A few years ago, our Christmas tree fell over. This was the first time we had experienced this destruction. It added both laughter and stress to the Christmas Season. Since then, we have had multiple trees fall, which has resulted in my husband Jeff always looking for a smaller and more stable tree. I think he achieved his goal this year (see picture.)

Our tree this year, is a little over 5 feet and very thin. We have been joking since we put it up that once the branches drop it will be magnificent. Daily, one of us will ask, "Have the branches dropped yet?" Jeff will respond, "Not yet, but I am sure it will be any time now."

The reality is the branches are not going to drop any more than they have. And yet, we wait in hope. Not necessarily for something as trivial as Christmas Tree branches, but for God's promises and God's blessings. We wait in hopeful expectation. Waiting in hope doesn't mean that we passively just stare at our Christmas tree that is too small, it means that we pay attention. In Advent, we are called to awaken, to pay attention, to be bearers of God's love in a hurting world.

What will this look like for you this Advent? What is God inviting you to notice and how will you respond?

Blessed Advent!

Pastor Joanna Mitchell

We do not require masks but it is strongly encouraged for unvaccinated people at in-person worship. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask, please feel free to do so. 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.

One of the Gods Work Our Hands projects this year was to paint two bedrooms and a bathroom at Bertha.  For those of you who are not familiar with Bertha, Bertha a manufactured home is one of the homes made available as part of Family Promises “Home for Keeps” program. Through this program families who have experience homelessness have the opportunity to own their home. On September 26^th a six member team completed painting project mention above . I am happy to announce as of last Thursday a family of three has moved in, in time to celebrate Thanksgiving in their new home.

 The faithful team of volunteers who renovated the Day Center and updated the Bridge House are nearly done with their next big project—updating the Blaine Home for Keeps mobile home affectionately named “Bertha”. As many of you know, the family that was formerly housed in Bertha chose to move on to another housing program that is a better fit for them. With the help of our dedicated volunteers we have been able to update this home for the next eligible family to move in before the holiday season arrives. Project updates included painting inside and out, installing new screen door, new flooring, concrete work on the front entrance, resealing the roof with a fresh coat of paint and much more. Special thanks to a team from Grace Lutheran. 

Middle School is Friday December 10^th - 7:00-9:00pm at Church! Games, snack, art project and the always exciting white elephant exchange! Cost is $5 and one wrapped white elephant gift. Friends are always welcome! Sign up on Realm.

High School Christmas Party on Friday December 17^th 8:00 – 11:00pm! We will have a fun creative Christmas challenge, snacks and lots of games including night games around the church! The cost is $10! Bring a friend and sign up on Realm!

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.

Grace will once again be providing Christmas gifts to the residents of Stepping Stone Emergency Housing in Anoka. In the past you have known this outreach as the red Target recycle bags with personal care items, last year we did only gift cards due to COVID-19. This year is again a bit different - we will be providing needs to Stepping Stone’s Santa Shoppe. Click here for a list of items you can choose to shop for. Gift items should be returned to Grace and placed in the tote labeled “Stepping Stone Homeless Santa Shoppe” by the weekend of December 11-12.  

We pray especially for: Cameron & Family, Josh Carlson, Korrie Zupon, The Daugherty’s, Ashley Pudas, Darrell Ekstrom, Becky Anderson, Kelly Larson, Jim Perra, Dave Lexcen, Baby Dylan Salfer, Lu Henning, Jeffrey Kintzler, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Jan Galvin, Jason Beckman, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, Luke Galland, Margret Olson, John Malecha, Stephanie Fernandez, Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Lynn Zirkle Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.

We also pray for those who have recently experienced a death: The Lawrence and Schlechter families upon the death of Darcy Schneider, and the family of Ashley Miller-Carlson upon her tragic death.