Greetings and Happy New Year.
I hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Years and is now refreshed and ready for whatever is ahead.
I have written before about it but I look back at 2020 and look at the events of what it was and I am thankful. I am thankful for everything that we were able to do despite the circumstances of what the year threw at us. I am thankful for the relationships that were made, the service that was done, and the impact Grace was able to make on the community of Mankato and beyond.
The New Year is always a turning point. When so many things can be made brand new. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says "So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new." We are in a new year with new opportunities and I am ready to look and move full speed ahead. 2020 is behind us.
So what is ahead of us? 2021 is going to be a great year. I'm hoping a lot of you alike myself is ready to launch forward into what this new year can offer us and what we can offer others the year ahead. I read a blog the other day entitled "What Kind of Neighbor Are You?" One of the main points in it is taking what we have heard in the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 where it is asked, “who is my neighbor” and turning it around to be what kind of neighbor am I. It really made me think about this past year and what Grace was able to do for others. Thinking to this next year, I'm excited to expand the ministry of Grace and how we can be even more of a neighbor to all.
2020 brought forth challenges and different ways of thinking of service. It also brought into light many clear ways of where service is needed in the community. As this year unfolds and life (hopefully) returns to more of the normalcy that we have been use to it's still important and in some ways more than ever that we look at what kind of neighbor are we going to be. How can we continue to serve? To feed others, to provide others with other needs, and to make a difference not only in our community but world. I am excited to be here at Grace and the chance to work with you all on more ways to serve. I also want to hear about other things you all are passionate about with serving so I invite you to reach out to me anytime. Even if it is a small idea lets go after it and make a difference even just for a few people. We are all in this together
Ben
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Start marking your calendar. While moving full speed ahead with things we're excited to announce some more opportunities for fellowship, leaning and service this next year. We are optimistic that life will return to a more normal form and these events will be able to move forward how we hope. |
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2021 Vacation Bible School
"King of Me"
June 7th - 11th
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We are planning an in-person Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer. We will be holding here at Grace the week after schools get out the week of June 9th. The theme for the week is "King of Me." We will explore some of the characters from the Old Testament and how God is bigger than some of the obstacles that were put in their way and how God is the kind of all those things. When we feel alone God is with us. This week will be full of fun worship, crafts and activities as well. This will be fully run by Grace so we will be looking for volunteers to help during the week. If you have time available or an older child at home that you want to get out of the house to help please let Ben know (DSG@gracemankato.org) and he'd love to have some help. He will take help during the days with programing, food, childcare before and after or even planning the VBS if you are feel very adventurous.
All kids are welcomed to attend. They don't have to be a member of Grace
Children ages Kindergarten - 6th Grade are invited.
Programing will run from 8:30 - 3:00 Monday - Thursday and 8:30 - noon on Friday. Early drop off and late pick up will be available to families that need it.
Meals will be provided Monday - Thursday
Suggested Donation of $35 to cover cost of food and craft supplies
Click below to sign up.
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2021 Youth Summer Service Trip
North Shore MN
June 13th - 18th
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The summer of 2021 was supposed to be the next ELCA National Youth Gathering that happens every three year. That has been postponed to July of 2022 and will be in Minneapolis as planned. That means we will be doing a youth service trip this summer instead. With still some uncertainty of what that can look like we are planning this ourselves and will be traveling to the north shore based around Duluth. Service opportunities are still being worked out along with lodging but we are confident we will be able to offer a safe and fun trip for youth that have completed 7th - 12th Grade. More details and registration will be released in the next couple of weeks. This trip is for youth from Grace along with any of their friends that would like to come along. |
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2021 Adult Boundary Waters Trip |
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Now that we're getting through the holidays it's time to start thinking about the summer of 2021. Some of us have probably been thinking about next summer for a while now. We are planning a fun opportunity for adults next summer whom what to have a bit of adventure as part of it. Last year the youth got their turn and this next year it is time for the adults to take a trip into the Boundary Waters (BWCA). I wanted to be get this announcement out early so people could have a bit of a chance to think about it. I would like to have a good idea of numbers thought by the end of January so we can secure permits for the trip. If you sign up early, I'd love some help looking into where to paddle in at. We're looking at going in on the Grand Marais side of the BWCA.
Dates for the trip are Friday July 9th through Wednesday July 14th. The plan would be to leave around mid-day on the 9th drive all the way to Grand Marais and stay there before paddling in to the BWCA Saturday. We spend four days and three nights paddling, fishing, having devotional time and anything else you may want to do up there. Tuesday the 13th we would paddle out of the BWCA sometime that day and then stay another night in Grand Marais before heading home.
We are excited about the possibilities of this trip and know it will be a great time. Even if I cannot guarantee no rain. Once we have, groups of folks interested we'll have a meeting to discuss more details about the trip. Even if you are just interested, click the link below to sign up. No commitment needed at this time and cost for trip is yet to be determined but will be very affordable.
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A message from
Global Eye Mission
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Dear Friends,
Global Eye Mission (GEM) continues to support the development of eye ministries around the world with the purpose of sharing the Good News of the Gospel and providing much needed eye care to those in need. The COVID pandemic has presented a number of difficulties for the eye programs we support. GEM is grateful to be able to be a part of helping these programs navigate these challenges. We are hopeful that all our partner programs will emerge from the pandemic in strong positions to be able to continue to care for the neediest patients in their regions of service. We are grateful for how God has continued to provide and for the partnership of so many of you to make this ministry possible.
Below you'll find the Global Eye Mission (GEM) December newsletter that highlights some of the work GEM has been involved with this year.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support.
Merry Christmas,
Steve
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Grace is serving dinner at Connections Shelter the second and forth Sunday of every month. If you would like to sign up to help out for any of the next times we're serving you can find a sign up below. You can also reach out to Ben through the church office or at DSG@gracemankato.org. |
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There are other opportunities to be able to serve at Connections. Below is a link to their sign up to be able to be greeters at the shelter. If your family would also like to take on a meal on your own to make and serve there are opportunities to sign up and do that. |
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While we are not yet meeting in person for children PreK - 6th Grade we do want to make weekly lessons available online. You can access the weekly lessons we would be doing by clicking the links below. There are great activities that can be done as a family together. |
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Right now as schools have moved to distance learning we have decided that the safest and most effective way to continue to meet with our confirmation students will be to temporarily move the the program virtual. We will be using Zoom to connect with the students just as we did last spring. As soon as it is safe to once again meet in person, we'll be excited to have the youth back here at Grace Wednesday nights.
For more details about events or would like to get involved please reach out to Ben or Pastor John and we will be sure to get you in the loop on everything you need to know.
January Confirmation Schedule
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January 6th - Confirmation over Zoom 6:00 - 7:00
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January 13th - Confirmation over Zoom 6:00 - 7:00
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January 20th - Confirmation over Zoom 6:00 - 7:00
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January 27th - Confirmation over Zoom 6:00 - 7:00
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We are still evaluating the best way to meet together with High School youth group. We continue to suspend any in person gatherings with the youth looking out for the wellbeing of them and others. We are anxious for the time we can gather together once again. Notifications will be sent out as soon as we can start meeting again. |
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If anybody has questions about youth and family ministry opportunities or would like to help leading any activities please reach out to Ben. You can call directly any time at 507-524-3254 or send an email to DSG@gracemankato.org |
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Zoom Thursday Night
Bible Study
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Parables
"The Greatest Stories Ever Told"
Thursday January 7th
All Are Welcome!
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As a community of Christ, we share in each other's joys and pains. Before we dive into the word each week we share our joys and pains with each other using the Rose Analogy.
- We look for the Rose in our lives - A highlight, success, small win or something positive that is happening.
- We look for a Thorn in our lives - A challenge you are experiencing or something you can use more support with.
- And we look for the Bud in our lives - A new Idea that has bloomed or something you are looking forward to knowing more about or experiencing
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This Week
"The Wise & Foolish Virgins"
One thing to be thinking about coming into the bible study is:
Think of a time you waited a long time for someone or something important to you. What was the waiting like? What helped you maintain hope?
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Thursday Bible Study
Zoom Meeting ID 857 5766 8823
Time 8:00 pm Thursday
Every week will have the same meeting ID
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Mark your Calendars
February 4 2020-No Bible Study
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Worshiping Together Virtually |
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We continue you worship from a distance for the wellbeing of our neighbors as our council continues to evaluate how and when we will return to worship in more familiar ways
Our Facebook live stream is a great way to gather with others(although virtually)and believe we area all part of this assembly as we gather as the one body of Christ to chat, share a greeting of peace and worship together. A live stream of our worship is broadcasted every Sunday morning at 10:00 and is 50-60 minutes long.
If you do not have Facebook worship is will still be available on KTOE Sunday mornings at 10:00 and the rebroadcast on KTV Tuesday at 1:00 pm and again Wednesday at 7:15 pm. Past worships can also be found on YouTube and our Website. Our goal is that everyone will still have an opportunity to worship with us at Grace.
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Christ in our Home
Devotional
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Christ In Our Home are still available here at Grace. You can stop in and pick on up anytime during church office hours. |
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We still have Fair Trade coffee and other items for sale here at Grace. Current selection of products on hand here at Grace are pictured below. Items available are Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa Powder, Chocolate bars, backing cocoa and olive oil. Items are located near the narthex and can be bought during church office hours. |
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All Fair Trade/Organic Coffee - $7.00/Bag
Individual Coffee packets - 60¢ each
Makes 10-12 cups
All Tea - $3.00
Hot Cocoa - $6.00
Large Chocolate Bars - $2.50
Baking Cocoa - $6.00
Olive Oil - $13.50
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Find more information about Mankato Fair Trade Products and their Mission by clicking the link below
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Echo Food Shelf - Echo is still looking for volunteers to commit to one 2-4 hour shift/week. You can email echofoodshelf@yahoo.com to get involved.
CADA House - Committee Against Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CADA) is a nonprofit victim advocacy and emergency shelter organization based in Mankato, Minnesota. CADA’s mission is to provide safety and support to victims of domestic and sexual violence through education, advocacy, and shelter.
You can check out the latest Newsletter for CADA by Clicking HERE
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Lord God,
Thank you for being with us through out this last year. We thank you that we are able to serve as your hands and feet in the world.
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One more Christmas song because I saw it this weekend and thought it was pretty great. |
Angels We Have Heard on High by the Piano Guys |
He is With Us by Love and the Outcome |
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Many of us has been spending more time shopping online. When shopping with amazon there is an easy way to help raise a donation go to Grace. When shopping through a web browser you can follow the link below and it's easy to set up. It's also super easy to get set up on a mobile device through the Amazon App. When signed into your account in the app in settings there is a section called "Programs and Features" in that sections you can click on AmazonSmile. I that section you can select your charity. You can search Grace Lutheran Church Mankato or type 41-6006451.
When you #StartWithaSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Grace Lutheran Church. Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/41-6006451 and support us every time you shop.
You still get the same prices and you can still use your Prime account, but when you start by using this link above, Amazon will donate a portion of the price back to Grace.
Thanks for supporting Grace.
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Zoom is a great tool for connecting with family or our Thursday night bible study here with Grace. If you have been waiting to try to use Zoom because it can be a bit confusing at time we invite you to get a hold of Ben here at Grace. Ben is far from an expert with all that zoom can do but can defiantly help enough to get things set up on your device and test things out to see how they work. You can call the office to get a hold of Ben or send an email at DSG@gracemankato.org to set up a time. |
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Pastor
Director of Spiritual Growth
Parish Administrator
Office Specialist
Interim Organist and Music Director
Worship and Media Technology Coordinator
Maintenance and Grounds
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Grace Lutheran Church Office Hours
Monday - Thursday 10:00a.m - 4:00p.m
Friday 10:00a.m - noon
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Is there news you're wanting to have included in future staying connected newsletters? Reach out to Ben with the details and he'll be sure to included in an upcoming newsletter. New newsletters are emailed out every Monday and can also be found on Facebook or the Webpage under the At Home Resources tab. |
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