“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday is Sunday, September 10, 2023. This day is an opportunity to celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. The Commissions of Grace are holding a “Ministry Fair” on this Sunday to showcase the various ways in which Grace Lutheran Church participates in God’s work.
During the pandemic, our music ministry, led by Slade Trammell, had to find new ways of presenting music to the congregation. This video showcases the Grace Virtual Choir performing “Spirit of the Living God” by Iverson.
Grace Lutheran Church held its first annual Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 30th last year. There was a good crowd, and the evening was a great success! We’re planning to hold this event again this year on August 29th, beginning at 6 PM.
For more information about Trunk or Treat, please visit our November newsletter.
Grace held its annual Pet Blessing service on Sunday, October 2nd. Despite the somewhat gloomy weather, about 50 people and their pets attended. Judy Goans led the service; music was provided by Slade Trammell. Blessing certificates are available for those who participated in the individual blessings.
Donation jars were available to raise money to distribute to local rescue groups, and almost $650 has been collected. Those who still wish to donate may visit the Grace Pet Fest website for more information on ways to give. More photos can be viewed in the November newsletter.
Congratulations to Neal Vaughan on his selection as East Tennessee Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of Greater Knoxville! Neal was chosen from amongst 102 volunteers from 14 counties. He has served with the Lions Club of Clinton for 37 years, working on their programs to prevent and cure blindness. He also helped to build the first inclusive playground in Anderson County, and he works with the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank. A gift of $1000 was made to the eye bank in recognition of his selection as Volunteer of the Year.
Congratulations to Becky Ball on being selected as one of “75 for the 75th” by the Rotary Club of Oak Ridge! This program honors seventy-five community leaders in celebration of the club’s 75th anniversary. As a part of this honor, Becky has been named a Paul Harris Fellow, and $1000 has been donated to the Rotary Foundation in recognition of her accomplishments.
Pam Woodard took this splendid photo of our memorial garden.
Church secretary Pam Woodard took these photos of the gifts for the children participating in our Angel Tree program – what a beautiful sight!
The latest newsletter from the Brondos family, Lutheran missionaries in Mexico, is available.
Grace’s Little Free Library is located outside near the Food Pantry entrance. There are books available for all ages, but more children’s books would be welcome, if you have any to donate.
The beautiful rock was painted by David Lee Hendon. He contributes these to Little Free Libraries around Oak Ridge.
Thanks to Thrivent Financial for their support of this project.