We have moved a lovely table from Kathryn's office into the Commons. Our goal is to increase our welcoming presence there. We hope that by having a person seated at that table we will provide more opportunities for conversation about what is going on at Grace and ways to get involved. Given that our Children & Youth Education Council has asked parents to bring their children to Grace earlier on Sunday mornings, we also wanted to offer them a friendly space for a cup of coffee and a chat while they wait for the service to begin. Not everyone feels comfortable going/wishes to go into the Parish Hall for coffee, especially when they first come to Grace (it took our family two years!). We have also moved the credenza that was in the Commons into the Coat Room. And we have moved the donation boxes for the Food Pantry, Jubilee House/Hygiene Pantry, and the PoWeR! Book Bags Ministry from the Parish Hall to the Coat Room. The boxes are on the credenza and they are at eye level. Our hope is that this change will make these donation boxes more visible to more people on a more regular basis. We hope that this will increase awareness of these important ministries - and facilitate donations. These changes come in response to the work we did with Kathryn+ at our conversation meetings in May where we looked at Grace with the eyes of someone unfamiliar with who we are and what we are doing. Lack of visibility and clarity - unless you are "in the know" - was a big piece of the feedback we received. None of these changes is written on tablets of stone. We will try them out, live with them, listen, and evaluate. 

Clare Andreasson, Senior Warden.

 

 

The Healing Ministry Team has some (small) prayer shawl-pocket crosses that individuals may take with them when they come to the columbarium to receive the anointing of oil and the laying on of hands.  The prayer shawl-pocket crosses may go into your pocket or purse as a reminder of God's healing touch flowing through us, giving us strength and courage and peace during the day.  Members of the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Candice Westerfield (a member of the healing ministry) knitted our prayer shawl-pocket crosses.  We will bless the crosses at the altar on September 15th, at the Saturday, 5 pm service, and on September 16th, at the Sunday, 10 am service.

National Episcopal Peace Fellowship 

Raising Funds

Fellow parishioners, 

I am currently serving on the National Executive Council of the EPF for a short 2 year term.  I am beginning a fundraising drive for the National EPF, which is in the midst of a general fundraising campaign.   I am asking if you would be willing to help me, with any amount you like.  I am providing a link below that will make it easy and safe to do.  This is the beginning of an 80 year celebration of the Episcopal Peace Fellowship, the Year of Action.  So, if you would like to support the National EPF, click here to make your donation .  Thank you, 

Betsy Davidson, local chapter convener.