Happenings and Messages from Grace Lutheran Church! | |
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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
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Sharing Our Stories of Gratitude
Pastor Maria declared: "I'm anxious about tomorrow night," at staff meeting yesterday. Seeking to understand I questioned: "Because you don't think anyone will share? Are you worried it's going to be awkward?" She shook her head. "I'm not sure what I want to bring. I feel a lot of pressure!"
In truth, I hadn't decided what to bring either. Even though the invitation to bring an item as an offering of your "first fruits" (or just an item to represent something you are grateful for this year) for our Thanksgiving worship was my idea, I didn't have an idea in mind for my own sharing. It wasn't until about 10 minutes ago, this morning (Wednesday) that I decided what I am going to share tonight. I am excited to both share my story and hear yours.
This offering of gratitude is not intended to be an event where anyone has the best story or item to bring, but instead an invitation to hold space for God's abundance, God's generosity and the blessings of the year to be lifted up in praise. I hope you will join us in sharing stories and giving thanks tonight in worship.
Also, come at 5:30pm for pizza, stay for bible study at 6pm and worship and share stories at 7pm and then connect with new friends and old over some delicious pie. I can't wait to see you tonight!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Green Ribbon Meeting Tonight!
Nov. 22nd at 6:00pm in Pastor Maria's Office
Do you have a child who struggles with mental health? Are you feeling isolated as a parent and in need of support? Come join Green Ribbon group. A group of supportive and confidential parents supporting other parents raising their children. Our next meeting will be November 22nd at 6:00 PM in Pastor Maria’s office. Meetings are led by Jeff Anderson and Dan Brasgalla. If you are curious or have questions please reach out to Pastor Maria and she will help get you connected!
Can't make this meeting? Mark your calendar for December 6th at 6:00 PM in Pastor Maria's office.
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The Grace Giving Tree
If you know of a Grace family who is in need please direct them to fill out an application for The Grace Giving Tree. Applications are available in the mail slot across from the church office, by clicking here or by contacting Annie Fitzl at 715-225-9957 (call/text) or andreafitzl@hotmail.com. Applications are due by Friday, November 24th.
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Annual Report Articles Due Dec. 1st
Please have your ministry's article for the Annual Report into Marie Kolar by December 1st. Email them to mariek@graceandover.org along with pictures of your ministry, if you have them.
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Christmas Camp Out
Join us for Children's Ministry's 2nd Annual Christmas Camp-out! No! Not a real camp-out, but a camp themed Christmas event for the whole family!
Sunday December 3rd in the Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:00pm
Hot dogs will be provided, bring a picnic potluck side to share! We will have storytelling around a "campfire," twinkling lights, crafts, games and so much more! No need to sign up! Invite friends- we cannot wait to see you there!
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Grace's Opportunities for Christmas Giving | |
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Wish List for the Holidays at
Stepping Stone Emergency Housing
Once again, this year, we look to Grace to help bring holiday joy to the residents at Stepping Stone. Click here to find out about holiday giving to Stepping Stone.
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Family Promise Wish List
Click here to see The Family Promise Wish List.
Please drop your items off at the Church Office or contact Gayle Pacholl at pacholls@comcast.net
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Christmas Worship Volunteers Needed
Worship help is needed for Advent, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If you can help with Altar Guild, Communion, Ushering, Tech, Reading Scripture, or Assisting. Families are needed to light our Advent Wreath during worships at both Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, December 3rd. You will be given a short verse to read as someone from your family lights the wreath. Sign up for a specific service on the blue sheets/Christmas Opportunities Sheet or contact Kris Miller. krism@graceandover.org 763-421-6520
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New Hymnals
The Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) Hymnal was published in 2006 and combines the green and blue books we currently use. It also has updated language to be more inclusive. We are investing in these hymnals, and you have the opportunity to help. A $25 gift will provide one hymnal, with a dedication on the inside cover.
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Giving Opportunities At Grace | |
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Meal Train
Circle of Grace is asking for volunteers to prepare and deliver a full meal for a Grace family located in Andover. Ideally, the meal would consist of a main course, salad or veggie, bread item and dessert. Anything else would be welcome, i.e. beverage, fresh fruit, etc. This family consists of 2 adults, a 6 yr old and an 18 yr old and have no nutritional restrictions or allergies. We are looking to provide a meal weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays.
If you are able to prepare the meal but not deliver it, arrangements can be made by contacting Julie Linaman (Info below) (Please allow 24 hr. notice!) Additionally, there is an option to provide a grocery or restaurant gift card which can be mailed directly to the family or even emailed! Gift Card can be used for additional meals during the week!
ADDRESS: 13939 Vale Street NW, Andover, MN
EMAIL: MICHELEHAMLING@YAHOO.COM
If you have any questions, please contact Julie Linaman at (218-329-2069) or (Juliel@minnworkcomp.com).
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Noisy Offerings in November will be going to Grace 4 Rakai & Stepping Stone. | |
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 Tracie 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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Funding Proposal Request Form
Grace Lutheran Church is driven by its mission to assist and serve those who have unmet needs so that they too may experience grace. With that in mind, we are reaching out to our members and asking them to submit requests for funding the various ministries supported by our members. The available funding resources come from the Transforming Inside & Out three-year capital campaign tithe. Please click on this link for the FUNDING PROPOSAL REQUEST FORM. Please complete form and return to me at wmhentges@comcast.net or to the church office no later than December 15th 2023.
Requests will be reviewed in prayer to allow for resources to be maximized and help as many people as possible in the communities we serve. Thanks be to God!
Bill Hentges
Grace Vision Board Member
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray especially for: Jodi Montavon, Michael Wilson, Michelle Clossey. Lavonne Hite, Bev Scott, Kim, Dean & Jake, Alex Bombard, Flossie Knutson, Logan, Pat Scheuer, Shirley Kirkendall, Gary Spielman, Lois Vadner, Tara Swedberg, Dan Husak, Ken Quick, Teri Beckers, Judy Herring, 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 grieving: Quentin & Michelle Busitzky as they mourn the death of Michelle’s sister, Jenny.
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Seeds of Grace and
Church Office Closed
Seeds Of Grace and the Church Office will be closed on Thursday, November 23rd and Friday, November 24th in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend.
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