This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
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Being Mortal
I just re-read the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. I read it a couple of years ago and remember thinking that this book has such vital knowledge that one day I will need to turn to it again. I don’t typically do book reviews in my Grace at a Glance article, but I am making an exception in this case because I believe this book is vital for anyone to read as they either walk with a loved one toward the end of life, or as they face the end of life. Being Mortal is written by a doctor, who confesses and recognizes that he has been taught to give information, but not ne guidance to his patients. He watches many of his patients deal with big medical decisions and instead of figuring out how to have the best quality of life, quantity is put first, no matter what. The end results are final years being filled with endless procedures and treatments that make people miserable while perhaps extending life just a little bit. I texted my sister on Sunday night and encouraged her to start reading at chapter 7. She texted me back that she had finished the book and had started from the beginning. When we talked on the phone on Tuesday night she stated: “I wish we had read this earlier. It would have been so helpful in our decision making for mom.” I felt the same.
So many of you have reached out to me in prayerful concern. For that I am truly grateful. I am writing this from the airport right now on my way to see my mom and dad for the first time since October. Mom doesn’t know I’m coming. Last week was a hard week. My mom felt miserable. Thankfully, this week is better. My dad feels they have a handle on things, and I am grateful. I knew this day would come, when one of my parents would get sick. I have accompanied many people on this journey, and I know it’s not easy. I also know it is a sacred journey, one that is transformative. I hope that I can show up for both of my parents with love, care and do what I can to make sure they have the best life possible for as long as possible. But I recognize that quality and quantity don’t often walk hand in hand, and truthfully our family wants quality for my mom. We want her to be able to gather with her friends, play cards or Maj, to see her grandchildren, go on short walks with their dog and be with my dad.
Most of us don’t like to admit that we are going to die or that our loved ones will die one day. It’s a hard truth to swallow. And yet, it is one of life’s certainties and one that we as people of faith are good at acknowledging. We have rituals, traditions, and care that has guided us for centuries and we also have a promise too. The promise that Jesus has destroyed the power of death. While I give thanks and rest in that promise it doesn’t mean facing death isn’t scary, or hard, especially seeing a loved one suffering. But we also know that we do not need to be afraid to ask loving questions, to make better decisions, to be vulnerable and sad about how hard it all is. If anything, Jesus has modeled how to do this for us and empowered us to follow his example.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna
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Worship
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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We do not require masks but we strongly encouraged masks for all attending in-person worship. If you are unvaccinated we strongly recommend masks. 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.
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after worship on Sundays. Goodies and coffee are available in the Narthex after worship.
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Wednesday Nights at Grace
6:00-6:30pm Family Pizza
6:30-7:30pm-Children, Catechism, High School, Adult Large and Small Groups
7:30-8:00pm-Intergenerational Worship
8:00-9:00pm-High School Fellowship
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Family Table Drive Up Meal
Sunday, Jan. 16th
12:30-1:30pm
Help is needed for the Family Table Drive Thru meal on Sunday, January 16th.
We are still in need food donations for this week. And there are two openings for runners. If you can help, please contact Lynda Wilde lrwilde@comcast.net or 612-418-6444. Or simply click on the link below.
What a joy and privilege to provide a meal for those in need! Grace will be serving another Family Table “take-out” meal on January 16th. There are plenty of opportunities for you to help, whether it’s making food, or donating bottled water! We also need assistance packing meals and bringing the meals out to our guests in the parking lot. If you can help, please sign up!
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Egg Roll Fundraiser
The Youth will be taking orders for homemade egg rolls (made and rolled by our youth and adult volunteers) on Sunday, January 16th and 23rd. The egg rolls come frozen, fully cooked and ready to be warmed up in the oven or air fryer. They $10 for a pack of 10 and will be distributed on Sunday February 6th after worship, just in time for all your snacking needs during the Superbowl the following Sunday! Don’t need them right away? They can be in the freezer for a year so stock up!
Not able to order on Sunday? You can place an online order through Realm HERE or, email Kristi at KristiL@graceandover.org. You also can call the front office at 763.421.6520.
All proceeds will go towards youth summer trips and activities. Thank you for supporting our youth!
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Projection/Streaming Training!
Are you interested in running our projections, or helping with the live stream? We would WELCOME your presence in the sound booth! David Phelps will be offering short training sessions after Saturday worship, and between services on Sunday starting THIS WEEKEND (January 15/16). If you have any questions you can email David at davidp@gracelutheran.org, or just show up on Saturday or Sunday.
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The Expanding role of AP Hopper
When AP came to Grace mid-summer, I was immediately aware that God had gifted us with a tremendous individual who would enhance our ministry together. She told me in our first conversation that not only is she a fabulous musician (she didn’t say that- I heard it for myself), but she is also a Deacon (in the Catholic church), I wondered what God might be inviting us to consider. I asked AP where her passions lie. She told me as a Deacon her call is to do outreach, to help people live out their faith beyond the walls of the church.
We have been in conversation for a while now, about how she might expand her role at Grace and as of this week, it is finally official. AP will be serving as a part-time Director of Outreach. She will be connecting with our outreach leaders, serving as a liaison for the staff, helping with pastoral care and forming community relationships. I am so grateful to have AP share more of her time and energy with us. She is a woman of incredible faith with so many wonderful gifts to share.
Please join me in welcoming AP to this new role.
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Noisy Offerings
Noisy Offerings support outreach in our community and in our world. Currently, all funds collected will be given to a local family who have experienced some hardships recently and are in need of our help.
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Give Electronically through GraceRealm |
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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.
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Prayers of the Church
We pray especially for: John Cairl, Betty Thompson, Eric Nelson, Jan Quick, Gayle Pacholl, Cathy Stoll, Jim, Sandy, Harland Johnson, Jason Beckman, Amber Turner, Baby Dylan Salfer, Lu Henning, Jeffrey Kintzler, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, Luke Galland, Margret Olson, John Malecha, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Lynn Zirkle, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.
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January/February Grace Notes
Newsletter Deadline
Friday, January 14, 2022 at 5:00pm
Please have all articles for the January/February Grace Notes Newsletter into Marie Kolar at mariek@graceandover.org in word format by 5pm on Jan. 14th.
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New Member Class
Jan. 23rd at 10:00am
Pastor Joanna will be having a New Member Class on Sunday, January 23rd at 10:00am in the Fellowship Hall. This class is for anyone wishing to join our family here at Grace Lutheran. Please sign up on the link below.
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Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 30th at 9:45am-10:20am
Every year, Grace takes a day to review what we've done in the last year and discuss what we will do in the next. This year, the annual meeting for Grace Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 9:45am to 10:20am in the Worship Center. We will review the 2021 Annual Report, voting on the 2022 budget and also hearing from the Vision Board regarding the distribution of the tithe (Please note time has changed from last week's email). Please mark your calendars and join us for this important morning in our life together.
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