Don’t miss out on Grace’s fourth annual Talent Show! We are showcasing the talents of our Grace youth and adults. Join us THIS Sunday evening, March 30, at 6:30 pm, in the Great Room.
Ash Wednesday, March 5
Join us for Ashes and Communion “on the go” near the Coffee Bar by the Great Room, from 7:00 am – 8:30 am. A traditional service of Ashes and Communion will be held in the Sanctuary at 7:00 pm.
Yellow Bag Sundays in March: International Rescue Committee
Imagine traveling to a foreign country, not knowing the language, not having a support system, and not taking many, if any, of your personal possessions with you. This is what it is like for refugees who come to our community through the International Rescue Committee. Now think of all the help that our new neighbors need and all the help we can give. Our congregation has a long history of supporting refugees who find themselves in their new home in Wichita, and once again, we are being asked to help. Our Yellow Bag collection for March is to provide funding for baby/toddler items. IRC requests we donate cash to this cause, giving the staff the flexibility to buy items most needed by refugee families. IRC is looking to provide strollers, cribs, car seats, and other furniture items. NOTE: IRC does not provide clothing to their families.
Please give your donations to our church via cash or check, make checks payable to Grace Presbyterian Church, and be sure your donation is earmarked for Refugee Team on the memo line. Should you have physical items to donate, leave them by the coffee bar and they will be delivered to IRC. Your generosity, especially at this uncertain time for refugees, is greatly appreciated and greatly needed.
A Word from Our Interim Pastor
My friends, the Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Join us for Ashes and Communion, “on the go”, near the Coffee Bar by the Great Room from 7:00am-8:30am. A traditional service of Ashes and Communion will be held in the Sanctuary that evening at 7:00 pm.
As I continue to reflect on the Annual Meeting last Sunday, I’m taken by the joy and fellowship that occurred around tables. And thanks to Chris Alexander and her team for preparing such a great meal. The meeting was informative and hopeful for Grace’s future. Good stuff happening here.
As I mentioned in last week’s “A Word from Our Interim Pastor”, it’s hard to believe that I have started my second year with you as our Interim Pastor. In fact, I’m in my fourteenth month, but who’s counting. God is in our midst and has been so since our chartering in 1909. Let me cite some of our accomplishments in 2024:
- We completed the Five Steps in our Interim Pastor Journey;
- Our worship services brought us into a deeper experience with God;
- Education opportunities strengthened our walk with Jesus;
- Small group experiences for us to give and receive support, encouragement, knowledge about Christianity and one another, prayer, and fellowship in community;
- Service projects;
- Mission trips;
- The Cuba partnership;
- The Session approved the 2025 Strategic Plan;
- The election of the Pastor Nominating Committee, and
- Grace is a founding church of Justice Together.
Your Session on Monday night, February 17, began discussing how Grace can be courageous in addressing the immigration and refugee crisis in America, Kansas, and Sedgwick County. The Session is considering several ways which will include education opportunities with experts and writing Senators Marshall and Moran as well as Congressman Estes.
In conclusion, I cannot state strongly enough how excited Janet and I are to be a part of the Grace Presbyterian Church family in such a time as this. Yes, Grace is an amazing congregation to serve.
On our Interim Pastor journey with you, I remain faithfully yours,
Steve
The Rev. Dr. Steven M. Marsh
Interim Pastor
