Christmas Eve is Sunday, December 24. That morning we gather for ONE worship service at 11 am. This service is an Advent service, focused on preparing for Christ’s birth. The evening services are Christmas Eve services. We worship in the evening at 5 pm (Great Room), 8 pm (Sanctuary), and 11 pm (Sanctuary). Children are always welcome in worship, but if you prefer, a nursery is available at 11 am, 5 pm, and 8 pm.
Each month Grace distributes bus tickets to people in our community. This happens on the 15th of the month, or if the 15th is a weekend we meet the Friday before. Volunteers and those receiving tickets begin to gather around 6:30 am in the Grace Alcove. Guests are greeted with smiles, coffee, water, and a place to sit. Tickets are distributed at 7:50 am.
We invite all guests to a brief worship service with communion in the Great Room at 7:35 am.
We can always use volunteers to help with set-up, clean-up, and ticket distribution. Want to help? Contact Kirk Anderson, kirk@mygpc.org or 684-5215.
Dear Grace Community,
God took on flesh and entered our world many years ago. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the world changed forever. Death no longer has power over us. And yet, we see death around us. And so, we wait for Christ’s return and the time when all of creation will be redeemed. Every year the season before Christmas, the season of Advent, gives us a chance to name this.
Living as a Christian in this place between Christ’s resurrection and return is challenging. On November 5 worshipers were killed in their sanctuary in Southerland Springs, TX. A horrific event like this raises questions for us as Christians and raises practical questions for us at Grace. We are called by God to offer hospitality and not to fear, yet we also know that we have to be responsible and safe.
At its November meeting the Board of Trustees spent time addressing security. Earlier in the year the board appointed a sub-committee to work on policies and procedures for Grace, including security, so we were already moving in this direction. The shootings in Southerland Springs prompted more conversation and some immediate action. Several trustees and our Executive Pastor Martin Burch will attend a church security event put on by the United Methodist Church in early December.
At the time I’m writing this, the session has not yet met for its November meeting. The session will also engage in conversations about safety and security here at Grace. If you have specific questions or concerns I encourage you to talk to me or to anyone on session or trustees. I will list their names and term years at the bottom of this letter.
Join me this Advent season in hope and prayer as we await Christ’s coming.
In Christ,
Catherine
Grace Session: Cindy Dethloff ’17, Jerry Juhnke ’17, Janet Rhoads ’17, Anne Woolsey ’17, Tom Bloxham ’18, Shelley Duncan ’18, Steve Hooper ’18, Hal Pluenneke ’18, Bruce Gealy ’19, Emily Juhnke ’19, Kelly McFall ’19, Laurie Mulford ‘19
Grace Trustees: Betsy Bloxham ’17, Jim Grannis ’17, Tom Rhoads ’17, Norman Tice ’18, Bob Ross ’18, Christy Vavra ’18, Scott Eads ’19, Francie Ekengren ’19, Betsy Sweeney ‘19
Life is messy. Church is for messy people.
Messy Church is an interactive worship experience targeted at children 8 and under and their families. It meets once a month, and the next gathering is December 17, at 4:30 pm. Our evening this month focuses on the Christmas Story.
Messy Church is a way for young people and their families to encounter God through story, craft, music, and prayer. It is a little chaotic, a little messy, joyful, authentic, and the time always closes with a free dinner. The whole thing goes for about an hour, but sometimes people stick around and talk.
Messy Church is for church people and for people who don’t go to church.
We’re not perfect. We don’t expect you to be either. Come and get messy with us.
It’s time for the annual potluck Christmas Brunch. The brunch is from 10-11 am in the Great Room on Sunday, December 17. Bring a dish to share. There is a bulletin board with sign-up sheets at Grace. Enjoy fellowship and food on this third Sunday of Advent!