This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace

in worship and in ways to connect and serve.

Sunday Worship

8:45am (Traditional) and 10:30am (Contemporary)

Wednesday Night Programing

begins at 5:30pm with Worship at 7pm

Friends of Grace,

It's been an interesting week at Grace Lutheran. Pastor Maria left Tuesday early in the morning for Belize (they all arrived safely!). Marie Kolar is out on medical leave since she slipped on the ice, and Tracie Russell, our church administrator had her appendix removed. David's been away for a learning workshop in the afternoons and I am scheduled for my first colonoscopy on Friday so I will be out of the office on Thursday.

On the one hand, we are down to bare bones staff, on the other hand, it has been quiet enough for Kris Miller to turn on the radio for background noise (truthfully the construction project is providing plenty of noise, but the music is nice).

This isn't the first time we have had a minimal staff here at Grace. In fact, if I have learned anything in my time here, it is not to panic, God will provide. And God has. We've had extra volunteers come in to help out, and because it's been quiet enough, rooms are being packed up in preparation for our kitchen remodel. Others have called and asked "what can I do?". Many have prayed for us as well.

I have an amazing staff. They work so hard and give so much of themselves. My hope and prayer is that everyone can take the time they need to rest and recuperate. If you notice we are a little slower at responding than usual please know we are busy holding down the fort (clearly (see photo above), and have faith that God will see us through. Please join me in praying for Tracie's recovery and her family, for Marie's recovery and her family, for safe travels for Pastor Marie and a good results from my procedure on Friday. It's going to be a load of fun (haha).

Blessings,

Pastor Joanna

P.S. We are looking for a decent countertop microwave to use during the kitchen construction. If you have one, please call the church office. We don't want to collect more than we need, but we will be donating our above the range ones to Habitat for Humanity soon. Thank you!

Hiring New Positions at Grace

Come join our team!

View job descriptions below and email questions to Tracie Russell at tracier@graceandover.org

Annual Financial Meeting Update



We had a successful annual meeting last Sunday. Huge thanks to our financial team: Tracie Russell, Bill Hentges, Dan Johnson and Dave Jenkins for their work on our budget and end of the year presentation. Our budget passed unanimously.

We also elected our voting members for synod assembly: Jan Anderson, Deb Corey and Rochelle Poore. Larkin Rieck will be our youth represenative as well. Thank you to these leaders for their time and commitment.

Droolin' Moose Fundraiser

Thank you everyone who purchased chocolate to support our Youth in the Droolin' Moose Chocolate fundraiser! There was a total of 10 youth involved, and over $1000 raised for summer trips between them! This was the first fundraiser (other than nursery or Raise Right) for 8 of those youth, which is also exciting. 

For those of you who ordered chocolate in the Narthex; there will be a bag with your order on Sunday morning (2/11) in the Narthex. If you are unable to pick up chocolate this Sunday, please come during office hours, Monday - Thursday or make arrangements with Will Weikle.

For those of you who ordered chocolate directly from a youth with their own order form, they will arrange distribution. 

Parent Date Night!

Feb. 16th

5:00-7:30pm

Kids will be having a movie night. This event is for kids of all ages. Kids will be signed in and out. If your child has food allergies let us know so we can have food for them other than pizza. The specific movie has not yet been chosen. No registration required just come! Four adults will be there as well as Middle School and High School volunteers. 

Empty Nesters / Parents of Independent Children

Empty Nester's will be having a gathering on Monday, February 19th at Chanticlear Pizza in Coon Rapids. We will be starting at 6 pm but feel free to arrive later as needed. Their address is: 11706 Crooked Lake Blvd NW, Coon Rapids 55433. All are Welcome!

Women's 2024 Retreat

An inventory was done on the current donations we've received for our 2 service projects. We now only need the following items by Sunday, February 11, 2024. 

*Dove Brand, full size, neutral fragrance

     57 sets Shampoo/Conditioner

      43 Body Washes

      79 Body Lotions

      50 Shower Puffs

Sand Creek Elementary Appreciation bags

      Mechanical Pencils

      Regular Pencils

      Variety of Color Ink Pens

      Thin Dry Erase Markers

      82 small note pads/sticky notes

      43 apple cider packets

      84 cozy socks for women and men

Prayers of the Church 

Please pray especially for: Tracie Russell, Marie Kolar, Bob Powell, Jan Summers, Diana Heyer, Ruth Hildebrandt, Dave O’Brien, Vernitta Pahl, Kenny Zupon, Sherli & Ray, Bill Zimet, Curtis Breyette, Rick & Linda Breyette, John Malecha, Dan Doss, Jodi Montavon, Jerry Slater, Wayne Welle, Jan Summers, Bev Scott, Lois Vadner, Tara Swedberg, Dan Husak, Teri Beckers, Judy Herring, and Ann Lange. And all those in need of long term prayers: Leah Hadler, Rick & Linda Breyette, Clint Trousil, Diane Rosky, Shannan Gautschi, Juleen Klawiter, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.

Pray for those who are mourning: Jan and Wayne Margotto and family mourning the death of their nephew Patrick Roers; the Zepeda family grieving the tragic death of Gena Zepeda.

Pastors' Blog

Construction Updates

Listen to the Sermon from Last Weekend

Grace Notes



Grace Calendar of Events