Session Minute Summaries

Session Minute Summary: August 16, 2021

  • The Grace Presbyterian Session met on August 16, 2021, in the Grace alcove and on Zoom.
  • The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
  • Catherine shared news about a financial gift that will be given to the church by the end of the year. Staff has begun to brainstorm ways to best steward this gift and session broke into groups to discuss and share ideas.
  • Covid guidelines were discussed. The Session voted to keep them the same.
  • The Session discussed the gathering that took place on Sunday morning August 15 at 10 am and the upcoming gatherings.
  • Financial reports were given and received.
  • On recommendation from the Board of Trustees, the Session voted that the staff receive a 2% salary increase for the second half of the year, retroactive to the first of July. Catherine’s salary will not increase until there is a vote by the congregation because only the congregation can change her terms of call.
  • Bill Vavra and Pam Head reported on the Presbytery of Southern Kansas meeting that Grace hosted. Laurie Mulford was elected as the Presbytery treasurer at the meeting.
  • Tyler Morris has hired a new soprano section leader.
  • Building and grounds updates were reported on.
  • A report was heard on staffing and pay for Jacob’s Learning Ladder.
  • Full Session minutes are always available upon request.
animals

Blessing of the Animals: Sunday, October 10

Join us Sunday, October 10, at 2 pm, on the east lawn for a Blessing of the Animals.  All pets are welcome and must be on a leash or held in arms.

Pastor Catherine Neelly Burton offers a blessing to each animal and owner as well as a time of thanksgiving for our animals. This brief time of worship is a wonderful way to celebrate God’s creation.

Adopt a JLL Class and Children’s Ministry News

Adopt a JLL Class and Children’s Ministry News

Hello, Grace Family.

Children’s Ministry is moving on all cylinders with the start of another school year.  The Excavation Station, (elementary Sunday School Class) enjoyed learning about being made in God’s image last week.  Nine students created an art gallery depicting what it was like to be made in the image of God.

In addition to Sunday School, the Girls of Grace group continues to grow.  This is a group made up of elementary age girls 3rd- 6th grade.  We would love to start a “Guys of Grace” group if a willing adult is being called to lead.

We are focusing on filling ourselves up with a healthy dose of spiritual meals.  Just like our physical bodies need good food several times a day, so do our spiritual bodies.  We talked about three spiritual meals we can enjoy each week

  1. Weekly Worship with others
  2. Personal study and prayer
  3. Family Worship. Open up God’s Word at home. Don’t know where to start? The Proverbs are a great place. Read one chapter of Proverbs a day ,and in one month your family has finished the whole book. Our family is doing this at dinner time.

Spiritual vitamins are also great things to “take” in order to grow as a Christian and build deeper connections with others. Spiritual vitamins are things like Church Retreats, Fellowship activities, Youth Group, Mission Trips, Listening to Christian music…. But eating vitamins alone won’t result in a healthy body.  These should be taken in addition to the spiritual meals we listed earlier.

Two opportunities to engage in both of these things involve the Children’s Ministry here at Grace.

Spiritual Meal Opportunity:  Adopt a Jacob’s Learning Ladder Teacher/Class – In the Coffee bar area there is a bulletin board with names and lists of all JLL staff.  We encourage you to take a name or a list and commit to praying for this person throughout the school year.  If you feel led, write them a note during this time, send them a Bible verse, bring them a special drink once in a while.  This is one way we can build connection with the families that attend Jacob’s.

Spiritual Vitamin Opportunity:  Jacob’s Learning Ladder is hosting a Trunk or Treat event in the Grace Parking Lot on Wednesday, October 27 from 6:15 – 7:15 pm.  Sign up to park your car in one of the designated spots and hand out candy, prizes, stickers, etc. to all the kids that pass by.  Some people enjoy creating a “carnival type game.”  We have some here at Grace that you can use.  Contact me (Jennifer) if you would like to know more.  jennifer@mygpc.org

Adult Sunday School in September: Genesis

schoolThis September our adult Sunday School class digs into the book of Genesis. Each Sunday the class studies the scripture from worship. The class is a mix of adults of all ages and enjoys looking at the text from lots of different angles. It’s a good place to ask questions and consider how the Biblical story intersects with your life.

The class meets at 10 am in the Grace Parlor.

music

Join the Chancel Choir! Join the Bell Choir!

The music ministries at Grace are gearing up for a new season with our choir and bell choir. The choir starts rehearsals on Wednesday, September 1, from 6:15-7:15 pm in the sanctuary. Choir members rehearse weekly on Wednesdays, and lead worship at the 11 am service on Sundays. If you like to sing, we would love to have you join us at any point in the season!

The bell choir will be starting rehearsals on Wednesday, September 8 from 5:15-6:15 PM in the bell choir room. The bells meet weekly for rehearsal and lead worship at the 11 am service every four-six weeks. Whether you’re an experienced ringer, or a beginner, we would love to welcome you to our group!