GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS January 12, 2014

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Gracious God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as You were present at creation so too were you present at the Jordan River Baptism of Jesus by John. I rejoice that Jesus has fulfilled all righteousness for me. So too as the Spirit descended upon Him and the Father confirmed His pleasure for Him, I pray that I remain beloved of You as in my Baptism You have made me Your child with whom You are well pleased. Keep me steadfast in my faith to live as Your child giving You glory in all that I say and do. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! It is indeed good for you to be here today in this new season of the Church Year, the season of Epiphany. Epiphany is all about Jesus Christ being revealed as Messiah to and for the nations as promised by God through the prophets in the Old Testament. We ask that everyone fill out an attendance registration card found at each pew and return it to an Usher as the Offering is collected. Restrooms are located on the lower level of this building or across the bridge on this floor level before entering the fellowship hall. If you have any questions please ask one of our greeters or ushers. Children are welcome in our Service and will be invited to come forward for a Childrens Message. Parents may accompany them. A nursery for infants and toddlers is located downstairs for anyone who has need.

HOLY COMMUNION
Holy Communion will be celebrated in our 8:15 Service today. In this sacrament we receive Christs very body and blood for the forgiveness of sins. Those who are not members of Grace are asked to speak with our Pastor before partaking of this sacrament so that the unity of faith might be established. Thank you for honoring this request.

AS WE GATHER
In biblical times water was a symbol of chaos, and also a means of salvation. The psalmist records, The voice of the Lord is over the waters. When our Lord was baptized, the Jordans waters held, as it were, the washed-away sins of all those who had come to John for Baptism, a Baptism of repentance, for John was preparing the way. In pure innocence, though, Jesus was taking on Himself the sin-filled waters en route to bearing all sin on the cross. He who was without sin was fulfilling all righteousness for us so that we might be given His righteousness. It is good for us to remember the waters of our own Baptism, knowing that we were marked in those waters, claimed by God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In those waters we were united with Christ in His death and in His resurrection, as the Apostle Paul confirms in todays Epistle reading. In fact, each day, by remembering our Baptism, our sin is drowned and we arise in newness of life, marked by Gods grace.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and the beautification of His House by Irvin and Sherry Clawitter in grateful thanks for Irvins 75th birthday and all the blessings of life. THOSE WHO SERVE Pastor: Vicar: Director of Parish Music: Secretary: Early Childhood Center Director: Acolyte: (8:15) Cantor: (8:15) Communion Assistant: (8:15) Ushers: (8:15) Greeter: Altar Guild: Acolyte: Cantor: Ushers: Greeters: Altar Guild: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: (8:15) (8:15) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (10:45) (Wed. evening) Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Ginger Litwa Randy Middaugh Raymond Harrill Bill Allaben, Bobby Bemberg Tim Loyd, Ed Mahnken Bette Bogart Jim and Judy Keppel Anna Kate Manchester Jeff Ralston Rudy Bischof, Jeremy Hammond Ken Ross, Richard Sanders Shaun, Justine and Maxwell Baker Beverly Sanders LWML Evening Guild Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, January 19th, The Baptism of Our Lord, are: The Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7, The Epistle Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, and The Gospel Reading: John 1:29-42a.
Grace Lutheran Church P. O. Box 250769, Little Rock, AR 72225 www.gracelutheranlr.org Telephone Number: 501-663-3631

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THE ORDER OF DIVINE SERVICE FOR THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright

What Is This Bread? - Ralph C. Schultz

O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright [BWV 739] J.S. Bach

LSB 395 sts. 14

Epiphany Observance
Stand The sign of the cross may be made by all in remembrance of their Baptism.

Invocation
P In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. C Amen

Salutation
P The Lord be with you. C And also with you.

Collect
P O God, by the leading of a star You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Lead us, who know You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. C Amen

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Epiphany Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St, Matthew, the second chapter. C Glory to You, O Lord.

Matthew 2:112

P Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, C Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. P When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. C They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. P Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, C Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him. P After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. P This is the Gospel of the Lord. C Praise to You, O Christ.

Hymn: O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright Exhortation

P P C P C

LSB 395 sts. 56

Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

Beloved in the Lord! Let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins unto God our Father, beseeching Him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness. Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord, and You forgave the iniquity of my sin.

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Silence for reflection on God's Word and for self-examination.

Confession of Sins (8:15)

P C O almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray You of Your boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter sufferings and death of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be gracious and merciful to me, a poor, sinful being.
John 20:1923

Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Confession of Sins (10:45)

P Almighty God, our maker and redeemer, we poor sinners confess unto You that we are by nature sinful and unclean and that we have sinned against You by thought, word, and deed. Wherefore we flee for refuge to Your infinite mercy, seeking and imploring Your grace for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. O most merciful God, who has given Your only-begotten Son to die for us, have mercy upon us and for His sake grant us remission of all our sins; and by Your Holy Spirit increase in us true knowledge of You and of Your will and true obedience to Your Word, to the end that by Your grace we may come to everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Mark 16:16; John 1:12

Almighty God, our heavenly Father, has had mercy upon us and has given His only Son to die for us and for His sake forgives us all our sins. To those who believe on His name He gives power to become the children of God and has promised them His Holy Spirit. He that believes and is baptized shall be saved. Grant this, Lord, unto us all. Amen

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Service of the Word

Introit
P Behold my servant, whom I uphold, C my chosen, in whom my soul delights. P I will tell of the decree: C The LORD said to me, You are my Son; today I have begotten you. P Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, C and the ends of the earth your possession. P You shall break them with a rod of iron C and dash them in pieces like a potters vessel. P Now therefore, O kings, be wise; C be warned, O rulers of the earth. P Serve the LORD with fear, C and rejoice with trembling, P for his wrath is quickly kindled. C Blessd are all who take refuge in him.
Ps. 2:711, 12c; antiphon: Is. 42:1a

Gloria Patri

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

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Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

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Old Testament Reading

P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Isaiah 42:19

Gradual

Ps. 117:12a; 96:8

Praise the LORD, all | nations!* Extol him, all | peoples! For great is his steadfast | love toward us,* and the faithfulness of the LORD endures for- | ever. Ascribe to the LORD the glory | due his name;* bring an offering, and come in- | to his courts!

Epistle
P This is the Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.

Romans 6:111

Stand

Alleluia and Verse

P You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.

Mark 1:11b

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Holy Gospel
P The Holy Gospel according to St. Matthew, the third chapter.

Matthew 3:1317

The reading of the Holy Gospel. P This is the Gospel of the Lord.

Nicene Creed (8:15)

C I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the virgin Mary and was made man; and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried. And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures and ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead, whose kingdom will have no end.

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And I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And I believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church, I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and I look for the resurrection of the dead and the life T of the world to come. Amen

Apostles' Creed (10:45)

C I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life T everlasting. Amen

Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: To Jordan's River Came Our Lord LSB 405

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Sermon Water Marked

Stand

Matthew 3:1317

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

Sit

Offering
Stand

To Jordan's River Came Our Lord - Stephen P. Johnson

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Prayer of the Church

P Let us pray for the whole Church of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs.

Each petition ends with the following: P C Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.

The prayers conclude with the following: P C Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy; through Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

10:45 Service continues on page 21

Service of the Sacrament (8:15)

Preface
2 Timothy 4:22; Colossians 3:1 Psalm 136

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Proper Preface
P It is truly meet, right, and salutary that we should at all times and in all places give thanks to You, holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord; for what had been hidden from before the foundation of the world You have made known to the nations in Your Son. In Him, being found in the substance of our mortal nature, You have manifested the fullness of Your glory. Therefore with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Your glorious name, evermore praising You and saying:
Isaiah 6:3; Matthew 21:9

Sanctus

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Lord's Prayer

Matthew 6:913

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The Words of Our Lord

Matthew 26:2628; Mark 14:2224 Luke 22:1920; 1 Corinthians 11:2325

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Pax Domini

John 20:19

Agnus Dei

John 1:29

Sit

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Distribution Communion Instructions: The Pastor invites the communicants, those who are able, to kneel and then distributes the host which may be received into the hand or the mouth. The Elder distributes the individual cups. The communicants are asked to hold their cups until the Pastor says, Take and drink. Hymn: What Is This Bread Hymn: The Star Proclaims the King Is Here Hymn: Beautiful Savior
Stand

LSB 629 LSB 399 LSB 537

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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Thanksgiving

Psalm 107:1

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. O God the Father, the fountain and source of all goodness, who in loving-kindness sent Your only-begotten Son into the flesh, we thank You that for His sake You have given us pardon and peace in this Sacrament, and we ask You not to forsake Your children but always to rule our hearts and minds by Your Holy Spirit that we may be enabled constantly to serve You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Salutation

2 Timothy 4:22

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Benedicamus

Psalm 103:1

Benediction

Numbers 6:2426

Closing Hymn: Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying Postlude

LSB 597

Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying - Jeffrey Blersch

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Service Concludes (10:45)

Lord's Prayer
P C Lord, remember us in Your kingdom and teach us to pray: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen
Matthew 6:913

Collect
P Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Benediction
P C The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and T give you peace. Amen

Closing Hymn: Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying Postlude T T

LSB 597

Water, Blood, and Spirit Crying - Jeffrey Blersch

Acknowledgments Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Created by Lutheran Service Builder 2006 Concordia Publishing House.

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THIS WEEK AT GRACE SUNDAY: 8:15 a.m. Divine Service with Holy Communion Farewell to Nancy Finkbeiner - Coffee in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Sunday School downstairs in Parker Hall 9:45 a.m. Junior and Senior High classes downstairs in the church 9:45 a.m. Pastor Walters Bible Class upstairs in Parker Hall 10:45 a.m. Divine Service 1:00 p.m. Childrens Choir 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 7:00 p.m. Board of Elders 9:30 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Class 5:15 p.m. 7th Grade Confirmation 6:30 p.m. Adult Choir 6:30 a.m. Mens Bible Study at St. Vincents 7:00 p.m. Mid-Week Service 4:00 p.m. 8th Grade Confirmation 7:00 p.m. LWML Evening Guild White Elephant Sale

MON - FRI: MONDAY: TUESDAY: WEDNESDAY: THURSDAY:

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL Jesus Baptism, Matthew 3:1317, is the Bible story taught in Sunday School today. At Jesus Baptism, God the Father announced that Jesus was His son. The presence of the Holy Spirit also confirmed Jesus divinity. At our Baptism, God makes us His children through the work of the Holy Spirit. Let your children tell you the dramatic events of this story, and share with them that because of Gods wrath and anger over sin, the people were looking for a Savior. We, too, need a Savior, for God is angry with our sin. But thanks be to God, who in His mercy makes clear at Jesus Baptism that we need look no more, for the Savior is here! PASTOR WALTERS CLASS meets this morning at 9:45 a.m. upstairs in Parker Hall. Pastor Walter continues a study of The Augsburg Confession and Its Apology The Lutheran Confessions Series and will begin the study of Session 12 - Civil Government: A Gift From God. Come and review what we believe, teach and confess as Lutheran Christians. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade meet in the lower level of the Family Life Center. JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL CLASSES meet in their classrooms downstairs in the church. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 17 Kara and David Mainard - 22 -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 12 Rudy Bischof, Larry Stillman Jan. 13 Dennis Fastenau Jan. 18 Holly Raney FAREWELL COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP LWML Evening Guild is hosting a reception this morning as we honor and say farewell to our dear friend Nancy Finkbeiner. Please join us in Parker Hall following the 8:15 service for her reception. Nancy will be moving to Georgia in February to be close to one of her daughters. Nancy has been a member of our Grace Family since she was confirmed by Pastor Callies in 1956. Since that time Nancy has been active in many areas of our Grace congregation. REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Irvin Clawitter is hospitalized at Baptist Medical Center. Harold Wells is recovering at home following a couple of falls. Allen Deislinger continues his recovery at home. Larry Jones has returned to Briarwood Nursing and Rehab Center. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 1/5: 162 (8:15 84 and 10:45 78). New Years Eve Service 71. Mid-week Service 1/8: cancelled due to weather. Offerings: Sunday 1/5: $8,949.25. New Years Eve: $8,091.00. Memorials: $19,542.00. Missions Fund: $50.00. Building Fund: $1,790.00. Food Pantry: $500.00. ECDC: $100.00. Seminary Scholarship Fund: $200.00. OUR CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY to the family of Mrs. Delores Robinson who died on Thursday evening in Nashville, Tennessee. Mrs. Robinson is the grandmother of Jennifer Wunderlich. Please keep Daniel, Jennifer, and Charlotte and their family in your prayers. SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE AND FELLOWSHIP is a great opportunity for visiting and getting to know our visitors or someone you havent met before, but we need volunteers to serve refreshments during this fellowship time. Please take a minute to check the available dates for January (especially the next two Sundays, January 19th and 26th ) and February on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board by the Parlor and sign up for the Sunday on which you wish to serve. Thank you for serving!! 7TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. in the Parlor. 8TH GRADE CONFIRMATION meets on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor. - 23 -

BOARD OF ELDERS will meet on Monday, January 13th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Gary Proud is the director. LWML EVENING GUILD will host their annual White Elephant Auction on Thursday, January 16th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor. Bring a new or used item and be sure to wrap it for the auction. This is always a fun evening and all Grace women are invited to com. If you have questions, contact Pat Funk at 663-3631 or patfunk@gracelutheranlr.org. 2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES are on the table in the breezeway. Please pick them up today, and do not use any of your 2013 envelopesplease throw them away. 2014 FLOWER CALENDAR is posted in the Ushers room at the back of the sanctuary. Please sign up on the date that you would like to place flowers on the altar in 2014. The chart fills up quickly, so sign up now. PORTALS OF PRAYER Your Portals of Prayer for January March, 2014 are available on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick up your copy and then remember to recycle your old ones. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. JEANETTE KEEHN TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Rudy and Sherry Bischof IN MEMORY OF MRS. NORMA BISGOOD TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Mrs. Randall E. Northern Kenny and Terrie Wilkerson IN MEMORY OF MRS. DONNA NICHOLS TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Kaye Gilbert TO THE GRACE GENERAL ENDOWMENT FUND By Warren and Judy Rivers

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IN MEMORY OF MRS. LOIS BERNER TO THE ARNOLD AND LOIS BERNER ENDOWMENT FUND By Dennis and Virginia Berner Charlene Berner Reed IN MEMORY OF MR. KEVIN BRINK Nephew of Margaret Schulz TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig IN MEMORY OF DR. GUY GARDNER Son-in-law of Mrs. Monta Krasts TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig IN MEMORY OF MR. LAZARUS SAMUEL Cousin of Florence Marvin TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig IN MEMORY OF REV. STEPHEN NATHANIEL Uncle of Florence Marvin TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Robert and Sheila Wilimzig

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KrogerPlus Cards
Keep every swipe of your card benefitting ECDC?!

JANUARY is the month to RE-SIGN-UP your KrogerPlus Card for ECDC so you can continue Swiping for ECDC. Go to krogercommunityrewards.com. sign-in to your account. re-designate ECDC (NPO #80368). Your Done Thanks for continuing your support!
OR if you would like to begin this no-extra-cost way of supporting ECDC Heres how:
Go to krogercommunityrewards.com and register your current Kroger Plus Card. (If you do not have a Kroger Plus card, you can pick one up at the Customer Service Desk at any Kroger.) Click on Sign In/Register If you are a new online Kroger customerclick on SIGN UP in the New Customer? box. Sign up for a Kroger Rewards Account by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, entering your email address and creating a password, agreeing to the terms and conditions. You will then get a message to check your email inbox and click on the link within the body of the email. Click on My Account and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. Click on Edit Kroger Community Rewards information and input your Kroger Plus card number. (If you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Kroger Plus card number.) Update or confirm your information. Enter NPO number (for ECDC it is 80368) or name of organization, select ECDC from list and click on confirm. To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organizations name on the right side of your information page. Then just swipe your card each time you shop to benefit ECDC! If you need help with this or have questions, please give Colleen a call (663-0755) or email (ecdc@gracelutheranlr.org).

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