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JULY 2015
It is my true hope that as a congregation we are getting closer to know
our Purpose within God’s Mission to be A community of Servants sharing in
the word and work of Jesus. As God’s Spirit guided us last year, that’s the
language we found together to describe who we are and why we’re here.
Look around Grace, and you should be able to fairly easily locate our Mission
Strategy – God’s Mission for us – in the rooms and walls of our church building.
In addition to our Purpose, we also have what Guides us, and our Strategic
priorities, the focus of our ministry together. Over the next few months, I’d like
to reflect on our Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities, to continue the
conversation more deeply about who we are and why we’re here. When we
are at our best we are: Growing spiritually to be more Christ-centered and
Spirit led. (That’s our first Guiding Principle)
When Trotter Franklin was baptized a few weeks ago, and when Nolan Erickson
is baptized on July 12th, we celebrated (and will again), that these children enter
into God’s story, and into the realm of God’s power; God’s grace, mercy, justice
and peace that God has intended for all of creation from the beginning. Parents
and godparents made (and will make) a promise –which all of us at Grace also
promised to support: to help Trotter and Nolan grow spiritually to be more
Christ-centered and Spirit led. To live among God’s faithful people in worship,
fellowship, service; to be brought to the word of God and the holy supper, in
worship, but also at home, to be taught the Lord’s Prayer, Ten Commandments
and the Creed, to place in their hands the story of God in scripture, to be nurtured in faith and prayer…which, by the way, Lily Pingel promised on her
confirmation day, as did we all, when we were confirmed, or affirmed our
baptism…why do we place so much emphasis on this?
(Continued on next page)
Because of the world we live in. We know what has happened in our world in the past few weeks:
shootings in Charleston, burned black churches across the South; Supreme Court decisions that
have been both praised and reviled, whether about health, or about sexuality. I read an article
buried in the latter pages of the Washington Post, that says 1 in 4 college-aged women will be
a victim of sexual assault – 25%! What do we center on to move forward in this world?
Legislation? Political victory? National pride? Intellectual prowess? Outrage? Switching the
channel to the Andy Griffith Show? Years ago when the shootings at Columbine High School
shocked us all, the Rev. Paul Henrickson was chaplain of Roanoke College, and was quoted in
the Roanoke Times, “what is revealed in this tragedy is that America has a spiritual problem.”
The way to know life that really is life is to be immersed in our story, that old old story of Jesus
and his love. Regular worship: to hear our story and to be nourished by God’s grace in the meal
Jesus gives us…opening the Bible in our homes – maybe as simply as looking at the scriptures
in advance of next Sunday, or finding a daily reading guide (see your red ELW hymnal at page
1121. Prayer about what you are anxious, or troubled, or happy about…We are at our best when
we are Growing spiritually to be more Christ-centered and Spirit led.
WORK DAY
Volunteers on Saturday May 10th, the following persons applied 5 1/2
pick-up loads of mulch in the beds around the church, Robert Shaw, Cynthia Long, Jerry Kite, Bill Meicke, Rick Marshall, Owen Keefer, and Brad
Keefer, it took about 2 1/2 hours. This work amounted to 20 man hours of
free labor. The mulch helps to maintain the moister in the ground, controls
the weed growth, and it gives a nice orderly appearance.
The pick-ups to haul the mulch were provided Bill Lucas, Robert Shaw,
and Brad Keefer's neighbor.
On the same day Lisa and Glen Gray planted the flowers in the beds, along
the walkway leading from the parking lot. Thanks to Tyler Wertman for
removing cobwebs and dirt from overhangs.
Many thanks to all !!!
PS : I am still looking for a person who would be willing to manage and supervise the care of the landscaping around the church. If interested call Brad Keefer 942-4290 and I will explain what it would require. We already have hired persons to do the lawn mowing, trimming, and snow removal.
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Hospitality on a 2,000 Mile Journey
One church is housing and feeding a group of men and women during the months of May and June. No,
this isn't a homeless ministry, although the people who sleep in the fellowship hall have gotten used to not
having a roof over their heads.
If you look at the church calendar for Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waynesboro, you will see
"Hiker Hostel" listed every day at 5 p.m. for 6 weeks.
The Hikers from the Appalachian Trail are welcomed into Grace
Lutheran, which is just a few miles from the trail, for a home
away from home while they are making the 2,000 mile trek.
Every Thursday night members of the church like Carolyn Barrett
get there long before the hikers begin to arrive to ensure that the
guests are welcomed with a hot meal.
When the hikers come trudging in at 5:00, they set off their heavy
backpacks and find a spot to relax after a day of walking for up to
20 miles. As more and more tired faces appear through the doorway of the church, a community is formed because of their shared experiences and when dinner is served,
it's like being part of a big family dinner.
The hikers and the volunteer hosts share a family meal
After starting in 2005, this is the 10th year of the hiker hostel at Grace Lutheran and if you ask anyone,
they will give full credit to Irma and Woody Graf.
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"Pastor Bob Humphrey told me that 'at the intersection of your faith and your passion is where you can
make a difference.' I have a passion for the Appalachian Trail and I'm also Lutheran," said Irma.
Irma hiked the trail in sections and completed the route in 2003. After working with the hiker ministry in
Waynesboro for several years, the Grafs moved to New Hampshire, but they still make their way back for
a week or two to be caretakers at the hostel.
The ministry still continues in their absence because of the members of the church and some alumni of the
trail who volunteer their time to sleep overnight with the hikers.
One of these overnight caretakers during the month of May was Bette Frazier who came from New
Hampshire with her husband, Richard, and her grandson, Sam.
"So many people did so many wonderful things for me when I thru-hiked and I wanted to give back,"
Bette said.
She checks the hikers in at 5 p.m. then makes sure they leave by 9 a.m. after encouraging everyone to
pitch in a hand with the cleanup.
The hiker community has its own culture and traditions that come along with this temporary lifestyle
including "trail names" which are like nicknames that hikers are either given or choose for themselves.
Before and after dinner the hikers get the chance to relax and spend time together in one of the
rooms at Grace Lutheran hikers are either given or choose for themselves.
GooRoo, Tackelbox, Tinkerbell, Sparky, Cargo Master and Hangover were just a few of the people who
gathered for dinner at Grace Lutheran in May. (Hangover swore that his name was given to him because
at 6 feet and 5 inches tall, his feet would always 'hangover' every cot or bed.)
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"I think there are many different reasons that people hike the trail" said Bette." For most of them, it's the
right time in their life to check out for 6 months, whether it's after a graduation, after a divorce, after the
military and another part of it is their shared love of nature."
"[This hike] is a way to figure out my future," said Joel Strait, a Florida native, who has just finished serving in the armed forces.
"It's helping me transition and it helps link me with other people who have served in the military and being with them has helped me quite a bit."
Strait is part of a group of 11 hikers that began the Appalachian Trail hike together in March as part of the
Warrior Hike "Walk Off the War" program. Several of his fellow veterans were with him at Grace Lutheran Church in May when the Fraziers were acting as the caregivers.
One of these hikers was Caitlin Murphy, who goes by Rorschach on the trail. Caitlin served in the Marine
Corps for 6 years and after several years of being out of the military, she decided to go on the Warrior
Hike.
"After trying to transition from my military experience,
I had a lot of anger and I wasn't handling it as gracefully as I would have liked," she said.
"One of the most helpful things is being around the
group of veterans. It's inevitable to talk about our experiences."
As Caitlin spoke, she was trying to contain a smile because the 9-year-old caretaker, Sam, was trying to
share his excitement about his own hike that day.
"Most of the hikers, they are looking for answers and
they are on a pilgrimage of sorts. Offering them a helping hand is a humanitarian and also a Christian thing to
do," said Irma.
Tinkerbell (leftt), Sam (middle), and Caitlin
(right) share some laughs after dinner
There is a short vesper prayer service led by Pastor Paul Pingel on Thursdays, but it is more of an opportunity, rather than a requirement. Some hikers may go up to the chapel, while others may take advantage
of a hot shower.
"Later on we get cards and letters from the hikers that thank us for the warmth of our ministry and the
kindness of our people," Irma said. "Perhaps later down the road, some of these people will find themselves in a faith community of their own."
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Congregation Council Meeting July 21st.
The Congregation Council will meet on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room.
Members of the congregation are always welcome to attend the meetings. If you would like to
speak to Council, please contact Tripp Franklin for time on the agenda.
Council Highlights from June 30 Meeting
Church Council met on Tuesday, June 30 at 7pm.
Ron Almarode presented financing options for the organ and columbarium. After discussion council voted to internally loan the money to pay for the financing. The loan will be reviewed in a year
and there will also be a Capital Campaign for raising funds for the organ repairs and upgrades.
To follow up on Dave Daubert's presentation from last month the Council continued discussion
about leadership training, recruiting leadership and how to recruit. Our congregation's strategic
priorities are now framed and hanging throughout the rooms of the church.
Council approved Thrivent Project funding for the Youth Gathering in July and the WARM shelter.
Mission Endowment Funds specified for Christian Education for church embers were approved for
Tyler Wertman to attend Power in the Spirit.
Council also approved the annual renewal of a memo of understanding with Waynesboro City
Schools for GELC to be used as a staging ground in case of emergency.
Council members chose their committee liaison assignments for the year.
Plans are being made for a worship service at Lake Monacan followed by a picnic at the end of
August.
FINANCIAL BAROMETER
as of May 2015
1. Pledge /giving of Record/Faith
YTD
ACTUAL
$106,323.65
$104,997.00
$1,327
2. Total Budget Receipts
$117,034.22
$114,122.00
$2,913
3. Budget Disbursements
$120,755.93
$120,.885.00
$-$129
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YTD BUDGET
DIFFERENCE
Kairos Youth Event opens Virginia Synod Youth to Share Their Faith
Tyler Wertman and Lily Pingel attended Kairos, a Virginia Synod Youth Event that meets for a week at
Roanoke College during the summer. The Virginia Synod's Youth Program is a model throughout the
ELCA of engaging Youth in their journey and growth in faith.
In the New Testament Kairos refers to the point in time when God enters and is revealed in the world, and
in the lives of people. One part of the Kairos week is a time where Youth share a testimony of their faith at
the Event. Tyler Wertman shared the following during Kairos and has asked to share it with the family of
faith at Grace. Sharing our story of faith is important! Please continue to keep all our Youth in prayer as
they continue to grow in their knowledge of the Grace of God at work in their lives and in the world around
them.
My Faith Journey
I have attended Church my entire life. I was born, baptized, raised, and confirmed in the
Lutheran Church.
When I was young I really didn’t know what the church was really about. My grandmother
would pick my brother and me up every Sunday morning to go to church, even though we
weren't forced to go. I didn’t really understand why everyone in the congregation would
repeatedly stand up and sit down and why we would have communion every Sunday.
When I was in fifth grade I started to realize that there were different Christian denominations other than the Lutheran
Church and that the worship services were different.
As I was gradually getting older I started to learn more about the prospect of joining the Lutheran Church. I started to
question myself and whether or not I wanted to be confirmed in the Lutheran Church. Is the Lutheran Church right for
me? My grandmother, my dad, and my brother had all been confirmed in the Lutheran Church.
So I began to ask for help and guidance from my family about what I should do. I finally asked my brother, Matt,
whom many of you may know, about what it means to him to be a Lutheran. He told me that it didn’t matter what
denomination I am a part of as long as I went to church, but that I should start going to the Virginia Synod Youth
Events so that I could understand for myself what set Lutherans apart from other denominations. I thought to myself,
Oh no, I never been away from home before, plus I’m shy and won’t know anybody there.
So when the applications for Lost and Found came out, my brother signed me up as quickly as possible.
As I got to Lost and Found people started coming up to me and introducing themselves to me. I knew right then and
there I was welcomed and I was going to make friends very quickly. When it was time to leave to go home from Lost
and Found I didn’t want to leave. I loved it so much that I wanted to come back. So the next year I attended again.
By going to Lost and Found I made my decision to be confirmed in the Lutheran Church. I started attending to church
more and started getting interested in Lutheranism and the history of the church and started getting more involved in
church activities.
I am so glad and thankful that my brother made me go to Lost and Found because it made me learn what Lutherans
are about and what they truly believe. If it wasn’t for him I would not be where I am today. Even though my plan was
to never to follow in his footsteps.
(Continued on next page)
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Virginia Synod Events have impacted me by getting to know others and allowing me to listen and share my faith with
others. Synod events also strengthen my faith and remind me who I am as a Christian.
My favorite synod event of all is Kairos, but I also love attending the Saturday night worship service at St. Andrew’s
during the Virginia Synod Assembly. Singing the hymns and being part of the worship service makes me feel that the
Holy Spirit is there. It makes my faith stronger than ever and why I’m glad to be part of the amazing Virginia Synod.
So what about my future? Well I plan to go to college and major in Graphic Design. But that’s not all I plan to do for
my career. I am exploring the sense of calling to go to seminary.
The church is a big part of my life and I am so thankful to be a Lutheran. I love the church with all my heart and I will
do anything for the church and for the people of the church.
At the conclusion of this article is a song that is sung at the Virginia Synod Youth Events and it’s my favorite song to
sing because it reminds us that we are church, we are Lutheran, we are church together, and we a church for the
sake of the world. It also reminds me that we are all god’s children.
~Chorus:
We are the church, the body of our Lord, we are all God’s children and we have been restored.
~Chorus
The church is not a building where people go to pray;
it’s not made out of sticks and stones, it’s not made out of clay.
~Chorus
You can go to worship but you cannot go to church;
You can’t find a building that’s alive no matter how you search.
~Chorus
The church is not a business, a committee or a board;
It’s not a corporation for the business of the Lord.
~Chorus
The church, it is the people, living out their lives,
CALLED, ENLIGHTENED, SANCTIFIED for the work of Jesus Christ.
We are the church, the body of our Lord;
We are all God’s children. We have been restored.
Thank you and thanks be to God!
Tyler Wertman
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YOUTH NEWS
ELCA National Youth Gathering: Our youth (Nathaniel, Susana, Angelica, Lily
and Tyler) will be engaged in a day of Service while in Detroit. Our Youth have
been asked to bring specific items to help those in need in Detroit, based on
the needs given to us by Detroit non-organizations we are partnering with on
our Day of Service. We've been asked to provide Diapers and Non-perishable
food items, However, since we're traveling a long distance by van to Detroit,
we will buy the items in Detroit, to deliver while there. So we're asking for
monetary donations from the congregation to help buy diapers and non-perishable food items.
There is a donation jar in the narthex for Grace members who would like to support the Youth in
their Service project. Thanks for your help!
Watch Grace's Facebook and website page for highlights of our trip to the National Youth
Gathering. On Tuesday, July 14, Tyler, Nathaniel, Angelica, Susana, and Lily will begin the trek.
The theme is "Rise Up Together" and we will be traveling to Detroit with open hearts and open
minds ready to serve. Joining in revitalization efforts, we will be making neighborhoods safer and
healthier for the residents. The ELCA Worship and Music team also has assembled a talented
group of speakers, vocalists, and musicians. It proves to be a week to remember for all of us for
years to come.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Baptism of Nolan Robert Erickson will be Sunday, July 12th! We celebrate Nolan’s being
added to God’s story, saved by God’s Grace, dying and rising to new life with Jesus Christ,
getting in the boat with us here at Grace Lutheran Church! Pray for Nolan and his parents Roy
and Amy, as they make their baptismal promise on behalf of their son.
Meal for the Free Clinic! Every year Grace serves a meal to the doctors and nurses at the Free
Clinic in Fishersville. Our date for this year is Thursday, July 30. We prepare a meal for 20 and
deliver it to the clinic. They will take care of the serving. We typically have a casserole, salad and
dessert. If you would like to help by preparing something, please contact Gwen Kite at 910-0508
or gwenma2002@yahoo.com.
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Thanksgiving
Gifts
We acknowledge with
gratitude the donations
made to the special funds
of Grace Church
Memorial
Gifts
In Memory Of:
Donald E. Glenn
James B. Lunger
V.A. Moyer, Jr
Given for: Memorial Gifts, Building Fund, Organ Fund
Donations from: Berenice Archambeault, Genevieve and Allan Arneson,
Syneva and Ivan Augustin, Joyce and Rodney Brandt,
Jean Brower and family, Dukie Cape, Mary Dodson,
Jean and Eric Garber, Rick Glidden, Judy and Chuck Goodrich,
Grace Altar Guild, Hope and Sam Grove, George Handley,
Pat Howard, Annie Hulen, Doris Hulvey, John N. Jones, Jr.,
Wilda and Brad Keefer, Owen Keefer, Gwen and Jerry Kite,
Sandy and Ron Knicely, Linda and Bill Lilliston, Peggy and Bill Lucas,
John Lunger, Donna and Rick Marshall, Jane and John McGehee,
Ernestine and Dwight Moomaw, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Muney, Jr.,
Jean Morgan, Janet Parmer, Jeanne and Robert Partridge,
Diane and Bill Pollock, Mirian and Paul Posey, Tami and Mark Radecke,
Pete Rufe, Annette and Marvin Schaff, Susan Simches, Megan Stauffer,
Linda and Dick Tomey, Martha and Paul Vames, Flo Walck,
Wharton, Aldhizer and Weaver, James Wilson, Carol Wolf
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07/01
07/04
07/05
07/05
07/06
07/06
07/07
07/09
07/09
07/10
07/11
07/11
07/13
Tyler Wertman
Bob Garber
Randolph Varner
Jeff Shook
Joan Ranzini
Mary Kate Camblos
Mike Doty
Maribeth Failvre
Leslie Hall
Caroline Fauber
Cindy Glenn
Brian Kennell
Linda Quickel
07/0?
07/09
07/11
07/13
07/15
Mike Myers
Taylor Barrett
Todd Knicely
Rosemarie Tanner
Krista Johnson
07/14
07/15
07/15
07/16
07/17
07/17
07/18
07/19
07/19
07/21
07/21
07/22
07/22
07/17
07/17
07/20
07/23
Kara Kiblinger
Anthony Brown
Kelli Kiblinger
Tim Etter
Jack Boteler
Sandra Brady
Kevin Knicely
Ethan Lynch
Nicholas Castle
Bill Lucas
Michael Potts
Al McKechnie
Kelly Rankin
Tara Snyder
Drew Kozubal
Fred Brower
Rachel Fauber
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07/23
07/23
07/24
07/24
07/25
07/25
07/27
07/28
07/29
07/30
07/28
07/28
Bobby Hite
Diane Lundstrom
Cindy Trauscht
Hunter Walck
Sue Kelley
Terry Snyder
Reva Franklin
Karen Mowen
Denise Farrar
Gail Johnson
Sharon Marcus
Paul Pitzer
July
Sunday Servers at Grace: Assisting Minister, Communion Assistant, Altar Guild, Offering Stewards,
Ushers, Greeters, Nursery and Acolytes
July 5
6th Day after
Pentecost
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
July 12
7th Sunday after
Pentecost
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
July 19
8th Sunday after
Pentecost
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Gordon Putnam
Preaching & Presiding
Assistant Minister
Gail Johnson
Communion Assistant
Tyler Wertman & Robert Shaw
Altar Guild
Lisa & Glen Gray
Offering Stewards
Pat Brady & Craig VanBremen
Altar Flowers
Deloris Wertman
Ushers
Jack Eckstrom
David Glover
Brad Keefer
Andrew Moomaw
Assistant Minister
Robert Shaw
Communion Assistant
Marlene Shaw & Jerry Kite
Altar Guild
Anne & Gordon Putnam
Offering Stewards
Pat Brady & Craig VanBremen
Altar Flowers
Open
Ushers
Bill Meicke
Tom Carper
Chris Carper
Pat Brady
Ushers
Assistant Minister
Linda Meyer
Communion Assistant
Tripp Franklin & Gail Johnson
Altar Guild
Jean Morgan
Offering Stewards
Pat Brady & Craig VanBremen
Altar Flowers
Pete Rufe
Bob Moyer
E.G. Rankin
Zachary Rankin
Fred Biggers
Jerry Kite
Council Member
of the Week
Gwen Kite
Greeter
Linda & Dick
Tomey
Council Member
of the Week
John McGehee
Nursery
Jane Stein
Kim Hull
Acolyte
Nursery
Jean Morgan
Susie Driskill
Greeter
Lori McCloskey
Acolytes
Council Member
of the Week
Nursery
Jill Pingel
Jayme Morris
Bill Meicke
Acolyte
Greeter
Jean Morgan
Nursery
July 26
9th Sunday after
Pentecost
10:00 A.M.
Holy Communion
Pastor Paul Pingel
Preaching & Presiding
Ushers
Assistant Minister
Wilda Keefer
Communion Assistant
Karla Rankin & E.G. Rankin
Altar Guild
Kathy Meicke
Offering Stewards
Pat Brady & Craig VanBremen
Altar Flowers
Open
Marge Cloutier
Linda Meyer
Jean Morgan
Marlene Shaw
Council Member
of the Week
Joelle Miller
Acolyte
Greeter
Janet Parmer
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Jean & Tripp
Franklin
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
1
5
6th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30am Choir Practice
10:00am Holy Communion
Bill Darrach send off (Biggers
Home)
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6
Office Closed
4th of July
HOliday
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7
8
Thu
Fri
Sat
2
3
4
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
7:00pm Mission Trip
Meeting (Conf Room)
4:00pm
Wedding Reh
4:00pm Wedding
Lisa Cusea &
Alvin Jackson
Wedding
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10
11
17
18
12:00 Noon Carol
Varner Garden Club
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
14
7th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30am Choir Practice
10:00am Holy Communion
15
16
ELCA National Youth Gathering/Detroit 14-19
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
19
20
8hSunday after Pentecost
9:30am Choir Practice
10:00am Holy Communion
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22
23
7:00pm Congregation Council (Conf
Room)
3:00pm WARM Board
(Conf Room)
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
24
9:00am Synod
Fellowship Hall
7:00pm Outreach
Committee (Conf
Room)
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27
28
29
30
9th Sunday after Pentecost
9:30am Choir Practice
10:00am Holy Communion
12:30 Bridge Club
(Fellowship Hall)
Meal for Free Clinic
15
25
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Members of Grace, Ministers
Tripp Franklin
President of Congregation Council
Council Members: Fred Biggers (Vice President), Pat Brady,
Robin Crowder, Jack Eckstrom, Gwen Kite,
John McGehee, Bill Meicke, Joelle Miller
Eleanor Sampson (Secretary), Marlene Shaw,
Mike Trauscht, Kate VanBremen
Tyler Wertman (Youth)
Ron Almarode, Treasurer
Charles Goodrich, Financial Secretary
Rev. Paul Pingel, Pastor
Mike Myers, Organist
Director of Music
Janice Collins, Administrative Secretary
Office Hours: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Roger Clark & Willie Clark, Sextons
Stamp
Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
500 South Wayne Avenue
Waynesboro Virginia 22980
LABEL