“You shall be my witnesses” –Christian Witness Through the Ages

Rev. Dr. Rudolph W. Heinze will investigate various forms of Christian witness throughout the Church’s history.

Nov. 6

“Go and make disciples of all nations” – Evagelism: Looking at high and low points of Christian missions, Dr. Heinze will ask the critical question, “when is Christian evangelism really witnessing to Jesus Christ?”

Nov. 13

“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.” The witness of martyrs and others who suffered persecution, beginning with the first Jewish and Roman persecutions and continuing to the present age, including Christian persecution of other Christians.

Nov. 20

“Always be prepared…to give the reason for the hope that you have” Apologetics, and

“Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” Social Reform

Living With Chronic Illness

How does one cope with long term illness? How do spouse and family live with illness over a long period of time? These sessions share stories of struggle and support.

Nov. 6

Living Thirty Years with Crohn’s Illness – Stephen Schmidt shares his personal story, including the impact on his family.

Nov. 13

Healers and Support – Doctors, nurses, family members, and friends talk about their role in supporting persons with chronic illness.

Nov. 20

Grace Chronic Illness Group – Learn about the history of this group and hear members discuss their experiences, including problems, insights and other issues that they are able to share.

Renewing the Lutheran Church in Post-Communist Lithuania

Nov. 27

The Rev. Hans Dumpys is bishop of the Lithuanian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Diaspora. He will report on the physical and spiritual renewal of the church in Vilnius. The project that Grace is funding as part of the Building on the Vision campaign will be highlighted. Pastor Dumpys will also give an overview of Lutheran congregations and ministry opportunities in Lithuania (Rescheduled from October.)

Music, Music, Music

Dec. 4

A Little Advent Music – Jonathan Oblander, our own cantor, will present music for Advent by German composer Hugo Distler, based on the hymn “Savior of the Nations Come.”

Dec. 11

Composing Music for the Church – Carl Schalk, Professor of Church Music emeritus, Concordia University, River Forest, explores the process, parameters and challenge of writing music for the church’s worship in the 21^st century, with musical examples and group singing.

Dec. 18

“O Magnum Mysterium”—The Wonder of the Nativity in Poetry and Music – Carl Grapentine, host of the Morning Program on WFMT, presents a program of Christmas music and poetry focusing on the wonder of the nativity—of God taking on the form of an infant.

Ongoing Bible Study

This group meets in the Conference Room, lower level. Everyone is welcome.

Nov. 6

Guest Leader, Pastor Don Becker – Jesus in conversation with the man born blind

Dec. 4

Gal. 4 – Child of Promise

Nov. 13

Pastor Becker, part 2

Dec. 11

Gal. 5 – Love is the Fulfilling…

Nov. 20

Galatians 1 and 2 – New Wine

Dec. 18

Gal. 6 – A New Creation

Nov. 27

Gal. 3 – Abraham’s Righteousness

Dec. 25

No Class