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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Sound Improvements
Greetings Grace Community! As we continue on our “Transforming Inside & Out” path, I would like to share some progress with you on our sanctuary. We have heard from many of you, multiple times, that the sound, both in the sanctuary itself, and on our live stream, is not what it can be. We agree. Because of that we have brought in “Central Acoustics,” a local consultant group, to aid us in improving it.
We are still early in the process, but it is moving forward. Last week Bryan K (acoustical engineer from Central) came out to Grace and did a lot of testing in the space. Measuring the “speech intelligibility” of the space, the natural reverb of the space, and if there are differences in sound in different places in the sanctuary. (There are better and worse places to sit in our sanctuary currently when it comes to sound quality)
He is going to make a digital model of our sanctuary and use that to design treatments that will improve the natural sound. We talked about a few things that can be done to help. All things that can be moved if more changes are made to the sanctuary in the coming years. A few of those are:
- Installing panels along the side walls to reduce ringing.
- Installing “bass traps” at the back of the sanctuary to reduce the “muddiness” of sound. Replacing the main speakers at the front of the sanctuary.
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Along with the acoustical treatment of the sanctuary, we are looking at what we can do to improve our sound system. Bryan H (Yes, they are both Bryan, and work together) has been taking notes of our current system, and the space itself. He and I chatted for a while about what we have for music here, and what we would like to see in the future. Live sound technology has changed and improved a lot since our last system was installed, so there are options upon options for our space, and how we use it.
As I mentioned above, replacing the main speakers is the first and most obvious choice. They are not ideal for our space anymore, and there are much better options for worship spaces available now than there were before. Bryan is working to put together recommendations for us in all aspects of sound. (Speakers, Microphones, Soundboard, wireless options, monitors for those involved in the service). We might not be able to accommodate everything he recommends, but we will do what we can.
This is all so exciting for me, obviously, but I’m also excited to be able to improve everyone’s experience in worship. When we don’t have to struggle to understand what’s being sung or said, we can focus on singing together songs of Praise, and listening to our two wonderful pastors preach and teach. My hope is that these changes and improvements will not only help you to hear everything clearly, but to make your time in our space that much more meaningful.
Musically,
David Phelps
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Congregational Meeting
May 22, 2022
10:00am in the Sanctuary
We will be having a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will be voting on three New Vision Board Members, Building Plans, and the final vote on the Constitutional Amendments. We ask that you arrive a bit early or on time as we have a lot to cover in thirty minutes. Building plan, amendment and vision board nominee details below.
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Worship
-Wednesdays at 7:00pm (Resuming on June 1st)
-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 wearing masks is a personal choice 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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Wednesday Worship
Wednesday worship will be taking a break until June 1st. When we resume worship it will be at 7:00pm and ALL ARE WELCOME!
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Connection Saturdays
With the discontinuation of Saturday Worship, we are inviting all who are interested to remain after the Saturday service to brain storm for ideas on how to best serve those who need the connection on Saturday evenings.
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.
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Question & Answer Session
May 7th & 8th after Worships
This Weekend!
There will be question and answer sessions after all Worship services this weekend regarding the vote on May 22nd for the Transforming plans. The plans are below, in the Narthex and on the web site under Transforming Inside & Out. We hope that you will take time to discern the different plans before the Congregational vote on May 22nd!
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New Vision Board Members
At the Congregational Meeting, on May 22nd at 10am, we will be voting for three new members of the Vision Board. We hope you will join us in this vote for the future leadership of Grace! The six members of the congregation who are up for election are:
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Holly Dodds
Mandi DeGrote
Chrissy Gast
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Dan Johnson
David Kolar
Kendra Mattke
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Meet Holly Dodds
Greetings, fellow members of Grace Lutheran Church. My name is Holly Dodds, and I have been a life-long Lutheran and active member of Grace for almost 9 years. I am a recent "empty-nester" with 2 adult sons living in the metro area. Christian resides in Brooklyn Park and Braden (along with his wife, Chelsea, and my 2 favorite small humans, Evalee and Oliver) in Lino Lakes. I am blessed to be surrounded by many extended family members in the area as well. I am also a recent retiree early this year after more than 38 years in practice as a Clinical Audiologist.
I have been involved at Grace as a participant in the Worship and Praise Team, the Call Committee for Pr. Joanna, volunteering at FMSC, Grace4Rakai, Women's Ministry events, as well as Bible studies, adult education opportunities and other various activities.
I believe that Grace as well as the greater church are poised at a time of great change and challenge, but of equally great outreach and opportunity. I am honored to be nominated for a position on the Vision Board to be involved in helping to navigate my beloved community of faith to and through whatever God calls us to in the coming years if that is how the Holy Spirit leads.
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Meet Mandi DeGrote
I am Mandi DeGrote. I've been attending Grace since 2009. I've been married to my husband Tony for 17 years, I have a son Blake who is 16 years old and a sophomore at Coon Rapids High School. I work for the University of Minnesota as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Pulmonary Medicine.
I have taught Sunday School at Grace for 12 years, I'm a member of the Women's Retreat Team, I've been a small group leader during Sunday Evenings at Grace, participated with Feed My Starving Children Events and Special Events with the Choir.
It is my belief that as part of the Grace Community I should share my time and talents. I was approached to serve on the Vision Board. I believe I have the experience, energy and commitment to be a contributing member of this board.
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Meet Chrissy Gast
Hi Grace family! My name is Chrissy Gast. I have been a member of Grace since 2016. My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 10 years and have two children - Isaac (9) and Morgan (6). We have lived in Andover for 7 years and our kids go to Rum River Elementary School. I have worked in the Human Resources field for 15 years in a variety of industries and roles (for example, benefits, recruiting, performance management, development, and succession planning). For the past 7 years I have worked at Medtronic where I currently oversee the global performance review and development planning program and I am a leader on our Pride LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace on the Adult Education team, leading some Conversations on Race & Culture, tech/projection at worship services, and various outreach ministries (Feed My Starving Children, Family Table, Family Promise). I have also enjoyed participating in book/Bible studies and women’s retreats.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I want to help bring God’s vision to life here at Grace, guide the church during this time of transition, and create a loving and open space for our children, neighbors and community. Thank you for your consideration!
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Meet Dan Johnson
My name is Dan Johnson. My family and I first came to Grace 10 years ago looking for a new church after trying several other local options. It wasn’t long into that first service before we knew we were home. My wife Heather and I have been married for 11 1/2 years, and our daughter Mackie is 10. She was baptized shortly after we started attending, and has been involved in the youth plays. For work, I am a senior accountant for a property management company. I have been there for 15 years and do the accounting for non-profit condo and townhome associations. This entails everything from creating the financial statements, to working with the boards of directors, to financial and budgeting advice. I feel this experience and background will be helpful on the vision board, especially with the upcoming renovation project.
At Grace, I have played guitar with the Praise Team at the Saturday and Sunday contemporary services for 10 years now. I started a month or so after we began attending, and have enjoyed being a part of the services - worshipping and letting God’s love flow through the music. In addition, I have participated in Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children and God’s Work – Our Hands.
I would like to serve on the Vision Board to give back to Grace, our church family. This is our home, and I want to continue that welcoming spirit to all, as we have always been welcomed. I would like to help the upcoming building renovation go as smoothly as possible, listening and learning so that voices are heard and needs are met as we move forward on this project. In addition, continuing the wonderful outreach work Grace is known for, both in our community and globally, sharing the good news with all.
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Meet David Kolar
Hello, my name is David Kolar. We joined Grace in April 2017. My wife, Marie, and I have been married for 28 years. We have two adult children. Joshua is married to Jessie, he’s a sheriff’s deputy, and currently living near by in Coon Rapids. Jessica, our daughter, is 2 classes away from completing her Master’s degree, works full time at a warehouse and coaches girls basketball at Osseo High School and two AAU squads. I am a Marine Corps Veteran and served in Desert Storm. I have been in law enforcement for over 26 years.
I enjoy participating at Grace in different capacities. I serve on the Mowing Team, Altar Guild, Ushering, Empty Nesters and wherever else that I can or wherever my wife volunteers me.
I would like to be on Vision Board because I would like to be more involved at Grace and get to know others in Grace. I also believe that being on Vision Board will help me grow in my faith.
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Meet Kendra Mattke
Hello Everyone, my name is Kendra Mattke. I have been an attender/member at Grace since 2010. I have been married to my husband Jeremy for 13 years, and we have two boys. AJ is 6 and goes to Crooked Lake Elementary school. Avery is 10 and is at Andover Elementary school. I'm currently a stay at home mom with a side business selling Mary Kay, I've been doing this for 8 years.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace in many ways, mostly doing things behind the scenes, with a little bit of leading. These include: Children’s Ministry team, Women's Retreat Team, and Communion Server. I volunteer for other opportunities when they come along.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I love helping this church, and being part of making it even better is a very exciting opportunity for an already amazing church.
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Amendments to Grace's Constitution |
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This is the second and final vote for the proposed amendments to Grace's Constitution. The amendments will not go into effect until after the approval of the synod council. The precise date is unknown.
Our current constitution: 13.02 reads:
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation, at least two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregational Vision Board shall be appointed at a Vision Board meeting for a term of no more than one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive re-election.
Summary of changes: We eliminated the specificity about the Vision Board members and extended the term to have a more consistent Nominating Committee.
Proposed Amendment:
Nominating Committee constitution amending of Section C 13:02 (page 15)
C13.02
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation shall be elected at a Vision Board meeting for a term of three years. This amendment will be effective upon approval by the synod council.
Our current constitution: 13.03 reads:
An Audit Committee of three voting members shall be selected by the Congregational Vision Board. Audit committee shall not be members of the Congregational Vision Board. Term of office shall be three years, with one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election.
Summary of changes: We increased the number on the audit committee from 3 to 4 and included one Vision Board member to serve as a liaison to the Vision Board
Audit Committee Amendment – proposed new
C13:03 The Congregation Vision Board shall select an Audit Committee of no less than four voting members. Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members at large who may not be members of the Vision Board. Members at large shall have a term of office of three years, with at least one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. In addition to the members at large, there will be one voting member who is a current member of the Vision Board whose term of Office will be one year and shall be eligible for reappointment. Said member shall act as a liaison to the Vision Board.
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"Stories of Hope"
May 12, 2022
8:30-9:30am Online
The Mental Health Connect “Stories of Hope” annual fundraiser that will be held on Thursday, May 12th from 8:30 am to 9:30 am This event is virtual and there is no cost to register but you must register online in advance to receive your E-ticket and link to this zoom event. If you wish to support Mental Health Connect financially, donations may be made during the online registration process. Thank you for supporting one of Grace’s local, faith-based partners. If you have any questions, please contact Nancy Jenkins at dnjenkins@comcast.net or 763-354-9764. Here is the link to register or donate.
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Empty Nester Group Gathering
May 12th at 6-8:30pm
Our next gathering will be dinner at the home of Steven and Karen Gfroerer on Thursday, May 12th at 6pm. We will do outside games (Pickleball, bags, bocce ball, etc.) Please bring a snack and the Gfroerers will provide water, beer, and lemonade. In case of inclement weather, we will go inside or in the garage or both! The address is: 16041 Saint Andrews Lane, Ramsey. We look forward to having you join us! Please contact either Nancy Jenkins (dnjenkins@comcast.net) or Sandy Schmoll (sandys@graceandovoer.org) if you have any questions. All are welcome!
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Confirmation
May 15, 2022
8:30am-12pm
This is for all students being Confirmed in 2022. Only students being confirmed need to register. Families and those attending do NOT need to register.
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Family Table
May 15, 2022
12:30-1:30pm
Grace will be serving another Family Table “take-out” meal on Sunday, May 15th. Family Table is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month and the sign-up sheet is available well in advance. If you are looking for a fun opportunity to serve with other Grace members while sharing food with our neighbors, please contact Lynda Wilde lrwilde@comcast.net or 612-418-6444. Or simply click on the link above.
We are always looking for 4 or 5 people to help in the kitchen by assembling the pre-cooked take-out meals (11:45 – 2:15PM). Food donations for side dishes will be listed on the sign-up sheet and vary each month depending on the meal we serve. We also need 3 energetic folks to run the meals to the cars as they pull up at the drive thru (12:15 – 1:30PM). Why not make it a family project! And remember, if you know of a family, who would appreciate a meal, whether they are members of Grace or not, please let us know!
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8th Grade Preview Night
May 18th at 6:30pm
All 8th graders (and their parents) are invited to hear more about what happens next year during Own Your Faith which leads up to Confirmation next spring. The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30 and generally lasts around an hour.
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New Member Class
Sunday, May 22nd
12:00-1:30pm
Anyone interested in becoming members of Grace or if you just want to learn more about Grace and the Ministry Areas we serve, please sign up on Realm, email krism@graceandover.org or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
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Picnic & Fun Middle School & High School Event
May 22, 2022 12-2pm
Middle School and High School youth are invited to Crooked Lake Park & Beach for a picnic and fun! Lunch will be provided - hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream. Bring any outdoor fun items you want - games, balls, frisbees, etc. Friends welcome! Pick up and drop off at Crooked Lake Park & Beach. We will be in the picnic shelter closest to the lake (near the bathrooms).
Cost is $5.
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Vacation Bible School
June 13-16
Growing spiritually doesn’t have to be an unsolved mystery! Take a four-day journey with kid detectives as they dig into a few of Jesus’ parables to solve the mysteries of how to grow their faith, how to care for, serve, and love others. They’ll discover that the answers have been there all along: spend time with God. spend time with others, use your gifts, and share your story. For schedule and more information check out VBS Registration below!
Please register by May 31st!
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Summer Stretch is a dynamic summer ministry for students who have completed 5th-8th grade! Summer stretch runs every Thursday (June 23rd – August 4th - from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.) Participants will be dropped off and picked up from Grace Lutheran Church. Each Thursday, we will travel to various service projects and recreational activities around the area. Before signing up for Summer Stretch please read more about the program on the Grace Youth Ministries page.
The cost (which includes travel, entrance fees, service project fees, guest speakers, snacks, and a tee-shirt) is $250 if the deposit of $100 is paid before May 1st. This year families can "earn back" $50 by volunteering as an adult leader for one day of Summer Stretch.
The cost of Summer Stretch increases after May 1st to $300 and after June 1st to increases to $325. The balance is due on June 20th. You may pay online with a credit card or in-person with a check written to Grace Lutheran, memo lined: Summer Stretch. Students are responsible to bring their own lunch each day.
Parents: Please be sure to include your email for all communications.
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Senior Celebration
On Sunday we celebrated our high school seniors that will be graduating in June. These young men and women are a wonderful group that I have grown to love very much. When I arrived at Grace they were entering 6th grade and were the first class that I walked with from 6th - 12th grade and we have watched one another grow. They have developed into leaders at church and outside of these walls. God has wonderful plans for them. Please join me in praying for them over the next month as they finish out their high school education and journey into their next adventure.
Kristi Larson
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
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Corn Hole Fundraiser Success!
Special thank you to Steph Chandler and her team for making this weekend's Corn Hole Tournament a SUCCESS!!!! We continue to be astounded by the generosity of this congregation. Final totals are still being tallied but are beyond what we could have thought or imagined for the Fernandez family! Congratulations to Kevin Gast and guest to Grace Clyde for winning first place in the tournament.
Samantha is still in search of a living donor for a life-saving kidney transplant so she can live out her hopes and dreams! If you or someone you know is interested in living organ donation please contact University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital at umnhealthlivingdonor.org or call 612-625-7010.
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Food Donations for
Grace Food Shelf
The Grace food shelf could use a few donations. Please drop your donations off at the Church office. Please remember we can not take perishable, expired items, alcoholic items or items in glass containers. We are in need of the following:
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canned soup
boxed cereal
pancake mix
pancake syrup
chili/kidney beans
baked beans
boxed potatoes
rice
crackers and other snacks
jelly/jam
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canned fruit
pasta noodles
pasta mixes (Hamburger Helper, etc)
spaghetti sauce
tomato products (diced, stewed, etc)
canned meals (stew, beefaroni, chili, etc)
desserts (cake mixes/frosting, brownie mixes, etc)
brown paper shopping bags
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Noisy Offerings from Maty 1st to 15th will be going to Mental Health Connect. |
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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
Please pray for: Jon Brooks, Carolyn Gautschi, Phil Knutson, Jan Wenndt, Rick Burnham, Kim Burnham, Baby Brenna O’Keefe, Lois Vadner, Colleen Wernimont, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, Betty Thompson, Harland Johnson, Jason Beckman, Lu Henning, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, John Malecha, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, and Judi Wold.
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