GRACE NOTES

~A weekly newsletter of grace and information~

March 30, 2025

Be a pointe of grace — God’s grace, to everyone you meet . . .  

As people of Grace, made one in the waters of baptism, we are strengthened by diversity. We are a community that welcomes people of every ability, age, citizenship status, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, language, life circumstance, marital status, political perspective, race, sexual orientation, and creed.

Whether you are a believer, doubter, or seeker, or something in between, 

you are welcomed and valued here. We celebrate God’s unconditional love and respond joyfully to all of God’s diverse people present here.

Be glad, you righteous, and rejoice in the Lord. (Ps. 32:11)

Update on Pastor Pam

Many of you have been wondering how Pastor Pam is doing. I recently checked in with her and have a little bit of news.

Pastor Pam says that her recovery from her medical emergency is progressing well and that she is just focusing on one day at a time and following her medical team's directions. She extends her deepest gratitude to all of you for your cards and prayers.

All cards send to the church will be forwarded to Pastor Pam.

Pastoral Care Emergencies

Our Care Pastor has THIS Phone

If you or a loved one is in need of pastoral care in an emergency (hospitalization or death) the pastoral care cell phone is 

425-561-8658.

Garden Work Party

Sat, March 29 at 9:00 am

All are welcome to a garden work party Saturday March 29th starting at 9am in our Kitchen Garden. Please bring tools, including gloves for weeding. Also feel free to bring food to share. Feel free to contact Molly Brazier with questions. 330-391-1145. Thank you.

Children's Church

1st and 3rd Sunday of Each Month

during 9:30 am Service

We welcome our youngest worshipers to Children's Church on the first and third Sunday of the month. Children will begin service in the sanctuary with their families, and then are invited to go to Children's Church in The Hive. After crafts, games, and a bible lesson, children return to the sanctuary and their families during the Passing of the Peace. 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Please contact Jeff Mach, at council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org or the church office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org if you can help with children's church.

Adult Choir at Pointe of Grace

Every Sunday at 8:45am

Choir is practicing in preparation for Lent and Easter.

Questions? Email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org

Play an instrument and want to be a part of music at Pointe of Grace, email Rebecca at music@pointeofgracechurch.org

Youth Group

Every Sunday at 11am in the Hive

Youth Group Every Sunday at 11am Every Sunday the youth (5th-12th graders) are welcomed into The Hive at 11:00 AM.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Please contact Jeff Mach, at council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org or the church office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org if you can help with the youth.

Lenten Soup Suppers 2025

Soup Supper at 5:30pm-6:15pm

Services begin at 6:30pm

Please sign up to bring a crock pot of soup for one of the Wednesdays.

Holden Evening Prayer & Soup Supper

Every Wednesday March 12 to April 9

5:30pm Soup

6:30pm Service

Theology Pub

Sun, April 6 from 2-3:30pm

at Mukilteo Lodge Sports Grille

(1st Sunday of Each Month)

So what is Theology Pub? In a nutshell, it’s people sitting around a table, talking about issues of faith and philosophy, ethics and ideas over a beverage. It is a safe space, where people can be open and honest about topics of faith, ask any questions, and at the end of the night, know that it’s perfectly fine if we disagree with one another.

In other words, this isn’t church, and no one is going to make anyone pray, sign a faith statement, or tithe (though be sure to tip the bartender!) And beer is not a requirement! Non-alcoholic beverages are available too. All are welcome, regardless of beverage choice

In its simplest form:

Theology Pub is open conversation about stuff that matters over a good beverage.

PACKS FOR KIDS

“PACKING PARTYS”

April:

April 1 at 6:30PM

April 15 at 4:30PM. 

Providing weekend “packs” of food for food insecure students in the Mukilteo School district. Come join the food bag filling fun.

Celebrating Birthdays

Sunday, April 6th at 10:30 am

(First Sunday Each Month)

The hospitality team would love to celebrate YOU!

Email the office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org to update your birthday in our system.

Easter Flowers

Want to help decorate for Easter?

Bring flowers or plants to the church on Good Friday.

Due to allergies, lilies and other highly fragrant flowers will not be accepted.

Plan Ahead for Holy Week

April 13 at 9:30 am -- Palm Sunday Service

April 17 at 6:30 pm -- Maundy Thursday Service

April 18 at 12:00pm -- Seven Last Words of Christ

at 6:30 pm -- Good Friday Contemplative Service

April 20 at 9:30 am -- Easter Worship 

Community Egg Hunt and Pancake Breakfast following Service

Service of Healing Prayer

Sunday, April 13 at 10:30 am

2nd Sunday of Each Month

The Pointe of Grace Care and Prayer Team will offer a Service of Healing Prayer immediately after worship. The service is expected to last 20-30 minutes and will include quiet time for contemplation and private prayer, a Scripture reading and short reflection, and a time where prayer ministers are available to pray with you. You are welcome to request prayer for yourself or anyone else for any reason at all. You may choose to pray with a prayer minister or simply to pray by yourself during the service. This is a wonderful gift and we encourage you to attend. 

Women's Bible Study

Every Wednesday at 10:00 am

The Women’s Bible Study at Pointe of Grace Lutheran is a group of women committed to the study of the Scriptures, to prayer and to each other. The joy we experience learning and the support we receive as we look into the meaning of the Scriptures keeps us returning each week. The women in the study come from a variety of church experiences although most attend Pointe of Grace. What this study does is deepen faith and friendship as we go out to do what we learn. Please join us! If you have any questions, contact Evelyn at evlnseymour@gmail.com.

We are studying the Life Guide study of Daniel: Spiritual Living in a Secular World by Douglas Connelly on January 15, 2025. It is available at Amazon and various other sites. 

Contact Evelyn if you need help getting the study book.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

1st & 3rd Thursdays each month at 10am

Like to knit or crochet? Consider joining the Prayer Shawl Ministries. We are caring people who wish to share our God-given talent of knitting and crocheting with a prayerful ministry that reaches out to those in need of peace, comfort and solace.

If you would like more information on this ministry, contact Karen Evans, rlkaevans@comcast.net or contact the church office.

Love & Logic Parenting Class

3^rd Sunday of Each month at 11 am in Meeting Room

When kids hit their teen years, parenting takes on a whole new dimension. Along that, kids are frequently dealing with the challenges of social media and other technologies that we didn't have as kids ourselves. Still, we want them ready for their adult lives ahead while empowering them to make positive decisions and learning from their mistakes. During the 2024-25 adult learning cycle, we are offering a parenting class and support group to help gain new perspective and strategies as parents.

We meet the 3rd Sunday of every month at 11am in the Meeting Room. The class is taught by Karl Olson, church member, Love and Logic trainer, educator, and parent, on Sundays during adult learning time. If you have any questions please e-mail him at karltolson@gmail.com 

While parenting can feel lonely, this is a chance to come together to celebrate and collaborate.

Our final meeting of the year will be at Our Savior’s in Everett on May the 4th (be with you). Guess what our theme will be! If you’d like to join the SKY mailing list at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/0881uMA. This is for youth leaders, parents, youth, and volunteers.

Contact Deacon Dustin at cyfdirector@gloria-dei-lutheran.org  with any questions. 

Holocaust & Genocide Studies Lecture

Wed, April 16 at 7pm, onsite & online

Please join us for the Natalie Mayer Lecture on April 16th with speaker Cutcha Risling Baldy, whose research focuses on Indigenous feminisms, Californian Indians, Environmental Justice, Traditional ecological knowledge, and decolonization. Her book, "We Are Dancing For You: Native Feminisms and the Revitalization of Women's Coming of Age Ceremonies" won "Best First Book in Native and American Indigenous Studies" at the 2019 Native American Indigenous Studies Association Conference.

This event will also honor the legacy of our donor, Natalie Mayer, who was dedicated to teaching others about the Native American experience.

Wednesday, April 16, 7pm in the Regency Room, Anderson University Center at PLU.

REGISTER HERE: https://www.plu.edu/hgst/natalie-mayer-lecture-registration/



This event will be livestreamed for those not able to attend in-person. Free and open to the public.

Native: Now and Forever

Tues, April 29 at 6:30pm

Please join us for the Jolita Hylland Benson Education Lecture, "Native Now and Forever: Celebrating and Integrating Indigenous Literary Voice for Young Readers." The lecture will be presented by award-winning author Cynthia Leitich Smith, who will highlight the history and growth of Native representation both on the page and behind the bylines.



Smith will celebrate progress, reflect on why it matters to young readers, and share best practices for educators. The conversational, visually engaging presentation will include practical takeaways and conclude with a question-and-answer session.

Tuesday, April 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Chris Knutzen Hall, Anderson University Center at Pacific Lutheran University

Learn more and register here:

https://www.plu.edu/education/jolita-hylland-benson-education-lecture/

This event is free and open to the public. A book signing will take place following the lecture.

Celebrate Women’s History Month

March is designated as Women’s History Month to honor women’s contributions to U.S. history. Please celebrate by joining your colleagues from ELCA Gender Justice and Women’s Empowerment at the events below!

Annual Women’s History Month Trivia

Friday, March 28, 10-11am

Want to learn about the history that’s left out of textbooks? Come to the churchwide organization’s annual Women’s History Month trivia! Bring a team or come by yourself and make some new friends. This is a great chance to connect with colleagues you wish you’d see more, to infuse some laughter into your day and to learn something new along the way. You do not need strong history skills to participate.

Join the meeting

Queer Renewal: Wilderness & Homecoming at Holden Village

Friday, Sept. 26 thru Mon, Sept, 29



Join Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries & Proclaim to explore Queer Renewal in times that challenge us, that call for our resiliency & transformation. How might being surrounded by wilderness, actual & metaphorical, provide us a way home to ourselves & to support we need in community?



Whether through discussion forums with fellow attendees, through making art, hiking, sharing talents, or reciting poetry outdoors by a fire, there’s a place at this retreat for your Queer self to thrive. Spouses, significant others, children, & the rainbow manifestations of your Queer family–all are welcome to attend.



Registration opens this Friday, March 7!

For more information, visit https://www.holdenvillage.org/.../queer-renewal.../

To explore the work of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, visit

https://www.elm.org/

Bishop Call Process Task Force

Nominee Announcement

Yesterday, the task force shared this announcement:

The nomination period has closed. Thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination period for the Bishop Call process: through prayer, making nominations, or considering the call to serve if you were nominated.



The Bishop Call Process Task Force is pleased to share with you that the Rev. Priscilla Paris-Austin  and the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee have allowed their names to go forward in the process. 

Their biographical information can be found on our synod website for your prayerful review:

https://www.lutheransnw.org/bishop-call-process

We invite you to hold in prayer the two nominees, our synod, and the Task Force as we prepare for the May 4th forum and the synod assembly on May 16-17. May the Holy Spirit guide this process as we discern God’s future for the Northwest Washington Synod. 

See More Synod Events

Click here for the latest Synod News.

The weekly electronic newsletter contains news and events from around our Synod as well as important news from the National Church.

Click here to sign up.

Sunday, March 30

8:45 am Adult Choir Practice—onsite

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

11:00 am Youth Service Project—onsite

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

Monday, March 31

9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite

5:30-9:00 pm Scout Troop #187—onsite

Tuesday, April 1

9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite

10:00 am PoG Staff Meeting—onsite

5:30-7pm LoTH AA—onsite

6:30-8pm Packs 4 Kids Packing Party—onsite

7:00-9:00 pm Sober on the Sound AA—onsite

Wednesday, April 2

9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite

10:00am Women's Bible Study—onsite

5:30 pm Lent Soup Supper—onsite

6:30 pm Holden Evening Prayer--onsite & online

Thursday, April 3

9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite

9:30 am Packs 4 Kids-MSD Volunteers—onsite

10:00-11:00 am AA Meeting—onsite

10:00am Prayer Shawl Ministry—onsite

3:30-4:30 pm Girl Who Code—onsite

5:30-8:00 pm Girl Scouts—onsite

7:30 pm OSL Prayer & Bible Study—online

Friday, March 28

9-1:00pm Harbour Pointe Preschool—onsite

Saturday, March 29

Sunday, March 30

8:45 am Adult Choir Practice—onsite

9:30 am Worship Service—onsite & online

Children's Chapel (PreK-5th)

11:00 am Youth Group—onsite

1:00-6:00 pm Unity Church—onsite

2:00-3:30pm Pub Theology at Mukilteo Lodge

—offsite

9:30-7:30pm Son-King Youth at Hope Church

—offsite

For more information, go to the Pointe of Grace website or call the office at 425-263-8730.

Join Our Property Sale or

Faith and Future Committees

We are seeking a few people to join two different committees: 

The Property Sale Committee will assist with the sale of our church property where the garden currently is located. This team will help with key tasks such as reviewing quotes for services, coordinating with our realtor, and ensuring a smooth and thoughtful process.

The Faith and Future committee will work with our current mortgage lender and seek feedback from the congregation to construct a plan going forward after the sale is complete. 

Your insight and support will be invaluable as we work to steward our church’s resources responsibly.

If you are interested in serving or would like more information, please contact Kristina Bowman, council.secretary@pointeofgracechurch.org or anyone on Church Council. 

Thank you for your prayerful consideration!

Nominating Team

Wants to Hear from YOU!

As we enter into 2025 and discernment for our new leaders at church, we want to hear from you!



We will be having open positions on Council, Synod Assembly, Nominating Team and other ministry teams. If you or someone you know would be a good candidate, please reach out to the Nominating Team members and let us know your thoughts.

Laura Crawford, Anne Sadler, Ron Karlsten, David Kinner Jr., Pastor Pam

Welcome Team

Do you like to say "hi" to new visitors? Do you like to get to know more about others and help them get connected to ministries they are passionate about? Do you want to be a shepherd to new members? Then we are looking for your outgoing spirit to be part of the Welcome Team! Please contact Pastor Pam to see how you can help on Sundays or to meet up for coffee/tea with our visitors during the week.

HARBOUR POINTE CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

 2025-2026

REGISTRATION INFORMATION is NOW available!!

*Registration for 2025-2026 opens February 3, 2025 @ 9:00am

(If you are currently enrolled OR a member of Pointe of Grace Church)

*Registration forms are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fee must be paid at the time of registration.

*Registration opens up to the greater community on February 10, 2025.

*Registration forms WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED prior to February 3, 2025.

Contact Anja Conklin/Director for more information at harbourpointechristianschool@hotmail.com or (425) 353-7457

SCHEDULE OF CLASSES

2025-2026

In-house registration for current families of Harbour Pointe Christian Preschool and Pointe of Grace Lutheran Church begins February 3, 2025. Registration for the greater community begins one week later. 

A non-refundable $350 registration fee for Preschool classes is due upon enrollment. The registration for Jr. Kindergarten is $375 (also due upon enrollment). The registration fee for Friday add-on class ( Full STEAM Ahead is $125).  

Annual tuition has been divided into 10 equal payments.  The first tuition payment is due prior to August 5, 2025. All invoices will be paid through our Brightwheel App.

The staff reserves the right to evaluate interested preschoolers for possible enrollment. Due to the restrictions of staff and space and in consideration of those who qualify, we reserve the right to enforce the deadlines imposed by the Mukilteo School District. To enter the young threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be 2.5 by August 31. To enter the threes program, these guidelines ask that your child be three by August 31 of that school year. To enter the fours program your child should be four by August 31 of that school year.

Financial Snapshot

For month ending February 2025:

General Fund Balance — $169,945.36

Monthly Income — $36,349.96

Monthly Expenses — $24,382.29

Monthly Net Revenue — $11967.67

Please Pray for Your Council Leaders

Jeff Mach—President—council.president@pointeofgracechurch.org

Rolf Olsoy—Vice President—council.vp@pointeofgracechurch.org

Walter Campbell—Treasurer—council.treasurer@pointeofgracechurch.org

Kristina Bowman—secretary—council.secretary@pointeofgracechurch.org

Alicia Raaum—council.1@pointeofgracechurch.org

Peter Catterall—council.2@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Bryan Lee—council.3@pointeofgracechurch.org 

Having a Ministry Meeting????

Schedule your meeting space with the Office.

Pointe of Grace is used by community members as well as our ministries. To ensure there is space for your meeting, please contact the Office at office@pointeofgracechurch.org at least two business days before your meeting.

Please remember, the office is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am-2:30pm.

Holy Communion at Your Home

Pastor Pam loves to visit and share Holy Communion with our shut ins and those who are hospitalized. Building a team of Home Holy Communion Ministers is forming. If you are interested in being part of this team, please contact the office. If you are in need of having Holy Communion brought to your home, due to being homebound please contact the church office.

Grace Notes Deadline

Announcements for the Grace Notes must be received by noon on Wednesday.

If articles are not received before the deadline, they will be added to the next week's edition.

Worship Leaders

If you are interested in learning about or being a worship leader, please contact the people below using your church directory. They will schedule you accordingly. We will no longer be using the sign up sheet on the clipboard.

Assisting ministers: Coe Hutchison—cmhutchison@hotmail.com

Lectors: Jeff Mach—jeff.mach@gmail.com

Communion Servers: JW Karlsten—jwillyjwilly@gmail.com

Ushers/Greeters: Ron Evans—rlkaevans@comcast.net

Acolyte & Crucifers: Alicia Raaum—alice_raaum@hotmail.com

Altar Guild: Janet Hutchison—jkhutchison@hotmail.com

Music: Rebecca Herivel—music@pointeofgracechurch.org

Fellowship: Shelley & Bill Franz—franzfam5@comcast.net

Tech Booth: David Kinner Jr.—techteam@pointeofgracechurch.org

Fundraising efforts and other charitable initiatives at Pointe of Grace and the NW Washington Synod will not be publicized in Grace Notes unless reviewed and approved by the church council beforehand.

ELCA Truth & Healing Movement

The ELCA’s Truth & Healing Movement is an opportunity for this church to increase our understanding of our colonizing impacts on Indigenous people in the past and present. 

Right Relations Training

An experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.

In 2025, the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery will offer monthly online training! They will rotate between "Right Relations" and "Decolonizing and Organizing for Systems Change" training modules.

This coming January, the Coalition will offer online "Right Relations Training" training in 2 two-hour modules. "Right Relations Training" is an experiential training designed to provide a guide to Christian and settler-descended volunteers who want to engage in movements for Indigenous Justice.

‍

NEW: A discussion guide is now available to help readers think more deeply and critically about Custer Died for Your Sins, the wisdom that Vine Deloria Jr offers therein, and the challenges Indigenous people still face today. Download the guide below and begin a Truth and Healing Movement Reading Circle with members of your community.

Visit ELCA.org/TruthAndHealing to learn more about all upcoming events

The Echo

Synod Women's Organization

Read the latest news here.

The Spirit

Click here for the March 2025 edition of The Spirit, a monthly publication of the NW Washington Synod.

This month's edition features articles written by our Synod Vice President, Kay Edgerton and Bishop Shelley Bryan Wee.

You can find previous editions at lutheransnw.org/news/the-spirit.