See what is happening at Grace Lutheran!
August 18, 2022
This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.

If you missed worship this weekend join us on
Wednesday Night at 7pm in the sanctuary!
Message
Summer Days

As I sit here writing to you, I can't believe that summer is almost over. We've had some scorching days, some not so hot. I've enjoyed seeing flowers bloom for our "mini" spring (really summer) season. Kids enjoying water days, outings at the lake, parades and town festivals. The change in seasons is one of the reasons our family moved to Minnesota. I know, I know, our winters are long and do we really have 4 seasons? Some say only 2. But the truth is that I fell in love with Minnesota during a summertime visit. Summer days. Oh yes, summer in Minnesota is glorious! And this summer started with fireworks for our family. A lovely fundraiser in May led to a whirlwind when just a week later, our daughter Sam was called for a kidney transplant! Coincidence? Nope. That's the power of prayer! Our summer days have been filled with hope, fear, unknowns, love and prayers. After complications from surgery and spending 48 days in the hospital, our daughter Sam came home. This summer we haven't been to the lake, or hiked in parks, visited museums or had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of waterfalls and nature around. No visits to ice cream parlors or barbeques at friends' homes. No summer vacation. But what we did experience this summer was love and grace from our family, friends, neighbors and employers - in oh so many ways! Summer days. Summer days bring laughter, sun, fun and time with family. I was able to see two of my brothers who visited during the summer and have my mom stay for an extended visit (our girls so enjoy having Abuela home!). And although we didn't do the "usual" sightseeing where we show off our beautiful state, what we did experience was serenity and love. Summer days. For us, summer brought our daughter the gift of life from an unknown deceased donor. This gift has allowed us to slowly bring back laughter and fun to our family as we start looking at possibilities after transplant. A "new normal". Evolving. Adapting. Words much easier said than done. We've been able to go on college tours and see the hope in both our daughters' eyes. Hope for the future, hope for possibilities, A hope that endless summer days of carefree fun bring as we get closer and closer to the end of the summer, and then those days are not so endless after all. But what this summer season in particular brought to us is the reminder that hope is indeed there, that love is endless, that community matters and that grace is in all of us. I hope you have a beautiful rest of your summer and please consider being an organ donor - you could save a life...

Blessings,
Frances Fernandez
Worship
Summer Worship

-Sundays at 8:30am Traditional
-Sundays at 10am Contemporary
-Wednesdays at 7pm Contemporary
Fall Worship Times
Begin Sept. 11, 2022

-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
-Wednesdays at 7pm Contemporary
Fellowship

Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.
Ministries News
Family Table "Take-Out" Meal
Sunday, August 21st
12:30pm-1:30pm

Grace will be serving a Family Table “take-out” meal on Sunday, August 21st. Family Table is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month and the sign-up sheet is available well in advance. If you are looking for a fun opportunity to serve with other Grace members while sharing food with our neighbors, please contact Lynda Wilde lrwilde@comcast.net or 612-418-6444. Or simply click on the link below.
2022-2023 SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES AT SAND CREEK ELEMENTARY!

We hope and pray for a normal school year for the students at our Faith & Community Partnership school, Sand Creek Elementary. Sand Creek has had boundary changes and they will have more students this year, so school supplies are in need more than ever! If you would like to help, please consider purchasing any of the items in the list below and return them to church in the tote labeled “Sand Creek School Supplies” that will be located in the narthex. The donations will be accepted August 21 through September 5.
 
You can also give a monetary donation of cash or check. If writing a check, please make it payable to Grace Lutheran Church and write “Sand Creek” in the memo line. The monetary donations will be used by the Sand Creek Grace Team toward the food expenses for the Sharing Grace Backpack Food Bags prepared and given each Friday to children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.
 
SUPPLIES MOST IN NEED
  • POLY FOLDERS WITH PRONGS 
  • DRY ERASE BOARD ERASER
  • BOTTLES ELMER'S GLUE
  • 24 CT MINI TWISTABLE CRAYOLA CRAYONS
  • PRE-SHARPENED PENCILS (TICONDEROGA)
  • CHILD SIZE SCISSORS (FISKARS)
  • MEAD WIDE RULED SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS 
  • 1 INCH WHITE 3 RING BINDER
  • PERMANENT MARKERS (BLACK SHARPIE)
  • PAGE PROTECTOR SHEETS
  • HIGHLIGHTERS
  • CRAYOLA OR PRANG WATERCOLOR SET (8 BASIC COLORS)
  • PENCIL BOX OR POUCH
  • PK CRAYOLA MARKERS (8 COUNT)
  • ​​FRACTION CALCULATOR (TEXASTI-30X II IS PREFERRED) 

ONGOING NEEDS
  • SNACKS FOR STUDENTS
  • GIFT CARDS TO WALMART OR TARGET
  • GAS GIFT CARDS
Grace4Rakai Quilt Tying Events:

Grace will be sending quilts over to Rakai in October, to be used on the beds of children staying in the dormitories. We need YOUR help in tying quilts to get them ready. Here are the two dates:

Friday Aug. 26th: 9:30 - 11:00 AM
Tuesday Aug. 30th: 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Jan Margotto and our Grace Quilters are sponsoring these events along with our Grace4Rakai Ministry Team. We hope you can make one or both of these events!
ACBC Fresh Produce Event

Join ACBC for a fun free community event at Coon Rapids Regional Dam, 9750 Egret Blvd NW Coon Rapids; Pavilion 3 (Follow the Signs). On Friday, August 26th & Friday, September 23rd from 10am-12pm. Fresh produce give away. For more information contact the ACBC Food Shelf at 763-422-0046
Financial Peace University
Spring Forest Qigong
Practice Group

Spring Forest Qigong practice group led by Randy Sparer meets at Grace the 1st & 3rd Mondays of each month at 2:30pm. Through gentle, yet powerful healing movements and meditations, you will learn how to heal yourself. Questions, contact Randy Sparer 612-812-2392. Please note: Due to September 5 being Labor Day, Qigong will not meet until September 19th.
Children and Youth Ministry News
Sunday School 2022-2023

Children’s ministry is excited you are registering your child(ren) for 2022-2023 Sunday School. We have already started planning and preparing for Sunday School to start September 18th. Please join us September 11th for Rally Sunday, come worship and following worship join in fellowship, learning, and play for all ages! 

At Baptism, both you and the church made a commitment to raise your child in faith. Together we are continuing this journey as you enroll your child in Sunday School. We look forward to teaching your child(ren) GOD LOVES THEM. 

We welcome YOU to join us by joining our Sunday School Team! We need at least 16 volunteers to ensure success for our program and for our children. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering on Sunday mornings, a separate registration for volunteers is now open. 
Children's Ministry Volunteer 2022-2023

There are many ways that you can volunteer to grow our kids in faith. You can volunteer in our nursery and care for our youngest members and attenders. You can be a helper or a teacher at Sunday School or a co-teacher and guide them in biblical lessons, crafts and games or you can lead a small group for Catechism on Wednesday nights. If working with middle school kids is your jam this is the spot for you. Our youth need caring adult leaders. Prayerfully consider if this might be a gift you have to share with Grace. Or perhaps you are better behind the scenes or for one time events. We need your help with lock-ins, retreats and other Children, Youth and Family activities. 

On September 7th at 5:30pm we will be gathering for a Volunteer Kick off. This is for both Catechism and Sunday School and Kids Night Out helpers. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm and then break out into groups at 6pm for more specified instructions pertaining to various age groups. Mark your calendars and join us with this wonderful opportunity to grow our kids in faith. Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell with any questions or sign up on Realm. 
Kid's Night Out
2022-2023

Kids’ Night Out is our Wednesday evening programming for Kindergarten though 5th graders. Kids play games, learn through bible study and have the opportunity to connect with one another. This is less structured than Sunday school but does involve a lesson and a means to grow in faith. Occasionally kids will have malts and do special faith formation events.

We invite kids and families to join us at Worship following our event.  

Own Your Faith Orientation
2022-2023

Mark your Calendars for Own Your Faith Orientation on August 21st at 11:15am OR August 24th at 5:30pm in the Fellowship Hall.

9th Graders and guardians, we hope you can join us for an overview and orientation for your final year of Catechism at Grace Lutheran Church. After 3 years participating in small groups and events at Grace on Wednesday nights, our 9th Graders final year of catechism is to work one-on-one with a mentor. Together they will be discussing questions of identity and faith and doubt. These one-on-one conversations happen on your own time, and we provide all the materials you need to have these important conversations. 

This year we are starting something new and inviting our Own Your Faith students to gather once a month for a shared event where we can have a time of fellowship and connection. We are very excited about the upcoming year and all that it will bring. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell at joannam@graceadover.org.
Catechism 2022-2023

Attention 6th Graders and Families. On September 7th at 5:30pm, we hosting an open house and overview of our Catechism program. We hope you will come and join with us as we share calendars, events and the vision behind our program. 

Catechism meets every Wednesday with large group, small group and worship will run from 6pm-8pm. We encourage parents/guardians and siblings to join us for Wednesday Night worship at 7pm. This worship does count for worship attendance in order to fulfill Catechism requirements. It is also created with youth in mind. 

Catechism is a 3 year program that helps middle school age students grow in their relationship with God and with their peers. During weekly meetings students worship together, play games, meet in small groups and learn about how they fit into God’s Story. However, Catechism is not just about attaining knowledge! Ultimately, it’s about forming relationships with:

  • Students just like you! God created us to be in community with one another, which means that caring about our friends is how we do church! In Catechism you will be placed in a small group to grow these friendships!
  • Caring adults who lead small groups. Let’s face it, middle school can be scary! Small group leaders are an adult at church to help support you along the way.
  • God and the Bible! Everyone has big questions about God. Catechism is a time to explore who God is, what it means to follow Jesus and why we are Lutheran.
Catechism Ministry Volunteer

There are many ways that you can volunteer to grow our kids in faith. You can volunteer in our nursery and care for our youngest members and attenders. You can be a helper or a teacher at Sunday School or a co-teacher and guide them in biblical lessons, crafts and games or you can lead a small group for Catechism on Wednesday nights. If working with middle school kids is your jam this is the spot for you. Our youth need caring adult leaders. Prayerfully consider if this might be a gift you have to share with Grace. Or perhaps you are better behind the scenes or for one time events. We need your help with lock-ins, retreats and other Children, Youth and Family activities. 

On September 7th at 5:30pm we will be gathering for a Volunteer Kick off. This is for both Catechism and Sunday School and Kids Night Out helpers. We will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30pm and then break out into groups at 6pm for more specified instructions pertaining to various age groups.  Mark your calendars and join us with this wonderful opportunity to grow our kids in faith. Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell with any questions.
Music Ministry News
Children's Choir

CHILDREN’S CHOIR – Yes, you read that right. We will be starting a Children’s Choir this year! We will gather on WEDNESDAY evenings from 5:45-6:00pm before Kid’s Night Out. The first “season” will run from September 14 to December 14, and the group will sing on October 23, and December 18. The goal is to sing in at least two parts and have a lot of fun making music together! Please register through Realm by clicking the button below.
Music Ministry

There are several opportunities to explore your musical abilities; Grace Choir, Wednesday Worship, Praise Team, and Symphonic Ensemble. Please click on the buttons below to explore and sign up for these wonderful opportunities!
Grace's Opportunities for Giving
Noisy Offering
Noisy Offerings from August 1st to August 31st will be going towards our partnership with Sand Creek Elementary.
Give Electronically through GraceRealm
Consider electronic giving on GraceRealm. It’s a convenient way to give consistently throughout the year. If you have any questions, contact Frances 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.  
Grace's Resources
Prayers of the Church

Please pray for: Michele Hamling, Adam Howard, Bonnie Howard, Mary Ritt, Sierra & Alek Lopez awaiting the birth of their son, Shannan Gautschi, Danica Hanson, Kyle Quick, Gina Trousil, Phil Knutson, Marty Lukaszewski, Jamie Hess, Linda Breyette, Lois Vadner, Pastor Maria Markman, Diane Rosky, Harland Johnson, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, Jason Beckman, Lu Henning, Alison Husak,) Juleen Klawiter, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, John Malecha, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Colleen Wernimont. 
September GraceNotes Newsletter Articles
Due August 22, 2022

If you would like to have a news article in the September GraceNotes, please have them sent into Marie Kolar in word format to mariek@graceandover.org by Monday, August 22nd at 5pm.
Links