grace

Mask Updates: May 19

Dear Grace Community,

On Monday, May 17, the Grace Session discussed the updates to the CDC guidelines on masks and updated our policies.  Starting today, anyone who is fully inoculated may choose whether or not to wear a mask while in the Grace building. This includes worship, meetings, and events.  Masks are still required for those who are not inoculated. The Session meets next on June 21 and addresses the guidelines again.

We continue to socially distance in worship, with tape on the pews in the sanctuary. However, we are moving our maximum number from 80 to 100, recognizing that people are sitting more closely in pews so there is more space. Based on our average worship attendance for the last two months, this should eliminate the need for anyone to go to the Great Room for overflow.

We rejoice that the vaccine is effective, and we give thanks for the chance to be together.

In Christ,
Catherine

thank you

Volunteer Appreciation Party: June 9

Each spring we hold a party to say “Thank You” to all the volunteers who make ministry happen at Grace.  Last spring the party didn’t happen, so this year we are READY!  If you’ve ever volunteered at Grace, even one time, we want you to come to the party.

The party this year is in the east parking lot at 6:30 pm on June 9.  There is live music and dessert.  We know that some of you are ready to dine in public, others of you are not, and outdoor dessert seems like a good way to go this summer.  In addition, we have door prizes!  Come, see members of the community, fellowship, enjoy some music, and have some dessert.

car wash

IGNITE Mission Trip Car Wash 2021

Sunday, June 6, is our Annual Mission Trip Car Wash.

This year’s money raised goes to support 27 youth and guides on their Mission Trip to Copperhill, Tennessee. We partner with TEAMeffort to serve the surrounding area with much needed home repairs and painting. Youth are challenged and pushed outside of their comfort zones allowing them to experience God through worship, music, testimony, service, and community.

All you have to do is park your car and register at the table by the coffee bar.  We will get your car, wash it, and return it to its parking space. Or if you would like, just drive through, as we know many may not want to attend church in person yet.  We are most appreciative of any donation you can make! Please donate at the table with cash, check or card or from you car.

mission spotlight

Mission Spotlight: Fisher Gift

Longtime Grace member Lois Fisher died in 2020 and left a financial gift to the church. The gift was to be used by the church Mission Distribution Team, a team Lois was part of for many years. The gift was $84,000, and the team spent time all winter and spring discerning how to share half of it.

After considering Lois’ life and passions, the team gave the money to organizations and missions that matched where Lois’ heart was. They are listed below, and we give thanks for the opportunity to be generous in Lois’ memory.  This summer the team will consider the best way to share the remaining $44,000.

Medical ($10,500)

  • WSU Nursing Scholarships – $5,000
  • KU Med Sweet Foundation – emergency fund for HIV/AIDS patients – $3,000
  • Victory in the Valley – $2,000
  • Positive Directions – $500

Children ($9,500)

  • Wichita Children’s Theater – $1,000
  • Music Theater for Young People -$1,000
  • Child Start Reading is Fundamental – $2,000
  • Wichita Children’s Home – $1,000
  • WSU Children’s Literacy Camp – $1,500
  • Sedgwick County Child Advocacy Center – $3,000

Mental Health ($8,000)

  • Breakthrough Club – $2,000
  • NAMI – $2,000
  • Kidzcope – $2,000
  • Suspenders for Hope – $2,000

Music ($4,000)

  • Laughing Feet Wichita – $1,000
  • Music Theater Wichita – $1,000
  • Wichita Symphony – $1,000
  • Wichita Community Theater – $1,000

Missionaries ($8,000)

  • Hurd Family – $4,000
  • Katie Rhoads – $4,000

PCUSA Per Capita

pcusa

Each year Grace is financially assessed for each member of our congregation.  This assessment is done by our presbytery and is called per capita.  Per capita is not a tax.  Nothing happens to us if we don’t give (or pay) it, but we do give it because it strengthens the Presbyterian Church.  What we give helps fund our presbytery and national church.  This video helps share this message:

The per capita for 2021 is $38 a member.  Because our church believes this is important, we budget to cover this for each member.  However, some members choose to give the per capita amount, and we invite you to consider this.