This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
If you missed worship this weekend join us on
Wednesday Night at 7pm in the sanctuary!
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When the Wind Blows
My daughter Helena has just completed her time as a captain of the synchronized swimming team, which also means that Jeff and I have just completed our time as a captain's parents. After two years of pandemic springs, this was the first real season for a while, which meant that most people didn't remember the way it used to be. Thanks be to God! This allowed us the freedom to do things differently and also be scrambling to get things together, while the other parents all felt we were doing a good job. How often does that happen (lately, often, but pre-2020, it was rare!)?
The synchronized swimming banquet was held on Monday night at an outdoor pavilion. Set up was at 5pm and the banquet was at 6pm. If you don't remember Monday night there were huge fierce winds, and then a huge, short storm. Thankfully the rain held off until after the banquet was over! Setting up our banquet space was a whole different ball game because every time we taped down a table cloth, or set out photos, or put up balloons; the winds would blow and change everything. We persevered for a while, and then we just went with it. There was no fighting the wind. It was more powerful than our plans, more powerful than our efforts, it was going to dictate what happened and we could either keep struggling against it, or go with it.
This Sunday is Pentecost, a time when we celebrate and acknowledge the breath and wind of God that comes upon the God's people (us). Pentecost years ago was filled with people asking questions, a major disruption, confusion and also a renewed understanding of God's presence. In the last few years, we have learned more than ever how to follow where the wind blows. It is hard to do at times, and yet, I have discovered that it is not worth fighting against the wind. It is better to just to allow the wind to guide us in what is possible and to go with it.
I will confess with the most recent change at Grace (with Pastor Maria being out on medical leave) that this current wind is one that is a little bit more abrupt than I was anticipating. It has shocked us all and we continue to pray for her healing. And yet, I am not without hope. I have learned to find joy, hope and laughter in the face of these new winds. Although I would very much like God to provide the road map for what is ahead, I am trusting in God to lead us forward and to meet new people and experience God's presence along the way. I am working my hardest to follow God's Spirit in faithfulness. So if you stop into Grace and notice that we all have messed up hair and are a little disheveled just remember God's winds are blowing here at Grace Lutheran and we are readjusting our sails as we chart our course into new waters.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
P.S. I am excited to welcome to the team at Grace, Kelsey Russell, who is working part time as Assistant Children's Ministry Director.
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Vacation Bible School
June 13th-16th
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!
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Wednesday Worship
Begins this Week-June 1st
We will be starting back up our weekly Wednesday Worship beginning this Wednesday, June 1st! We will be having Bible Study at 6pm in room 105/107 (bring your bible if you want, or we will have some here for you too) and then Worship, based upon last Sunday's scripture, at 7pm in the Sanctuary. Come for all, or part of our Wednesday evening together.
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Summer Worship
-Sundays at 8:30am Traditional
-Sundays at 10am Contemporary
-Wednesdays at 7pm Contemporary
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Wear RED to Worship this Weekend!
In keeping with Grace Lutheran's tradition of wearing RED on Pentecost Sunday, we are encouraging everyone to wear RED to Worship this weekend (June 5th).
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Kids Time @ Grace this Summer
We invite kids ages 3 and up to participate in Kids Time. Kids Time is for those who would like to go outside during the sermon for learning and fun.
Kids Time is offered:
Wednesday Night Worship 7pm
Sunday Worship 10am
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Coffee, water and treats will be available in the Narthex after worship.
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Welcome Kelsey Russell!
The staff at Grace would like to welcome Kelsey Russell to our team! Kelsey has joined the staff as the part-time Assistant Children's Ministry Director.
Hi Grace family! My name is Kelsey Russell and I have been attending Grace ever since I was a kid in Sunday school. I became a member here in 2016 after I finished catechism. Growing up I had the most loving parents, Mike and Tracie, and two sisters, Brenna and Lauren, who are my built-in best friends. I also have 2 crazy golden retrievers named Bear and Ivy. I graduated from Andover High School in 2019, where I played soccer and cross-country skiing. Outside of school activities I was a catechism leader for 3 years. Currently, I work full-time as a Team Lead at Andover Target. In my free time I enjoy watching Minnesota sports, going up north to my family's cabin, and spending time with my boyfriend, family, and friends. I am so excited to be a part of the amazing staff here at Grace!
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PowerPoint and Streaming Help Wanted!
We are in search of new volunteers to help on Sunday mornings (And Wednesday evenings) with our PowerPoint projection and Streaming. It is not a large commitment, nor is it difficult to learn. One Sunday (or Wednesday) a month! Volunteers will go through a short training session, and then be able to assist. If you are interested, or have questions, please contact David Phelps. (It really is not that hard, and there are detailed instructions for every step of the way.)
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Graceful Seniors for June!
Due to Vacation Bible School the week of June 13th-17th, Graceful Seniors will be meeting on Tuesday, June 21st at 8:30am.
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Summer Stretch is a dynamic summer ministry for students who have completed 4th-8th grade! (We are opening Summer Stretch to Grace's 4th graders!) 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.
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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!
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Empty Nester Event
Date Change to Thursday, June 23rd
Thursday, June 23rd from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the home of Doug and Angie Hanson. Their address is: 15102 152nd Terrace NW, Ramsey. This event will be a bon fire. Please bring a lawn chair and BYOB. The Hansons will provide snacks.
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Meals for the Fernandez Family
Please click on the button below to sign up. The family would like meals for 3 people each day. NO NUTS. NO FISH. For gift cards, Noodles, Panera, and Mansetti's are favorites. There are separate coolers for hot and cold items on the porch. If meals can be delivered by 5:00pm, that would be much appreciated. Gift cards can be placed in the coolers too, if desired. The Fernandez home address is 2237 151st Lane NW. If you have any questions, please email or call Nancy Jenkins at 763-354-9764 or Anne Weikle at 763-242-5372. Frances and her family are so appreciative of your meals, your support, and your prayers!! If you would like to visit Samantha's Caring Bridge page to get updates on her progress please click here. (You will have to create an account or sign into your account.)
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Cereal Boxes and Regular Sharpies NEEDED For VBS!!!
VBS is in need of 60 carboard cereal boxes any variety in 10 oz. or bigger! VBS also needs 80 regular Sharpie fine point type permanent markers! If you can donate please bring them into the church and put them on the cart outside of the Children's Ministry Office.
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Uber or Lyft Driver Opportunity
Grace is in the discussion stages of looking for an Uber or Lyft Driver who may be interested in contracting with the church to provide transportation for elderly folks who are unable to get to church themselves. If you or someone you know is a driver and is interested, sign up the blue sheet in your bulletin or contact the Church Office 763-421-6520.
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Noisy Offerings from June 1st to June 15th will be going to Grace 4 Rakai. |
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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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Prayers of the Church
Please pray for: Pastor Maria Markman, George Scholten, Mike Burckhard, Maydelle Fennick, Harland & Anne Marie Johnson, Michele Hamling, Tom Taillefer, Phil Knutson, Rick Burnham, Kim Burnham, Lois Vadner, Colleen Wernimont, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, 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, Linda Christiansen, and Judi Wold.
We pray for those who have suffered the death of a loved one: Marie & David Kolar and Isabel Burckhard & Family upon the death of Marie's Aunt & Isabel's sister-in-law, June Burckhard; Mitch & Mary Danielson & Family upon the death of Mitch’s father, Erling; Joe & Low Jackson upon the death of Low's Uncle, Glennes Pahl.
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Deadline for Grace Notes is
Monday, June 6th at 5pm
The June/July Grace Notes deadline for articles is June 6th at 5pm. Grace Notes will be sent out to homes to on June 10th. Please send your articles in to Marie Kolar in Word format at mariek@graceandover.org.
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