This is a quick weekly reminder of what is happening at Grace

in worship and in ways to connect and serve.

Reclaiming Conversation

People of Grace,

I recently started reading a book called, "Reclaiming Conversation: The Power of Talk in a Digital Age" by Sherry Turkle. This was a book given to me by a member of Grace over a year ago and I just started reading it, and I am so sad it has taken me this long because so far (I haven't finished it yet). I think Turkle's message is crucial to our life together. Turkle is making a case for face-to-face conversations. That in this digital age children are craving attention from parents on screens, work is done via email in the name of efficiency, and conversations have turned in to monologue rants online to friends who will agree with us. And although technology is wonderful, "when we turn to our devices instead of to one another, the cost is high: a loss of empathy." Turkle after years of research suggests face-to-face conversations are the antidote and will bring more empathy, compassion, and creativity in our every expanding and complex world.

Maybe this rings true for you as it does for me. When I need to have a tough conversation, I prefer to have that conversation in person. But sometimes it just feels easier not to have the conversation at all. My favorite moments at work this summer have been eating lunch together as a staff, sharing about our lives and ministry. But sometimes there isn't time and I eat my lunch alone in my office while reading emails. I have also realized when I have my computer up in a meeting, I can easily get distracted by what is on the screen and try to multi-task, in the name of efficiency. This doesn't help me stay engaged as a conversation partner and it certainly doesn't help me listen.

When you think about it, Jesus ministry was often a ministry of conversations. Face-to -face conversations. Conversations along the journey of life. Conversations with friends, family, followers, and foreigners. I wonder how having the difficult conversation, putting my computer or phone away, having lunch with others might change how we live and love and serve together. I wonder how you might make intentional face-to-face conversations a part of your life, family, work, and ministry? I wonder what differences we will notice? I wonder what we will hear when we are really listening?

Below you will read about many of the things happening at Grace including Circle of Grace, a ministry team who, among some other things is committed to visitation, just another name for communion and conversation. I am grateful for those who are a part of this active ministry at Grace!

Blessings,

Pastor Maria Markman

Summer Sunday Worship Times

8:30am-Traditional

10:00am-Contemporary

Registrations Open!

The registrations are open for Sunday School, Trebelmakers, Catechism, Kids Night Out, and Own Your Faith!

Circle Of Grace

Circle of Grace is a ministry team that strives to enhance our care and connections with one another. We currently have two smaller teams; one that brings Communion and provides visitation to our sick and shut in members, and the other team sends cards/notes to anyone in need of encouragement, assists with occasional transportation to medical appointments and respite care, assists with bringing meals to families. We are exploring a grief component to our team. If you are willing to help share God’s grace in tangible ways, please call the Church Office for more information.

Grace Musical Ensembles Rehearsals Start

Tuesday, August 29th!

We are nearing the start of our program year and getting ready to start our ensemble rehearsals. Our Grace Symphonic Ensemble is up and running already. Rehearsals for this group are on Sunday mornings from 9:45am-10:15am in the portable. For more information on this group, contact Joe Jackson.

Our Choir and Praise Team are also getting ready to resume their weekly rehearsals. Both groups will gather on Tuesday evenings starting August 29th. The schedule is as follows:

• 6:00pm-7:00pm: Praise Team Rehearsal.  
• 7:15-8:30pm - Grace Choir Rehearsal. (The Grace Choir schedule for the year is posted on the website. You can find it by clicking HERE. If you see a song you'd like to sing, join us for the two weeks leading up to that Sunday and join in the song!)

All of our ensembles are open to anyone and everyone at any time. It is not a year-long commitment, but you may want to come back once you make music together!

If you have any questions about the Choir or Praise Team, contact David Phelps

Love Of Grace Bazaar Cancellation

The Bazaar Team is very sad to announce that the Love of Grace Bazaar scheduled to be on November 11, 2023 is being cancelled for this year. Due areas being under construction will limit our areas to use for the Bazaar, we know shifting of construction areas will be taking place to make it hard to plan spaces, and most importantly the safety overall for everyone. Love of Grace Bazaar for 2024 will be on the second Saturday in November - November 9, 2024

Adult Volunteers

Children & Youth Trainings

We have a fabulous group of Sunday School Teachers, Catechism Leaders & Own Your Faith Mentors. Thank you to all who have volunteered. A reminder that adult leaders must attend a training August 27th (2:00-2:00pm) or August 30th (6:00-8:00pm). Please reach out to Will Weikle or Pastor Maria Markman with any questions or concerns

High School Youth Bonfire

Wed., Sept. 6th at 8pm

There is lots of fun stuff happening with high school ministry at Grace this year! Please join us for a bonfire with snacks, drinks, games, and conversation on September 6^th at 8:00pm for our first event of the school year! We will be right out front at the church! Bring your friends.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR SAND CREEK ELEMENTARY!

ENDS SEPT. 4th

School supplies are always in need each year and so appreciated by the students and teachers! If you would like to help, please consider purchasing any of the items in the list below and return them to church in the tote labeled “Sand Creek School Supplies” that will be located in the Narthex. The donations will be accepted through September 4th. Thank you for your support!

You can also give a monetary donation of cash or check. If writing a check, please make it payable to Grace Lutheran Church and write “Sand Creek” in the memo line. The monetary donations will be used by the Sand Creek Grace Team toward the food expenses for the Sharing Grace Backpack Food Bags prepared and given each Friday to children who would otherwise go hungry over the weekend.

SUPPLIES MOST IN NEED

·       POLY POCKET FOLDERS 

·       DRY ERASE BOARD ERASER

·       BOTTLES ELMER'S GLUE

·       24 CT MINI TWISTABLE CRAYOLA CRAYONS

·       PRE-SHARPENED PENCILS (TICONDEROGA)

·       MEAD WIDE RULED SPIRAL NOTEBOOKS 

·       1 INCH WHITE 3 RING BINDER

·       PERMANENT MARKERS (BLACK SHARPIE)

·       PENCIL BOX – 8 3/4” X 5 5/8” X 2 1/8”

·       BOX KLEENEX

·       HIGHLIGHTERS

·       CRAYOLA OR PRANG WATERCOLOR SET (8 BASIC COLORS)

·       CRAYOLA CRAYONS (24 COUNT)

·       8-PK CRAYOLA MARKERS PRIMARY COLORS, LOW ODOR

·       ​​LYSOL WIPES

ONGOING NEEDS

·       SNACKS FOR STUDENTS

·       GIFT CARDS TO WALMART OR TARGET

·       GAS GIFT CARDS

Noisy Offerings in August will be going to Tapestry Ministry and Sand Creek Partnership. Noisy Offerings in September will be going to Maui Fire Relief.

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."  

Prayers of the Church 

We pray for: Baby Soren James Kolar, Judy Herring, Darlene Jorgenson, Laurie Wyandt, LaDonna Lilyquist, Jerry Slater, David Hubbard, Sawyer Droste, Anna Nielsen, Ann Lange, Lois HawkinsAnd also those in need of long-term prayer: Leah Hadler, Rick & Linda Breyette, Kristi Riley, Marty Lukaszewski, Clint Trousil, Lois Vadner, Diane Rosky, Shannan Gautschi, Harland Johnson, Shirley Fystrom, Alison Husak, Juleen Klawiter, Stephanie and Samantha Fernandez, Linda Christiansen, Judi Wold, and Ralph & Colleen Wernimont.



We pray for those in the midst of heartache, grief, or pain, be with Doug & Kris Miller mourning the death of her mother, Sonja Hawn; Greg Deering mourning the death of his wife, Carl & Julie Choate mourning the death of Carl’s mother, Jean; Joel & Amy Leger & Family mourning the death of Joel’s father, Dennis; Holly Dodds and family grieving the death of her mother, Mavis Roelofs

Dick & Betty Thompson as they celebrate the birth of their first Great Grandchild, Elliot, born to granddaughter, Emily. Proud grand parents are Van & Sharon Mohlis; The Kolar family as Josh and Jessie welcome baby Soren James Kolar to the world.

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