• The Grace Presbyterian Session met on Mach 15, 2021, in person in the church alcove and with some participants on Zoom.
• The meeting was opened and closed with prayer.
• We discussed worship and the start of two services at the end of March. Catherine asked for Session members to help with ushering at 9 am and staffing the overflow room at 11 an. We discussed the need for criteria for when we start to “ramp down” Covid protocols, but nothing was decided.
• A Deep Roots update was given.
• The Session reviewed the congregational bylaws. There are some adjustments that could be made, but none are urgent.  They will be addressed in the fall at the congregational meeting.
• We were delighted to receive two new members, Carol Dumford and Robin Bissey. Carol joined us in person and is a regular worship participant.  Robin joined us via Zoom and is a regular participant online as she lives in Idaho.
• Catherine will get names to the Session regarding making some congregational contacts.
• Reports were given and received.
• Carolyn Shaw and Pam Head reported on the February Presbytery of Southern Kansas meeting.

In May we partner with Giving the Basics Wichita for our Yellow Bag Drive and for an in-person volunteer opportunity.

From their website:

“Giving the Basics was founded in 2011 in Kansas City on the premise that no one should go without the basic items needed to be clean and live a normal life.  Basic hygiene items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, toilet paper, and toothpaste are essential for human dignity, self worth, and general good health. Unfortunately, these items are not covered by government assistance.  Schools and food pantries are not able to stock hygiene items in quantities to fill this need.

Giving the Basics started its first affiliate program in Wichita, Kansas, in January 2019, and has grown by partnering with non-profit organizations and local schools to distribute personal care items. Giving the Basics distributes free hygiene products through a consistent monthly ordering process and works with nurses, teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, local pantries, shelters, and other 501(c)3’s and the Wichita police department to determine how we can best serve the students in local Wichita schools and children and adults in need in the greater Wichita area.”

Donation Barrels

Donation barrels are located at the north and sanctuary entrances to Grace (Doors 1 and 6) as well as at the Jacob’s Learning Ladder office.  Consider dropping off items anytime this month. The items needed are:

• Body Soap
• Conditioner
• Shampoo
• Tampons
• Deodorant
• Toilet Paper
• Laundry Detergent
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Maxi and Mini Pads
• Wipes

The Grace Lawn and Garden Teams are back to work.  All lawn and garden responsibilities at Grace are handled by volunteers, and you are invited to join!

The Garden Team meets most Friday mornings for garden projects including trimming, planting, and weeding.

The Lawn Team is more of an individual activity with a schedule for who mows the grass and when. The good news?  We now have a riding mower. Contact the church office to volunteer for either team at 316-684-5215.