See what is happening at Grace Lutheran!
August 26, 2021
This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
Pastor's Message

Time

A few weeks ago, I left a message for someone and said, "I have time for that." After I hung up the phone, I laughed to myself. How does one have or not have time? It is not a possession, something we own, something we can give away. And yet, many of us think of time as a commodity. For many people, there doesn't seem to be enough time, and I have encountered older wiser people, who have more time than they know what to do with.

Time is a gift, not a possession. Something to be experienced and not rushed through. Something given to us from God.

This summer feels like it went fast and yet, it had the same number of days as other summers. How did you spend the summer time: enjoying friends, traveling, swimming, biking, running, gardening, listening to God? Even if you didn't come to church (don't worry, I'm not judging anyone), take some time today, a minute (or 2, or 5) to stop and give thanks for all the time that God has given you to live, to love, to learn. Reflect on how you don't have to do anything to be beloved to God. You are loved right now, for who you are and that is true all the time!
 
Blessings, 
Pastor Joanna Mitchell 
Worship
Summer Worship Hours
5:00 pm on Saturdays*
8:30 am on Sundays
10:00 am on Sundays
*Outdoor Worship Our Saturday night worship will be outside in the courtyard at 5pm. Please bring your own lawn chair. All are welcome to attend. We will have chalk for kids. In case of rain or high heat indices, worship will move inside.
Fellowship
Fellowship is after worship on Sundays. Goodies and coffee are available in the Narthex after worship. We ask that you gather outside to gather, socialize and get to know each other. We are still looking for a group or family to host a fellowship on the 4th Sunday of the month, please contact Kris Miller at the church office.

We do not require reservations or masks for vaccinated people at in-person worship. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please feel free to do so. We do ask if you are not feeling well or ill please stay home. We will continue to live stream worship services for those who do not feel comfortable coming to worship or those who are out of the area.
Fall Worship Times Begin on Sept. 11th & 12th
Mark your calendars!
Fall worship times begin on Sept. 11th/12th.
Saturdays at 5:00pm
Sundays at 8:45am and 10:30am
Ministries News
Hiking Day at
Banning State Park
Sunday, August 29th from 10:15am - 6:00pm

Youth (9th – 12th grade students) will be going on a day hike to Banning State Park on Sunday, August 29th from 10:15am. – 6:00pm. We will meet at church and carpool to Banning. (All students will be driven by adults.)  Please bring a lunch to eat when we arrive, hiking boots or good walking shoes, sunscreen, a water bottle and anything else you would need for a day of hiking. On the way home we will be stopping at Toby’s for a treat. There is no cost for this event, but please register by August 27th.
Community Art Project

It's getting close to being finished!! We are so excited to reveal the Community Art Project that all of you have been working on over the summer.

If you brought materials home from a Worship or event, please bring your completed squares to church as soon as possible, but no later than September 1st.

If you would still like to participate in this community event, please stop at the table in the Narthex after worship or stop in at the church office.
2021-2022 SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT SAND CREEK ELEMENTARY!
 
We hope and pray that this school year can be back to normal for the students at our Faith & Community Partnership school, Sand Creek Elementary. No matter what the future holds for the school year, school supplies are in need!
 
If you would like to help, please consider purchasing any of the items in the list below and return them to church in the tote labeled “Sand Creek School Supplies” that will be located in the narthex. The items indicated with the asterisks ** are MOST in need, however all items are in need! The donations will be accepted throughout August and the deadline is September 5th.
 
You can also give a monetary donation of cash or check. If writing a check, please make it payable to Grace Lutheran Church and write “Sand Creek” in the memo line. The monetary donations will be used by the Sand Creek Grace Team toward the food expenses for the Sharing Grace Backpack Food Bags prepared and given each Friday to children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.

  • ** 8 count Crayola Markers
  • ** 12 count Crayola Colored Pencils
  • ** Safety/Kids Scissors
  •  ** 1 inch binders
  • ** Hardcover Pencil Boxes
  • Pocket Folders – Red or Green color
  • ** Spiral Notebooks – Wide ruled
  • ** Highlighters
  • **#2 Pencils (Ticonderoga)
  • Ziplock bags – gallon size
  • Multi-pack pocket tissues (Kleenex)
  • $25 gift cards to Walmart or Target or Gas cards
  • Snacks – Individual packaged – Nature Valley Crunchy Granola Bars, Gold Fish Crackers, Fruit Snacks, Skinny Pop.
Come Join us in Song!
Beginning Sept. 1, 2021
6:45pm-8:15pm

The Grace Choir is beginning weekly rehearsals on WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1st! We will rehearse from 6:45pm-8:15pm in the Worship Center. Everyone is welcome, no prior choir experience required. No commitment necessary. We just want to praise God in song with anyone who will join us! The first 15-30 minutes will be a time to connect with fellow singers and build community with each other. Any questions please email David Phelps: davidp@graceandover.org
YOUTH MUSICIANS
We Need YOU!!

We are looking for youth to be a part of the praise band on Wednesday evenings beginning in September! We are in need of a drummer and bass player, and anyone else that would like to contribute to worship through music! If you would like more information on this opportunity, email David Phelps: davidp@graceandover.org
Rally Sunday
September 12, 2021

After Worships, on Sunday Sept. 12th, there will be:
  • Food Trucks-Rustic Chef, Youniverse Foodie Waffles, Floyd's Donuts.
  • Bounce House, games and fun!
  • Sunday School, Catechism, Own Your Faith Information
  • Ministry Fair
  • Own Your Faith Blessing
  • Blessing of the Backpacks
  • Kindergarten Angel Pins
If you would like to help out to make this event a great kick off to Fall, please click the link below! Mark your calendars!!
Inviting all Family Promise Volunteers,
past and present.

Mark the date September 14th, and time 6:00 PM to join our Family Promise team for some great Pizza and fellowship. You will also learn what the future holds for Family Promise and how it will affect how we at Grace can continue to serve our neighbors in need. Click on the link below to sign up so we know how many to expect. 
The Chosen Season One Watch Party and Video Study group
Sundays 6-8PM starting Sept. 19th

Join Daron Yates, Mike Schaaf and others in watching and following along with the official companion study to Season 1 of The Chosen, the groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus. What Does It Mean to be Chosen? parallels each episode, connecting you to the Bible in a brand-new way. As a group, each week (8-weeks), you will watch an episode, study, and share a dessert together. 
On September 19th- Bring a Dessert to Share
Thursday, September 30, 2021
Dinner will include a choice of chicken pot pie, Minnesota TatorTot Hotdish, or a vegetarian hotdish, dinner rolls, garden salad, Jello fruit salad, and warmed apple crisp. Tickets are available online at www.familypromiseanoka.org/events

$50 General Admission | $250 Reserved Table of 6 | Kids 5 and under FREE with a paid adult. For questions or more information email events@familypromiseanoka.org
Flu Shot Clinic
Sunday, October 10th
9:30am-12:30pm

HyVee Pharmacy will holding a Flu Shot Clinic on Sunday, Oct. 10th at 9:30am-12:30pm, so you can get your flu shot after worship! The flu shot is free with insurance card.
Sign-Ups Happening NOW!
Sunday School
Children’s ministry is excited you are registering your child(ren) for 2021-2022 Sunday School. We have already started planning and preparing for Sunday School to start September 19th. Please join us September 12th for Rally Sunday, come worship and following worship join in fellowship, learning, and play for all ages!
Sunday School and
Wednesday Night Volunteers

We welcome YOU to join us by joining our Sunday School Team! We are in need of Wednesday Night volunteers to ensure success for our program and for our children. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering on Wednesday Nights, a separate registration for volunteers is now open. 
First Communion

Children of all ages are welcome to the Lord’s Table. Historically at Grace, children in third grade have been invited to receive first communion instruction. However, if you believe your child is ready, we welcome them to participate in first communion instruction. In the same way if your child is older than third grade, but they haven’t yet received communion instruction, they are invited to attend as well. Parents and children are required to attend this class together. Following our first communion class, children will receive their first communion in worship on October 3rd at either worship service.
Own Your Faith

We are so excited that you are entering your OYF year! We have had three great years together in Catechism and this year is going to be even better.  

We also have an important and mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, September 28th at 6:30pm.  To make it accessible to all students, parents and mentors, the meeting will be virtual.  The zoom link can be found below. If you are unable to attend virtually, please contact Kristi.  If you cannot attend the meeting live, we will send out a recording.  However, it is best if you can join us live in case you have questions, etc.  If you cannot watch it live, please watch it within a couple of days. 
Catechism

Catechism is a 3 year program that helps middle school age students grow in their relationship with God and with their peers. During weekly meetings students worship together, play games, meet in small groups and learn about how they fit into God’s Story.

Not sure if Catechism is for you? Want to hear more? Don’t worry! There is an important informational meeting on Wednesday, September 8th at 6:30 for NEW Catechism students and their parents. Join us to hear more! There also will be time for Q & A.
Wednesday Evenings At Grace

Wednesday evenings beginning September 22nd to Christmas. Have you ever wondered what God is really like? There are so many stories in the Bible about God being a king, or a warrior, or our savior. We know that God is the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, but what does that look like and how might we experience that.   This year on Wed. evenings, we are offering opportunities for people of all ages to explore this question: “What is God like” using the new children’s book by Rachel Held Evans.   From 6:30-7:30pm children, catechism students and adults will meet to have age-appropriate learning. We will end our time together with worship from 7:30-8pm. Register on realm today! 
Small Groups and More Event Registrations

Small Groups for all ages can be found by clicking the link below. Information is given on the specific group/events sign up page. Groups such as:
  • The Chosen Video Study
  • W.O.W.
  • (Don't) Call Me Crazy Book Study
  • What is God Like? Book Study
  • The God Who Sees Book Study
  • Centering Prayer
  • Women's Half Day Retreat
  • Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs-Guest Speaker
  • MN Sacred Sites Tour
  • Dr. Henry Emmons-Guest Speaker
  • High School Fall Retreat
  • And More to Come!
Grace's Opportunities for Giving
Nursery Volunteer Training

High School Students (9th - 12th grade) – do you love the littlest of God’s children? Are you interested in raising money for church trips or activities? Then you are in luck! You can sign up to work in the nursery on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings. As a thank you, we will donate $10 for every hour you work to your church account to pay for summer trips or activities. 

Join us for a Nursery training Meeting on Sunday, August 29th from 9:30-10:00am in the nursery. The meeting will start promptly at 9:30 am so please do not be late. If you cannot make this training there will be another training in September. You MUST attend a training session before you sign up to work. For more information, email Kristi at KristiL@graceandover.org. If working in the nursery is not your gift, there will be other fundraisers this year. 
Alexandra House-Purple Lights

Pastor Joanna is on the Board for Alexandra House, a non-profit that is working to end domestic and sexual violence. October is designated as the month to bring awareness to this very important issue. Pastor Joanna is looking for a couple of people to partner with her in the Purple Lights initiative. If you are interested in learning more please contact her at joannam@graceandover.org
Grace Food Shelf

The Grace Food Shelf is in need of the following items. Please remember no expired or glass containers. You can drop your items off at the church office. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Pancake Mix
Chunky Soup
Chili Beans
Canned Stew
Boxed Mashed Potatoes
Hamburger Helper
Tuna Helper
Boxed/Bagged Rice
Snacks - crackers, microwave popcorn, granola bars, etc.
Travel Size Toiletries
(Please no expired items or glass containers)
Noisy Offerings

For the month of August, Noisy Offerings will be going to our Faith and Community Partnership with Sand Creek Elementary. The offering will go towards helping those families in need at Sand Creek. Beginning on September 1st, our Noisy Offerings will support our God’s Work, Our Hands projects that will take place September 26.
Give Electronically through GraceRealm
Consider electronic giving on GraceRealm. 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 GraceRealm link below.

If you are wondering where your giving is for the year, please log in to GraceRealm. Find Giving on the tool bar. Then select My Giving History.  
Grace's Resources
Prayers of the Church

For all who call upon your healing name: Tim, Amy & Kelly Jo Daughtery, Linda Breyette, Jerry Slater, Baby Greyson, Alexis Funk, Christine, Ryan Cooper, Clint Trousil, Jacob & Karla Johnson & family (Roger & Diane Williams-Johnson’s son) whose home and farm is in the path of the wild fires in California, Luke Galland, Ellen, Jake, Victoria, Ken, Daniel Davidson, Margret Olson, Mary North, John Malecha, Ron Clarstrom, Stephanie Fernandez, Samantha Fernandez, Carroll Potter, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Lynn Zirkle, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Colleen Wernimont.

We also pray for those who have experienced a recent death. Especially, Sandy Schmoll & family upon the tragic death of her cousin, Heath Braunschweig.
Links