This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
|
|
Affirmation of Faith
This upcoming weekend our 9th grade youth will be affirming their faith through the Rite of Confirmation and the Affirmation of Baptism. Typically at Grace this has been done in the afternoon at a separate worship time. However, this year, we will be holding our Confirmation during our regular worship on Sunday morning. I recognize that some of you might wonder about this change.
At my various churches we have done it both ways. Often spacing is the main reason that this worship service becomes separate. We need to somehow fit everyone and their family into the pews and we just can't do it at the regular worship service. This year 22 youth are affirming their baptism, which makes for two groups of 11 for our Sunday morning worship.
At my last congregation, we always had our Rite of Confirmation Service held during our regular worship because the classes were small enough to allow this. Here is what I loved about it. Our youth were fully seen by our congregation. They were welcomed and affirmed as adults in our church, not in a separate worship that most of the regular members didn't go to. Instead these youth were seen and embraced and prayed for by our entire congregation. I love this! This is what we promised to do at their baptism. To pray for and support these young people as they grew in faith. Together we will pray over them again and welcome them again into our congregation.
I want to encourage you to select one student on this list to pray for this week. On Sunday morning, please introduce yourself to one young person and ask them a few questions like: What's your name? What do you enjoy doing? Where do you go to school? What have you liked about catechism at Grace? What did you do for your project?
Every church I have ever served wants to have more young families and more youth in church. This is a wonderful desire. In order for this to happen, we have to invest in our youth and our young families. This means more than hiring a youth or children's ministry director, this means that you as members and friends of this community, get to know our kids, to care about them, and to support them in life and in faith.
Take a moment and think back about how you were supported as a young person. Who were the faithful adults who made an impact on you? When did you feel seen? When did you feel ignored? What difference did that make in how you showed up?
Grace Lutheran, I am so thankful for you. For your continual investment and willingness to stretch and grow. I am so excited where God is leading us together. Please join me this weekend in welcoming the newest confirmed members of Grace Lutheran Church.
|
|
Colton Abrahamson
Kilee Borchers
Trey Borchers
Nathaniel Esboldt
Andrew Evans
Jack Froslee
Mena Hamling
Alex Kopetzki
Kennedy McGowan
AJ Molitor
Wyatt Myers
|
|
Isaac Rieck
Kingsley Ripken
Alex Smith
Emily Stromberg,
Christopher Surratt
Mackenzie Uecker
Alex VanderLeest
Brooke Kjeldsen
Jameson Welle
Parker Wolski
Ella Yates
|
|
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
P.S. COVID-19 rates are very high right now. They are affecting our staff and many in the congregation. Please consider what you need to do in order to stay healthy. We are encouraging masks and reminding people to stay home if they are sick.
|
|
Congregational Meeting
May 22, 2022
10:00am in the Sanctuary
We will be having a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will be voting on three New Vision Board Members, Building Plans, and the final vote on the Constitutional Amendments. We ask that you arrive a bit early or on time as we have a lot to cover in thirty minutes. Building plan, amendment and vision board nominee details below.
|
|
Worship
-Wednesdays at 7:00pm (Resuming on June 1st)
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
|
|
We do not require masks but wearing masks is a personal choice for all attending in-person worship. If you are unvaccinated we strongly recommend masks. We do ask if you are not feeling well or ill please stay home. We will continue to live stream worship services for those who do not feel comfortable coming to worship or those who are out of the area. |
|
Connection Saturdays
With the discontinuation of Saturday Worship, we are inviting all who are interested to remain after the Saturday service to brain storm for ideas on how to best serve those who need the connection on Saturday evenings.
|
|
Fellowship
Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.
|
|
Building Plans Vote May 22nd!
The plans are below, in the Narthex and on the web site under Transforming Inside & Out. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Building Committee members or Grace's staff. We hope that you will take time to discern the different plans before the Congregational vote on May 22nd!
|
|
New Vision Board Members
At the Congregational Meeting, on May 22nd at 10am, we will be voting for three new members of the Vision Board. We hope you will join us in this vote for the future leadership of Grace! The six members of the congregation who are up for election are:
|
|
Holly Dodds
Mandi DeGrote
Chrissy Gast
|
|
Dan Johnson
David Kolar
Kendra Mattke
|
|
Meet Holly Dodds
Greetings, fellow members of Grace Lutheran Church. My name is Holly Dodds, and I have been a life-long Lutheran and active member of Grace for almost 9 years. I am a recent "empty-nester" with 2 adult sons living in the metro area. Christian resides in Brooklyn Park and Braden (along with his wife, Chelsea, and my 2 favorite small humans, Evalee and Oliver) in Lino Lakes. I am blessed to be surrounded by many extended family members in the area as well. I am also a recent retiree early this year after more than 38 years in practice as a Clinical Audiologist.
I have been involved at Grace as a participant in the Worship and Praise Team, the Call Committee for Pr. Joanna, volunteering at FMSC, Grace4Rakai, Women's Ministry events, as well as Bible studies, adult education opportunities and other various activities.
I believe that Grace as well as the greater church are poised at a time of great change and challenge, but of equally great outreach and opportunity. I am honored to be nominated for a position on the Vision Board to be involved in helping to navigate my beloved community of faith to and through whatever God calls us to in the coming years if that is how the Holy Spirit leads.
|
|
Meet Mandi DeGrote
I am Mandi DeGrote. I've been attending Grace since 2009. I've been married to my husband Tony for 17 years, I have a son Blake who is 16 years old and a sophomore at Coon Rapids High School. I work for the University of Minnesota as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Pulmonary Medicine.
I have taught Sunday School at Grace for 12 years, I'm a member of the Women's Retreat Team, I've been a small group leader during Sunday Evenings at Grace, participated with Feed My Starving Children Events and Special Events with the Choir.
It is my belief that as part of the Grace Community I should share my time and talents. I was approached to serve on the Vision Board. I believe I have the experience, energy and commitment to be a contributing member of this board.
|
|
Meet Chrissy Gast
Hi Grace family! My name is Chrissy Gast. I have been a member of Grace since 2016. My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 10 years and have two children - Isaac (9) and Morgan (6). We have lived in Andover for 7 years and our kids go to Rum River Elementary School. I have worked in the Human Resources field for 15 years in a variety of industries and roles (for example, benefits, recruiting, performance management, development, and succession planning). For the past 7 years I have worked at Medtronic where I currently oversee the global performance review and development planning program and I am a leader on our Pride LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace on the Adult Education team, leading some Conversations on Race & Culture, tech/projection at worship services, and various outreach ministries (Feed My Starving Children, Family Table, Family Promise). I have also enjoyed participating in book/Bible studies and women’s retreats.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I want to help bring God’s vision to life here at Grace, guide the church during this time of transition, and create a loving and open space for our children, neighbors and community. Thank you for your consideration!
|
|
Meet Dan Johnson
My name is Dan Johnson. My family and I first came to Grace 10 years ago looking for a new church after trying several other local options. It wasn’t long into that first service before we knew we were home. My wife Heather and I have been married for 11 1/2 years, and our daughter Mackie is 10. She was baptized shortly after we started attending, and has been involved in the youth plays. For work, I am a senior accountant for a property management company. I have been there for 15 years and do the accounting for non-profit condo and townhome associations. This entails everything from creating the financial statements, to working with the boards of directors, to financial and budgeting advice. I feel this experience and background will be helpful on the vision board, especially with the upcoming renovation project.
At Grace, I have played guitar with the Praise Team at the Saturday and Sunday contemporary services for 10 years now. I started a month or so after we began attending, and have enjoyed being a part of the services - worshipping and letting God’s love flow through the music. In addition, I have participated in Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children and God’s Work – Our Hands.
I would like to serve on the Vision Board to give back to Grace, our church family. This is our home, and I want to continue that welcoming spirit to all, as we have always been welcomed. I would like to help the upcoming building renovation go as smoothly as possible, listening and learning so that voices are heard and needs are met as we move forward on this project. In addition, continuing the wonderful outreach work Grace is known for, both in our community and globally, sharing the good news with all.
|
|
Meet David Kolar
Hello, my name is David Kolar. We joined Grace in April 2017. My wife, Marie, and I have been married for 28 years. We have two adult children. Joshua is married to Jessie, he’s a sheriff’s deputy, and currently living near by in Coon Rapids. Jessica, our daughter, is 2 classes away from completing her Master’s degree, works full time at a warehouse and coaches girls basketball at Osseo High School and two AAU squads. I am a Marine Corps Veteran and served in Desert Storm. I have been in law enforcement for over 26 years.
I enjoy participating at Grace in different capacities. I serve on the Mowing Team, Altar Guild, Ushering, Empty Nesters and wherever else that I can or wherever my wife volunteers me.
I would like to be on Vision Board because I would like to be more involved at Grace and get to know others in Grace. I also believe that being on Vision Board will help me grow in my faith.
|
|
Meet Kendra Mattke
Hello Everyone, my name is Kendra Mattke. I have been an attender/member at Grace since 2010. I have been married to my husband Jeremy for 13 years, and we have two boys. AJ is 6 and goes to Crooked Lake Elementary school. Avery is 10 and is at Andover Elementary school. I'm currently a stay at home mom with a side business selling Mary Kay, I've been doing this for 8 years.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace in many ways, mostly doing things behind the scenes, with a little bit of leading. These include: Children’s Ministry team, Women's Retreat Team, and Communion Server. I volunteer for other opportunities when they come along.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I love helping this church, and being part of making it even better is a very exciting opportunity for an already amazing church.
|
|
Amendments to Grace's Constitution |
|
This is the second and final vote for the proposed amendments to Grace's Constitution. The amendments will not go into effect until after the approval of the synod council. The precise date is unknown.
Our current constitution: 13.02 reads:
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation, at least two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregational Vision Board shall be appointed at a Vision Board meeting for a term of no more than one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive re-election.
Summary of changes: We eliminated the specificity about the Vision Board members and extended the term to have a more consistent Nominating Committee.
Proposed Amendment:
Nominating Committee constitution amending of Section C 13:02 (page 15)
C13.02
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation shall be elected at a Vision Board meeting for a term of three years. This amendment will be effective upon approval by the synod council.
Our current constitution: 13.03 reads:
An Audit Committee of three voting members shall be selected by the Congregational Vision Board. Audit committee shall not be members of the Congregational Vision Board. Term of office shall be three years, with one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election.
Summary of changes: We increased the number on the audit committee from 3 to 4 and included one Vision Board member to serve as a liaison to the Vision Board
Audit Committee Amendment – proposed new
C13:03 The Congregation Vision Board shall select an Audit Committee of no less than four voting members. Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members at large who may not be members of the Vision Board. Members at large shall have a term of office of three years, with at least one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. In addition to the members at large, there will be one voting member who is a current member of the Vision Board whose term of Office will be one year and shall be eligible for reappointment. Said member shall act as a liaison to the Vision Board.
|
|
Empty Nester Group Gathering
May 12th at 6-8:30pm
Our next gathering will be dinner at the home of Steven and Karen Gfroerer on Thursday, May 12th at 6pm. We will do outside games (Pickleball, bags, bocce ball, etc.) Please bring a snack and the Gfroerers will provide water, beer, and lemonade. In case of inclement weather, we will go inside or in the garage or both! The address is: 16041 Saint Andrews Lane, Ramsey. We look forward to having you join us! Please contact either Nancy Jenkins (dnjenkins@comcast.net) or Sandy Schmoll (sandys@graceandovoer.org) if you have any questions. All are welcome!
|
|
Confirmation
May 15, 2022
8:30am-12pm
This is for all students being Confirmed in 2022. Only students being confirmed need to register. Families and those attending do NOT need to register.
|
|
Family Table
May 15, 2022
12:30-1:30pm
Grace will be serving another Family Table “take-out” meal on Sunday, May 15th. 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 above.
We are always looking for 4 or 5 people to help in the kitchen by assembling the pre-cooked take-out meals (11:45 – 2:15PM). Food donations for side dishes will be listed on the sign-up sheet and vary each month depending on the meal we serve. We also need 3 energetic folks to run the meals to the cars as they pull up at the drive thru (12:15 – 1:30PM). Why not make it a family project! And remember, if you know of a family, who would appreciate a meal, whether they are members of Grace or not, please let us know!
|
|
8th Grade Preview Night
May 18th at 6:30pm
All 8th graders (and their parents) are invited to hear more about what happens next year during Own Your Faith which leads up to Confirmation next spring. The meeting will be on Wednesday, May 18th at 6:30 and generally lasts around an hour.
|
|
New Member Class
Sunday, May 22nd
12:00-1:30pm
Anyone interested in becoming members of Grace or if you just want to learn more about Grace and the Ministry Areas we serve, please sign up on Realm, email krism@graceandover.org or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
|
|
Picnic & Fun Middle School & High School Event
May 22, 2022 12-2pm
Middle School and High School youth are invited to Crooked Lake Park & Beach for a picnic and fun! Lunch will be provided - hot dogs, chips, drinks, and ice cream. Bring any outdoor fun items you want - games, balls, frisbees, etc. Friends welcome! Pick up and drop off at Crooked Lake Park & Beach. We will be in the picnic shelter closest to the lake (near the bathrooms).
Cost is $5.
|
|
Vacation Bible School
June 13-16
Growing spiritually doesn’t have to be an unsolved mystery! Take a four-day journey with kid detectives as they dig into a few of Jesus’ parables to solve the mysteries of how to grow their faith, how to care for, serve, and love others. They’ll discover that the answers have been there all along: spend time with God. spend time with others, use your gifts, and share your story. For schedule and more information check out VBS Registration below!
Please register by May 31st!
|
|
Summer Stretch is a dynamic summer ministry for students who have completed 5th-8th grade! Summer stretch runs every Thursday (June 23rd – August 4th - from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.) Participants will be dropped off and picked up from Grace Lutheran Church. Each Thursday, we will travel to various service projects and recreational activities around the area. Before signing up for Summer Stretch please read more about the program on the Grace Youth Ministries page.
The cost (which includes travel, entrance fees, service project fees, guest speakers, snacks, and a tee-shirt) is $250 if the deposit of $100 is paid before May 1st. This year families can "earn back" $50 by volunteering as an adult leader for one day of Summer Stretch.
The cost of Summer Stretch increases after May 1st to $300 and after June 1st to increases to $325. The balance is due on June 20th. You may pay online with a credit card or in-person with a check written to Grace Lutheran, memo lined: Summer Stretch. Students are responsible to bring their own lunch each day.
Parents: Please be sure to include your email for all communications.
|
|
Come join us for our
OK@Play June Event!
Thurs. June 23rd at 6:30 pm
Ticknor Hill Bed and Breakfast
1625 3rd Ave., Anoka, MN
Come and tour the famous Ticknor Hill Bed and Breakfast in Anoka. We will meet with, owner/innkeeper Debbie Wallace (a long time Grace member) for facts and stories from the Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1867.
We will visit with our OK@Play friends outside at the B&B and then you may choose to join others by walking to 2 Scoops on 2nd Avenue for ice cream! We hope for a beautiful summer evening of fun.
No cost, except for your ice cream. No sign up needed. No lawn chairs needed unless you want to bring a special one for yourself. We are very gracious and give thanks to Debbie for giving us this opportunity to see and enjoy their beautiful B&B atmosphere! All are welcome!
|
|
Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
|
Food Donations for
Grace Food Shelf
The Grace food shelf could use a few donations. Please drop your donations off at the Church office. Please remember we can not take perishable, expired items, alcoholic items or items in glass containers. We are in need of the following:
|
|
canned soup
boxed cereal
pancake mix
pancake syrup
chili/kidney beans
baked beans
boxed potatoes
rice
crackers and other snacks
jelly/jam
|
|
canned fruit
pasta noodles
pasta mixes (Hamburger Helper, etc)
spaghetti sauce
tomato products (diced, stewed, etc)
canned meals (stew, beefaroni, chili, etc)
desserts (cake mixes/frosting, brownie mixes, etc)
brown paper shopping bags
|
|
Noisy Offerings from May 1st to 15th will be going to Mental Health Connect. Noisy Offerings from May 16th to May 31st will be going to Family Promise. |
|
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
Please pray for: Jon Brooks, Carolyn Gautschi, Phil Knutson, Jan Wenndt, Rick Burnham, Kim Burnham, Baby Brenna O’Keefe, Lois Vadner, Colleen Wernimont, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, Betty Thompson, Harland Johnson, 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, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, and Judi Wold.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
