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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Dear Grace Friends,
I had the opportunity to walk a prayer labyrinth today with a few other staff members. It was beautiful. The cool wind moved over the waters of Crooked Lake as we walked; our toes touching the stones, straw, and moss. God’s Spirit present in prayer, movement and in creation itself. As I moved into the center of the labyrinth, a spider’s web captured my attention. The sun shone across its silk allowing it to shimmer before my eyes. The web was built in the protection of a huge tree. I wondered about this web, its fragility, its beauty, and all that it is for a spider. It is a home, a place to gather food and it is completely replaceable.
A few weeks ago, Pastor Maria came over to my house and as we sat on my deck, we admired a gigantic spider’s web that spread between two posts. As we sat there the spider came to the web, destroyed it, essentially eating it up. It is something I have never seen before. She then skittered away, and a few days later there was a new web that had been built in its place.
As I walked the labyrinth I started watching for the webs and noticed them everywhere. Wherever there was empty space there was a web created. Webs were woven between plants and flowers, and in human-made objects as well. A web is so different than the way, humans operate. We like permanent. Things that last. Things that we can count on, lean on, depend on. We, as humans, take up a lot of space creating all these permanent things. But I wonder, if in our desire to make something last and solid, if we miss the beauty of what happens in the empty spaces. Can we enjoy those things that are built in-between? Can we find beauty in the web that is built today and destroyed tomorrow?
This week we are launching a new website for Grace. I am so excited about it. I hope you will take time and check it out. The website is different. We changed pieces of it, updated others, it will take some getting used to. But just like a spider’s web serves an important purpose in any time and space, so do websites. They are meant to change and adapt under new circumstances. They are meant to be rebuilt. I hope this week on whatever path you are on in life, you will take a moment to notice what is being built in the empty spaces, the beauty of what God does in the unexpected and discover that the sacred was with you the entire time.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Family Promise Survey
Due to COVID-19, families who have participated in Family Promise over the past five months have been staying in hotels rather than rotating among churches, as they typically do. Needless to say, the cost of this lodging has been significant. Family Promise is continuing to monitor the situation and is interested in hearing the perspective of members from their partner congregations. Whether you volunteer with Family Promise or not, please take just a few minutes to share your thoughts. Thank you!
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Ministry Moment
By Kristi Larson
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Sometimes things go wrong, but at the end of the day it just doesn’t matter. That is what happened last Sunday at the first outdoor Confirmation service. The temperature was perfect, the kids were ready to go and looked great in their stoles. There was just one problem, the wind.
The Holy Spirit was present in full force and she made her presence know to all! Microphones had loud wind feed-back and we had to make some changes to the service because of the wind. But guess what? Despite the stress it was a great afternoon. The students affirmed their Baptismal promises with friends and families at their side. We shared in laughter, community, worship, and the Lord’s Supper.
In this time when nothing is the same we know we can do something different because the promise of Baptism and the reassurance that comes from being a claimed child of God is the same, wind, rain, shine or COVID-19.
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Grace Lutheran's New Web Site |
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Jonathon Orwig and staff at Grace have been working on our new web site. The design of the new web site is to help those who are visiting our web site for the first time. As well as centralizing the information for our members. We ask for grace and patience as we all learn the new web page and any minor changes that may need to be completed. |
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PLEASE SUPPORT THE KIDS AT SAND CREEK ELEMENTARY!
School may look different this year, but one thing is the same: the children we support through our Faith and Community Partnership with Sand Creek Elementary are still in need of school supplies. Many of them are also in need of food over the weekends. So let’s see what we can do to help!
Throughout the month of September, we’ll be collecting the items on the list below. Just drop them off at Grace on the tables inside the KIDS entrance, and we’ll get them to Sand Creek! If you would prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Grace Lutheran Church and write “Sand Creek” in the memo line. Monetary donations will be used by Grace’s Sand Creek Team toward the “Sharing Grace Backpack Food Bags,” given each Friday throughout the school year to kids who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.
School Supplies Most Needed – because of COVID-19, students are not allowed to share any supplies.
- 24 count twistable and/or regular Crayola crayons
- Spiral Notebooks – Mead wide-ruled
- 8 count Crayola markers
- Pocket folders
- #2 pencils (Ticonderoga)
- Poly folders with prongs (red, blue, green)
- Permanent markers (black) for art
- Multi-pack pocket tissues (e.g. Kleenex)
- Dry Erase marker (low odor)
- Ziplock bags – sandwich size
- 12 inch ruler
- Ziplock bags – gallon size
- Pencil sharpener
- $25 gift card to Walmart
- Lysol wipes
- $25 gift card to Target
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Rally Sunday!
September 13, 2020
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Although it will look different,
on Sunday, September 13th,
Grace will be having its Annual Rally Sunday!
At all worship services, we will have the back to school blessing on Sept. 13th.. Preschool, Elementary, Middle, High, and College age kids are welcome to bring their back packs for a blessing. We will also recognize any teachers and school administrators at this time for prayer as well. We will be giving Kindergartners angel pins and all others will receive a Grace carabiner and mask to attach to their bags.
We will also be introducing our new initiative: SMALL GROUPS at GRACE! Stay connected or re-connect with small groups at Grace. Like many, this time of living in a pandemic has been difficult. It has been especially hard to find connection with others. We want YOU and everyone at Grace to sign up and connect! Small groups will start the week of October 4-10th and run for 6 weeks (November 14th). Small groups will be led by staff and/or lay leaders. Sign up for a group that interests you, meets a way you feel comfortable, and at a time that also fits your schedule. Sign ups for a small group begins Rally Sunday, September 13th in-between worship services from 9:20-10:20 am or by calling the church office.
Also on Rally Sunday, you can sign your child(ren) up for Sunday School, Catechism and other children & youth ministries.
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Change in Sunday Parking Lot Worship Time!!
Outdoor Worship on Saturdays at 5:00 pm: Join us for outdoor worship on Saturday nights. We will gather on the lawn in front of the church. Please bring a blanket or a chair to sit on. We will use speakers for you to hear. We will not be broadcasting Saturday Night Worship on the radio.
***Parking Lot Worship on Sundays at 8:45 am**: We invite you to B.Y.O.L.C. (Bring Your Own Lawn Chair) and leave your car for Parking Lot Worship! The first two rows of the parking lot are reserved for people to sit in their lawn chairs while assuring social distancing (6 feet or more apart).
Young families are invited to sit on the grass and use the sidewalk to keep their kids physically distanced and safe. We have chalk for your kids to use during worship.
In case of rain, we encourage you to stay in your cars.
Parking:
If you are going to get out of your car for outdoor worship, we ask that you park in the back of the parking lot or in the dental office, so that those in their cars can have a better view of worship. If you need to park closer and still want to get out of your car, please use the parking for people with disabilities, or speak to a parking attendant who will direct you on where to park.
Staying in your car:
If you would like to stay in your car, you are invited to do so and tune in on the radio on 91.7. Parking lot attendants will park you behind our lawn chairs to give you the best possible view.
Following worship there will be a chance to mingle outside with each other. We do ask if you decide to converse with people after worship that you please wear a mask.
Indoor Worship on Sundays at 10:30 am:
Join us for Indoor Worship Sundays at 10:30 am. Reservations are required as seating is limited to 60 people or less. To reserve your spot click on the Sign Up Genius button below, call the church office at 763-421-6520 or email Kris Miller at KrisM@graceandover.org. Masks are required.
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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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Indoor services will continue at 10:30 am. (Reservations are required for the indoor service and seating is limited to 60 people or less. Reserve you spot 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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USE YOUR HANDS AT OPEN HANDS!
Open Hands, in St. Paul’s Midway area, is in need of volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays to serve the hungry in the community. There are a variety of ways to help: prepare the containers for the take-out meals (hot meals on Mondays and bag lunches on Wednesdays), serve lunch (and help with clean-up, if possible) or sorting and stocking produce. EVERYONE, including those who come for food, are required to wear masks, and social distancing is maintained. Lynda Wilde, a member of Grace who has served at Open Hands for five years says, “I LOVE it there! The folks are super great and they are providing a wonderful service.” If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions, please call Lynda at 612-418-6444. You can sign-up below to volunteer.
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GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS
September 19-20
Mark your calendars for God’s Work, Our Hands weekend, when we will be serving our neighbors through a variety of activities designed for all ages! Plans are still underway, but here are a few key things to keep in mind:
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Outdoor projects (primarily lawn clean-up) will take place on Saturday, September 19. If you or someone you know needs help with fall clean-up, please call the church office. If you’re willing to help with this project, please contact Scott Christensen or Debbie Jorgens.
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On Sunday, September 20, there will be just one worship service at 8:45 (outdoors, weather permitting). Following worship, you’re invited to stay outdoors and participate in one or more activities such as making cards, painting blessing rocks, and assembling hospice or newborn kits for Global Health Ministries.
- ALL activities will be outdoors with social distancing in mind, and no food or beverages will be served. So be sure to bring your own water bottles!
If you’re not able to join us or simply prefer not to gather with others, you can still serve your neighbors individually or as a family! What needs can you meet or who can you help in your own neighborhood? We’ll look forward to hearing your stories and seeing your photos! Watch for more information coming!
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Flu Shot Clinic
There will be a Flu Shot Clinic here at Grace in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, September 10, 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Joel and Becky Anderson from Grace, as well as Walgreen’s and the Lion’s Club are sponsoring.
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Bible Study
Join us for Thursday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 10 am with Pastor Joanna (or the Sunday preacher).
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10 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:
Sept. 3rd: Genesis 2:4b-7, 15-17
Sept. 10th: Genesis 3:1-8
Sept. 17th: Genesis 15: 1-6
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below.
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A Message from The Reopen Team
Dear Grace,
This Sunday marks the first Sunday that we are open for indoor worship. The Reopen Team has been working hard (meeting weekly) as we discern the right path forward for our community. Our desire is to help as many people to worship, in the way that feels safest and most comfortable for them. Therefore, we are committed to providing online worship opportunities into our future. We also will continue parking lot worship as long as we can into the fall. Finally, we will have limited indoor opportunities as well.
Indoor Activities at Grace:
In an effort to provide for the health and well-being of those who worship with us, we have developed a matrix to guide us regarding the appropriate levels of people to have in our worship space. The matrix will also to guide us if and when we might need to move back to distance only worship.
We are using the school matrix from Governor Walz and the numbers for Anoka County to determine the number of cases per 10,000 people.
· 10-20 cases 20% capacity of our sanctuary- 60 sign ups.
· 20-30 cases per 15% capacity of our sanctuary 40 sign-ups
· 30-50 cases 10% capacity for our sanctuary 35 people sign-ups.
· 50+ Virtual only.
Protect others by staying home if you are sick:
If you have a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, new loss of taste or smell or feel sick in any way, or are awaiting COVID test results, please stay home.
Parameters for Large Group Gatherings:
Large group gatherings should be limited to ½ hour in length. We do need you to sign-up in advance for indoor in-person worship, so that we can maintain records and limit the number of people in our worship space. These numbers will also be used for funerals, baptisms, and any other large group activity in our sanctuary.
Small Groups:
The Reopen Team has also developed a map of all our rooms and designated the size of a small group that can gather in that space. This will allow for us to have bible studies and small groups in-person if they desire. Small group gathering times are limited to 1 ½ hours.
All Events:
Food and beverages will not be served at indoor events at this time.
Mitigating Risk:
We know from listening to the leading epidemiologist that the primary way that COVID-19 is spread is through aerosols, which means it is important that we sit physically distanced from each other and we also do whatever we can to decrease the amount of air that is circulating. However, as many precautions as we might take in order to stop the spread of COVID-19, anyone who is choosing to attend an indoor activity is taking a risk.
If you end up testing positive for the virus after you have attended an indoor activity at Grace, we do ask that you let the church office know as soon as possible. We will protect your privacy but will also need to inform small groups or others in close contact of their exposure.
We especially urge those who are 65 and older to be cautious. We know that church is a vital aspect of your life and are so thankful for your faithfulness. God’s Spirit does not rest in the church building but in all of us. God is with you as you worship in your home and in your neighborhood. You are a part of the vulnerable population and your health and wellness matters greatly to all of us. If there are other ways, we can help nourish you in faith, please reach out and let us know.
Thank you for your patience and for bearing with us as we navigate these next steps. Please keep the staff and Grace Community in your prayers.
The Reopen Team:
Pastor Joanna Mitchell, President Chad Hadler, Frances Fernandez, Ann Lange, Lori Ackerson, Mike Schaaf and Dave Trapp
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Noisy Offerings
Throughout the summer, our Noisy Offerings have been directed toward local needs – specifically, the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka, our neighbors in need in Minneapolis, and two individuals experiencing financial hardship due to injuries they suffered. Thank you for your generosity in helping all of these people! This month, we’ll shift our focus more broadly. Noisy Offerings throughout September will be directed to the ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response to help those impacted by Hurricane Laura and the devastating wildfires in California.
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Prayers
In the last weeks of summer, we pray for our schools as administrators, custodians, lunch workers, teachers, and students prepare for an unknown future. Help us to lay down our worries and trust in your guidance. Protect students and staff keep them healthy and safe and allow them to learn with curiosity, connect with others and find their voices. Lord hear our prayer.
God of mercy, we pray for those who are struggling with cancer, dementia, or any other disease. Provide them with peace and resilience for the days ahead. We give thanks for care givers and pray they might be strengthened in their service. We pray as our world continues to search for answers that those diagnosed with coronavirus find the medical interventions they need. We pray for doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and pathologists, scientists, and researchers, all who give of themselves daily in the fight against this virus. Today we pray especially for Ray, Colleen Wernimont, George Rongere, Elsie Weisenberger, Shannan Gautschi, Arden Kirkendall, John Malecha, Carroll Potter, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, Christopher Sluis, Kathy Lovik, Judi Wold, and Zachary Elsenpeter. Lord hear our prayer.
God of comfort, we pray for those who are grieving the loss of loved ones. Today we pray especially for the family of little 6 year old Isaac Childress III, who tragically drowned in the Mississippi River last week-end. Surround them with your love and comfort them with the promise of the resurrection. Lord hear our prayer.
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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.
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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New 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 9:00 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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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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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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