All Aboard the Youth Train

Cody Jerles has been hired by Planning Council to be the “new conductor” of our Grace Youth Train. This comes after a most positive recommendation from Stewardship Development Ministries and an interview with Pastor Rice. Cody began his duties as our new Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries August 4.

Cody Jerles is a life-long member of Grace Lutheran. He is graduate of Dover High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from Akron University. He is currently employed by the Garaway Local Schools as an Intervention Specialist for grades K-3.

Cody steps up to his new responsibilities and opportunities after years of experience with Grace youth activities as both a participant and a leader. Cody has ventured forth on twelve Grace Youth Mission Trips, six as a youth participant and six as a youth leader and chaperone. This next summer the Youth Train will travel to Benton Harbor, Michigan to serve our up-north neighbors in the name of Jesus. Cody already has plans and arrangements in the works.

We wish to offer our heartfelt thanks to Rhonda Fisher for serving as our Coordinator of Youth and Family Ministries for the past five years. She stepped up into this osition in a time of great need and has done an excellent job in every way. She has served our youth and congregation ably and well and is committed to be a valuable and continuing resource for our youth and family activities. Thank you, Rhonda! We appreciate you so very much!

Children's Ministries

We are looking for a responsible adult or teen to take care of our nursery (children 3 and younger) during the Sunday School hour and 10:30 a.m. morning worship. This is a paid position. Nursery care begins at 9:15 and continues through approximately 11:45. It begins the first Sunday in September and ends the last Sunday in June. If you are interested in this children’s ministry, please contact Pastor Rice or the church office for an application.

We are also looking for a volunteer or two to teach our 3rd-4th grade Sunday School class. The students meet for learning activities at 9:15 a.m. If you would like to share God’s wonderful words of life with these young people, contact Faith Bambeck, Director of Christian Faith and Life, or Pastor Rice.

CELEBRATION SUNDAY 2019

Our 2019 Celebration Sunday will be celebrated on September 8.

Rally Day activities will begin at 9:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall. Grace Stewardship Development Ministries will start the morning by sponsoring a Blessing of the Backpacks. This brief ceremony will include prayer and individual blessings of the children and their backpacks. Backpack tags and some essential school supplies will be offered.

Sunday School youth will be promoted, introduced to their teachers and the 2019 curriculum.

Continental breakfast foods and beverages will be available. Children and youth will be promoted, introduced to their teachers and the 2019 curriculum. Christian Faith and Life Ministries is coordinating this part of the event.

Our Celebration Sunday continues with our Annual Church Picnic. This will be held
outdoors in the green space next to the Grace Outreach Center following the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

The event will include a 70-foot obstacle course for the kids and other activities. The centerpiece of the picnic will be our homemade covered dishes. You may choose to dine al fresco under the picnic tent or inside the Outreach Center. Each family is asked to bring a family favorite covered dish and/or dessert to share. Fried chicken, beverages and tableware will be provided.

Hospitality Ministries is planning a delicious and fun-filled time for all. (In the event of rain, the picnic will move indoors to Fellowship Hall.)