This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
|
|
When Jesus appeared before his disciples for the first time after his resurrection, they were hidden away in fear behind a locked door. Jesus greeted them with these words: “Peace be with you.” After, the disciples got over their initial shock, they rejoiced and then Jesus said those same words again: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you. When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20:21-23
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I have been holding my breath for a while now. Holding my breath every time I watch the news. Holding my breath in anticipation of the verdict on Tuesday. Holding my breath because of the protests and the unrest in our community. Holding my breath because of Law Enforcement and the National Guard being in harms way. Holding my breath because of COVID-19. Sometimes it is hard to breath with a mask on even though I support wearing them. When I feel anxious, I often feel as if I can’t breathe. Breathing is important and in particular taking deep nourishing breaths can be healing to our souls.
When I meditate, I often will concentrate on my breath. Breathing in peace and breathing out love. I envision myself being filled up with God’s peace and my breath working its way through my body: all the way from my head to my toes. Breathing can nourish our bodies with its rich oxygen. It also can allow us to focus, slow down and feel the connection between our body, mind and spirit.
On Tuesday, Philonise Floyd announced that for the first time in almost a year, he feels like he can breathe again. His words are a powerful reversal of his brother’s final words of “I can’t breathe.” They are hopeful. They are life-giving. When you heard the verdict, you may have felt similarly that you could at last take a breath. Or perhaps, you felt the opposite that you are worried and anxious and holding your breath because of fear for loved ones who are protecting our communities, and the uncertainty of our future. I would guess at some point in this past year, you have felt overwhelmed and unable to breathe. I know I have!
I believe that Jesus is here breathing peace upon us as God’s beloved people. Breathing new life and new hope into our world, filling our world with the Holy Spirit and God’s peace. At times we do hide behind locked doors in fear (like the disciples): the locked doors of our houses, or the lock doors of our minds. And even though we feel like we are safe behind a locked door, Jesus knows that we cannot stay there. And so Jesus comes to us in our fear to bring us a message of peace breaking open our locked doors and breathes his empowering breath sending us back out into the world to do the work of God.
“Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I send you. Peace be with you.”
Dear people of Grace, I know that our world continues to be filled with anxiety and hurt. I know there is more work for God to do through us, but I believe without question that God is here, bringing us peace and sending us out once again to proclaim love and forgiveness, to speak up so that everyone might be able to breathe.
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
|
|
Worship
Online Worship is now being recorded at our Saturday evening service. Online Worship will not be posted until late on Saturday nights. It will be available here for you to join us online on Sunday morning.
For In-person Worship, we are asking for people to sign up for a worship service (see links below). We ask you to stay home if you are sick and to follow all of our COVID-19 protective guidelines. Thank you!
|
|
We will be continuing to have sign ups through May due to the rising COVID-19 numbers. |
|
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health 101 – Sunday, April 25th,
1:00-2:30 PM in the Sanctuary
Most of us experience ups and downs related to our mental health, just as we do our physical health. What’s “normal?” When is it time to seek help? This presentation will help address such questions as:
- What’s the difference between feeling “anxious” and having an “anxiety disorder?”
- How do I know if a loved one is just feeling “down” or is truly “depressed?”
- What signs or symptoms should tell me that I (or a loved one) needs help?
|
|
Suicide Prevention (QPR) – Sunday, May 2nd,
1:00-2:30 PM in the sanctuary
QPR – Question, Persuade, and Refer – are the three steps anyone can take to help prevent a suicide. Just like CPR, QPR is an emergency response to someone in crisis and can save lives. QPR is the most widely taught “gatekeeper training” program in the United States. (Gatekeeper training teaches people to identify individuals who are showing signs of suicide risk and help them get the services they need.) This 90-minute class is for anyone over the age of 16 who wants to learn best practices in suicide prevention.
We hope you’ll consider joining us for one or both of these important presentations. A link to registration will be included in Grace-at-a-Glance as we get closer to the events.
|
|
ANGST:
Raising Awareness Around Anxiety
Virtual Film and Panel Discussion
Tuesday, May 4th from 6-7:30 pm
Please join us for a virtual screening of the documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety.” This is an honest and powerful film about youth and families facing anxiety and can only be viewed via private screenings such as this. This screening and panel discussion event is available through the combined efforts of several organizations: St. Francis Area Schools, SF Community Education Advisory Council, Anoka County Library, and Anoka County Children’s Mental Health.
The film features Michael Phelps (the winningest Olympic swimmer and athlete of all time), national experts on anxiety, and youth and families who have experienced the effects of anxiety. The film is one hour, and there will be a 30-minute panel discussion immediately following. The panel will include a local mental health provider, school counselor, students, and parents.
To participate in this virtual screening, please click the link below to register in advance.
|
|
Men's Ministry
Men’s Ministry will be meeting at Chad Handler’s house on May 4th at 6:30 pm for grilling and games. Everyone please bring your meat to grill, beverage to drink and lawn chair to sit in. If you have a lawn game you would like to bring, feel free to bring it along.
If you have any questions please call Stephen Hirt at 612-850-8815 or Chad Hadler at 763-350-3918. This is in the spot of the Men's Ministry Buffalo Wild Wings gathering.
|
|
OK@Play will be meeting outside IN PERSON in May!! Yahoo!!
We are planning a picnic gathering to simply socialize in person and eat together outside. Here are the details:
- Thursday, May 13th, from 6:30-8:00 pm on the Grace lawn and/or parking lot.
- Adjust the image above, as we will still require masks (except while you are eating) and social distancing per our guidelines.
- Bring your own food and drink for what you wish to eat.
- Bring your own lawn chair and roasting fork for marshmallows.
- We hope to use the church fire pit to enjoy S'mores. Ann will be bringing supplies for making the S’mores and Joe J will be bringing for Gluten Free S’mores.
- In case of rain, we will meet the following Thursday, May 20th.
Any questions, please contact Mary Jo Trapp, Deb Stang, or Ann Lange.
Hope to see you in person on Thursday, May 13th!!
Ann Lange
|
|
Youth Mission Trip Fundraiser
The youth are selling $25 dollar Green Valley Garden Center gift cards to raise money for their Christikon camp adventure in Montana this summer! The gift cards never expire or lose value. Students will be selling gift cards before and after worship on April 18, 25 and May 2nd or you can call Kris at the front desk to arrange for a pickup. The sale ends May 10th. Questions? Contact Kris Miller or Kristi Larson at Kristil@graceandover.org.
|
|
Building Task Force
The Building Task force has continued to meet. We have made a recommendation to Vision Board for hiring an architect. Once that decision is finalized we will be gathering more information from you about your needs for our facility as well as your dreams about ways to expand our ministry. Please feel free to share information and learn more from our website.
|
|
Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
|
Show your appreciation for our Law Enforcement
Needless to say, the job of being a law enforcement officer has become increasingly difficult and dangerous over time - particularly over the past year. We asked a few officers what we could give them to show our support, and they came back with three simple requests: Bottled water, Gatorade, and granola bars. So we’ll be collecting these items in the narthex for the next few weeks. If you’re so inclined, please consider writing a note of gratitude or encouragement and bring it in with your donation! A basket for your notes will be on the table. And as always, please remember our law enforcement officers in your prayers.
|
|
Help our neighbors in need
Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center is serving as a collection and distribution site for emergency supplies following the recent civil unrest in their community. They are gathering the following items: Toilet paper, laundry detergent, baby diapers (all sizes), wipes, baby formula, feminine hygiene products, bath soap, bottled water, and nonperishable food items. If you would like to help our neighbors in need, please drop off your donations in the narthex over the next few weeks, and we’ll be sure they get delivered to Cross of Glory.
|
|
Books and DVDs wanted for Family Promise
We are seeking donations of gently used books and DVDs for Family Promise. All proceeds from the book sale on May 20-22nd will help Family Promise support families who are currently experiencing homelessness. If you would like to donate, please contact Gayle Pacholl by phone or text at 612-750-2910 or email her at pacholls@comcast.net to arrange for pick up. This is a great way to make a difference to homeless families while cleaning out your bookshelves! Thanks for your support!
|
|
Looking for Grace Leaders
The Nominating Committee for the Vision Board is looking for Grace Members that are interested in serving a three year term on the Vision Board. The election will take place the end of May at Grace’s Congregational Meeting.
If you are interested in serving Grace Lutheran in a leadership position, you should prayerfully consider serving on the Vision Board. Please contact the church office or any of the members of the nominating committee if you are interested. Members of the nominating committee are: Pastor Joanna Mitchell, Scott Lien, Carla Renner, Tracie Russell, Dave Trapp, Anne Weikle. If you have questions about serving on the Vision Board please contact Carla Renner or Dave Trapp
|
|
Noisy Offerings
For the month of April, Noisy Offerings will be used to support Hope 4 Youth and scholarships for our Golden Rule Daycare families who are having financial difficulties. We are grateful, as always, for your compassion and generosity in caring for our neighbors!
|
|
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.
|
|
Prayers of the Church
We pray for Law Enforcement and National Guard who are keeping watch over protestors and property. We pray for those who are peacefully protesting for racial injustices and change.
For all who call upon your healing name: Justin Richards, Stephanie Fernandez, Paul & Michelle, Pam Overson, Jake, Tom Boshart, Gladys Heys, Carroll Potter, John Malecha, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Lynn Zirkle, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.
Draw near to all who grieve especially for Mary Danielson & family and June Gritti, mourning the death of Loren Gritti, and all who are grieving.
|
|
Virtual Connections
During this time of high COVID-19 cases, we encourage you to connect with Grace and others! If you are looking for ministries and groups to connect with please visit our web site at www.graceandover.org and click on Church Online to see opportunities to connect.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
