GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH

(Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS January 26, 2014

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH
Dearest Jesus, Your suffering and death is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to me it is Gods power for my salvation. Grant me confidence in Your redemptive work on my behalf, knowing by faith that it has rescued me from sin and death and that Your glorious resurrection is life eternal for me and all who trust in You. Make me bold to confess this word of truth even as You have gathered me with others who do likewise so that together we may be Your disciples who lift high Your cross, Your love proclaim. In Your name I pray. Amen

WELCOME
Welcome to Grace! It is indeed good for you to be here today in this season of the Church Year known as 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. Jesus is the Christ, He is the Light of the world, the Light no darkness can overcome. 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
During the season of Epiphany we are reminded that the grace of God in Christ Jesus is for all people. The light of the Gospel is meant to shine in the darkness of our lives and the lives of all granting forgiveness and life. The Old Testament reading for this morning shares that theme of which we sing in the Nunc Dimittis regarding this salvation, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel. Gods words through the prophet Isaiah are echoed in this mornings Gospel account of St. Matthew pointing out that Jesus is the fulfillment of that prophecy. St. Paul in our Epistle reading addresses the central issue in the Corinthian Congregation, the issue of division, by pointing out that the Gospel calls and gathers those who believe in Jesus to be united under His cross which is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

THE ALTAR FLOWERS The Altar Flowers are given today to the glory of God and the beautification of His house by Allen and Dorris Deislinger in celebration of their 30th wedding anniversary and in thanksgiving for Gods many blessings. 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: Choir: Coffee Hosts: Altar Guild: Nursery Attendant: Rev. James C. Walter David Witte Nathan Beethe Pat Funk Colleen Moorman Ginger Litwa Randy Middaugh Dave Graf Bill Allaben, Bobby Bemberg Tim Loyd, Ed Mahnken (8:15) Bette Bogart (8:15) Jim and Judy Keppel (10:45) Anna Kate Manchester (10:45) Jeff Ralston (10:45) Rudy Bischof, Jeremy Hammond Ken Ross, Richard Sanders (10:45) Shaun, Justine and Maxwell Baker (10:45) Beverly Sanders Adult Choir John Ketcher and Abby, Ginger, Johnna, and Heidi Litwa (Wed. evening) Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter Mary Ann Dyer

NEXT WEEKS READINGS - The appointed readings for next Sunday, February 2nd, The Purification of Mary and The Presentation of Our Lord, are: The Old Testament Reading: 1 Samuel 1:21-28, The Epistle Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18, and The Gospel Reading: Luke 2:22-32.
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 THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

Pre-Service Music Lighting of the Chancel Candles Prelude Ringing of the Church Bell Opening Hymn: O God of God, O Light of Light

O God of God, O Light of Light - Carl Schalk

O God of God, O Light of Light - Charles W. Ore

LSB 810

Confession and Absolution

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

Invocation
P C In the name of the Father and of the T Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Hebrews 10:22; Psalm 124:8; Psalm 32:5

Exhortation
P P C P C

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

Psalm
P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C P C
Psalm 27:114 (antiphon: v. 1)

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When evildoers assail me to eat up my flesh, my adversaries and foes, it is they who stumble and fall. Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident. One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock. And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the LORD. Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud; be gracious to me and answer me! You have said, Seek my face. My heart says to you, Your face, LORD, do I seek. Hide not your face from me. Turn not your servant away in anger, O you who have been my help. Cast me not off; forsake me not, O God of my salvation! For my father and my mother have forsaken me, but the LORD will take me in. Teach me your way, O LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living! Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!

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Gloria Patri

Kyrie

Mark 10:47

Gloria in Excelsis

Luke 2:14; John 1:29

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Salutation and Collect of the Day

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Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sit

Anthem Old Testament Reading

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

Wait on the Lord - Timothy Shaw Isaiah 9:14

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 C
Stand

1 Corinthians 1:1018

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

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Alleluia and Verse

Matt. 4:17

P From that time Jesus began to preach, | saying,* "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven | is at hand."

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

Matthew 4:1225

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,

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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. 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

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Sit

Children's Message Sermon Hymn: O Christ, Our True and Only Light
Service Note: The choir will sing Stanza Three.

LSB 839

Sermon United We Stand, Divided We Fall

Stand

1 Corinthians 1:1018

Offertory

Psalm 51:1012

Sit

Offering
Stand

O Christ, Our True and Only Light - Walter Hennig

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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 20

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: Your Table I Approach Hymn: "Come, Follow Me," the Savior Spake Hymn: The People That in Darkness Sat
Stand

LSB 628 LSB 688 LSB 412

Nunc Dimittis

Luke 2:2932

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Thanksgiving

Psalm 107:1

Post-Communion Collect
P Let us pray. We give thanks to You, almighty God, that You have refreshed us through this salutary gift, and we implore You that of Your mercy You would strengthen us through the same in faith toward You and fervent love toward one another; 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: The Church's One Foundation Postlude

LSB 644

The Church's One Foundation - Matthew Machemer

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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 Almighty God, grant to Your Church Your Holy Spirit and the wisdom that comes down from above, that Your Word may not be bound but have free course and be preached to the joy and edifying of Christs holy people, that in steadfast faith we may serve You and, in the confession of Your name, abide unto the end; 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: The Church's One Foundation Postlude T T

LSB 644

The Church's One Foundation - Matthew Machemer

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
Coffee and Fellowship in the Parlor following 8:15 Service

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

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 7:30 a.m. Early Childhood Development Center 7:00 p.m. Voters Meeting in the Sanctuary 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

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL the lesson is about Jesus calling the first disciples as recorded in Matthew 4:1225. Jesus preached, taught, and healed, and He called His first disciples to do the same. Today, Jesus continues His saving work through the Office of the Ministry, where His Word is preached and His Sacraments are administered. The children learned that Jesus chose ordinary, sinful men to follow Him and be His disciples. In Baptism, Jesus chooses us to be His children. Underscore that in Jesus forgiveness we find peace and favor with God, whose Word testifies repeatedly and consistently that Jesus is His Son and our Savior. 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. This week he will continue 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. CONGRATULATIONS to Bill and Maia Bischof on the birth of their son Alexios Romanes Bischof on Sunday, January 19th, in Denton, Texas. Alexios grandparents are Rudy and Sherry Bischof. Congratulations and Gods blessings to Bill and Maia. - 21 -

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 26 Susan Mahnken, Harold Wells Jan. 28 Bailey Cannon Jan. 29 John Calvillo Jan. 30 Joan Ann Olsen, Travis Starr Jan. 31 Karen Camacho, Elisabeth Graf, Judy Keppel, Cynthia McCrory HAPPY ANNIVERSARY AND GODS BLESSINGS TO: Jan. 27 Dorris and Allen Deislinger REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS: Grant Geuther is at the Fort Roots Veterans Rehab recovering from a fall. Warren Rivers has returned home from the hospital. Irvin Clawitter has returned home from the hospital. Harold Wells is recovering at home following a couple of falls. Allen Deislinger continues his recovery at home. Sherry Bischof continues her recovery and treatments. LAST WEEKS STEWARDSHIP Attendance: Sunday 1/19: 192 (8:15 113 and 10:45 79). Mid-week Service 1/22: 15. Offerings: Sunday 1/19: $7,020.60. Mid-week Offering 1/15: $140.00. Memorials: $1,235.00. Building Fund: $140.00. Fan Into Flame: $60.00. Missions: $25.00. 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. VOTERS MEETING will be held on Monday, January 27th, at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. Randy Middaugh is the executive director. SPIRIT NIGHT FOR CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL - Join Christ Lutheran School this Tuesday, January 28th, for a Spirit Night at Chick-fil-a on Markham at University. Eat mor chikin and have fun with students, teachers and families all while supporting CLS! We hope to see you this Tuesday, January 28th, anytime from 5:00 8:00 p.m. LIFE ISSUES SEMINAR - Faith Lutheran Church in Hot Springs Village is hosting a Life Issues Seminar on Saturday, February 1st, 9:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m. The cost is $15.00 for materials, lunch and coffee break refreshments. Registration forms are on the tables at each entrance of the sanctuary. The deadline to register is January 29th.

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FISHERS OF MEN will be the theme for the 2014 Mid-South District of the Lutheran Laymens League Conference on March 8th from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Little Rock. With the focus on evangelism, Andrew Fitzgerald from the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in St. Louis will be the featured presenter. A complimentary lunch and special entertainment will be provided. Registration forms are available on the tables at each entrance to the sanctuary or in the church office. 2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES are on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please pick them up and throw away your 2013 envelopes. MID-WEEK SERVICES - We have a Worship Service each Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. with Holy Communion on the second and fourth Wednesday. Each weeks theme follows the theme of the previous Sunday. This is a great opportunity for evening worship and an opportunity for worship if you are not able to be here on Sunday. MEMORIALS IN MEMORY OF MRS. NORMA BISGOOD TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Gary and Paulette Goldsby TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF MRS. CONNIE DEISLINGER Daughter-in-law of Allen Deisllinger TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Bette Bogart Gary and Paulette Goldsby TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Bill and Mildred Wilkins TO THE GRACE MUSIC FUND By Joe and Debbie Craig IN MEMORY OF MRS. DONNA NICHOLS TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson TO THE GRACE MUSIC FUND By Joe and Debbie Craig TO THE GRACE GENERAL FUND By Terry and Linda Bradshaw Gary and Paulette Goldsby - 23 -

IN MEMORY OF MRS. LOTTIE PULLIAM Mother of Janet Pulliam TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Janet Pulliam IN MEMORY OF DR. GUY GARDNER Son-in-law of Mrs. Monta Krasts TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF MR. KEVIN BRINK Nephew of Margaret Schulz TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF MRS. KITTY BRYAN Grandmother of David Faulkner TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF MR. LAZARUS SAMUEL Cousin of Florence Marvin TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson IN MEMORY OF REV. STEPHEN NATHANIEL Uncle of Florence Marvin TO THE GRACE BUILDING FUND By Beth Paulson

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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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