This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace in worship
and in ways to connect and serve.
|
|
A Note From Pastor Joanna Mitchell
|
|
Where is God in the Mess?
At our Advent Worship on Wednesday, Pastor Maria posed this question to us: Where is God in the mess? Our liturgy for the worship named the mess of 2020 and invited us to contemplate our own experience of this year and also where we have witnessed the presence of God. As I am writing this to all of you, I am sitting in a messy room. My coffee table is filled with dishes, ornament boxes, and other items that someone didn’t put away yesterday. The mess is frustrating and yet, I know with a little effort I can clean it up and I will! But there are some messes that just don’t clean up so quickly.
Church this year has been messy. How to be community in times when we are told not to gather safely together is messy. There are days when I just don’t know what the right answer is. Frankly, I want to fling our doors open on Christmas Eve and welcome everyone in for worship and then I recognize the mess of the pandemic and feel the responsibility of making the best decision for our community. How do I keep people safe physically? How do I connect people, knowing that health is so much more than about our physical bodies but it is tending to our mental health? These are some of the questions I am wrestling with this month. They are messy.
But the story of our faith is a messy one. It is a story of closed doors and the government giving orders that people didn’t necessarily like. It is a story of families dealing with problems that they didn’t think were coming their way. It is into this messy story that God is born. So how do we make room for God to be born in our mess today? How do we make room for Christ? This is the question Pastor Maria asked us. For me, it is letting go of my expectations of what everything should look like and recognizing that God is going to come in a new way. It is letting go of the idea that these are my decisions to make and knowing that God is leading us through this.
Our plan for Christmas Eve is to worship in our parking lot, IN DECEMBER, IN MINNESOTA. There is something really wild in that idea. It feels unpredictable. It feels scary. It feels like it all could go wrong. And yet, I am hopeful that this will be the place where something new will be born in us. I am confident that God will be there in the mess, bringing hope, bringing joy, bringing people together so that we might be filled with God's Spirit of love.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
|
|
Virtual Service Availability
Throughout everything we will continue to provide worship online. We will be streaming worship through Grace's YouTube account. We encourage you to join us and listen to God's word through virtual services. Worship will be posted by 5pm on Saturday evening, allowing you to worship at the time you prefer.
|
|
A Virtual Christmas Program
We are excited to announce this year we will be creating a virtual Christmas Program! Our program is called: Do Not Be Afraid! And centers around Jesus’ birth stories found in Matthew and in Luke.
Children’s Ministry and Grace’s Music Ministry are combining forces to tackle this year’s virtual program. The acting roles have been cast, but we are still working on gathering musicians and singers!
If you would like to participate musically in this year’s program, please email Jonathan Orwig at jonathano@graceandover.org
Program will air in worship on December 12/13. Invite your friends and family to attend Grace Virtual Worship that weekend. We plan to host a watch party as well via zoom!
|
|
Advent Wednesdays Worship
Now through Dec. 23rd
Advent Mid-week Worship, Wednesdays at 1pm and 7pm: Join us on Zoom for an Advent Worship experience. We will be lighting the Advent Wreath, praying together and reflecting on the significance of waiting during this season. Here is the zoom link for both Worship opportunities:
|
|
Grace Lutheran’s Christmas Eve Parking Lot Worship*
3:00 pm - Parking Lot Worship
4:00 pm - Parking Lot Worship
7:00 pm – Parking Lot Worship
*For each Worship service we will be singing Christmas carols and hearing the Christmas Story. After Worship, there will be an opportunity for family blessings.
|
|
Grace Lutheran’s Virtual
Christmas Day Worship
10:00 am on Zoom
More details to come!
|
|
It’s not too late to turn in your Statement of Intent for our 2021 Hopeful Expectations Stewardship Appeal. Help us meet our goal of increasing financial gifts by $85,000 and receiving 125 commitment cards. Remember just by turning in your card you are supporting the ministry of Grace because 7 families have pledged $10 each per Statement of Intent.
Update:
So far, we have received 82 statements of intent (as of Monday evening 11/30). Just 43 more to go! It is not to late to fill out your Statement of Intent!
Thank you for your support!
|
|
Intergenerational Zoom BINGO Night!
Sunday December 6th at 6:30pm*
Join us this Sunday for an evening of connection and games. Come and meet other people from Grace and play virtual BINGO!
*Please note that the date for this event has changed.
|
|
Christmas Around The World
A Virtual Event on Tuesday, December 8th – 7:00 PM
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift of hope — Jesus. And that is true around the world – from Haiti to Guatemala to the Philippines and Uganda! Enjoy the re-telling of Jesus’ birth by guests from all four countries during this virtual event sponsored by Feed My Starving Children. We will see our partner organization in Rakai, Uganda, and we’ll hear our sponsored children sing “Joy to the World!” Please note that this event is free, but registration is required. To register, go to https://www.fmsc.org/christmas-around-the-world. Click on the link below to learn more about this virtual event!
|
|
OK@Play Zooming through COVID
Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 pm
We have missed everyone! It’s time to get together “safely” through Zoom. We would love to have everyone join us for an online social time on:
Thursday, December 10th at 6:30 - 7:30 pm (or longer)
Don’t know how to Zoom? No problem . . . all you need is a computer, or an iPad, or your phone that has a camera and audio on it. You do not need to have the App on your device, all you need to do is click on the Zoom link below. If you would like to practice in advance, let Ann Lange know and I will send you a practice link, instructions, and walk you through getting into a Zoom meeting. It truly is very easy!
For Fun: Wear something Christmas related (i.e. antlers, hat, sweater, bells, etc.) Surprise us and make us laugh!
For Activities: We will do introductions and will have questions to get us sharing what has been going on in your life since COVID shut us down.
“Shout Out Time” Do you have any exciting news or announcement to share? Now is the time to share it! We will talk about other ideas to do on Zoom in the future - Movies, games, ?? Put your thinking Santa hats on! We are thinking of Zooming each month on the Second Thursday of the Month. We will talk about that. If we have enough people participating, we may expand to an afternoon social time and an evening social time on Zoom.
|
|
“Practicing Self-Care through the Holidays”
Sunday, Dec. 13th – 6:30-8:00 pm via Zoom
Sponsored by Grace Lutheran’s Mental Health Team
The Christmas and New Year’s holidays can be stressful under the best of circumstances. But when we consider the particularly challenging environment we find ourselves in this year – specifically, a global pandemic with all its ramifications and the aftermath of a contentious national election – it’s safe to say that most of us are experiencing a considerably higher level of stress than usual. And not only stress, but feelings of profound disappointment, loss, grief, and anxiety, as well. This Zoom gathering is intended to acknowledge the complex feelings we are experiencing and to provide strategies and tools for coping with these feelings through the holidays. We hope you’ll join us!
|
|
Calling all Holiday Bakers!
Registrations Due December 16th
It’s time for a cookie bake off! As you are baking your holiday treats this year, take a photo or two of your accomplishments and register in the first annual Grace Lutheran Holiday Bake Off. No need to bring in the cookies; just photos are needed.
Decorated delights, secret family recipes, traditional treats, unique and unusual cookies and more will be excepted! We will have PRIZES for kids and adults, so whether you are a beginning baker or a seasoned pro, YOU are welcome to participate! Registrations are due December 16th. Go to www.graceandover.org for more information and the entry form. Questions? Contact Pastor Maria Markman at MariaM@graceandover.org or Kristi Larson at KristiL@graceandover.org
|
|
Connection Sunday:
Christmas Caroling
Sunday, Dec. 20th at 10:30* am
CHRISTMAS CAROLING! Join us Sunday, Dec. 20th at 10:30* am in the church parking lot–we will meet to hand out caroling sheets, then drive (in separate cars!) to carol to some of our members and friends who have not been able to come to worship in person. Contact Jonathan Orwig jonathano@graceandover.org if you’re coming so we can prepare. If we end up with a really large group, we’ll split into two groups…. masks should be worn, and we will spread out widely to sing so we can be safe. This event will depend on current COVID-19 levels for the safety of all. (*Please note time change.)
|
|
Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
|
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR
STEPPING STONE
Through Friday, December 18th
This year, Grace will once again be providing Christmas gifts to the residents of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing in Anoka. But instead of filling a red TARGET bag with personal care items as we have done in the past, we’re asking that you consider donating a Target or Walmart gift card ($25 value). The gift cards will be inserted into Christmas cards that will be distributed to each of Stepping Stone’s 66 residents a few days before Christmas. We’ll be collecting the gift cards (or monetary donations for purchasing the cards) through Friday, December 18th. Please mail your donation to Grace Lutheran Church (or feel free to drop it off during regular office hours).
Thank you for making Christmas a little brighter for those without a home of their own.
|
|
Until All Are Fed; Grace's Food Shelf
Until All Are Fed; Grace's Food Shelf are in need of the following items. These items can be dropped off during Church Office hours. Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
Current list of needs:
Snacks
Boxed Pasta Noodles
Canned Stews
Desserts (cake mix/frosting, pudding, packaged cookies, brownie mix, etc).
|
|
Noisy Offerings
This month’s Noisy Offerings will be directed to people in our community who are experiencing financial hardship this holiday season. For the first half of December, offerings will be used to help those within the Grace community. Although we may not be able to help everyone, we strive to help those in need that we are made aware of by our Grace members. So if you - or someone you know - needs help, please let us know by contacting one of the pastors, Debbie Jorgens or Kris Miller. Thank you for your generosity!
|
|
ADOPT A SAND CREEK FAMILY FOR CHRISTMAS!
Would you like to share God’s grace in a very tangible and REAL way this Christmas? If so, please consider “adopting” a local family who will be truly blessed by your generosity. Through our Faith & Community Partnership with Sand Creek Elementary School, we will connect families, individuals, or groups from Grace Lutheran with local student families in need.
If you choose to adopt a family, you will receive a list of family members, with genders and ages, but no names. Historically, adopters have shopped for gifts and added gift cards at their discretion. But this year, because of COVID-19, buying and distributing gifts will be risky. Therefore, we are asking adopters to purchase ONLY gift cards to whatever vendor and in whatever amount the adopter chooses. If you are interested in adopting a local family this Christmas, please contact Jan Margotto at 763-434-4617.
|
|
Ways to Give Electronically |
|
GraceLink
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.
|
|
Text to Donate
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
|
|
BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT:
PLANNING GRACE’S FUTURE COURSE
Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
The Grace Building Committee met virtually Thursday, November 19th. Discussions addressed two topics. First, we ventured into the world of commercial real estate and property values. We need to know the market value of both of our properties; the church at Round Lake & Bunker and the Nightingale property 3 miles north of the church just off Crosstown Blvd. The second topic was a review of preliminary proposals we requested from 2 architectural firms and 2 design and build firms. Real estate values and building costs will help the congregation determine our path forward.
The congregation will have opportunities to engage in the property discussion with informational meetings scheduled for Sunday, January 17th and Sunday, January 24th. Information will be provided for both properties, and this time will also provide an opportunity to converse on how this decision will further our ministries. The Committee believes a final decision on property will be included as an item in our January 31st Congregational Meeting. Following that decision, congregational gatherings will be scheduled to discuss building decisions. Thank you, Charlie Wold (chasewold@yahoo.com) and Dennis Grabowski (dgrabowski@gmail.com)
|
|
Prayers of the Church
Refresh those who labor under the weight of pain or sickness. Today we pray especially for Ginny Hutchinson, Abby Larson, Mike Burckhard, Baby E, Al Sanarud, Adam, BJ Scott, Jon Brooks, Chris Vitek, Richard & Annette, Paul & Michelle, John, Erin, Jan Anderson’s sponsored daughter in Rakai, Kim, Johnnie Tillery, Charlotte Montei, Rachel O’ Brion, Eric & Candace & their unborn twins, Barb DeVries, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, John Malecha, Joe Bailey, Julie Swedberg, 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.
God of promise, grant comfort, peace, and the hope of Christ’s resurrection to all who grieve. We pray especially today for Chris and Don Pace and family upon the death of Chris’s dad, Bill DeVries Sr.; for Beth Schaefer and Scott Schaefer and family upon the death of their uncle, Loren Herbst; and for Debbie and Bob Jorgens and family upon the death of their brother-in-law, Steve. Lord, hear our prayer.
|
|
Administrator’s Corner
Hello Grace! I hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving holiday. It was a bit different, not having family and friends over, but we still had a lot to be thankful for. I’m very thankful to have the opportunity to work at Grace and even though things have been different this year, I’m excited to be part of a creative and Christ-centered team that is always thinking how to best connect and bring The Word to you. As we start our Advent season, let’s remember all the good things that make our community at Grace so special. YOU! One of the coolest things with our new Realm system, will be the ability to connect with us, with ministry groups, send messages, pictures, etc. all at the touch of a button. View the attached quick video for information on this and stay tuned for the rollout in the coming weeks!
Blessings, Frances
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
