Grace Free Lutheran Church Newsletter

Pastor Peter Franz November 2011 No Bible...No Breakfast! My Grandfather was a man who loved God's Word. He would often say, "No Bible-No Breakfast." Would it make a difference in your life if you made this your motto? If you aren't spending time daily in God's word I know that it would. God's word is powerful. It creates and sustains spiritual life. I would like to give you a challenge for the coming year. Join with me in reading through the Bible in 2012. You don't have to read before breakfast, you can read at a time that works best for you. But commit yourself to spend time daily in God's word. You will never regret it. Pastor Peter Franz "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105.)

Creation Museum DVD Series Presentation Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16, 6:30 p.m. in the Library This DVD series will include: Life Where Does the Evidence Lead? Flood Geology Excellent evidence for outreach and discipleship! This series is the highest quality and most cutting-edge DVD resource published by Answers in Genesis. Flood Geology  Flood Geology includes a stunning collection of videos from the Creation Museum explains the possible mechanisms for the Flood and the tremendous effects that the Flood had on the earth, including fossils and the post-Flood Ice Age. Flood Initiation The Present is Not the Key to the Past Mount St. Helens Rock Layers Fossilization Coal Canyons Rapid Speciation Distribution of Plants & Animals Ice Age Life  The earth abounds with a fantastic variety of living things. But what is life? Why are living things so similar? Explore amazing answers from the Bible in this brilliant video presentation from the Creation Museum.  This compilation DVD contains the following nine programs: What Is Life? Creator Clearly Seen Common Designer Eyes Designed for Flight Kinds Communities Chameleons Backyard Variety Where Does the Evidence Lead?  For more than a century, Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection has defined biology. Yet today, a growing number of scientists question its ability to account for the orgin and diversity of life. This DVD examines Darwinian evolution and presents a powerful challenge to its validity: the theory of intelligent design. Cloud of Biblical Witnesses Six Days Theater What Is a Day? Dominion Made in God's Image Methuselah's Tale Babel Scopes Trial Join us for this insightful series!

Meet The Floan's Wayne and Karen Floan moved from their farm in Fertile MN in 2000 after farming there for 26 years to work at the AFLC headquarters and campus. Karen is administrative assistant for AFLC President Elden Nelson while Wayne is the head of maintenance for the AFLC Schools and campus. Karen and Wayne both attended AFLBS where they met and were married on the campus in 1974. They have 4 grown children - their only son Benjamin, a mechanical engineer and his wife Alisha, a pharmacist, live in Andover MN with their four small children, ages 6, 4, 2 and 9 months; daughter Kelli an English teacher, recently married Michael Noyes, a Farm Bureau agent, in June of 2011 and live in Pinedale WY. Daughter Leah, a Lab Tech Scientist just moved to Hilo, HI in March of 2011; youngest daughter Gretchen lives in Brooklyn Center and attends the U of MN majoring in Biology. Both Wayne and Karen are blessed to have fellowship with friends and family nearby and attend Grace Free Lutheran where Wayne serves on the church council and Karen as a Sunday School teacher for K-1st.

Marie Sandvik Center Ministry Once a year the ladies of Grace Free Lutheran Church are given the opportunity to minister through the Marie Sandvik Center, an inner-city mission on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. Through this organization are channeled clothes, housewares, a regular schedule of meals and an outreach ministry that presents the good news of knowing Jesus. There are a number of activities geared to people of varying ages from infant to elderly. The center is there for people who live in that area of Minneapolis. By "live" it means that some have access to a "roof over their heads" in that neighborhood. But, some are not as fortunate and live on the streets. On October 13th four ladies from GFLC along with AFLTS seminarian Terry Kruger and teens Ryan Jones (GFLC) and Seth Skogerboe (Living Hope LC) were welcomed to the mission to take part in sharing in the center's Christian outreach program. The ladies helped prepare and serve a light lunch which was provided by the women of our congregation. Terry Kruger presented a Christ-centered message and was available to visit and pray with people from the audience. Ryan and Seth provided special music and a sing-a-long time, accompanying themselves with guitar and drum. They also had an opportunity to meet, greet and pray with others in attendance. The day was a special time of remembrance for me as I recalled serving at the center with my mother, Faye James, back in the 1980's. This time I had the privilege of being there with my grandson, Seth. It was interesting to see that our family's connection to the center now spans three generations and that Marie Sandvik's dream for this ministry has reached out to people in this area since 1940. Thank you to all the ladies of GFLC who provided sandwiches, cookies and carrots for the lunch that was served. Please pray for this ministry which continues to be a necessary program for those who are in need of a helping hand in the name of Jesus. Submitted by Gloria Lee

Sharing the Gospel "And He said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation" (Mark 16:15). On October 13th, I had the great privilege to give the message at the Marie Sandvick Center in the Phillips Neighborhood of Minneapolis. I gave the Gospel proclamation and Seth Skogerboe and Ryan Jones provided the music. The people there are genuine and in need of help of not only clothes and food but in need of hope, the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. I had the privilege to talk to a woman after the service that needed prayer and just a sounding board in which I provided. Please consider in helping those who are in need at Grace Lutheran Church and especially for those who live in low-income housing or in shelters. In the parable of the Great Banquet Luke 14:13 reminds us to invite the poor, lame and the blind when one gives a feast. What a reminder from Jesus to help those in need and to share the Gospel with them to enjoy the riches of Christ of His eternal inheritance. Submitted by Seminarian Terry Kruger My trip to the Marie Sandvik Center on October 13th was very interesting. I have never been a place quite like it. My visit made me so thankful for what I have and where I live and what environment I have taken for granted all my life. I remember watching as a volunteer held out clothes and yelled, "XXL polo! XL T-shirt!" Then someone would raise their hand and the volunteer would throw the shirt their way. This continued for some time and as I watched, I sank deeper and deeper into my seat. It was a weird feeling. Almost like I was feeling so guilty for what I have. Being human, I am sometimes more consumed with what I DON'T have rather than being thankful for what God has given me. I am so glad I got the opportunity to sing and play my guitar for these people. It was a blessing to me! Submitted by Ryan Jones Volunteers needed at Marie Sandvik Center Call 612-870-9617  Thanksgiving Day Marie Sandvik center provides 500 meals. Volunteers needed to prepare and serve the meal. Call Marybeth. Christmas Eve - Volunteers are needed to pack bags, move boxes and set-up for the distribution of gifts and food bags. Christmas shoe boxes items: toothpaste, toothbrush, gloves, mittens, winter hat, comb, brush, soap, shampoo, socks. Throughout the year...Saturday Kid's Club 11-1 p.m. volunteers are welcome to help with the lunch and play with the kids. Contact Chris Pechan. msc@usfamily.net. 5th Sunday Evening Service 5:00 - 8:30 p.m. Individuals are needed to help put on the service.

Join us for an evening of Thanks and Praise to our Lord, for all He has done. Sunday, November 20, 6:30 p.m. Pie and refreshments following the service. Each family please bring a pie. If you would like to share a testimony or a song please call the church office. In Everything Give Thanks In every thing give thanks to God, This is His will for man. He marks the way that we all trod, We're part of His great plan All things are for our good, He says, The pleasant and the sad. Just knowing that He cares for us Will make our spirits glad. It isn't hard to praise the Lord  When sunshine floods my way,  When skies are clear and naught has come  To mar my perfect day.  But, oh, it's different when the clouds  Of sorrow round me roll,  When grief and anguish seem to grip  My poor forsaken soul. But even in those times He says  All things still work for good,  To them who have been placed within  This blessed brotherhood.  Joint-heirs with Christ to all the wealth  The Father has in store.  He's promised all to me, His child:  How could I ask for more? Why then should I not thank my God  For all He brings my way,  For all the blessings that He pours  On me from day to day?  His favors shower on my path,  My needs He does supply.  I'm made aware of His great love  As each new day goes by.  William F. Sherbert

Be Thankful Unto Him "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100:1-5).

Mission Sunday Presentation The Voice of the Martyrs is a Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:  "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body." VOM helps Christians who are or have been, persecuted for their involvement in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ by:  ...providing medical assistance, food, clothing, and other forms of aid.  ...supporting Christians who are willing to invite their fellow men, even their persecutors, to Jesus Christ through faithful deeds of love in a hostile environment.  ...supply Bibles, literature, radios, and other evangelistic tools.  ...encourage persecuted Christians by giving their testimony a voice, informing Christians in the USA to know how to help. Believing that the lives and the testimony of persecuted Christians is a vital part of the fellowship of all believers and will challenge and strengthen the faith of Christians everywhere. Join Us... Sunday, November 13, Jerrell Hein of Voice of the Martyrs will speak during the 9:00 a.m. Sunday School hour and during the 10:30 a.m. Worship service.

Concerts and Programs... You are welcome and invited to attend the following events...check out the web sites for tickets if necessary. GFLC Services www.gracefreelutheran.org  Advent Services - Theme: "The End of All Things Is Near" I Peter 4:7: November 30, December 7, 14, 6:30 p.m. Library. A meal will be served at 5:30-6:15 p.m. during Advent in the Fellowship Rooms 112/114.  Christmas Services: December 24, 5:00 p.m. and December 25, 10:30 am. HCA Events www.heritageweb.org  HCA Band Concert - November 18, 7:00 p.m.  Foundation Banquet - November 19  HCA Choir and Orchestra Concert - December 1, 7:00 p.m. AFLBS Events www.aflbs.org  Gospel Team Concert - December 9  Christmas Concerts - December 10, 7 p.m. - December 11, 4:00 p.m. ARC Events www.arc-aflc.org  Chosen Child Conference - November 4-6  Silent Prayer Retreat - December 2-3 (4) Holiday Concerts Angela Hanson performing Saint Paul Conservatory Coffee Concert (http://www.thespcm.org/events.php) Wed. Dec. 7, 12:00 p.m. National Lutheran Choir Concert (www.nlca.com) Nov.4, 7:30 p.m. at St. Bartholomew's Catholic Church in Wayzata. Opera "Silent Night" (www.mnopera.org) at the Ordway in St. Paul, the story of a Christmas Eve truce during World War 1. Nov.12-20. Bethel University's Christmas Festival (http://www.bethel.edu/news-events/events/festival/) Dec.1-3 Dakota Valley Symphony Christmas Concert (www.dakotavalleysymphony.org) "Amahl and the Night Visitors" fully staged production. Dec.4, 2:00 p.m. at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center. Kantorei Chamber Choir Christmas Concerts (www.kantorei.net/schedule.html) "Celebrating the Mystery" Dec.9, 7:30 p.m. Church of St. Peter in St. Paul; Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph Parish in New Hope, Dec.18, 4:00 p.m. St. Paul Seminary Chapel.

Grace Free Lutheran Church presents.... Conversations With Corrie Sunday, November 6, 3:00 p.m. Memories are the key not to the past, but to the future." Corrie ten Boom Corrie ten Boom was a well-known and much loved Christian writer, speaker and evangelist. Corrie and her courageous Christian family helped hundreds of Jewish people that were being persecuted by the Nazis during WWII in her homeland of Holland. The story of their work in "God's Underground" is retold in this captivating one-women dramatization called, Conversations With Corrie. Arriving in period costume and with Dutch accent, storyteller Pati Kachel authentically portrays 84-year-old Corrie ten Boom recalling "The Hiding Place" years in the first person narrative style. Through this program, students of all ages will hear about the true historic events of this author's life. Faith lessons are taught through the ways that Corrie met the many challenges that she faced. Listeners will be deeply touched by the wisdom and insight of this unforgettable communicator of God's hope, forgiveness and love.Experience an enriching hour of listening to the life lessons and legacy of this faith-filled silver-haired saint. Miss Pati Kachel is a professional storyteller who has written and performed over 30 different original story programs. She specializes in sharing biblical stories and presenting stories of great women of the Christian faith. Pati serves full-time as the communication Director and Storyteller for the Parable Fund. The mission of this unique ministry is to tell earthy stories that communicate scriptural truth and Judeo-Christian values.

Thrivent Choice Are you using your Thrivent Choice dollars? Thrivent Choice program allows its members to choose where they would like to have Thrivent outreach funds go by directing Choice Dollars to eligible Lutheran Organizations. Our church has the opportunity to direct funds to our AFLC Seminary, Bible school, HCA or our congregation. It's easy to do.just go online. Direct Choice Dollars online now www.thrivent.com or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state "Thrivent Choice." Sign up today.. Let's have 100% of Grace members sign up for THRIVENT CHOICE. Giving back makes an important impact in people's lives. Last year alone, Thrivent Financial provided more than $100 million to help congregations, communities and individuals in need. Members who own Thrivent Financial products help make this support possible.  Thrivent Choice lets you recommend where some of Thrivent Financial's charitable outreach funds go by directing Choice Dollars and by participating in Voting Events.  Use your MyThrivent user ID and password to log in and get started. www.thrivent.com How are Choice Dollars Determined?  Eligible members are designated Choice Dollars based on their:  ? Insurance premiums  ? Contract values;  ? And Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership How Do I Direct My Designated Choice Dollars?  Choose from Lutheran organizations nationwide, including your local congregation. It's easy! Search for your preferred organization(s). Direct Choice Dollars online now or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state "Thrivent Choice." Choice dollars funds will be automatically distributed to your recommended organization when the balance reaches $10 Choice dollars or more.

Love INC Ministry Recently Grace Free Lutheran Church's Love INC ministry received an Economic Outreach Bridge Grant through the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation in recognition of the significant impact being made via our outreach service programs through Love INC community outreach. This grant recognizes the fine efforts of our volunteers and congregations who have responded to the current economic conditions in providing basic needs for our clients and their families. The initial grant was $5,000 and we were given the opportunity to earn an additional $10,000 in a challenge grant. Donations given totaled $23,620.00. Out of 101 gifts 93 were from individuals. We had 100% Board participation. Praise be to God. Local Thrivent Representatives Beth Dahl and Thomas Johnston presented the check to Pastor Franz, on behalf of the work of our congregation, on Thursday, October 23. We are grateful to our congregation who continues the important work in our community serving local needs!

Opportunities to Serve Children's Church Volunteers are needed for the coming new year: Contact Lisa Leland. home (763) 494-5002, cell (612) 965-8071 or lisa@digicomp.us. Nursing Home Weekly Service: Volunteers are needed to bring a message and provide music to the residents at Crystal Care Center. Wednesday Night Advent Meals: Individuals are needed to help prepare, serve, and clean up on Wednesdays during Advent. Grace Meal Ministry: Contact gracechurchmeals@yahoo.com. Love INC: Clearinghouse Coordinator and volunteers are needed to answer phones at the Clearinghouse - 5701 Kentucky Ave. Call the Love INC office if interested: 763-561-1410. Greeters: Greeters are needed on Sunday mornings before the worship service to welcome our members and visitors. Serving Committees: Serving Committees serve coffee before the Worship Service and at special events throughout the school year. Individuals are welcome to help on a monthly Serving Committee. Grace Thanksgiving Service Nov.20, 6:30 p.m. A service of praise and thanks with special music selections and testimonies from our Grace members and friends.

How could we pray for you? How can we "Praise God" with you this week? Learn more about Grace by visiting our web site: www.gracefreelutheran.org. "Words of Grace" are words that both come from Grace, your church, and words that give grace to you or encourage you as you walk with the Lord. In these regular emails you will find a variety of things that we hope will be helpful to you.

Grace Free Lutheran Church Newsletter