GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .  

As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, sexual orientation, and creed.

Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, or something in between, 

you are welcomed and valued here. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to all of God’s diverse people present here.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Ps. 111:10)

Worship on January 28th will be onsite and live-streamed.

Click here to go to our Website.

Click here to go to our Facebook page.

Click here to go to our YouTube Channel.*

* Videos of live-streaming worship are not available until the actual start of the worship, and then are listed under Live Stream and then the recording is moved to "videos" for later viewing.

RIC Sunday

Sunday, January 28th

We will celebrate RIC Sunday with a special liturgy and rainbow cake for Fellowship Time.

Youth Group

Every Sunday at 11am

Every Sunday the youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive at 11:00 AM for bible study, just for them.

This Sunday we will be participating in the RIC discussion with the adults

ELCA National Youth Gathering

Team Meeting

Sunday, January 28 at12:00 pm in the Meeting Room

Children's Church

1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month

We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the first and third Sunday of the month. Children will begin service in the sanctuary with their families, and then are invited to go to Children's Church in The Hive. After crafts, games, and a bible lesson, children return to the sanctuary and their families during the Passing of the Peace.

Up-coming Adult Faith Formation

Sun, Feb. 4 at 11am: Council will have a financial update to the congregation and conversation.

Women's Bible Study

Wednesdays at 10am

The Women’s Bible Study at Pointe of Grace Lutheran is a group of women committed to the study of the Scriptures, to prayer and to each other. The joy we experience learning and the support we receive as we look into the meaning of the Scriptures keeps us returning each week. The women in the study come from a variety of church experiences although most attend Pointe of Grace. What this study does is deepen faith and friendship as we go out to do what we learn. Please join us!

If you have any questions, contact Evelyn at evlnseymour@gmail.com.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

1st & 3rd Thursdays at 10am in the HIVE

Like to knit or crochet? Consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministries. We are caring people who wish to share our God-given talent of knitting and crocheting with a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of peace, comfort and solace.

If you would like more information on this ministry, contact Karen Evans, rlkaevans@comcast.net or contact the church office.

Theology Pub

1st Sunday of Each Month from 2-3:30pm

at Mukilteo Lodge Sports Grille

So what is Theology Pub? In a nutshell, it’s people sitting around a table, talking about issues of faith and philosophy, ethics and ideas over a beverage.



It is a safe space, where people can be open and honest about topics of faith, ask any questions, and at the end of the night, know that it’s perfectly fine if we disagree with one another.



In other words, this isn’t church, and no one is going to make anyone pray, sign a faith statement, or tithe (though be sure to tip the bartender!)

And to be clear, beer is not a requirement! Non-alcoholic beverages are available too.

All are welcome, regardless of beverage choice.

In its simplest form:

Theology Pub is open conversation about stuff that

matters over a good beverage.

Confirmation Class

1st Sunday of Each Month at 11:00am

Held on the first Sunday of every month. This is a 2 year program for students 6th-12th grade with their parents and mentors walking through their baptismal promises. We cover topics and lessons of: Old & New Testament, Apostles' Creed, Lord's Prayer, Ten Commandments, and the Sacraments, intertwined with the small catechism and Bible study.

Next up: The Ten Commandments on Feb. 4.

Ash Wednesday is February 14th!

God ❤ you!!

Imposition of Ashes (drive-thru) will be at 11:30am-1pm

Soup Supper at 5:30pm

Imposition of Ashes at Holy Communion service will be at 6:30pm

Looking Ahead to Lent

Holden Evening Prayer and Soup Supper



Every Wednesday 2/21-3/20

Soup at 5:30pm, Service at 6:30pm

Click here to sign up to bring soup or bread.

We need 3 soups and 2 breads each week.

Weekly Bible Study:

Abide in the Word

Tuesdays, 7-8 pm via Zoom

This is a year-long, Synod-wide weekly Bible Study that takes participants on a deeper dive into the coming Sunday's Lectionary text. Participants will have the chance to experience diverse perspectives and voices from various guest facilitators from across the synod.

You can find the Zoom link here.

This is a FREE LiVE offering! No registration needed.

Anti Racism Book Study

Thurs. Jan. 11 & 25, Feb 8 & 22

at 10:30 am online

from our partners at European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice

Using “Ashes to Action” as the backdrop, we gather for the weaving of story and study in this four-part anti-racism workshop.

Copies of the book are now available on Amazon

REGISTER HERE

Cost is $10/ session

Please pay at the time of registration:

VENMO - @EDLARJ-2022

PayPal - https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=V8XQKZHBGN33W

Rest & Renewal Retreat:

Ministering in an Age of Mental Health

Saturday, February 3rd, 9am-3pm

at Our Saviors Lutheran, Everett

Free for Pointe of Grace congregants

Many in our congregations and broader communities are experiencing higher rates of anxiety, depression and stress these days. Rooted in our Christian faith, how is the Spirit calling us to wholistic healing for the body, mind & spirit, as well as becoming better companions to those longing for a more flourishing life? 

The retreat will provide space for learning, reflection, and embodied healing practices to accompany all of us who are working toward health and wellness in ourselves, our communities of faith, and the world. Hear from various leaders and practitioners in this field, including: Certified Mental Health Therapists, Pastor Kacey Hahn (breath and body work), Pastor Shannyn Fuerst (well-being, nutrition and exercise). 

Registration: FREE for those whose church purchased the Congregational Bundle

Click here for more information.

Click here to register. Pointe of Grace congregants register using “LIVEBUNDLE 2023"

Women's Retreat

February 2-5, 2024

at Holden Village

Spend a winter weekend at Holden Village this February for our annual Women’s Retreat. This year, we look forward to hosting cross-cultural advocate and chaplain Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton, poet laureate of Bainbridge Island Michele Bombardier, and Kripalu yoga teacher & ski instructor Kathleen Grimbly. Through teaching sessions, group conversations, reflections, crafts, and outdoor adventures like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, Women’s Retreat will provide opportunities to build new relationships, rejuvenate past relationships, reconnect with the self, and join other women in conversation and recreation. 

Holden Village uses an inclusive definition of women and welcomes trans women and non-binary folks. Attendees only need to identify as a woman in a way that is significant to them. Registration is open.

You can register for the Women's Retreat by visiting the reservation page and entering your arrival day as February 2nd for a three-night stay. There is no extra fee for the Retreat and no special registration page.

Click here to Register.

SKY Meeting

Sunday, Feb. 4 from 6:30-8pm

Gloria Dei Lutheran in Lynnwood

The next Sno-King Youth meeting will be on Sunday, February 4 from 6:30pm to 8pm. This month's meeting will be hosted at Gloria Dei Lutheran in Lynnwood, and a meal will be provided! Come to make new friends, play games, and grow closer to God and one another. This group is open to all students grades 6-12, and you don't have to be a member to attend!

SKY, or Sno-King Youth, is the new name of the regional youth group in the Sno-King region. All youth grades 6-12 are invited to join us! If you have any questions, contact Annika Larsen at CYM@pointeofgracechurch.org.

SKY Movie Night

Saturday, Feb. 17 at 6:30pm

Advent Lutheran in Mill Creek

On February 17 we will gather at Advent Lutheran in Mill Creek for a Movie Night starting at 6:30pm.

We'll enjoy plenty of snacks and laughs as we watch Detective Pikachu and enjoy some Pokémon themed games!

Lent with Baldwin & Bonhoeffer

6-week Course via zoom

Thursdays in Lent, 7-8:30pm, starting Feb 15

Free for Pointe of Grace congregants

What might Dietrich Bonhoeffer (a Lutheran German theologian) and James Baldwin (a Black, 20th century author and novelist) together have to prophetically speak to our current time? Through a combination of presentations, and brief selected readings, this co-facilitated course will invite a conversation for how these particular perspectives inform our lives as persons and communities of faith. Come join the conversation!

This 6-week course will meet via zoom Thursday nights during Lent (Feb 15th-March 21st), facilitated by Dr. Edward Donaldson III and Dr. Dan Peterson. 

Click here for more information.

Click here to register. Pointe of Grace congregants register using “LIVEBUNDLE 2023" 

Rest & Renewal Weekend Retreat

February 16-18 in North Bend 

This retreat is open to all genders and is led by leaders from St. Matthew’s (Renton), Faith (Seattle) and Our Redeemer's (Seattle) - Join them!

In these times of such stress in our lives and the world in crisis, it’s more important than ever that we learn to take care of ourselves. You’re invited to an adult rest retreat at Rainbow Lodge, a cozy cedar lodge at the base of Mt. Si in North Bend. Explore what Sabbath means, connect with God, participate in new spiritual practices, have fun, and most importantly…REST!

The retreat cost for the weekend and all meals is $290 ($60 more to have a solo room).

Register here: https://rb.gy/tgmb3i. Come all who are weary! 

LiVE's NEW Changing Church Cohort

Once a Month at 7pm via this Zoom Link

FREE TO ALL

What is the Changing Church Cohort?

This cohort is for any lay (and rostered) leaders wishing to explore the dynamics of changing church in today's complex world; a time of deep anxiety around church decline, uncertainty of any vital future, and how to reimagine promising ways forward. Together we'll wonder how we might reframe our grounding as churches in light of God's promises and presence. There will also be Asynchronous Online Discussion available around the various chapters, via our online learning platform (Mighty Networks)

Who Should Attend?

All are welcome, but the following might especially appreciate this time for discussion, common perspectives, and resource sharing across our synod:

• Lay congregants
• Church Council Members and other lay volunteers
• Rostered leaders & church staff
• Anyone who has a heart for the church and/or anxiety around its future

How do I get more information or join the Cohort?

Attend Monday night or join us on Mighty Networks HERE

This Monday we'll discuss the first 2 chapters of Andrew Root's book When Church Stops Working (although you'll still find the conversation valuable even if you didn't yet read the material).

Future dates: Feb. 11- Discussing chapters 3-5 AND Mar. 10 - Discussing chapters 6-8 

You Are Not Alone

Saturday, Feb. 3 from 9am-1pm

at Rosehill Community Center

The Snohomish County Youth Suicide Prevention Taskforce is hosting a youth suicide prevention event February 3^rd, 2024 at Rosehill Community Center in Mukilteo.

There will be workshops, resources, art, therapy dogs and more. We hope to provide much support.

Click here for more information.

Sunday, January 28

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

RIC Sunday

10:30 am RIC Celebration—onsite

11:00 am Youth Lessons (5th-12th)—onsite

12:00 pm Nat. Youth Gathering Team—onsite

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

Monday, January 29

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

9am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite

9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite

5:30-9pm Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, January 30

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

9am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite

9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite

10-11am Pointe of Grace Staff Meeting—onsite

5:30-7pm   LoTH AA—onsite

7-8:00pm Abide in the Word Bible Study—online

7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite

Wednesday, January 31

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

10:00 am Women’s Bible Study—onsite & online

Thursday, February 1

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

10am Prayer Shawl Ministry—onsite

5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

8:00 pm Order of St. Luke Prayer & Bible Study

—online

Friday, February 2

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

Saturday, February 3

9am-3pm Rest & Renewal Retreat—offsite

Our Saviors Lutheran, Everett

Sunday, February 4

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)

11:00 am Youth Lessons (5th-12th)—onsite

11:00 am Confirmation—onsite

11:00 am Council 2023 Financial update—onsite

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

2:00 pm Theology Pub—offsite

Mukilteo Lodge Sports Grill

5:30 pm Sno-KingYouth—offsite

Gloria Dei Lutheran in Lynnwood

For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730.

Employment Opportunity

Do you love working with kids?

Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool is hiring for a part-time lead teacher position for Pre-K and a part-time assistant teacher for our 2.5-year-old tots class. We are looking for nurturing, loving, reliable individuals who love to work with children.

The lead teacher works MWF 8:30-1:30. The assistant tots works T/Th 9-12:45.

If you are interested or know anyone who would be a great addition to HPCP, please contact Anja Conklin at harbourpointechristianschool@hotmail.com

Council Requests Feedback

As part of our effort to simplify and streamline our finances, the council of Pointe of Grace is reducing the number of designated accounts we have in our accounting system.

Two of the accounts we are seeking to close out are Landscaping and Natural Growth Protection. We will continue to fund landscaping work, but the funding will come out of the general fund. Any balances currently in these accounts will be transferred to the general fund. Some of you may have designated some of your giving specifically to support landscaping, and you may have concerns about closing these accounts.

If you want to provide feedback to your council about this, please contact a council member before Thursday, February 15. The council will be making a final decision that evening whether to close out these two designated funds.

Jeff Mach, Council President

Financial Update

In the meeting room on February 4th at 11:00 am the Council will provide a year end review for 2023.

Questions: contact the Council Treasurer, Peter Catterall at

council.treasurer@pointeofgracechurch.org.

National Youth Group Envelope Drive

National Youth Gathering in New Orleans 2024

Fundraising UPDATE:

A HUGE thank you to all who continue to support the youth in prayer and financial giving to help them reach their goal of $18,000.

We are more than half-way there!! We have raised $10,972 so far!! We are so grateful for your generosity! There are still envelopes for giving in the entryway to be filled and placed in the offering basket

Thrivent Cohort Opportunities

Cohorts come together with the intent of creating nurturing and empowering times, spaces, and relationships. They are intended to foster spiritual and contemplative practices in order to enrich life and ministry, and help the church and its leaders thrive. Cohorts meet virtually for 12 sessions using a curriculum of spiritual practices.

Draft social message on gun violence

What is a faithful Lutheran response when considering U.S. gun culture? The draft of a social message on gun-related violence and trauma probes that question, and your feedback is requested.

The draft focuses on trauma, public health and an ethic of shared responsibility for peacemaking, seeking to move beyond the strict polarization of gun rights versus gun control. This is an issue that affects everyone in the United States — let your voice in this process be heard!

To participate in the public feedback period, read the draft and use the response form. Responses are due by Jan. 31, 2024.

Worship Leaders

If you are interested in learning about or being a worship leader, please contact the people below using your church directory. They will schedule you accordingly. We will no longer be using the sign up sheet on the clipboard.

Assisting ministers: Coe Hutchison

Lectors: Jeff Mach

Communion Servers: Ingrid Huff

Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans

Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum

Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison

Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz

Tech Booth: David Kinner Jr.

Synod Newsletter

Do you receive the Synod Newsletter?

The weekly electronic newsletter contains news and events from around our Synod as well as important news from the National Church.

Click here to sign up.

Please Pray for your Council Leadership

Jeff Mach—President—council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org

Rolf Olsoy—Vice President—council.vp@pointeofgracechurch.org

Peter Catterall—Treasurer—council.treasurer@pointeofgracechurch.org

Dahlia Campbell—Secretary—council.secretary@pointeofgracechurch.org

Alicia Raaum—council.1@pointeofgracechurch.org

Ingrid Huff—council.2@pointeofgracechurch.org

Kristina Bowman—council.3@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Grace Notes Deadline

Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by noon on Wednesday.

If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.

Fundraising efforts and other charitable initiatives at Pointe of Grace and the NW Washington Synod will not be publicized in Grace Notes unless reviewed and approved by the church council beforehand.

Truth and Healing Movement Events

Find opportunities to learn the true history and current realities of our Indigenous neighbors. It is these truths, truths that have been ignored by most for hundreds of years, that will bring healing for both Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people. 

Click here to find webinars, book lists, and more.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Eaton's Statement on Israel-Hamas:

Read her statement HERE

Things you can do:

• Find updated resources and statements from the ELCA here.
• Join our partner Churches for Middle East Peace for prayer every Wednesday from 12:30 to 1 p.m. Eastern time. Register here.
• Call your lawmakers today through the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121 and urge them to take action to deescalate the conflict and uphold unrestricted humanitarian aid to Gaza. Find your member of Congress at govtrak.
• Support Lutheran Disaster Response here.

The Spirit

Click here for the January 2024 edition of The Spirit, a monthly publication of the NW Washington Synod.

This month's edition features articles written by our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee.

You can find previous editions at lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit.