Worshiping, Caring, Sharing

 A Reconciled in Christ Congregation

of the ELCA

Pastor’s Jibes    

It gets confusing sometimes,

And our Harbor of Grace is not immune.

The committee which did the “leg work” for us, in order to become a Reconciled in Christ ELCA congregation, is continuing in the same spirit (I believe as in Holy Spirit) now as the Diversity and Inclusion committee.

What is confusing is that we are living in a society where diversity and inclusion are denigrated and attacked. From dehumanizing immigrants as “vermin”, to shooting people in a gay night club, to banning books about parts of history and people’s experiences that are different from what a portion of our citizenry prefers.

But, here we are working faithfully to pay heed to diversity and inclusion as part of the gospel. It is confusing when a “Christian nation” and Christians are opposing what we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to be and do.

It can be confusing when the gay pride symbol on our Peace pole is torn off. The act is not in harmony with the practice of peace-making which Jesus blessed in the Beatitudes. Certainly, all the languages on the Peace pole infer diversity and inclusion.

It gets confusing when one reads the Bible and comes out with a different message than I do or you do.

Confusion is a reality which underscores the work it takes to be faithful and how integral being a part of a community of faith is. The community of faith we belong to is the  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. And that community of faith, in these times of   confusion and division, are working on providing guidance through a social statement, Civic Life and Faith. It is in the draft stage at this moment and can be accessed www.elca.org/civicsandfaith. The site also provides for you to give feedback as part of the development process. If enough of you would like to gather for the study materials provided we will do so.

In our ELW, p. 87, is A prayer of Martin Luther. In part it reads: “Behold, Lord, an empty vessel that needs to be filled. My Lord, fill it. I am weak in faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me and make me fervent, that my love my go out to my neighbor. I do not have strong and firm faith; at times I doubt and am unable to trust you altogether. O Lord, help me. Strengthen my faith and trust in you…..”

In Christ

Pr. Ferra

We are blessed to have a congregation of members whose talents are amazing. One such person is Ken Foster. Ken has donated a gorgeous cross which he   created using ceramics and wood. We have installed it in the hallway between the ramp and Colonial Room. 

Thank you so much Ken for sharing your gift with us.  

INSTALLATION AND POT LUCK

Come join us, February 18 when the Reverend John B. Ferra, Jr. is installed as our part time pastor during the worship service. We are thrilled to receive him as our pastor and will celebrate heartily with a Pot Luck Luncheon following the service. If you are able, bring a dish to share, great, if you are unable to bring anything,

please join in the party!

Council Meeting Notes, December 11, 2023

Approved Council actions:

* The council voted to officially change the name of the “Upper Room” (located off the Gathering Room) to “Archive Room.” 

* Council voted to spend $2,879 to install an automatic door opener on the bathroom door in the Gathering Room to make it fully handicapped accessible.

Other news:

* The Communications Team continues to work on getting the website up and running again. 

* Property and Grounds:

- A $1,500 energy credit has been received.

- The Education wing and Colonial Room to be painted using funds donated by a member of the congregation. 

* Worship:

- Christmas decorations will be taken down on January 7^th.

- Lenten services at noon with a soup and bread luncheon.

* Archive Team:

Will be installing picture rails on three of the walls.

* Prayer chain guidelines have been established and shared with Gail Kurdziel, Kaye Sheaffer, and Patty Ulrich who manage the prayer chain.

* Love, Inc. – A letter will be sent to Love asking them not to list Loaves of Grace as one of their pantries. Our philosophy is different from Love’s in that anyone who needs food welcome to come to Loaves of Grace, no questions asked. Love requires people to take classes then are allowed to come once per month. All Love customers are invited to come to Loaves of Grace. 

Please direct questions or suggestions to any Council Member. 

Thank You!

Dear Harbor of Grace friends,

 Thank you so very much for the generous cash gift. It was indeed a pleasant surprise! Special thanks also to the Mutual Ministries team for the Target gift cards. I am most appreciative of these gifts. Serving Harbor of Grace as your Director of Music is a great honor and privilege for me.

With sincere gratitude,

Denise Newell

Thank you! 

To my dear family and friends at Harbor of Grace,

 It is with great joy that I received your very generous gift at Christmas. The Target gift cards from the Mutual Ministries Team were the icing on the cake. 

I have been associated with church offices for 25+ years (In Muskegon and in Louisville, KY). I must say, that serving you as your Administrative Assistant has been not only fulfilling, but fun. Working with Pastor Jack, Denise and Jim has been wonderful! Being of service to my church family is not only a delight, but it is truly rewarding. Thank you for the opportunity.

With deep respect, ~Michelle Jablonski

The new Stairlift is in and Kathy Burr was the very first to use it!!! She said it was great and easy to use!

Ash Wednesday and Lent 2024

The season of Lent will soon be upon us. Ash Wednesday is Wednesday, February 14. We will observe this day with Worship, communion and the imposition of ashes at noon and 7:00P. On subsequent Wednesday in Lent, we will meet for midweek services at noon.

Our midweek services will be held only at Noon, with soup following. The theme this year is The Shortest Books in the Bible. Please read each before attending.

February 21, Nahum (2 pages) the extent of God’s acting in the world

February 28, Habakkuk (3 pages) Does the end justify the means?

March 6, Philemon (1 page) Humans as commodities and dehumanization

March 13, 3 John (1 page) Conflict in the church



March 20, Jude (1 page) How do I know what to believe?

Signup sheets will be available for folks to bring soup and or bread.

2024 Flower Chart

The new flower chart is out and in the Gathering Room. There are so many open spaces. The cost of the flowers is $30.00 , which is payable by check or cash prior to the Sunday for which you have sponsored them. You may dedicate the flowers in memory or in celebration of someone. For now, please only choose two or three dates in order that we an all have a chance. If your “date” is taken, remember, we can have two arrangements the same day!   

WORSHIP SERVERS

We are in need of Usher/Greeters, Communion Assistants and Lectors. Please consider participating in one or two fun ways to serve your congregation.

Building Personal Care Kits for Lent

“Cleanliness may not actually be next to godliness, but it certainly helps a person feel more human. When families find their homes destroyed, or must flee for their safety, soap and a towel rarely make the cut for what they can carry. Arriving in a refugee camp or place of safety, they are scared, vulnerable, and dirty from the travel. The simple items included in a Personal Care Kit provide much-needed selfcare, critical germ fighting supplies, and the chance for our neighbors in need to regain dignity amidst fear and uncertainty.”

“Soap, towels, toothbrushes, and combs – These simple gifts improve the standard of living for people around the world. In the Andes Mts., these kits are helping dairy farmers practice proper hygiene and, in turn, improve their dairy products through sanitary milking practices.”

“We can’t control when disasters strike and we can’t end poverty overnight. But there are things we can do now to help people around the world reach their full potential.”

The above words were all written by the LWR (Lutheran World Relief) organization. We at Harbor of Grace can do our part, so we will again collect items for LWR Personal Care Kits during Lent, which begins on Feb. 14th. Each kit will contain 1 metal nail clippers, 1 sturdy

comb, 1 adult toothbrush, 2 bars of soap, & 1 lightweight, dark-colored bath towel. Thank you very much for your donations, which may be placed in the box in the Gathering Room.

HARBOR OF GRACE SPRINGS FORTH WITH A MIGHTY FAITH TO BUILD NEW LIBRARIES!

I love this quote from Charles Fillmore; "I fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and spring forth with a mighty faith to do the things that are to be done by me today."

That’s how I feel today! I’m sizzling with excitement over placing our first order of books for the new Diversity and Inclusion libraries that are being established THROUGH Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church at Every Woman’s Place (EWP), which provides services to victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault; Muskegon Community Education Center (MCEC), a unique alternative high school that plays an important role in earning a high school diploma, identifying a career path, and/or transitioning into college; and at Harbor of Grace. 

Three books that explore a topic related to diversity and inclusion are recommended each month by the National Education Association, one each for young children, middle grades, and young adults. That said, while I don’t fit any of those categories, I can’t wait to get my hands on these. I believe they will be just as rewarding for those of us well beyond those age groups. What a joy to feel we, as a church and as individuals, are committed to doing everything we can to promote equality and acceptance in our community. 

If you’ve been searching for a way to DO SOMETHING, perhaps this is your answer. We will gratefully be accepting donations of any amount to support this Harbor of Grace outreach project. An anonymous donor has already stepped forth and agreed to match every dollar received up to $50.

The books each have a discussion guide available. If the idea of working with some kids at Every Woman’s Place for an hour each week makes you fairly sizzle contact me.

Here’s my prayer for you: Whatever you’re doing, may you fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and may you spring forth to do the things that are to be done by you today. 

Peace, joy and love, 

Suzanne Adams 

231-343-4556.

 HARBOR OF GRACE WOMEN OF THE ELCA by Ann Gorter

Harbor of Grace Women of the ELCA: Our 4-part Bible Study, “Scripture and Nature:  Teachers of Faith” is authored by Sara Olson-Smith. Session one “Weather” and session two” Creatures” are in the Jan./Feb. issue of Gather. Sessions 3 & 4 will be in the Mar./Apr. magazine. At our meeting on Thurs., Feb. 8^th (10 a.m. in the Colonial Rm.) we’ll read Bible stories that carry us into deeper conversations about God, how we love our neighbors and the ways in which we follow Jesus. Please join us. 

OUR MISSION IS TO MOBILIZE WOMEN TO ACT BOLDLY

ON THEIR FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

OUR PURPOSE: As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and actions, and    promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.

Pray for Healing: Sandy; Gerry; Kevin; Donna; Jackie; Myrna; Baby Orrie; Pete; Sophie; Pastor Sarah; Don; Mary; Dianne; Don & Bonnie; Greg; Nancy; Kay; Randy; Hollie; Our Bishops, Craig Satterlee and Elizabeth Eaton, for our Pastor, Jack Ferra and for our congregation, Harbor of Grace Lutheran Church. 

Worship Participants for January 2024

Harbor of Grace's Quilting Group 

They meet every Monday at 9:00A in the Colonial Room.

Women of Hope Quilters meet each Tuesday at St. Mark Lutheran Church on Henry Street. Come help make mission quilts. They are needed so badly because of natural disasters, civil unrest, wars, and long term poverty. Every Tuesday at 12:30 at St Mark Lutheran on Henry Street. Lunch then Quilting! 

Please keep your Thankoffering in mind!

The Craft Table in the Gathering Room

has been Re-vamped!

This is a fundraiser for the Youth to raise money to go to The Gathering.  If you have crafts you would like to donate to sell, please bring them and put them on the table.  If you are wanting to buy a craft, please leave your donation in the

cash box on hand .

Loaves of Grace Food Pantry

Saturdays - Time 10am-11am

Please contact Karen Schrader or Marlene Benedict if you would like to make a donation, volunteer, have an idea for a possible partnership or local resource, or just want to express your support and encouragement. The main contact email remains the same:  hgluthhungerministries@gmail.com.

If you would like to make a donation to support ongoing food distribution (we estimate $500/month) please consider the following options:

• A check to Harbor of Grace church office with Loaves of Grace in the memo line
• Through VANCO: https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps?appver3=wWsk24ZWJSTZKsGd1RMKlg0BDvsSG3VIWQCPJNNxD8upkiY7JlDavDsozUE7KG0nFx2NSo8LdUKGuGuF396vbadMAZ75TC4DI8ZWuTvkbuYiYnTg5dP4O6rpX5QvPEWlBhHDN59kLZFffwKfYERpQrKBrlqbHbaYNvLrGU0V4JY=&ver=3

[If you use this link it will save you and the church money if you use your bank account instead of credit card, but either works]

• The GivePlus App with a specific link to Loaves of Grace:
• iPhone app store link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/give/id1120840616
• Android phone app store link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vanco.gpm

Volunteers interested in joining a rotation to help with food distribution on Saturday mornings are welcome, as well as people to help pre-pack bags on Fridays between 10am-12pm.

Marlene Benedict is in charge of volunteer scheduling, please contact her at jb5mb5@comcast.net or 231-740-0683.

For clients or other inquiries, please use the Loaves of Grace dedicated line 616-268-8182

Church Office Hours –

They are flexible, please call before you come

231-722-7308         hgluthoffice@gmail.com

Michelle Jablonski, 231-638-2633 (cell)

Administrative Assistant, pro tem    

Pastor Jack Ferra is Pastor. Because Pastor Jack is Part Time, he will not be in the office every day. If you would like to meet with Pastor Jack, please call the church office. If Michelle is not in the office, please leave a message. Messages are checked regularly.  

Click here for February Birthdays & Anniversaries

Click here for February Calendar