Traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Favorite carols, special music, Christmas tree, candles and of course, the story of Jesus' birth, all celebrated at 10 pm Dec. 24.

Christmas Eve Barn Service 4 pm

We're heading out to the country again this year to worship the newborn Christ Child in a powerful setting -- a barn -- including straw, animals and the4e quiet outdoor peace of that first Christmas when the baby Jesus was laid in a manger.  You'll want to dress warm.  Head out to the Rodawald Farm. Take 102 south to Ballou Road.  Head east on Ballou for about 5 miles and cross Chicago Road.  Continue east for another 2.2 miles and the farm is on the north side of the road.

Christmas Caroling Event

Sunday, Dec. 19 at 11 am.  Help us spread the holiday cheer by caroling to some of our home-bound members and friends.  We'll be carpooling this morning, so if you can help drive, that would be great.

Christmas Program and Worship

The Journey to Bethlehem, Sunday Dec. 19, 9 am.  This year's  program is a special one -- it's a program FOR our children!  Children will be coming up front to hear from special guests like Isaiah, Mary's sister and Joseph!  This is a "don't miss" event.  Journey to Bethlehem  will be the message part of our worship service for the morning

Second annual Longest Night Worship Service

Join us at 7 pm on Dec. 15.  This is a special worship service, deriving its name from the approaching Winter Solstice -- the longest, darkest night of the year.  This service is not a reference to a length of time (or length of the service!) but to our deepest need for hope, comfort and peace in our lives and souls.  There will be a time for lighting candles in memory or in hope, for prayers asking for God to take away our fears and pain, and for communion with the promise of God's presence with us.  Invite a friend or neighbor who you know to be feeling sadness or loss in this season.

Advent worship services

Take time out of your busy week to worship and pray on Wednesdays, 7 pm, during Advent.

Community Thanksgiving Service

7 pm at the Methodist Church

All Saints Sunday

Make worship a priority on November 7, the day we set aside to remember those saints who have gone before us.  Light a candle in memory of someone as we celebrate those lives.

Reformation Day celebration

Color of the day:  RED!   Worship at 9 am with Holy Communion and learn a little...or be reminded of some history of the Reformation and Martin Luther.  Wear something red.

Quilt Blessing 9/26/10

Quilts will be blessed before their send-off during the 9 am worship service.  For the price of a raffle ticket you may get the chance to choose one of these for your own.  The money raised helps purchase supplies for the next year's quilting ministry.

Blessing of the Animals Oct. 3

We will be having our pet blessing that day and we want you and your pets to be there.  We will bather at 10:40 am.  All animals are welcome.  Note...there will be no regular Sunday School that day.

Sunday School back in full swing

No matter what your age, there is an opportunity for you to grow in your faith.  Classes start at 10:30 am after 9 am worship.  Adult class is studying Revelation  for 9 sessions.  There will be lively discussions and sharing of our faith stories.  Join in at any point...no previous experience necessary.

September 12 Steve Friberg visits

The missionary we support, doing our work in Tanzania, will be visiting this Sunday and sharing stories of his work.  Come and meet him...and stay for lunch...picnic follows Sunday School opening.

Rally Day - Special Guest - Picnic

What a busy day!  This is the first day of the 2010-2011 Sunday School year.  A great team has put together a great program for the kids. Plus, Steve Friberg, a missionary we support in Tanzania, will be here to share some stories of his important work. Top it all off with a picnic in the courtyard.  Join in!  We love guests!

Labor Day Outdoor Worship

Join us outside, weather permitting, at 9 am for our final holiday outdoor service of the summer.

Grace earns Bronze Level: $2000+ raised for Relay

August 7, a beautiful day at Wilmington's North Island Park, and the 2010 ACS Relay for Life begins at 4 pm with our own Shelby Ziller singing the National Anthem.  We started with a touching prayer, a lap walked by cancer survivors (several of our team members included), a lap walked by caregivers, then a walk by all teams.  The watermelon slices we sold were a refreshing treat for many relayers.  Besides team members, many supporters from the congregation came out to visit, walk a few laps and enjoy the afternoon.  When we wrapped things up about 6am Sunday, we were informed of unofficial totals for the Relay as a whole...including over $63,000 raised.  What a great success.

ACS Relay for Life Saturday 8/7/10

Thanks to so many generous folks, Grace's Relay team has earned the Bronze Level award.  We will have a campsite on the North Island in Wilmington, at the softball field.  Opening ceremonies are at 4 pm.  Stop by to visit, shop, watch the fire dancers, watch the WHS Spirit Line, join in some kids games, buy some basket raffle tickets, have a burger or hotdog, buy a slice of watermelon, walk a lap or two, or just come and keep us company at our tent.  Look for the purple and white Grace Lutheran sign.

Confirmation Sunday, August 29

Join the celebration Sunday when 4 of our youth come forward to say "Yes!" to God and all of God's promises.

Rally Day Celebration and Congregational Picnic

Join us September 12, 9 am worship, Steve Friberg, Missionary to Tanzania is our special guest for the day.  At 10:30 am Sunday School begins for 3 year olds through 8th grade.  Adult Forum at 10:30 am for adults with Steve Friberg.  Picnic celebration follows for the whole congregation.

RALLY DAY! 9/12/10 Sunday School Resumes

Autumn excitement begins again!  Teachers and staff are getting ready to welcome students back to the classroom.  Sunday School meets after the worship service, 10:30 am.

Missionary from Tanzania to visit

Mark your calendars for September 12.  Steve Friberg will come to Wilmington that day to visit with us.  We have been supporting Steve and his family for a few years through our Missionary for a Day program.  Come and meet him in person.

ACS Relay for Life Approaching!

www.relayforlifewilmingtonbraidwood.com Visit the website.  Search for Grace Lutheran's team and make a donation.  American Cancer Society provides many necessary services for folks dealing with this disease.  Stop at the North Island Park in Wilmington at 4 pm on August 7 for the opening ceremony.  Our own Shelby Ziller is singing the National Anthem.  Luminaria will be lit just after dusk.  Stop at our campsite and visit, rest, walk a lap or two.  We will be there through the night.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Just making sure all students get off to a good start.  Bring your backpack to church Sunday, August 22, 9 am.

Grace Church and PreSchool in Catfish Days parade!

Watch for our float in the parade for this annual event.  It starts at 1 pm.

2010 ACS Relay for Life approaching!

Grace Lutheran has a team again this year.  Visit the relay website:  www.relayforlifewilmingtonbraidwood.com Click on donate...click on the Grace Lutheran Team...you can donate to a specific team member, or to the team in general.  Make your donation by credit card.  Or mail your donation to the church...907 Luther Drive, Wilmington IL 60481.  Make check out to ACS Relay for Life. If you're in Wilmington on August 7, stop by the North Island Park...walk a lap with us, or just sit and visit.  We'll be there all night!

Another successful community VBS

100 kids met June 14-18 to participate in a combined-church Vacation Bible School.  They had the assistance of many teachers and helpers.  In 5 days, they raised an impressive $1090.57 which will be shared with Kuzma food pantry and Heifer Project (current plan is to send 3 pigs and 2 llamas to the rain forest).

June 22 Daybreak Crew Update

Tuesday evening, June 22nd at the Daybreak Shelter Services, Grace Lutheran's, Irving and Elsie Dewald, Frank and Doris Dickey served 56 hungry men, women, and children. The menu consisted of fried chicken, home made potato salad, home made macaroni salad, three bean salad, cold cuts(smoked ham/mozzarella cheese), iced tea, lemonade, home made cookies and brownies. This mission has been one of Grace Lutheran Church's since 1987.

Pr Chris Beamsley surprised with celebration

June 13 following Sunday worship, the congregation surprised Pr Chris with a brunch and gifts in celebration of the 15th anniversary of his ordination.  He expressed his appreciation for the thoughts and well wishes.  His wife and daughters visited to share in the celebration.

FREE Child Car Seat Inspection June 13

Randy May's State Farm Insurance office with the Wilmington Police and Fire Departments are hosting a Child Safety Seat check from 10 am to 2 pm in the Winchester Green Parking lot on Route 102 in Wilmington.  Child seat checkers will be on hand to make sure seats are properly installed, or to instruct parents how to do so correctly if not.  There will be a fire truck and activities available for the kids as well.

Vacation Bible School

June 14 through 18, 9:00 -- 11:45 am

Synod Assembly In-Kind Offering

Pastor and delegates will deliver items for Lutheran Social Services.  Drop off at church by Wednesday, June 16:  copier paper, pens, 3-ring binders, hygiene wipes, window cleaner, Kleenex, paper plates, napkins and art supplies, such as markers, crayons, paints, brushes and construction paper.

High School Graduate Recognition

During Sunday worship at 9 am June 6.

This Week at Grace - May 23

Today, May 23
Worship with communion 9 am
Sunday School (last day) 10:30 am
Congregational Meeting 10:30 am
Teacher Luncheon 11:30 am

Monday, May 24
Lamp articles due today
Weight Watchers 10 am
Bible Study 11 am
AA Meeting 7 pm

Thursday, May 27
Pr. Chris at East Conference Meeting

Friday, May 28
Friday Crew 9 am

Saturday, May 29
Weight Watchers 9:30 am

Sunday, May 30
Worship 9 am


Upcoming Events. . .
Tuesday, June 1
Summer Preschool 9-11:30 am
begins Tues., Wed, Thurs.
through June 17th

Sunday, June 6
Recognition of H.S. Graduates
Outdoor Worship

Monday, June 14
Vacation Bible School at the
First Methodist Church thru
Friday, June 18th

The Kuzma Care items for May:

Jell-O, pudding, cake mixes

Outdoor Worship on June 6th

Come join us for worship on Sunday, June 6th as we worship in our beautiful courtyard. This will be the first of three outdoor worship services this summer. Chairs will be set up for the service, but feel free to bring your own lawn chair and to dress casual for the morning. In case of inclement weather that day, we will worship in our sanctuary.

Community VBS needs your help!

VBS is Monday, June 14- 18th.

Plans for holding Community Vacation Bible School have begun. There is a sign up sheet in the fellowship hall if you would like to help out or you may contact Lynn Stehlik at 815/476-5302 or lynn.stehlik@gmail.com for more information or to say, “Yes! I’ll help!”

Congratulations to our High School Graduates

Grace will be recognizing our high school graduates on Sunday, June 6th during worship.

It’s graduation time at our Preschool!

Our preschool year came to an end this week with a graduation night. We thank God for our preschool ministry, the staff, and most importantly the children we have been blessed with this past year!

Grace Lutheran Summer Preschool

We will be holding a three week fun filled curriculum for preschoolers again this summer. The session begins on June 1st and runs through June 17th. It is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 – 11:30 am. Children must be at least 3 years old, but any child that has not started kindergarten yet is welcome. Space is limited and is filling up fast. Registration sheets can be found on the Welcome Table.

Sunday School ends another year

Today is our last day of Sunday School for the school year. It has been a great year and we thank God for the children and youth in our midst and for all the teachers and leaders who serve to make this ministry possible. Job well done!

Semi-annual congregational meeting - Sunday, May 23

Our meeting will be held today, following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect members of our Council and to review our financial situation.

Pentecost Sunday - May 23

We celebrate the Spirit of God that claims us, gathers us, and welcomes us into Christ’s body the Church.

This Week at Grace - May 16

Today, May 16 – New Member Sunday
LSSI Sunday with Pr. Dan Schwick
Worship 9 am
Sunday School 10:30 am
Sunday School ice cream party
(immediately following Sunday School)
Church Council Meeting 10:30 am

Monday, May 17
Weight Watchers 10 am
Preschool Chapel 10:30 am
Bible Study 11 am
AA Meeting 7 pm

Tuesday, May 18
Preschool Chapel 10:30 am

Wednesday, May 19
Preschool Year End Picnic 8:45 am
Preschool Graduation 7 pm

Thursday, May 20
Pr. Chris at Campfirmation
Planning Meeting in Sycamore
Choir Practice 7 pm

Friday, May 21
Friday Crew 9 am

Saturday, May 22
Weight Watchers 9:30 am

Sunday, May 23 – Pentecost Sunday
Worship 9 am
Congregational Meeting 10:30 am
Sunday School (last day) 10:30 am
Sunday School
Teacher luncheon 11:30 am
Piano Recital 2:00 pm

The Kuzma Care items for May:

Jell-O, pudding, cake mixes

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Want to share our prayer shawl ministry with someone or learn how to be a part of it yourself?
Please let Marie Christian or Cindy Filas know today or mark the Ministry Opportunity Sheet and we will have one of our leaders contact you.

VBS is Monday, June 14- 18th.

Community VBS needs your help!
Plans for holding Community Vacation Bible School have begun. Please contact Lynn Stehlik at 815/476-5302 or lynn.stehlik@gmail.com for more information or to say, “Yes! I’ll help!”

Congratulations to our High School Graduates!

Grace will be recognizing our high school graduates on Sunday, June 6th during worship.

It’s graduation time at our Preschool!

Our preschool year comes to an end this week with an end of the year picnic on Wednesday and a graduation service that night. We thank God for our preschool ministry, the staff, and most importantly the children we have been blessed with this past year!

Women of the ELCA – Salad Luncheon/Book Exchange - May 19

Do you enjoy reading and have books at home you've read? Come to the meeting May 19th, at 11:30 a.m., at the home of Joyce James in Coal City. Bring the books you've read and exchange books with someone else. Please bring a salad to share, enough for five people. Coffee and lemonade will be provided. A short business meeting will follow the luncheon.

Semi-annual congregational meeting Sunday, May 23

Our meeting will be held Sunday May 23 following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to elect members of our Council and to review our budget for the year.

Welcome New Members

We officially welcome new members today. Let’s all celebrate the gift of these people and families as we welcome them to Grace.

Grace Lutheran Summer Preschool

We will be holding a three week fun filled curriculum for preschoolers again this summer. The special summer session begins on June 1st and runs through June 17th. It is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 – 11:30 am. Children must be at least 3 years old, but any child that has not started kindergarten yet is welcome. Space is limited and is filling up fast. Registration sheets can be found on the Welcome Table.

Welcome Dan Schwick from LSSI

Did you know that we make some of the valuable work done by Lutheran Social Services in Illinois possible? We do! And that means we are making the difference in the lives of seniors, children, youth, and families throughout our state. Welcome Pr. Schwick and thanks for sharing with us today.