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GRACE NOTES
~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~
March 16, 2025
Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .
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As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, sexual orientation, and creed.
Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, or something in between,
you are welcomed and valued here. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to all of God’s diverse people present here.
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In the day of trouble, God will give me shelter. (Ps. 27:5) | |
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Update on Pastor Pam
Many of you have been wondering how Pastor Pam is doing. I recently checked in with her and have a little bit of news.
Pastor Pam says that her recovery from her medical emergency is progressing well and that she is just focusing on one day at a time and following her medical team's directions. She extends her deepest gratitude to all of you for your cards and prayers.
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Pastoral Care Emergencies
Our Care Pastor has THIS Phone
If you or a loved one is in need of pastoral care in an emergency (hospitalization or death) the pastoral care cell phone is
425-561-8658.
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Children's Church
1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month
during 9:30 am Service
We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the first and third Sunday of the month. Children will begin service in the sanctuary with their families, and then are invited to go to Children's Church in The Hive. After crafts, games, and a bible lesson, children return to the sanctuary and their families during the Passing of the Peace.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Please contact Jeff Mach, at council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org or the church office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org if you can help with children's church.
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Holden Evening Prayer & Soup Supper
Every Wednesday March 12 to April 9
5:30pm Soup
6:30pm Service
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Lenten Soup Suppers 2023
begin on Ash Wednesday, March 5
Soup Supper at 5:30pm-6:15pm
Services begin at 6:30pm
Please sign up to bring a crock pot of soup for one of the Wednesdays.
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PACKS FOR KIDS
“PACKING PARTYS”
March:
Tuesday March 18th at 4:30PM
April:
April 1 at 6:30PM
April 15 at 4:30PM.
Providing weekend “packs” of food for food insecure students in the Mukilteo School district. Come join the food bag filling fun.
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April 13 at 9:30 am -- Palm Sunday Service
April 17 at 6:30 pm -- Maundy Thursday Service
April 18 at 12:00pm -- Seven Last Words of Christ
at 6:30 pm -- Good Friday Contemplative Service
April 20 at 9:30 am -- Easter Worship
Community Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast following Service
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Service of Healing Prayer
2nd Sunday of Each Month at 10:30 am
The Pointe of Grace Care and Prayer Team will offer a Service of Healing Prayer immediately after worship. The service is expected to last 20-30 minutes and will include quiet time for contemplation and private prayer, a Scripture reading and short reflection, and a time where prayer ministers are available to pray with you. You are welcome to request prayer for yourself or anyone else for any reason at all. You may choose to pray with a prayer minister or simply to pray by yourself during the service. This is a wonderful gift and we encourage you to attend.
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Celebrating Birthdays
First Sunday Each Month at 10:30 am
The hospitality team would love to celebrate YOU!
Email the office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org to update your birthday in our system.
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Women's Bible Study
Every Wednesday at 10:00 am
The Women’s Bible Study at Pointe of Grace Lutheran is a group of women committed to the study of the Scriptures, to prayer and to each other. The joy we experience learning and the support we receive as we look into the meaning of the Scriptures keeps us returning each week. The women in the study come from a variety of church experiences although most attend Pointe of Grace. What this study does is deepen faith and friendship as we go out to do what we learn. Please join us! If you have any questions, contact Evelyn at evlnseymour@gmail.com.
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We are studying the Life Guide study of Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Douglas Connelly on January 15, 2025. It is available at Amazon and various other sites.
Contact Evelyn if you need help getting the study book.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
1st & 3rd Thursdays each month at 10am
Like to knit or crochet? Consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministries. We are caring people who wish to share our God-given talent of knitting and crocheting with a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of peace, comfort and solace.
If you would like more information on this ministry, contact Karen Evans, rlkaevans@comcast.net or contact the church office.
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Love & Logic Parenting Class
3rd Sunday of Each month at 11 am in Meeting Room
When kids hit their teen years, parenting takes on a whole new dimension. Along that, kids are frequently dealing with the challenges of social media and other technologies that we didn't have as kids ourselves. Still, we want them ready for their adult lives ahead while empowering them to make positive decisions and learning from their mistakes. During the 2024-25 adult learning cycle, we are offering a parenting class and support group to help gain new perspective and strategies as parents.
We meet the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11am in the Meeting Room. The class is taught by Karl Olson, church member, Love and Logic trainer, educator, and parent, on Sundays during adult learning time. If you have any questions please e-mail him at karltolson@gmail.com
While parenting can feel lonely, this is a chance to come together to celebrate and collaborate.
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ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton has issued a video message to the church about the need to check in on one another during this time of great anxiety and fear for so many members. | |
"We may not know what tomorrow brings, but we have each other,” she said in the message. “And we have the promise of a God who meets us in our fear, who walks with us in our struggles, and who calls us to be bearers of hope.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtJTieVzll8
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“This Isn’t Kansas, Toto” Living in the New, Digital World:
Lessons for Adults and Children
Tuesday, March 25 from 5pm-7pm (PT)
Presented by Dr. Patricia Fosarelli, MD, DMin
Sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association
The digital world is here to stay, and while it is capable of offering information and opportunities previously unavailable to most of us, that capability is a double-edged sword. Information that is false can be passed off as truth; comments that are mere opinions can appear to be facts; websites that are inappropriate for anyone can be accessed by the youngest or most vulnerable; persons who appear to be peers on social media can be predators; humiliating social media posts can lead the most susceptible to harming themselves.
Register here: https://lutheranfcna.org/event-6064223
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Learning Love Lenten Course
6 weeks starting March 6
Thursdays at 7:00pm via Zoom
This year’s installment of LiVE’s Lenten “Gospel & Culture” series. In her book All About Love, bell hooks explores the transformative power of love through a commitment to personal growth, justice, and self-awareness. Come and deepen our calling to love as we explore her writing together.
Registration is FREE for Pointe of Grace congregants, use the promo code: LIVEBUNDLE2024. Register HERE
Upon registering, you’ll receive an invitation to our Online Learning Platform for course material, zoom links, and online discussion.
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“Speaking Truth to Power: What Would Bonhoeffer Do?
Led by Rev. Dr. Rick Rouse with Rev. Dr. Mark Brocker
Offered by Our Savior's Lutheran, Everett on March 9, 16, 23, and 30
in person and via ZOOM on Sundays at 11 am
recordings will be available on YouTube
Is this a Bonhoeffer moment in America and what can Dietrich Bonhoeffer teach us about God’s call to be courageous disciples during difficult times? We’ll explore how we are called to be tellers of the truth as well as messengers of healing and hope. Mark Brocker is President of the Oregon Bonhoeffer Society, translator of Bonhoeffer’s works for Augsburg Fortress, and former PLTS professor. Rick Rouse is retired pastor, professor and author of several books including A Journey Called Hope: Today’s Immigrant Stories and the American Dream (Chalice Press, 2024).
Congregations or individual who wish to participate via ZOOM are welcome.
Please contact Rick at rwrouse@comcast.net
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Queer Renewal: Wilderness & Homecoming at Holden Village
Friday, Sept. 26 thru Mon, Sept, 29
Join Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries & Proclaim to explore Queer Renewal in times that challenge us, that call for our resiliency & transformation. How might being surrounded by wilderness, actual & metaphorical, provide us a way home to ourselves & to support we need in community?
Whether through discussion forums with fellow attendees, through making art, hiking, sharing talents, or reciting poetry outdoors by a fire, there’s a place at this retreat for your Queer self to thrive. Spouses, significant others, children, & the rainbow manifestations of your Queer family–all are welcome to attend.
Registration opens this Friday, March 7!
For more information, visit https://www.holdenvillage.org/.../queer-renewal.../
To explore the work of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, visit
https://www.elm.org/
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Celebrate Women’s History Month
March is designated as Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions to U.S. history. Please celebrate by joining your colleagues from ELCA Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment at the events below!
“Sighs Too Deep for Words: A Women's History Month Devotion”
Thursday, March 20, 10-10:30 am
These are heavy times. Join with colleagues during this devotion to lament the gender injustice of the past, present and future. Whether you need to let out some anger or some sadness, you are welcome here.
Join the meeting
Annual Women’s History Month Trivia
Friday, March 28, 10-11am
Want to learn about the history that’s left out of textbooks? Come to the churchwide organization’s annual Women’s History Month trivia! Bring a team or come by yourself and make some new friends. This is a great chance to connect with colleagues you wish you’d see more, to infuse some laughter into your day and to learn something new along the way. You do not need strong history skills to participate.
Join the meeting
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See More Synod Events
Click here for the latest Synod News.
The weekly electronic newsletter contains news and events from around our Synod as well as important news from the National Church.
Click here to sign up.
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Dear Members of the Northwest Washington Synod:
The nominating period for the Northwest Washington Synod Bishop call process has begun. The election will take place at this year’s synod assembly, which will be held May 16-17 at the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in Everett. Between now and February 16, any member of a congregation in the Northwest Washington Synod may make only one nomination.
While the nominee does not need to be a pastor in this Synod, the nominee must be on the ELCA roster of Ministers of Word and Sacrament. A person may not nominate themselves. Instructions on how to submit the nomination are included on the form.
The UPDATED fillable PDF nomination form may be DOWNLOADED HERE. (Be sure to save it to your computer, complete the form, save it, then email it to: bishopnominations@lutheransnw.org)
Paper copies of the nomination form are available upon request at the Synod office: office@Lutheransnw.org or call (206) 783-9292.
More information regarding the nomination and election processes and the important responsibilities of a synod bishop can be found on the Synod’s website here: www.lutheransnw.org/pages/bishop-call-process
Please help us ensure that information regarding the bishop nomination and election processes is shared with members of your congregation. As you reflect on the upcoming bishop’s election, please join the Bishop Call Process Task Force in offering this prayer:
Almighty God, you have given your Holy Spirit to the church to lead us into all truth. Bless with the Spirit’s grace and presence the people of the Northwest Washington Synod as we prepare to elect a bishop. Keep us steadfast in faith and united in love, that we may reflect your glory and prepare for the way of your realm; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Peace,
Pastor Gail S. Rautmann, Chair
Bishop Call Process Task Force
pastorgail@gloria-dei-lutheran.org
Task Force Members: John Bumanglag, Deacon Janet Cederberg, Pastor Kristy Daniels, Pastor Paul Eldred, Bill Salen, and Kasey Shultz
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Sunday, March 16
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)
11:00 am Youth Group—onsite
11:00 am Parenting with Love & Logic—onsite
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
Monday, March 17
9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
5:30-9:00 pm Scout Troop #187—onsite
Tuesday, March 18
9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
10:00 am PoG Staff Meeting—onsite
4:30-6:00 pm Packs 4 Kids Packing Party
—onsite
5:30-7pm LoTH AA—onsite
7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite
Wednesday, March 19
9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
10:00am Women's Bible Study—onsite
5:30 pm Lent Soup Supper—onsite
6:30 pm Holden Evening Prayer--onsite & online
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Thursday, March 20
9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
9:30 am Packs 4 Kids-MSD Volunteers—onsite
10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite
10:00 am Prayer shawl Ministry—onsite
3:30-4:00 pm Girl Who Code—onsite
5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite
6:30 pm Council Meeting—onsite
7:00 pm All for Peace—online
7:30 pm OSL Prayer & Bible Study—online
Friday, March 21
9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite
Saturday, March 22
2:30-4:30pm Girl Scouts—onsite
Sunday, March 23
8:45 am Adult Choir Practice—onsite
9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online
11:00 am Youth Service Project—onsite
1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite
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For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730. | |
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Join Our Property Sale or
Faith and Future Committees
We are seeking a few people to join two different committees:
The Property Sale Committee will assist with the sale of our church property where the garden currently is located. This team will help with key tasks such as reviewing quotes for services, coordinating with our realtor, and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful process.
The Faith and Future committee will work with our current mortgage lender and seek feedback from the congregation to construct a plan going forward after the sale is complete.
Your insight and support will be invaluable as we work to steward our church’s resources responsibly.
If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please contact Kristina Bowman, council.secretary@pointeofgracechurch.org or anyone on Church Council.
Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
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Office Open
The office is once again open Tuesd-Friday from 9am-Noon.
If there is a pastoral emergency call 425-561-8658.
Thank you for your prayers and support during a difficult time. - Kat White, Office Administrator
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Nominating Team
Wants to Hear from YOU!
As we enter into 2025 and discernment for our new leaders at church, we want to hear from you!
We will be having open positions on Council, Synod Assembly, Nominating Team and other ministry teams. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate, please reach out to the Nominating Team members and let us know your thoughts.
Laura Crawford, Anne Sadler, Ron Karlsten, David Kinner Jr., Pastor Pam
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Welcome Team
Do you like to say "hi" to new visitors? Do you like to get to know more about others and help them get connected to ministries they are passionate about? Do you want to be a shepherd to new members? Then we are looking for your outgoing spirit to be part of the Welcome Team! Please contact Pastor Pam to see how you can help on Sundays or to meet up for coffee/tea with our visitors during the week.
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HARBOUR POINTE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
2025-2026
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
is NOW available!!
*Registration for 2025-2026 opens February 3, 2025 @ 9:00am
(If you are currently enrolled OR a member of Pointe of Grace Church)
*Registration forms are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration fee must be paid at the time of registration.
*Registration opens up to the greater community on February 10, 2025.
*Registration forms WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED prior to February 3, 2025.
Contact Anja Conklin/Director for more information at harbourpointechristianschool@hotmail.com or (425) 353-7457
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
2025-2026
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| Jr. Kindergarten M-Th
(4 year olds) | 9:00am-1:00pm | $440.00 per month | | MTWTh Pre-K
(4 year olds) | 9:10am-12:10pm | $370.00 per month | | MWF Pre-K
(4 Year olds) | 9:20am-12:20pm | $330.00 per month | | M/W Threes
(3 years olds) | 9:30am-12:00pm | $290.00 per month | | T/Th Threes
(3 years olds) | 9:30am-12:00pm | $290.00 per month | | T/TH Young 3’s
(starting at 2.5 years) | 9:20am-11:50am | $290.00 per month | | Friday STEAM
(3-5 year-olds) | 9:00am-11:30am | $135.00 per month | | |
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In-house registration for current families of Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool and Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church begins February 3, 2025. Registration for the greater community begins one week later.
A non-refundable $350 registration fee for Preschool classes is due upon enrollment. The registration for Jr. Kindergarten is $375 (also due upon enrollment). The registration fee for Friday add-on class ( Full STEAM Ahead is $125).
Annual tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments. The first tuition payment is due prior to August 5, 2025. All invoices will be paid through our Brightwheel App.
The staff reserves the right to evaluate interested preschoolers for possible enrollment. Due to the restrictions of staff and space and in consideration of those who qualify, we reserve the right to enforce the deadlines imposed by the Mukilteo School District. To enter the young threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be 2.5 by August 31. To enter the threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be three by August 31 of that school year. To enter the fours program your child should be four by August 31 of that school year.
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Financial Snapshot
For month ending January 2025:
General Fund Balance — $ 154,068.46
Monthly Income — $33425.95
Monthly Expenses — $27,602.65
Monthly Net Revenue — $5,823.30
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Having a Ministry Meeting????
Schedule your meeting space with the Office.
Pointe of Grace is used by community members as well as our ministries. To ensure there is space for your meeting, please contact the Office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org at least two business days before your meeting.
Please remember, the office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-2:30pm.
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Holy Communion at Your Home
Pastor Pam loves to visit and share Holy Communion with our shut ins and those who are hospitalized. Building a team of Home Holy Communion Ministers is forming. If you are interested in being part of this team, please contact the office. If you are in need of having Holy Communion brought to your home, due to being homebound please contact the church office.
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Grace Notes Deadline
Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by noon on Wednesday.
If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.
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Worship Leaders
If you are interested in learning about or being a worship leader, please contact the people below using your church directory. They will schedule you accordingly. We will no longer be using the sign up sheet on the clipboard.
Assisting ministers: Coe Hutchison—cmhutchison@hotmail.com
Lectors: Jeff Mach—jeff.mach@gmail.com
Communion Servers: JW Karlsten—jwillyjwilly@gmail.com
Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans—rlkaevans@comcast.net
Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum—alice_raaum@hotmail.com
Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison—jkhutchison@hotmail.com
Music: Rebecca Herivel—music@pointeofgracechurch.org
Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz—franzfam5@comcast.net
Tech Booth: David Kinner Jr.—techteam@pointeofgracechurch.org
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Fundraising efforts and other charitable initiatives at Pointe of Grace and the NW Washington Synod will not be publicized in Grace Notes unless reviewed and approved by the church council beforehand. | |
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ELCA Truth & Healing Movement
The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present.
Right Relations Training
An experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.
In 2025, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer monthly online training! They will rotate between "Right Relations" and "Decolonizing and Organizing for Systems Change" training modules.
This coming January, the Coalition will offer online "Right Relations Training" training in 2 two-hour modules. "Right Relations Training" is an experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.
NEW: A discussion guide is now available to help readers think more deeply and critically about Custer Died for Your Sins, the wisdom that Vine Deloria Jr offers therein, and the challenges Indigenous people still face today. Download the guide below and begin a Truth and Healing Movement Reading Circle with members of your community.
Visit ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing to learn more about all upcoming events
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The Spirit
Click here for the March 2025 edition of The Spirit, a monthly publication of the NW Washington Synod.
This month's edition features articles written by our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee.
You can find previous editions at lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit.
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We acknowledge
that our service is being held on the original and ancestral homelands of the Salish Coastal peoples, and we give thanks for their presence here since time of old. We remember and celebrate the Indigenous peoples and tribal nations who were the first to love, pray, grow, celebrate, cry, drum, and sing upon these lands. We also wish to recognize and honor all our Indigenous siblings who have and continue to call this land their home.
May all of us work towards learning and growing, and sharing in the journey towards truth and healing – especially as we work to fulfill our commitments as stated in "A Declaration of the ELCA to American Indian and Alaska Native People” as well as the 2022 Resolution that was passed by the Northwest Washington Synod Council to renew, restore, continue and grow in relationship with the Indigenous peoples who are our neighbors.
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