Who am I now?  What is God calling me to be?
by Donna Olendorf

Lent begins for me with the imposition of ashes at a quiet Wednesday service that leaves me feeling humbled and blessed. "Remember, Donna, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return," says the priest as she dips her fingers in ashes to make the sign of the cross on my forehead-the same sign the priest made many years ago to seal me as Christ's own forever at my Baptism.
 
This year especially I feel the tension between those click here to continue reading...


The painting in the Commons

During the Vestry retreat, Kathryn+ produced a blank canvas and some paints and said "let's make a painting during our time together". The image you see here, and the painting displayed on the easel in the Commons, is the result of our Vestry time away. There are many images in it if you look closely. The sailboat seems to be sitting in the midst of what some might see as waves, and others as the arms of God. It doesn't seem to be fighting against the waves but letting these strong arms carry it. Other images include a cross or two, some birds, a happy face, a feather, even the Holy Spirit. What do you see in this painting? What does it represent to you? Ask a Vestry member to tell you how it speaks to her/him. It might be a good painting to use for Visio Divina.

Visio Divina uses images as focal points for prayer and reflection. Notice what draws you into God's presence.

You might want to use the following process by Christine Valters Painter and Lucy Wynkoop:
  • Settle into stillness and gaze upon the image
  • Explore the entire image with your eyes
  • Reflect on the image
  • Respond to the image 
  • Release all the words and images and rest into God
  • Offer a prayer of thanks.

Receiving Communion in your pew
Do you have difficulty getting to the altar rail?  Communion can be brought to you in your pew.  Just let the usher know, and communion will be brought to you.


Receiving important communications from Grace
It may feel like we sometimes communicate the way these two boys are communicating - not particularly well!  Kathryn+ and the Vestry have been sending important communications - including letters to the parish, death and funeral notices, and other important announcements that cannot wait for a paper mailing -  via our email software.  This allows us to inform people immediately.  We recognize, however, that not everyone has email, and want to be sure to include as many people as possible in our communication efforts.  If you do not have email capability, please contact the office to be added to a mailing list, and we will send paper copies of important communications to you via the U.S. Postal Service. 


Fireside Chats - have you attended one?
If you would like to host a Fireside Chat with Kathryn+, or haven't yet attended one,  please contact the office.  This is a nice way for Kathryn+ to get to know us (and for us to get to know one another).



Medical equipment loan ministry offered by 
LOVE, INC.
Did you know that LOVE, INC. sponsors a medical equipment loan 'closet'? If you, a friend or a family member needs a wheelchair, walker, cane, bathroom equipment or more, we can help! We have closet locations at Christ the King in Acme, Grace Episcopal mid-town, St. Patrick in the Grawn area, and at the Love INC offices on East Front Street. Call 941-5683 to speak with us about a loan or a donation of equipment. Thanks to our partnerships you can have love and care at home!


Father Fred seeks volunteer drivers and assistants
Father Fred needs help to pick up furniture at donors' homes.  They are looking for non CDL drivers able to drive a 12', one ton, box truck and lift 75 Lbs. Days are flexible,  Monday - Saturday, anytime in the mornings. Please contact Sue, the Volunteer Coordinator at 231-947-2055 ext 134 or [email protected] if you can help out. Any amount of time that you can offer would be much appreciated.
  


OFFICE CLOSED WED. FEB. 28 11:15 AM - 2:45 PM



Save the Date!
Holy Conversation Feb. 28 at 5:30pm
Have you signed up yet? Please contact the office to put your name on the list. Web access is available for those who cannot attend in person. Contact the office for details. If you need a ride to this event, or childcare, please contact the office.



The Ridiculous Journey: following a nobody from nowhere
This Lenten study video series with discussion continues on Saturdays after the 5pm service and Sunday mornings at 9am.



Lenten Table Talks resume Wed. March 7 at 5:30pm
Our Lenten Table Talks will resume Wednesday evening, March 7. Join us at 5:30pm for a soup supper, then our discussion will follow about 6pm. Be prepared to talk about your faith journey - we will be prompted with a series of questions. The meetings will continue each Wednesday through March 21, EXCEPT for Feb. 28, when the Holy Conversation is scheduled. All are welcome!
  
Regular Weekly Worship Schedule
Monday
Women's Prayer Circle 8:30 am
Tuesday
Morning Prayer 8:15 am
Wednesday 
Men's Prayer Group 7:30 am
Centering Prayer 11 am
Holy Eucharist with Healing 12:15 pm
Saturday
Holy Eucharist 5 pm
Sunday
Holy Eucharist 8 am
Holy Eucharist 10 am 


Lectionary Readings
& Daily Prayer


       This Weekend's Readings
The Second Sunday in Lent

Genesis 17:1-7,15-16
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38
Psalm 22:22-30

open bible 

       Next Weekend's Readings
The Third Sunday in Lent

Exodus 20:1-17
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22
Psalm 19

  The Lectionary Readings

The Daily Office

Birthdays
Lennon Bliss
Irene Cotter
Bob Foote
Ken Kelly
MaryLee Pakieser
Nancy Flowers
Matt Simons
Robyn Bowden
Ivy Libby
Beryl Hilborn
Laura Reamer

Anniversaries
wedding-rings.jpg
John & Foy Minnena
Dick & Kathy Matzkows

 
Prayer Lists
Did you know Grace has 2 prayer lists?  
* To be added to the prayer list found in the bulletin contact

** If you would like to be added to the Daughters of the King (DOK) prayer list and be prayed for daily,contact Penny Campo-Pierce at 231-946-1224 or [email protected]

                   Contact Us 
341 Washington St.,
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone 947-2330;  Fax 947-3011
Website www.gracetc.org

For Pastoral Emergencies
The Rev. Kathryn Costas
828-273-2296

   Staff Contact Information

Clergy:

Office:
Parish Administrator: 

Administrative Assistant & Outreach Coordinator:

Children's Ministry:
Director of Children and Youth Formation: 


What's Happening at Grace?



What's Happening in our Diocese?


What's Happening in the National Church?



National Church website


Turn in your Oleson's receipts to benefit the Grace Food Pantry!



Oleson's Community Share Program

Here's how it works:
  1. You shop at Oleson's for groceries (liquor sales do not qualify for points)
  2. Turn in your receipts to the church.  Look for the envelope on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall, and place your receipts inside it.
  3. We submit receipts back to Oleson's
  4. We are granted cash rewards for the food pantry ($1 spent on groceries = 1 cent in Community Share points)

For every $5000 in receipts we submit, we receive $50 in cash for our food pantry.  Every little bit helps!

 

Thank you for participating!

 

Click here to learn more... 

 



Buy from Amazon?  
Help Grace Church!

Did you know Grace Church is part of the Amazon Smile program? We ask you to consider supporting Grace Church through this program. It doesn't take more than a minute to register, then eligible purchases will benefit Grace Church.  Follow this link to learn more...