This is a quick reminder of what is happening at Grace this week in worship and in ways to connect and serve in the next seven days. |
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A Note From Pastor Joanna Mitchell |
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Perspective:
I don’t know if you were paying attention to the Homecoming of Arik Matson, this past week. Arik was shot in the head last January, while working with as a police officer in Waseca. Despite his critical wound, he miraculously survived and has been receiving care and rehab ever since. This past Monday, on October 19th, he finally came home. He received a wonderful homecoming as people lined the streets in thanksgiving for him and his family.
Watching Office Matson walk surrounded by his fellow officers brought tears to my eyes. He is forever changed by this event. His life will not be the same. I give thanks for the work and service of Officer Matson and continue to pray for his recovery. And I give thanks for the work of our Law Enforcement who have such a hard job and regularly put themselves and their lives at risk to serve and protect our communities.
The day that Officer Matson was shot was January 6th, 2020. Epiphany. I remember Pastor Maria teaching the kids about Epiphany and writing a blessing on the doorpost of our sanctuary. That Epiphany Blessing is still there. I look at it from time to time when I leave the sanctuary and think about my own naivete at that time. I also think about the hope and promise that 2020 held for Grace and for me. Over the past few weeks, I have found myself overwhelmed by keeping up with the logistics of COVID, and exhausted by it all. The truth is, as long and hard as the past 6 or 7 months have been, I really haven’t gone through that much. Life is indeed more difficult, and not what I expected, but watching Officer Matson return home gave me perspective on what perseverance looks like. Maybe things are not as hard as I like to think.
I don’t share this story to belittle any of our own experiences or my own fatigue. I share it because sometimes we do need to change our perspective: to look at things from a new angle, and to consider a different possibility. I actually think this is an act of faith: to consider what is it like to stand in someone else’s shoes. Through this act of empathy, we grow in our awareness of the experience of our neighbor, it can at times lead to gratitude as well. And gratitude is a gift from God that changes our narratives, transforms our hearts, and can lift our spirits. Today I give thanks for many things. I give thanks for the endurance of the staff here at Grace, their willingness and ability to adapt. I give thanks for this congregation and the various ways you live your faith through acts of compassion. I give thanks for our Law Enforcement and the protection and care they provide. But most of all I give thanks to God for giving us each other.
I hope you can join me in giving thanks for a different perspective and for the gift of gratitude.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Guest Preacher This Weekend!
Rev. Innocent Webinumen Anthony, is a graduate of Master of Theology in Mission and World Religion from Luther Seminary, St. Paul. He is a pastor with the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN). I am married to Edna and we are blessed with four children: Suyeukari 12, Sujeukari 8, Suboksari 6, Sutongsari 4. His family lives in Ganye Local Government, Adamawa State, Nigeria. He will be returning on November 2nd, 2020 to continue with his ministry with the LCCN.
Rev. Innocent is a friend and colleague of Pastor Maria. The two learned and served together at Luther Seminary and worked as Community Life fellows planning events for students on campus.
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Welcome to Grace!
We are really excited to welcome two families into our community of faith this weekend as they join Grace Lutheran Church: Gary and Rose Spielman and Aaron and Melanie Weixel and their daughter Lily. I hope you will join me in welcoming them.
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The Spielmans:
Gary was born and raised in Tracy, MN. He graduated from Bemidji State University and worked for 40+ years in accounting/finance at an electric cooperative in Grand Forks, North Dakota. He retired in 2014.
Rose was born in Virginia, MN and grew up in Remer, MN. She graduated from Bemidji State University and worked primarily as a special education teacher. She is retired from Minneapolis public schools.
They have been married 46+ years and currently reside in Coon Rapids. They have two adult daughters and four grandchildren live in the metro area. They enjoy summers at our trailer on Leech Lake.
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The Weixels:
Hello, we're the Weixel family. We are excited to be a part of this community. Aaron is a mechanical engineer and Melanie is a community mental health nurse. We welcomed our first daughter, Lily, in January and she was baptized in June. We moved to Oak Grove about a year ago with our two dogs. We love embracing everything Minnesota has to offer, spending time outside and up north at the family cabin.
At our Zoom gathering at 9:30am this Sunday, we will have an official new member recognition. Please join us on zoom and in welcoming the Spielmans and the Weixels.
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Ministry Moment:
By Frances Fernandez
On Tuesday, October 20th, members of Grace Staff, our Mental Health Team and Vision Board participated in an important training on mental illness and mental health awareness offered by The Heart and Mind Connection’s Executive Director, Chris Shaw. Located in Anoka, The Heart and Mind Connection’s goal is to provide advocacy, education and peer support for those suffering from mental illness. Our mental health ministry team arranged the in-service/training as part of our ongoing journey in education, awareness and conversation to reduce the stigma related to mental illness and provide an opportunity for those attending to understand and be ready for those conversations. Mental illness is like another illness in our bodies, like diabetes, heart or pulmonary disease. Yet, it remains stigmatized in our society. Mental illness affects our brain and just like other illnesses and/or treatments, it affects individuals differently. It is estimated that 25% of our population is dealing with some level of mental illness. 50% are diagnosed as early as age 14 with the majority of diagnoses being anxiety and depressive disorders. 75% diagnosed as young as 24 will be diagnosed with additional disorders such as bi-polar, schizophrenic disorders and/or substance abuse. Our communities have suffered the loss of lives to suicide both in our youth and in our adult populations. It’s time to be proactive rather than reactive in helping with the pain associated with living with mental illness. At Grace, we will meet people with mental illness where they are in their journey. We are their safe space where we can offer human connection, purpose and hope. As a congregation, we have taken this matter very seriously as one of our ministries. We have educational opportunities, book discussions and offer a compassionate ear to listen and help instill HOPE. Connect with us! Let’s change the conversation with Grace.
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Fall Clean-Up
Saturday, October 24th
The Garden Ministry Fall Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th beginning at 9:00 am. Help is needed to “spruce up” the church grounds and gardens in preparation for winter. No gardening skills needed, just willing hands. Bring your gloves, rakes, pruners, etc.
call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
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FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday, October 25, 2020
In between worship services on the lawn, 9:20-10:20 am. Join Pastor Joanna as a family and learn about communion and fellowship with the saints! If you are planning to join, please register your family on GraceLink so we know how many to plan for! Also dress for the weather we will be outdoors!
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Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, October 27th
The need for blood donation is so great right now! Grace will be having two blood drives scheduled in the next few weeks. The first one is Tuesday, October 27th from 1:00-6:00 pm and the second one is Monday, November 9th from 12:15-5:15 pm. Please sign up on the Red Cross website.
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Grace Notes Articles Due
Tuesday, October 27th
If you would like write an article for the upcoming November edition of Grace Notes, please have your article in Word format in to Marie Kolar (mariek@graceandover.org) by 5:00 pm on Tuesday October 27th.
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Grace Lutheran Church's Annual Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 28th
What: CONTACTLESS PARADE!
Grace Lutheran Church's Annual Trunk or Treat!! This year will be slightly different, we are planning a parade through the parking lot. Decorated vehicles will line the route, as your family drives through and stops at each for trick or treating fun! We will give each child one goodie bag of edible or non-edible treats at the conclusion of the parade.
When: Wednesday, October 28, 5:00-6:30 PM
Who: You and anyone you want to invite, all are welcome!
Where: To enter the parade route you must enter through the 136th LN NW entrance at the side of the parking lot. This is the entrance that is normally roped off.
If you would like to participate as a decorated vehicle or by donating please register on GraceLink! There will be a prize for the best Trunk Decorations! Examples of donations and directions on how we will be safe during this event will be outlined in the registration form.
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All Saints Luminary Drive-thru
Sunday November 1st
On November 1st from 5:00-6:30 pm the Anoka Area Ministerium is joining together for a community-wide drive-thru to remember the Saints on All Saint’s Sunday. Grace Lutheran Church will be one of the six local churches welcoming people to their parking lot to see the luminaries, pray and hear music in remembrance of the saints.
White bags will be available at worship and in the church office for anyone who wants to pick up and decorate a bag. We need you to drop off your bags by noon on November 1st so that we can put them on display for the evening.
You can decorate a bag in remembrance of someone who has died over this past year, or many years ago. We hope that we can light up our corner with the glow of the saints as we pray, remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us.
Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell or Kris Miller with any questions.
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Cancellations
Sunday, November 1, 2020 - Parking Lot Worship Music due to Ackerson's unable to lead.
Monday, November 2, 2020 - Quilter Group due to Election Set Up.
Sunday, November 8, 2020 - Parking Lot Worship Music due to Ackerson's unable to lead.
If you have any questions please contact Kris Miller in the church office at 763-421-6520.
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Youth Mental Health First Aid Course
Wednesday, November 11th
As we continue to raise awareness on mental health needs and illnesses in our community, Grace is happy to extend the opportunity to attend The Heart and Mind Connection’s offering of a virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid course scheduled for Wednesday, November 11th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. If you’re interested in attending this FREE virtual class, please contact Chris Shaw at chris@theheartandmindconnection.org and tell him you are from Grace or contact Frances at the office to facilitate registration.
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Grace Lutheran's "Till All Are Fed"
Food Shelf Needs
Here is a list of current needs for Grace's Emergency Food Shelf. If you are able to donate, please drop the items at the church office.
Chunky soup
Chili/Kidney beans
Baked beans
Boxed/bagged potatoes
Crackers/snacks
Jelly/jam
Canned stew
Canned beef-a-roni
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Administrator's Corner
By Frances Fernandez
National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs annually September 15th through October 15th as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions and diverse cultures of both Hispanic and Latin Americans, celebrating our rooted heritage. With an estimated 17.8% of the total U.S. population Hispanic and Latin Americans make up the largest ethnic minority. Did you know that in 1777, the Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez, joined General George Washington’s fight against British soldiers and helped win independence? 😊 As a member of Grace’s congregation and staff, I’m humbled and proud to be part of such a welcoming community that envisions a congregation of many colors, languages and cultures. Our conversations on race have been crucial in understanding where we can make an impact for inclusion and diversity and encourage you to participate in our discussions or read up on some of our resources posted on our website!
¡Les envío un abrazo virtual! Sending you a virtual hug! Frances
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WORSHIP LOCATION CHANGE!!!!
Indoor Worship on Saturdays at 5:00 pm*
Indoor Worship on Sundays at 8:45 am*
Indoor Worship on Sundays at 10:30 am*
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Other Items of Importance:
- We will be having Communion on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the Month.
- Each week, we are trying new things and experimenting to improve our worshiping experience. We recognize that there will be things that go well and parts that need to be changed. Thank you for your input and patience.
- All of the worship formats are dependent on current and trending COVID-19 levels.
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All Indoor services will continue to be on a reservations basis and seating is limited to 40 people or less. *Reserve you spot, before Noon on Fridays, on Sign Up Genius, call the church office at 763-421-6520 or e-mail Kris Miller at krism@graceandover.org).
- Please wear masks and abide by social distancing recommendations.
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Bible Study
Join us for Thursday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 10:30 am with Pastor Joanna or Pastor Maria.
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am for a bible study. Bring your bibles, yourselves and your questions. If you don’t have a bible, bring your phone or your computer and we will navigate through bible gateway to help you find the scripture.
The Sunday scriptures that we will be studying over the next couple of weeks:
Oct. 22nd: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
Oct. 29th: 1 Kings 17:1-16 [17-24]
Nov. 5th: Jonah (The whole book! It's short!)
Nov. 12th: Isaiah 6:1-8
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below.
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Noisy Offerings
MAKE SOME NOISE FOR STEPPING STONE EMERGENCY HOUSING!
Noisy Offerings received from today through November 4th will be given to Stepping Stone Emergency Housing in Anoka toward the purchase of higher quality PPE (face masks, aprons, gloves, and face shields) for staff, and toward air purifiers for the front office (in response to the recommendation from the Minnesota Department of Health). Thank you for helping to care for the health and well-being of both residents and staff of Stepping Stone through your Noisy Offerings! To learn more about Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, click here.
Thank you for your generosity!
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Prayers of the Church
Give light to those walking in darkness, and healing to those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Kenneth Hoeschen, Evelyn Brausen, Sherry, Delaine, Erin, Linda Christiansen, Shane Larson, Steve & Carroll Potter, Christopher Sluis, John Lenz, Jason Ruud, LaVonne Hite, Annie Fitzl, John Malecha, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, Judi Wold, and Zachary Elsenpeter. We pray for all those with COVID-19 throughout the world. Lord, hear our prayer.
God of promise, grant comfort, peace, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection to all who grieve. We pray especially today for Mike & Michelle Healy and Mike & Michelle Bangert & their families upon the death of Michelle Healy & Mike Bangert’s mother, Lorraine Dillavou, and for the Enga family upon the death of Lee Enga. Lord, hear our prayers.
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Devotions
Devotions this fall will be shared 3 days a week. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please check our website and our Facebook page for postings. We have introduced a new 28 day devotion, "Learning to Belong" by John van de Laar that will be shared every Monday. We invite you to read the introduction this week.
If you would like to write a devotion to share with the community at Grace please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell at joannam@graceandover.org. Thank you!
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Virtual Service Availability
Throughout everything we will continue to provide worship online. We will begin streaming worship this week through Grace's YouTube account. Worship will be live at 5:00 pm on Saturday night and at 8:45 am on Sunday morning. It will also be saved so if you are not able to join us at that time you can worship later through Grace's YouTube channel.
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Virtual Worship Technical Difficulties
At our 8:45am worship last weekend, we had technical difficulties with streaming our virtual worship. For some reason, we had difficulty connecting, which means we had to move our computer to the back of our sanctuary. Right now, the only way to stream worship is through a computer video camera that does not have the ability to zoom in and out. We are working on improving the virtual worship experience. One of our ministry initiatives for our 2021 Stewardship Appeal is to buy more equipment so that we will have the capabilities of zooming in and out during worship and offering different camera angles. Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell with any questions or concerns you have about virtual worship and if you would like to contribute to this ministry initiative. Thank you for your patience and your support.
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Zoom Connect Time and
Prayer Gathering
Zoom Page on our website:
We have created a page on our website with all the Zoom opportunities that are happening regularly at Grace. This site is your go-to website to join the 9:30 am Sunday Prayer Gathering, Thursday Morning Bible study, and much more. Click below to check it out.
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We’re updating our website to also include text and QR code as ways to give electronically.
For these, the system will request the user a ONE TIME SETUP to include their name, credit card # etc. – this will be required only the first time. After that, when the user texts to give or uses the QR code to give it will just ask the amount to confirm. The users will be able to select funds to allocate their giving to as well – operational, capital, noisy.
The number to give is 73256 – text key word: GRACEANDOVER
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Consider electronic giving on GraceLink. It’s a convenient way to give consistently throughout the year. If you have any questions, contact Frances or Marie in the Church Office or Click on the GraceLink logo below.
If you are wondering where your giving is for the year, please log in to GraceLink. Find Giving on the tool bar. Then select My Giving History.
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To minimize the spread of COVID-19 and out of love and concern for our church family and community, please follow all practice and procedures as directed by the State of Minnesota. |
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Links to Grace Lutheran's YouTube Channel |
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Virtual Worship will be posted online at:
www.graceandover.org
We hope that you will join us at a time that works best for you.
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