Grace Church News January 2017

There is so much happening at Grace Church! Find out here.

Catch up on all the latest news and upcoming events at Grace Church in Calgary.

Visit our Website

Attend the Congregational Meeting

Throughout January, the Vision Committee hosted three information sessions to update the congregation on the new Ministry Model approved by Session. After making presentations and answering questions, the proposed model is now waiting to be approved by the congregation.

On Sunday, January 22, immediately following morning worship, a congregational meeting and vote will be held - all are encouraged to attend. We’re seeking:

general approval of the overall vision set out in the recommendations located here; and
specific approval of the new ministry model (Recommendation 3).

These are important issues, and we need to hear your voice. Please plan to attend the meeting. The outcome of this vote will set the direction for the future of Grace Presbyterian Church. If the vision and ministry model are approved, Session will seek approval from Presbytery to begin the search for a Lead Minister of Vision and Worship.

We look forward to seeing you there.

What’s Next During the Transition?

If the congregation approves the model a search committee will be named and the work of finding the new minister will begin. In the meantime, Grace will begin looking for a minister to work with Rev. Jean Morris over the coming months. As additional steps and decisions arise, we will update the congregation via the website, the newsletter, and social media.

Developing Children’s Faith:

A Conversation for Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, Elders and Others

Do you hope and pray that your children will grow to become mature adults of faith? What about your grandchildren? We can help you to fulfil the vows you (and we) made at your child’s baptism.

The Discipleship Committee is delighted to have Dr. Tori Smit, Regional Minister for Faith Formation (Synod of Central, Northeastern Ontario and Bermuda), here to lead us in a workshop on Saturday, January 28, starting at 9:30, and ending in the early afternoon. Tori has been a professional Christian educator for over 34 years. She is a vibrant, passionate and energetic speaker.

This discussion of key, faith-formation practices will help us to shape a new and revitalizing vision to minister to children here at Grace, and in their homes.

For details about the workshop, including topics that will be covered and to sign up, click here

Youth Ministry Update

In November of last year, Junior and Senior high students were asked to brainstorm their Burning Questions of Faith – the biggest questions they had about the Christian faith as Presbyterians. It takes courage to openly voice the questions you have about faith and we couldn’t be more proud of our youth who have leaned into those questions; taking responsibility for the growth of their faith.

Ryan Hofer, youth leader, and Jean Morris have worked those questions into the curriculum for the new year, and they’re excited for the conversations ahead of them.

In addition to tackling these questions of faith, the junior and senior high class is splitting into separate groups. Junior high will be led by Ryan, and senior high by Jean. These smaller groups will allow our youth to spend more time with their cohorts and will create opportunities for more voices to be heard in the conversation.

For more information about youth at Grace click here, or contact Ryan Hofer at ryanh@gracecalgary.org or (403) 922-7794; Iain Robertson, convener of the Youth Team; or Cindy Stephenson, convener of Discipleship, can also provide information.

Grace Presbyterian Church | 403.244.5861 | office@gracecalgary.org