This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
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Christmas and the Spirit of Generosity
It is that time of year when we reflect on the amazing gift God has given us in Jesus. Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel -God with us, God made vulnerable flesh to dwell among us! What an amazing gift!! As I reflect on his birth, I am moved to gratitude! And I wanted to reiterate our generosity moment from worship this past weekend. A little over a year ago, as a congregation, you all decided to step out in faith and call an associate pastor. For that I am personally very grateful! What a year of ministry we have had together.
When I was called to Grace, we knew that there would be a hole in the position of Children's Ministry Director. Almost immediately the responsibilities of the Children's Ministry Director were absorbed through part of my day-to-day responsibilities and mostly the work of a very dedicated Children's Ministry Team and many, MANY faithful volunteers. We have been able to continue outstanding ministry for our children at Grace because of your generosity.
We saw some of the team's commitment and passion this past weekend during the children's Christmas program. A special thanks to Bekah Hirt and Jackie Anderson for leading this year's program and the children (pictured), their families and additional volunteers and staff who made it a huge success! Wasn't it a joy to hear the Christmas story told through our little ones!
In addition to the work on our pageant, our volunteers also teach Sunday School. Our Sunday School teachers at both 8:45am and 10:30am receive rave reviews from parents and children in the Grace community. Two weeks ago, when we had special guests at Grace for the Cantata, we also had guests in Sunday School, one of which exclaimed he would like to come to Grace EVERYDAY! It is through the generosity of this congregation that we can provide all of this quality programming free of charge to guests and members alike!
It is essential to our own faith formation as adults to pass down our faith to others. On Sunday, this happened seamlessly as our Children volunteered their time and talents serving communion and presenting their Christmas program! People of Grace, you did this! You passed on your joy of giving! You taught the younger generation the importance of generosity and they in turn have answered the call and will continue to serve and lead the next generation! How will you talk about generosity with your family this season? How have you experienced God's generosity in your life and how will you share your legacy of generosity with the next generation?
Thank you for supporting the ministries of Grace, for investing in the children of Grace and the surrounding community, for teaching the next generation just what generosity looks like!
If you would like to give of your time or talents please reach out to the office today. We need communion servers, and other worship volunteers. You can start Christmas eve!
If you would like to give financially to Grace or give a year end gift you can do so on our website (graceandover.org/giving), on Realm, by texting GRACEANDOVER to 73256 or by dropping off or mailing your donation to the Grace Office 13655 Round Lake Blvd. Andover, MN 55304.
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Holiday Worship
December 24th 2:00pm Christmas Eve Worship
December 24th 3:30pm Christmas Eve Worship
December 24th 7:00pm Christmas Eve Worship
December 24th 9:00pm Christmas Eve Worship
December 25th 10:00am Christmas Day Worship (No 5pm Service)
December 26th 9:00am Sunday Worship (No 8:45 or 10:30am Services)
January 1st No 5pm Worship
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Worship
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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Regular worship services will resume on Sunday, January 2nd. We do not require masks but it is strongly encouraged for unvaccinated people at in-person worship. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please feel free to do so. 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.
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after worship on Sundays. Goodies and coffee are available in the Narthex after worship.
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The Stress of Christmas
The truth is the holidays are a stressful time of year for all of us and for many reasons. Our Mental Health Team has complied a few links with helpful tips when feeling the stress of the holiday season. Please find these helpful reminders of the meaning of the season, the importance of gratitude, and surrounding ourselves with loving relationships be that virtual or in person! If you or a family member needs to talk this holiday season, please do not hesitate to contact us at Grace, we care deeply for you and want this holiday season to be filled with hope and joy!
This first link is an article spending the holidays alone, but the tips listed are great reminders for all of us about managing expectations, finding creativity, setting goals, giving thanks, and seeking connection.
The next links are videos about managing Holiday Stress and harnessing mindfulness, reducing stress, and prioritizing self-care.
Thank you again to the Mental Health Team and Nancy Jenkins for providing this content at a time when we all are in need!
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Women's Retreat
Feb. 18-20, 2021
Get the Early Bird Special
by Dec. 31st!!!
LADIES OF GRACE– Come and join us for our wonderful Women’s Retreat on February 18-20, 2022 at Luther Point Bible Camp. Our theme this year is all about “My Faith Journey” where we will uncover and share how God is working in our lives and leading us on a journey to be closer to him. During this Retreat, we’ll savor good food, experience supportive friendships, laugh a lot and together, grow in faith. I can’t wait to relax and enjoy this fun-filled weekend with you!
Sign up NOW on Realm or call the church office today-SPOTS ARE LIMITED! If you have any questions regarding this women’s retreat – email Stacy Surratt at stacysurratt@yahoo.com.
Date: Fri., Feb. 18 – Sun., Feb. 20, 2022
Time: GLC parking lot at 5:30pm Friday night. Depart at 12pm Sunday, arrive back at about 2 pm
Place : Luther Point Bible Camp in Grantsburg, WI.
Cost: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL- $120 UNTIL DEC 31 - Includes lodging for 2 nights & All meals. (PRICE WILL INCREASE ON JANUARY 1, 2022)
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Noisy Offerings
From December 16th to the 31st, the noisy offerings will be going to help the victims of the tornadoes on December 10th that tore through five states and have killed over 80 people.
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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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Farewell, Mark…
On December 22nd, our custodian Mark Kempenich will celebrate 13 years as custodian at Grace. He started his ministry in 2008 and those who have met him or interacted with him know that he always has a smile to share as he goes about his tasks. You could see him with his equipment on walking around the church, making sure our hallways, rooms and sanctuary looked ship shape. He embraced the new challenges of 2020 with increased sanitizing of all common areas and made sure our offices, classrooms and doors were cleaned and sanitized. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and helping with the chaos of COVID cleaning, Mark! You set up rooms, took tables down, and made sure the church building was secure after countless community and ministry meetings over the years. We will miss the happy sounds of the Golden Rule/Seeds of Grace kiddos calling for him: Mr. Mark! Mr. Mark! - he always had time to talk with them and make them smile. You will be greatly missed by them. You will be greatly missed by all of us. Join us during our January 15th services as we honor his 13 years of ministry at Grace as he enjoys retirement with his wife, Terry. Mark’s last day at Grace will be December 29th.
Thank you, Mark and God Bless!
Frances Fernandez & The Grace Staff
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Prayers of the Church
We pray especially for: Reverend Lee Hirt, Sandy, Harland Johnson, Jason Beckman, Amber Turner, Christopher and Jennifer Leete, Becky Anderson, Baby Dylan Salfer, Lu Henning, Jeffrey Kintzler, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, Luke Galland, Margret Olson, John Malecha, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Lynn Zirkle, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, Ralph & Colleen Wernimont
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Administrator's Corner
If you have any questions regarding your pledge and/or Realm statements, please let me know. I’m happy to help!
Please note that there have been instances of “phishing” (emails that seem to come from the church or one of our staff) asking for money, gift cards, etc. Please do not reply to these and let us know you are receive them. We are working with our computer server vendor to increase security to minimize these. Merry Christmas!!
In Christ,
Frances
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New Member Class
Jan. 23rd at 10:00am.
Pastor Joanna will be having a New Member Class on Sunday, January 23rd at 10:00am. This class is for anyone wishing to join our family here at Grace Lutheran. Please sign up on the link below.
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Church Office Closed
Church office will be closed on Monday, December 27th to give our staff a well deserved day off and then on Friday, December 31st in observance of New Year's Day.
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