This is a quick reminder of what is happening at Grace this week in worship and in ways to connect and serve in the next seven days. |
|
A Note From Pastor Joanna Mitchell |
|
This post is about suicide awareness for veterans. It is personal and might be difficult for some to read. Please hold yourself in tenderness. Pastor Joanna Mitchell
Dear Friends of Grace,
On Monday, I was invited to participate in a social media push-up challenge to bring awareness to the mental health of veterans. According to the Facebook post and challenge circulating, every day 22 Veterans die by suicide. Everyone, who is challenged is invited to do 22 push-ups for 22 days to raise awareness about this important issue. The push-up challenge consequentially coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week/Month and so I have decided to do a little bit of education about mental health. At the beginning of all my videos, I talk briefly about mental health, our language, and the ways that we can do better at showing up for each other.
This challenge has reminded me of a young man named Brent. I never actually met Brent. Instead, I was the person, who with the police, told his mom that Brent had died by suicide. I stood in their living room that evening, listening to Brent’s mother weep and wail. His mom told us that for years she had been waiting for us to show up at the house and tell her Brent had died. In that moment, I was confused. I thought that perhaps Brent had struggled with depression for years and this was expected, but I was wrong. Later, I learned Brent had served in Iraq. She thought he would die in combat so once he came home from Iraq, she assumed that he was now going to be just fine. Her grief filled the entire house that evening. She let me hold her hand and pray with her and in the end the family asked me to preside over his funeral.
Brent was a young man, only in his late 20s when he died. He was a Veteran. That same year, a family in my congregation had two extended members of their family died by suicide as well, both young men, both Veterans. I’m not sure if it really is, 22 Veterans a day who die by suicide and I’m not sure that having the right statistic is what matters. What matters is how we show up. What matters is how we pay attention to the needs of our Veterans. What matters is if we are willing to ask our family and friends, or acquaintances who are Veterans “How are you really?” Are we willing to learn? To ask? To be vulnerable? To say thank you for serving.
I think we can do better for our Veterans. Better than just doing 22 push-ups for 22 days. I hope that we can provide for them, encourage them, listen to them and to let them know that none of us were meant to go through the trauma of life alone. God has given us to each other as companions, to bear one another’s burdens, to hold each other, to give and receive help.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
|
|
Ministry Moment:
Making a Difference through Family Promise
By Debbie Jorgens
Family Promise of Anoka County recently featured Grace Lutheran’s own Gayle Pacholl on their Facebook page! Here’s a bit of Gayle’s story:
"I first volunteered with Family Promise when my family lived in Colorado. Soon after we moved to Minnesota, a friend at church told me a committee was being formed to create a Family Promise network in Anoka County. My church, Grace Lutheran, was already on board. I was able to meet with people on the committee and volunteers at Grace to share my experiences with the Colorado network. We were all eager to make this program a success in our community.” Gayle adds, “What motivates me the most is the knowledge that I can make a difference in someone else’s life.”
Thank you for your service, Gayle! And thanks to everyone at Grace who is making a difference for families experiencing homelessness by giving your time and/or financial contributions in support of this great organization!
|
|
Family Promise Virtual Fundraiser
Thursday, October 8th at 7:00 PM
We’re proud that Grace is one of the sponsors for Family Promise in Anoka County’s first virtual fundraiser, Fulfilling the Promise, to be held on Thursday, October 8th at 7:00 PM. This will be an interactive, live-streamed event featuring a look-back over 10 years with reflections from volunteers, community leaders, and founding board members. A former guest family will share their story, and there will be a special message from Family Promise staff. Be among the first to hear about Family Promise’s big plans for the future!
Let’s celebrate Family Promise and give thanks for our partnership with them by tuning in to this event from the comfort of our own homes, remembering those who struggle to find a home. Their goal for this fundraising event is $25,000. Please be as generous as you can, and remember that every single dollar counts! To attend, be sure to register!
|
|
Small Groups Begin This Week!
Monday Nights Small Groups
● “Nonviolent Communication Book Study with John Anderson. 6:30-7:45 PM: Zoom Link This is the last week to join this group.
● “Whispers in the Pews” Book Study: Conversations on Mental Health and the Church with Debbie Jorgens and Nancy Jenkins. 7:00-8:30 PM: Zoom Link
Tuesday Small Groups
● Life Moments Through Memoir with Jan Anderson. 2:00-3:00PM: Zoom Link This is an open group, come when you can!
Wednesday Small Groups
● Young Adult Meet Up with Pastor Maria and Bekah Hirt. 6:00 PM email mariam@graceandover.org for the location.
Thursday Small Groups
● Centering Prayer with Anne Weikle 1:00 PM in the Worship Center email mariam@graceandover.org if you would like to join. This is an open group, come when you can!
Sunday Small Groups
● Worship Music in the Parking Lot with Greg and Lori Ackerson 6:00 PM All are welcome! Dress warm, bring a lawn chair and come listen and sing with us! This is an open group, come when you can!
|
|
New Member Class
Sunday, October 11th
We would love to have you join Grace Lutheran Church! There will be a new member class on Sunday, October 11th at 12:00 pm. To sign up, e-mail krism@graceandover.org or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
|
|
Worship and Play Sunday School
Sunday, October 11th
Grace Lutheran Church Worship and Play Sunday School begins this Sunday from 9:30-10:20am outside! Children ages preschool to 5th grade are invited to attend! Parents are also invited to participate in fellowship at this time. Come and chat with other adults learn what is working for other families in this crazy time. Come share life together! If you haven’t yet registered your children for Sunday School, there is no charge, but we still need your registrations to ensure we have enough supplies for you and your children!
|
|
Conversations On Race
Wednesday, October 14th
Our next “Conversations on Race” will be Wednesday, October 14th at 7:00 pm. Whether you have participated in any of our previous “Conversations on Race” or not, please join us! None of us our experts on these topics; we are all learning about racial justice. Together via Zoom we will watch a Ted Talk about “hard history” and break into small groups for further discussion and learning. Below is the Zoom link:
|
|
FAMILY TABLE DRIVE-UP!
Sunday, October 18th
Grace will once again be preparing and serving a “meal-to-go” for our neighbors in need on Sunday, October 18th from 5:30-6:30 PM, and we’re in need of volunteers to make this happen! There are a variety of ways to help, whether it’s purchasing food and/or volunteering on site from 4:45-7:00 PM. Please click on the link below to learn more or to sign up to volunteer!
|
|
Fall Clean-Up
Saturday, October 24th
The Garden Ministry Fall Clean-Up is scheduled for Saturday, October 24th beginning at 9:00 am. Help is needed to “spruce up” the church grounds and gardens in preparation for winter. No gardening skills needed, just willing hands. Bring your gloves, rakes, pruners, etc.
call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
|
|
Red Cross Blood Drive
Tuesday, October 27th
The need for blood donation is so great right now! Grace will be having two blood drives scheduled in the next few weeks. The first one is Tuesday, October 27th from 1:00-6:00 pm and the second one is Monday, November 9th from 12:15-5:15 pm. Please sign up on the Red Cross website.
|
|
All Saints Luminary Drive-thru
Sunday November 1st
On November 1st from 5:00-6:30 pm the Anoka Area Ministerium is joining together for a community-wide drive-thru to remember the Saints on All Saint’s Sunday. Grace Lutheran Church will be one of the six local churches welcoming people to their parking lot to see the luminaries, pray and hear music in remembrance of the saints.
White bags will be available at worship and in the church office for anyone who wants to pick up and decorate a bag. We need you to drop off your bags by noon on November 1st so that we can put them on display for the evening.
You can decorate a bag in remembrance of someone who has died over this past year, or many years ago. We hope that we can light up our corner with the glow of the saints as we pray, remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us.
Please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell or Kris Miller with any questions.
|
|
Administrator's Corner
By Frances Fernandez
Hello Grace Family! I hope you’re enjoying the beautiful colors of fall. The weather has been interesting to say the least as we expect temperatures in the 80’s on Friday! Uffda! We are looking to increase our volunteer pool – there are many tasks that make Grace Lutheran Church thrive and we can’t do it without YOU! Interested in ushering, altar guild or other opportunities? Please call Kris Miller to get signed up and trained! We have opportunities for indoor and outdoor service so you can feel comfortable with your selection. Volunteers that work with youth and children, if it’s been 3 years since your last background check, be on the lookout for the automated e-mail to complete it for updating your file for compliance. If you have any questions, feel free to call me. My office days are Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Pop in or zoom! I’d love to chat with you and learn how I can serve you better! 😊
|
|
Volunteers Needed!
Grace Lutheran is looking to expand our volunteer poll. There are opportunities for inside and outside volunteering. We are currently looking for ushers, readers, community outreach, alter guild, working with our youth and many other opportunities! We will have training for all our wonderful volunteers! Please call or email Kris Miller in the church office at 763-421-6520 or krism@graceandover.org
|
|
WORSHIP SCHEDULE
Outdoor Worship on Saturdays at 5:00 pm
Parking Lot Worship on Sundays at 8:45 am
Indoor Worship on Sundays at
10:30 am*
|
|
Other Items of Importance:
- We will be having Communion on 1st and 3rd Sundays of the Month.
- Each week, we are trying new things and experimenting to improve our worshiping experience. We recognize that there will be things that go well and parts that need to be changed. Thank you for your input and patience.
- Restrooms are available during outdoor services in Portable #2.
- All of the worship formats are dependent on current and trending COVID-19 levels.
-
Indoor services will continue at 10:30 am. (Reservations are required for the indoor service and seating is limited to 40 people or less. *Reserve you spot, before Noon on Fridays, on Sign Up Genius, call the church office at 763-421-6520 or e-mail Kris Miller at krism@graceandover.org).
- Please wear masks and abide by social distancing recommendations.
|
|
Bible Study
Join us for Thursday Morning Zoom Bible Study at 10:30 am with Pastor Joanna or Pastor Maria.
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:30 am for a bible study. Bring your bibles, yourselves and your questions. If you don’t have a bible, bring your phone or your computer and we will navigate through bible gateway to help you find the scripture.
The Sunday scriptures that we will be studying over the next couple of weeks:
Oct. 8th: 1 Samuel 16:14-23, Isaiah 41:1,8-13
Oct. 15th: 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10
Oct. 22nd: 2 Samuel 7:1-17
Join Zoom Meeting by clicking the link below.
|
|
Noisy Offerings
The Noisy Offerings for the first two weeks of October will benefit Family Promise in Anoka County. So far we have raised $150. Grace is one of 20 faith communities in Anoka County that partners with Family Promise to provide temporary shelter, hospitality, and case management to assist families experiencing homelessness achieve housing independence. For the past six months, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in families needing to be housed in hotels rather than churches. Needless to say, the expense has been significant. So if you can’t attend Family Promise’s Virtual Fundraiser on October 8th, you can still contribute to Family Promise through your Noisy Offering!
Thanks for your generosity!
|
|
Prayers of the Church
God of healing: Provide refuge and help for all who lack adequate food, housing, or health care. Strengthen organizations that provide care to those who struggle. Give light to those walking in darkness, and healing to those who are suffering in body, mind, or spirit. Christopher Sluis, John Lenz, Jason Ruud, LaVonne Hite, Annie Fitzl, Sophia Henkel, Linda Breyette, Sally McPhillips’ Mom, Charlotte Montei, Gary Spielman, Tom Taillefer, Colleen Wernimont, John Malecha, Carroll Potter, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, Judi Wold, Wes Hiller and Zachary Elsenpete. We pray for all those with COVID including President Trump, Melania Trump, and so many others throughout the world. Lord, hear our prayer.
God of promise, grant comfort, peace, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection to all who grieve we pray especially for Harold & Jamie Zupon & family upon the death of Harold’s brother, David Zupon; Gordon & Sandy Seim & family upon the death of Sandy’s father. Lord, hear our prayer.
|
|
Devotions
Devotions this fall will be shared 3 days a week. Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. Please check our website and our Facebook page for postings. We have introduced a new 28 day devotion, "Learning to Belong" by John van de Laar that will be shared every Monday. We invite you to read the introduction this week.
If you would like to write a devotion to share with the community at Grace please contact Pastor Joanna Mitchell at joannam@graceandover.org. Thank you!
|
|
Virtual Service Availability
Throughout everything we will continue to provide worship online. We will begin streaming worship this week through Grace's YouTube account. Worship will be live at 5:00 pm on Saturday night and at 8:45 am on Sunday morning. It will also be saved so if you are not able to join us at that time you can worship later through Grace's YouTube channel.
|
|
Zoom Connect Time and
Prayer Gathering
Zoom Page on our website:
We have created a page on our website with all the Zoom opportunities that are happening regularly at Grace. This site is your go-to website to join the 9:30 am Sunday Prayer Gathering, Thursday Morning Bible study, and much more. Click below to check it out.
|
|
We’re updating our website to also include text and QR code as ways to give electronically.
For these, the system will request the user a ONE TIME SETUP to include their name, credit card # etc. – this will be required only the first time. After that, when the user texts to give or uses the QR code to give it will just ask the amount to confirm. The users will be able to select funds to allocate their giving to as well – operational, capital, noisy.
The number to give is 73256 – text key word: GRACEANDOVER
|
|
Consider electronic giving on GraceLink. 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 GraceLink logo below.
If you are wondering where your giving is for the year, please log in to GraceLink. Find Giving on the tool bar. Then select My Giving History.
|
|
To minimize the spread of COVID-19 and out of love and concern for our church family and community, please follow all practice and procedures as directed by the State of Minnesota. |
|
Links to Grace Lutheran's YouTube Channel |
|
Virtual Worship will be posted online at:
www.graceandover.org
We hope that you will join us at a time that works best for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
