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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Dear Grace Friends,
It takes a lot to get me out of the house in the winter. It's so cold, and these past few weeks have been good reminders to me of why January is my least favorite month. However, usually when I brave the cold, and show up for something, I am thankful. It helps the day to move along. It reminds me of the connection we have in Minnesota in spite of the cold. It also reminds me of the strength, and perseverance that Minnesotans have because year after year, we continue to live life through the cold and dark.
I heard a story recently that there is a small village in Norway where it is completely dark there for a period of time each winter. But, the people who live in this village, name this as their favorite time of year. Why? Because they gather together, they tell stories, they build their community during this time because in the summer they will have 24 hours of daylight and be too busy to sit with each other, to listen and learn.
In February, we are kicking off our Transforming Inside & Out Generosity Appeal. We are inviting you to come out of your houses each Saturday or Sunday for 5 weeks and Worship with us. We want to share with you the ways that we have seen God at work through the ministry of Grace and also what God is inviting us to do as we move into the future. We want to hear from you too. How has God showed up in your life? How have you experienced transformation in body, mind and spirit? How have you experienced generosity?
Please mark your calendar for the following weekends:
- February 5th/6th- Kick off weekend
- February 12th/13th
- February 19th/20th
- February 26th/27th
- March 5th/6th- Commitment Weekend
- March 19/20 and 26/27th Celebration Weekends.
Our worships will be filled with your stories, with song, and with an opportunity to listen to God. As we have been preparing for this Generosity Appeal, I will tell you honestly, I have already felt God's transforming power working within me. I have seen in it already in the leadership of our co-chairs, Greg Ackerson and Tracie Russell. I am looking forward to seeing God work in and through you!
Although February is a little bit better than January, it is still cold and yet, I believe this is something worth getting up and out of your house to be a part of. Come join us! And if you can't come in-person please know that all of our worship will be online and we will be sharing the stories with you via our webpage. Please know your presence is needed and important to our community at Grace.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna
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Remembering and Honoring Pastor Hahn
by Pastor Maria
Many Sundays as I prepare for worship, I gently place a silver cross around my neck. As I do, I remember and honor Pastor Delwayne Hahn. The cross was his and a gift from his family to me at his funeral. They gifted his stoles and his alb as well however because of our height difference those went to Kristi Larson and Pastor Joanna. I am again reminded of Pastor Hahn and his influence in my ministry and our lives this week especially, Monday, January 24th marked a year since his death and his resurrection to everlasting life. I wonder if all his wonderings have been answered as he sits with God and is invited to ask all of his questions. I wonder if he is enjoying his time reunited with his beloved Marilyn. And sharing jokes and theological quips with Charles Schultz (Peanuts Cartoonist). Pastor Hahn’s ministry had a profound effect on me and my journey, being the first to wonder if God was calling me to pastoral ministry at Grace after completing seminary and working as children’s ministry director. I assured him that was not how the church and synod offices worked especially when placing single young first call pastors in their first calls. But Pastor Hahn trusted that God had something else in mind, so much so he was ready and willing to set aside whenever I was ready to step into the role. I remember the first week I returned from my transition from children’s ministry director to associate pastor of faith formation, Pastor Hahn had moved from his office (even had it repainted!) encouraging me to use it and step into my calling. It wasn’t long after that Pastor Hahn’s treatments made it more and more difficult for him to come into the office at all. Grief is funny, it shows up when it wants and doesn’t always follow a clear path. The first celebrations without someone you love can be very difficult as you wish they were there, as you create memories that honor them without them there and as you think about things left undone or unsaid. I know many of you at Grace know all too well what I am writing about. A year ago, while Pastor Hahn was sick, I had COVID. My diagnosis kept me fever ridden for 14 days. It was in those days, I had scheduled to go and visit Pastor Hahn with communion. I didn’t get to go because I was sick and surely contagious could not go visit him. This is one of my greatest hurts when I remember Pastor Hahn. And I know when we communion as a congregation that we too, commune with all the saints who have gone before us and who will come after us, including Pastor Hahn! Join me in inviting the saints to commune with us.
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV (A translation Pastor Hahn liked better than the NRSV) |
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Worship
-Wednesdays at 7:30pm Intergenerational
(No Wed. Worship on Feb. 2nd)
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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We do not require masks but we strongly encouraged masks 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.
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Fellowship
Fellowship is after Worship on Sundays. Goodies and coffee are available in the Narthex after worship.
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Wednesday Nights at Grace
6:00-6:30pm Family Pizza-ON HOLD until Feb. 9th
6:30-7:30pm-Children, Catechism, High School, Adult Large and Small Groups
7:30-8:00pm-Intergenerational Worship
8:00-9:00pm-High School Fellowship
(Please note that there will not be Children activities, Adult Large and Small Groups, and Worship on Wed., Feb. 2nd. There will be Catechism.)
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Congregational Meeting
Sunday, January 30th
at 9:45am-10:20am
Every year, Grace takes a day to review what we've done in the last year and discuss what we will do in the next. This year, the annual meeting for Grace Lutheran Church will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at 9:45am to 10:20am in the Worship Center. We will review the 2021 Annual Report, voting on the 2022 budget and also hearing from the Vision Board regarding the distribution of the tithe. Please mark your calendars and join us for this important morning in our life together.
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Projection/Streaming Training!
Are you interested in running our projections, or helping with the live stream? We would WELCOME your presence in the sound booth! David Phelps will be offering short training sessions after Saturday worship, and between services on Sunday. If you have any questions you can email David at davidp@gracelutheran.org, or just show up on Saturday or Sunday.
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Self-Care for the Caregiver
Monthly virtual sessions: begins January 27th at 6pm; offered the last Thursday of each month. A virtual monthly drop in group, Care/Support for the Caregiver. Each of these groups would provide community, support and an education topic. There will be a MHC Navigator, a therapist and our educator (Drew Brooks) at the meeting each month. Many of you are searching for help for a loved one, but you also need support too.
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The Genius of Generosity Book Studies
Sundays & Wednesdays
The Genius of Generosity Book Study -Follow author Chip Ingram through this short book and study on the genius of living a generous life. Ingram pulls from his own life experience, from other faithful people's lives, and from the Bible in this fantastic study on Generosity. Ingram even invites us into our own experiment on Generosity! The Genius of Generosity has transformed the way I look at generosity and I pray that you will join us and allow it to transform you too! Join one of the following book studies during the month of February. Sign up on Realm where you can also indicate whether you have ordered your own book or need one from Grace. We have books for free will donation available please indicate whether you need one or not on your online registration. You may also sign up by calling the church office. We are offering different meeting times in hopes that you will find a time that suits you and your schedule best!
- Sundays in between services (9:45-10:20am) in the fellowship hall. February 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th.
- Wednesday Evenings In-person (6:30-7:30pm) in room 105/107. February 9th, 16th, and 23rd.
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Wednesday Evenings via Zoom (6:30-7:30pm) February 9th, 16th, and 23rd.
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Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, Feb. 6th
9:30am-12:30pm
Sunday, February 6th in the Grace Fellowship Hall after all Worship Services, 9:30am-12:30pm. Enjoy delicious pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee while supporting our local Boy Scouts. Freewill offering is greatly appreciated.
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Valentine Dance
Friday, February 11th
6:00-7:30pm
On Friday, February 11th from 6:00-7:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall, we will be having a Valentine Dance! All ages are welcome, dance, craft, cookies, and more! We encourage you to wear your best Valentine's Day attire! A great event for grandparents and grandchildren!
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Empty Nesters/Parents of
Independent Children Group
Monday, Feb. 14th @ 6:30pm
Love & Money
Our next event will be on Monday, February 14th from 6:30 pm to 7:45 pm in the Seeds of Grace preschool classroom. We will socialize, have dinner, and discuss a lighthearted topic.
This group is still searching for a better, more accurate name, but we know our purpose: we are a welcoming group that gathers together for dinner, conversations, volunteering, and fun events. As our kids become more independent and reach milestones such as being confirmed, getting their driver’s license, or graduating from high school, we often sense a loss of connection with our kids and also with other parents at church. This group is for you if:
- You no longer have kids living under your roof
- If you have an adult “child” (18-30 years old) still living at home
- You have teenagers who can drive and you sense the changes that are approaching as they will someday graduate from high school
- You wonder whether anyone has good ideas on how to “parent” teenagers and adult “children” who live at home.
Since we will be serving dinner, we ask that you please register on Realm or contact Nancy Jenkins (dnjenkins@comcast.net) or Sandy Schmoll (sandys@graceandover.org). Please email us if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you!
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President’s Day Snow Tubing Trip to Elm Creek!
Monday, Feb. 21st
1:00pm-5:00pm
Middle and High School Youth are invited to an afternoon of snow tubing on Monday, February 21st. Meet at church at 1:00pm to carpool to Elm Creek in Maple Grove and then back to church for hot cocoa and a snack. Pick up from church at 5:00pm. Warming houses are available, please bring warm clothes appropriate for tubing. Cost is $15. Friends are always welcome! Sign up on Realm!
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Wild Mountain Ski Trip
Tues., Feb. 22nd
9:00am to 5:00pm
In December, a group from Grace went skiing at Wild Mountain and we had a BLAST! Anoka-Hennepin has Tuesday, February 22nd off and we are planning another Wild Mountain Youth and Family Ski Day! Open to all: adults, families, children, youth and friends. New skiers and old pros are invited to sign up. Students under 6th grade must have an adult join them. We will carpool from church at 9:00am. Youth without an adult will be supervised and driven by an adult leader. Cost is: $30 for adults, $26 for students plus $24 for anyone needing ski or snowboard rentals. Sign up on Realm by February 16th.
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Grace's Opportunities for Giving |
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Noisy Offerings
Noisy Offerings support outreach in our community and in our world. Noisy Offering collected from Jan. 16th to Jan. 31st will be going to Family Promise in Anoka.
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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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Welcome Phil Gautschi
We are very excited to welcome Phil Gautschi to our team at Grace Lutheran Church. Phil is our new part-time custodian. He works Monday through Weds during the day and some evenings to close. Please take time to welcome him.
Phil and his family have been members of Grace for over 2 years. He and his wife Shannan live in Coon Rapids with their daughters Stella (6 years old) and Luna (3 years old). When Phil is not busy taking out trash and fixing things at Grace, you can see him rocking out at our local Roller Rink. Phil has vast experience in plumbing and drain cleaning along with being a former radio personality. He is a “jack” of all trades. We are thrilled to welcome him to our team.
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Prayers of the Church
We pray especially for R D Nelson, Peggy Zellmer, Kathy Beckman, John Cairl, Tanya Blue & Family, Betty Thompson, Scott Christensen, Eric Nelson, Gayle Pacholl, Cathy Stoll, Margret Olson, Jan Quick, Harland Johnson, Jason Beckman, Baby Dylan Salfer, Lu Henning, Jeffrey Kintzler, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Carroll Potter, Clint Trousil, Luke Galland, John Malecha, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Christopher Sluis, Julie Swedberg, LaDonna Lilyquist, Charlotte Montei, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont. We pray especially for those who have experienced the death of a loved one, especially Marge Davidson upon the death of her brother, David Olsen; Doreen & family upon the tragic death of her son, Terry; John & Lavonne Hite upon the death of their son, Dennis Hite.
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Grace Notes Articles for March
Due Tuesday, February 15th at 5:00pm
Please have all articles for the March Grace Notes, which will be in homes by Feb, 28th. Please send articles in Word format to Marie Kolar by 5pm on Tuesday, February 15th to mariek@graceandover.org.
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