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.

Out of Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth in glory. (Ps. 50:2)

Worship on February 11th 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.

Transfiguration Sunday Service at 9:00am

Youth Group

Every Sunday at 11am

Every Sunday the youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive at 11:00 AM. The youth will be watching a documentary called "Do Black Churches Matter in the ELCA?" for the next two Sundays.

National Youth Gathering Online Auction

February 8-13

Help the kids to raise money for their trip to the National Youth Gathering this summer. Ask friends and family to help bid on items.

Click here to get to the online auction.

Grief Support Group

2nd and 4th Monday of Each Month

Starts February 12th at 12:30pm

at the Mukilteo YMCA

Know anyone who is grieving. Pastor Pam will facilitate a grief support group at the Mukilteo YMCA.

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

We are sad to announce the passing of Dick Newstrand on February 2^nd.

The family invites everyone to the Celebration of Life Service.

Saturday, February 17^th

10am - Celebration of Life Service

followed by lunch

at Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church

Up-coming Adult Faith Formation Giving to God

Starts Sun, Feb. 18 at 11am

"Giving to God: The Bible's Good News about Living a Generous Life" by Mark Allan Powell. Come join us as we discuss what living a generous live truly means.

2/18 When you hear the word "stewardship," what do you feel? Do you have a sudden urge to clutch your wallet more tightly? Dr. Powell presents a vision of stewardship that moves beyond the Sunday offering plate to become a vision of the life God intends for us. 

2/25 What is the biblical understanding of stewardship? What holds us back from embracing this approach to life? How is stewardship a spiritual discipline?

3/3 What are concrete steps we can take as individuals and as members of a community to live as faithful stewards of God's gifts in our lives? 

3/17 We look at how what we give back is not just for maintaining what we have, but can become a witness to God's work in the world. 

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.

Anti-Racism Training

Living Our Values: How to deal with difference 

Thursday, March 7, 9am-2pm. Lunch provided.

All are invited to a special event hosted by our Synod's Strategic Team for Authentic Diversity (STAD). This educational and experiential event will focus on anti-racism and inclusion. It is open to all members and leaders of PoG, alongside all staff at Pointe of Grace and Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool. Participants will use the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) to assess and set their own goals in this work.

You must be registered to attend this event. Click here to register.

Cost is $50 per person. This will cover the Synod STAD Training team, the IDI assessment processing, and lunch. Deadline to register is February 28th at noon.

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.

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.

Anti Racism Book Study

Thurs. 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

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 “LIVEBUNDLE2023" 

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.

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!

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! 

SKY Monthly Event

Sunday, March 3 at 6:30pm

Hope Lutheran Church

Our next meeting for the Sno-King Youth will be on Sunday, March 3 from 6:30pm to 8pm. We'll be heading up north to Hope Church as they host this coming month. Mark your calendar so you can join us for good food, fun games, and new friends. SKY is open to all youth grades 6-12, and it's a wonderful chance to invite a friend! SKY meets every first Sunday of the month.

Need more information or want to car pool, contact Annika Larsen at cym@pointeofgracechurch.org. 

Women's Retreat

March 1-3 at Rainbow Lodge in North Bend 

Join Saint Andrew's (Bellevue) and Our Savior (Issaquah) for this retreat. Our theme this year is “This is a great time to be church! WAIT – WHAT?!?” Our speaker will be Rev. Kristin-Luana Baumann.

Click here for the speakers bio. Find the fillable form here

Elementary Retreat

The theme is “Conversations with God”. Questions?

March 8-9

Registration is open for the Elementary Retreat! Registration is through the individual churches, using this Google Sheets form



Each leader needs to make a copy of the sheet (electronically) complete it with your group's information, and returned to Camp Lutherwood by March 1st. Payment will be done as it has in the past with you writing a check for your group cost. The price for adults is $50 and youth are $70.

Interested in going? Contact Annika at CYM@pointeofgracechurch.org.

Middle School Retreat

April 26-27 | First Lutheran Richmond Beach

All middle school students are invited to join us for our 2nd annual middle school retreat! Our theme this year is Prayer – What is it? Why do we care? We’ll explore the theme using a variety of mediums and spend time at the beach on Saturday. The cost is $50 per student, adults are free. Registration begins March 1.

Interested in going? Contact Annika at CYM@pointeofgracechurch.org.

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 

Sunday, February 11

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Transfiguration

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

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

Monday, February 12

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

9:00 am Preschool Parent Chat—onsite

9:45 am Preschool Chapel—onsite

12:30 pm Grief Support Group—offsite

5:30-9pm Boy Scouts—onsite

Tuesday, February 13

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

9:00 am 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 Study—online

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

Wednesday, February 14

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

10:00 am Women’s Bible Study

—onsite & online

11:30-1:00pm Drive Thru Ashes—onsite

5:30 pm Soup Supper—onsite

6:30 pm Ash Wednesday Service

—onsite & online

Thursday, February 15

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry—onsite

5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

7:00 pm All for Peace—online

7:00-8:30pm Lent with Baldwin & Bonhoeffer

—online

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

—online

Friday, February 16

9am-1pm Harbour Pointe Preschool Classes

—onsite

Saturday, February 17

10:00 am Dick Newstrand Memorial Service

—onsite & online

2:30-4:30pm Girl Scouts—onsite

Sunday, February 18

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel

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

11:00 am Adult Faith Formation—onsite

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

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

Prechool Registration Open

Got a Preschooler

In-house registration for current families of Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool and Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church is open. Registration for the greater community begins on Monday, February 12.. 

A non-refundable $325 registration fee for child’s primary class is due upon enrollment. The registration for Jr. Kindergarten is $350 (also due upon enrollment).  The registration fee for Friday add-on classes ( Full STEAM Ahead is $100).  

Annual tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments. The first tuition payment is due prior to August 5, 2023. All invoices will be paid through our Brightwheel App

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

Thanks for the Light....bulbs

We truly appreciate all of the items donated by parishioners...but we have plenty of lightbulbs and de-icer to last the rest of the year.

We are all Stewards of PoG...

To help our congregation and facility users take better care of our building, we have moved paper towels, toilet paper and trash bags to the Janitor's closet (found in between the men & women's bathrooms).

Extra hospitality supplies continue to be stored in the locked fellowship hall closet.

Please replace anything you use the last of. If the Janitor's closet is getting low, inform the office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org.

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 February 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.