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,
This is National Suicide Prevention week, an annual week-long campaign in the United States to inform and engage health professions and the public about suicide prevention and the warning signs of suicide. In my fifteen years of ministry, I have presided over at least 3 funerals of people who have died by suicide. I have sat with people contemplating suicide and consoled many individuals who have had family members die by suicide. I also have personally lost people I love to suicide.
My cousin Mike was at least 20 years older than me. He lit up the room when he walked into it. He had more energy and enthusiasm in one little finger than most of us have in our whole bodies. Our family traveled yearly up to Lake Melissa, near Detroit Lakes, MN. Mike didn’t regularly attend but when I was in 3rd or 4th grade, he and his wife came out from Virginia. Our week at the cabin that year stands out in my mind as better than all the rest. Mike encouraged his four younger cousins (including me) to get up at 5 am and swim across the entire lake. He was right in the water with us, diving down to see how deep it was and providing adult supervision. He led us on nightly adventures and fishing outings. I remember yearning for Mike to come back every year because we had so much fun. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. I only saw Mike every few years when he would come to visit my grandparents. When my cousin Amy got married in December 2007, Mike came. He sat at the same table with my family and me. We enjoyed a lively discussion, danced together and overall had a blast celebrating love and family. A few weeks later in early January, my father called me with the shocking news that my cousin Mike had died by suicide. I couldn’t believe it. We had just been together. He hadn’t said anything. Everything seemed so normal. He still seemed so full of life.
What I didn’t know was that my cousin Mike suffered from anxiety and depression. He hid those diagnoses from most people and did a good job being the vibrant person he was. I remember reading the obituary and staring at Mike’s picture, wondering if I could have done anything to have prevented this from happening. I don’t know. I do know that if I could have helped, I would have. This is the case for almost all people who have a loved one who died by suicide. If we would have known more, we would have done whatever we could to help.
Depression is an illness. If it goes untreated or dealt with it can be deadly like any other serious illnesses. People who suffer from depression need friends and family members to show up and care for them just like we would anyone suffering from illness. I must admit it is hard to know what to say to someone suffering from depression. You don’t need to have the right words or answers, you can just be present and say that you care.
Historically, the Church at large hasn’t been helpful when it comes to suicide and was probably even harmful regarding this issue. For a long time, suicide was considered the “unforgivable sin.” Sometimes churches didn’t allow families to have a Christian funeral in or a proper burial in the church cemetery if a loved one died by suicide. Some of you may be familiar with this type of thinking, but this is a false narrative about who God is. The bible does describe a few deaths by suicide, but the bible never says this is the “unforgivable sin.” I do believe that God, of course, does not want us to die this way. Nor does God want anyone to suffer from mental illness. I do know that God has promised that there is nothing -- neither death nor life -- that can take God’s love away from us. God’s love, and God’s presence is there on the darkest of nights, unwilling to abandon us. God calls us as community of believers to show up for each other if we can in these hard times: to listen, to console, to care, to pray. Today, I believe we are called to talk about suicide, to learn more about the warning signs of suicide, and to work together to prevent it from happening in our community.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Ministry Moment
By Nancy Jenkins
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Tragically last year our community experienced a significant number of suicides among area youth. According to the Mental Wellness Campaign for Anoka County, in the past 10 years Anoka County has had more than 565 people of all ages die by suicide. Given this devastating statistic as well as the prevalence of anxiety and depression among youth and adults, we formed the Mental Health Team at Grace in the Fall of 2019.
In the past year, we have hosted a mental health education course at Grace, offered online and other resources, held a book discussion group, and joined Mental Health Connect, a faith-based educational organization. In addition, several team members have completed training on suicide prevention and various aspects of mental illness. The mission of the Mental Health Team at Grace is to reduce the stigma of mental illness through Education, Awareness and Conversation.
MWCAC statistic: https://www.mwcac.org/calendar.html
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Flu Shot Clinic
There will be a Flu Shot Clinic here at Grace in the Fellowship Hall on (TODAY) 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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Rally Sunday is THIS SUNDAY!!!
September 13, 2020 from 9:20-10:20 am
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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. Also on Rally Sunday, you can sign your child(ren) up for Sunday School, Catechism and other children & youth ministries.
We will 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.
If you have been like us during this pandemic, trying to find things to stay active, creative or relieve "cabin fever", we would love to see what you have been doing in your spare time. We will have tables out for you to display your projects between 9:20-10:20 am. So bring your actual project or a picture of your painting, projects around the house, woodworking, welding, drawing, quilting, knitting, gardening, crocheting, etc to share with and inspire others of Grace. We will also have some of the Confirmation Projects that the youth have done for this year on display.
If you have an overabundance from your garden and would like to share the fruits of your labor with others at Grace. There will be a table set up to place your harvest and have others share in the bounty!
Please remember that all COVID-19 protocols and procedures will be in place, including face masks!
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GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS
September 19th-20th
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 19th. 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 20th, there will be just one worship service at 8:45 am (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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The Healing Power of Humor - featuring Kevin Kling
Mental Health Connect is honored to have Kevin Kling join us virtually via Zoom on Sept 16th at 6:30 pm to enjoy the healing power of laughter.
Did you know laughter releases endorphins, decreases anger, eases distressing emotions, relaxes and revitalizes, and brings more fun into your life?
Humor is very important for mental health. 2020 has been quite a year, wouldn’t you agree? Come laugh with us! Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers!
About Kevin - Kevin Kling graduated from Osseo High School and Gustavus Adolphus College. He has performed his stories in libraries, school gymnasiums, The Kennedy Center, Off-Broadway, regional theaters, and storytelling festivals around the US and internationally. He has been a commentator for NPR’s “All Things Considered”. Kevin has authored five books and produced six CDs. Learn more about Kevin Kling at www.kevinkling.com.
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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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WORSHIP SCHEDULE
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. On Sunday, September 20th there will not be an indoor worship due to God's Work, Our Hands weekend. Reservations are required as seating is limited to 60 people or less. (If there are less then 10 people signed up, we will cancel the service.) Please reserve your spot before noon on Fridays so we can plan accordingly. 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, 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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Conversations on Race "Just Mercy" Movie
Discussion Group
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Please join us on Wednesday, September 23rd from 7:00 to 8:30 pm for a discussion via Zoom of the 2019 movie, “Just Mercy.” This movie is “a powerful true story that follows young lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his battle for justice as he defends a man sentenced to death despite evidence proving his innocence.” Whether you have participated in any of our prior “Conversations on Race” or not, please join us.
This movie can be watched on Netflix or rented on Amazon Prime for $5.99. “Just Mercy” is also available on DVD and Blu-Ray at area Red Box locations. There is a DVD of the movie available in the church office if you would like to borrow it short term. We ask that you watch the movie in advance as we will be discussing key elements of the film.
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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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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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Bible Study
Join us for Thursday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 10:30 am with Pastor Joanna or Pastor Maria. Please note the time change.
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:
Sept. 10th: Genesis 3:1-8
Sept. 17th: Genesis 15:1-6
Sept. 24th: Genesis 37:3-8, 26-34; 50:15-21
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below.
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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
Provide refuge and help for all who lack adequate food, housing, or health care. Strengthen organizations that provide neighborly care to all who struggle. Heal and be present with all who are sick or suffering in any way especially: Lavonne Hite, 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. Surround them with your love and comfort them with the promise of the resurrection. Lord hear our prayer.
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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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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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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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Grace has heard you!! Over the last few months, the doors to Grace have been locked for the safety and security of the day care and staff. We are installing a Ring Video Doorbell which will alert staff when someone is at the Kids of Grace door. This will help us know who is at the door and respond promptly without having to call and will help members of Grace and day care families who need to enter the building. |
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Grace Notes will be going out on a monthly basis starting now through the end of the year to help keep you informed on what is happening at Grace. If you have an article that you would like to submit please have the articles in Word format and in to Marie Kolar (mariek@graceandover.org) by 5pm on the 25th of September for October’s Grace Notes. |
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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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