GUIDEPOST - July - August, 2019

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    THE G.A.B. GUIDEPOST    -    July - August, 2019

     The Monthly NEWSLETTER OF:             

         (Grace, Augsburg, Bonnechere)                             

           Lutheran Churches.                                                               

           Office Location:  14 Bonnechere St. W.,                                Office:           613-628-1392            

           P.O. Box 129,                                                                           Fax                613-628-9534

           Eganville, Ontario. K0J 1T0                                                     Office Hours: Wed. & Fri.    

           E-mail:  gracelutheran @nrtco.net                                                       9 a.m. to 2:30 pm.                  

           Website: gracelutheraneganville.ca                       

           Facebook:  Three in the Valley Grace Augsburg Bonnechere                                   

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From the Desk of Pastor Goos

From Pastor Jim:

For much of the past generation whenever worship is considered, music has been the primary focus, specifically whether “contemporary” music or “traditional” music will attract the younger generation.

An article in the May issue of Christianity Today reminded me that very little is said in either     the Old or New Testament about music in worship.  Psalm 95 is a good example.  It begins with a call to “sing for joy to the Lord.”  However, the word “worship” doesn’t appear until verse 6, “Come, let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”  The focus in this psalm, and elsewhere in the Bible, is on an audience with God, being in His presence.

We often describe worship in terms of music and liturgy; the Bible urges us to begin with a    focus on God, who He is (our Creator, Redeemer, Lord, etc.) and who we are (the sheep of His pasture, His children, etc.).  With that in mind, our posture is to bow before Him in awe and wonder.

When we examine New Testament passages which describe worship, nothing has changed.  When the wise men found Jesus in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:11), they “bowed down and  worshiped him.”  Also, in Revelation 5:14 as the angels in heaven were singing praises to the Lamb, the elders “threw themselves to the ground and worshiped.”

The point of these passages is that worship begins with a posture of bowing before God in submission to Him. 

Psalm 24:3 asks, “Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?”  Verse 4 answers, “the one  whose deeds are blameless, whose motives are pure.”  Many Scripture passages have a similar message: God focuses more on the attitude of our heart than on our outward actions.  When our motives are pure, our actions are more likely to be righteous.

Colossians 3:12–15 (NIV) says it well, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly  loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear   with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. For-give as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

True and acceptable worship is not defined by liturgy or music; nor is it determined by out-     side observers, or even by the worshipers in attendance.  Rather true and acceptable worship is measured by God, the One who invites us into His presence, and who delights in being the object of our worship.

As in all things, Jesus is our best example of true submission to the Father.  Animated and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we follow His example and live righteously, and are assured of  His favourable response, “Well done, good and faithful servant … Come and share your master’s happiness” (Matthew 25:33).

Pastor Jim

Information from Grace

WORSHIP AND MUSIC COMMITTEE UPDATE. June 2, 2019

The Committee met May 29^th.  Service planning and hymn selection was the main agenda, and was completed up to the end of August, with help from Deaconess Pam Harrington and Pastor Jim Goos.  The choir is on holidays in July and August.

Other business:

Hand sanitizers have been placed throughout the church.

Our supply musician is Heather St. Jacques. Olivia Bestvater contributes to the service with the violin,  and Kathryn Roesler with the flute. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us. 

We welcome others to share their musical talents and enhance our praise.

Elaine Drefke takes care of the flowers on the altar and in the chancel. If you wish to place flowers in memory of a loved one or as a thanksgiving for a special occasion, let Elaine know at phone # 613-754-2851 and also, the office at phone # 613-628-1392.

Gary Churchill makes the communion wine as needed.

Marlyn Dittburner ordered liquid paraffin for the candles.

The next meeting is August 21^st at 9:30 AM. New members and input are always welcome.

Psalm 63: 3-5. Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips will praise You.                        Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name, My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise you with joyful lips.

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FROM THE QUILTERS

From January to June, the Quilters have distributed the following in the area:-

Tie Quilts – 12 to the Women’s Sexual Assault Centre

                     22 – Groves Park, Renfrew

                     13 – Asst. Columbus House, Pembroke

                       8 – Bernadette McCann House Pembroke

                     82 – Renfrew Hospice

                       3 – Machine Quilts

Also:-  9 Adult Quilted Bibs to Groves Park

            6 Knitted Afghans; 2 Tie Quilts and 1 Crocheted Afghan  to Crescent Care, Cobden.

            15 pr. Socks; 65 Baby toques; 15 Preemie Baby Blankets to CHEO, Ottawa

            56 Baby Toques; 6 larger Baby Quilts, 6 Knitted Shawls and 13 Small Quilted Blankets to

                        Maternity Floor of Pembroke Regional Hospital.

Thank you to everyone who made Quilt Tops at home and also those who knitted sock, toques, and afghans in their spare time.  These are special talents.  Also thank you to the community for donations from all denominations for material and quilting time.    

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PROPERTY COMMITTEE UPDATE, June, 2019.                                                                                                                   The parsonage has been renovated and is ready for our new pastor.                                                                                      The chain link fence has been removed at the parsonage, as it is no longer required.

Jim Verch has offered to do outdoor repairs as needed. 

The group that helped refurbish the flower bed have done a great job.

We expect the railing to be installed shortly.

The church window sills need to be sanded and stained again.

Thanks to everyone who donated time and finances to help make all this possible.

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WITNESS COMMITTEE UPDATE. June 2, 2019.

The committee is continuing work on the membership.

The main focus now is to gather information.

 We ask ALL MEMBERS to fill out the forms provided and place in the basket in the narthex.

If we do not have the proper information we cannot contact you.

Some shut-ins are being visited. Please inform the office if you know anyone who would like a

visit and/or communion, and if you would like to join our team of visitors. Our visits are very

much appreciated and we are always blessed.

Sharon Byers keeps the Memorial Book updated. It is placed in the narthex.

Baptismal boxes and books are ordered as required.                                                                                                                                                                                       Ten bereavement cards and pamphlets have been sent to date this year.

If you know of anyone who has a loved one that passed away please let Marlyn Dittburner or Edna Neitzel know.

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the

whole creation.”

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GRACE SUNDAY SCHOOL:

A BIG Thank You goes out to all those who helped to make the Lent  "40 Cans in 40 Days" project a huge success.  We were able to gather a full van load of food for the Eganville Foodbank.   

We were so pleased that Deacon Pam put together our Sunday School Wind Up service.  It was presented by our amazing group of children who were the stars of the day!  Many members attending the service said they would love to see the children lead a service again in the future. 

A BIG Thank You also goes out to Amy Bernard and Kathryn Roesler for teaching the children this year.  This would not be happening without them. 

Sunday School will return in the fall.   

Golden Retreat in September at Lutherlyn Camp

Do you feel the need to get away?  The Golden Retreat might just be
for you. Join us at the Lutherlyn Camp & Conference Center “Golden”
Retreat for those 50+ who desire to strengthen their faith, meet new
people, and just get away for a few days.  Enjoy yourself in the
comfortable 4 Seasons Lodge September 23-27, 2019 for an unforgettable
time. Each year participants delight in an invigorating Bible study,
worship, and fellowship.   Led by Rev. Charles Nolting, we plan to put
together a weeks worth of devotions for our national devotional
booklet “Eternity for Today”.  Note that the Golden Retreat is about
more than just Worship & Bible Study!  We also plan out-trips to
various locations as well as on the camp grounds.  Free time is a must
– and the food and lodgings are great!
If you feel the urge to attend, please pick up a Lutherlyn brochure,
register online at  www.lutherlyncamp.ca , phone or text Pastor
Nolting at 705-920-3573, or email revc.nolting@gmail.com

I am also inviting any interested pastors to attend one of our
sessions, just to see for yourselves what a great retreat this is.  If
you are interested, please get back to me.

Rev. Charles Nolting

Notes to All Parishes

CHANGE OF SERVICE NOTICE.

The Tri Parish Council has agreed that for the months

of July and August – there  will be One service at 9:00 AM with one exception – July 14^th.  The services will rotate between Bonnechere & Grace.  Unfortunately Augsburg is not wheelchair accessible and is not included in the summer schedule which is as follows:-

July  7– 9:00 AM – Bonnechere

July 14 – 9:00 AM – Bonnechere & also Grace

July 21 & 28 – 9:00 AM – Grace

August   4 & 11 – 9:00 AM – Bonnechere

August  18 & 25 – 9:00 AM – Grace

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 Coming Events:

Grace - July 21^st Fellowship Sunday after service hosted by the Grace Cemetery Committee.

There will be a potluck brunch on Sunday July 28th at Grace as a farewell thank you to our interim Deacon Pam and Pastor Jim.

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On Sunday August 4th at Bonnechere there will be coffee and cookies after service to welcome Pastor Ralph.

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Area Items of Interest.

Families Needed for Homestay Program-Algonquin College International Students

Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is looking for families who are interested in hosting an international student, beginning in the fall of 2019. Some funding is provided to families.  Host families will need to live in Pembroke, within a 30 minute walk of the campus.

Anyone interested can contact Lyne Vezina of Canadian Accommodation Services at 613-325-0822. 

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.

Jamie Bramburger

Acting Dean

Algonquin College Waterfront Campus

1 College Way, Pembroke, ON, K8A 0C8

613-735-4700, ext. 2752

Twitter: @brambuj    

From Grace Council.

Council continues their search for one more member. Please consider serving your church in this position.

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                                                 Harvest Dinner News

The Harvest Dinner at Grace will be held Oct 19, 2019, starting at 3:30PM

We will be looking for volunteers and donations of  food and any other help you can provide.

Over summer, please think about how you can assist. The dinner cannot happen unless you can help make it happen.

Please see or call Janice Nagora at 613 735 1732  OR

                            Charlotte Schaven at 613 628 2049

Thank you, have a great summer!

The Harvest Dinner Committee

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Photo book of Parsonage

After repairs were completed to the  parsonage in preparation for new occupants, the Property Committee had a photo album prepared showing the condition of the

Parsonage after all repairs were completed and before new tenants take possession.

This project was done by Boyd Quast who spent a lot of time in taking the photos and

preparing the book as a permanent record for the Property Committee.  This book is

in the office and if you wish to take a look, please go to the office during office hours and take a look.  Thank you Boyd for a wonderful job.

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Please remember you your prayers from Grace:

Evelyn Jobin, Earl Hein, Natasha Gagnon-Burchat, Arlene Smith, Marion Wisotzke, Eileen Warlich and Barbara Zomers and from Augsburg/Bonnechere: Ken Roesner, Ellie Sommerville, Lawrence Scheuneman, Myles Newman, Don Musclow, Franklyn Bramburger, Leah Pringle, Delroy Hein, Cyril Waito, Courtney Schruder, Gord Grant,  Shirley Glickman, Marilyn Schneider, Donna Hoffmann, Gail Hein, Emily Rhode,  Lorna Turner, and Stephanie Yourth.

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Augsburg/Bonnechere Duty Schedule

 July 2019                                         

Readings:  July  2019                 

Augsburg/Bonnechere Duty Schedule                   

August 2019                                     

Readings:   August , 2019              

                     In The Garden I Learned I AM Not Alone

That ageless hymn that I grew up listening to – didn’t make much sense when I was young, however the older I get, the more those words have come to mean to me.  In the Garden – He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am his own.  What a comforting thought.  I am His own.  He Loves me.  He takes care of me.  I am Never alone – He is always there. This then makes me think of a hymn called Footsteps.   It is by Daniel O’Donnell and paying attention to the words, continually reminds me we never are, nor do we ever walk alone.  It goes as follows:-

Footsteps walking with me

Footsteps  I cannot see
But every move I make
And every step I take
I know they're there with me
They walk with me all the way
Beside me day by day
Through good and bad
Through happy and sad
Those footsteps won't go away

I'll never walk in life alone
There'll always be someone there
I know He won't let me down
He's with me everywhere
The special things in life I've done
Have been through Him and His love
I've been blessed in so many ways.

I think that my life's been planned
By the one who's guiding me
When I'm led by the hand
Of someone I can't see
I'm not always sure where to go
That's when I follow his lead
I know that the pathway that He shows
Will help me to succeed.

Thank you God for caring, for looking after me, being with me, leading me and never,

never letting me walk alone, even when I am foolish enough to think that I am.    Amen.