Happenings and Messages from Grace Lutheran Church! | |
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This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace
in worship and in ways to connect and serve.
Sunday Worship: 8:45am (Traditional)
and 10:30am (Contemporary)
Wednesday Night Programing begins at 5:30pm
with Worship at 7pm
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Thanksgiving for Staff
Dear Grace Friends,
I wanted to let you know about a few staff transitions. Frances Fernandez who has served as our Church Administrator and more recently part-time Human Resources and Payroll has submitted her letter of resignation. Frances has been working full-time this fall at the University of Minnesota, and has found that balancing this work, and the work at Grace is too much. Her last day will be November 15th and we will be giving thanks for her work and ministry at Grace sometime soon. Thankfully, Frances is not leaving our community at Grace and will continue to serve as a worship leader and in other volunteer positions. I am immensely grateful for Frances. She is a truly dedicated person, whose faithfulness is inspirational. She supported us all through COVID and continued to serve Grace even when her daughter Samantha went through kidney failure and a transplant. She helped us get grants, ensured we got the employee retention credit and led us through our database transition to Realm and much more. I am so grateful for her! I am in no way surprised that the University of Minnesota wanted to keep and expand Frances role with them. She's an incredible asset. I wish her all the best and will miss her on our team.
I am also very excited to welcome Aaron VanDanacker to our staff. Aaron is our new Organist and Accompanist. Aaron works for Stillwater schools and has an extensive background in worship leadership at different churches. He is a gifted musician and organist and we are immensely blessed to have him join our team. I hope that you will take time and introduce yourself to Aaron and welcome him to Grace.
In this month of Thanksgiving, I give thanks to God for the wonderful gift of Frances and all that she gave and shared with Grace and give thanks for this new opportunity with Aaron. May God bless them and all of us as we move forward together in faith.
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
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Sunday Live Streaming Update
We have heard from some that our Live Stream of Sunday Worships are hard to access (or not available) through the Grace website. Because of that, we have created a link that will take you directly to YouTube so you can join for worship wherever you are! Click Here, or copy and paste grace-andover.org/stream into your browser address bar.
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Feed My Starving Children Event
Saturday, November 18th
9:00-10:30am
Register by going to FMSC.org
| Our group has reserved 100 spots. Only 39 spots remain! Invite family and friends and join us today. If you have trouble registering please call the church office. Here is the join code. NY1L2Y or click here. | |
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December Grace Notes
Article Deadline Nov. 15th
(WEDNESDAY!)
If you would like an article in the December Grace Notes Newsletter please have them into Marie Kolar on Wed., Nov. 15th by 5pm. Please have them in Word format and email to Marie at mariek@graceandover.org.
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Family Promise Open House
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm
Location: 363 Coon Rapids, BLVD. NW Coon Rapids, MN 55433
You are invited to an Open House to celebrate the new office and Family Service Center! Visit with staff and learn more about the vision and next steps for Family Promise. You will also have the opportunity to view the proposed site plans for the residential side of the Family Promise Campus!
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The Grace Giving Tree
If you know of a Grace family who is in need please direct them to fill out an application for The Grace Giving Tree. Applications are available in the mail slot across from the church office, by clicking here or by contacting Annie Fitzl at 715-225-9957 (call/text) or andreafitzl@hotmail.com. Applications are due by Friday, November 24th.
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Christmas Camp Out
Join us for Children's Ministry's 2nd Annual Christmas Camp-out! No! Not a real camp-out, but a camp themed Christmas event for the whole family!
Sunday December 3rd in the Fellowship Hall 5:00-7:00pm
Hot dogs will be provided, bring a picnic potluck side to share! We will have storytelling around a "campfire," twinkling lights, crafts, games and so much more! No need to sign up! Invite friends- we cannot wait to see you there!
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Grace's Opportunities for Christmas Giving | |
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Wish List for the Holidays at
Stepping Stone Emergency Housing
Once again, this year, we look to Grace to help bring holiday joy to the residents at Stepping Stone. Click here to find out about holiday giving to Stepping Stone.
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How To Help At Sand Creek Elementary | |
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Adopt A Family
Please consider “adopting” a Sand Creek Elementary family who will be truly blessed by your generosity. For more information click here.
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Clothing Needs
Sand Creek School is looking for girls’ and boys’ size 6-10 new underwear, and size S to XL leggings or athletic pants with stretchy waist. The donations are much appreciated and the donation box is in the entryway.
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Thanksgiving Turkeys
Thanksgiving Baskets are being given to 10 families at Sand Creek Elementary. Donations of 12-15 lb. turkeys are needed. Turkeys should be dropped off at Grace by Sunday, November 19th. Sign up on the blue sheets or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
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Family Promise Wish List
Click here to see The Family Promise Wish List.
Please drop your items off at the Church Office or contact Gayle Pacholl at pacholls@comcast.net
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Giving Opportunities At Grace | |
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Grace Is Getting New Hymnals!
The Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) Hymnal was published in 2006 and combines the green and blue books we currently use. It also has updated language to be more inclusive. We are investing in these hymnals, and you have the opportunity to help. A $25 gift will provide one hymnal, and a dedication on the inside cover.
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Noisy Offerings in November will be going to Grace 4 Rakai & Stepping Stone. | |
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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 Tracie 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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Election of New Bishop
We will be electing a new Bishop in 2024. Click here for more information.
There is a Zoom listening session on Wed., Nov. 15th at 12pm. During these one-hour sessions, a pair from the bishop election committee will guide you through a series of questions. We'll also invite you to share the gifts, responsibilities, and traits you'd like our next bishop in this synod to have as we discern who God might be calling next to lead our synod.
Also, we will be electing our Lay Voting Member for our Synod Assembly in February at our congregational meeting. If you are interested please reach out to Pastor Joanna Mitchell at
joannam@graceandover.org
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray especially for: Linda Breyette, Bev Scott, Kim, Dean & Jake, Alex Bombard, Flossie Knutson, Logan, Brayden, Pat Scheuer, Shirley Kirkendall, Gary Spielman, Lois Vadner, Dave LaFlamme, Sr., Harley Palmer, Tara Swedberg, Bev Tkachenko, Dan Husak, Ken Quick, Teri Beckers, Judy Herring, Ann Lange and all those in need of long term prayers. Leah Hadler, Rick Breyette, Clint Trousil, Diane Rosky, Shannan Gautschi, Juleen Klawiter, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont
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