See what is happening at Grace Lutheran! | |
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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.
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Mark Your Calendars:
There's A Lot Going On!
I hope you are going to join us on May 7th! Our staff got a little excited about all of the good things happening at Grace and we have packed this morning with all sorts of amazing things: music, High School Senior Recognition, Volunteer Appreciation, Holy Communion, and our Spring Congregational Meeting.
On top of all of that, we have 7 people who have agreed to run for Vision Board and only 3 spots (see below). I am super grateful for these leaders for willing to throw their name into the ring. What a blessing this is to have an abundance of willing leaders! My prayer is that they all find a place and a way to continue to grow in their leadership and relationship with God regardless of the outcome of the meeting.
Our congregational meeting will include a building project update, our Vision Board election and also a time of thanksgiving for our outgoing Vision Board members.
We are so grateful for the many and various ways people lead at Grace and for all of our volunteers who give so much in order to make a difference in our community and beyond!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Wednesday Evening Programming
Schedule of Events:
5:15-5:45pm-Family Pizza- Fellowship Hall
6-7pm Kids Night Out-Nap Room
6-6:30pm-Catechism Large Group- Fellowship Hall
6:30-7pm-Catechism Small Group
6-6:50pm-"Inspired" Adult Book Study-Room 105/107
7pm-Worship-Sanctuary
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Meet Jan Anderson
Hi, my name is Jan Anderson. My family and I first started attending Grace in 1988 when we moved to Andover from Crystal. Our daughter Jodi was eight years old at the time, and we quickly began participating in the Sunday school program where I played the piano for 10 years. We soon found Grace to be our spiritual home because there were many programs for the youth, including Saints choir and spiritual dance possibilities. The youth even worked on a musical called “Living On the Edge,” and we took it on the road in five states. I even drove one of the vans.
Currently, my husband and I have been married 44 years, and have become involved with the mission opportunities Grace offers, from supporting two children in Rakai, Uganda, to working with HOPE 4 Youth in Anoka. Indeed, one of the things that so attracted us to Grace was its heart for missions. To me, a church should have a servant heart, and Grace fits the bill. I have also been part of the Pastoral Care team and for the past four years have served as one of the team leaders for the WOW program. It’s been my privilege to have been on the Call Committee when we invited Pastor Joanna to be a part of our team. I have been excited to also be a part of the Grace Ensemble that shares its musical gifts on occasion. You’ll hear me as the tuba, but it’s really the keyboard talking.
After retiring from teaching 33 years in Anoka-Hennepin, St. Louis Park, and Fairmont, I have joined three book clubs because the exchange of ideas is crucial to keeping the mind alert. We have endeavored to make the clubs reflect different cultures in order to get a broader perspective. Envisioning a broader perspective is also what I would like to work on by becoming a member of the Vision Board. As we launch our Transforming In and Out program, may we reach beyond our walls to the community in order to reflect diversity, making the fabric of our congregation even stronger. My sincere thanks to the current board for their outstanding work.
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Meet James Bell
James Edward Bell Jr. I have been at Grace Lutheran Church: Member since 2022, attending since 2019. I've been married to my wife, Victoria, since August 21, 2021. We have one 3-month-old son, also named James. We live in Elk River, where we like to star gaze with our two dogs. I am a Principal Software Engineer for Samsung, working within the SmartThings division focused on Information Security, Privacy, and Platform Architecture. I also run my own leadership coaching and technical product management consulting company. I believe our church is at an inflection point. We're past the long months of COVID, and our building project is about to get underway. I believe my unique history of activism and community building within my professional life translates well into the challenges we will encounter over the next three years. As we look to navigate more complicated financial and organizational landscapes as we renovate our church and look to grow our community. I bring a unique perspective being from Texas initially, and I believe this helps me reach out to new people not already a part of our church.
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Meet Ross Chambers
Ross Chambers. I have been attending Grace since 2003. I am married to Sue Frischmon since 2001. I have four children, Emma (23), Jack (21), Matthew (19) and Molly (16). I graduated from UMD in 1996 with a Business degree. Since that time, I have been working with my wife family building a Manufacturing company. I am currently the Plant and Sales Manager. I have hosted Family Promise, regular reader and communion server and Men’s connection group on Tuesday nights. I feel I have developed knowledge, skill and talents that would be beneficial to the Vision board and the future of Grace Lutheran. I would have a positive and beneficial impact in any of the specific Vision board committees.
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Meet Deb Corey
Hi, my name is Deb Corey. I have been a member at Grace since moving to Andover in 1983. I have been married to my husband, Kevin, for 40 years, and we have two married children; Gretchen and Shawn Irvin; Ben and Cristi Corey. We are blessed with twin grandchildren, Lily and Eli Irvin. I am currently retired from a rewarding career at Ameriprise, a financial services company. I served there as an accountant and a technology project manager. I have enjoyed serving at Grace in many ways, some leading, some participating. These include: Sunday School teacher, Offering counter, Church Directory, Family Table, Bible studies, Worship services as a choir member, scripture reader and communion server. I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I love the people of this church and feel called at this time to assist as we move forward with God’s work in this community and beyond.
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Meet Dave Jenkins
I am Dave Jenkins. Nancy and I have been attending Grace for approximately 6 years. I have been married to my better half, Nancy, for over 27 years. We met in Kansas City and moved home to Minnesota in 2000. We have three grown daughters and a son-in-law. I graduated from the University of Iowa. I was a math teacher out of college in Omaha, NE and Brisbane, Australia. After six years I changed to insurance claims where I have been ever since. For over 25 years I have handled automobile claims both locally and nationally. I have volunteered over the years at Grace as an Usher, a part of the garden ministry (weed puller), and sound board operator. Currently I am a Catechism leader, Empty Nester, and member of the mowing group. This winter I was a part of the listening team for the CYF position, participant on the mission trip to Belize, OYF mentor, and chaperone to Lake Okoboji. This summer I am a chaperone for the mission trip to ASP with the high school kids. My interest in being on the Vision Board stems from my belief in serving, community, and Grace Lutheran Church. Volunteering has always been part of my life. I enjoy helping others become the best they can be. I want to use my gifts and talents that God gave me to make the world a better place. Community is important so we can help others, learn from others, and make life more rewarding. Grace Lutheran is a vibrant community with an exciting future. I want to help Grace continue to be a shining light in Andover and around the world.
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Meet Kylie Sand
Hello everyone! My name is Kylie Sand and I have been attending Grace since I was in the 2nd grade! I grew up in Andover with a fantastic family that includes my mom, dad, and younger brother Isaac, who is 20 years old. We also have a Yorkie puppy named Daisy. Last year I graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Elementary Education. This year, I began my teaching journey as an intervention (reading/math) teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. I also am working towards my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Saint Mary's University. I have enjoyed serving and participating at Grace in many ways throughout the years. One of the biggest ways I serve at Grace is through the Seeds of Grace Preschool. I began teaching at the preschool in 2018 and have loved serving alongside the Seeds of Grace staff as well as alongside the church staff to make it a great environment for the kids and the rest of the community. Other ways that I have served at Grace include: communion server, catechism leader, and attending Bible studies. I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I have a passion for the Grace community, especially youth and children ministry. I want to provide a voice and guidance for a rebuilding of the youth, children, and family program as well as how to better incorporate Seeds of Grace into the church to make the community even stronger!
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Meet Hayley Seide
Hi, my name is Hayley Seide and I have been coming to Grace since 2015. I’ve been married to my husband Mike for 14 years. We have 2 kids that go to Crooked Lake Elementary - Jacoby is in 5th grade and Kiley is in 4th grade. I am a certified Athletic Trainer and currently work with an orthopedic surgeon where I am able to help patients with the care of their injuries, surgeries and overall health and wellness. Before this, I worked at a high school taking care of the student athletes, developing the Athletic Training program and mentoring many student athletes in an internship program. At Grace, I serve on the Children’s Ministry Team and help with events such as Trunk or Treat and Eggstravaganza. I also serve on the Stepping Stones team, Haiti Missions, listening team for the CYF ministry and many other serving opportunities as they arise. I would like to serve on Grace’s Vision Board because this church community made Andover a home to my family and I. I look at this as an opportunity to serve the church and God during this time of transition with the building project and the children, youth and family ministry program.
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Attention High School Seniors and Families!!!
Graduation Recognition Sunday
Please fill out the link to the form for the High School Senior. ONLY the senior needs to register, 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 addition, please email a photo to Pastor Maria Mariam@graceandover.org
Please fill out this form by April 23rd.
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Middle School
Summer Festival Camp
Registration Deadline is May 1st!
For a week during the summer, middle schoolers have the chance to get away from real life, hang out with people from all across the Midwest, deepen friendships, and talk about God. Everyday speakers come to share inspiring and challenging stories about real life, God, and where the two intertwine. The days are packed with fun surprises of all kinds. From the music, the movies, the games, the speakers, and club – all with laughter to tears – Summer Festival Camp really has something for everybody. To find out more or better yet to register, click the link below.
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving | |
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Noisy Offerings gathered in April will be going to ACBC Food Shelf and Grace Mental Health Ministries.
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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 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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Prayers of the Church
We pray for: : Mavis Roelofs, Sharon Hofmann, Cherrie Ray Rueberg, Ben Hancock III, Don Pace, David Mosny, Ted Solberg, Judy Herring, Kristi Riley, Darlene Malecha, Roger Anderson And also those in need of long-term prayer: Leah Hadler, Rick & Linda Breyette, Kristi Riley, Marty Lukaszewski, Clint Trousil, Lois Vadner, Diane Rosky, Shannan Gautschi, Harland Johnson, Shirley Fystrom, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.
Pray for the grieving: Dan & Anne Nelson mourning the death of Dan’s mother, Patricia; Dan & Bev Tkachenko mourning the death of Bev’s sister, Dolly; Kent & Karen Swedberg and family mourning the death of their daughter-in-law, Julie.
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