This fall, we celebrate two significant staff anniversaries. Thirty-five years ago, Nancy Morrow and Merodee Grannis, with the support of the Session and congregation, started Jacob’s Learning Ladder (JLL). Thirty years ago, Dr. Martin Burch joined the Grace staff as the Director of Christian Education.

A lot has changed since Nancy and Martin joined the staff.

JLL transitioned from mom’s morning out, to morning pre-school, to full-time daycare and pre-school.  Then three and a half years ago, when Merodee retired to farm life in Minnesota (which we’re glad she got the chance to do), Nancy steadied the ship, assuring that families remained confident in the care and education their children received during that major change. Nancy is steadfast in her commitment to serving families.

As the needs of the congregation changed, Martin shifted from Christian Education to Administration and poured himself into learning new skills. Thirteen years ago, when the proverbial bottom fell out of things at Grace, Martin remained constant and faithful to the mission of the church. His passion for the gospel and sharing that in many ways (drama, teaching, preaching, technology) is a conduit for God’s grace.

A lot has changed since Nancy and Martin joined the staff, and some things have not.

What remains true is that Martin and Nancy are two of the most principled, hardworking, and dedicated people I’ve ever met.  Also, neither wants any recognition or spotlight. They both want to do what is right and do it well, and they can’t understand why anyone wants to make a fuss about it.

So, we aren’t making a fuss. This anniversary season is marked in small ways, and I encourage you to offer your thanks and appreciation through a call, a hallway conversation, or a note, and I invite you to join me in thanking God for Nancy Morrow and Martin Burch.

In Christ,

Catherine

Are you a Grace visitor?  Would you like to know more about us? Join Pastor Catherine for “Get to Know Grace” on Sunday, November 6, at 10 am in Room 101 (behind the Great Room). This is a chance to ask questions about Grace and learn more about who we are. The class is between worship services and lasts about 45 minutes.

Full Session minutes are available upon request

• The Grace Session met on August 22 at 6:30 pm in the Grace Parlor and on Zoom. The meeting was opened with a devotional by Strom Sloan.
• The Session received elder Hal Pluenneke’s resignation. The Session is to have 9-12 elders. With Hal’s resignation, the body is now at 10.
• As noted at the July meeting, the church members who gave a $50,000 gift in 2021 to be used for ministries with children and youth are doing this again in 2022. Catherine talked with them about using some of the funds for the new Jacob’s Learning Ladder Chaplain position.  They are in favor of this.
• The Session has increased the honorarium rate that we give our guest preachers in recognition of their labor and the limited number of guest preachers in our community.
• The Session received the report from Mike Crain and Ministry Architects on the day of the meeting. Everyone will study it, and there will be more discussion in September.
• There was more discussion about LGBTQ welcome. Catherine gave some history on the PCUSA and Grace regarding this.  Catherine and Carolyn Shaw will draft a welcome statement for our website that will clarify and name things that we have previously said as a church.
• Financial reports were given and received. Other reports were received.
• Strom Sloan reported on the called Presbytery meeting that was held earlier in the month. The Presbytery office has been sold.
• The meeting was closed in prayer.