As we are quickly approaching the end of the year, surprisingly, I am filled with gratitude. Normally as the year comes to a close, I feel this way. I wasn’t too sure I would feel this way this year. 2020 was a difficult year for us individually, as a community, as a community of faith, and as a world. And yet as I look back throughout the year, I am so grateful for many things. Recently when walking with a friend we discussed how often we find ourselves praying for things and then when the prayer is answered we continue through our days as if that was what was supposed to happen. That the outcome was not in fact an answer to our prayers. In reality, we know this isn’t true, these outcomes are absolutely answered prayers. I think of Miriam, Moses' sister who after crossing the Red Sea into freedom sang, danced, and played the tambourine in thanksgiving. Or King David upon the return of the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem gives thanks by dancing in the streets! Or Hannah when she gives birth to her long awaited son, she dedicates Samuel to the temple. Are we big and bold in giving thanks like this? So, at the end of this old year and the beginning of a new one, what are you giving thanks to God for? What prayers has God answered? Have you welcomed the outcome with as much enthusiasm as you had when you prayed for it? Will you join in with me and our faithful ancestors in giving thanks and praise to God for all that God has given?

Dear Grace Lutheran,

I wanted to let you know that there has been a change in Pastor Hahn’s health recently. He has started a new type of chemo that is really exhausting him.  Because of this, he feels it is time to step back from his position at Grace and concentrate on his health. We hold Pastor Hahn and his family in our prayers. I saw Pastor Hahn on Sunday and we shared Holy Communion. He is so thankful for Grace and for all your prayers and care.

Blessings,

Pastor Joanna Mitchell

Join us Mondays 6:30-8:00 PM in January to study Debby Irving’s book, Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Note this is a congregational study; however, not limited as such, this invitation is open for any who would like to join in our conversation. 

January 10th is a Connection Sunday. Children and their families are invited to join for a time of connection and play while also celebrating our baptisms. Please pray that we have snow for this day! All members are invited to come during this time for a blessing, to pick up communion cups, or drop off your offering. Families will also receive Virtual Sunday School Supply kits these days! 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at ACBC Food Shelf

We’ve been asked to spread the word: ACBC Food Shelf is in great need of volunteers! Help is needed with food packing and delivery for their homebound delivery program; order processing and loading during their drive-thru food distributions; sorting and packing food to prepare for distribution; and phone support. You can choose to volunteer once or sign up for a regular shift. Please call ACBC at 763-422-0046, ext. 1 or email naomi@acbcfoodshelf.org. If you’re interested in volunteering with others from Grace, please email Debbie Jorgens at debbiej@graceandover.org. Thanks for considering this opportunity! 

Sustain the weak and weary. Refresh those who labor under the weight of pain or sickness. Today we pray especially for Megan Miller, LaDonna Lilyquist, Lynda Wilde, Paul Towne, Dolly Joubert, Sophia Schmoll, Mark Goethke, Bethel Reisdorph, Amado, Deb Stang, Abby Larson, Baby Edwin Alexander, BJ Scott, Jon Brooks, Charlotte Montei, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, John Malecha, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, Judi Wold, and Colleen Wernimont. We pray for all those suffering from COVID-19 throughout the world, and we pray that the end of COVID-19 would be near. Lord, hear our prayers.