This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
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“Accepting of Everyone”
I have to say, even though people at Grace share differences in opinions, backgrounds and ideals, I think there is one thing we can ALL relate to: Middle school. Was. The. Worst. Personally, middle school was a rough time for me (and 99% of the country) so I have a hard time imagining ANY of it was like the kingdom of God. But sure enough, Pastor Joanna found a way to take that awkward time in our lives and somehow find God’s grace. After reading her devotion, I started wondering if my middle school experience was in part what led me to be so passionate about making sure other people feel they belong, particularly people and youth in the LGBTQ community. I want EVERYONE to know they are beloved children of God because a long time ago, when I was in middle school someone made it clear to me, and it made all the difference.
If you too find yourself cringing at middle school memories, I suggest you check out Pastor Joanna's devotion this week and see if you can find yourself in the story. Were you an out of place 8th grader? Or are you a caring adult that helps others find acceptance? You also can hear more about Pastor Joanna’s middle school experience and how it helped her understand what it means to be both accepting and accepted, by listening to yesterday’s Lenten worship service found here.
“Accepting of everyone” is the value we are unpacking this week. Join us in the conversation by reading and reflecting on Pastor Joanna’s devotion, and then answering 3 questions regarding what being “accepting of everyone” means for us as a church community. To submit your go here.
Kristi Larson
Director of Youth and Family Ministries
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Join a small group during Lent to discuss our Lenten Theme of Christian Identity and our values of being a community that is:
- Christ-centered
- Accepting of Everyone
- Connected
- Compassionate
- Empowered to share God's love.
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Lenten Wednesdays Worship
(Weds. 3/10, 3/17, 3/24 & 3/31)
Worship: 1pm, 6pm and 7:15pm
With small groups in-person, and on Zoom.
For Lent this year we are looking at the values we hold as a congregation at Grace. Each week, we will talk about what these values mean for us and how to live them out as people of faith. We hope that you will join a small group discussion following worship. Join an in-person group or a zoom small group.
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Holy Week and Easter Sunday Worship |
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Holy Week Worship
Maundy Thursday, April 1st at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Good Friday, April 2nd at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm
Saturday Vigil, April 3rd at 5:00 pm
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Easter Sunday April 4th Worship |
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7:00 am - Sunrise Worship
8:15 am - Traditional Worship
9:30 am - Contemporary Worship
11:00 am - Parking Lot Worship *Reservations are NOT required for this worship time
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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!
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Building Task Force Update
The congregational vote on Jan. 31st approved the decision to sell the Nightingale Property. As a result, the Task Force has begun the process of selecting a realtor to assist in that sale. When that selection is complete, our recommendation will be brought before the Vision Board for final approval. We are also moving forward in our search for an architect. Here again, after we have gathered sufficient information, we will make a recommendation to the Vision Board for approval.
When the above decisions have been made, we can move to the more exciting part of this journey. Precisely, what is it that our congregation wants to do? What should our church look like in the future? This is where you, the congregation, come in. In the near future, the Task Force will establish an interactive document within the Grace website that will ask for your thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding our existing building and how this construction project will make improvements.
Additionally, on Sunday, March 7th, two meetings will be held to begin discussions of the ideas submitted as well as any new thoughts from the meetings.
Proverbs 11:14, “A nation falls through a lack of guidance, but victory comes through the counsel of many.”
Please plan to attend:
Sunday March 7th at 9:30am in person in the Sanctuary
Sunday March 7th at 11:45am on Zoom
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Mental Health Connect Speaker Series:
Tangled Up in Grief
Monday, March 8th – 6:30-8:00 pm via Zoom
After losing her son, Cole, to mental health-related issues in 2018, mental health solutions and resources became a passion for Vicki Elliott, executive director of Mental Health Connect (MHC). Join us as Vicki shares her personal story of loss, pain, and deep grief. The conversation will help us understand why grief is so complicated, why it lasts so long, and why it seems to take a winding path.
This presentation is for anyone who is grieving, who wants to help someone else as they grieve, or who simply wants to learn more about the grieving process, including resources and tools. The Zoom link to this presentation is on Mental Health Connect’s Events page. Just scroll down to “Community Events” and you’ll find the link there.
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OK@Play Movie Discussion
March 11th, at 6:30 is our next Zoom gathering to discuss the movie “Risen” by Joseph Fiennes. It is advertised as “The best film about the life of Jesus since The Passion of the Christ”. Please join us and our discussions in preparation for Easter!
What you need to do: Please watch the movie on your own prior to March 11th.
Low and Joe Jackson have left their movie at Grace for you to borrow if you wish and return back to the church when done so someone else can watch it. Otherwise the movie is available in various places to watch, rent or buy. If you have questions about this, feel free to contact one of us.
Low and Joe have also graciously offered to lead the discussion on March 11th, so we are VERY GRATEFUL for that!!
Ann Lange, Mary Jo Trapp, Deb Stang
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MARCH IS MINNESOTA FOODSHARE MONTH!
In recognition of the many Minnesotans who are still hungry, Grace is collecting non-perishable items throughout March, to be divided between our onsite Food Shelf and the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka. Please remember that food items need to be nonperishable only; no homemade, expired, or alcoholic items; and no glass containers.
Each week the Sunday School kids
are invited to bring a specific item.
This Sunday, March 7, it’s Peanut Butter!!
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There is no
Sunday School
in person or virtual
on March 14th.
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Resurrection Garden Event
March 21st 9:30 am-Noon
Suggested Donation $15 per garden kit.
EVERYONE is Welcome to participate
Register on Realm to ensure we have enough supplies for your family!
It is a fun activity for your family, a great teaching tool about Jesus’ resurrection, and a beautiful centerpiece that will grow just in time for Easter.
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First Communion Class
March 24th at 5:00 pm
Call the Church Office (763) 421-6520 for more information
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Children’s Ministry Team Presents
The Easter Eggstravaganza
March 28th at 9:30 am - 10:20 am in the Fellowship Hall
Fun for the whole family: socially distanced crafts, games, prizes, and more!
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Meals Needed
Carroll Potter has had a tough year beginning in April 2020 when she was hospitalized with Covid19. Then 4 months ago she fell at home and broke her arm and shoulder and has been at the Homestead Care Center recuperating after surgery. She is now back home, but weak. They are in need of some help with meals. Meals can be dropped off at Grace for Steve to pick up.
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Noisy Offerings
For the month of March, Noisy Offerings will be used to support our Food Shelf here at Grace and the ACBC Food Shelf in Anoka. Since March is Minnesota FoodShare month, a percentage of all donations that ACBC receives will be matched. So your gift can reach even more people! We are grateful, as always, for your compassion and generosity in caring for our neighbors!
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Give Electronically through GraceRealm |
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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.
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Instruments Available
The church owns a couple of instruments left over from when we had a music school here, and we’d like to pass them on to someone who can use them.
We have a flute and a cello, both will probably need a minor tune-up before they can be used effectively.
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Prayers of the Church
God provide compassionate and loving caregivers to all who suffer, today we pray especially for Jeanie Ranft, Kristin & Tony, Paul & Michelle, Carroll Potter, Kathy Tillery, Mary Anderson, Alan Roettger, Ralph Wernimont, Sue Barker, Mike Burckhard, Roger Bergman, Donald Bemis, Eric & Candace Mahowald and their soon to be born twins, John Malecha, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, Marge Davidson, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, 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 prayer.
In thanksgiving for those who have died and are now at peace, and for their lives that bear witness to the hope promised in the resurrection. We pray especially today for Bobby & Beth Petersen & family upon the death of their sister in law, Colette Montgomery; Bob Roettger & Family upon the death of Bob’s wife, Pat; Anne Marie & Harland Johnson upon the death of their mother, Claire Hagerty; and Bob & Diane Leverentz & family, Mike & Julie McGowan & family and Kathie Klatt and family upon the death of their mother, Kay Reavely, bring them your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, hear our prayer.
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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.
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