must be made by June 30th at the church office or drop it in the offering plate clearly marked Astros tickets. Join other members of your church family in this fun outing!

May God bless your day!

Sharon Cheney
Administrative Assistant
Grace Lutheran Church