This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
If you missed worship this weekend join us on
Wednesday Night at 7pm in the sanctuary!
Wednesday evening Bible study is canceled
for the rest of the summer
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Transitions
I just got back from three days in Madison Wisconsin for Freshman orientation for my daughter Helena. It was so fun to walk around campus and visit our old stomping grounds from when Jeff and I attended UW. We have many wonderful memories. It's interesting getting ready to launch a kid. Orientation to college is vastly different than anyone we have attended before. Over and over again we were reminded that our kids are adults and we actually do not have access or control of their lives. I could feel some parents squirming at this idea (and also asking questions like can I get power of attorney for my kid), while others (like me) seemed really ready.
Give them roots and wings. That is what my internship supervisor told me when I announced I was pregnant with Helena. This is the goal of parenting: roots and wings. Let them know where they come from and then help them fly. I am so grateful to the many people who shaped and guided us as we have helped her roots grow, and in the last few years it has been fun to see her gain strength and spread her wings. And we are ready. As we drove back to Minnesota, we had the unexpected adventure of a tire blowing on our car and a two hour roadside wait, along with a tow. While we were sitting there, we were able to talk and share. I told her, "I am a proud Badger, and I hope you will be too, but it's okay if you don't like it. It's okay if you struggle. I didn't make our good friends from college until my Junior year. There were days I wanted to transfer and wished I had chosen a smaller university. I made a lot of mistakes and I also learned to ask for help. This is what I want for you." I don't expect her launch to be a flawless flight, instead I know that she will learn most by actually falling down now and then. But what I care about is that she knows she always has someone to call, and the support she needs to keep going. This is what it is all about. Perhaps the greatest thing I learned in college is how to advocate for myself and how to ask for help when I fail. It continues to guide me to this day. I am not perfect, nor do I proclaim to be. As I often say to Helena, "perfect is boring." Instead, I am a learner, someone who keeps trying, and someone who is willing to say when I mess up and to forgive. I hope that together we as a community of faith can help each other do the same.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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P.S. When I got into my office, I found a Welcome Home Greeting from a fellow Badger "Fan"! |
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Water Fun Day for K-5th Grade
August 11th from 1-3pm
Water Fun Day for Kindergarten-5th Grades is back! We will have water fun on the back lawn of the church. Cost is $10 per child.
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Water Fun Day
for 6th-12th Grade
August 11th from 6-8pm
Water Fun Day for students in Middle & High School! We will be having a blast in the back yard of the church! Cost is $10 per child.
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Kristi Larson’s Farewell Worship
Sunday, August 14th
We are so grateful for the seven years that Kristi has ministered to the youth and families at Grace and the ways that she has shaped and enlivens their faith. Please join us this Sunday, August 14th at 8:30am or 10:00am worships to say farewell.
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Summer Worship
-Sundays at 8:30am Traditional
-Sundays at 10am Contemporary
-Wednesdays at 7pm Contemporary
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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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Graceful Seniors
Date Change!!!
Graceful Seniors will not be meeting on Tuesday, August 9th due to Grace being a Primary Election Site. Graceful Seniors will be meeting on Tuesday, August 16th at 8:30 am
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Qigong Practice Group
Meets every 1st and 3rd Monday at 2:30 pm, for up to 1 ¼ hours in the Grace Fellowship Hall. The Qigong Practice Group at Grace Lutheran Church meets twice a month. Each session includes focused, gentle standing movements designed for healing (similar to tai chi), a sitting guided healing meditation and practical information on how to maintain your health and that of your friends or family. Clothing is casual. There is no cost, and you do not have to be a church member to attend. The Group is led by Randy Sparer, trained as an energy healer in Spring Forest Qigong. If interested, please call or text Randy at 612-812-2392. Our group would like you to join us!
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OK@PLAY presents
SPEND SOME TIME IN STILLWATER TOGETHER!
Wednesday, August 17th
Join us as we spend a leisurely day in Stillwater on the banks of the mighty St. Croix. We have no specific agenda, except we will leave the church parking lot at 9:30am to carpool. You choose how to spend the day...trolley tour, lunch, shopping, ice cream, watching life go by on the river...you decide what YOU want to do! Trolley rides are at 11:00am, 2:00pm and 3:00pm for $13.00 senior price; the 11:00am may be the best time to go as a group if you are interested in doing so. If you should choose not to carpool, meet at the Trolley area at 10:30am, but please still RSVP.
Please RSVP to:
OR
We hope you are able to join us as we enjoy another beautiful Minnesota summer day!
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Family Table "Take-Out" Meal
Sunday, August 21st
12:30pm-1:30pm
Grace will be serving a Family Table “take-out” meal on Sunday, August 21st. 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 below.
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Sunday School 2022-2023
Children’s ministry is excited you are registering your child(ren) for 2022-2023 Sunday School. We have already started planning and preparing for Sunday School to start September 18th. Please join us September 11th for Rally Sunday, come worship and following worship join in fellowship, learning, and play for all ages!
At Baptism, both you and the church made a commitment to raise your child in faith. Together we are continuing this journey as you enroll your child in Sunday School. We look forward to teaching your child(ren) GOD LOVES THEM.
We welcome YOU to join us by joining our Sunday School Team! We need at least 16 volunteers to ensure success for our program and for our children. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering on Sunday mornings, a separate registration for volunteers is now open.
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Children's Ministry Volunteer 2022-2023
There are many ways that you can volunteer to grow our kids in faith. You can volunteer in our nursery and care for our youngest members and attenders. You can be a helper or a teacher at Sunday School or a co-teacher and guide them in biblical lessons, crafts and games or you can lead a small group for Catechism on Wednesday nights. If working with middle school kids is your jam this is the spot for you. Our youth need caring adult leaders. Prayerfully consider if this might be a gift you have to share with Grace. Or perhaps you are better behind the scenes or for one time events. We need your help with lock-ins, retreats and other Children, Youth and Family activities.
On September 7th at 5:30pm we will be gathering for a Volunteer Kick off. This is for both Catechism and Sunday School and Kids Night Out helpers. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm and then break out into groups at 6pm for more specified instructions pertaining to various age groups. Mark your calendars and join us with this wonderful opportunity to grow our kids in faith. Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell with any questions or sign up on Realm.
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Kid's Night Out
2022-2023
Kids’ Night Out is our Wednesday evening programming for Kindergarten though 5th graders. Kids play games, learn through bible study and have the opportunity to connect with one another. This is less structured than Sunday school but does involve a lesson and a means to grow in faith. Occasionally kids will have malts and do special faith formation events.
We invite kids and families to join us at Worship following our event.
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Own Your Faith Orientation
2022-2023
Mark your Calendars for Own Your Faith Orientation on August 21st at 11:15am OR August 24th at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.
9th Graders and guardians, we hope you can join us for an overview and orientation for your final year of Catechism at Grace Lutheran Church. After 3 years participating in small groups and events at Grace on Wednesday nights, our 9th Graders final year of catechism is to work one-on-one with a mentor. Together they will be discussing questions of identity and faith and doubt. These one-on-one conversations happen on your own time, and we provide all the materials you need to have these important conversations.
This year we are starting something new and inviting our Own Your Faith students to gather once a month for a shared event where we can have a time of fellowship and connection. We are very excited about the upcoming year and all that it will bring. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell at joannam@graceadover.org.
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Catechism 2022-2023
Attention 6th Graders and Families. On September 7th at 5:30pm, we hosting an open house and overview of our Catechism program. We hope you will come and join with us as we share calendars, events and the vision behind our program.
Catechism meets every Wednesday with large group, small group and worship will run from 6pm-8pm. We encourage parents/guardians and siblings to join us for Wednesday Night worship at 7pm. This worship does count for worship attendance in order to fulfill Catechism requirements. It is also created with youth in mind.
Catechism is a 3 year program that helps middle school age students grow in their relationship with God and with their peers. During weekly meetings students worship together, play games, meet in small groups and learn about how they fit into God’s Story. However, Catechism is not just about attaining knowledge! Ultimately, it’s about forming relationships with:
- Students just like you! God created us to be in community with one another, which means that caring about our friends is how we do church! In Catechism you will be placed in a small group to grow these friendships!
- Caring adults who lead small groups. Let’s face it, middle school can be scary! Small group leaders are an adult at church to help support you along the way.
- God and the Bible! Everyone has big questions about God. Catechism is a time to explore who God is, what it means to follow Jesus and why we are Lutheran.
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Catechism Ministry Volunteer
There are many ways that you can volunteer to grow our kids in faith. You can volunteer in our nursery and care for our youngest members and attenders. You can be a helper or a teacher at Sunday School or a co-teacher and guide them in biblical lessons, crafts and games or you can lead a small group for Catechism on Wednesday nights. If working with middle school kids is your jam this is the spot for you. Our youth need caring adult leaders. Prayerfully consider if this might be a gift you have to share with Grace. Or perhaps you are better behind the scenes or for one time events. We need your help with lock-ins, retreats and other Children, Youth and Family activities.
On September 7th at 5:30pm we will be gathering for a Volunteer Kick off. This is for both Catechism and Sunday School and Kids Night Out helpers. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm and then break out into groups at 6pm for more specified instructions pertaining to various age groups. Mark your calendars and join us with this wonderful opportunity to grow our kids in faith. Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell with any questions.
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Music Ministry
There are several opportunities to explore your musical abilities; Grace Choir, Wednesday Worship, Praise Team, and Symphonic Ensemble. Please click on the buttons below to explore and sign up for these wonderful opportunities!
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Noisy Offerings from August 1st to August 31st will be going towards our partnership with Sand Creek Elementary. |
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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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Drivers Needed
There are a few of our congregation who are in need of rides to medical appointments. If you are willing to help please contact Kris Miller in the church office. Please note that we will require background checks for all volunteer drivers.
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray for: Danica Hanson, Kyle Quick, Gina Trousil, Phil Knutson, Marty Lukaszewski, Jamie Hess, Michael Gautschi, Deb Stang, Steven Schake, Linda Breyette, Lois Vadner, Pastor Maria Markman, Phil Knutson, Diane Rosky, Harland & Anne Marie Johnson, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, 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, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Colleen Wernimont.
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September GraceNotes Newsletter Articles
Due August 22, 2022
If you would like to have a news article in the September GraceNotes, please have them sent into Marie Kolar in word format to mariek@graceandover.org by Monday, August 22nd at 5pm.
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