Westminster Woods 2018

It’s time to plan for summer camp! Every summer Grace sends children and youth to Westminster Woods. Westminster Woods is a partner to our presbytery.

Family Fun Day:

May 26 9:30 am – 4 pm
Bring the whole family.
$15 per person/ maximum $50 per family.

Camp Sessions

3^rd and 4^th: May 29 – June 1 $245

5^th and 6^th: June 4 – June 8 $335

7^th and 8^th: June 11 – June 15 $335

High School June 18- June 24 $495

Grace offers to pay a portion of each camper’s fees, and there are scholarships available. Register online and indicate that you are paying through Grace Presbyterian Church. Print your registration form and pay in the church office.

Email Kirk Anderson at Kirk@mygpc.org or Jennifer Snook at Jennifer@mygpc.org. They can answer camp related questions.

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From the Pastor’s Desk

Dear Grace Community,

February in Wichita began on a horrifying note with the report of child rape at the YMCA Kidzone. The news impacted me as the parent of a two-year-old who has spent time in the Kidzone and as the pastor of a church with a daycare and preschool.

Immediately after the news broke, Martin Burch, our executive pastor, and I sat down with Merodee Grannis and Nancy Morrow, our Jacob’s Learning Ladder director and assistant director. I have complete trust in Merodee and Nancy, and I realized that I am not familiar enough with our policies, procedures, and reporting structures, so I wanted to learn more.

As we talked, we confirmed that in Jacobs’ 29 years of operation we have never had an accusation of sexual abuse. This is a result of many factors including high transparency, many checks and balances, and a wonderful staff. Nonetheless, we need to be prepared and proactive.

Merodee and Nancy talked me through the steps that would happen if abuse was reported.

The regulations of the Kansas Health Department are thorough and complex. I understand them as the pastor and as a professional. As a parent I’m overwhelmed by the detail. Merodee, Nancy, Martin, and I agreed that we need to spend time in the next month with these regulations so that we can talk about them in ways that are not only accurate but also understandable for parents.

As important as it is to be prepared so that we handle any accusation well, we also want to be proactive. Families are unsettled by the news reports. In response to this we asked, how can we help?

We put together an event for Sunday, March 4, 2018, at 3:30 pm at Grace. The purpose of the event is to equip families for challenging conversations. Parents know that they should talk to their children about their bodies and who can touch them, but many parents aren’t sure of what to say. Parents know that there are resources available to educate on ways to prevent abuse and to watch for it, but they may not know how to find those resources.

Our March 4 event includes professionals to address these and other topics. Speakers include Sandra Lessor, an attorney with the District Attorney’s Office and Jacob’s parent; Teresa McDonald, a Licensed Social worker, therapist, and Jacob’s parent; Dr. Rebecca Reddy, a pediatrician and parent of Jacob’s alumni; and Dianna Schunn from the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County. This event is open to the public, and childcare is available.

I am grateful that we have the opportunity to offer this to our community and hope you will join us, whether or not you have young children.

In Christ,

Catherine

Equipping Families: How to Talk with Your Children About Sexual Abuse

Open to the Public
Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Grace Presbyterian Church – 5002 E Douglas Ave

Grace Presbyterian and Jacob’s Learning Ladder invite you to hear from community leaders:

• Sandra Lessor – Attorney with the District Attorney’s Office
• Teresa McDonald – Social Worker, Therapist
• Rebecca Reddy – Pediatrician
• Diana Schunn – Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County

Childcare is provided. Please arrive at 3:15 pm to check-in.

From the Pastor’s Desk: February 2018

Dear Grace Community,

February in Wichita started on a horrifying note with the report of child rape at the YMCA Kidzone. The news impacted me as the parent of a two-year-old who has spent time in the Kidzone and as the pastor of a church with a daycare and preschool.

As we talked we confirmed that in Jacobs’ 29 years of operation we have never had an accusation of sexual abuse. This is a result of many factors including high transparency, many checks and balances, and a wonderful staff. Nonetheless, we need to be prepared and proactive.

Merodee and Nancy talked me through the steps that would happen if abuse was reported.

As important as it is to be prepared so that we handle any accusation well, we also want to be proactive. Families are unsettled by the news reports. In response to this we asked, how can we help?

We put together an event for Sunday March 4, 2018, at 3:30 pm at Grace. The purpose of the event is to equip families for challenging conversations. Parents know that they should talk to their children about their bodies and who can touch them, but many parents aren’t sure of what to say. Parents know that there are resources available to educate on ways to prevent abuse and to watch for it, but they may not know how to find those resources.

Our March 4 event includes professionals who will address these and other topics. Speakers include Sandra Lessor, an attorney with the District Attorney’s Office and Jacob’s parent; Teresa McDonald, a Licensed Social worker, therapist, and Jacob’s parent; Dr. Rebecca Reddy, a pediatrician and parent of Jacob’s alumni; and Dianna Schunn from the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County. This event is open to the public, and childcare is available.

I am grateful that we have the opportunity to offer this to our community and hope you will join us, whether or not you have young children.

In Christ,

Catherine

Mission Trips: What Will God Do With Us This Year

Mission trips change lives. For those who are lucky enough to participate, God does some miraculous work that lasts a life time. Our youth get to experience new cultures, learn that God is everywhere and what is sacrificial giving through service.

No two trips are alike, each brings its own unique challenges and God inspirations. Even as adults we are changed each time we go. I anticipate this year will be no different. What is truly special about this year is we get three Mission trips. It is because you have listened to God’s call and supported mission here at Grace.

College or YaYa’s, as we like to call them, are embarking on their first trip in many years. We are headed to Denver, Colorado, to work with the Door Network. Our mission is inner city exploration and service. Our YaYa’s are giving up their spring break to serve. We should have six-10 total.
IGNITE (High school) are headed to Rockport, Texas. We team up with our old friends, TEAMeffort, as we look to help with hurricane relief efforts. Focus is on helping the rebuilding process and seeing that even after devastation God is still present in so many ways.
INSPIRE (Middle High) looks to Chase, Kansas, again this fall for our annual Mission Weekend. We collaborate with Chase Community Presbyterian church with projects throughout this small town. This is a gateway mission experience for our INSPIRE youth, and we see God’s work through service to others, community and worship.

Serving others, being in God’s presence beyond the city of Wichita, relationships built, challenged, and strengthened, accepting God, giving thanks for those who allow us to be a part of their lives, new skills, love, and patience…the list goes on and on for what happens during a mission trip and for years after.

Please be in prayer for all the participants; those you know, those you don’t and for those we meet on this journey. We do not yet know what God has instore for us, but I do know it will be amazing.