See what is happening at Grace Lutheran!

April 21, 2022
This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
Message
Mental Health Weekend

This weekend our focus in worship will be the story of Thomas, how we label ourselves, and mental health. As one of the leaders of the mental health team at Grace, I am often asked why I am so passionate about this ministry. The short answer is that mental health and mental illness are part of the daily lives and conversations of me and my friends. Did you know that:

  • One in 5 youth is currently dealing with a mental illness
  • Approximately 50% of us will be diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in our lifetime
  • Older adult males (men 65 and over) have the highest rate of suicide of any age and gender subgroup

Last week, the Graceful Seniors learned about mental health and older adults. Next Monday, April 25th, Grace will be hosting a speaker on the topic, “Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults”. The purpose these events is to try to reduce and eliminate the stigma of mental illness through education, awareness and conversation.

As you prepare for worship this week and ponder the story of Jesus and “Doubting Thomas”, what labels do you have for yourself? Do words like addict, not good enough, or imposter ever rumble through your brain? Does your label include your identity as a beloved child of God? How does God see and label you? Does God call us each by name? In case you need a reminder, I close with Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Peace,
Nancy Jenkins, Volunteer
Worship
Thank you!!

want to thank all of our volunteers who helped to make Holy Week and Easter Worship Services so beautiful, spiritual and fulfilling. Your hard work, dedication and willingness are truly appreciated.
Worship
-Wednesdays-Resuming on April 27th
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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.
Fellowship

Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.

Vision Board
Looking for Grace Leaders

The Nominating Committee for the Vision Board is looking for Grace Members that are interested in serving a three year term on the Vision Board.  The election will take place on May 22nd at Grace’s Congregational Meeting.   
 
If you are interested in serving Grace Lutheran in a leadership position, you should prayerfully consider serving on the Vision Board. Please contact the church office or Daron Yates at 763-443-4999 by Monday, April 25th. Members of the nominating committee are:  Pastor Joanna Mitchell, Daron Yates, Jamie Zupon, Jeff Anderson, Ann Lange and Chad Hadler.  If you have questions about serving on the Vision Board please contact Ann Lange or Chad Hadler.
Ministries News
Arise With the Guys
April 23rd at 9:00am

Attention All Grace Guys You are invited to attend Arise With the Guys at Grace Church in Eden Prairie on April 23 at 9:00am. Guest speakers are Ben Roethlisberger and Tony Dungy, two athletes and men of strong faith. Cost is $10 but if you attend the free breakfast at 7:00am, tickets are free. Carpooling from Grace is available. For more information, see the link on our website or contact Daron Yates for more information. daronyates@gmail.com
Early Warning Signs
of Mental Illness
in Youth & Young Adults

Monday, April 25th 6:30-8pm

Monday, April 25 from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in the sanctuary we will be having a Nancy Howe from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) MN speaking on the topic of mental illness in youth and young adults. Please see the flier with more details. There will be time for questions and answers. This event is open to everyone at Grace as well as people from the community. Please feel free to invite others who would benefit from this discussion.
Graduation Sunday
May 1, 2022 at 8:45am & 10:30am

Please register ONLY the High School Senior, not the family members. No pressure on what to share, we just want to know how we can pray for you in the future. If you can’t join us we would still like to include your information in the Senior Brochure. In addition, please email a photo to Kristi at KristiL@graceandover.org.
Please register by April 24th.
Fernandez Family Fundraiser

Sunday May 1st, 12:00-3:00pm
Grace Lutheran Church
13655 Round Lake Blvd. NW
Andover, MN 55304
www.graceandover.org
Sign up on Realm or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520
 
Join us in raising funds to benefit the Fernandez Family as 17 year old Samantha awaits a kidney transplant.
 
$20 per person entry fee (includes meal)
$5.00/person food for spectators
Bouncy House for kids
Silent Auction

If you are unable to attend this fun event but would like to give to the fundraiser. You can give online through Realm by clicking on the Miscellaneous Income in the Fund drop down menu and be sure to put the Fernandez Family in the Memo line. Or you can mail a check made out to Grace Lutheran with the Fernandez Family in the memo line of the check to Grace Lutheran 13655 Round Lake Blvd NW, Andover MN 55304.
Grace's Opportunities for Giving
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:

canned soup
boxed cereal
pancake syrup
canned chili/kidney beans
boxed potatoes
boxed or bagged rice
boxed crackers or snack
jam/jelly
canned fruit
boxed pasta noodles
boxed pasta mixes (Hamburger Helper, etc.)
canned spaghetti sauce
canned tomato products (diced, etc.)
canned dinners (stew, beef-a-roni, chili, etc.)
desserts (cake mix/frosting, Jell-O, packaged cookies, etc. )
brown paper shopping bags

Noisy Offering
Noisy Offerings collected April 16th to 30th will go to Robin's Nest Scholarship Fund.
Contributions/Gifts of Stocks & Mutual Funds

Hello friends! Just a note to let you know that a new bank account has been activated to allow for the receipt of contributions/gifts of stock & mutual funds. It's a little more complicated than a regular bank account and we appreciate your patience as we got the account going. Information is available via our website

Also, please make sure you are receiving our Grace emails from Realm. I've heard some might be going into "spam" folders, so take a look in case you're missing any! Lots of activities and events are happening at Grace and announced via Realm - don't miss out! 

Thank you for your continued support of our ministry work at Grace. The energy, collaboration and love is heartfelt by all!  
 
Blessings,
Frances
Give Electronically through GraceRealm
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.  
Grace's Resources
Mowers Wanted!

We are needing mowers to help keep the grounds mowed and trimmed. Training on all equipment will be given. If you would like to help out please contact Kris at the Church Office.
Prayers of the Church

Please pray for: Dick Thompson, Baby Brenna O'Keefe, Dean Keller, Cathy Hadler, Paul Doering, Sonja Hawn, Emily Oberg, Lois Vadner, Mary Anderson, Jeff, Heather & Julie Kintzler, Colleen Wernimont, and those in need of long-term prayers; 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. 
Links