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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Mental Health Weekend
This past weekend we had a mental health focus in our worship. We preceded that with our Graceful Seniors learning about “Mental Health and Older Adults” and this past Monday we hosted a NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) speaker who presented on the topic of “Early Warning Signs of Mental Illness in Youth and Young Adults”. The purpose these and other events is to try to reduce and eliminate the stigma of mental illness through education, awareness and conversation. Grace has taken a bold stance on this subject and has embraced it through a dedicated team to spread awareness through inclusivity and education - for all age groups!
We are living in a new world forever changed due to COVID-19. According to studies, anxiety has almost doubled, and a “tsunami” of psychiatric illnesses has been predicted by some mental health professionals. In dealing with mental illness in my own family, I’ve learned the importance of not just caring for others but learning to take care of oneself as well. The goal of self-care is not meant to indulge in spa outings or other desires, rather like the teaching in Matthew 22:36-40 says, “love one another as we love ourselves”.
Self-care is not about avoiding your feelings or turning things off. It’s rather about stewardship, discipline and practicing! It’s not an “instant fix”, rather it’s about finding that which gives you continued energy, purpose, resiliency and joy. You can find this in family, community, rest, and most importantly, in God. Certainly, we are all different and have different needs, but one thing we all need is connection.
You can do self-care in different ways. You can visit a friend, play an instrument, pick up a hobby, practice relaxed breathing, pet a cat/dog, take a nap. You can talk to someone, whether it’s a friend, neighbor or counselor. Pray. You can do self-care by praying. Write out prayers to “go to” when in need or share with others. Attend a bible study, reach out for pastoral care, participate in small groups. Read the latest bestseller, a favorite book or the Bible. Now that the weather is getting warmer (I hope I’m not jinxing it), take a walk. Enjoy nature. Breathe.
Listen to music. Dance! Yes, dance! Think about what has brought meaning to your life - what has brought joy? Laugh. Not just smile, but laugh! Write in a journal or write a letter to a member of Grace’s community or team. Tell them you’re praying for them. Create a scrapbook – an “old fashioned” one with “real” pictures and “scraps” of joyful moments. Volunteer to serve on a ministry at church. Serve.
Take time for you. Learn something new or work on a skill you’ve been wanting to sharpen for a while. Take care of your body by exercising. Go get your check-up. Eat well. Take intentional breaks. Hope.
It takes practice and intention to care for oneself. Try it. And if you need to talk to someone, please call. You are part of a wonderful community that loves you. You are not alone…You are beloved.
In Christ,
Frances Fernandez
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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.
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Worship
-Wednesdays-7:30pm (Until May 4th)
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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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. |
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.
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Dear Grace Friends,
Because of the success of our Transforming Inside and Out Generosity Appeal and hearing your desire and our need for a better kitchen, more storage and a food shelf that is accessible we went back to our architect and asked for some modifications. Attached you will find 3 new plans. Two are variations on our original plan B with an improved kitchen in the current location. The last plan is a modification on our original plan C with a couple of cuts to make it more affordable. We will be sharing these plans starting this weekend at worship and invite you to take a look and ask questions.
We will be voting on May 22nd at our congregational meeting on what plan we are going to move ahead with.
Thank you for your commitment to Grace and thank you for your generosity and willingness to move into the future together.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Graduation Sunday
May 1, 2022 at
8:45am & 10:30am
Join us this Sunday as we celebrate our High School Seniors! There will be a reception with the seniors between services and a blessing during both worship services. Be sure to join us and congratulate them on their accomplishments!
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Fernandez Family Fundraiser |
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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.
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Farmer’s Market at Grace Tuesdays
From 2:00-6:00pm, beginning May 2 through October. Support local growers/farmers by purchasing their home grown fruits and vegetables, as well as bedding plants, flowers and other misc. items, and the always popular and delicious Mike’s Kettle Korn.
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Confirmation
May 15, 2022
8:30am-12pm
This is for all students being Confirmed in 2022. Only students being confirmed need to register. Families and those attending do NOT need to register.
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8th Grade Preview Night
May 18th at 6:30pm
All 8th graders (and their parents) are invited to hear more about what happens next year during Own Your Faith which leads up to Confirmation next spring. The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30 and generally lasts around an hour.
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New Member Class
Sunday, May 22nd
12:00-1:30pm
Anyone interested in becoming members of Grace or if you just want to learn more about Grace and the Ministry Areas we serve, please sign up on Realm, email krism@graceandover.org or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
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Picnic & Fun Middle School & High School Event
May 22, 2022 12-2pm
Middle School and High School youth are invited to Crooked Lake Park & Beach for a picnic and fun! Lunch will be provided - hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream. Bring any outdoor fun items you want - games, balls, frisbees, etc. Friends welcome! Pick up and drop off at Crooked Lake Park & Beach. We will be in the picnic shelter closest to the lake (near the bathrooms).
Cost is $5.
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Grace 4 Rakai
Uganda Virtual Trip
Feed My Starving Children, or FMSC as we know it here at Grace, has supported many vulnerable children and their families around the world through the supply of live saving ManaPack meals, that have been packed by so many members of the Grace community over the years. These meals are provided every week to public school children in Rakai, Uganda, and to many families in need. As many of you know, the Grace community supports children in Rakai through educational sponsorship, through ACT (African Children Today), that operates independently of FMSC. ACT facilitates the food distribution to vulnerable children in Rakai, Uganda, outside their program.
On Friday, April 29th FMSC will be hosting a one-of-a-kind virtual trip to Uganda, where Richard Mutaawe we will be telling the story of Brian. Richard will interview Brian who will tell you his story of how MannaPack Meals changed his life and those of his siblings, building the foundation for big dreams for a brighter future. You can register for this free event at the Feed My Starving Children website, or through the following link to fmsc.org :
Please take a moment to view this introduction to the event by Richard Mutaawe, and register for the event on Friday April 29th at 7:30 PM. Feel free to contact me or Stacy Surratt on our Grace4Rakai Ministry Team with any questions.
Hope to see you there!
Scott Christensen
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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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 mix
pancake syrup
chili/kidney beans
baked beans
boxed potatoes
rice
crackers and other snacks
jelly
canned fruit
pasta noodles
pasta mixes (Hamburger Helper, etc)
spaghetti sauce
tomato products (diced, stewed, etc)
canned meals (stew, beefaroni, chili, etc)
desserts (cake mixes/frosting, brownie mixes, etc)
Brown Paper Bags
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Noisy Offerings collected April 16th to 30th will go to Robin's Nest Scholarship Fund. Noisy Offerings from Maty 1st to 15th will be going to Mental Health Connect. |
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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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Prayers of the Church
Please pray for: Phil Knutson, Sani Randolph and fiancé Brad awaiting the birth of 1st baby, Jan Wenndt, Rick Burnham, Kim Burnham, Dick Thompson, Baby Brenna O’Keefe, Lois Vadner, 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.
We pray for those who we love who have died. We pray especially for Chad & Leah Hadler & Family upon the death of Chad’s mother, Cathy Hadler.
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