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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Laying On Of Hands
The laying on of hands is an ancient tradition in the church, where we pray over someone. At my last church and pre-COVID we often would lay hands on people when they were commissioned for positions of leadership, new members, confirmands, the list goes on and on. It felt like we did it ALL THE TIME. Here at Grace, I remember my installation when you all laid hands on me and prayed for my ministry here with you. And then this past Sunday we did it again with the confirmation students in their affirmation of faith. I think since COVID this is the first time we have done it in this capacity, inviting family and friends up to be a part of it. It felt vulnerable and also right. I recognize that COVID is still present (right now we have two staff members home sick with COVID) and so I wanted people to do what felt okay and safe for them. And yet, there is something to be said, for parents, grandparents, God parents, siblings, mentors, and of course leaders at the church praying over our kids. The words of the confirmation blessing get me every time. "Confirm her faith, guide her life, give her patience in suffering and lead her to everlasting life." I remember laying hands on my own kids, and praying these words over them. It's those words patience in suffering that I trip on because they are so true. Our life of faith does not include a skip or bypass of suffering, instead, we pray for patience in our suffering, recognizing it is part of life. Recognizing that in our suffering we cannot just skip over the hard parts.
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My dad and I have been going to grief group together. At our last session, the speaker passed out a grief wheel. The grief wheel shows the journey one goes through in their grief. As we looked at the chart she pointed out that the only way to get to healing is to go through despair. There is no short cut- despair is a necessary path if you are going to get to healing. I have been amazed at my dad's vulnerability and openness in his grief. He cries a lot and talks about hard things. In those moments of his despair and sadness the thing that I find most helpful to do is to lay my hands on his arm and to just sit with him. There is no magic wand to help him, it is just being patient together in suffering.
It is vulnerable to lay hands on your kids as we pray the words: "give them patience in suffering" because we want to protect them from suffering, and not confess that there will be suffering. But this is an important part of why faith is so important. Because we do not shy away from the reality, and vulnerability of life. We name it. We pray about it. We walk together in. We lay hands on one another and we are willing to go through despair together because on the other side is healing. Thanks be to God!
Blessings,
Pastor Joanna Mitchell
P.S. Numerous spam emails have gone out asking for your attention and help. They are ALL scams. I WILL NEVER ask for money or gift cards in this fashion, nor will anyone else on staff. Thank you for your concern for me.
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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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Congregational Meeting
Sunday, May 22, 2022
10:00am in the Sanctuary
We will be having a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, May 22, 2022 at 10:00am in the Sanctuary. We will be voting on three New Vision Board Members, Building Plans, and the final vote on the Constitutional Amendments. In order to vote at this meeting, you need to be a member of Grace Lutheran. This means that you need to be a transferred member, confirmed at Grace or gone through (or going through on 5/22) the New Member class. In order to vote you must be present for the meeting, there will be no absentee voting.
We ask that you arrive a bit early or on time as we have a lot to cover in thirty minutes. Results of the voting will not be immediately available. We will send out the voting results via a special Grace At A Glance. Building plan, amendment and vision board nominee details below.
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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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Update on Samantha Fernandez:
Last week Samantha received a kidney transplant on Wednesday (5/11) as of last night (5/17) she is home. Here is an update from Frances:
We are looking to discharge tonight. Thanks be to God! Her kidney is moving in the right direction and now comes the reality of our new lives. She has been very anxious the last couple of days with worries of rejection and what if's. She'll be taking 18 new medications and having labs 3 times a week as we continue to monitor the kidney function and her body's tolerance of this new organ. This is only the first 10 yard dash of a multi marathon. We are waiting on an anticoagulation plan as well as removal of her IJ line (internal jugular line) on her neck. She's learned how to safely transfer from bed, into tub, walk, etc. Now we're looking forward to come home. As she's immunocompromised she will not be able to have visitors at home or come to church for at least a month or two.
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Worship
-Saturdays at 5:00pm Contemporary
-Sundays at 8:45am Traditional
-Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary
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Summer Worship
BEGINNING MAY 29th
-Sundays at 8:30am Traditional
-Sundays at 10am Contemporary
-Wednesdays at 7pm Contemporary
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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 at the Wednesday Night 7pm Worship and the 10:30/10am Sunday Worship this summer!
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Saturday Worship Potluck Dinner
Saturday, May 21st after Worship
We will be having a Saturday Worship Potluck dinner after Worship on Saturday, May 21st. Please bring a dish to share. Stay after worship for fellowship and great food!
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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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Building Plans Vote May 22nd!
The plans are below, in the Narthex and on the web site under Transforming Inside & Out. If you have any questions, please reach out to the Building Committee members or Grace's staff. On the ballot will be the Original Option B with the budget of $2.2 million and Option B2 with the budget of $3 million. There will be a spot on the ballot where you can write in another option. We hope that you will take time to discern the different plans before the Congregational vote on May 22nd!
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Option C1 will not be on the ballot but can be written in if you would like to vote for this option. |
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New Vision Board Members
At the Congregational Meeting, on May 22nd at 10am, we will be voting for three new members of the Vision Board. We hope you will join us in this vote for the future leadership of Grace! The six members of the congregation who are up for election are:
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Holly Dodds
Mandi DeGrote
Chrissy Gast
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Dan Johnson
David Kolar
Kendra Mattke
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Meet Holly Dodds
Greetings, fellow members of Grace Lutheran Church. My name is Holly Dodds, and I have been a life-long Lutheran and active member of Grace for almost 9 years. I am a recent "empty-nester" with 2 adult sons living in the metro area. Christian resides in Brooklyn Park and Braden (along with his wife, Chelsea, and my 2 favorite small humans, Evalee and Oliver) in Lino Lakes. I am blessed to be surrounded by many extended family members in the area as well. I am also a recent retiree early this year after more than 38 years in practice as a Clinical Audiologist.
I have been involved at Grace as a participant in the Worship and Praise Team, the Call Committee for Pr. Joanna, volunteering at FMSC, Grace4Rakai, Women's Ministry events, as well as Bible studies, adult education opportunities and other various activities.
I believe that Grace as well as the greater church are poised at a time of great change and challenge, but of equally great outreach and opportunity. I am honored to be nominated for a position on the Vision Board to be involved in helping to navigate my beloved community of faith to and through whatever God calls us to in the coming years if that is how the Holy Spirit leads.
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Meet Mandi DeGrote
I am Mandi DeGrote. I've been attending Grace since 2009. I've been married to my husband Tony for 17 years, I have a son Blake who is 16 years old and a sophomore at Coon Rapids High School. I work for the University of Minnesota as a Clinical Research Coordinator in Pulmonary Medicine.
I have taught Sunday School at Grace for 12 years, I'm a member of the Women's Retreat Team, I've been a small group leader during Sunday Evenings at Grace, participated with Feed My Starving Children Events and Special Events with the Choir.
It is my belief that as part of the Grace Community I should share my time and talents. I was approached to serve on the Vision Board. I believe I have the experience, energy and commitment to be a contributing member of this board.
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Meet Chrissy Gast
Hi Grace family! My name is Chrissy Gast. I have been a member of Grace since 2016. My husband, Kevin, and I have been married for 10 years and have two children - Isaac (9) and Morgan (6). We have lived in Andover for 7 years and our kids go to Rum River Elementary School. I have worked in the Human Resources field for 15 years in a variety of industries and roles (for example, benefits, recruiting, performance management, development, and succession planning). For the past 7 years I have worked at Medtronic where I currently oversee the global performance review and development planning program and I am a leader on our Pride LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace on the Adult Education team, leading some Conversations on Race & Culture, tech/projection at worship services, and various outreach ministries (Feed My Starving Children, Family Table, Family Promise). I have also enjoyed participating in book/Bible studies and women’s retreats.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I want to help bring God’s vision to life here at Grace, guide the church during this time of transition, and create a loving and open space for our children, neighbors and community. Thank you for your consideration!
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Meet Dan Johnson
My name is Dan Johnson. My family and I first came to Grace 10 years ago looking for a new church after trying several other local options. It wasn’t long into that first service before we knew we were home. My wife Heather and I have been married for 11 1/2 years, and our daughter Mackie is 10. She was baptized shortly after we started attending, and has been involved in the youth plays. For work, I am a senior accountant for a property management company. I have been there for 15 years and do the accounting for non-profit condo and townhome associations. This entails everything from creating the financial statements, to working with the boards of directors, to financial and budgeting advice. I feel this experience and background will be helpful on the vision board, especially with the upcoming renovation project.
At Grace, I have played guitar with the Praise Team at the Saturday and Sunday contemporary services for 10 years now. I started a month or so after we began attending, and have enjoyed being a part of the services - worshipping and letting God’s love flow through the music. In addition, I have participated in Habitat for Humanity, Feed My Starving Children and God’s Work – Our Hands.
I would like to serve on the Vision Board to give back to Grace, our church family. This is our home, and I want to continue that welcoming spirit to all, as we have always been welcomed. I would like to help the upcoming building renovation go as smoothly as possible, listening and learning so that voices are heard and needs are met as we move forward on this project. In addition, continuing the wonderful outreach work Grace is known for, both in our community and globally, sharing the good news with all.
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Meet David Kolar
Hello, my name is David Kolar. We joined Grace in April 2017. My wife, Marie, and I have been married for 28 years. We have two adult children. Joshua is married to Jessie, he’s a sheriff’s deputy, and currently living near by in Coon Rapids. Jessica, our daughter, is 2 classes away from completing her Master’s degree, works full time at a warehouse and coaches girls basketball at Osseo High School and two AAU squads. I am a Marine Corps Veteran and served in Desert Storm. I have been in law enforcement for over 26 years.
I enjoy participating at Grace in different capacities. I serve on the Mowing Team, Altar Guild, Ushering, Empty Nesters and wherever else that I can or wherever my wife volunteers me.
I would like to be on Vision Board because I would like to be more involved at Grace and get to know others in Grace. I also believe that being on Vision Board will help me grow in my faith.
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Meet Kendra Mattke
Hello Everyone, my name is Kendra Mattke. I have been an attender/member at Grace since 2010. I have been married to my husband Jeremy for 13 years, and we have two boys. AJ is 6 and goes to Crooked Lake Elementary school. Avery is 10 and is at Andover Elementary school. I'm currently a stay at home mom with a side business selling Mary Kay, I've been doing this for 8 years.
I have enjoyed serving at Grace in many ways, mostly doing things behind the scenes, with a little bit of leading. These include: Children’s Ministry team, Women's Retreat Team, and Communion Server. I volunteer for other opportunities when they come along.
I would like to serve on Grace's Vision Board because I love helping this church, and being part of making it even better is a very exciting opportunity for an already amazing church.
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Amendments to Grace's Constitution |
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This is the second and final vote for the proposed amendments to Grace's Constitution. The amendments will not go into effect until after the approval of the synod council. The precise date is unknown.
Our current constitution: 13.02 reads:
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation, at least two of whom, if possible, shall be outgoing members of the Congregational Vision Board shall be appointed at a Vision Board meeting for a term of no more than one year. Members of the Nominating Committee are not eligible for consecutive re-election.
Summary of changes: We eliminated the specificity about the Vision Board members and extended the term to have a more consistent Nominating Committee.
Proposed Amendment:
Nominating Committee constitution amending of Section C 13:02 (page 15)
C13.02
A Nominating Committee of four to six voting members of this congregation shall be elected at a Vision Board meeting for a term of three years. This amendment will be effective upon approval by the synod council.
Our current constitution: 13.03 reads:
An Audit Committee of three voting members shall be selected by the Congregational Vision Board. Audit committee shall not be members of the Congregational Vision Board. Term of office shall be three years, with one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for re-election.
Summary of changes: We increased the number on the audit committee from 3 to 4 and included one Vision Board member to serve as a liaison to the Vision Board
Audit Committee Amendment – proposed new
C13:03 The Congregation Vision Board shall select an Audit Committee of no less than four voting members. Committee shall consist of a minimum of three members at large who may not be members of the Vision Board. Members at large shall have a term of office of three years, with at least one member selected each year. Members shall be eligible for reappointment. In addition to the members at large, there will be one voting member who is a current member of the Vision Board whose term of Office will be one year and shall be eligible for reappointment. Said member shall act as a liaison to the Vision Board.
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New Member Class
Sunday, May 22nd
12:00-1:30pm
Anyone interested in becoming members of Grace or if you just want to learn more about Grace and the Ministry Areas we serve, please sign up on Realm, email krism@graceandover.org or call the Church Office at 763-421-6520.
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Picnic & Fun Middle School & High School Event
May 22, 2022 12-2pm
Due to low participation numbers and rising COVID cases, we are cancelling the Picnic & Fun Event. If you have already paid for this event refunds will be issued through REALM.
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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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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!
Please register by May 31st!
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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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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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Food Donations for
Grace Food Shelf
The Grace food shelf could use a few donations. Please drop your donations off at the Church office. Please remember we can not take perishable, expired items, alcoholic items or items in glass containers. We are in need of the following:
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canned soup
boxed cereal
pancake mix
pancake syrup
chili/kidney beans
baked beans
boxed potatoes
rice
crackers and other snacks
jelly/jam
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canned fruit
pasta noodles
pasta mixes (Hamburger Helper, etc)
spaghetti sauce
tomato products (diced, stewed, etc)
canned meals (stew, beefaroni, chili, etc)
desserts (cake mixes/frosting, brownie mixes, etc)
brown paper shopping bags
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Noisy Offerings from May 16th to May 31st will be going to Family Promise. |
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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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SCAM ALERT!
Please be aware that there are a few scams going around that appear to be coming from Pastor Joanna Mitchell. Many are asking for gift cards and/or money. DO NOT interact with these scammers. Pastor Joanna would never ask for gift cards or money via text message or emails. If you have questions please contact the church office at 763-421-6520.
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Prayers of the Church
Please pray for: Maydelle Fennick, Harland & Anne Marie Johnson, Michele Hamling, Tom Taillefer, Maria Tran, Jon Brooks, Maureen, Carolyn Gautschi, Phil Knutson, Jan Wenndt, Rick Burnham, Kim Burnham, Baby Brenna O’Keefe, Lois Vadner, Colleen Wernimont, Julie Caldwell, Shirley Fystrom, Kathy Beckman, Betty Thompson, Harland Johnson, 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, Elsie Weisenberger, Linda Christiansen, and Judi Wold.
We pray for those who have suffered the death of a loved one: Mitch & Mary Danielson & Family upon the death of Mitch’s father, Erling; Steve & LeAnn Weisenberger & family upon the death of Steve’s mother, Elsie Weisenberger; Bill & Kim DeVries & family upon the death of Kim’s mother, Sally Gunderson.
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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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