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 Lent Programming
Worship at 1:00 pm
Catechism begins at 6:00 pm with Worship at 7:00 pm
Wednesday Evening Bible Study is taking a break during Lent.
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Friends of Grace,
Sunday, February 11th, I was able to preach my first international sermon while on mission trip in Belize. I mentioned to the congregation of Grace mission trippers and the Assemblies of God congregation in Maya Mopan that although I was excited for this opportunity, I was also nervous! I had never preached outside of the US and I had never preached outside of a Lutheran Congregation. But it was my hope that through our work together that week and through our time spent in worship that we might - in the end- call each other friend!
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This is true of both communities we serve in Belize. After just two years back to back in the same communities, relationships have grown and change is happening in Georgetown and Maya Mopan! My take aways from this trip are that if you are feeling any nudge (however big or small) to go on a mission trip, GO to Belize with Grace. There is something for everyone to do and such a wonderful experience of service and spiritual growth! The other take away is that even if you do not go to Belize, Grace as a congregation supports the projects we are doing in Belize, financially.
The two communities we serve are english speaking, poor and rural villages (shown circled in red on the map). But they are also vibrant and the people there are committed to improving and strengthening their communities but do not have the financial means to make it happen. This is where Grace has made a difference. We provided funding for continued work on the Georgetown clinic and began imagining with community leaders about starting conversations about Alcoholism and Mental Health. In Maya Mopan, we provided funding for a community shade structure in the school yard where children and community members can gather in the cool shade on hot Belizean days. Now when we are there, we work side by side with community members. And to be honest, the let us help even though at times it seems we are slowing them down! It was truly a wonder to see the folks in Maya Mopan pour concrete from wheel barrows. Through our work, side by side, and through Grace's Transforming Inside and Out Tithe, we are making a difference in many lives in Belize! And as is always true on mission trips our lives are forever changed as well! I hope you enjoy these pictures from our trip. Grace 2 Belize will be sharing in worship on March 3rd and if you have more questions, I would love to talk with you as would any number of folks from our team!
Hope you'll join us next time!
Pastor Maria
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Join us for Wednesday Worship | |
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This week in our Lenten Series Living Our Faith, Pastor Kevin Doely from Faith Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids is preaching ...a promise (1 John 3:1-2; 19-24). Kevin and his wife Krista have three sons (Jordan & wife Emily, Josh, Noah). He is a graduate from Concordia Collegg in Moorhead and Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Kevin has a background in media and enjoys creative pursuits in music and ventriloquism (revkev.net). The Lenten message focuses on God's promise of everlasting love for us and a hope-filled future!
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Two major changes this week:
Demolition of the former nursery and pouring of the concrete floor slab in the toddler/nursery addition. Next up will be wall framing, more electrical and plumbing installations in these additions.
The youngest Seedlings of Grace will be moving to their new location, Rooms 105-107 next week and the kitchen will be stripped of contents making room for new improvements. The work just keeps on coming! For more updates and images click the button below!
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Grace Choir | Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Each year on, the Grace Choir presents a service of music and readings to observe Good Friday at 7pm and provides an anthem on Easter Sunday at the 8:45am service.
As we do for our Advent Cantata, we are extending an invitation to anyone wishing to sing with the choir, but only for a limited amount of time. It is a great opportunity to make music together and walk alongside others in this holiest of times. Songs we will be singing can be found on the Grace website on the choir page, or by clicking here.
Rehearsals will be Tuesday evenings from 7:15-8:15pm.
Dates are February 27, March 5, 12, 19, and 26.
Performances will be Friday March 29 at 7pm, and Easter Sunday March 31, during the 8:45am Service.
Any questions please contact David Phelps.
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Children's Ministry Update!
Last Friday night we invited Children's Ministry and Seeds of Grace friends to a movie night at Grace. While parents and guardians had a few hours to themselves we watched a movie, ate pizza and popcorn, and had a dance party in the sanctuary! We are planning to host another event like this April 19th 5:00-7:30 pm, mark your calendars!
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray especially for: Nancy Anderson, Leah, Kendra Mattke, Jim & Cathy, Denise Gruetzman, Alex Bombard, Lynn Zirkle, Cherrie Rae Ruberg, Marie Kolar, Diana Heyer, Wayne Welle, Bev Scott, Lois Vadner, Tara Swedberg, Dan Husak, 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 mourning: Jordie and Craig Powell and family mourning the death of their husband and father, Bob Powell; Nancy Knox grieving the death of her sister.
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