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.

Grace Calendar
Fall-Early Winter Events

Dec. 1: First Sunday in Advent/First Communion
Dec. 8: Annual Rigatoni Dinner and Advent Workshop
Dec. 22: Children’s Christmas Pageant (One Service at 9:30 a.m.)
Dec. 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve Services with Holy Communion 7:00 and 10:00 p.m.

Ninth Annual Rigatoni Dinner & Advent Workshop

Please mark your calendar and plan to join your family and friends at Grace for the Ninth Annual Rigatoni Dinner and Advent Workshop following the 10:30 a.m. worship service on December 8. A free-will donation will be collected to support the 2020 Youth Mission trip to Benton Harbor, Michigan.

Hospitality Ministries is planning a scrumptious meal in Fellowship Hall featuring homemade meatballs made by our Grace youth. Rigatoni with a hearty and tasty red sauce will be served along with salad, bread, desserts and beverages and more.

Christian Faith and Life Ministries sponsors the Advent Workshop this year. It will offer an interesting array of easy-to-make Christmas crafts at tables located in Fellowship and Luther Halls. This year’s special workshop is making some new Chrismons (Christian Christmas symbols) for our sanctuary Christmas tree.

The Fumbly, Bumbly Angels

This year’s Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held in the church sanctuary on Sunday, December 22 at 9:30 a.m. The children will be performing The Fumbly, Bumbly Angels by Sandy Cope. Dr. Nicole Willey is directing the performance.

The story involves four fumbly, bumbly angels who have set their sights on singing in the glorious Heavenly Choir. But instead, they find themselves singing in the tiny village of Bethlehem. How did they get there? Who did they meet? What did they sing? For the answers to these and other questions, come join us and find out.

Rehearsal Schedule
Dec. 1: 4 pm, first practice.
Dec 8: Second practice immediately following Advent Workshop.
Dec. 15: Third practice immediately following late service and lunch.
Dec. 21: 9 am to 1 pm, Dress Rehearsal.
(All children with major parts MUST be at this rehearsal for at least one run through.)
Dec. 22: Showtime!