Visit our website / Facebook page to worship online on Sunday morning.

--Malachi 3:1-4

--Luke 1:68-79, 3:1-6

We will be celebrating Communion on December 5th during the worship service.

Phased Re-Gathering Plan for Churches (minnesotaumc.org) https://www.minnesotaumc.org/regatheringplan

Recent Updates from the Conference office

"You will notice the COVID numbers are increasing to an all -time high in Minnesota. We are keeping our phasing in Yellow, mostly because so many folks are vaccinated so the risks are different than they were a year ago. But we do strongly urge, if you are not already, masking indoors and limiting congregational singing until the positivity rate drops below 5%. If the positive case number is over 5% we should follow all of the yellow protocols."

At this time (12/2), Crow Wing county is at 13.5%, Cass county is at 14.9%. If you are following along, the numbers change daily, but have not dropped below 10% in months. As the numbers continue to rise and fall, please prayerfully consider how to keep yourself and those around you safe. If the positive case numbers go above 20%, we may need to make some adjustments to our building protocols and worship experience.

Masking is the easiest thing that we can do. Everyone is still expected to wear a mask within the building please. We are monitoring the county numbers closely and changes may happen rapidly.

The annual stewardship letter was mailed out to friends and members of our church last week. A pledge card was included, and there are extras at church. We ask that you prayerfully consider how you can best share your gifts and talents to the church in the coming year, and return your pledge intentions as appropriate.

Our Missional giving for the month of December supports three different areas. The gifts will be split between The Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen in Brainerd, Mid-Minnesota Women's Shelter, and the Pastor's discretionary fund.

Please note on your offering to direct your gift for December missions.

Holiday Community Happenings.

Santa's Bobbin into Town 12/11, Pine River Parade of Lights 12/11, Nisswa American Legion Kids Christmas Party 12/5, Kids Shop Day at Grace UMC 12/4, and more! Details in the link.

The Lakes Area Food Shelf provided Thanksgiving boxes to many community families. LAFS Director Kathy Adams shared thoughts and experiences of both the volunteers and recipients. LAFS meals

Winter Sports are heating up! We send wishes for continued success for the Road Crew Wrestling Team and our own Paxton Goddard. Road Crew Wrestling

The annual hanging of the wreaths for Vets will be on December 4th, volunteers and donations needed. Wreaths for Vets

Reminder--10 digits required for 218 area started on October 24th.

Confirmation meets every other week, alternating with Youth Group. The next class will be December 15th.

If you feel called to be a part of the prayer chain, please let Pastor Jen know. We would simply ask that prayer requests are kept confidential(unless they have been made publicly), and that you spend some time in intentional prayer for the needs sent through the chain.

We are also aware that some people may be receiving prayer chain requests that no longer have the time to be an active part of this chain. Please let Pastor Jen or Doris Longnecker know, so that you can be added or removed as an active part of the prayer chain.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or someone that you care about, please reach out to Pastor Jen, Ann(in the office), or Doris Longnecker. We will add your name to the prayer chain. You are welcome to share as much or as little about the exact needs that you are comfortable with.

pastorjen@tds.net

dorislong@tds.net

Grace UMC office-graceumc@tds.net or 218-568-5755