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Volume 30, Issue 3
Herald f Grace
March 2022
A Publication of Grace Lutheran Church
3000 W. Golf Course Rd.
Midland, Texas 79701
LENT BEGINS March 2, 2022
Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, March 2nd
from 6:30-9:00 am in the Sanctuary.
Enter through the circle-drive doors.
1
A Note from Pastor Pase
Dear Family of Grace,
We begin the forty-day penitential season of Lent on Wednesday, March 2nd. Please read page 4 about our
Lenten series this year and take advantage of this opportunity to be in the Lord’s house at noon or 7 pm each
Wednesday during Lent. Daily Devotions are available that follow our Lenten theme in the back of the nave on
the ushers’ stand.
Our series this year centers around God’s mercy. I don’t want to give away the series so that you stay away, but
let’s talk about mercy for the rest of this page. The Hebrew and Greek words we translate as “mercy” are very
descriptive words. I won’t go into the details here, just suffice it to say, they are very descriptive words.
Mercy in the Bible relates to forgiveness or withholding punishment. This is what the Father does for us
through the Suffering Servant, His Son, our Savior and Lord Jesus. Where would we be without His mercy?
Hell bound!
The Bible also defines mercy beyond forgiveness and withholding punishment. God shows His mercy for those
who are suffering through healing, comfort, the alleviation of suffering and caring about those in distress.
In the Church we always keep mercy as part of the Godly triad, grace, mercy, and peace. God’s undeserved
kindness towards us leads to Him forgiving us and withholding the punishment we justly deserve and leads to
the state, the condition of peace we have with the Triune God.
Side note! Speaking of peace, it excites me to tell you that the sharing of the peace has returned to Grace’s
divine service! Stopped because of the pandemic, it was reinstated on Sunday, February 27th.
Now, grace, mercy, and peace are readily available for those who need it. For those who refuse to recognize sin
as what it is, they have no need for it. For those who dismiss sin as no big deal, they have no need for it. For
those seek to ignore or excuse their sin away, they have no need for it.
But for us! Us who know our sin, who knows how our sin effects every relationship we have, not just with the
perfect God, but also with fellow humans, who knows we cannot do thing one to remove the grip, stench, and
curse of sin off us, the blessed offer of God’s mercy is a welcomed and much-needed opportunity we don’t want
to miss.
As I tell the Confirmation kids: If you don’t take your sin seriously, you can’t take Jesus seriously. Jesus came
to show mercy. As we say in the Kyrie, “Lord, have mercy.” And He does. Mercy for sinners like you and me!
This is what the Christian Church is all about for this is what Christ is all about. This is what Grace Lutheran is
all about. Mercy! Grace! Peace! Grace! Mercy! Peace!
See you in Church!
Pastor Pase
Romans 1:16
2
Our Baptismal Journey
Everything we have and everything we are is a gift of God’s providential care. We understand that we’re not islands unto
ourselves, that we could not exist without those who have gone before us and are alongside us. God has given us forefathers in
family, country, and faith. We are recipients of what God worked through them. We know that God provides for our well-being
through these means.
He gives us farmers and ranchers of all sorts so that we can eat. But more than that God created and gave us all the things that
those farmers and ranchers cultivate. He gave us the corn, the beans, the wheat, the cows for milking, the steers for grilling. He
gave each of those things properties for our nourishment and sustenance. Without God creating and instilling in those things
their taste, their nutritional value, etc., we would not exist.
He gives us doctors, surgeons, nurses, and hospitals. He gives us medicine and medical instruments. Again, he gave us all
things that go into making those medicines and medical instruments. He instilled in those things the properties that can be
utilized for that purpose. Without God creating and instilling those healing properties into those things, and creating the ability
within man to find this out and press it into service of our medical needs, we would not enjoy the kind of health we do now.
But there’s more. He gives us gainful employment through our employers and provides for the necessities of life through the
labor of our hands: “Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of
Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and
with all craftsmanship, 32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and
in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. 34 And he has inspired him to teach, both him and Oholiab the son of
Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. (Exodus 35:30–34)
And one step back from that, He has created and given us hands. And attached to those hands are arms with strength. He created
us with minds in order to make those arms and hands move and accomplish the work set before us. And within that mind, he
has given us reason and senses. That mind, because of the reason God has instilled in it, is able to work through difficult
problems before we press those arms and hands into labor. It allows us to grapple with concepts and run through scenarios
instead of having to experience every situation personally. It allows us to learn from the mistakes as well as the
accomplishments of others. This can be done for our entire body, all our skills and talents, everything that makes us . . . us. So
that everything we have AND everything we are is a gift from Him. This is what we confess in the First Article of the Creed
when we say that we believe in God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
But that is just the First Article of the Creed. We confess two more articles that deal with God’s provision for our spiritual well-
being. That he sent his son to die and be raised on the third day for our justification. That he delivers that justification through
the means of grace (baptism, preaching and the Word of God, and the Lord’s Supper). And to give you those means of grace, he
gives pastors and teachers, etc. Again, this could be expanded and expounded upon. So that literally everything that we have
and everything that we are in this life and the next is an inexpressible gift from God.
And it is for this, all of this, that we give thanks. And that is what stewardship is all about—giving thanks for God’s provision
for us. To give thanks is more than having an attitude of gratitude, more than just a feeling in our hearts. It is an action. It begins
in the heart, but it doesn’t stay there. It works its way out through the mouth in praise for God’s gifts and in love and charity
through the hands to our neighbors in family, country, and church. “For all this is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey
him” (Small Catechism, 16).
So, give thanks to God for His inexpressible gift—for everything we have and everything we are. Do this not in word only, but
in deed also.
3
Lent 2022
“In View of God’s Mercy”
Ash Wednesday is March 2 n d . Services will be at
Noon and 7 pm throughout Lent.
Lent is a season when we take a look at our lives in view of God’s mercy toward us in the
sacrifice of his Son for us on the cross. We, in turn, are called by God, especially during
this time of repentance and reflection, to be living sacrifices for him, displaying our
devotion to him in word and deed. Jesus helps us to see the richness of God’s mercy in
his life, death and resurrection. The services in this worship series for Lent by theology
professor David Peter focus our eyes of faith on the meaning behind God’s mercy made
manifest in Christ.
Weekly Themes
Ash Wednesday – March 2nd – Holy Communion
Mercy in Ashes • Joel 2:13
As we are marked with ashes on this day, a reminder to us of our sins, we are
reminded, too, of the mercy of our God who lifts us from our ashes to new life in Christ.
Week 1 – March 9th
Mercy in Temptation • 1 Corinthians 10:13
In the midst of temptation, our merciful God provides us with a way
out through his Son, who was tempted just as we are, yet without sin.
Week 2 – March 16th
Mercy in Suffering • 1 Peter 2:23
No life is without suffering, but our sufferings are not worth comparing
to the glory to be revealed to us in Jesus by God’s great mercy.
Week 3 – March 23rd
Mercy in Betrayal • 1 Peter 3:11
Though we may turn away from our God again and again,
our Lord continues to call us back into his merciful arms for Jesus’ sake.
Week 4 – March 30th
Mercy in Relationships • Ephesians 4:32
Within the communities God has placed us, we are given the grace
to treat one another as Christ has cared for us in his love and mercy.
Week 5 – April 6th
Mercy in Service • Hebrews 6:10
In response to God’s kindness to us in Jesus, we serve in mercy
the needs of those around us by Christ’s example.
4
Where Do We Go from Here?
Staffing at Grace Lutheran
After Pastor Allman left for Orange Grove in May 2021, Pastor Pase sent
out a “Needs Assessment Survey” to all the Ministry Teams and Team
members, concerning the congregation’s current needs. The results of
these surveys were not definitively clear, so a Staff Leadership Workshop
was held on Saturday, January 29th. From this workshop there was a
definitive direction that Grace Lutheran needs:
• A staff member, who is a layperson and Grace member whose
responsibilities would include but not be limited to Children’s
Ministry (infant-sixth grade)
The Governance Committee is moving forward with putting together a
job description and developing an appropriate financial package to
present to the Church Council. The Church Council will then review the
materials prepared by the Governance Committee, evaluate the financial
feasibility of the new position, and make a recommendation to the
Voters’ Assembly who has the final decision on the matter.
The Governance Committee, through the Church Council, will keep the
Voters’ Assembly in the loop on where they are in the process.
The Governance Committee asks for your prayers as they prayerfully take
on this task.
5
Our 2021 – 2022 theme based on “Living His Word”
from our mission statement is “Grow in Grace.”
Important Dates:
March 2nd & 3rd Puppet Chapel
March 7th – 11th ECP closed for Spring Break
Bible Stories, GROW Words & Bible Words for March
Feb. 28 – Mar. 4 Jesus teaches not to worry
Rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4
GROW WHILE TRUSTING IN ALL THINGS!
Mar. 14 - 18 Jesus stops the storm
Remember the Lord who is great & awesome Nehemiah 4:14
GROW IN AWE!
Mar. 21 – 25 Jesus heals the lame man
We have…forgiveness of sins Colossians 1:14
GROW IN UNDERSTANDING!
Mar. 28 – Apr. 1. 10 Lepers
O give thanks unto the Lord Psalm 136:1
GROW IN THANKSGIVING!
6
Don’t forget to set your
clocks ahead one hour on
March 12th before you go
to bed.
Midweek Ministry
There’s a place for YOU at Grace!
6:00-6:50 pm: Pre-Confirmation, 3rd-4th (Jennifer Powell)
Pre-Confirmation, 5th-6th (Michelle Wolfmueller)
High School (Ryan Hamilton)
Adult Study, (Fern DeLaGarza)
6:00 – 6:50pm – 1st Year Confirmation
7:45 – 8:30 pm – 2nd Year Confirmation
During Lent, Midweek Ministry will run from 6:00-6:50 pm.
Bible Bunch does not meet during Lent.
7
Wednesday Meals!!! Serving Begins at 5:00 pm.
Join us for the Wednesday Meals. There’s always
great food and fellowship. Meals start at 5:00pm
and end at 6:00pm. Show your appreciation
with a free-will offering to help cover the
expenses. For sanitation purposes, your meal
will be served by a member of our Fellowship
Team. Thank you for your understanding. Of
course, delicious desserts, salad and beverages
are always available each week.
March 03 Chicken Pot Pie
March 10 Spring Break
March 17 Lasagna (made by Fern), green beans,
& salad
March 24 Meat/cheese enchiladas, pinto beans,
& salad
March 31 Chicken strips, mashed potatoes, corn,
gravy, & salad
Please make sure to sign up for dinner each week on the
PINK SHEET so we know how many guests will join us.
8
Family Resource Center
When was the last time you stopped by and browsed our Resource Center?
There are books on a wide range of Christian subjects that will assist you in
your baptismal journey. Books for adults. Books for the kids. We carry 3
copies of each book. Two should always be available one on one of the
shelves and the other in the portable rack. When you checkout out a book, use
the clipboard to sign out and back in the book you selected.
The Project Connect rack from Lutheran Hour Ministries is a valuable tool.
This rack has booklets on a variety of timely topics that will aid you not only
in your Christian walk, but also in your Christian witness. These are to be read
and then shared with those you know who would benefit from them. You are
not limited to just taking one. The rack is monitored closely. If we run out of
a certain booklet, we order more right away.
New selections will be added throughout 2022. Again, check it out whenever
you are in the Entryway, which should be every Sunday.
Stephen Ministry is a valuable ministry, in place
at Grace since 2005. Do you know of someone
(look in the mirror first) who is hurting? Do you
know it is not good for him or her to be walking
this path alone? Pride says we can, but pride is
wrong. We have trained Stephen Ministers
ready to walk with those hurting. Talk to
Pastor Pase or any Stephen Minister you see wearing their blue nametag. And remember … this
isn’t just for Grace members. Look around your sphere of influence.
9
G.R.A.C.E. Connections are the congregation in mission. They
are groups of 4 to 12 people who come together and are intentionally led in the
mission statement of our congregation:
† Sharing God’s Grace
† Living His Word
† Making Disciples
The Core Values of G.R.A.C.E. Connections are:
▪ Growing…by reaching out, witnessing, and forming new groups
▪ Relating…and connecting with each other as the body of Christ
▪ Acting…in Christian service and mission
▪ Caring...and praying for each other and the world
▪ Enriching…personal growth and spiritual transformation through Bible study
CROSS (Linking together generations through Christ) Leaders Stephen &
Michelle Boyles, are back meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month @
6:30pm in the Community Room.
Graceful Seniors Leader Pastor Pase. They meet the 2nd & 4th Tuesday at
10:00am in the Parlor. This is a mixed group study of books of the Bible. Though
called “Seniors,” all ages are welcome.
Growing in Grace Leader is Fern DeLaGarza., Please join this group on
Wednesday evenings during midweek ministry hour at 6:15pm in the Library. All
adults interested in learning more about the Lord are encouraged to contact Fern
and join this group.
SOS, (Surviving on Scripture) Leader Cindy Hilton. They will meet weekly on
Thursdays at 6:00pm at the home of Mary Morgan. This is a women’s group, ages
40 and up.
Come and See!
** Contact the Church Office for more information - 432-697-3221
10A Long-Forgotten Jewel of the Church
At the time of the Reformation, Luther and all of the faithful reformers insisted upon retaining
private confession and absolution in the Church. Why? Because of the great benefit to the one
who is confessing his or her sins to openly admit (confess) the same and then to hear from the
lips of the called and ordained servant of the Lord (their pastor) the wonderful words of
absolution.
When the Lutheran princes approached Emperor Charles V in 1530 and presented the
Augsburg Confession, they stated the following in Art. XI:
It is taught among us that private absolution should be retained and not allowed to fall into
disuse. However, in confession it is not necessary to enumerate all trespasses and sins, for this
is impossible. Ps. 19:12, “Who can discern his errors?”
Also, Luther wrote the following regarding private confession and absolution:
Private confession should be retained in the church, for in it consciences afflicted and crushed
by the terrors of sin lay themselves bare and receive consolation which they could not acquire
in public preaching. We want to open up confession as a port and refuge for those whose
consciences the devil holds enmeshed in his snares and whom he completely bewitches and
torments in such a way that they cannot free or extricate themselves and feel and see nothing
else but that they must perish. For there is no other greater misery in this life than the pains
and perplexities of a heart that is destitute of guidance and solace (Luther’s Works 6:297–298
AE).
Private confession and absolution is a precious gift of the church that I am privileged to serve
to you. Please remember, that at my ordination, I took a vow never to divulge to anyone what
is said private confession. Also, do not shy away because you are concerned that I will think
less of you because of your sins or act differently toward you afterward. This will not happen
because I will always rejoice that you have confessed your sins and have received full and
complete forgiveness through Christ our Lord.
I am here to serve! Reach out and make an appointment. In less than five minutes you can
have God’s full and complete absolution.
11Monday Evening Divine Service
Our divine service on Mondays continues at 7 pm. This offering is an excellent
opportunity for you to not forsake meeting together as is the habit of some.
If you are unable to be in the Lord’s house on Sunday or Monday, remember you
may request a DVD or CD of the service and it will be given to you. Also, on our
website by Monday afternoon the Sunday service is available to be listened to.
The Columbarium is fully-functional and there are a
number of niches available. Engravings are also
available. Engravings have been done on the niches
occupied. If you would like to purchase a niche in the
Columbarium, please see Victoria in the Church office
for the forms.
The prayer focus for March is Facilities:
Chair: Mac Hall
Todd Byars, Jerry Gilmore, Mark Pelletier, & Gary Pipes
12Attention all seniors and current college
students. Please don’t forget to apply for the
Baumann-Gwyn scholarship. Please stop by
the Church Office and pick up your
application.
Grace Quilters
Please join us on Thursdays at 9:30 am in the
Community Room. No quilting experience is
needed. Contact Neta Gohr at 432-528-3252
or Margaret Cloyd at 432-638-3358. We have
seen a few new faces lately and hope to see
some more!
Graceful Seniors
We will meet in March on the 8th & 22nd at 10:00 am in the Parlor. We are
studying the book of Acts. And you are invited to join us!
13There were 19 units collected at Grace’s BLOOD DRIVE
on February 16th. Thank you to everyone who stepped
up for this vital “Gift of Life.”
NEXT BLOOD DRIVE – WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8TH.
2022 Flower Chart
There are still a few openings on the 2022 Flower Chart located
on the Grace bulletin board in the south hallway. – the flowers
are still $40/vase. Please fill out an envelope, place payment
inside and turn it in either in the offering plate or on Victoria’s
desk no later than Monday preceding your flower date to get the
dedication in the Worship Folder on the day your flowers are on
the altar.
Teller$
Tellers are needed for 2022!
Please sign up on the PINK SHEET
in your weekly worship bulletin.
Please check your calendars to see when you are able to serve.
Thank you, Gwen McWhorter
for signing up for March!
A teller assists Jim Raven (Grace’s Financial Secretary), in
counting the tithes collected after Sunday service. It normally takes
about one hour. No prior training is needed. Jim will show you on
the spot how to help, and your presence serves as an important
“control” in ensuring more than one person is present while tithes
are counted.
142022 PRETEEN EVENT
15Birthdays & Anniversaries
Baptismal
Birthdays
Merle Raven 03/01
Birthdays Katelynn Beran 03/01
Bill Bartlett 03/07 Jax Jones 03/05
Grayson Price 03/09 Nash Jones 03/05
Gary Parsley 03/12 Jacob Pase 03/07
Virginia DeBerry 03/18 Clinton Baker 03/08
Cheryl Werner 03/19 Gene Abel 03/13
Tyler Hall 03/19 Andrew Hobratschk 03/13 Anniversaries
Brian Johnsen 03/22 Peter Lufholm 03/15
Ryan Shultz 03/23 Nicol Benton 03/16
Emily Jones 03/17 Donnie & Jessica Diaz 03/05
Allison Pokky 03/24 28 yrs.
Henry Wolfmueller 03/18
Jacob Gray 03/24
Wyatt Krueger 03/19 Jon & Kelli Baumann 03/31
Addilynn Beran 03/24
Doris Anderson 03/21 32 yrs.
Allison Gray 03/25
Grayson Price 03/24
Brooklyn Hamilton 03/27
Jacob Makowsky 03/24
Gary Pipes 03/28
Cora Patterson 03/24
Sloan Patterson 03/28
Sloan Patterson 03/26
Will Froebel 03/28 Fred Chaney 03/28
Sheryl Smith 03/29 Larissa Keller 03/29
Larissa Keller 03/29 Brooklyn Hamilton 03/30
Pam Pokky 03/30 Bruce Johnson 03/30
Gail Granat 03/31 Kathy Johnson 03/30
James Werner 03/31
Londyn McWhorter 03/31
1617
18
19
Celebration of Life
Here are some highlights of our celebration of LIFE! Thanks to all who
participated with putting out our signs and donating to The Life Center
of Midland. With the ECP, we exceeded our $1,000 goal and filled the
bottle more times than expected! Exact totals will be reported later.
Thanks again. The Outreach Team.
20Jr. High Focal Point
A fun time was had by some of Grace’s Jr. High youth as they
bowled, ate pizza and played other arcade games in January.
21Grace Prays~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2022
We continue to pray for the following:
• Protection for our armed forces and strength for their For updates to Grace Prays,
families and Lt. Aaron Bell and his family. please email Victoria
• Wisdom for our nation’s leaders. at
office@gracelutheranmidlandtx.org
• Continued guidance and blessing for Pastor Pase and his or call the Church Office,
family. 432.697.3221
• Strength and commitment in tending our baptismal journey.
• Our Stephen Ministers
• Our ECP
OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS
❖ Eleanor Dillenburger
❖ Marga Pipes
❖ Doris Turner, Manor Park, Cowden Cottage #116
ONGOING HEALTH PROBLEMS
❖Charles Colgan, BJ Haley, Jim Hill, Mary Ann Johnston, Royce Parsley, Jane Pase,
Melinda Richmond, Eleen Schulze, David Stock, & Holly Walker.
ILL OR RECOVERING
❖ Kay Walker (Fred Norton’s sister) liver cancer has grown. She started Chemo with
immunotherapy on 1/31.
❖ Kelsey Sparks is pregnant and has been diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
PRAYERS OF THANKSGIVING
❖ Sandra Parsley had successful dental surgery on 2/9 to insert a crown post.
❖ Caroline Dianne Bassett was born 2/15 at 5:34pm 7lbs. 5oz. to parents Kourtney
& Andrew Bassett and grandparents James & Dawn Martin.
PRAYERS OF MOURNING
❖ Hazel Burgess (Kyle Large’s mom) died on 1/28.
❖ Richard Popp died on 2/1.
❖ J. Evetts Haley, Jr. died on 2/5.
2223
24
Midland, Texas 79701-2998
3000 W. Golf Course Rd.
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