Please join us in the Parish Hall for a presentation by Peninsula Place developer Tom McIntrye. He will explain plans for the proposed ten story condo development (60 units) to be built behind the church on the Running, Wise, Ford law firm's parcel. This is the time to ask questions and learn about how that block on State Street will be developed in the coming year.

In addition, the Traverse City Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Oct 3 at 7pm to consider a special land use permit requested by Mr. McIntyre to exceed the 60 foot limit on building height. 

Public comments may be submitted at the meeting, or to the Planning Commission via email at [email protected], or by mail at 400 Boardman Ave., Traverse City, MI 49684. You may view the special land use permit request at the Planning Dept., M-F 8am to noon and 1-5pm at the Governmental Center. We hope that as many of you as possible will attend one or both meetings. Let your voices be heard!

Imagine trying to make a budget stretch every month, knowing that it may not be enough.  A minor car repair, a day or two off with a sick child and the budget is now in tatters and may be for a month or more. 

So many of us are fortunate enough to be able to afford the essentials and not have to choose among the basic necessities that allow us to maintain our dignity. 

The Love INC Community Hygiene Pantry is located at Jubilee House and provides essential supplies like toilet paper, laundry detergent, shampoo and more.  A visit to the pantry can be a blessing when it is fully stocked or a deflating disappointment when it is out of stock!  Just like our neighbors in need, the budget for supplies is tested on a regular basis.  To this end, we are looking for collections of specific items that allow our dollars to stretch further.

For the TWO WEEKS of Sept 17- Oct. 1, 2017 let's try to "fill the box" in the commons with donations of laundry detergent, shampoo, deodorant (neutral scents) and toothpaste and tooth brushes (single packages please).  

If you would like to make a cash do nation, list Hygiene Pantry on the memo line of your check.

Have you graduated from or participated in Education for Ministry?  The 150th Committee would like to compile a list of Grace parishioners with EfM ties to include in an upcoming article.  It does not matter where you did your coursework - we'd like to include all EfM graduates and participants. Please contact the office to add your name to the list.

Rosemary Hagan, D. Min.,  will present the history and practice of Spiritual Direction on Tues., Oct. 3, 11:30 am, in the Parish Hall. We will explore its scriptural and early church roots, and why people across the centuries have met with a trained spiritual director to explore their faith journey and relationship with God. Attendees will gain a greater understanding of the role of spiritual direction in Christian formation. Bring a bag lunch and a snack or dessert to share (optional) and join us for this informative topic. All are welcome. Contact: Sandy Seppala Gyr, [email protected], 703-57-7925.

A chill in the air, migrating geese, and trees with the courage to change into beautiful arrays of color signal autumn.  Along with the wonders of fall, so too comes the CROP Walk.  Did you know the CROP Walk started in 1981 with Grace's rector, the Rev. Tom Stoll, as coordinator?  Grace has had a long history with the CROP Walk and we want to continue our tradition of walkers and generosity.

The CROP Walk is Sunday, October 8 with registration at 1:30 and the walk starting at 2:00.  It is our goal this year to have 20 walkers to traverse the 5 mile trek through our lovely Traverse City.  It is a chance to enjoy the beauty of our area and most importantly to walk in unity with other Christians of different faiths.  We walk because they walk all over the world just to get daily food and water.  Join us!

Helen Hankins and Sue Kelly will be recruiting walkers in the Commons during the month of September.  If you cannot walk, please consider a donation for one of our walkers.  If you want to know more about the CROP Walk stop the Commons or give Sue Kelly a call/email (231-223-8876 / [email protected]).