08/14/2026
GRACE ANNOUNCEMENTS
August 16, 2026 - 12th Sunday after Pentecost
INTRODUCTION:
Elijah finds the presence of God not in earthquake, wind, or fire, but in the sound of sheer silence. When the disciples face a great storm on the sea, they cry out with fear. Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Amid the storms of life, we gather to seek the calm presence of Christ that soothes our fears. In comforting words of scripture and in the refreshing bread and cup of the eucharist, God grants us peace and sends us forth to be a sign of God’s presence to others.
SCRIPTURE READINGS:
FIRST READING Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Psalm 67
SECOND READING Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
GOSPEL Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE
SUNDAY - Reminder: GRACE T-SHIRTS!! - LAST SUNDAY TO ORDER
DEADLINE: SUN, AUG 16
See bulletin board in the Narthex for the order form for Grace’s new t-shirt.
We will not know the cost until we determine how many shirts are being ordered!
9:45a: Fellowship & Coffee - TEC
10:30a: Worship Service - Blessings for teachers and students
Welcome Reverend Sandi Wilcox
Rev Sandi Wilcox is a retired SPED teacher and a retired Lutheran pastor who is now a semi-retired Licensed Professional Counselor. She's taking suggestions for her next career.
TUESDAY - 7:00p: LMM Men's Book Study
THURSDAY - 7:00p: LMM MEN'S ONLINE BIBLE STUDY
IMPORTANT UPDATES
NURTURE COMMITTEE -NURTURE MINISTRY: In the new year, permission was granted by council to reactivate a Nurture committee. Details were to be defined with Pastor’s guidance. We need a system for meeting needs expressed by members within our congregation and on our prayer chain.
Some, but not all, of this mission of service could be:
Cards, texts, calls or visits;
Food or transportation;
Respite time for caregivers.
A small committee could structure this ministry, and a larger group of volunteers could be on call to give support.
The Bible encourages us to love and help one another. Can you be “God’s Work, our Hands” within our family of Grace?
To offer ideas see Shirley B.
NURTURE PROJECT
Grace Nurture Committee is working to update our directory to aid in their ministry efforts. We will have forms available for you to fill out or you scan the QR code to update your contact information online. DEADLINE: SEPT 20, 2026
THRIVENT LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRY CHALLENGE
Since we reached our goal of 250 items so quickly, we have increased our goal to 500. We are in special need of canned fruits and vegetables and pastas and pasta sauces.
In addition to food items, you are also able to donate money to the Free Food Pantry by placing your donation in the offering plate, marked for the Pantry.
You may also go online and choose DONATE, then choose “Other” and type in “Little Food Pantry”.
Thank you for your faithfulness in helping feed our neighbors.
Thank you to Adam for making new Little Free Pantry doors that were damaged. Thank you to Charlotte and Vanessa who will be painting the doors!
MINISTRY PROJECTS
HYGIENE KITS - Remember to Bring: Full sized bar of soap, deodorant, and a tube of toothpaste by August 30. Please no travel sizes.
MOSAIC STREET MINISTRY
Gently used, clean clothing items are needed.
No women’s clothing is needed at this time.
· Men’s clothing: t-shirts, shorts, pants/jeans, hats, coats, gloves and hoodies.
· Blankets, sleeping bags, pillows, towels
· Hygiene & toiletry items: shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body wash, lotion Q-tips, deodorant, Baby wipes & hand wipes
· Hand sanitizer
· Backpacks
This is a great ministry for those items you no longer need or wear.
FRIENDS OF GRACE
Friends of Grace is a free will offering account that is available to help our neighbors in need. We distribute this care via $75 HEB gift cards. The gift cards are used for gas money to get to work, doctor visits, and to get food and medicine for their children. Most of the people who come for help are women with children and elderly/disabled people who have a limited income.
You may place an offering for Friends of Grace in the offering plate on Sundays, labeling the envelope for "Friends of Grace". Checks should be written to Grace Lutheran Church. You may also donate online at graceline.org. There is a separate designation for Friends of Grace.
Thank you for your faithfulness in supporting this important Ministry.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug 23
9:00a: All Ages Sunday School - TEC
11:45a: Ice Cream Social after worship in the TEC
August 25
6:30p: Council Meeting - WGH Blue Room
August 30 - Choir & Chimes returns!
9:45a: Choir
11:45a: Chimes
COMMUNITY NEWS
September 2
6pm-8pm Poolside Parables
Join us, September 2nd from 6pm–8pm for Poolside Parables! This special event is for middle schoolers through recently graduated high school seniors.
Come hang out by the pool, enjoy some great food, connect with friends, and take part in a meaningful devotion all in a relaxed, summer evening setting.
Don’t forget your swimsuit and towel! Speak with Carrie & Trent for more info.
OCT 16-18, 2026
A CALL TO CONVENTION:
Rooted & Growing 39th Convention of the SWT SWO WELCA
THEME: Rooted in Faith, Growing Together.
Have a GREAT weekend!