An Update from Donna Hetrick

Last week (June 15-19), I had the opportunity to participate in a Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) for young people, ages 13-18, sponsored by the American Guild of Organists (AGO). I was one of 10 faculty who worked with 23 students. Many students were local, but some also came from Florida, North Carolina, Kansas City, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Faculty taught private lessons and classes and gave recitals. They came from KU, including my two former teachers, WSU, William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, Bethany College in Lindsborg, and Yale University Institute of Sacred Music. I presented a recital and organ demonstration at Bethel College in North Newton, where I teach.

All of these students were so excited about learning more about the organ and getting to play various organs in the area! They heard recitals, and then had the opportunity to play organs at WSU, East Heights, Eastminster, and Church of the Resurrection in Wichita, as well as several organs outside Wichita. I had the privilege to teach two students each morning and help them prepare for a student recital in Wiedemann Hall on Friday. My students and I met at First Presbyterian Church.

It was truly a joy to get to be a part of this POE and to work with these students. They were so eager to experience the organs and learn. One of my students is starting to play in her church, and she is so excited about that! My hope is that she and others continue to learn and develop skills to help God’s people worship together. The Wichita Chapter of the AGO organized a wonderful week for these young people!

May all be to the glory of God.

Donna Hetrick

Youth Serving at Botanica

Our Youth Need Your Prayers

Mission has been a focus for our youth this summer. The INSPIRE Middle High youth spent a morning at Botanica helping with weeding and mulching and making one of the garden areas look incredible! After our project was done, we all spent some time in the gardens, had lunch and then went to the movies to make a full day of work and play.

We are only a couple of weeks away before our IGNITE Mission Trip team leaves for Cherokee Nation, NC for a week of service and worship with our friends from TeamEffort and other churches. We spend the week helping with home repairs, working with youth and spending worship time with God. This is an incredible experience for all, and one that bring us closer to God and each other.

To say we would not be able to do this without your support is an understatement. Because of you, we are able to make these experiences affordable for all youth and their families. Money should never be an obstacle for anyone to participate in God’s work, and because of your support we are able to open mission opportunities to anyone who wishes to join us.

I would ask one more sacrifice of you though, one that is much more important than the money: our youth need your prayers. Not just for the mission trips but for their everyday lives. There are many obstacles that can side track our youth, and only through prayer are we able to overcome and conquer. You are a great support for our youth, thank you.

Kirk Anderson

July Youth Schedules

If you would like to get on the Student Ministry email list for either IGNITE or INSPIRE/WYLDlife, please email your request to Kirk Anderson.

IGNITE (All High School aged youth)

  • Sunday School (10 am – 10:50 am) – No Sunday school in July.
  • Fellowship returns next semester!
  • Mission Trip: July 10 – 19

INSPIRE (All Middle High aged youth)

  • Sunday School (10 am – 10:50 am) – No Sunday school in July.
  • Tuesday Chess: (3:30-4:30 pm) in Room 101, led by Ann Graham – Continues same time and day during the summer!
  • Fellowship Wednesday returns next semester.
  • July 29: Pool Party (TBD)
  • August 5: Bowling and Pizza at the Alley from 1-3 pm

 

From the Pastor's Desk

From the Pastor’s Desk: June 25

Each August members of Grace attend the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, right here in Wichita. That introduction alone might be confusing. Willow Creek is a church in Illinois, but they put on a leadership summit that is broadcast all over the world. We attend at Pathways Church in West Wichita.

When I got here five years ago I was skeptical of this event. What could a mega-church in Illinois have to say that would relate to my life at Grace? And (this is what I was really skeptical of), why would I go sit in a church and watch a screen for two days?

Well, it turns out that Willow Creek does a really good job with this event, and there’s a lot I’ve learned. Once I decided to open my mind, I realized that this was an incredible chance to hear from amazing leaders and thinkers. Willow Creek spends at least a year putting together each summit. Their philosophy is that everyone benefits from better leaders: churches, businesses, homes, everyone. With that in mind, they compile a diverse group of speakers. Each year I am energized and challenged by what I hear, and I always leave with ideas about how what I experienced relates to my role as the pastor at Grace.

To my second concern of watching a screen for two days, it’s always a little strange at first, but then I don’t really even think about it. This event is really well done, so much so that the technology is seamless, and somehow the atmosphere created is that we are really there hearing the speakers in person. It helps that it’s a live event, and so it’s neat to know that we’re watching along with hundreds of thousands of other people.

If you’ve never attended the Leadership Summit, consider joining us this year. The dates are August 6-7. If you can’t attend both days, it’s possible that someone might split the ticket cost with you and attend one day. There is a cost, but don’t let that deter you. Please contact Martin Burch, marburch@mygpc.org to learn more.