Who we are and what we are about....

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0 height="100%"><tr> <td valign="top" width=200 BGCOLOR="#006633" TEXT="#F7F7FF" background="1a3d6c00ddvuru.jpg"> <div> <B>Our Mission</B></div> <div> <B>Our Programs</B></div> <div> <B>Our Ministry</B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="19568960.jpg" border=0 width="104" height="150" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> </td> <td valign="top" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#0066FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Grace Lutheran Church</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#333399" FACE="Arial" >    </FONT> |     <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Grace Lutheran Church"><U>home</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id17.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Who are we?"><U>Who are we?</U></A>   |   <B>Who we are and what we are about.... </B>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="How do you find us?"><U>How do you find us?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="What is happening?"><U>What is happening?</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id29.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Related Links"><U>Related Links</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id30.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id31.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gallery of Pictures"><U>Gallery of Pictures</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id35.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Web Giving"><U>Web Giving</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id36.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Preschool Tuition Payment Page"><U>Preschool Tuition Payment Page</U></A></div> <div> Who we are and what we are about.... </div> <div> <I>50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION!!!</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="1c456960.gif" border=0 width="86" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I><B>On March 29, 2009, to the very day, we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of our Charter membership Sunday.  Special Preacher for the day is Dr. Dale Meyer (President of Concordia Seminary and former Lutheran Hour Preacher).  Come join us for a day of celebration, special music, memories, and a reception.  It all starts at 4 pm.  Watch this site for more information. . .</B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>PICTORIAL DIRECTORY</B></div> <div> As part of our 50th Anniversary Celebration we are publishing our first Picture Directory of the congregation since 2001.  It won't be complete without you.  To be included costs you nothing -- it is FREE and you receive a FREE 8x10 photo and a copy of the picture directory -- just for participating.  First round of pictures is complete and we are now signing up for the make up dates of Nov. 17 & 18!</div> <div> You may sign up at Church, by calling the Church Office (647-6750) or on line (follow the Life Touch logo link below).</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.appointment-plus3.com/ap/gracelutheranchurch/index.php?page=10" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.appointment-plus3.com/ap/grac"><U><IMG SRC="1fbd8900.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <B>                                                </B></div> <div>  <A NAME="lutheran_campus_ministry_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>ISSUES AND ANSWERS</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="06b96960.png" border=0 width="150" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">If you have heard about the reported discovery of the bones of Jesus and His family and have questions about this <I><B>Lost Tomb, </B></I>there are answers.</div> <bR> <div> Click on the following links for PDF documents about the archaeological discovery and the meaning of that discovery on our faith and life as Christians.</div> <bR> <div> Dr. Paul L. Maier <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://seegers.lccharities.org/photos/newsletter/Paul%20Nauer%20and%Lost%20Tomb%20of%20Jesus.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://seegers.lccharities.org/photos/ne"><U><B>The Lost Tomb of Jesus</B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Archeological Identity Theft by <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://seegers.lccharities.org/photos/newsletter/Christ%20Rosebrough%20February%2026.pdf" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://seegers.lccharities.org/photos/ne"><U><B>Chris Rosebrough</B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Dr. Jeff Kloha of Concordia Seminary responds <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.concordiatheology.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.concordiatheology.org"><U><B>Concordia Theology Today</B></U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <div>   <A NAME="lutheran_campus_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY</B></div> <div>     <IMG SRC="06d5e890.png" border=0 width="94" height="137" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="4"> </div> <div> Lutheran Campus Ministry to students at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville began several</div> <div> years ago. LCM is a ministry to all Lutherans at APSU. For information email the Church in care of <A HREF="mailto:glcdce1@charterinternet.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:glcdce1@charterinternet.com"><U>Jo-Ann Thomack.</U></A> </div> <bR> <div> In addition to ministry to APSU students, Grace Lutheran Church serves students away at other </div> <div> colleges and universities. Both local and outreach Campus Ministry include, care packages, </div> <div> email newsletters from the Church, and other contacts to support those in college. </div> <bR> <bR> <div>   <A NAME="women_s_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>WOMEN'S MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="06f95960.png" border=0 width="149" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">Grace Lutheran Church sponsors two women's circles that together form the local organization of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League -- the women's auxiliary of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  </div> <bR> <div> The Dorcas circle meets at the Church on the first  Wednesday of the month at 10 am.</div> <div> Mary Martha circle meets at the Church on the second Monday of the month at 7 pm.                     </div> <bR> <div> The LWML is a national missions service organization with a budget of $1.75 Million</div> <div> supporting mission projects here and throughout the world.  The LWML publishes a variety</div> <div> of print and media resources for women's ministries and service.  In addition the LWML is a district service organization with a budget of more than $75,000, covering the region of Arkansas, southwestern Kentucky, and Tennessee.  As a local organization, the LWML sponsors many projects, including the preparation of over 100 Health Kits for Lutheran World Relief, recyling of ink jet and laser cartridges, recyling of cell phones, toiletries for the local women's safe house, and many other outreach projects.</div> <bR> <div> The LWML Convention is in Nashville, TN from June 6-8.  For more information, contact the Church Office.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="women_s_ministry_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>MEN'S MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="071c05b0.png" border=0 width="192" height="91" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="2">The Men's Club of Grace Lutheran Church is for adult men of all ages and provides opportunities for fellowship, support and service.  Meeting on the third Monday of the month, they enjoy a meal together, a program, and many other activities.  Annual favorites include pizza and football at the Blackhorse, a Predators hockey game, and a steak cookout.  Check the newsletter and bulletin for the specific dates and times of the meetings.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="music_ministry_1"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>BIBLE STUDIES</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07355c30.png" border=0 width="85" height="195" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="2">On Sunday mornings, there are at least two options for adult Bible Study.  The Rev. William </div> <div> Childress and the Rev. Larry Peters each lead classes from 9:45 am - 10:35 each Sunday.  </div> <div> Addtional Bible study groups meet occasionally during the same period.  For a list of current </div> <div> Bible study offerings, see the table below.</div> <bR> <div> Monday mornings the C.H.R.I.S.T. <I>(</I><I><B>C</B></I><I>hristians </I><I><B>H</B></I><I>aving </I><I><B>R</B></I><I>eally </I><I><B>I</B></I><I>nteresting </I><I><B>S</B></I><I>tudies and </I><I><B>T</B></I><I>alks)</I> </div> <div> Bible study group meets from 10:15 am to 12:00 pm with child care provided.  The group is a mix </div> <div> of ages, including younger moms, stay at home dads, and women with grown families.  Various </div> <div> individuals serve as study leaders.</div> <bR> <div> Wednesday mornings the G. I. F. T. <I>(</I><I><B>G</B></I><I>rowing </I><I><B>I</B></I><I>n </I><I><B>F</B></I><I>aith </I><I><B>T</B></I><I>ogether) Bible study group meets from 9:30 am to 11:15 am and is led by Carol Childress.  Members often come at 9 am to join in the mall walk around the interior of the facility.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Wednesday evenings both Pastor Childress and Pastor Peters offer occasional Bible studies (when Advent and Lent services are not being held).  These cover a variety of topics and formats and generally run from 7 - 8 pm.  Check the Bible study table below for the specific offerings.</I></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="735" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="148"><div> Meeting Day</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Leader</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Topic</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Dates</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Monday Mornings</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Jo-Ann Thomack</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> For Women Only </div> <div> (about men)</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> August - October  2008</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Monday Mornings</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Jo-Ann Thomack</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Prayer</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> November 08 - March 09</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Monday Mornings</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Jo-Ann Thomack</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> James</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> April - May 09</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday Mornings</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Jane Schult</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Abraham</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Oct. - Nov. 08</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Tuesday Mornings</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Jane Schult</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Sermon on the Mount</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Nov  08 - March 09</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Wednesday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Carol Childress</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Job</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Sept. - Dec. - 2008</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Wednesday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Carol Childress</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Proverbs</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Jan - July 09</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Wednesday Evening </div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Pastor Childress</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Daniel</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Sept 10, 2008 - Oct 15</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Sunday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> Pastor Peters</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Who is Jesus -- Gospel of Matthew</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Sept. 08 - March 09</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Sunday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Pastor Childress</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Jude </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Sept. - Dec. 08</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Sunday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Pastor Childress</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Haggai, Zechariah & Malachi</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> Jan -09</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Sunday Morning</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="152"><div> David Thomack</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="197"><div> Creation</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="205"><div> 08-09</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div>   <A NAME="music_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>MUSIC MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="075b69b0.png" border=0 width="182" height="155" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">The music ministry at Grace Lutheran Church is a full program of vocal music for all age groups, hand bells, hand chimes, and instrumental music.  This includes <I><B>Music at Grace, </B></I>a special series of 4-6 concert events featuring musicians, artists, and ensembles in a variety of musical styles.  Some featured artists have included:  Christopher Pardini (Organist at the Crystal Cathedral), the deGraffenried Chorale, Wilma Jensen (internationally renown organist and instructor), and many others.  The Choir of Grace Lutheran Church is the featured group for one concert each year - an Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Evensong with orchestra, strings, or brass ensemble.  For a tentative listing of 2008-2009 concerts, please see the table below.</div> <bR> <div> <I><B>MUSIC AT GRACE 2008-2009</B></I></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="745" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 ><NOBR><div> Sunday, November 16, 2008</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Celtic & Bluegrass Music</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="259"><div> Too Many Strings</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="237"><div> Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="223"><div> Choral Evensong for Advent thru Epiphany</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="259"><div> Choir & Orchestra of Grace Lutheran Church</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="237"><div> Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="223"><div> Children's Voices</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="259"><div> Nashville Children's Choir - 60 Singers from Belmont University</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="237"><div> Sunday, March 1, 2009</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="223"><div> The Crucifixion - Choir/Orchestra</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="259"><div> Special Lenten Concert</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="237"><div> Sunday, April 26, 2009</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="223"><div> Bells, Chimes & Children's Choirs</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> From Grace Lutheran Church</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Our 35 voice choir rehearses each Tuesday from 7-8:30 pm and is always searching for new voices!  The choir sings at both services and often features soloists and small group ensembles drawn from the larger choir.  If you have an interest, please email the Church to the attention of our Cantor <I>(Director of Music)</I>, Rocky Craft.</div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="197c5960.jpg" border=0 width="197" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Our Hand Bell Choir rehearses on Thursdays from 6 - 7 pm.  This group is a select group of individuals who are proficient at reading music and the group attends hand bell workshops annually.  The Bell Choir plays for Sunday morning services and on special occasions.</div> <bR> <div> Our youth choir meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30 for a brief rehearsal before Sunday school begins.  A children's choir also rehearses at the same time.  Both are looking to expand and offer a larger program.</div> <bR> <div> We have two chime choirs -- an Adult Chime Choir directed by Rocky Craft and rehearsing after worship on Sunday afternoons and a Youth Chime Choir directed by Tina Carson which meets at 9:30 am on Sunday.</div> <bR> <div> We have two youth choirs and one middle/high school choir.  The Cherub Choir is directed by Ed Kern and includes children pre-kindergarten through Grade 1.  The Angel Choir is directed by Michele Jarrett and includes children from Grades 2-6.  The Middle and Highschool age youth choir is directed by Rocky Craft and includes middle school through high school age youth.  These three choirs meet at 9:30 am Sunday mornings.</div> <bR> <div>      Instrumentalists are used throughout the year -- some from the congregation and some through the music department of Austin Peay State University.</div> <bR> <div>  <IMG SRC="07805b90.jpg" border=0 width="261" height="185" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <A NAME="educational_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>EDUCATIONAL MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> Sunday School</B></div> <bR> <div> Sunday School meets throughout the year from 9:45 to 10:40 am each Sunday morning.  Classes start with a special child/parent program for 2 year old children and run through all age groups -- including High School and adult classes.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Catechism Classes</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07997960.png" border=0 width="151" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="3">Grace Lutheran Church offers a 2 1/2 year program of catechism instruction.  Generally started in 7th grade, the first level instruction covers the one big story of the Bible (Genesis to Revelation) and the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and the Apostles Creed.  The second year covers the rest of the six chief parts of the catechism (Lord's Prayer, Baptism, Absolution, and Holy Communion) as well as worship, the Church Year, and a brief overview of Christian and Lutheran history.  The Rite of Confirmation is always administered on the last Sunday in October (Reformation Sunday).  A Confirmation Banquet is held the Sunday before the catechumens are confirmed.  The  catechumens, their families, and the teachers are served by the second year class and their families.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Classes currently meet Wednesdays from 5:00-7:00 pm</B> with a meal served at Chruch to students and attending parents.  Classes meet on those Wednesdays when the Clarksville/Montgomery County Schools are in session.  Classes began on Wednesday, August 9, with a parents meeting and will conclude May 23.</div> <bR> <div>  <B>Young Adults Bible Study and Fellowship</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07b52740.png" border=0 width="82" height="116" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The Young Adults are people in their 20s and 30s and typically meets on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  Both evenings begin with a meal followed by a topical discussion on the second Friday (things like current events, time management, health issues, etc) and Bible study on the fourth Friday.  The group also meets periodically for social activities and servant projects.</div> <bR> <div> Times and details are listed in the Sunday bulletin and the monthly Church Newsletter.  You may also request a monthly email newsletter giving the most up-to-date information.  The Young Adults are open to members and non-members alike.  Contact the <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto: glcoffice@charterinternet.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto: glcoffice@charterinternet.com"><U><B>Church Office</B></U></A></FONT> for more information.</div> <bR> <div> <B>New Member Instruction</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07d8d620.png" border=0 width="141" height="98" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="2">New Member Classes are basic introductions to Lutheran faith and life and are held several times each year.  Generally classes begin with a full day (8 am - 3 pm) of instruction on the Scriptures, the chief doctrines of the Bible, Church history, Lutheran history, the Lutheran Confessions (and Catechisms), Lutheran worship, and Lutheran piety and practice.  New members then continue their instruction through at least six months in one of the various regular Bible study groups that meet through the Church.</div> <bR> <div> Those who join attend a New Member Orientation held several times a year (February and August) at a time close to their joining.  There they have the opportunity to meet the Church Staff, the Church Council leaders, tour the building, and find out about the programs and ministries of Grace Lutheran Church.  In addition, a time/talent survey gives these new members an opportunity to plug in to what goes on at Grace using their gifts and talents.</div> <bR> <div> <B>VBS   </B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="1b7aa840.jpg" border=0 width="170" height="132" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Join us for Vacation Bible School from Monday, June 16 through Friday June 20, starting with a meal in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm and children's classes from 6-8 pm.  Adults have a Health Moment each evening from 6-6:20 pm (in various rooms in the Old Building) and your choice of <I>From Me to We</I> (a parenting class led by DCE Jo-Ann Thomack) or TV Evangelists:  <I>True Shepherds or Wolves in Sheep's Clothing</I> taught by DCE Phil Stilke.</div> <div> <B>   </B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B>Preschool Ministry</B></div> <div> Education is a very important subject among Lutherans especially the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The Grace Lutheran Church Preschool opened in September of 2000 with a capacity of 115 children. Every year since that first year the school has been filled to capacity with a waiting list in many classes. </div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="07ebe8e0.png" border=0 width="190" height="142" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="3" VSPACE="3">There are five day sessions for the pre-kindergarten class, three and two day sessions for children from 1 year old to 4 years old. Each classroom is appointed with age appropriate furniture and equipment and is staffed with a trained teacher and an aide. The Director is Suzanne Cassady, who was a preschool teacher here and who had many years of experience in preschool education before becoming Director. </div> <bR> <div> The Grace Lutheran Preschool has been state certified and licensed and had received the highest star rating the State of Tennessee provides.   Changes in the law made it difficult to continue to provide the quality program we have enjoyed while adhering to these changes so the school has chosen not to be licensed until these changes can be addressed.   It adheres to the highest standards of service and care within a distinctly Christian setting where values and faith are a part of every activity. Regular chapel times, a music teacher, and seasonal programs make for a well rounded preschool program. The fall semester begins the day after Labor Day each year. <B>Enrollment is limited</B> but you may check with the Director for openings and availability.   Enrollment begins in March for the next school year.</div> <div>   </div> <div>  <A NAME="social_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>SOCIAL MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="08059a00.png" border=0 width="89" height="160" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="2">Grace reaches out to the community through our participation in Urban Ministries and its financial assistance programs for the poor and needy.  In addition we maintain a food ministry at our Church and have access to a variety of programs through referral to other agencies.  </div> <bR> <div> Grace shoulders the responsibility of the Community Soup Kitchen once or twice each month </div> <div> through our partnership with Loaves and Fishes.  <IMG SRC="08264610.png" border=0 width="100" height="97" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Grace is a long-time supporter of the <A HREF="http://pastoralcounselingcenters.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://pastoralcounselingcenters.org"><U>Pastoral Counseling Center of Clarksville</U></A> </div> <div> which provides quality psychological and behavioral counseling within a pastoral</div> <div> and Christian care setting.</div> <bR> <div>  A number of ministries and social service agencies are supported through the combined efforts of the congregation and the local Thrivent for Lutherans chapter.  These include the Hope Pregnancy Center, the Crisis Call Line, the Hospice Program of Montgomery County, Big Brother/Big Sister, Habitat for Humanity, Loaves and Fishes, Urban Ministries, and many others.</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="social_ministry_2"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>FUEL</B></div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="084965b0.png" border=0 width="150" height="91" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> FUEL is a food ministry Grace Lutheran Church provides to needy children at Barksdale Elementary School (near by).  Small children who do not get regular meals outside the school breakfast and lunch program receive a bag of healthy foods and snacks to carry them through the weekend.  FUEL stands for Fill Up on Emmaus Love.</div> <bR> <div> <B>PARISH NURSE PROGRAM</B></div> <bR> <div>   <IMG SRC="0858b960.png" border=0 width="139" height="150" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </div> <div>   Started through a grant from the <A HREF="http://wheatridge.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://wheatridge.org"><U>WheatRidge Foundation</U></A> (seeding health and healing</div> <div>   ministries among Lutherans).  Our Parish Nurse is Marilyn Nesbitt, RN, and she completed</div> <div>   a year long distance learning program from Concordia University of Mequon, WI, so she</div> <div>   certified as a Parish Nurse.  From health fairs and blood pressure checks to personal </div> <div>   follow up on the hospitalized or chronically ill, the Parish Nurse adds a whole new </div> <div>   dimension to the care provided to those within the congregation.  Administration of the </div> <div>   Parish Nurse program is through the Health Care Cabinet of the congregation.  Medical </div> <div>   professionals within the congregation provide volunteer support and multiply the caring </div> <div>   ministry of our Parish Nurse.  A twelve step group using the Recovery Bible meets weekly at the Church. A grief group program and support group has been set up in partnership with the Sango United Methodist Church and their Parish Nurse.  Contact <A HREF="mailto:glcparishnurser@charterinternet.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:glcparishnurser@charterinternet.c"><U>Marilyn Nesbitt</U></A> for more information on these and other programs. </div> <bR> <div>   <A NAME="youth_ministry"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><B>YOUTH MINISTRY</B></div> <bR> <div> <IMG SRC="087ccac0.png" border=0 width="204" height="172" ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="8" VSPACE="2">The Youth Ministry program of Grace Lutheran Church is overseen by     Director of Christian Education Philip Stilke and reaches youth from grades 5 through High School.  </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Faith Explorers</B></I> is the name of the first level of the youth program. Youth from grades 5-6 meet monthly for meetings and activities and for special crafts, fun, and fellowship. The group normally meets on Sunday afternoons and the schedule is posted in the newsletter.   </div> <bR> <div> <I><B>Junior Lutheran Youth Fellowship</B></I> is for middle school age children (grades 7-8).  They normally meet on the second and fourth Sundays of the month with activities designed to be fun, formative, and interactive -- ranging from spiritual instruction to servant activies to socializing and fellowship.  In addition they also meet occasionally for other fun activities and special events.  Some of their recent activities have included a fun day at a local water park, canoing down the Buffalo River, and a service project for Lutheran World Relief.  In addition Junior LYF have plans to join other Middle Tennessee Lutheran Youth this fall for a retreat.</div> <div>  <IMG SRC="08977910.png" border=0 width="119" height="145" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <I><B>Senior Lutheran Youth Fellowship</B></I> is for high school age youth.  Each Sunday morning they meet for Sunday school and growth in God's Word and on Sunday evenings.  The evening activities involve fun, fellowship, and programs to stretch the faith and encourage the spiritual growth of high school age youth in the congregation.  It is also open to non-members.  The Senior LYF participates in various youth gatherings, overnights to sister congregations, the Middle Tennessee Mid-Winter Gathering, and the national LC-MS youth gathering (coming up in July of 2007 in Orlando, FL with about 35,000 other sophomores, juniors and seniors).  For more information on this or other youth programs, <FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0000BF" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:glcoffice@charterinternet.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:glcoffice@charterinternet.com"><U><B>email the Church.</B></U></A></FONT></div> </td> </tr></table></body>